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Version 4.1 by robert on 2024/12/02 13:21
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robert 1.1 1 {{box cssClass="floatinginfobox" title="**Contents**"}}
2 {{toc/}}
3 {{/box}}
4
5 = Data Loggers (TSAWR & LPR-200) =
6
robert 3.1 7 //(originally written by F. Bozinovic March 2024)//
robert 1.1 8
robert 3.1 9 == Items Required ==
robert 1.1 10
robert 3.1 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
robert 1.1 21
robert 3.1 22 == Power Test ==
robert 1.1 23
robert 3.1 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.
robert 1.1 25
26
robert 3.1 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
robert 4.1 53 === System information ===
robert 3.1 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
robert 4.1 62 === Charging ===
robert 3.1 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
robert 4.1 88 === Recording test ===
robert 3.1 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
robert 4.1 203 (% class="table-condensed" style="width:888px" %)
robert 3.1 204 |(% colspan="2" style="width:885px" %)(((
205 **Error Screen Warnings **
206 )))
207 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
208 **Error **
209 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
210 **Solution **
211 )))
212 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
213 Antenna open or short circuit
214 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
215 * Check antenna connection
216
217 * Replace antenna if faulty
218 )))
219 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
220 GPS initialisation failed
221 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
222 * A GPS communications issue has occurred
223
224 * Restart the unit
225 )))
226 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
227 Failed to acquire GPS fix
228 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
229 * Reposition the antenna so that it is not obstructed
230
231 * Either monitor the GPS info screen or restart the system to monitor if a fix is now acquired
232 )))
233 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
234 SD card is not inserted
235 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
236 * Insert a FAT32 formatted SD card
237 )))
238 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
239 FAT32 Initialisation failed
240 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
241 * Ensure the SD card is FAT32 formatted
242
243 * Reinsert card to reinitialise or replace
244 )))
245 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
246 SD card initialisation failed
247 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
248 * Ensure the SD card is FAT32 formatted
249
250 * Reinsert card to reinitialise or replace
251 )))
252 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
253 RTC synchronisation failed
254 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
255 * Ensure GPS is operating correctly
256
257 * Else communications to RTC failed, restart the unit
258 )))
259 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
260 Start time precedes RTC time
261 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
262 * Alter the start time noting the current time
263 )))
264 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
265 End time precedes the start time
266 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
267 * Alter either the start or stop time
268 )))
269 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
270 Record start time is not set
271 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
272 * Record start mode is set to On Time but the start values have not been set
273
274 * Set the start time and date fields ensuring the ENT key is used to set each digit
275 )))
276 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
277 Record end time not set
278 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
279 * Record end mode is set to On Time but the end values have not been set
280
281 * Set the end time and date fields ensuring the ENT key is used to set each digit
282 )))
283 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
284 SEED initialisation failed
285 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
286 * Ensure GPS, RTC and SD card have all initialised correctly
287 )))
288 |(% style="width:246px" %)(((
289 Write error
290 )))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
291 * The SD card may have run out of room during recording
292
293 * Ensure the SD card is adequately sized for the intended use
294
295 * Alternatively the SD card may be faulty and need to be replaced
296 )))
297
298
robert 4.1 299 (% class="table-condensed" style="width:1063px" %)
robert 3.1 300 |(% colspan="2" style="width:1060px" %)(((
301 **General System Errors **
302 )))
303 |(% style="width:279px" %)(((
304 **Error **
305 )))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
306 **Solution **
307 )))
308 |(% style="width:279px" %)(((
309 The unit does not start
310 )))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
311 * Ensure the battery pack being used is fully charged and replace if necessary
312
313 * Connect communications via the monitor port and restart the unit to determine whether it is just the display which is faulty
314
315 * Disconnect external connections to see whether they are blowing the internal fuse1
316
317 * Else use an alternative unit
318 )))
319 |(% style="width:279px" %)(((
320 The screen does not respond to wakeup during recording
321 )))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
322 * Wait 30-45 seconds before reattempting  as the display will not respond while the unit is writing data to disc
323
324 * Connect communications via the monitor port to ensure there is not a display issue
325
326 * The battery may have gone flat during recording and the unit will not respond
327 )))
328 |(% style="width:279px" %)(((
329 There is no response from the seismometer
330 )))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
331 * Ensure the seismometer is connected correctly
332
333 * Ensure the appropriate seismometer model is selected in the system configuration screen
334
335 * Try an alternative seismometer
336
337 * Restart the unit to reinitialise the ADCs
338
339 * Try an alternative unit
340 )))
341 |(% style="width:279px" %)(((
342 The display does not respond to commands
343 )))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
344 * The buttons may be faulty or the unit may have frozen
345
346 * Restart or try an alternative unit
347 )))
348
robert 4.1 349 (% class="table-condensed" style="width:1066px" %)
robert 3.1 350 |(% colspan="2" style="width:1063px" %)(((
351 **Battery Errors **
352 )))
353 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
354 **Error **
355 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
356 **Solution **
357 )))
358 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
359 The unit never fully charges
360 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
361 * There may be an issue with one or more cells
362
363 * Cease charging immediately and use an alternative battery pack
364 )))
365 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
366 The unit does not live up to expected life cycle
367 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
368 * There is a damaged cell
369
370 * Use an alternative battery pack
371 )))
372 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
373 The unit does not charge at all (none of the indicators light up)
374 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
375 * Check charging voltage and current
376
377 * Check connections 
378 )))
