Introduction to the data acquisition system

The data acquisition system is used to record data from biological and meteorological sensors that are used in eddy covariance and micrometeorological measurement systems. Here, we describe the Data Acquisition Module (DAqM), Data Retention Module (DRM), the system enclosure, and supporting hardware and software.

In a typical application, the data acquisition system will sample each analog signal once every second and SDI-12 sensors once per minute. Readings from each sensor are averaged over one minute and the average is logged. These data are then combined with high-speed eddy covariance data for processing in EddyPro Software on a desktop computer or the SmartFlux 2 or 3 System (SmartFlux System henceforth), and subsequent analysis in Tovi Software.

What's what

If you have just taken delivery of the order, double check the shipment to be sure everything is included.

Blueprint Utility software

Blueprint Utility software is a graphical application that is used to program the data acquisition system. Go to licor.com/support/Biomet-System/software.html for the latest download.

Data Acquisition Module

Part number: 7900-110

At least one Data Acquisition Module (DAqM) is required in the data acquisition system. It sends a stream of time-stamped data to the SmartFlux System, another DAqM, or a DRM. Up to four DAqMs can be connected together.

Figure 1‑1. The DAqM terminal and LED functions.
  • Analog input terminals: Connections for analog sensors (terminals A1 to A18). Terminals A15 and A16 can provide excitation voltage as well. Terminals A17 and A18 can read voltage or current. Analog voltage and current ranges are software-settable.
  • Ground lug: Connect to earth ground for lightning protection.
  • SDI-12 terminals: Connections for SDI-12 sensors. Terminal blocks are used to connect multiple sensors. Each DAqM supports up to 10 SDI-12 sensors.
  • 12 VDC output: Regulated power supply.
  • Switchable power outputs: Controlled power for sensors (SW1, SW2, and SW3).
  • Digital input/output terminals: Connects digital sensors.
  • DATA IN: Receives data from an additional DAqM. Sends configuration to connected DAqMs.
  • Power input: Power to the DAqM.
  • DATA OUT: Sends data to SmartFlux System, DRM, or another DAqM. Receives configuration from SmartFlux System, DRM, or another DAqM.
  • Indicator LEDs: Shows power, send, and receive status.
    • Power: Green = OK; Red = Fault on switchable power outputs (see DRM or DAqM LED indicators for details).
    • Data Out: Green = Sending data; Red = Receiving data.
    • Data In: Green = Sending data; Red = Receiving data.

Data Acquisition Module wire leads

Part Number: 9579-005

Each DAqM includes wire bundles for RS-485 data, SDI-12 terminals, and power.

Data wires

A 23-cm and a 46-cm bundle of five wires connect RS-485 DATA IN/OUT ports on the DAqM, DRM, or SmartFlux System. Only one bundle is required to connect the devices: use the short one if the components are close together; use the long one if they are far apart. One will remain unused. See Figure 2‑5 and for details.

Power and ground wires

A 30-cm and a 46-cm bundle of red and black wires connect the power supply. Only one is required. Choose the ideal length for the setup. A single insulated solid core green/yellow wire is to connect the ground lug to the ground terminal in the enclosure. See Initial assembly for details.

SDI-12 wires

One red, one black, and one blue wire lead (18-cm) connect the SDI-12 terminals on the DAqM to the DIN terminals in the enclosure. See Initial assembly for details.

Data Retention Module

Part number: 7900-115

The optional Data Retention Module (DRM) provides four regulated power outputs (12 VDC maximum), a charge controller for the backup battery, and temporary data storage for biomet sensors attached to DAqMs. In the event of a mains power outage, the DRM can continue to operate on backup battery power and store biomet data from the DAqMs, which it sends to the SmartFlux System when its memory is full or when main power is restored.

  • DATA IN: Receives data from a DAqM. Sends configuration to DAqMs.
  • DATA OUT: Sends data to SmartFlux System. Receives configuration from SmartFlux System.
  • Ground lug: To ground the electronics. Connect to earth ground.
  • Power input: Power in to the DRM. The +9 - 30 VDC and upper GND terminal are the primary power supply. The +12V BAT and lower GND terminal are for a backup battery.
  • V1, V2, and V3 Power: Regulated power output (12 VDC maximum) to DAqMs, power terminals, or accessories.
  • V4 Power out: Power out for the SmartFlux System.
  • Indicator LEDs: Colors and blink patterns indicate the following:
    • Data Out: Green = Sending data; Red = Receiving data.
    • Data In: Green = Sending data; Red = Receiving data.
    • V1, V2, V3, and V4 Power: Green = Power OK; Red = Error.
    • Power: Green = OK; Red = Powered from backup battery.
    • Battery: Green = Powered by main power, battery connected and fully charged; or powered by backup battery; Yellow = Powered by main power, battery connected and charging. Red = Battery not connected (normal) or error if battery is connected.

