RST INSTRUMENTS LTD.

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1 RST INSTRUMENTS LTD. ThermArray System Instruction Manual PC Platform Ltd Kingston St Maple Ridge, BC Canada V2X 0Z5 Tel: (604) Fax: (604)

2 i RST ThermArray System Although all efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in this document, reserves the right to change the information at any time and assumes no liability for its accuracy. Product: RST ThermArray System Instruction Manual PC Platform Document number: EPM0008C RST ThermArray System Instruction Manual - PC Platform.doc Revision: C Date: March 9, 2015

3 ii TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS SOFTWARE USER INTERFACE MENU BUTTONS STATUS SCREEN SOFTWARE SETTINGS HELP SYSTEM SOFTWARE MANUAL MONITOR COLLECTING DATA DATA LOGGING CONNECTION SETTINGS VIEWING DATA FILES POST- PROCESSING THE DATA CREATING A THERMISTOR CONFIGURATION FILE TROUBLESHOOTING CONNECTION PROBLEMS SOFTWARE STABILITY RST USB TO RS485 CONTROLLER DRIVER SET INSTALLATION MICROSOFT WINDOWSXP INSTALLATION PROCEDURE MICROSOFT WINDOWS VISTA,WINDOWS7 AND LATER INSTALLATION PROCEDURE CONNECTION MESSAGES SPECIFICATIONS CONTACT US... 22

4 iii LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 ThermArray System Overview... 1 Figure 2 RST ThermArray Software Main Menu... 2 Figure 3 ThermArray Status Screen... 3 Figure 4 ThermArray Software Settings... 4 Figure 5 Monitor Screen... 5 Figure 6 ThermArray File Structure... 6 Figure 7 Data Collection Complete... 6 Figure 8 Collection Error... 7 Figure 9 Multi Interval Table... 8 Figure 10 View Data Screen... 9 Figure 11 Sample Data File Figure 12 RST USB to RS485 adapter Windows XP Driver Set Installation Figure 13 New Hardware Wizard for USB to UART Figure 14 New Hardware Wizard for USB to UART File Transfer Figure 15 New Hardware Wizard for USB to UART Install Complete Figure 16 New Hardware Installed Confirmation Figure 17 Windows XP Device Manager Figure 18 RST USB to RS485 adapter Driver Set Installation Figure 19 USB to UART Driver Set Installation Figure 20 USB to UART Driver Set Installation File Transfer Figure 21 USB to UART Driver Set Installation Install Complete Figure 22 USB Serial Port Driver Installation Figure 23 New Hardware Installed Confirmation Figure 24 Windows Vista, Windows 7 and later Device Manager... 19

5 1 1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION RST s ThermArray System provides precision thermal gradient information in geotechnical, geothermal, and marine applications. The system consists of digital thermal data acquisition nodes distributed along one or more linear cable segments, typically spaced at uniform intervals. ThermArray Node Each node consists of a precise, individually addressed, and individually calibrated digital temperature sensor which is moulded directly onto the ThermArray cable. ThermArray Cable The ThermArray cable is a waterproof low-temperature cable which provides power and digital data access to the ThermArray nodes. It includes waterblock filling and high-strength anti-stretch Kevlar for precise and durable positioning. Digital Sensor Interface Adapter The Digital Sensor Interface provides power and data isolation as well as transient protection. 2 SYSTEM COMPONENTS The following picture depicts the main components of the RST ThermArray System: Figure 1 ThermArray System Overview

6 2 1. ThermArray Node 2. Power/Communication Cable 3. RS485 Digital Sensor Interface 4. Thermistor String 5. Laptop or desktop PC 3 SOFTWARE USER INTERFACE Upon start-up, the program will automatically begin searching for the Digital Sensor Interface. Be sure the interface is connected to a thermistor array and the power is turned on. The status will be displayed at the bottom of the screen (Figure 2 illustrates a successful connection). If a connection cannot be made, the connection settings will have to be changed (section 3.3). Figure 2 RST ThermArray Software Main Menu The Main Menu screen (Figure 2) displays the current list of thermistor arrays. Thermistor arrays are identified by configuration files (*.cfg). Once a configuration is selected, the details of the number of thermistor points and depths are given in the next window. For information on creating a new configuration file, please refer to section 5. Figure 2 shows thermistor array Node small cond.cfg and its details.

