Geolux SmartObserverPlus data logger can be used in various applications and environments. We have created this User Manual to assist you in setting up and using the Geolux device. Should there be any questions left unanswered, please feel free to contact us directly: Geolux d.o.o.
SmartObserver Plus Contents 1. Safety Information 2. Introduction 3. Device Interface and Connections 4. Connecting the Power Supply 4.1. Order of Connecting power sources 4.2. Order of Disconnecting power sources 5. Initial Device Setup 6. Connecting Sensors 6.1. Connecting Modbus Sensors 6.2.
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SmartObserver Plus Contents Set Battery Charge Current Enable/Disable Battery Charging Set Battery Charging Maximum Voltage Set MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) Voltage Set Battery Charging Minimum Temperature Set Scan Interval Enable/Disable DHCP for Ethernet Set DNS Servers for Ethernet Set Ethernet Gateway addresses...
Qualified Personnel Only: The installation, operation, and maintenance of this device should only be performed by qualified and trained personnel. If necessary, contact Geolux for training or support. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Always adhere to the safety instructions outlined in this manual and any warnings printed on the device or its components.
0°C. Use protective gloves when handling the device in such conditions. Liability and Warranty Proper Usage: Geolux assumes no liability for damages arising from misuse, improper installation, or unauthorized modifications of the device. Ensure the SmartObserverPlus is used in accordance with the instructions in this manual.
SmartObserver Plus Introduction The Geolux SmartObserverPlus datalogger is a versatile, highly integrated device designed for environmental, hydrological and meteorological monitoring applications. It collects data from connected hydro-meteorological instruments, stores the data locally and, optionally, transmits the data in real-time via Ethernet or GPRS/4G/5G data link.
SmartObserver Plus Device Interface and Connections RS-485 / SDI-12 USB host Digital I/O RS-232 Modbus Modem 1 status LED Power LEDs Antenna conenctors Ethernet Modem 1 SIM card Fuses Modem 2 SIM card Modem 2 status LED Power input USB to PC...
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SmartObserver Plus The RS-232 connector pinout is displayed in the following picture: RS-232 Channel 1 RS-232 Channel 2 RS-485 / Modbus The datalogger features three standard half-duplex RS-485 ports, providing interfaces for instruments that support RS-485 or Modbus communication protocols. These ports are utilized when the datalogger is configured to interface with Modbus instruments.
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SmartObserver Plus The datalogger includes a single CAN bus interface, enabling high-speed communication with instruments that utilize the CAN bus protocol. This interface can be programmatically accessed via MicroPython scripts, providing flexibility for custom applications. SDI-12 The datalogger includes two SDI-12 interfaces, allowing connection to SDI-12-compatible instruments. These interfaces are used when the datalogger is configured to communicate with SDI-12 instruments.
SmartObserver Plus USB Host The USB host connection supports USB flash drives for data storage. When a USB flash drive is connected, the datalogger can save all measurements in CSV format to the drive, provided it is configured to do so. The SmartObserverPlus datalogger supports FAT16, FAT32, and exFAT file systems on USB flash drives.
Battery Connector Power Outputs The Geolux SmartObserverPlus datalogger features three controlled power outputs, each capable of supplying up to 3 A at the current battery voltage. These outputs remain off until the datalogger needs to take a measurement from a connected instrument. Then, the datalogger powers up the corresponding output, waits for a specified duration, collects the measurement from the instrument, and then powers it off.
The micro-USB device connector enables a direct connection between the SmartObserverPlus datalogger and a PC for setup and configuration. Using the Geolux Instrument Configurator application on the PC, users can connect to the datalogger to modify operational settings and parameters, as well as analyze and diagnose its performance.
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To establish a local connection with Ethernet-enabled instruments, such as an IP camera. The behavior and configuration of the Ethernet port can be managed using the Geolux Instrument Configurator PC application. For advanced use cases, the Ethernet port can also be controlled programmatically via MicroPython scripts.
SmartObserver Plus Connecting the Power Supply When a single power source is available: The power source must be connected to Battery Connector (BAT). When two power sources are available: If a Battery is used it must be connected to Battery Connector (BAT), other power source types must be connected to Power Input Connector (PWR-IN).
