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Dickson Cobalt L3 User Manual

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Cobalt L3
™
User Guide
Firmware
version
2.5.x and higher

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Summary of Contents for Dickson Cobalt L3

  • Page 1 Cobalt L3 ™ User Guide Firmware version 2.5.x and higher...
  • Page 2 Introduction Notices and safety Dickson assumes no liability for any loss or claims by third Disclaimer parties which may arise through the use of this product. Users must not use the product in any manner not limitation of specifically indicated by Dickson.
  • Page 3 Introduction Certifications and compliance Caution: Any changes or modifications made to this product not expressly approved in writing by Dickson could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. FCC statement This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules.
  • Page 4 This device is compliant with the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment Directive 2002/95/EC (RoHS Directive). Do not dispose of this product with household trash. Dickson recycles this product under certain conditions. Please contact us for more information.
  • Page 5 Tel: 1 (630) 543-3747 Fax: +33 467 42 84 13 © 2022 Dickson. All rights reserved. Dickson, the Dickson logo, Cobalt, Cobalt L3, Cobalt ML3, and OCEAView are the exclusive property of Dickson. LoRa and LoRaWAN are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation or its affiliates. The Bluetooth word mark, figure mark, and combination mark are trademarks of the Bluetooth SIG, Inc..
  • Page 6 1.8 Typical installation ..................19 2 Getting started ..................20 2.1 Prerequisites ....................20 2.2 Inserting battery to activate Cobalt L3 data logger........21 2.3 Connecting to your LoRaWAN network ............ 23 3 Placing your Cobalt L3 data logger ............24 3.1 Optimizing wireless performance ..............
  • Page 7 Connecting an external digital sensor ............33 Placing the sensor .................... 33 Optional IP 67 protective casing ..............35 4.3 Cobalt L3 with internal temperature sensor ..........36 Placing dataloggers with an internal sensor ..........37 4.4 Temperature/humidity Smart-Sensors ............38 Data logging display with two active sessions ..........39...
  • Page 8 Figure 17 – Connect external sensor cable to Cobalt L3 cable ....... 33 Figure 18 – Sensor inside refrigerator ................34 Figure 19 – Cobalt L3 data logger mounted on refrigerator (with flat cable) ..34 Figure 20 – IP 67 casing to protect Cobalt L3 in harsh environments ....35 Figure 21 –...
  • Page 9 2.5.x. 1.1 About this user guide This user guide presents an overview of the Cobalt L3 data logger, followed by practical instructions to get your data logger(s) up and running quickly. This document focuses almost entirely on physical/hardware aspects of the data logger.
  • Page 10 Introduction 1.2 Before you begin – identify the firmware version While the physical appearance of the Cobalt L3 data logger remains unchanged, firmware version 2.5.x (and above) offers many functional improvements as well as visual changes that can be seen on the LCD screen.
  • Page 11 OCEAView web application, Cobalt L3 data loggers provide a flexible solution for monitoring equipment parameters in your lab or storage facilities. Cobalt L3 data loggers support up to two active data logging sessions when using supported dual sensors.
  • Page 12 Introduction LoRaWAN® wireless topology The OCEAView / Cobalt L3 solution implements LoRaWAN wireless technology for extensive wireless range, installation flexibility, and infrastructure cost savings. LoRaWAN is a long-range wireless technology (with free-field range up to about 10 mi./15 km) whose architecture is based on a “star” topology in which wireless...
  • Page 13 Nominal capacity: 3600 mAh o User-replaceable: Yes o Battery life depends on usage and environment, generally at least one year • ISO 17025 (COFRAC) calibration, Dickson certified laboratory calibration, or NIST traceable calibration Cobalt L3 Data Logger User Guide Page 13...
  • Page 14 Read interval from 1 minute to 12 hours • Configurable high/low alarm limits, delays, alerts, reading and transmission intervals • Calibration parameters embedded directly in Dickson Smart-Sensors (for ease-of-use and standard exchange for periodic calibration) with parameters downloaded automatically • Unlimited data storage with OCEAView web architecture •...
  • Page 15 Information flow from data logger to OCEAView With its wireless LoRaWAN connectivity, the Cobalt L3 receives its configuration and uploads sensor readings via OCEAView, as shown here: Figure 2 – Data loggers communicate with the Web platform via LoRaWAN...
  • Page 16 Data logger process overview Step Process Comments For best wireless performance, follow recommendations Place your Cobalt L3 data logger as when physically placing your appropriate monitor your device, as described in section equipment. 3 - Placing your Cobalt L3 data logger, p.
  • Page 17 Introduction 1.6 Hardware overview Product description Cobalt L3 dataloggers are available either with internal temperature sensors, or external sensors. The dataloggers themselves are identical in both cases. LCD display Push-button Dickson external Smart-Sensor (sold separately) Figure 3 – Cobalt L3 wireless datalogger (example with external Pt100...
