www.ekopower.nl version oct-2008
The iBOX and EKO21N dataloggers are new (state-of-the-art) and very compact (improved design of the well known datalogger EKO21).
Several versions are available:
- The iBOX has an Ethernet connector and embedded
webserver with optional online
graphs
and optional wireless LAN (WLAN) WiFi
or GPRS router for Wireless WAN application
- The EKO21N has a serial connector (RS232 with
optional USB cable) and has ultra low power consumption
(up to 10 years operation with one battery
pack, ideal for remote applications if no communication is required)
- The EKO21N-iP has a wireless GPRS internet connection
and can send datafiles wireless (via internet) to a server
ideal for remote or mobile applications with
optional SMS alarm messages and online
graphs
The iBOX is intended for Ethernet network applications (also
over the internet),
cabled or wireless (WiFi or via GPRS/UMTS router)
The EKO21N systems are ideal for remote or mobile monitoring applications
(with ultra low power option).
The EKO21N-iP can send information wirless to internet (via GPRS):
datafiles, alarms from a remote location
(also with ultra low power option with battery life up to 5-10
years).
Both systems can be used for a wide range of monitoring applications
for eg:
nature & technology, energy & environment, laboratory
& industry
and for wind, weather and meteorology.
Refer also to the hardware manuals for EKO21N
and iBOX
Refer also to the datasheets for EKO21N
and iBOX
The iBOX / EKO21N systems are easy to use, accurate and reliable
datalogger system essential for e.g.
wind energy feasibility studies, meteorology, weather stations,
energy and environment.
Controling and working
with the iBOX / EKO21N is made easy with this Control Program
for Windows.
For best possible performance of
the system as a whole read this manual carefully before using
the system.
When installing the software take note of the Tips!
If
you need to go into the field take this manual with you in order
to solve possible problems.
All the text printed
Italic are buttons or menu options which can be used in the program.
Text printed underlined are important notes and tips.
Notes before starting:
Use a computer with
serial RS 232 port (or USB port with Serial Cable) and a
SD Card drive for reading the memory cards.
Most notebook PC's has one or two PCMCIA (or PC Card) drives.
By using the SD to PCMCIA / PC CARD adaptor a SD
memory card can be read in every PCMCIA (PC CARD) drive.
A desktop computer can be equiped with an external
SD Card Memory drive (available from your supplier),
which can be connected to the USB port. This equipment is also
available from your local computer supplier.
Note that the SD Card Memory card is a (solid state) harddisk.
Windows will install this card as a hard disk!
After
you inserted a SD Card memory card into the slot Windows should
add a drive letter on your computer.
The added drive letter should be selected in the setup of the
iBOX-EKO21N Control software.
Installing the Control Software on a Windows 95/98/2000/NT/XP
based PC.
The software setup program (in a zip file) will
either be mailed to you or put on an extra SD Card.
Copy the zip file in a directory on your computer. Unzip the file and run the setup.exe file.
The
Install Wizard will guide you through the installation process.
Tip: When the Install Wizard prompts you for a destination directory
in which to install the software
change its name into a shorter and easier to use directory name
by pressing the change Directory button
e.g. C:\iBOX-EKO21N (C:\ or D:\ depends on the hard drive you
want to use).
After installing the Control Software you have to copy the supplied Configuration file into the same folder in which the Control Software is installed.
This configuration
file comes together with the software and will be mailed to you or put on an
extra SD Card. The configuration file name is formatted as follows:
- Configuration-E.003 for an iBOX (E
for Ethernet) with logger identification code 3.
- Configuration-G.009 for an EKO21N-iP (G for GPRS+RS232 interface) with logger identification code 9.
After installing the program you can start using the program.
Press the START button and choose PROGRAMS. Select
the iBOX-EKO21N program and start the program.
(Refer to the Windows Help about making a shortcut to the Desktop)
Select the supplied Configuration file see below and enter.
The SD Card drive should be specified when
the memory card menu is choosen
First put in a SD card in the slot or SD reader and Windows
will recognize the drive letter.
Select the card drive letter which is indicated by Windows.
The serial port nr should be selected when serial connection is
made (usual port nr 1).
Logger Description
You can give a description of your iBOX or EKO21N. You can enter
eg the project name or location of the system.
Your system is now ready to work with the iBOX or EKO21N Datalogger.
With the Control Software you are able to control and manage wind
measurement projects in a fast, easy and reliable way
Note: For EKO21N-iP the GPRS module needs to be
programmed before use, see the hardware manual of the EKO21N
Every time you use the iBOX-EKO21N Control Software the last used configuration file is opened automatically.
If you want to use
a different Configuration File of a particular iBOX or EKO21N select it from the
drop-down list box.
All options available in the Memory Cards menu interact with the SD memory card, which should be in the SD slot
Prepare Card enables you to make a memory card ready for use
with an iBOX or EKO21N. "Prepare Card" clears all data
on that card and creates a file with default name
iBOX-EKO21.DAT
The size of this file is equal to the size of the formatted card.
