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Version 3.1 by robert on 2024/12/02 13:14
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1 {{box cssClass="floatinginfobox" title="**Contents**"}}
2 {{toc/}}
3 {{/box}}
4
5 = Data Loggers (TSAWR & LPR-200) =
6
7 //(originally written by F. Bozinovic March 2024)//
8
9 == Items Required ==
10
11 * Multimeter
12 * Power supply 
13 * Correct solar regulator cable
14 * Solar regulator (unmodified) with correct voltage
15 * Battery (with enough charged)
16 * GPS antenna
17 * SD card (FAT32 formatted)
18 * Sensor (known working)
19 * Correct sensor cable
20 * Test Power Plug device
21
22 == Power Test ==
23
24 Install a known working (and charged) battery into the recorder and turn ON the main power switch, verify that the recorder powers ON correctly.
25
26
27 (% class="box infomessage" %)
28 (((
29 Unit powering ON is not instant, there may be a 10 to 15 sec delay.
30 )))
31
32
33 Verify the LCD screen turns on and begins clearly displaying the ANU logo and system parameters correctly once the recorder powers up. Look for signs of flickering, blurring or any other visual artefacts.
34
35 With the recorder powered ON, using a multimeter, test the bias voltage on GPS antenna port; the reading should be 3.3V (outer shell is negative and centre pin is positive).
36
37 Connect “Test Power Plug” into the sensor port and verify the light is turned on, this indicates the power will be correctly delivered to the sensor.
38
39
40 (% class="box infomessage" %)
41 (((
42 The following step, power feature is not present in LPR200, therefore this step cannot be verified for  LPR recorders.
43 )))
44
45 == System Test ==
46
47 * Verify LCD screen works correctly.
48 * Check that the keypad is responsive and functions correctly.
49 * Verify recorder has GPS fix acquired and information is displayed.
50 * Insert SD card and verify the latching mechanism holds the card and releases it.
51 * Verify the SD card is detected and can be erased.
52
53 === System information ===
54
55 Record the Firmware version.
56
57 In the Menu under “System Information”, verify that the serial number matches what is written on the case.
58
59
60 == Functional Test ==
61
62 === Charging ===
63
64 Verify the battery is charging (LPR differs from TSAWR, additionally, TSAWRs differ between each other based on firmware version).
65
66 Set-up an external power source, by connecting a solar regulator to a power supply  and set voltage to 18V DC. Verify the regulator is supplying the correct voltage of 7.7V and then plug into the “External Power” port of the recorder.
67
68 (% class="box infomessage" %)
69 (((
70 There are two types of solar regulators available. Make sure to not mix them as they supply different Voltages, 7.7V and 13.8V.
71 )))
72
73 Navigate to “System Information” in the Menu and note the battery icon will have a lightning symbol indicating it’s charging, also observe the state of charge % is increasing under.
74
75 === Sensor Reading ===
76
77 Live Seismometer Data is used ONLY for functional verification. It is an indicator that all connections to the sensor and output response is correct.
78
79 Place the recorder on flat surface bench/ table and connect the sensor (ensure the sensor is not tilted, shaken or rough-handled). Level the sensor using the bubble as guide. Turn ON the recorder wait until the self-check has completed and the recorder has acquired GPS fix. Set the parameters to read the correct sensor.
80
81 To verify the sensor is detected and registering, perform a controlled test is performed by having the person press down on the table with their body weight (similar to performing a slow CPR). The flexing of the table will be detected by the sensor and will be clearly visible on screen. This will verify the sensor-cable and the internal digitizer are working correctly.
82
83 (% class="box infomessage" %)
84 (((
85 If the user requires to verify the sensor or the validity of the recorded data, a power spectral density analysis would need to be performed, see rest of document (link here) for instructions on how to perform this test.