  • Page 18 Introduction 1.7 LCD display description The Cobalt L3 LCD screen shows the following information: Battery level Wireless signal strength Latest sensor reading Data logging session name Figure 4 – Cobalt L3 LCD screen details Cobalt L3 Data Logger User Guide...
  • Page 19 Introduction 1.8 Typical installation A typical installation involves one or more Cobalt L3 dataloggers and a Dickson LoRaWAN receiver. Figure 5 – Typical installation with several data loggers and a receiver Long-range wireless connectivity enables Cobalt L3 dataloggers to be placed nearly anywhere in your building or site.
  • Page 20 Internet access to multi.oceaview.com • OCEAView web account with at least one configured user Starting with firmware version 2.5.x, Cobalt L3 data loggers are configured entirely using the OCEAView web application. OCEAView access is therefore a requirement for using Cobalt L3 data loggers as described in this manual.
  • Page 21 Getting started 2.2 Inserting battery to activate Cobalt L3 data logger To activate your Cobalt L3 data logger and enable it to communicate with the Web platform, follow these steps: 1. Locate the Lithium battery provided in the product box.
  • Page 22 6. Replace the screw, being careful not to over-tighten it. 7. Wait a few seconds for the data logger to restart. The idle screen is displayed as shown here: Figure 8 – Idle screen right after inserting battery Cobalt L3 Data Logger User Guide Page 22...
  • Page 23 2.3 Connecting to your LoRaWAN network This section assumes that your LoRaWAN-enabled receiver is up and running and within wireless range of the Cobalt L3 data logger you are trying to connect. Your Cobalt L3 data logger will automatically attempt to connect with a nearby LoRaWAN receiver after 20 minutes.
  • Page 24 A typical LoRaWAN wireless installation involves one or more Cobalt L3 data loggers and a LoRaWAN-enabled receiver. Your receiver must be up and running and within wireless range of the Cobalt L3 data loggers you are trying to connect. If necessary, see the Dickson LoRaWAN Receiver User Guide for requirements and details on the receiver component.
  • Page 25 Placing your Cobalt L3 data logger Preparing mounting kit with a magnet (optional) Your Cobalt L3 datalogger includes a plastic holder so you can mount the device easily on various surfaces. In addition to the provided screws, you will also find a magnetic pad with adhesive backing that you can attach to the holder and then adhere the holder to metal surfaces.
  • Page 26 4 Cobalt L3 sensor options 4.1 Dickson Pt100 Smart-Sensors The image below shows a Cobalt L3 data logger with an external Pt100 sensor, connected via the specially designed Dickson Smart-Sensor interface. Figure 12 – Cobalt L3 wireless data logger with a Pt100 Smart-Sensor...
  • Page 27 Appendix Troubleshooting on page 51). Insert the cable from your data logger into the keyed plug on the Dickson Smart-Sensor connector Figure 13 – Connecting an external Pt100 sensor Cobalt L3 Data Logger User Guide Page 27...
  • Page 28 Pt100 compatible mounting system provided with your freezer, oven, nitrogen tank, or other equipment. Cobalt L3 wireless data loggers support different Pt100 temperature sensors, each one designed for a different application and temperature range. Placement of your Pt100 sensor(s) depends on the equipment you intend to monitor.
  • Page 29 Make sure you attach the sensor using the provided cable-ties and then reseal any openings you may have unsealed to insert the sensor using Pergamum sealant. Figure 14 – Sample Pt100 access port for ULT freezer Cobalt L3 Data Logger User Guide Page 29...
  • Page 30 Pt100 sensors for LN2/cryogenic tanks must be mounted, when applicable, in close proximity to the unit display sensor. To avoid temperature measurement disparities, Dickson recommends mounting the sensor at the same height as the display sensor. As an example, some freezers have an access panel on the back of the unit in which you may route the sensor cable up the back wall.
  • Page 31 Cobalt L3 sensor options 4.2 External digital temperature sensors Cobalt L3 data loggers are available with either an integrated digital temperature sensor, or an external digital temperature sensor. This section explains how to use the external sensors. Standard external digital sensors from Dickson do not connect to dataloggers via the Smart-Sensor interface, which means calibration parameters must be configured manually in the OCEAView Web application.
  • Page 32 (without unscrewing them). Then, connect the other end of the flat cable into the end of the Cobalt L3 wireless datalogger cable. Cobalt L3 Data Logger User Guide...
  • Page 33 Figure 17 – Connect external sensor cable to Cobalt L3 cable Placing the sensor 1. If you have a Cobalt L3 data logger with an external sensor, the best solution is to use your equipment’s access port or specific opening to insert the sensor.