379 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
380 The unit does not appear to trickle charge via the external connector
381 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
382 * Check external power connections
383
384 * Ensure solar panel is not obstructed and receiving direct sunlight
385
386 * The seismic recorder may be damaged from a pervious overvoltage/ current state on the external power line, try an alternative unit
387 )))
388 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
389 The charging indicator lights up but the power indicator does not
390 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
391 * The power indicator is controlled by a single charging chip and will light up when sufficient power is applied to fully charge the batteries
392
393 * This feedback is normal whilst trickle charging
394
395 * May indicate that one or more of the charging circuits is faulty
396 )))
397 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
398 Power Light is on but both charged and charging light is off
399 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
400 * Can be caused by the unit being above 40°C and surpassed the recommended charging temperature of the batteries
401
402 * One or more of the cells could be damaged and need to be replaced
403 )))
404 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
405 The battery charged LED does not turn on after a full charge is expected
406 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
407 * This LED is prone to failure and may need to be replaced
408 )))
409 |(% style="width:289px" %)(((
410 The battery pack has swelled and is difficult to insert remove
411 )))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
412 * There is a damaged cell which will need to be replaced
413 )))
414
415
robert 4.1 416 (% class="table-condensed" style="width:1064px" %)
robert 3.1 417 |(% colspan="2" style="width:1061px" %)(((
418 **Hardware Errors **
419 )))
420 |(% style="width:285px" %)(((
421 **Error **
422 )))|(% style="width:775px" %)(((
423 **Solution **
424 )))
425 |(% style="width:285px" %)(((
426 The unit does not start
427 )))|(% style="width:775px" %)(((
428 * Check input voltages and fuse
429
430 * Check voltage rails and port voltage outputs
431
432 * Reprogram the unit
433 )))
434 |(% style="width:285px" %)(((
435 The battery gauge has an unexpected voltage
436 )))|(% style="width:775px" %)(((
437 * Try another battery to confirm error
438
439 * Replace RV7 as it is prone to failure
440 )))
441 |(% style="width:285px" %)(((
442 The SD card won’t lock in or isn’t detected
443 )))|(% style="width:775px" %)(((
444 * Clean the connector with some compressed air
445
446 * Replace the SD card
447
448 * Reformat the card (FAT32)
449 )))
450
robert 1.1 451 = Sensors =
452
453 Sensors can be tested in many ways...
454
robert 3.1 455 == ... via Centaur (Nanometrics sensors) ==
robert 1.1 456
robert 3.1 457 GUIDE TO TEST VIA CENTAUR
robert 1.1 458
robert 3.1 459 == ... via data comparision (vs S1.AUANU) ==
robert 1.1 460
robert 3.1 461 CODE & Guide to use code
robert 1.1 462
463
464 = Solar Panels =
465
466 //(originally written by F. Bozinovic November 2024)//
467
468 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.
469
470 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.
471
robert 4.1 472 (% class="box warningmessage" %)
473 (((
474 DO NOT test solar panels indoors using room lighting, this does not provide adequate light energy and will not give reliable results.
475 )))
robert 1.1 476
477
478 Following materials are required
479
480 * Solar panel for testing
481 * Digital multi-meter (DMM)
482 * Load Resistor (designated power resistor of known value)
483 * Wire leads
484 * Alligator clips
485 * Spreadsheet with formulae
486 * Marker/ pen
487
488 Test Method
489
490 1. Clearly label each solar panel to keep track of measurements.
491 1. Record the manufacturers power rating of the solar panel. **Perform all measurement outdoors under bright sunny conditions! **
492 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! **
493 1. Using wire leads and/ or alligator clips connect the Load Resistor and measure the Voltage across the resistor and record.
494
495 Ensure the load resistor value is accurately measured and recorded. A difference in 0.1 Ohms results in 1% power difference in calculated result.
496
497 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.
498
499 If the spreadsheets need to be developed, follow the steps in the next section.
500
501
502
503 Developing a spreadsheet
504
505 Create a spreadsheet with following cells
506
507
508
robert 4.1 509 (% class="table-bordered" style="height:563px; width:433px" %)
robert 1.1 510 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
511 Solar panel ID#
512 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
robert 4.1 513 Measurement
robert 1.1 514 )))
515 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
516 Voltage (Voc)
517 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
518 Open circuit Voltage
519 )))
520 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
521 Current (Ioc)
522 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
523 Open circuit Current
524 )))
525 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
526
527 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
528
529 )))
530 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
531 VRL (Measured)
532 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
533 Voltage across load_R
534 )))
535 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
536 VRL (Theoretical)
537 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
538
539 )))
540 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
541
542 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
543
544 )))
545 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
546 Rated Power (Poc)
547 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
548 Theoretical Power
549 )))
550 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
551 Load Power (PRL)
552 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
553 Power under load
554 )))
555 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
556
557 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
558
559 )))
560 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
561 Power Loss %
562 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
563
564 )))
565 |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
566 Load (RL)
567 )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
568 Load resistor value
569 )))
570
571 For cells in rows (Solar panel #ID), (Voc), (Ioc), (Vrl), enter the recorded values.
572
573
robert 4.1 574 (% class="box warningmessage" %)
575 (((
576 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.
577 )))
robert 1.1 578
579
580 (Rload) cell is the Load Resistor value. This cell is a constant and does not need to be copied for all entries.
581
582
583 Inside the “Vrl (Theoretical)” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells.
584
585 [Equation]
586
587
588 Inside the “Rated Power” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells.
589
590 [Equation]
591
592
593 Inside the “Load Power” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells.
594
595 [Equation]
596
597
598 Inside the “Power Loss %” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells.
599
600 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. 
601
602
603 [Equation]
604
605
606 Perform all the calculations for each solar panel ID entered.
607
608 Solar panels with power loss of 20% or more should be clearly marked as defective and not be used in any future deployments.
609
610