7 3 3.1 MENU BUTTONS STATUS SCREEN Navigate to the Status Screen by pressing the Status button on the main menu. The following screen will appear: Figure 3 ThermArray Status Screen If the ThermArray has successfully connected to the RS485 Digital Sendor Interface, information will appear in the appropriate areas. If there is no connection the information fields will be blank and the status will read not connected. Vital information for the ThermArray is displayed in three sections: Interface, ThermArray Info., and Conductivity (Error! Reference source not found.) SOFTWARE SETTINGS The Software Settings dialog box (Figure 4) allows the user to choose calibration type, temperature units and modify the data display format. Calibration Type The calibration data can be retrieved from thermistor node or from configuration file. The thermistor node calibration type is the default setting. There is an option to turn off calibration for testing purposes. This option is not intended for field use. Temperature Units Either Celsius or Fahrenheit can be selected. This setting is used for data display only, data recorded in file is always in Celsius units. Data View Columns Any combination of additional data columns can be added to the data view window.

8 4 Figure 4 ThermArray Software Settings HELP SYSTEM Extensive help system can be activated anytime by pressing F1 or help icon. Answers to common problems and troubleshooting tips can be found by browsing help topics or searching using keywords SOFTWARE MANUAL Software manual in PDF format will be displayed whenever Manual button is clicked.pdf viewing software is required for this option. Adobe Acrobat Reader can be downloaded free of charge from MONITOR Once you have connected to the RS485 Digital Sensor Interface and the appropriate Thermistor Array (i.e. physical connection and corresponding *.cfg file is chosen), click on any thermistor node in Node List to view the current temperature of the selected thermistor node on the string. If optional conductivity sensor is installed, the value of conductivity will be displayed along with temperature measured by conductivity probe temperature sensor.

9 5 Figure 5 Monitor Screen Individual nodes can be selected from the list and the corresponding temperature will be displayed at the top of the screen. Use the scroll bar to scroll to the node of interest. In the case of Figure 5 (above) the reading is from a conductivity sensor which is integrated into the thermistor string. Units are output in µs/cm. 3.2 COLLECTING DATA Launch the ThermArray program on your desktop PC. The unit will automatically connect to the Thermistor Interface and the most recent thermistor configuration file. If a new thermistor string is connected, choose the appropriate string configuration (*.cfg) from the list. On the bottom of the screen, you will be able to observe the connection to the string. Press the Collect Data button from the Main Menu and the ThermArray program will automatically download the data from the current string in the following format: <configuration file name>_<yymmddhhmm>.csv The file will be automatically placed in the DataFiles Folder as shown below:

10 6 Figure 6 ThermArray File Structure Note that the bottom of the screen reads: Reading thermistor data. Once the download is complete the following will appear: Figure 7 Data Collection Complete If there is an error in the data collection, a warning will appear as shown below:

11 7 Figure 8 Collection Error If an error occurs, perform one of the following: 1. Check to make sure the selected *.cfg file matches the current thermistor string you are connected do. 2. Check the connection with the ThermArray Interface by pressing the Status button (section 3.1.1). If the device is not connected, check to make sure the interface is powered on DATA LOGGING This section is used to set the logging interval. Fixed Interval and Multi Interval options are available. The fixed logging interval can be invoked by choosing the Fixed Interval radio button, and set within the main setup tab. Arrow buttons allow the user to scroll up or down preset values. To setup the software with multiple intervals, select the Multi Interval radio button. Clicking the Interval Table button launches the Interval Table dialog, where up to 12 custom, multiple intervals can be applied.

12 8 Figure 9 Multi Interval Table The hour, minute and number of iterations per interval must be specified. Note Each interval MUST have an iteration except the last iteration which must be set to zero. This tells the program that the logging will continue at the last iteration rate. There is a maximum of 32,000 iterations for all intervals. The dialog features an Interval Fill Time field, which allows the user to see the exact time, relative to the start time of the interval, the interval iterations will finish. To update both the Interval Fill Time and Total Iterations field, click the Update Totals button. To save changes, click the Exit & Save button. After setting up the logging intervals, click on Start Logging to enter into data logging mode. Files produced by data logging feature will have Campbell Scientific format Logging Options Use Start Time: A check box can be selected to enable a custom start time interval. The hour and minute can be entered in 24-hour format. The software will wait for this amount of time before logging starts. 3.3 CONNECTION SETTINGS ThermArray software supports both RS232 serial port communication and new USB connection. Port settings depend on the type of RS485 Digital Sensor Interface in use. RS232 COM Port Automatic detection works for USB connection only. When RS232 COM port is used, remove the check mark from Auto Detect check box. Select the COM port number that was used for connecting RS485 Digital Sensor Adapter. Adjust baud rate if necessary. USB Port For USB connections, put a check mark next to Auto Detect. The RS485 Digital Sensor Interface and port number will be detected automatically. For information and connection troubleshooting, refer to section 6.1 and section 7.