After preparing a card it can be inserted into the iBOX or EKO21N
and a measuring period will start. Before a card can be prepared
it needs to be formatted using Windows and may not contain any
files! The parameters (which are defined in the other menu parts
like Change Parameters) are written at the card, like:
- The Identification Text identifies a specific measurement location or period
- Sample interval (determines how often a sample is taken)
- Record Interval determines after how many samples data should
be written to card (with average value and optional min/max/standard
deviation)
Notes: (there are some important notes, please read these carefully)
Downloading data through a SD card reader (either via SD reader via USB to desktop or via PCMCIA slot with SD card adaptor) is the fastest way of downloading possible. Press the Start button to start downloading. Select a directoy where the data should be saved. The file name format is "year month day - hour minute second_n.log". One datafile can contain a maximum of 65000 data lines. Data above 6500 lines will be put into a similar file but n will be increased. (e.g. 230908-112311_1.log, 230908-112311_2.log, 230908-112311_3.log, etc).
The progress bar indicates the progress of downloading. After downloading the program asks you if you want to prepare the card.
It is possible to change the Measurement
Parameters (and Configuration data) by preparing the memory card
again.
Parameters included are Identification Text which identifies a
specific measurement period, Sample and Record Interval and Timing
Method etc.
After connecting the supplied serial cable it is possible to
make contact with the logger through your serial communication
port.
When connected correctly the "RS232=ON" LED will light
up.
Note: When a PC is connected to the logger through a serial communications
port the logger consumes more power.
If you do not use this connection please remove the serial cable.
With this option it is possible to check the operation of
the logger, see below (iBOX via wenbserver)
If the operation is not ok the type of error is given here e.g.
a full card, low power, etc.
Besides checking for errors it is also a good tool for viewing
the settings e.g. sample and record interval, number of input
channels, etc.
he status is also displayed at the iBOX or EKO21 with LEDS, see
below.
Nomally the green LEDS Operation OK and Power supply OK are flashing
during each sample.
When card is not OK it may also be that a card with wrong
code is entered
This is another useful tool for checking the operation of the
EKO21N (iBOX via webserver!).
The instantaneous value of every active channel is displayed in
the first column and is updated every sample interval.
The last recorded values are displayed in the other columns. The
last recorded values are updated every record interval.
Downloading data through serial port is much slower than downloading
through PC card drive and consumes much more power!
Note: With every logging that is sent by the EKO21N a sumcheck
is sent with it. If the sumcheck made by the EKO21N differs
from the sumcheck made by the PC an error is generated. That particular
logging is sent again until no errors are detected.
When 25 errors are received downloading is stopped! Usually these
errors occur because of a bad (telephone) connection.
Try downloading a few hours later, if the problem persists check
your modem or contact your telephone company.
After downloading check the data for errors. If everything looks
allright you can clear the card or continue without clearing.
When you clear the card the program asks you if you want to change
sample or record interval.
Use this option to copy the local time/date to the time/date on the logger. Before changing the time make sure the local time (on your PC) is correct (refer to Windows Help on setting time/date on your PC). After setting the time/date the iBOX resets but data remains on the card.
It is possible to change the sample and record interval without preparing the memory card. After changing these parameters data which was already on the memory card will NOT be lost. Notes:
When using a EKO21N with RS232 and a modem, you can make a
dial-in connection.
First fill in an telephone number and press Save. Then click on
Serial Communications.
When the dialing is finished, you can see the status and current
values of the datalogger
In this menu can be set:
The sample interval can be changed with menu: Change parameters- Sample & record interval and prepare card again .There are some important notes, please read these carefully: If there is data (which is not downloaded) on the card before preparing it the program will respond with a warning and will NOT prepare the card. Download the data from the card first (check if data is correct!) and try preparing it again. The program will erase all data on the card and prepare it. The card is now ready for use in the iBOX or EKO21N.
If a card is prepared for use in logger 1 (with Logger Code 1) and inserted in logger 2 (with LoggerCode 2) it will respond with the error message "Card not Prepared" (on LEDS and through the Status option). Download possible present data using the Configuration file belonging to logger 1 and prepare the card using Configuration file belonging to logger 2. Insert card into logger 2 and logging will start.
Choose menu: Change parameters - Upload interval
Upload data/current every: fill in after how many samples data/current
values must be send.
Data arrival interval: after how many minutes/hours a data/current
file will be uploaded to a server.
Note: when changing upload intervals, data arrival interval will
automatically be changed to.
DO NOT SELECT VERY SHORT INTERVALS
Note: The data of the datalogger iBOX or EKO21N-iP is (default) send -for testing purposes- to a directory of the www.ekopower.net website. The name of the directory is equal to the logger code (e.g. if logger code 22 the directory name is i022, 3 digits). You can go to this directory with your browser (e.g. www.ekopower.net/i022) You have to enter the password and username. (see separate project sheet). Another way to retrieve the datafile from the server is to go with your browser to the protected directory, right click on the file name you want to download and save the file. In this c
The EKO21N-iP system is supplied with programmed ready for
use GPRS modem.
