RT130

Grounding of remotely-powered stations (not AC-powered), for stations where static charge is a problem.

This note concerns only those stations utilizing a remote autonomous power system and solar panels. Systems that will be using AC power should contact the PIC staff for more information on safely using these types of power sources.

Grounding of DAS units should only be attempted in extreme cases where static charge is a problem (for example, failing equipment such as external GPSes). Attempts to ground DAS units can lead to ground loops if not properly done, or even if done to best practices!  It should only be attempted when the sensor itself has been isolated from ground by a non-conducting plate such as a tile or phenolic pad.  Pads which are not part of the original vault design can also cause stability/noise problems, and must be well coupled to the base of the vault or concrete.

The RT130 can be configured using any PalmOS device that has a serial interface and the program PFC-130, but the EPIC exclusively uses and provides Sony Cliés.

 

The following is an example outline of an RT130 configuration using the PFC-130 program. The outline is intended as a quick reference guide only and is not a substitute for training or reading the official manufacturer's manual. For detailed information on programming the RT130 using PFC-130, consult the manufacturer's RT130 information page and brochure.

PFC-130 Quick Reference Guide to Programming

Note: Items marked with * are information that will be written to the log file, but will not affect the operation of the RT130.

RT130 log files are most easily viewed and interpreted with the program LOGPEEK. LOGPEEK is part of the PASSOFT software package.     This figure shows how LOGPEEK looks under normal operation. For more help or detail please see the Help section within LOGPEEK.  

 

This shows a short summary of what fields are displayed graphically in LOGPEEK and what they mean.

RT130 data is downloaded from the CF cards to .zip files using the NEO program.  The NEO program is included in the PASSOFT software package and can be started from the command line or from the NEO button on EPIC field computers. After the data is downloaded it should be reviewed to make sure that it is complete and two backup copies should be made.
 

This page is meant as a quick reference guide for using the Clié program "PFC-130" to load configuration parameters to a RT130. When deploying RT130's in the field, you will be provided an installation worksheet which covers the same steps but with more detail specific to your experiment.

Basic Guide for Loading Parameters to a RT130 from a Clié

1. Open PFC-130, on the Clié

2. Select Work with Configuration

3. Load (Load Configuration Pre-Written or Loaded Config File)

4. Select OK

5. Verify Configuration Name top of screen

6. Send to DAS

7. Select OK

8. Select Done

9. Re-Enter Work with Configuration

10. Select from DAS (Load from DAS)

11. Edit

12. Confirm Experiment Name

Quanterra Q330

Q330's are typically used for broadband standalone and telemetered real-time data recording. They have an external storage device (either hard drive or USB flash drive) and lend themselves for a variety of telemetered modes.

 

Reftek RT130

The RT130 is a 3 or 6 channel high resolution datalogger. It is low power and highly configurable for a wide range of applications and sensors. It is housed in a plastic clamshell-style enclosure which is nearly waterproof and has internal data storage in the form of two compact flash cards. The RT130 can simultaneously record to the CF cards and transmit data in near-realtime using either ethernet or serial based telemetry. It has built-in sensor controls, scheduled mass recentering, and calibration functions. The RT130 is programmed with a PalmOS program called PFC-130 via the serial port.

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