  • Page 34 5. Your mounting kit includes a plastic holder that can be mounted using the provided magnet or screws. Choose the method that is most appropriate for your situation and place the Cobalt L3 data logger as described in chapter 3 – Placing your Cobalt L3 data logger (p. 24). For example: Figure 19 –...
  • Page 35 Cobalt L3 sensor options Optional IP 67 protective casing The Cobalt L3 data logger may be used with an IP 67 waterproof protective casing as shown below. Figure 20 – IP 67 casing to protect Cobalt L3 in harsh environments This casing provides robust waterproofing for the data logger, while also extending the operating temperature range to -30°C à...
  • Page 36 Cobalt L3 sensor options 4.3 Cobalt L3 with internal temperature sensor Cobalt L3 dataloggers with an integrated temperature sensor do not have any cable on the outside of the data logger and you do not have to connect a sensor yourself.
  • Page 37 In that case, make sure that the data logger does not interfere with loading and unloading your product(s) and that the location does not represent a risk for either your product(s) or the data logger. Cobalt L3 Data Logger User Guide Page 37...
  • Page 38 Cobalt L3 sensor options 4.4 Temperature/humidity Smart-Sensors Cobalt L3 may be used with a dual temperature and relative humidity Smart- Sensor. This option is generally used in various types of storage, medical and traceability applications. Both sensors may run data logging at the same, with read intervals that are independent from each other, as configured in the OCEAView web application.
  • Page 39 Data logging display with two active sessions If you start data logging sessions with the temperature and relative humidity sensors both running at the same time, the Cobalt L3 display cycles between the two latest readings. The display cycles automatically every 6 seconds: ...
  • Page 40 Cobalt L3 datalogger as described earlier in Chapter 3 – Placing your Cobalt L3 data logger, p. 24. Use the provided plastic cable holders to attach or coil the excess cable neatly.
  • Page 41 Using your Cobalt L3 5 Using your Cobalt L3 When data logging is running, the Cobalt L3 LCD screen shows the following information: Battery level Wireless signal strength Latest sensor Data logging session reading name Data logging session name Figure 23 – Cobalt L3 screen details...
  • Page 42 Battery level This icon indicates remaining battery capacity (3 bars for full battery, 0 bars when near empty). At the latest, we recommend changing the battery when this indicator reaches 1 bar. Cobalt L3 Data Logger User Guide Page 42...
  • Page 43 Figure 24 – Single short press for instant sensor reading Synchronize data (1-second press) The OCEAView monitoring solution enables you to force synchronization of your Cobalt L3 data logger with the server. This may be useful to speed up certain operations, notably: •...
  • Page 44 Figure 25 – One-second press to synchronize data logger with OCEAView Refresh sensors on data logger and in OCEAView (3-second press) When you physically plug a sensor into the connector on the Cobalt L3 data logger, the unit automatically recognizes the sensor and sensor type. That information is then transmitted to the OCEAView web application.
  • Page 45 You may check the data logger’s serial number and firmware version by pressing and holding the pushbutton for about 6 seconds: Figure 27 – Six-second press to show serial number and firmware version Cobalt L3 Data Logger User Guide Page 45...
  • Page 46 Using your Cobalt L3 Activating/deactivating the screen saver (15-second press) By default, the Cobalt L3 screen remains on at all times. In a fixed monitoring situation, this makes it convenient for users to see the latest reading displayed without having to take any other action.
  • Page 47 Figure 29 – Fifteen-second press to activate screen saver 4. The main screen is displayed after a few seconds. 5. Wait 60 seconds to make sure the screen saver is set correctly. Cobalt L3 Data Logger User Guide Page 47...
  • Page 48 Using your Cobalt L3 Pushbutton color details During the normal course of operation, the pushbutton on your Cobalt L3 data logger may change color as described here. The pushbutton blinks green three times when you do single short-press for an instant sensor read.
  • Page 49 Data in datalogger memory is not lost if you remove the battery. See section 2.3 – Inserting battery to activate Cobalt L3 data logger, p. 21. 6.2 Cleaning instructions You may occasionally need to clean your Cobalt L3 data loggers depending on conditions at your site.
  • Page 50 3. Button presses and pushbutton LED usage also consume small amounts of battery power. The estimated Cobalt L3 operating lifetime on batteries is about 1 year, based on: • Starting with a fresh battery •...
  • Page 51 If you modify data logging settings in OCEAView, the values on the Cobalt L3 screen will be updated when the next transfer interval occurs. Wait for the next transfer interval to get your data updated (or press and hold the push-button for 6 seconds to activate the LOAD function).
  • Page 52 To achieve the same results, you may also delay the transmission of alarms via the software and leave the sensors exposed. Cobalt L3 Data Logger User Guide Page 52...
  • Page 53 Appendix 1 - Troubleshooting Cobalt L3 Data Logger User Guide Page 53 USER GUIDE...