SmartObserver Plus 4.1. Order of Connecting power sources First connect the power source at the Battery Connector, then connect the power source at the Power Input connector. When SmartObserverPlus is connected to a power source, i.e. it has been powered off, it will power on and start executing.
Initial Device Setup Initial device setup is done by connecting the device to the Geolux Instrument Configurator application. Connect the device to the PC via a micro-USB cable and provide power to the BAT line. When the device is connected to the PC via the micro-USB cable, Windows assigns a COM port number.
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SmartObserver Plus Launch the Geolux Instrument Configurator application and click the Connect button. Clicking the Connect button opens a window where the user can select the SmartObserverPlus data logger. Figure 3. Geolux Instrument Configurator - Select Device Window Next, select the appropriate COM port and click the Connect button.
Set to computer time button under the Device operation settings section in the Settings tab. The data logger keeps time in UTC, but for user convenience, the time displayed in the Geolux Instrument Configurator is converted to the local time based on the computer’s date and time settings.
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SmartObserver Plus Configuring Ethernet Network The Ethernet section of the Settings tab allows the user to configure the device’s ethernet network settings. The user can assign the data logger’s IP address automatically or manually. When using automatic (DHCP) address assignment, the data logger will connect to a router and automatically obtain an IP address.
SmartObserver Plus Configuring the Modem The last two sections of the Settings tab (Slot A and/or Slot B) are used to configure the modem settings. Depending on the modem’s wireless communication type, the user needs to configure the needed modem settings as per the mobile operator’s requirements.
Power Connection (Optional): if the sensor requires external power, connect it to a suitable power output port on the SmartObserverPlus 2. Software Configuration Add a Sensor to Instrument configuration using Geolux Instrument Configurator application Add Measurements for Instrument The Devices tab allows the user to configure instruments that are connected to the SmartObserverPlus data logger.
SmartObserver Plus Figure 11. Geolux Instrument Configurator - Instruments List It is possible to export each instrument separately by clicking the Export instrument button belonging to the selected instrument or export the entire configuration by clicking the Export configuration button in the bottom part of the Devices tab (see chapter 2.7). The exported instruments and configurations can be imported later when needed.
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SmartObserver Plus RS-485 interface RS-485 interface Figure 12. Modbus/RS-485 interface – ports & pins PWR1 PWR2 PWR3 Connect the wire of RS-485 A signal from Sensor to D+ pin of RS-485 port on SmartObserverPlus. Connect the wire of RS-485 B signal from Sensor to D- pin of RS-485 port (same port as D+).
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SmartObserver Plus When connecting the RS485 interface the following rules must be followed: Use twisted pair cable. Use shielded cable. Ensure that all units have a proper connection to safety ground (earth) reference to the same potential. The last Sensor at end of the network must be terminated with a 120 Ohm resistor between A and B.
SmartObserver Plus Figure 14. Geolux Instrument Configurator - Add Modbus Measurement If unit conversion is required, the user can check the Unit conversion checkbox and manually enter the Multiplier and Offset values. Alternatively, the user can use Two-point calibration by clicking the Calibrate button (see chapter 2.6). This feature automatically calculates the multiplier and offset based on two sets of reported and measured values.
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SmartObserver Plus SDI-12 CH1 Data CH2 Data Figure 15. SDI-12 interface – ports & pins PWR1 PWR2 PWR3 Connect the wire of Serial Data Line signal from Sensor to SDI-x pin of SDI-12 port on SmartObserverPlus. Connect the wire of Ground Line signal from Sensor to GND pin of SDI-12 port.
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SmartObserver Plus Figure 16. Geolux Instrument Configurator - Add SDI-12 Instrument Clicking the Add button in the Add instrument window adds the instrument to the list of instruments displayed in the Devices tab (Figure 10). Once the instrument is added to the list, the user can view and change its properties, delete or export the instrument, and add measurements to the instrument by clicking the Add measurement button.
SmartObserver Plus Figure 17. Geolux Instrument Configurator - Add SDI-12 Measurement In case the SDI-12 instrument supports checksums, the user can check the Use cheksums checkbox. This ensures that SDI-12 commands include checksums at the end of responses, improving data transfer reliability. If unit conversion is required, the user can check the Unit conversion checkbox and manually enter the Multiplier and Offset values.