13 9 4 VIEWING DATA FILES From the Main Screen, tap the View Data (Figure 3). The following screen will appear: Figure 10 View Data Screen A list will be populated in the Data Files section of the screen containing all the thermistor data files currently stored in the DataFiles folder. The Selected File Information gives a summary of the file chosen. This includes the depth of the string, how many readings have been taken, the reading date and the most recent conductivity reading (if the thermistor string has an integrated conductivity sensor). Double-click on any file in Data Files list (or select file and click View Selected) to display recorded values in Data File Records window. Scroll down to see all ThermArray nodes in the string. The column categories can be chosen using Software Settings described in Section POST- PROCESSING THE DATA The RST ThermArray System currently stores data in *.csv format. Once the data has been collected, it can be opened directly with most popular spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel. If opened in MS Excel, the data will have a format similar to the one outlined below:

14 10 Figure 11 Sample Data File The top section of the file contains information about the file. The data is populated below with related headings. Plots can easily be made be highlighting the desired cells. Raw data is included for diagnostic purposes should any errors occur in the system. 5 CREATING A THERMISTOR CONFIGURATION FILE Each individual node on the ThermArray contains its own unique preset calibration. Each thermistor string ordered from will be accompanied by the configuration file. If a configuration file is missing, please contact and one can be created and sent via . The ThermArray host software will read configuration files from the following folder: My Documents/ThermArray/ConfigFiles Place all thermistor string configuration files in the above folder before starting ThermArray host program.

15 11 6 TROUBLESHOOTING 6.1 CONNECTION PROBLEMS Upon launching, ThermArray software will try to connect to RS485 Digital Sensor Interface using current communication settings. Once connected, the port and status indicators turn green and the Status screen should display interface information. The connection status is displayed on status bar. If the connection fails (status indicators are red or yellow, or status screen shows no status data), take note of the message and number displayed, then find the corresponding description in the Table 1: Status Messages. 1. Port not open: The communication port is being used by some other application. Solution: Close other windows applications that might be using serial port assigned to ThermArray. To change port, click on COM Port combo box. 2. Connecting to Sensor Interface message continuously displayed. Solution: Verify that the serial communication cable is connected and connections are tight. 3. USB connection problems: Ensure that RS485 Digital Sensor Interface drivers have been installed correctly. Refer to section 7 for more information. 6.2 SOFTWARE STABILITY The ThermArray real time readout relies on continuous data transmission over serial communication port. This transmission may be occasionally interrupted by other computer activity resulting with program freezing or displaying erroneous data. If this happens, ThermArray needs to be closed down and restarted. Always close software when disconnecting RS485 Digital Sensor Interface adapter or reconnecting serial communication cable.

16 12 7 RST USB TO RS485 CONTROLLER DRIVER SET INSTALLATION Note When using RS232 to RS485 adapter, USB driver installation does NOT apply.. The USB to RS485 adapter requires a set of drivers installed on the host computer in order to communicate over USB communication port. All steps must be completed for USB communication to work correctly. It is recommended to install the drivers from Microsoft Windows Update if internet connection is available. This will ensure the most up to date drivers are used. Just connect the RST Thermarray adapter to desktop or laptop PC using included USB cable. Follow onscreen prompts for easy installation. In case internet connection is not available, follow the steps below. Current USB drivers and software can be also downloaded from website The following outlines a procedure for installing the RST USB to RS485 Controller Driver Set on Microsoft WindowsXP, Microsoft Windows Vista and Microsoft Windows 7 platforms. The actual screenshots may differ but the steps will be very similar. 7.1 MICROSOFT WINDOWSXP INSTALLATION PROCEDURE After successful installation of ThermArray Host software, click on Install USB Drivers in Tools section of ThermArray program group. ThermArray group should reside under RST Instruments start menu by default. USB driver setup starts showing following dialog: Figure 12 RST USB to RS485 adapter Windows XP Driver Set Installation Click Next.

17 13 Figure 13 New Hardware Wizard for USB to UART Select your acceptance of End User License Agreement, click Next. Figure 14 New Hardware Wizard for USB to UART File Transfer The Wizard will install device drivers and display the following screen. Click Finish to complete device drivers installation.

