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METER ZL6 Manual

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Summary of Contents for METER ZL6

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    ....................1 2. Operation ....................2 2.1 Installation ....................2 2.2 Interfacing with ZL6 Using a Computer ............5 2.2.1 Configuration ................... 5 2.2.2 Cellular Communication Test ............10 2.2.3 Instantaneous Sensor Measurements Scan ........10 2.2.4 Data Download ................11 2.2.5 Data Deletion .................
  • Page 3 4. ZENTRA Software ................20 4.1 ZENTRA Utility ..................20 4.2 Button Toolbar ..................21 4.2.1 Data Logger Identification Area ............. 21 4.2.2 Active Sensors and Measurements Area ........22 4.2.3 Status Bar ..................22 4.2.4 Menu Bar..................22 4.2.5 Manage Settings Dialog ..............28 4.3 ZENTRA Cloud ..................

  • Page 5: Introduction

    1. INTRODUCTION Thank you for choosing the ZL6 data logger from METER Group. The ZL6 loggers are part of the ZENTRA System, a collection of data loggers, software, and compatible sensors to measure environmental parameters accurately and cost effectively. Please refer to ZL6 specifications at metergroup.com/zl6-support...

  • Page 6: Operation

    Consider testing the ZL6 and sensors in a lab or office prior to field installation to verify the correct operation of the system. The ZL6 can serve as a data collection station for as many as six sensors. It is designed for plug-and-play setup with all METER sensors, including the ATMOS weather sensors, TEROS...
  • Page 7 Use the loopholes on the top and bottom of the logger enclosure to mount the ZL6 to a post using the zip ties or a similar fastener (such as hose clamps). Ensure the logger is installed in an upright position to reduce the possibility of water entering the ZL6 enclosure.
  • Page 8 Thread cables near the ground through conduit or plastic cladding to avoid rodent damage. Plug the sensor stereo plug connectors firmly into the ZL6 input ports. Field Installation Put each cable in the corresponding strain relief hook and use thumb screws to (continued) tighten strain relief hook.

  • Page 9: Interfacing With Zl6 Using A Computer

    The measurement interval and sensor types must be set before data will be stored by the logger. To configure the ZL6 in ZENTRA Utility, refer to the following steps: Plug the micro-USB cable into the logger USB port and the computer USB port.
  • Page 10 Figure 2 COM port dropdown Click the Connect button next to the COM port dropdown menu (Figure 2). Once successfully connected, ZENTRA Utility displays the instantaneous sensor measurements from the ZL6 (Figure 3). Figure 3 ZENTRA Utility showing a connected ZL6 and its instantaneous measurements...
  • Page 11 Navigate to the Device Information tab (Figure 4). Figure 4 Device Information tab Enter a device name. This field is prepopulated with the device serial number. Consider changing the name to the field or plot where the ZL6 is installed. Navigate to the Sensor Configuration tab (Figure 5).
  • Page 12 Adjust the Measurement Interval to the desired time for storing sensor measurements. Section 3.2.2 provides more information on how the ZL6 makes measurements. 10. Confirm all sensors are plugged into the ZL6. 11. Ensure the correct sensor type is listed in each port tab (Figure 6).
  • Page 13 Figure 6 Select Sensor Type dropdown 12. Navigate to the Communication Settings tab (Figure 7). Figure 7 Communication Settings tab...

  • Page 14: Cellular Communication Test

    If the logger fails the test, move to a new location and try again. Sometimes, moving just a few meters will provide a successful connection. NOTE: The ZL6 antenna is inside the enclosure. An antenna extension cable can also be used to elevate the antenna for increased signal strength. Contact Customer Support for more information.

  • Page 15: Data Download

    ZENTRA Cloud can aslo be used to download stored data remotely (Section 4.3). 2.2.5 DATA DELETION It is not necessary to delete data on the ZL6. Once all of the memory has been used, the ZL6 will start overwriting the data starting with the oldest records.

  • Page 16: Interfacing With Zl6 Using A Smartphone

    NOTE: The measurement interval and sensor types must be set before data will be stored by the logger. ZENTRA Utility Mobile is used to configure the operational parameters of the ZL6. To configure ZL6 in ZENTRA Utility Mobile, refer to the following steps: On a smartphone, open the ZENTRA Utility Mobile application (Figure 9).

  • Page 17: System

    3. SYSTEM This section reviews the ZL6 data logger hardware features and configuration options. Use this information to help optimize each environmental monitoring setup. 3.1 SPECIFICATIONS Sensor Input Ports 6 (supports METER analog, digital, or pulse sensors) Sensor Port Type 3.5-mm stereo plug connector...

