DATALOGGER DL 15

The DL15 Weather Station Data-Logger forms the centre - unit of a system providing the basic needs of a data capture unit through to a fully automated solar - powered weather station. The unit will accept and store data from a wide range of meteorological and environmental sensors, storing the data in a 256 k byte randomaccess memory. Downloading of the data is achieved through either a standard 256k byte 'smartcard' or an RS 232/422 lap-top computer connection or in an online mode using a telephone modem and a PC. Alternatively, the data can be transmitted immediately when it is required, in situations such as airtraffic control.

Provided with a 2-line, 16-characters LCD display the basic unit will accept 5 digital and 10 analogue inputs, each provided with its own input-matching card. However; by using an expansion board, the number and types of input can be varied to suit the application. Normally, the 'zeros' and relative settings of the sensors in use for each input-card are 'factory-set'.

The DL15 is supplied complete with menu-driven software in EPROM which also permits connection with the unit using only a basic terminal without the need for additional software.

Additional optional features include alarm functions and relay outputs, to activate visual and audible alarms at excessive measured levels, or to activate associated equipment. A further advanced option includes synthesised speech output-readings to a telephone system for dial-up interrogation.

The basic unit is contained for security and weather-proofing in a locked IP 65 steel housing. The unit's high-quality construction and capability in remote operation makes it particularly suitable for installation in difficult and harsh environmental operating conditions.

Data Transfer

The data can be read from the memory of the data logger by three different methods:

• Standard 256 kByte Smartcard
• Lap-top Computer via the RS 232 Socket
• Through aTelephone Modem and a PC
• Instantaneous Data Transmission (Special Option)
• Automatic Alarm Activation (Special Option)

NOTE: The reading of the memory data requires a Readling Unit when the Smartcard is used

Sensors Digital and Analogue

A large number of meteorology, environmental research and aviation authorities already use high-precision Thies instruments for the interpretation of weather data. All of these instruments are directly compatible with the DL15 Data Logger and will together form a modern system to satisfy government legislation and the needs of commerce and industry which demands environmental and meteorological monitoring and recording.

Simple Operating and Monitoring

The data logger is 'user friendly' and is easily set up by reference to the LCD display and operation of three push- buttons which control the data transfer and the time intervals. The operation of all the internal functions are menu driven.

Power Requirements

The unit is normally powered by a 12 volt 3.2 Ah battery (contained within the steel case) which if desired can be continually charged by a solar-powered charging system. Alternatively, an external 12 volt d.c. supply, or as an option a 115/230 volt a.c. mains supply can be used. An internal buffer memory is incorporated which ensures that the data is retained if power is interrupted or when the battery is exchanged.

Inputs

The DL15 will accept inputs from a very wide range of sensors used in meteorological, environmental and hydrological monitoring systems.

Typical analogue inputs include temperature, humidity, solar radiation and barometric pressure. Digital inputs include sunshine, precipitation and rainfall. Connection of windspeed and direction inputs using serial data in ASCII code occupies the optional serial input channel. This feature enables a wide range of related instruments which deliver ASCII code to integrated into the system.

The sensor interrogation time and the writing of data into memory can be between 1 second and 60 minutes, or in the span of 1 minute to 24 hours.

To ensure maximum memory use, the system allows the average as well as the sum and extreme values to be stored, together with the date and time in the cyclic memory.

Software

The operation of the unit is menu-driven through its own internal software and features easy access to the stored data related to the date and time of day and in addition the cyclic reading of data and the memory cycle (one minute to 24 hours). These are menu-controlled using well proven software developed for the Thies Automatic Weather Stations.

The memorised data is stored in a separate internal 256 k byte random access memory, which for example would provide 9400 average values and 1000 extreme values if connected to seven sensors. The downloading of data and graphical format, i.e. presentation and processing of data is carried out using a standard PC with the aid of programs such as Unisoft or Skyview Advisor Systems.

All data is available in ASCII code and therefore is available for analysis and display using standard programs.

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