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SmartObserver Plus Figure 18. Geolux Instrument Configurator - Add Analog IN Instrument Clicking the Add button in the Add instrument window adds the instrument to the list of instruments displayed in the Devices tab (Figure 10). Once the instrument is added to the list, the user can view and change its properties, delete or export the instrument, and add measurements to the instrument by clicking the Add measurement button.
SmartObserver Plus Figure 19. Geolux Instrument Configurator – Add Analog IN Measurement 6.4. Connecting Sensors to Digital Inputs To connect a sensor to the digital inputs of the data logger, fill in the Instrument type and Instrument description fields and select the appropriate Power connection – the output power line from the data logger to which the instrument is connected.
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SmartObserver Plus Figure 20. Geolux Instrument Configurator - Add Digital IN Instrument Clicking the Add button in the Add instrument window adds the instrument to the list of instruments displayed in the Devices tab (Figure 10). Once the instrument is added to the list, the user can view and change its properties, delete or export the instrument, and add measurements to the instrument by clicking the Add measurement button.
SmartObserver Plus Figure 21. Geolux Instrument Configurator - Add Digital IN Measurement 6.5. Defining the Quantity and Unit Clicking the Define button opens a window where the user can either select a predefined quantity or create a custom one. For convenience, quantities are organized into categories. Selecting a category filters the list to display only the quantities within that category.
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SmartObserver Plus Figure 23. Geolux Instrument Configurator - Select Unit To create a custom quantity, the user can click the Create custom button. This opens a window where the user must enter the Measurement name and Measurement unit. Figure 24. Geolux Instrument Configurator - Creat Custom Quantity After selecting a predefined quantity or creating a custom one, clicking the Ok button closes the Define quantity...
SmartObserver Plus Figure 25. Geolux Instrument Configurator - Quanity and Unit Defined 6.6. Two-Point Calibration Clicking the Calibrate button opens the Two-point calibration window where the user is prompted to input two points. For each point, the user must enter the value reported by the instrument and the corresponding actual value.
SmartObserver Plus Clicking the Calibrate button closes the Two-point calibration window, automatically selects the Unit conversion checkbox in the Add measurement window, and applies the calculated multiplier and offset values. Figure 27. Geolux Instrument Configurator - Multiplier and Offset Calculated 6.7. Update / Export / Import / Delete Device Configuration Once the instruments and their measurements have been defined the Update configuration button in the bottom part of the Devices tab must be clicked to save the configuration to the SmartObserverPlus data logger.
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SmartObserver Plus Figure 28. Geolux Instrument Configurator - Configuration Action Buttons Clicking the Delete configuration button clears the list of devices in the Devices tab. To delete the configuration from the SmartObserverPlus data logger, click the Update configuration button after clearing the list. The View configuration diagram button opens a window with a visual representation of how the devices in the list are connected to the data logger’s power and data lines.
Hydroview server, but also supports remote datalogger reconfiguration and remote over-the-air firmware updates. If you intend to use SmartObserverPlus datalogger with the Geolux Hydroview system, then select the HTTP – Hydroview as protocol type. If you intend to use the datalogger with a different HTTP server, select HTTP – Generic.
SmartObserver Plus 7.2. FTP Data Upload The user can choose between the following protocols: • • SFTP FTP is an older protocol primarily used for file sharing and lacks built-in data encryption, making data transferred via FTP susceptible to interception. Use of FTP is not recommended for secure data handling.
Through external storage like SD cards or USB devices. It is essential to follow Geolux’s instructions carefully during the update process to avoid potential issues. Regularly checking for firmware updates is recommended to ensure that your device continues to function optimally and securely.
In summary, knowing your current firmware version is a key step in managing your device’s performance, security, and overall functionality. Using Geolux’s Instrument Configurator application, connect to SmartObserverPlus Two methods: In the list of Connected devices, find SmartObserverPlus, in the line starting with Ver.: From the Settings tab, click on Update Firmware button (lower left corner).