86 )))
87
88 === Recording test ===
89
90 Insert SD card and erase the content.
91
92 Set-up the System Parameters (sensor type and interval frequency).
93
94 Ensure the recorder has a GPS Fix.
95
96 Select the recording setting in the menu.
97
98
99 Ensure to allow sensor data recording of overnight or at least 4 hrs.
100
101 Verify the data has recorded correctly by running a power spectral analysis (PSD) script.
102
103
104 (% class="box infomessage" %)
105 (((
106 For procedure on how to use and set-up the PSD script refer to the “Performing PSD function on recorded sensor data procedure” document. (LINK)
107 )))
108
109 === Troubleshooting ===
110
111
112 (% style="width:920px" %)
113 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
114 Antenna open or short circuit
115 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
116 * Check antenna connection
117
118 * Replace antenna if faulty
119 )))
120 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
121 GPS initialisation failed
122 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
123 * A GPS communications issue has occurred
124
125 * Restart the unit
126 )))
127 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
128 Failed to acquire GPS fix
129 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
130 * Reposition the antenna so that it is not obstructed
131
132 * Either monitor the GPS info screen or restart the system to monitor if a fix is now acquired
133 )))
134 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
135 SD card is not inserted
136 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
137 * Insert a FAT32 formatted SD card
138 )))
139 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
140 FAT32 Initialisation failed
141 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
142 * Ensure the SD card is FAT32 formatted
143
144 * Reinsert card to reinitialise or replace
145 )))
146 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
147 SD card initialisation failed
148 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
149 * Ensure the SD card is FAT32 formatted
150
151 * Reinsert card to reinitialise or replace
152 )))
153 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
154 RTC synchronisation failed
155 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
156 * Ensure GPS is operating correctly
157
158 * Else communications to RTC failed, restart the unit
159 )))
160 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
161 Start time precedes RTC time
162 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
163 * Alter the start time noting the current time
164 )))
165 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
166 End time precedes the start time
167 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
168 * Alter either the start or stop time
169 )))
170 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
171 Record start time is not set
172 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
173 * Record start mode is set to On Time but the start values have not been set
174
175 * Set the start time and date fields ensuring the ENT key is used to set each digit
176 )))
177 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
178 Record end time not set
179 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
180 * Record end mode is set to On Time but the end values have not been set
181
182 * Set the end time and date fields ensuring the ENT key is used to set each digit
183 )))
184 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
185 SEED initialisation failed
186 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
187 * Ensure GPS, RTC and SD card have all initialised correctly
188
189 * Restart the recorder
190
191 * In the event restart did not work, replace the recorder
192 )))
193 |(% style="width:243px" %)(((
194 Write error
195 )))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
196 * The SD card may have run out of room during recording
197
198 * Ensure the SD card is adequately sized for the intended use
199
200 * Alternatively the SD card may be faulty and need to be replaced
201 )))
202
203
204 (% style="width:888px" %)
205 |(% colspan="2" style="width:885px" %)(((
206 **Error Screen Warnings **
207 )))
208 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
209 **Error **
210 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
211 **Solution **
212 )))
213 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
214 Antenna open or short circuit
215 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
216 * Check antenna connection
217
218 * Replace antenna if faulty
219 )))
220 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
221 GPS initialisation failed
222 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
223 * A GPS communications issue has occurred
224
225 * Restart the unit
226 )))
227 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
228 Failed to acquire GPS fix
229 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
230 * Reposition the antenna so that it is not obstructed
231
232 * Either monitor the GPS info screen or restart the system to monitor if a fix is now acquired
233 )))
234 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
235 SD card is not inserted
236 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
237 * Insert a FAT32 formatted SD card
238 )))
239 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
240 FAT32 Initialisation failed
241 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
242 * Ensure the SD card is FAT32 formatted
243
244 * Reinsert card to reinitialise or replace
245 )))
246 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
247 SD card initialisation failed
248 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
249 * Ensure the SD card is FAT32 formatted
250
251 * Reinsert card to reinitialise or replace
252 )))
253 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
254 RTC synchronisation failed
255 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
256 * Ensure GPS is operating correctly
257
258 * Else communications to RTC failed, restart the unit
259 )))
260 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
261 Start time precedes RTC time
262 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
263 * Alter the start time noting the current time
264 )))
265 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
266 End time precedes the start time
267 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
268 * Alter either the start or stop time
269 )))
270 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
271 Record start time is not set
272 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
273 * Record start mode is set to On Time but the start values have not been set
