www.ekopower.nl                                                                       version 7.0  august  2009     
 

SOFTWARE MANUAL
EKO21N control software


Refer to the hardware manuals for EKO21N
Refer to the datasheets for EKO21N
Refer to webpage of EKO21

Introduction       

The EKO21N dataloggers are new (state-of-the-art) and very compact, easy to use and flexible.
The EKO21N ("stand alone" low power datalogger) 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
 (one way remote communication) , ideal for remote or mobile applications with optional SMS alarm messages
  and online graphs and webdisplay


All 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.

                                 
                                  
                               

The EKO21N systems are easy to use, accurate and reliable datalogger system essential for e.g.
besides general purposes, wind energy feasibility studies, meteorology, weather stations, energy and environment.
Controling and working with the 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  PC's (or notebook) has a SD card drive or USB port.
Any 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.

How to get started?

Installing the 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.

Using the Control Software for the first time

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

Using the EKO21N Control Software

Basic operations

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.

> Menu Memory Card

All options available in the Memory Cards menu interact with the SD memory card, which should be in the SD slot

Prepare Card

Prepare Card enables you to make a memory card ready for use with an 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
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)

• If there is data (which is not downloaded) on the card before preparing it the program will respond with a warning and will download the data from the card into a selectable directory. After downloading all data will be erased and the card will be prepared.
  The card is now ready for use in the 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.
• You may delete the iBOX-EKO21N.DAT file on the card if you want to use it for other logger configuration (save data first: download card for all data will be erased!) After erasing the SD card can be prepared again.
  

Read Data from Card (Download Data from SD card)

Downloading data through a SD card reader (either via SD reader via USB or SD drive of laptop) is the fastest way of downloading possible. Press the Start button to start downloading. Select a directoy where the data should be saved.
 

The progress bar indicates the progress of downloading. After downloading the program asks you if you want to prepare the card.

Change Parameters at SD 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.

Overview important logger parameters and possibilities how to set or change:
- via SD card means using the Control software and to prepare the card
- via the embedded webserver of the iBOX or iSENSE (iSENSE without logging function to SD card)
   >>>see Help   embedded webserver
   >>>see Demo embedded webserver

1) by setting time and date the system will restart, in this way it is possible to set a start time (eg 12:00)
    for synchronisation. Also the upload time can be changed in this way.

2) password protected

3) a practical tool for combining of downloaded files to one file is available, see manual here

4) some mentioned features may not yet be available as each system is supplied according your specifications
 

> Menu Serial Communication
            

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.

Status and current values

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

Current Values

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.

Download Data via serial connection

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.

  

Change Logger Parameters via serial connection

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:

• if you reset the time the system will restart (for synchronisation and start eg at 12:00)

 Change Settings:



You can change serial port setttings

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

> Menu Change Parameters
   (prepare card afterwards to make changes effective!)

In this menu can be set:

• sample and record intervals (for all models iBOX and EKO21N)
• internet upload intervals (only for iBOX and EKO21N-iP)
• GPRS settings (only for EKO21N-iP)
• ethernet settings (only for iBOX)
• serial settings (only for EKO21N or EKO21N-iP, GPRS modem disconnected)
  
  

Sample & Record interval (for all models iBOX and EKO21N)

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 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.

Upload intervals (Only EKO21N-iP with GPRS modem)

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
As the data is send in blocks of 512 bytes very short intervals are not possible.

A practical tool for combining of downloaded files to one file is available, see manual here

Calculation of used memory:
Each character has one byte ; (;=delimiter for separation of colums for eg import in Excel)
date        ; time       ; value1; value2 ;   etc
Example of one line with data:
12-03-09;12:26:25;32.25   ; 4.03    has 28 bytes

Note: The data of the datalogger EKO21N-iP can send -for testing & evaluation purposes- to a directory
of one of our servers.

GPRS Settings (Only EKO21N-iP : GPRS version) >>> see also additional instructions in hardware manual!

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!

> Menu Change Configuration

The logger configuration can only be changed by autorized users: password is available upon request.
In this menu can be set:

• ranges and units (preset at factory: do not change as this must be according to the physical inputs boards and connected sensors/signals!!)
• alarms: software alarms via SMS (and/ or email using GPRS modem) and hardware alarms: open collector output (if present in hardware)
• timing variables (do not change)
• NEVER CHANGE THE NR AND TYPE OF INPUTS AS THE SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION MUST MATCH WITH THE HARDWARE INPUTS & SENSOR

Inputs

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).

Counters

The counter value represents the value of 1 count (e.g. 0.2 mm for rain collector or 0.5 Wh for kWh transducer.).
The range is standard 12 bits. Combined counter have a range up to 24 bits (excluding optional pre-scaler).
Combined counters can be supplied also with battery backup, so a non-volatile kWh meter can be created.
In order to reset this type of counter an extra hardware-reset switch can be implemented.

Serial Sensors

Timing

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

Troubleshooting & Hints

> Procedure for changing the anemometer calibration:
When a calibrated anemometer must be exchanged, the channel configuration should be changed of that logger, according to the anemometer calibration data.
Follow this procedure:
* download all old data from cards, using the original configuration
* choose Memory Card, logger configuration and enter the password (available from your supplier)
* select in channel configuration the corresponding wind input channel
  note that: the calibration curve of a linear anemometer is expressed by: (refer to calibration certificate)
  v = af + b       v=wind speed (m/s), a=slope, f = frequency (Hz), b=offset (m/s)
  so in order to calibrate the datalogger according to the calibration data of the anemometer:
  - enter the new offset of the new anemometer (e.g. 0.365 m/s)
  - enter new maximum of the range . The new range for a calibrated anemometer is calculated via:
    old range * new slope/old slope  (eg new range = 50 * 0,76/ 0,77 (50 is old range, 0,76 is new slope, 0,77 is old slope)
* save the new configuration
* put the memory card of the logger in the SD Card slot of the PC
* prepare the card with the new configuration and put the memory card in the logger again

> Procedure for adjusting wind vane in software
The direction indication of the wind vane can be "fine tuned" in software.
Follow this procedure:
* download all old data from cards, using the original configuration
* choose Memory Card, logger configuration and enter the password (available from your supplier)
* select in channel configuration the corresponding wind vane channel and enter the required value in the offset field.
  Eg when you want that the direction must indicate 11 degrees more enter value 11.
  Note that the offset value must always be a positive value, so when you want to decrease the vane reading with eg 9 degrees
  you should add  (360-9)=351 degrees!
* save the new configuration
* put the memory card of the logger in the SD Card slot of the PC
* prepare the card with the new configuration and put the memory card in the logger again

> 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 an SD  card drive.
If an SD card drive is installed at your computer select the right SD card drive letter.
A SD Card drive can also realized via usb !

> There is no serial communication port selected.  
There is no serial communication port selected. Select Change parameters and then change settings.
You can check the active port nr in windows (see Contro Panel/System/Hardware/Device Manager)
If you use an USB to serial converter adjust the port number between 1 and 4 if possible.

> 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 and see which drive letter is active.

>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 EKO21N reacts with a "card not prepared" error.
The card is probably not prepared.
Note that it is NOT required to format the card. If you fotmat  the card you must do this using FAT (not FAT32)
and fast (without MS DOS starting up!)

HINTS

- a practical tool for combining of downloaded files to one file is available, see manual here

- if the system is not responding at all OR a LED is continiously ON :switch power off and reconnect again for restart
  (LEDS will be flashing and green LED wll flash dring sampling only)

EKOPOWER reservers the right to change specifications and functions without prior notice, for improvement of the system

The Metaalunie conditions are applicable for this system.