Data Retention Module wire leads

DRM wire bundles are for data and power.

Data wires

Part Number: 9579-007

Each DRM includes a bundle of five data wires (15 cm) that are used to connect the DRM to the SmartFlux System. See Figure 2‑5 and for details.

Power and ground wires

It also includes two sets of power wire bundles: a 30-cm and a 46-cm bundle. Only one is required. Choose the ideal length for the setup. A single insulated solid core green/yellow wire is to connect the ground lug to the ground terminal in the enclosure. See Initial assembly for details.

Pre-configured biomet system enclosure

Part Number: 7900-126

The pre-configured enclosure is a large weather resistant box with mounting hardware. It is set up for the LI-COR Biomet Data Acquisition System and other accessories. It includes all of the terminal connections and DIN rails required for a complete eddy covariance system.

Table 1‑1. Components included with the enclosure. Many of these parts are installed in the enclosure prior to delivery.
Component Qty. Part Number
10-amp Circuit Breaker; DIN Mountable 2 275-13499
Red 1-tier Terminals; DIN Mountable 8 331-12822
Gray 2-tier Terminals; DIN Mountable 3 331-12885
Blue 2-tier Terminals; DIN Mountable 4 331-12959
Red 4 mm Terminals; DIN Mountable 3 331-13508
Green 4 mm Terminal; DIN Mountable 1 331-13510
Black 4 mm Terminals; DIN Mountable 3 331-13511
4-position Shorting Blocks 2 331-17204
3-position Shorting Blocks; 4 mm 2 331-16821
2-position Shorting Blocks 2 331-13646
DIN Terminal Covers 5 331-12825
DIN End Bracket 4 331-12922
DIN Terminal Labels 2 331-12934
Adhesive Cable Tie Mounts 5 218-03683
Phillips Pan Head Screw (10-32; 3/8") 4 122-00072
Risers to mount the battery 2 9879-090
Riser Plate 1 9879-091
Raised Terminal Block and DIN Mount 1 6579-078
DIN Rail (14 cm) 4 6579-079

Enclosure terminal connections

The enclosure provides 22 DIN terminals to connect wire leads and two 10-amp breakers to protect devices from a surge. Terminal assignments are described in Table 1‑2.

Table 1‑2. Assignments for terminals in the enclosure.
Terminal # Description
1, 2, 3 Six terminals for main power (-; black)
4 Ground terminal, connects system ground to ground lug
5, 6, 7 Six terminals for main power (+; red)
8, 9, 10 Three two-tier terminals for SDI-12 ground, power, and signal
11, 12 Four two-tier power terminals (-)
13, 14, 15, 16 Four power terminals (+)
n/a 10 amp breaker controls power to terminals 13, 14, 15, and 16
17, 18 Four two-tier power terminals (-)
19, 20, 21, 22 Four power terminals (+)
n/a 10 amp breaker controls power to terminals 19, 20, 21, and 22

Enclosure wire leads

Part Number: 9579-006

The enclosure includes several wires that are used to connect power supply terminals inside the enclosure. It includes two black wires, four red wires, and one solid core green/yellow wire for grounding. See Initial assembly for details.

Enclosure accessories kit

Part number: 9979-063

The accessories kit includes a number of spare components. Some items listed below may be installed in the enclosure prior to delivery.

Mounting Kit

Part Number: 9979-021

The 33-cm mounting kit includes brackets, band clamps, and hardware that is used to mount the enclosure to a tripod or tower.

Strain relief fittings

Part Number: 6579-040

Three 1.5-inch drilled PVC couplers are to relieve strain from the wire leads. Sensor wires should be secured to the strain relief fittings using cable ties so that the connections are not bearing the weight of the cables. Includes three couplers and three lock nuts (part number 259-12760).

Coarse wool three-pack

Part Number: 9979-032

Coarse metallic wool is to cover any opening that accommodates cables. The metallic wool will help keep insects and other animals from inhabiting the enclosure and may prevent water from splashing into the openings.

Screwdriver

Part Number: 611-12864

A 3-mm slotted screwdriver can be used to connect wire leads to terminals.

Nylon cable ties

UV-resistant cable ties are used to secure cables in the strain relief fittings and to secure cables to a tripod or tower. Ten each of 29-cm cable ties (part number 218-11027) and 10.5 cm cable ties (part number 218-08499) are included.

Cap plugs

Three large and one small red cap plugs (part numbers 620-12831 and 620-16842, respectively) are to cover any unused openings in the enclosure.

Biomet sensor packages

The data acquisition system probably comes with one of three sensor packages. Complete installation and configuration instructions for biomet sensor packages are provided in this document.

Basic sensor package

Part number 7900-109

This collection of sensors includes the items listed in Table 1‑3. Cables for the net radiometer, LI-190R, LI-200R, and HMP155, are suitable fro most tripods. Longer cables are available (specified while ordering) to accommodate tripods, short towers, and tall towers.

