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TABLE OF CONTENTS
2.1 Em50 Logger Series Overview .................................................................... 2
2.2 Specifications ............................................................................................ 2
2.3 Functionality ............................................................................................. 3
2.3.1 Reset Button .................................................................................... 3
2.3.2 Em50 Series Status Lights ............................................................... 3
2.3.3 Em50 Series Test Button .................................................................. 4
2.4 Software .................................................................................................... 4
2.4.1 Em50 Series Data Logging Scheme .................................................. 5
2.4.2 Em50 Measurement Interval ............................................................ 5
2.5 How the Em50 Stores Data ........................................................................ 5
2.5.1 Data Storage Format ........................................................................ 5
2.5.2 Data Storage Size ............................................................................. 6
2.5.3 Measurement Span .......................................................................... 6
2.5.4 Compatible Sensors ......................................................................... 6
3.1 Installing the Batteries .............................................................................. 7
3.2 Installing Software .................................................................................... 7
3.3 Configuring in ECH20 Utility ....................................................................... 8
3.4 Field Installation ........................................................................................ 9
4.1 ECH20 Utility Software Installation ......................................................... 10
4.2 Common Tasks in ECH20 Utility ............................................................... 11
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........................................................................ 7
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.......................................................... 10
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13453-16
11.30.2019
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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for METER EM50 Series
Summary of Contents for METER EM50 Series
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Page 1: Table Of Contents
2.3.2 Em50 Series Status Lights ............... 3 2.3.3 Em50 Series Test Button ..............4 2.4 Software ....................4 2.4.1 Em50 Series Data Logging Scheme ..........5 2.4.2 Em50 Measurement Interval ............5 2.5 How the Em50 Stores Data ................ 5 2.5.1 Data Storage Format ................ - Page 2 4.3.6 Help Menu ..................21 4.4 ZENTRA Cloud ..................22 5. Em50G Cellular Communication ..........23 5.1 METER Data Service ................23 5.2 Cellular Service ..................23 5.3 Cellular Coverage ..................23 5.4 Em50G Configuration and Settings ............24 5.5 Communication Testing ................25 5.6 Downloading Data ..................
- Page 3 6.8 Data Processing ..................34 7. Caring for the Em50 ................35 7.1 Replacing the Batteries ................35 7.2 Long-Term Maintenance ................35 7.3 Sending Feedback to METER ..............35 8. Troubleshooting ................... 37 8.1 Customer Support..................39 8.2 Terms and Conditions ................40 Index .........................
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Page 5: Introduction
Thank you for choosing Em50 series data loggers from METER Group. ® The Em50 series loggers (Em50, Em50R, and Em50G) are part of the ECH 0 System, a collection of data loggers, software, and compatible sensors to measure soil moisture and other environmental parameters accurately and cost effectively. -
Page 6: About The Em50 Logger Series
O system is made of data loggers, sensors, telemetry, and software that help you measure soil moisture and other environmental parameters accurately and cost effectively. METER's innovative sensors are the heart of the system and we designed it to be very easy to use (no programming needed). -
Page 7: Functionality
This can happen when the batteries have been disconnected. You must connect to your Em50 series logger using any ECH2O System software to reset the logger internal clock. The logger stops error blinking when the date is reset or after 2 min have elapsed (to preserve... -
Page 8: Em50 Series Test Button