274
275 * Set the start time and date fields ensuring the ENT key is used to set each digit
276 )))
277 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
278 Record end time not set
279 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
280 * Record end mode is set to On Time but the end values have not been set
281
282 * Set the end time and date fields ensuring the ENT key is used to set each digit
283 )))
284 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
285 SEED initialisation failed
286 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
287 * Ensure GPS, RTC and SD card have all initialised correctly
288 )))
289 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
290 Write error
291 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
292 * The SD card may have run out of room during recording
293
294 * Ensure the SD card is adequately sized for the intended use
295
296 * Alternatively the SD card may be faulty and need to be replaced
297 )))
298
299
300
301 (% style="width:1063px" %)
302 |(% colspan="2" style="width:1060px" %)(((
303 **General System Errors **
304 )))
305 |(% style="width:279px" %)(((
306 **Error **
307 )))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
308 **Solution **
309 )))
310 |(% style="width:279px" %)(((
311 The unit does not start
312 )))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
313 * Ensure the battery pack being used is fully charged and replace if necessary
314
315 * Connect communications via the monitor port and restart the unit to determine whether it is just the display which is faulty
316
317 * Disconnect external connections to see whether they are blowing the internal fuse1
318
319 * Else use an alternative unit
320 )))
321 |(% style="width:279px" %)(((
322 The screen does not respond to wakeup during recording
323 )))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
324 * Wait 30-45 seconds before reattempting  as the display will not respond while the unit is writing data to disc
325
326 * Connect communications via the monitor port to ensure there is not a display issue
327
328 * The battery may have gone flat during recording and the unit will not respond
329 )))
330 |(% style="width:279px" %)(((
331 There is no response from the seismometer
332 )))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
333 * Ensure the seismometer is connected correctly
334
335 * Ensure the appropriate seismometer model is selected in the system configuration screen
336
337 * Try an alternative seismometer
338
339 * Restart the unit to reinitialise the ADCs
340
341 * Try an alternative unit
342 )))
343 |(% style="width:279px" %)(((
344 The display does not respond to commands
345 )))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
346 * The buttons may be faulty or the unit may have frozen
347
348 * Restart or try an alternative unit
349 )))
350
351 (% style="width:1066px" %)
352 |(% colspan="2" style="width:1063px" %)(((
353 **Battery Errors **
354 )))
355 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
356 **Error **
357 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
358 **Solution **
359 )))
360 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
361 The unit never fully charges
362 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
363 * There may be an issue with one or more cells
364
365 * Cease charging immediately and use an alternative battery pack
366 )))
367 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
368 The unit does not live up to expected life cycle
369 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
370 * There is a damaged cell
371
372 * Use an alternative battery pack
373 )))
374 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
375 The unit does not charge at all (none of the indicators light up)
376 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
377 * Check charging voltage and current
378
379 * Check connections 
380 )))
381 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
382 The unit does not appear to trickle charge via the external connector
383 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
384 * Check external power connections
385
386 * Ensure solar panel is not obstructed and receiving direct sunlight
387
388 * The seismic recorder may be damaged from a pervious overvoltage/ current state on the external power line, try an alternative unit
389 )))
390 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
391 The charging indicator lights up but the power indicator does not
392 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
393 * The power indicator is controlled by a single charging chip and will light up when sufficient power is applied to fully charge the batteries
394
395 * This feedback is normal whilst trickle charging
396
397 * May indicate that one or more of the charging circuits is faulty
398 )))
399 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
400 Power Light is on but both charged and charging light is off
401 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
402 * Can be caused by the unit being above 40°C and surpassed the recommended charging temperature of the batteries
403
404 * One or more of the cells could be damaged and need to be replaced
405 )))
406 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
407 The battery charged LED does not turn on after a full charge is expected
408 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
409 * This LED is prone to failure and may need to be replaced
410 )))
411 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
412 The battery pack has swelled and is difficult to insert remove
413 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
414 * There is a damaged cell which will need to be replaced
415 )))
416
417
418
419 (% class="table-bordered" style="width:1064px" %)
420 |(% colspan="2" style="width:1061px" %)(((
421 **Hardware Errors **
422 )))
423 |(% style="width:285px" %)(((
424 **Error **
425 )))|(% style="width:775px" %)(((
426 **Solution **
427 )))
428 |(% style="width:285px" %)(((
429 The unit does not start
430 )))|(% style="width:775px" %)(((
431 * Check input voltages and fuse
432
433 * Check voltage rails and port voltage outputs
434
435 * Reprogram the unit
436 )))
437 |(% style="width:285px" %)(((
438 The battery gauge has an unexpected voltage
439 )))|(% style="width:775px" %)(((
440 * Try another battery to confirm error
441
442 * Replace RV7 as it is prone to failure
443 )))
444 |(% style="width:285px" %)(((
445 The SD card won’t lock in or isn’t detected
446 )))|(% style="width:775px" %)(((
447 * Clean the connector with some compressed air
448
449 * Replace the SD card
450
451 * Reformat the card (FAT32)
452 )))