  • Page 18: Zl6 Hardware Components

    Manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 EM ISO/IEC 17050:2010 (CE Mark) 3.2 ZL6 HARDWARE COMPONENTS The ZL6 logger communicates through USB and through a Universal Mobile Telephone Service (UMTS) cellular module. This allows remote configuration and environmental measurement data transmission over a cellular network.

  • Page 19: Sensor Interface

    ZL6 will show Unrecognized Sensor in the Sensor Type dropdown. Some sensors (such as pulse sensors) will not be detected by the ZL6. In these latter two cases, the sensor will have to be manually selected from the dropdown menu.

  • Page 20: Sensor Measurement Interval

    The measurement interval works relative to the ZL6 internal real-time, 24-h clock. For example, a measurement interval of 2 h results in the ZL6 storing data every 2 h, on the hour (e.g., 12:00 am, 2:00 am, ..., 10:00 pm). The ZL6 minimum measurement interval is 5 min. The maximum measurement interval is 12 h.

  • Page 21: Status Lights

    Lights near the TEST button indicate the status of the ZL6. A green light is labeled OK and a red light is labeled ERROR. There are several possible status states: • The green light gives a short, single blink every 5 s to indicate the ZL6 is configured to log sensor data.

  • Page 22: Gps Receiver

    ZENTRA Utility, the GPS receiver, or the cellular network. The ZL6 prioritizes using GPS time since this will be the most accurate; however, the logger will fall back to the other sources of time when the ZL6 does not have a good GPS time fix.

  • Page 23: Data Storage

    Upload session frequency and timing can be changed in ZENTRA Utility (Section 4.2.5) or ZENTRA Cloud. The default setting is for the ZL6 to upload data once per hour at a random time within each hour of the day at optimal hours. Less frequent uploads conserve battery power.

  • Page 24: Zentra Software

    ZL6 (Section 4.3). NOTE: ZENTRA Utility does not communicate with the ZL6 logger over the cellular network and internet. The logger must be physically plugged into the computer to download data via ZENTRA Utility. Use ZENTRA Cloud to download ZL6 data when not directly connected to the logger.

  • Page 25: Button Toolbar

    • Scan: Queries the connected ZL6 for the current sensor readings and updates the active sensors and measurements area. • Download: Downloads all data that has been collected on the ZL6 since the last time a download from the selected logger.

  • Page 26: Active Sensors And Measurements Area

    4.2.2 ACTIVE SENSORS AND MEASUREMENTS AREA All sensors plugged into the ZL6 are listed in this area and each sensor in this section is delimited by a horizontal bar (Figure 12). The left side of the section will have the sensor name and port number.
  • Page 27 The Edit Menu allows the user to edit preferences in the Manage Preferences dialog. These preference configurations will only be saved to the computer, not as measuring preferences in the ZL6 memory. It has four tabs for navigation: • Measurements Tab (Figure 14): Š...
  • Page 28 ZENTRA SOFTWARE Figure 15 Data File tab • Application Tab (Figure 16): Š Automatic Internet Version Check: Select the checkbox to automatically be notified when a new ZENTRA Utility version becomes available. Updates can be searched for manually at any time in the Help menu. Š...
  • Page 29 Figure 16 Application tab • Communications Tab (Figure 17): Š Device Commands Retries: Modifies the number of times ZENTRA Utility sends commands to a logger. Š Extra Response Time: Modifies the length of time ZENTRA Utility waits for a response from the logger. Š...
  • Page 30 • Cellular Configure: Displays the Communication Settings tab in the Manage Settings dialog (Section 4.2.5). • List Cellular Carriers: Queries the cellular module in the ZL6 logger for a list of carriers it detects. This is useful when trying to troubleshoot cellular connection problems.
  • Page 31 METER. If a newer version is available, ZENTRA Utility downloads the firmware in the background. When ZENTRA Utility connects to an ZL6, it compares the firmware on the logger with the latest version available. If the ZL6 firmware is out of date, ZENTRA Utility will prompt to start a firmware update for the logger.