The GPRS settings are entered (by Ekopower) in the control software
according to the received SIM card (if available).
Also the password in the EKO21 control software for internet operation
is entered.
Also the server settings are default entered for the www.ekopower.net
test website and saved in the configuration file.
We recommend that you save this file separately for backup. You
need to enter your own server data (you may use the server of
your website).
The GPRS modems is usulally already programmed in advance and
loaded with the communication parameters in memory registers,
like server, passwords, data GPRS provider, but not in all cases:
some customers wnat to do it themselves or modify it.
To change the present GPRS settings follow this procedure carefully!
To enable the GPRS modem for sending data using your own FTP server
it needs to know different things like: (refer to picture below)
At first prepare the GPRS modem, see also the hardware manual
of the EKO21N part A12
- Put a sim card in the slot of the GPRS modem: GPRS data card,
with de-activated pin code (you can do that with a mobile
phone)
- Connect GPRS modem to PC using the supplied serial cable with
GPRS adaptor
- Connect this cable to the pc-com port (selected in the setup)
and the GPRS modem and connect power to GPRS unit
(apply voltage between 6 and 15V Volt, red =+!)
APN server and login properties (APN setting are provided
by the GPRS network provider).
Note that a sim card without pin code must be used in the
GPRS modem
You can disable the pin code of a sim card by putting the sim
card in a mobile telephone.
If international contact is required ask the GPRS provider to
activate roaming
For the destination FTP server is default entered the ekopower.net
server for testing purposes.
Note: you can change this server, eg use your own website: you
can use the www.yoursite.com data!
Do not forget to make a directory in advance!
You have to change the preset FTP settings for your own server!
After entering all the required settings, press save and after
that the modem can be programmed using the ”Initialize modem”
button.
After succesful programming of the GPRS modem disconnect power
from modem and reconnect again ("cold start").
Then try to send a testfile by pressing the “Send Test File”
button.
Then check the testfile is received at the server, using your
FTP program.
If email or SMS alarm is implemented do the same .
Note that some email providers require password for sending mail!
Note: for software version 4.1.0 or higher refer to example below!
The iBOX system is supplied with programmed ready for use and
with settings are usually entered (by Ekopower) in the control
software
for test purposes (entered for the www.ekopower.net). We recommend
that you save the original configuration file separately for backup.
You have to change the preset server settings for your own
server!
NOTE:
> HOW to find the iP adres of a server?
Start - execute - cmd<enter>
Ping www.servername.com<enter>, see example below, so the
ip address of www.ekopower.net is 194.109.6.971
The logger configuration can only be changed by autorized
users: password is available upon request.
In this menu can be set:
Select the input channels activated on your Logger. Note: A
selected channel has a fixed Input Type.
After you have selected a channel, you can fill in a Quantity
and a Unit (for example Quantity=Temperature and Unit=C).
Select a Minimum, Maximum, Average, Deviation or a Log sample.
Note: If Log sample is selected then all other options will be
disabled.
The define alarm via SMS or e-mail can be set or changed by channel.
Afterwards the memory card needs to be prepared (all new parameters
are saved on the card and the logger read this data at start-up).
Alarms
Alarms can be specified: with several possibilities (higher/lower/between
an alarm value)
2 alarms with hardware output for switching are possible
and alarms for sending sms/ email alarm notifications
After starting the program there is no Configuration file listed.
The program can not find any Configuration files in the directory
in which the program is installed. Copy your Configuration file
into the directory in which the program is installed. Setup can
not find a serial communication port.
No port installed on your computer, or installation is incorrect.
Refer to windows help. Setup can not find pc card drive.
No SD card drive installed on your computer, or installation is
incorrect. Refer to windows help on using memory cards. The Memory
Cards option can not be selected.
There is no PC Card Drive selected. Run Setup to install the correct
PC Card Drive. The Serial Connection option can not be selected.
There is no serial communication port selected. Run setup to install
the correct port. The Modem option can not be selected.
There is no serial communication port selected or no phonenumber
is entered. Run setup to install the correct port. Enter the phone
number. "No memory card in slot present" error.
There is no memory card in the slot which is installed by the
setup option. Put the memory card in the correct slot or run setup
to change the PC card drive.
"No logger found" error.
Check if the logger is connected correctly to the PC. Check if
the correct serial communication port is used. Check if the correct
communication speed (baudrate) is used.
After preparing the iBOX reacts with a "card not prepared"
error.
The card is not correctly formatted under Windows. Format
the card correctly before preparing the card (refer to Windows
help on Formatting memory Cards: go to this computer, select the
SD Card drive (so the icon will be blue) then select File, Format
(be SURE you selected the right drive!!)
NOTE: some mentioned features may not yet be available, other may be added already: ask your supplier for details
EKOPOWER reservers the right to change specifications and functions without prior notice, for improvement of the system
The Metaalunie conditions are applicable for applaication of this system.