Users can easily keep their device up to date. OTA updates can only be used when the SmartObserverPlus datalogger has been configured to work with Geolux Hydroview system (see chapter 7.1.). Using the Instrument Configurator Application (from PC) Updating using a dedicated PC application over a USB cable involves connecting the device to a computer.
SmartObserver Plus 8.3. Step-by-Step instructions Over-the-Air Update Method The over-the-air (OTA) update method downloads and installs firmware update directly via an internet connection (i.e. Ethernet, Cellular, etc.). This process simplifies updates by eliminating the need for physical connections or additional hardware, ensuring that users can easily keep their device up to date.
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Once the transfer of the new firmware has finished, the firmware installation starts immediately by restarting. Installation finishes within 60 seconds. Instrument Configurator Application Method Geolux’s Instrument Configurator application manages the upload and installation of the firmware update directly to SmartObserverPlus. Requirements installed FTDI D2xx serial drivers (https://www.ftdichip.com/drivers/).
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Using Geolux’s Instrument Configurator application, connect to SmartObserverPlus. From the Settings tab, click on Update Firmware button (lower left corner). Select the firmware file (file extension “.FWI”) provided to You by Geolux. Popup shall present: the firmware version currently on SmartObserverPlus, the firmware version inside FWI file.
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Firmware version selection Insert and mount the SD-card in Your computer. Select the firmware file (file extension “.FWI”) provided to You by Geolux. Copy the firmware file to SD-card. To perform the Firmware update with selected firmware file, rename the firmware file on SD-card to “upgrade.
SmartObserver Plus Firmware transfer Insert the USB thumb drive into USB slot on SmartObserverPlus When USB thumb drive is inserted SmartObserverPlus mounts the USB thumb drive and reads contents. If a file “upgrade.sop.fwi” exists, SmartObserverPlus shall copy this file to internal storage.
To make SmartObserverPlus configuration easy, Geolux provides the Geolux Instrument Configurator application. Regular users do not need to be concerned about the Configuration protocol used between the Geolux Instrument Configurator and the SmartObserverPlus. The Configuration protocol listens on the USB micro-B for incoming requests, and on each received request, it will respond back.
SmartObserver Plus A.3. Protocol Sentences Device information Retrieve current device information Request #get_info<CR><LF> Response Consists of multiple sentences: #logger_id: value<CR><LF> • value: Value is unique ID of the SmartObserverPlus, expressed in hexadecimal. #firmware: value<CR><LF> • value: Value is current Device Firmware version, given in format MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH...
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SmartObserver Plus #eth_subnet_mask: ipaddr<CR><LF> • ipaddr: Subnet mask IPv4, from configuration #eth_gateway_address: ipaddr<CR><LF> • ipaddr: Gateway IPv4 address, from configuration #eth_dns: ipaddr1[,ipaddr2,ipaddr3,ipaddr4]<CR><LF> • ipaddr1 … ipaddr4: Values are IPv4 address, given in format ABC.DEF.GHI.JKL #eth_mac: value<CR><LF> • value: Ethernet MAC address, IEEE EUI-64 format, 8C-1F-64-BE-xx-xx #charge_current: value<CR><LF>...
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SmartObserver Plus • value indicates network type is GSM/LTE-M for Slot-A • value indicates network type is NB-IOT for Slot-A #slot_a_modem_type: value<CR><LF> • value: Value indicates model of current Cellular modem in Slot-A #slot_a_port_type: value<CR><LF> • value: Value indicates communication port of current Cellular modem in Slot-A #slot_a_rssi: value<CR><LF>...
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SmartObserver Plus #usb_info: total_size,used_size,filesystem_type<CR><LF> • total_size: Total size of USB thumb drive, in units of bytes [B] • used_size: Used size of USB thumb drive, in units of bytes [B] • filesystem_type: possible values: NONE, FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, exFAT #sdcard: value<CR><LF>...
SmartObserver Plus Status Report file information Get information (size and CRC) about the status report file. The status report file is a CBOR-encoded binary document that contains current device status data. Request #get_status<CR><LF> Response #get_status: size_bytes,crc16_decimal<CR><LF> • size_bytes: The size of the status report file that can be fetched (in bytes).