Table 1‑3. Basic biomet sensor package.
Component (make; model; LI-COR part number) Quantity
Net radiation (Kipp & Zonen; NR Lite2; 7900-140) 1
Global radiation (LI-COR; LI-200R; 7900-195) 1
Photosynthetically active radiation (LI-COR; LI-190R; 7900-190) 1
Mounting and leveling fixture (2003S) 1
Radiation sensor mount (7900-350) 1
Air temperature and humidity (Vaisala; HMP155; 7900-130) 1
14-plate radiation shield (R. M. Young; 41005-5; 7900-135) 1
Rain gauge (Texas Electronics; TR-525M; 7900-160) 1
Soil heat flux (Hukseflux; HFP01; 7900-150) 3
Soil moisture (Meter; EC-5; 7900-175) 2
Soil temperature (LI-COR; 7900-180) 3

Standard sensor package

Part number 7900-118

This collection of sensors includes the items listed in Table 1‑4. Cables for the net radiometer, LI-190R, and HMP155, are available in a variety of lengths (specified while ordering) to accommodate tripods, short towers, and tall towers.

Table 1‑4. Standard biomet sensor package.
Component (make; model; LI-COR part number) Quantity
Net radiation; 4-component (Hukseflux; NR02; 7900-146) 1
Cross-over fitting to mount NR02 (7900-342) 1
Photosynthetically Active Radiation (LI-COR; LI-190R; 7900-190) 1
Mounting and leveling fixture (2003S) 1
Radiation sensor mount (7900-350) 1
Air temperature and humidity (Vaisala; HMP155; 7900-130) 1
14-plate radiation shield (R. M. Young; 41005-5; 7900-135) 1
Rain gauge (Texas Electronics; TR-525M; 7900-160) 1
Soil heat flux plates (Hukseflux; HFP01; 7900-150) 3
Soil moisture/temperature probes (Stevens, HydraProbe; 7900-170) 3

Premium sensor package

Note: The StarDot NetCam SC (PhenoCam) has been replaced by a new model - the NetCamLIVE2. The NetCamLIVE2 is a direct replacement and is supported by SmartFlux 2 and 3 Systems (firmware v2.4.2 and newer).

Part number 7900-119

This collection of sensors includes the items listed in Table 1‑5. Cables for the net radiometer, LI-190R, and HMP155 are available in a variety of lengths (specified while ordering) to accommodate tripods, short towers, and tall towers.

Table 1‑5. Premium biomet sensor package.
Component (make; model; LI-COR part number) Quantity
Net radiation; 4-component (Kipp & Zonen; CNR4; 7900-144) 1
Heater and ventilation unit (Kipp & Zonen; CNF4; 7900-145) 1
Photosynthetically Active Radiation (LI-COR; LI-190R; 7900-190) 1
Mounting and leveling fixture (2003S) 1
Radiation sensor mount (7900-350) 1
Air temperature and humidity sensor (LI-COR; HMP155; 7900-130) 1
14-plate radiation shield (R. M. Young; 41005-5; 7900-135) 1
Rain gauge (Texas Electronics; TR-525M; 7900-160) 1
Self-calibrating soil heat flux (Hukseflux; HFP01SC; 7900-155) 3
Soil temperature/moisture probes (Stevens; HydraProbe; 7900-170) 3
Soil temperature sensor (LI-COR; 7900-180) 3

Optional items

Additional components may be required for tower installations or other scenarios. These may be included with the order, or they can be ordered separately.

TDK-Lambda DC-DC converter

Part Number: 591-15617

The TDK-Lambda DC-DC Converter (model DPX60) is required if these conditions are met: 1) the EC system has a 24 VDC solar power supply, 2) it includes components that have an upper voltage limit that is <24 VDC, and 3) it does not have regulated power outputs from a DRM. You may use this to power the PhenoCam, Hughes Satellite Gateway, or the SmartFlux System with an attached CSAT3 sonic anemometer.

Backup battery

Part Number: 7900-129

The backup battery (12 VDC, 7.2 amp hour) will deliver backup power to the data acquisition system via the DRM if the main power supply drops out. This makes it possible for some components of the system to continue measuring parameters and recording data even if the other instruments are powered off. The backup battery is charged by the DRM. The battery is a nonspillable lead acid battery.

Note: Do not store the battery in a discharged state. Doing so may damage the battery. Do not charge the battery in a gas-tight container. The biomet enclosure is vented adequately for the battery. Do not short the terminals. If you are exposed to the electrolyte, flush with water.

Power cable

Part Number: 392-14582

A 5-meter long 2-conductor wire with bare leads on both ends.

DIN rail

Part Number: 6579-023

Extra pieces of DIN rail (18.6 cm) are available if the included rails are insufficient to mount components in the enclosure.