www.ekopower.nl                                                                       version 7.0  Rev sept 2010     

SOFTWARE MANUAL
iBOX datalogger control software

- datasheet for  iBOX
- information at web page about iBOX dataloggers

Refer also to:
- hardware manual of  iBOX
- application note for low power iBOX
- application note for use of 3G/GPRS wireless router
- application note for WiFi/3G networks
 

NEW EKO-options:
* ULTRA LOW POWER version available for battery operation at remote sites
* 3G router with EKO switch in order to save energy and less HF electromagnetic fields
* Small low cost WiFi module available, including EKO switch in order to save energy and WiFi Fields

Introduction       

For best possible performance of the system as a whole read this manual carefully before using the system. 

The iBOX dataloggers are new (state-of-the-art) and very compact, easy to use, accurate and flexible
datalogger systems which can be supplied in standard versions or according customers specifications.
and can be used for a wide range of monitoring applications for eg:
nature & technology, energy & environment, laboratory & industry etc
.     
The iBOX has an Ethernet connector and embedded webserver with optional online graphs and webdisplay
Optional  ultra low power versions are available and with wireless LAN (WLAN via WiFi) or
Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) using a GPRS/3G router: ideal for remote or mobile applications!

Two way remote communication is possible via Ethernet or over the Internet
(also from remote locations with wireless GPRS/3G/UMTS/WiMAX router):
- The embedded webserver of the iBOX is available for setup, adjusting parameters and reading values etc
- The iBOX can send automatically values and collected datafiles at preset intervals to  a specified server
The values can be displayed in optional online graphs and/or  webdisplay(s)  according to the requirements.

Besides Standard version also customised systems are available for eg: wind energy feasibility
studies, meteorology, weather stations, energy and environment.
Also special projects (according your specifications) are carried out with the iBOX.
 

Setup and Operation

The installation should be carried out by qualified technicians.
See separate mounting instructions for specific projects.

The setup of the iBOX is easy using this Control Program for Windows for adjusting all parameters, which are written
at the SD memory card. After preparation of the SD card the operation can start by putting the SD card in the iBOX.
After start all LEDS are sequentially flashing and the only the green LED "operation ON will flash at the
adjusted sample frequency.

For operation it is also possible to use the embedded webserver and to change some of the most used parameters
Refer to part WEBSERVER
                     
                                  
                               


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:

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 iBOX 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 iBOX has NO serial connection, but Ethernet connector with embededed webserver!



Logger Description
You can give a description of your iBOX. You can enter eg the project name or location of the system.

Your system is now ready to work with the iBOX Datalogger.

Using the iBOX-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 iBOX.
"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 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 iBOX.
• 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  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 all datalogger & 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, Timing Method , Ethernet settings etc. The configuration is written at the SD card.
 

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

In this menu can be set:

• sample and record intervals
• internet upload intervals
• ethernet settings and iP address of iBOX

Sample & Record interval

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

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 iBOX can be send -for testing & evaluation purposes- to a directory of our server.

Ethernet Settings

You have to change the preset FTP settings if you are using your own server!

  
   GPRS Settings of GPRS router see additional note supplied with the 3G/GPRSrouter
   See also:
   - application note for low power iBOX
   - application note for use of 3G/GPRS wireless router
   - application note for WiFi/3G networks
 
   When a (wireless) Router  (or WiFi Bridge) is used for ultra low power application at remote site you can adjust
   (in advance)  some  parameters:
   > Wait time is the time the system wait for a respons from the network
   > Keep alive time is the time the system is available for contact, see also the notes below:

• for iBOX: now also Ultra Low Power version (ULP) is available (version 7 and higher) and with an energy saving
  switch for switching the router (eg 12 V DC ) on only during communication
  so it can operate with a battery or small solar power supply at remote sites.
• When a GPRS/3G router is used an ultra low power wireless system is possible, ideal for remote sites.
  The router will switch automatically on when the iBOX want to send data (at adjustable intervals).
• When you use a wireless router we recommend to use a sim card with fixed ip number,
  so you can make direct contact with the webserver for reading values and changing parameters
  (see also manual of iBOX)
  (additional instructions available when GPRS/3G router is supplied with the system)

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 . 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>

The embedded WEBSERVER

Some parameters are also adjustable using the embedded webserver of the iBOX.
Just make contact with a PC in a network using your browser, hardware manual for  iBOX l
See also:
Help   embedded webserver
Demo embedded webserver


NOTE: the webserver may -temporary- be not accessible during an FTP session
(during sending a file to server)


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)
  

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 WEBSERVER



See  Help  embedded webserver
 

Status

The status of the system can be displayed via the Webserver.

The operational status of the iBOX is also displayed via the LEDs at the iBOX module.
Nomally the 2 green LEDS at the iBOX are flashing : 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.

 

Values

This is another useful tool for checking the operation of the 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.

Parameters

Use this option to enter parameters, see  Help  embedded webserver.

After setting the time/date the iBOX resets but data remains on the card.
If you reset the time the system will restart (for synchronisation purposes eg start at 12:00)

Control

If hardware is implemented up to 3 switches can be operated via your browser.
The state of the switch is displayed in the Status menu.
The switch has an open collector output and can be expanded with a power relay
(220V/6A)

> 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 & SENSORS

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 !

> 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.

>After preparing the iBOX 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.