SmartObserver Plus Read Bootmode This command is used to verify the current boot mode of the device. The boot mode can be one of the following: • BOOT: Indicates the device is in normal operation mode. • UPGRADE: Indicates that a firmware update is ready in the internal storage and will be applied upon the next device restart.
SmartObserver Plus Enable/Disable Logging to SD-card Enable or Disable saving measurements in CSV format (comma separated values) to SD-card. Request #save_sd=value<CR><LF> • value disables Logging to SD-card • value enables Logging to SD-card Response On success #save_sd: OK<CR><LF> On error #save_sd: ERR<CR><LF>...
SmartObserver Plus Set Battery Capacity Set the total capacity of the connected battery when fully charged. This information is used to estimate the remaining capacity of the attached battery. Request #set_battery_full_charge_capacity=value<CR><LF> • value: Value is a positive decimal integer, given in units of milli Ampere hours [mAh]. Accepted limits are from 0 mAh to 1,000,000 mAh (one million).
SmartObserver Plus Set MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) Voltage Set the MPPT voltage for solar panel input. Request #set_mppt_voltage=value<CR><LF> • value: Value is a positive decimal integer, given in units of milli Volts [mV]. Accepted limits are from 5,000 mV to 19,200 mV.
SmartObserver Plus Set Scan Interval Set the scan interval how often the SmartObserverPlus takes measurements. Request #set_scan_interval_min=value<CR><LF> • value: Value is a positive decimal integer, given in units of minutes [min]. Accepted limits must be greater than 0 min. Response On success #set_scan_interval_min: OK<CR><LF>...
SmartObserver Plus Set DNS Servers for Ethernet Set DNS addresses, up to four IPv4 addresses. These DNS addreses are used when: - DHCP is Disabled - DHCP is Enabled but DHCP has no DNS entries. Request #set_eth_dns=ipaddr1[,ipaddr2,ipaddr3,ipaddr4]<CR><LF> • ipaddr1: Value is an IPv4 address, given in format ABC.DEF.GHI.JKL...
SmartObserver Plus Set Static IP Address for Ethernet Set the IPv4 address of the Static Ethernet IP address, used when DHCP is Disabled. Request #set_eth_ip_address=ipaddr<CR><LF> • ipaddr: Value is an IPv4 address, given in format ABC.DEF.GHI.JKL Response On success #set_eth_ip_address: OK<CR><LF>...
SmartObserver Plus Set APN for Modem 1 Set the GPRS APN for Slot-A Cellular modem. Request #set_slot_a_gprs_apn=value<CR><LF> • value: Value is a NULL terminated string, string length limited to 40 characters. • ipaddr2 ... ipaddr4 are optional [], same as ipaddr1 •...
SmartObserver Plus Set DNS Servers for Modem 1 Set the GPRS DNS address for Slot-A Cellular modem. Request #set_slot_a_gprs_dns=ipaddr<CR><LF> • ipaddr: Value is an IPv4 address, given in format ABC.DEF.GHI.JKL Response On success #set_gprs_dns: OK<CR><LF> On error #set_gprs_dns: ERR<CR><LF> Example Setting Slot-A GPRS DNS address to 10.1.35.81.
SmartObserver Plus Set APN Password for Modem 1 Set the GPRS password for Slot-A Cellular modem. Request #set_slot_a_gprs_password=value<CR><LF> • value: Value is a NULL terminated string, string length limited to 40 characters. Response On success #set_gprs_password: OK<CR><LF> On error #set_gprs_password: ERR<CR><LF>...
SmartObserver Plus Set APN Username for Modem 1 Set the GPRS username for Slot-A Cellular modem. Request #set_slot_a_gprs_username=value<CR><LF> • value: Value is a NULL terminated string, string length limited to 40 characters. Response On success #set_gprs_username: OK<CR><LF> On error #set_gprs_username: ERR<CR><LF>...
SmartObserver Plus Set System Time Set the system time. Request #set_time=value<CR><LF> • value: Value is time given as UNIX epoch, UTC time zone, units are seconds [sec]. Response On success #set_time: OK<CR><LF> On error #set_time: ERR<CR><LF> Example Setting system time to in ISO8601, which is in UNIX epoch.
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