NEXSENS X3 Environmental Data Logger User Guide

: June 1, 2024
: NEXSENS

Table of Contents

NEXSENS X3 Environmental Data Logger
Product Usage Instructions
X3 ENVIRONMENTAL DATA LOGGER
Overview
Telemetry Setup
Land-Based Station Installation (PM2)
Small Buoy Mounting (CB-150 to CB-450 buoys)
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

NEXSENS X3 Environmental Data Logger

Specifications

Product Name: X3 Environmental Data Logger
Includes: Integrated modem, external antenna, 3 sensor ports (SDI-12, RS-232, RS-485), 6-pin port for direct communication and power input
Connectivity: Cellular Telemetry

Product Usage Instructions

Data Logger Setup

Download the CONNECT software from nexsens.com/connst.
Connect the logger using the direct connect USB cable (UW6-USB-485P-DC) to the middle 6-pin port on the X3 for power and communication.

What’s Included:
Refer to Figure 2 for the middle 6-pin power and communication port.

Sensor Integration

Review sensor integration guides on NexSens knowledge base at nexsens.com/sensorskb.
Enable appropriate scripts for the sensors at nexsens.com/conncss.
If no scripts are available, create a new script following the sensor’s communication protocol.
Connect sensors to the available sensor ports (P0, P1, or P2) at the bottom of the logger.

WQData LIVE Setup:

Visit WQDataLIVE.com/getting-started.
Create or sign into your WQData LIVE account.
Create a project under ADMIN | Settings.

FAQ

Q: What should I do if I encounter issues during setup?
A: Contact NexSens technical support at Phone: 937-426-2151; Email: [email protected] for assistance with scripts or any setup problems.

X3 ENVIRONMENTAL DATA LOGGER

QUICK START GUIDE

IMPORTANT – BEFORE FIELD DEPLOYMENT: Completely conﬁgure new X3 systems with sensors and a telemetry connection in a nearby work area. Operate the system for several hours and verify correct sensor readings. Use this test run to become familiar with the system’s features and functions, setting the stage for a successful deployment.

Overview

The X3 Environmental Data Logger with Cellular Telemetry includes an integrated modem and external antenna. Three sensor ports provide industry- standard protocols including SDI-12, RS-232, and RS-485. The center 6-pin port offers direct communication (serial to PC) and power input.
Users can conﬁgure the X3 Data Logger for deployment using a USB adapter and the CONNECT software. Data is accessed and stored on the WQData LIVE web data center. An easy-to-use dashboard and built-in sensor library automatically facilitate setup and conﬁguration.

What’s Included

(1) X3 Environmental Data Logger
(2) Buoy mounting kits (small and large buoy kits)
(3) Sensor port plugs, spare orings
(1) Power port plug, spare oring
(1) Oring grease tube
(1) Cellular antenna
(1) Quick Start Guide

Note: Applications scientists and engineers at NexSens will pre-program data loggers based on user speciﬁcations. In many instances, the system will be ready for “plug-and-play” and will not require the subsequent Data Logger Setup steps below to be performed. If a system is pre-programmed, a System Integration Guide will be included with the order, providing an overview of the following steps to get the system up and running.

Review the System Integration Guide guide and skip to the WQData LIVE Setup section. Note: It is recommended to download the CONNECT software (step 1) for future use.

Data Logger Setup

Download the CONNECT software and establish a connection with the logger via the direct connect USB cable (UW6-USB-485P-DC).
- nexsens.com/connst
- The middle 6-pin port on the X3 is for providing power and communication through the CONNECT software.
Review the sensor integration guides on the NexSens knowledge base to prepare the sensor(s) for programming.
- nexsens.com/sensorskb
- If a guide is unavailable, follow the links in step 3 to determine if a script for the sensor is available or if a new script must be created.
Review and enable the appropriate scripts:
- nexsens.com/conncss
- For any scripts that are not available, create a new script following the sensor’s communication protocol and the links below:
- Modbus script – nexsens.com/modbusug
- NMEA script – nexsens.com/nmea0183ug
- SDI-12 script – nexsens.com/sdi12ug
- GSI script – nexsens.com/gsiug
  If there are any questions, contact NexSens technical support for assistance with new or existing scripts:
- Phone: 937-426-2151; Email: [email protected]
Once the appropriate scripts are enabled, connect sensor(s) to the (3) available sensor ports on the bottom of the logger.
- Note which port (P0, P1, or P2) the sensor is connected to, as it will be programmed to that port. It is recommended to label the port with the sensor name.
Start a new sensor detection by performing th e following in the CONFIG tab of the CONNECT software:
- Erase the log data – nexsens.com/eraselogdata
- Erase any sensor programming and reset the data logger – nexsens.com/eraseprogramming
After resetting the logger, it will begin the automatic detection process using the internal script library.
- Depending on the number of scripts enabled, the process can take 5-15 minutes.
- While waiting for the detection to complete, proceed to the WQData LIVE Setup.