ABOUT THE EM50 LOGGER SERIES 2.3.3 EM50 SERIES TEST BUTTON The Em50 series loggers have a "Test" button to perform basic functionality testing. When you press the Test button, the logger performs several checks on internal systems and with the Em50G attempts a communication session over the cellular network. The logger uses the lights during the test to indicate connection status. -
Page 9: Em50 Series Data Logging Scheme
EM50 2.4.1 EM50 SERIES DATA LOGGING SCHEME The Em50 does not make sensor measurements until you set a measurement interval. You also need to configure the Em50 ports with the type of sensor plugged into each port. You can set these values using either ECH2O Utility or DataTrac 3. -
Page 10: Data Storage Size
An Em50 set to 5 min stores data for 125 days, or about 4 months. 2.5.4 COMPATIBLE SENSORS The Em50 logger is only compatible with sensors made by METER. Please refer to Data logger compatibility tables (metergroup.com/environment/articles/data-logger- compatibility-tables) for a list of supported sensors. -
Page 11: Setup And Installation
3.1 INSTALLING THE BATTERIES With the exception of the solar-powered Em50 and Em50G, all Em50 series loggers ship with a new set of AA alkaline batteries. Open the case and install the batteries in the proper orientation as indicated in the battery locations (Figure 1). -
Page 12: Configuring In Ech20 Utility
The METER USB Cable driver should install automatically. However if it does not, you must install a driver for the USB Cable Adapter (UCA) before you can use it to communicate with your logger. -
Page 13: Field Installation
3.4 FIELD INSTALLATION The Em50 can serve as a collection station for up to five sensors. The Em50 is compatible only with sensors made by METER such as the ECH O water content probes, rain gauge, temperature sensors, etc. Follow steps 1 through 5 to perform a field installation the Em50 and sensors. -
Page 14: Software And Configuration
METER designed the Em50 series data loggers to have a simple configuration and no data logger programming. The software packages are key to the effectiveness and ease of the Em50 Series data loggers. The software fits a variety of users and allows quick and easy access to the data logger. -
Page 15: Common Tasks In Ech20 Utility
EM50 Figure 3 ECH2O Utility Main screen In the Main Screen, you can set all logger configuration parameters with visual controls. At the top of the program window is a toolbar for interacting with the Em50. To the left is a battery indicator. -
Page 16: Downloading Data When Directly Connected
"Communication Option" section. The cellular network is active when "Upload data to ECH2OData.com" box is checked and is off when the box is not checked. The Em50G is uploading data to the METER Data Service (on) by default. See Section 5 for more information on the Em50G. -
Page 17: Other Data Download Options
4.2.3 OTHER DATA DOWNLOAD OPTIONS METER designed the Em50R to be part of a wireless sensor network. In this mode, Em50R transmits measurement data to a data station. You can then download the measurement data from all the Em50R loggers in your network from one location. The communication protocol also confirms delivery of the data and continues to request data until it receives the complete data package. -
Page 18: Erasing Data
SOFTWARE AND CONFIGURATION An Em50R supports wireless data downloading. ECH20 Utility can establish a two-way radio connection between your computer and a remote Em50R through the Rm-1 Radio Modem. Once you establish this connection, you may download data from the Em50R just like it is directly connected to the logger. -
Page 19: Ech20 Utility Menus
EM50 The five ports should display with the measurement for each port in the current selected unit. If nothing is plugged in to a port, the reading for that port is zero. NOTE: The Em50 does not store data that it measures with the scan function. 4.3 ECH20 UTILITY MENUS ECH20 Utility features six menus that allow you to access the program features. - Page 20 SOFTWARE AND CONFIGURATION Figure 5 ECH2O Utility Preferences: Measurements tab Measurements Tab The Measurement Units feature is the main function of the Measurement tab. These field entries determine the unit values that display when you save downloaded data as Excel, processed, or raw data files. ECH20 Utility supports displaying some measurement data in multiple units.
- Page 21 EM50 Data Files Tab Figure 6 ECH2O Utility Preferences: Data Files tab The Column Headers feature provides a title for each column that corresponds to the port number, measurement type, and unit. Column headers for saved data files are turned on by default, and apply only to processed and raw Excel data, as well as processed text data.
- Page 22 SOFTWARE AND CONFIGURATION Figure 7 ECH2O Utility Preferences: Communications tab The Command Retries feature sets the number of automatic retry commands the ECH20 Utility automatically sends to your Em50 when there are errors. For most circumstances, the default retries work well. If you experience unreliable communication with your Em50, you can try increasing the Direct Connect Retries.
- Page 23 EM50 Application Tab Figure 8 ECH2O Utility Preferences: Applications tab The Automatic Internet Version Check instructs ECH20 Utility to automatically check for a newer version using Decagons Internet version-check engine. When you select this option, while running ECH20 Utility and connected to the Internet, the software notifies you when a newer ECH20 Utility version becomes available.
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Page 24: Data Menu
SOFTWARE AND CONFIGURATION 4.3.3 DATA MENU The Data menu has four options: Download New Data, Download All, Report Stored Data, and Erase Stored Data. Please refer to their respective portions of Section 4 for more information on these functions. 4.3.4 ACTIONS MENU Connect/Disconnect performs the same function as the connect/disconnect button in the toolbar. -
Page 25: Window Menu
EM50 The "Initialize Radio Module" option resets the radio module to the default setting. This option applies to Em50Rs and DataStations only. The "Initialize Device" option initiates a form of hard reset for your Em50. ECH20 Utility resets your Em50 and rewrites all the logger settings. All your measurement data is erased. This option is useful for troubleshooting a logger that is not working as expected. -
Page 26: Zentra Cloud
SOFTWARE AND CONFIGURATION 4.4 ZENTRA CLOUD ZENTRA Cloud is a subscription-based web software that reduces your workload by speeding up analysis, streamlining workflow, and simplifying data sharing. See the ZENTRA FAQ site (metergroup.com/environment/faqs/?faq_category=9291) for additional details. -
Page 27: Em50G Cellular Communication
Appendix A. NOTE: Please check with METER before moving an Em50G from one country to another to make sure your service plan is appropriate for the new location. To extend your service plan or to troubleshoot your cellular service, please contact METER or the authorized METER distributor where you purchased your Em50G. -
Page 28: Em50G Configuration And Settings
Data Service. To conserve battery power, choose fewer upload times. NOTE: Please contact METER if your application requires measuring sensors more often than every 5 min or if you need data uploads more often than six times a day. -
Page 29: Communication Testing
The test takes approximately 30 to 60 s while the Em50G establishes a connection with the cellular network and sends test packets to the METER Data Service. Once the tests are finished, the "Connection Quality" field reports connection quality based on cellular signal strength and successful packet transfers. -
Page 30: Downloading Data
Em50G can re-connect to the METER Data Service. NOTE: The measurement data collected by your Em50G is automatically queued for the next successful connection to the METER Data Service. Short term cellular or Internet outages do not impact the integrity and continuity of data. 5.6 DOWNLOADING DATA You have two options for downloading the Em50G sensor measurement data. -
Page 31: Em50R Radio Telemetry
EM50 6. EM50R RADIO TELEMETRY This section gives you a brief overview of the radio telemetry available in the ECH O system. This information only applies to Em50R. The ECH O system supports two types of radio telemetry: "two-way" mode and "Transmit" mode. Consider one or both types of radio modes when designing your ECH O telemetry system. -
Page 32: Transmit Best Practices
NOTE: Em50R loggers must have firmware version 1.12 or later to enable the Confirmed Delivery Transmit mode and Telemetry Test feature. Your DataStation must have firmware version 1.09 or later to receive Confirmed Delivery Transmit mode data packets. Contact METER for an application note that covers the steps needed to upgrade your hardware. -
Page 33: Two-Way Radio Modes
EM50 The two-way modes generally consume the most power. The Em50R is designed to work for several months in the two-way modes. 6.2.1 TWO-WAY RADIO MODES Use the Radio settings section of ECH20 Utility to choose one of the following radio modes that support two-way communication. -
Page 34: Radio Performance
The ECH2O telemetry system also supports a simple relay for use with Transmit Mode networks. Combining a relay and high-gain antennas allows radio devices to communicate over very long distances. Contact METER for more information on using a relay in your radio network. - Page 35 DataTrac 3 and set the Em50R Channel, Subchannel, and Radio Mode. See the section on Configuring in ECH20 Utility for additional information on configuring the Em50 series loggers. The Channel can be set from 0 to 6 inclusive (default is 0). The Subchannel can be set from 0 to 65534 inclusive (default is 0).
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Page 36: Datastation Networks
See the section on Configuring in ECH20 Utility for additional details on configuring the Em50 series. After setting the Radio Mode, click the Apply button. NOTE: ECH20 Utility only shows the radio modes compatible with your radio logger model and firmware version. If you do not see the "Confirmed Delivery Transmit"... -
Page 37: Communication Test
EM50 6.6.2 COMMUNICATION TEST Before finding a permanent location for your Em50R, perform a communication test to verify the quality of the radio communication. Make sure to properly configure and power the DataStation during your communication test. In your field area, connect your Em50R to either a laptop or handheld device using the appropriate cable and press connect. -
Page 38: Data Processing
EM50R RADIO TELEMETRY To download and view data from the DataStation, start DataTrac. In the DataTrac 3 menu, pick the DataStation you want to connect to and click Connect. Click the Download New Data button. The Downloading DataStation Data screen appears and provides a progress bar displaying the download progress. -
Page 39: Caring For The Em50
• Check or replace any zip ties securing the logger annually. 7.3 SENDING FEEDBACK TO METER METER Software makes it easy to send feedback, bug reports, and feature requests to METER or your METER Distributor. Choose Send Feedback to METER from the help menu. - Page 40 By default, bug reports also include the software error files. You can send METER a file using this form too. This is useful for sending data files that you have questions about. If you work directly with a METER representative, put their Email address in the field at the bottom of the form.
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Page 41: Troubleshooting
If you cannot connect to the second logger either, the problem may be your cable. Try using a spare METER Serial Cable Adapter or the USB cable if you are having trouble connecting to a logger. - Page 42 TROUBLESHOOTING Table 2 Troubleshooting Em50 (continued) Problem Possible Solutions • Try one or more of the following to make sure there is a good radio connection to your remote logger: • Make sure your DataStation and Em50R have the same Channel and Subchannel and that the DataStation is being continuously powered.
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Page 43: Customer Support
Choose Test Device Firmware from the Logger does not seem to be Device Tools menu of the Actions menu. Contact METER for help working correctly or reliably. reloading the firmware if ECH20 Utility reports the device firmware is corrupt. -
Page 44: Terms And Conditions
NOTE: For products purchased through a distributor, please contact the distributor directly for assistance. 8.2 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 45 This is to certify that the Em50, manufactured by METER Group, Inc. USA, a corporation based in Pullman, Washington, USA meets or exceeds the standards for CE compliance as per the Council Directives noted above. All instruments are built at the factory at METER and pertinent testing documentation is freely available for verification.
- Page 46 The Em50G contains the following module: • FCC ID: IHDT56HQ1 IC: 109O-HQ1 Information for users: Changes or modifications to the EM50 series loggers not expressly approved by METER Group, Inc. USA could void FCC compliance and thus the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
- Page 47 EM50 A.4 EM50G CE COMPLIANCE Application of Council Directive: 2004/108/EC Standards to which conformity is declared: EN61326-1:2013 and 2011/65/EU Manufacturer’s Name: METER Group, Inc. USA 2365 NE Hopkins Ct. Pullman, WA 99163 Type of Equipment: Data collection system Model Number:...
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Page 48: Index
41–43 components enclosure 3–4 included 1 maintenance 35 memory 2 measurement interval 5, 12 configuration METER Data Service 23 cellular 24–25 models 2 computer communication 3 customer support 39 phone number 39 DataStation 2, 27–28 configuring 32–33 radio communications 3 downloading data 33–34... - Page 49 INDEX USB Cable Adapter driver 8 ZENTRA Cloud 4, 10, 22 ZENTRA Utility 10...
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