453
454
455 = Sensors =
456
457 Sensors can be tested in many ways...
458
459 == ... via Centaur (Nanometrics sensors) ==
460
461 GUIDE TO TEST VIA CENTAUR
462
463 == ... via data comparision (vs S1.AUANU) ==
464
465 CODE & Guide to use code
466
467
468 = Solar Panels =
469
470 //(originally written by F. Bozinovic November 2024)//
471
472 Testing solar panels is vital for any remote seismic station, since role of the solar panel ensures that the batteries are kept charged throughout the day. Therefore, reliably testing them ensures only the working panels are installed on remote sites, ensuring success of the site operation and serviceability.
473
474 This procedure describes the method for testing solar panels and determining how to identify defective panels. The testing of solar panels should be performed outdoors, under bring sun to obtain accurate results.
475
476 **DO NOT test solar panels indoors using room lighting, this does not provide adequate light energy and will not give reliable results. **
477
478
479 Following materials are required
480
481 * Solar panel for testing
482
483 * Digital multi-meter (DMM)
484
485 * Load Resistor (designated power resistor of known value)
486
487 * Wire leads
488
489 * Alligator clips
490
491 * Spreadsheet with formulae
492
493 * Marker/ pen
494
495 Test Method
496
497 1. Clearly label each solar panel to keep track of measurements.
498 1. Record the manufacturers power rating of the solar panel. **Perform all measurement outdoors under bright sunny conditions! **
499 1. Using wire leads and/ or alligator clips measure the open circuit Voltage and Current of the solar panel and record. **Make sure to change the dial on the DMM as taking measurement under incorrect setting will damage the DMM! **
500 1. Using wire leads and/ or alligator clips connect the Load Resistor and measure the Voltage across the resistor and record.
501
502 Ensure the load resistor value is accurately measured and recorded. A difference in 0.1 Ohms results in 1% power difference in calculated result.
503
504 Once all the solar panels have been tested and their results recorded, enter their values under the corresponding panel label in a spreadsheet. The cells containing preset formula will auto-populate and provide the results.
505
506 If the spreadsheets need to be developed, follow the steps in the next section.
507
508
509
510 Developing a spreadsheet
511
512 Create a spreadsheet with following cells
513
514
515
516 (% style="height:563px; width:433px" %)
517 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
518 Solar panel ID#
519 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
520
521 )))
522 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
523 Voltage (Voc)
524 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
525 Open circuit Voltage
526 )))
527 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
528 Current (Ioc)
529 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
530 Open circuit Current
531 )))
532 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
533
534 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
535
536 )))
537 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
538 VRL (Measured)
539 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
540 Voltage across load_R
541 )))
542 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
543 VRL (Theoretical)
544 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
545
546 )))
547 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
548
549 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
550
551 )))
552 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
553 Rated Power (Poc)
554 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
555 Theoretical Power
556 )))
557 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
558 Load Power (PRL)
559 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
560 Power under load
561 )))
562 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
563
564 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
565
566 )))
567 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
568 Power Loss %
569 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
570
571 )))
572 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
573 Load (RL)
574 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
575 Load resistor value
576 )))
577
578
579 For cells in rows (Solar panel #ID), (Voc), (Ioc), (Vrl), enter the recorded values.
580
581
582 **These values should be measured and NOT taken from the panel specification sticker. The values may appear same or similar but these are manufacturer factory values obtained under very strict control conditions. **
583
584
585 (Rload) cell is the Load Resistor value. This cell is a constant and does not need to be copied for all entries.
586
587
588 Inside the “Vrl (Theoretical)” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells.
589
590 [Equation]
591
592
593 Inside the “Rated Power” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells.
594
595 [Equation]
596
597
598 Inside the “Load Power” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells.
599
600 [Equation]
601
602
603 Inside the “Power Loss %” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells.
604
605 The calculated values that are negative represent power loss, and positive values are power gain. Performing “conditional formatting” on these cells with colour gradient (defined by colour break limits) would yield visually easy to recognise defective panels. 
606
607
608 [Equation]
609
610
611 Perform all the calculations for each solar panel ID entered.
612
613 Solar panels with power loss of 20% or more should be clearly marked as defective and not be used in any future deployments.
614
615