WQData LIVE Setup

To get started:
- Go to WQDataLIVE.com/getting-started
- Create a new account or sign into an existing account.
- Ensure to click the confirmation link from WQData LIVE in your email.
- Create a project by hovering over the email in the upper right-hand corner of the page and selecting PROJECTS from the drop-down menu.
In the project, go to ADMIN | Settings.
- Choose the Project/Site drop-down menu and then select Sites.
- Select New Site and enter the site information. Then click SAVE.
Once the site is saved, re-open the site information and enter the claim code listed below under Assigned Devices.
Click Add Device.
- The device name will immediately display in the Assigned Devices list.
If a WQData LIVE subscription was purchased, enter the provided license key at the following URL:
- wqdatalive.com/license/login.php
- Once entered, the project will upgrade to the purchased tier and additional features will be available.
Continue to the Telemetry Setup section to establish logger communication with WQData LIVE.
- For additional information on using the WQData LIVE web data center, visit the User Guide:
- nexsens.com/wqug

Telemetry Setup

Note: Before installing the antenna, review the data logger programming through the CONNECT software. Review a few readings to ensure all sensors and parameters are shown and are outputting valid readings.

a. nexsens.com/datauploadug
All X3 data loggers will come with an active SIM card. If cellular service is purchased through NexSens, the card can be used for the duration of the active plan. If cellular service is not purchased through NexSens, the SIM card will be active for a three-month trial period.

Install the cellular antenna with the O-ring.
- Ensure the O-ring slot and the O-ring are clear of any debris.
If purchasing a separate cellular service, follow the links below to properly set up a 4G account and install the SIM card.
- Set up a 4G account – nexsens.com/setup4g
- Sim card installation – nexsens.com/xsiminstall

Table 1: X3 Data Logger Buzzer Pattern Indicators.

Event	Beep Type	Status
Applying power	One short beep	System boot successful
Sensor detection/ Reading	One short beep every 3 seconds	Logger currently

Land-Based Station Installation (PM2)

Gather the PM2 pole mount hardware kit. Attach the bracket to a 2″ NPT pole using the included U-bolt, flat washers, lock washers, and nuts.
- Ensure the grounding cable contacts the bracket during installation. Use a 1/2″ socket to tighten.
$NEXSENS-X3-Environmental-Data-Logger- $5$$ Insert the socket head cap screw and tighten it using a 5/16″ hex driver. $NEXSENS-X3-Environmental-Data-Logger- $6$$
Attach the other end of the grounding cable to one of the threaded slots underneath the logger.
- Ensure the grounding cable contacts the logger during installation. Use a 9/16″ socket to tighten. $NEXSENS-X3-Environmental-Data-Logger- $7$$
Provide power to the middle 6-pin port of the data logger via the solar or AC adapter plug and connect the sensors to the outer 8-pin ports.
- Ensure the sensors are connected in the same configuration as they were programmed.

Small Buoy Mounting (CB-150 to CB-450 buoys)

Note: Remove the cellular antenna before installation.

Gather the CB-150-450 Mounting equipment. Use a 9/16” socket to remove the white top plate from the buoy’s solar tower. $NEXSENS-X3-Environmental-Data-Logger- $8$$
Align the threaded slots on top of the logger with the (4) corresponding holes on the white plate.
- Attach the logger using the (4) hex head cap screws, lock washers, and flat washers.
- Tighten using a 9/16″ socket. $NEXSENS-X3-Environmental-Data-Logger- $9$$
Provide power to the middle 6-pin port on the data logger via the solar tower plug and connect the sensors to the outer 8-pin ports.
- Ensure the sensors are connected in the same configuration as they were programmed. configuration as they were programmed. $NEXSENS-X3-Environmental-Data-Logger- $10$$

Large Buoy Mounting (CB-650 to CB-1250 buoys)

Gather the CB-650-1250 Mounting equipment. Align the threaded inserts on the bottom of the data logger with the (3) black isolation washers and the smaller holes on the mount.
- The data logger ports should align with the large openings on the mount.
- Note : There will be an intentional gap between the mount and the data logger. $NEXSENS-X3-Environmental-Data-Logger- $11$$
Insert the (3) hex head cap screws, lock washers, and flat washers into the threaded inserts on the logger.
- Tighten using a 9/16″ socket.
Provide power to the middle 6-pin port on the data logger and connect the sensors to the outer 8-pin ports.
- Ensure the sensors are connected in the same configuration as they were programmed.
- For any connectors within or below the solar tower, it is best to tie a rope around each connector to pull them through the opening at the top of the solar tower.