18 14 Figure 15 New Hardware Wizard for USB to UART Install Complete After successful installation of USB to UART device drivers, the RST USB to RS485 Adapter should be connected to the host computer. The MS Windows system should detect the new device and display the yellow message balloon (Figure 15) in the lower right hand corner stating that all device drivers are installed and ready to use. Figure 16 New Hardware Installed Confirmation Alternatively, correct installation of the device drivers can be verified by navigating to the Windows Control Panel, choosing System and then selecting the Hardware tab. Clicking on Device Manager will bring up the following screen:

19 15 Figure 17 Windows XP Device Manager If the driver was installed correctly, the RST USB to UART Controller port will appear as in Figure 17 above. If the driver has not been installed correctly, yellow exclamation mark will appear next to the device. Once the above has been verified, note the COM number which has been assigned to the USB serial port. This will vary from computer to computer, in this example it is COM3. Close the device manager and launch the Thermarray Host Software. The Host Software should now connect to the RST USB to RS485 Adapter. Confirmation can be made by looking at the status screen (Figure 3)

20 MICROSOFT WINDOWS VISTA,WINDOWS7 AND LATER INSTALLATION PROCEDURE After successful installation of ThermArray Host software, click on Install USB Drivers in Tools section of ThermArray program group. ThermArray group should reside under RST Instruments start menu by default. USB driver setup starts showing following dialog: Figure 18 RST USB to RS485 adapter Driver Set Installation Click Next, the following dialog appears: Figure 19 USB to UART Driver Set Installation Select your acceptance of End User License Agreement, click Next.

21 17 Figure 20 USB to UART Driver Set Installation File Transfer The Wizard will install device drivers and display the following screen. Click Finish to complete device drivers installation. Figure 21 USB to UART Driver Set Installation Install Complete After successful installation of USB to UART device drivers, the RST USB to RS485 Adapter should be connected to the host computer. The MS Windows system should detect the new device and complete the USB serial port installation, as shown on following dialogs:

22 18 Figure 22 USB Serial Port Driver Installation MS Windows will display the yellow message balloon (Figure 23 )in the lower right hand corner stating that all device drivers are installed and ready to use. Figure 23 New Hardware Installed Confirmation Alternatively, correct installation of the device drivers can be verified by navigating to the Windows Control Panel and choosing System. Clicking on Device Manager will bring up the following screen:

23 19 Figure 24 Windows Vista, Windows 7 and later Device Manager If the driver was installed correctly, the RST USB to UART Adapter port will appear as in Figure 24 above. If the driver has not been installed correctly, yellow exclamation mark will appear next to the device. Once the above has been verified, note the COM number which has been assigned to the USB serial port. This will vary from computer to computer, in this example it is COM17. Close the device manager and launch the ThermArray Host Software. The Host Software should now connect to the RST USB to UART Adapter. Confirmation can be made by looking at the status screen (Figure 3)

24 20 8 CONNECTION MESSAGES The following table lists the status bar messages with descriptions. # Status Message Description 4 Opening port Opening communication port 5 Opening serial port Establishing serial communication 6 Initalizing Exchanging status information 9 Connecting to Sensor Interface ThermArray is trying to connect to the RS485 Digital Sensor Interface 10 Reading Sensor Interface information ThermArray is reading status information from Sensor Interface 12 Connected to Sensor Interface ThermArray was able to connect to the RS485 Digital Sensor Interface 14 Testing connection to Sensor Interface Testing connection to the RS485 Digital Sensor Interface 15 Disconnecting from Sensor Interface Sensor Interface is being disconnected 16 Monitor probe Reading live thermistor node data 25 Collecting data Sending data requests to thermistor nodes 26 Taking readings Transferring data from thermistor nodes 27 Reading thermistor data Decoding data 29 Saving readings Writing data into file 10 ThermArray settings successfully read All interface settings were successfully transferred to Thermarray 33 Reading conductivity Reading data from conductivity probe Table 1: Status Messages

25 21 9 SPECIFICATIONS ThermArray Node Temperature Range -20 to 50 C Resolution 0.01 C Accuracy 0.07 C Time Constant 20 seconds Address Range Power Supply Voltage 4 6 VDC Current per Node 0.8 ma Acquisition Time 0.2 second Node Length 30 mm Node Diameter 15 mm ThermArray Cable Conductors 4 Diameter 7 mm Breaking Strength 5 kn Maximum Segment Length 500 m Minimum Node Spacing 100 mm Mechanical Terminal 6 mm x 1 mm threaded ThermArray Terminal Maximum Nodes 255 Input Power 6 VDC

26 22 10 CONTACT US For sales information contact: For technical support contact: Head Office: Kingston St Maple Ridge, BC Canada V2X 0Z5 Our office hours are: 8:30am 5:00pm PST Monday Friday (excluding holidays) Telephone: Facsimile: Toll Free: Website: