In this video, we will connect the EXO sonde to the DCP Signal Output Adapter, which can enable SDI-12 or RS-232 communications.
DCP stands for Data Collection Platform, and we refer to the signal output adapter as the SOA. The DCP SOA is intended for use in long-term monitoring, and it converts the proprietary sonde communication signal into SDI-12 or RS-232 signals to allow for easy integration into 3rd party DCP systems.
Since the EXO3 has built-in SDI-12 output, you will not need to convert the EXO3 signal using this SOA if you require SDI-12 output. However, you may use the DCP SOA with an EXO3 to convert to RS232 output.
Today, we will connect the EXO2 to the right side of the DCP SOA. The left side will connect to your datalogger. Use the signal output terminals on the SOA for either SDI-12 or RS232 and the appropriate terminals on your datalogger to complete the wiring. You will also need to supply power to the datalogger and SOA. You can use a 12V battery or other external power. The SOA and sonde will be powered via the Power Out terminal of your data logger.
To connect the SOA and EXO, you will need a flying lead cable, wiring terminal blocks, electrical tape, a flathead screwdriver, and the EXO sensor tool or a magnet. Since we will be working with electrical wiring, please follow the proper safety precautions in your equipment manuals.
First, let’s review the adapter connections:
On the top left, we have the 2-pin 9-16 V DC power terminal. Most often, power will be supplied from the 12V out port on your data logger, which will power both the SOA and the sonde. The power source can be from a 12V battery, solar panel recharge, or existing wired power. Then we have the SDI-12 and RS-232 7-pin Input/output terminal. Next, there’s the LED indicator light on the top right, which will be on with no flashing to indicate a sonde is not connected or the sonde has a fault. Flashing once per second indicates the sonde is connected and functioning, and flashing at once every 10 seconds indicates sleep mode. Then, there’s the Mini USB port which allows a direct connection to the sonde from a PC. Below that is the 5-pin input terminal to connect the EXO via a flying lead cable. And finally, the magnetic read switch where you can use the EXO magnetic sensor tool to rediscover an attached sonde.
Depending on which output you need, SDI-12 or RS-232, and what type of power supply and datalogger you are using, you will have different wiring diagrams that you need to follow. You can find examples of wiring that you may use for each of these output signals in the EXO Manual. I’m going to follow the wiring on the right side of the SOA diagram to connect the EXO Flying Lead Cable. Make sure all the equipment is powered off before wiring.
Using a 5-pin wiring block, I will connect the black wire to the top terminal, followed by the yellow, white, grey, and then red in the last terminal. The orange wire on the flying lead cable will not be used, so it can be taped back with electrical tape. After inserting each wire into the block, use the flathead screwdriver to tighten down on the wire. Once all five wires are attached, give them a firm tug to make sure they are secure. Tape together excess wire length. Now insert the wiring block into the DCP terminal by lining up the inputs. They should click in nicely.
On the other side of your SOA, you will wire your datalogger, like the Storm3 we have here. Use the SDI-12 or RS-232 out terminals and connect them to the appropriate terminals on your logger. Also, connect the power terminal to the power out terminal from your data logger. You can provide power to the system via wired power or a 12V battery.
Next, we will set up the sonde for deployment. Connect the flying lead cable to the EXO2. The wet-mate connector should be cleaned and lubricated with o-ring grease. Once connected, plug in a Mini USB cable to the DCP SOA and connect to a PC. This allows for direct communication to the EXO for configuration, calibration, and data transfer without disconnecting the field cable.
Bring up Kor software and connect the EXO. We are going to create a deployment template. Click the Deployment tab. Click Create a New Template. You can edit an existing template if you have one. Under Basic settings, set the name, logging interval, and other details. I’ll set up SDI-12 parameters as an example. Under the DCP adapter settings, input a unique SDI-12 address for the sonde. You will use this same address number or letter to identify the sonde when you set up the data logger. Select the SDI-12 parameters that will be included in the output. You can also change their order.
Under the Advanced settings, you can choose to change the logging mode. Normal mode is the default logging mode, where the sonde logs one sample every logging interval; this is recommended for use when the sonde is logging data internally. We recommend Sample and Hold mode if you are connected to a data logger. In this mode, the last logged dataset is sent to a data logger. This ensures the data sent to the DCP matches the data stored in the sonde. And Burst mode is where the sonde is activated at your interval and logs multiple samples every second over a user-defined period of time. I will select Normal mode. You can also select parameter-based adaptive logging in this window if you wish.
Click “Save and apply the template to sonde.” It will ask if we want to start internal logging. Since I am only sending data to the data logger, I will select No. If you would like to also log to the sonde, you can select “yes.” You can now disconnect the sonde from Kor and remove the USB cable from the SOA. Now we need to get the SOA to see the changes we made to the sonde. You can either power cycle the SOA or wave the sensor magnet tool over the side of the SOA to rediscover the sonde and configurations. Now that our SOA and sonde have been set up for deployment and our SOA recognizes the sonde, the last step is to configure your data logger to receive the data as it will be sent from the sonde. When doing this, be sure to configure the parameters in the same order as they are configured in the sonde. The configuration steps vary by DCP, so please consult the manufacturer’s manual.
Our system is now ready for office testing. When you deploy your system in the field, make sure it is earth-grounded for your safety and to protect the equipment. You can connect a wire from a central location of the system to either a gauge house or a grounding rod. For deployment, the SOA should be protected from the environment. We recommend you mount it inside a sealed NEMA 4-rated waterproof enclosure with desiccant packs. You can use the panel mount or self-adhesive hook and loop fastener strips that were included with your SOA to securely mount the SOA in the housing. If you need further assistance with your sonde deployments, please contact Tech Support.
Please be sure to check out our other EXO University videos, and thanks for watching!