  • Page 32: Manage Settings Dialog

    • About ZENTRA Utility: View the version of ZENTRA Utility currently installed. 4.2.5 MANAGE SETTINGS DIALOG Changing the ZL6 configuration happens in the Manage Settings dialog, which has four tabs. Use the following steps to access the Manage Settings dialog: Click Settings on the Button toolbar (Section 4.2).
  • Page 33 Use the Sensor Configuration tab to set the sensor measurement interval and to select sensors for each port (Figure 20). • Measurement Interval: Controls how often the ZL6 stores sensor data (Section 3.2.2). NOTE: Setting the ZL6 measurement interval to Off (not logging) turns off sensor measurement, data storage, and data uploads.
  • Page 34 To account for this variation, choose times prior to when the data are needed. By default, the ZL6 is configured to upload data at optimal hours to conserve battery. To conserve battery power further, choose fewer Upload Times.
  • Page 35 Figure 21 Manage Settings Communication Settings tab GPS LOCATION TAB All information in this tab are automatically provided by the GPS receiver in the ZL6 and are read only (Figure 22). • Latitude and Longitude: Provides GPS location of the ZL6. • Altitude: Contains altitude from sea level of the ZL6.

  • Page 36: Zentra Cloud

    ZENTRA Cloud. Use the online help files to learn more about all the features of ZENTRA Cloud. The first step to using the ZL6 with ZENTRA Cloud is to create a customer site (a group of users and loggers).
  • Page 37 Do not leave it inside the device case. Figure 23 Sample device subscription card Once subscribed to a ZL6, the logger should appear on the map and sensor data can be viewed and downloaded. Logger settings can be changed using ZENTRA Cloud. ZENTRA Cloud also provides a convenient way to share data from ZL6 loggers with colleagues, with user-set permissions.

  • Page 38: Service

    NOTE: Do not mix NiMH and alkaline batteries together. Do not mix new and old batteries together. NOTE: Installing or replacing the batteries in the ZL6 resets the internal real-time clock. The ZL6 time can be set from ZENTRA Utility, the on-board GPS receiver, and the cellular network. Press the TEST button after changing the...

  • Page 39: Troubleshooting

    5.2 TROUBLESHOOTING Although the ZL6 is designed for durability and built to the highest manufacturing standards, problems may occasionally occur. This troubleshooting section details the major problems and their solutions. If the problem is not listed or these solutions do not solve the issue,...
  • Page 40 If the problem persists, contact Customer Support. Press the TEST button on the logger to reset the ZL6. Check logger batteries. Replace alkaline batteries if close to 0%. Logger does not seem Recharge NiMH batteries if close to 0%.

  • Page 41: Customer Support

    NOTE: For products purchased through a distributor, please contact the distributor directly for assistance. 5.4 TERMS AND CONDITIONS By using METER instruments and documentation, you agree to abide by the METER Group, Inc. USA Terms and Conditions. Please refer to metergroup.com/terms-conditions...

  • Page 42: Appendix A. Compliance Certifications

    1. This device may not cause harmful interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. The ZL6 series loggers contain one or more of the following radio modules, listed by their FCC identification numbers: • SH6MDBT40 (all ZL6 series) •...
  • Page 43 • this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device The ZL6 series loggers contain one or more of the following radio modules, listed by their IC identification numbers: • 8017A-MDBT40 (all ZL6 series) •...
  • Page 44 A full CE declaration of conformity for the ZL6 is available on request from METER Group. A.4 JAPAN TELEC (Japan) The ZL6 series loggers contain one or more of the following radio modules that are TELEC /JATE certified. All ZL6 series: •...

  • Page 45: Index

    INDEX INDEx storage 13, 19, 30 timekeeping 13, 18 battery data deletion 11–12 charging 13, 17 data download diagram 15 using ZENTRA Cloud 33 installation 2 using ZENTRA Utility 11, 21, 22 life 13, 21 replacement 34 types 17 email address 37 cellular communication test 10, 21 fax number 37 cellular module 13, 14, 19...
  • Page 46 INDEX specifications cellular 13 enclosure 13 GPS 13, 18 support 27–28, 37 terms and conditions 37 troubleshooting 34–35 cellular communication test 10 sensor error codes 16 status lights 17 TEST button 16–17 wireless data transmission cellular communication 19 communication settings 30–31 data security (encryption) 13 supported networks 19, 26 ZENTRA Cloud 20, 32–33...
  • Page 47 18259-0`1 7.19.2019 METER Group, Inc. USA 2365 NE Hopkins Court Pullman, WA 99163 T: +1.509.332.2756 F: +1.509.332.5158 E: info@metergroup.com W: metergroup.com METER Group AG Mettlacher Straße 8, 81379 München T: +49 89 1266520 F: +49 89 12665220 E: info.europe@metergroup.com W: metergroup.de...

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