HOBO® RX3000 RXW Manager Quick Start
Introduction
Important: If you have not already registered the RX3000 station with HOBOlink® and set up the station communications, follow the instructions in the HOBO RX3000 Remote Monitoring Station Quick Start before continuing (go to www.onsetcomp.com/manuals/rx3000-qsg).
Initial Setup Steps
Step 1: Stop the RX3000 station and connect to HOBOlink
Press the [STOP] button if the station is currently logging and then press the [Connect] button to upload the latest data to HOBOlink.
Diagram shows the RX3000 station with buttons labeled [SYSTEM], [CHARGING], [MEMORY], [LAST CONNECTION], [SMART SENSORS], [MODULE 1], [MODULE 2], [CHANNELS], [SELECT]. The [STOP] button is highlighted, and an arrow points to it.Step 2: Power down the RX3000 station
Disconnect the battery and unplug any charging device.
Diagram shows the RX3000 station with the battery disconnected and a charging device unplugged.Step 3: Install the RXW Manager module
Insert the connector on the back of the module into the receptacle in the left or right module slot. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to tighten the screw at the bottom of the module.
Diagram shows the RXW Manager module being inserted into a slot on the RX3000 station. A Phillips-head screwdriver is shown tightening a screw.Step 4: Connect the RXW Manager to the module
Plug the cable from the RXW Manager into the jack on the module, making sure the cable is inserted through the bottom of the station case. Do not reconnect the power on the station until the RXW Manager is plugged in as shown.
Diagram shows the cable from the RXW Manager being plugged into the module jack on the RX3000 station, with the cable routed through the bottom of the case.Step 5: Power up the RX3000 station
Plug in the battery and then the charging device, and wait for the station to power up. Verify that the new module is listed on the LCD screen with a checkmark [✓]. The station should automatically connect to HOBOlink (press the [Connect] button on the station if it does not).
Diagram shows the RX3000 station powered up with the battery and charging device connected. The LCD screen is visible.Step 6: Update the RX3000 station firmware
If you added the module to an RX3000 station that was previously in use, you will need to update the station firmware. If you have a new station, proceed to Step 7.
- In HOBOlink, navigate to Devices, then RX Devices, and click the station name.
- On the station page, click Overview and scroll down to Device Information.
- On the General tab under the Firmware Version, click the firmware upgrade link.
- Select "Upgrade on Next Connection" and click Save.
- Press the [Connect] button on the station to connect to HOBOlink and start the firmware upgrade.
- Wait for the firmware upgrade to complete. The upgrade icon should be gone in HOBOlink once the upgrade is successful. If the station firmware is not successfully installed, it could be due to an interruption in cellular service or poor signal strength. Contact Onset Technical Support for assistance.
Step 7: Configure the module in HOBOlink
Set the logging interval for the module in HOBOlink. Navigate to Devices, then RX Devices. Select the icon next to your station and choose Module/Sensor Configuration. Select Module <1 or 2>: Wireless Sensors Logging, enter a logging interval, and click Save. Press the [Start] button on the RX3000 station to begin logging. Refer to the HOBOlink Help for details on changing connection intervals, viewing data, checking sensor node status, and more.
Installing the Bracket and Sensor Node
Step 1: Orient the bracket
Orient the bracket so the text [TOP] is facing upwards.
Diagram shows a mounting bracket with the text "[TOP]" visible.Step 2: Install bracket on a wall
To install the bracket onto a wall, use the two long screws included in the package. Screw the bracket to a wall using the two holes on the mid-section of the bracket.
Diagram shows the bracket being attached to a wall with two long screws.Step 3: Install bracket on a pole
To install the bracket onto a pole, slip a cable tie through each of the channels on the bracket and fasten the tie around the pole.
Diagram shows the bracket being attached to a pole using cable ties.Step 4: Insert sensor node into bracket
Insert the bottom of the sensor node into the retaining clips on the bottom of the bracket, then press the top of the sensor node into the clips at the top of the bracket.
Diagram shows a sensor node being inserted into the bracket clips, top and bottom.Step 5: Fasten sensor node
Use the short screw included in the package to fasten the sensor node to the bracket.
Diagram shows a short screw fastening the sensor node to the bracket.Step 6: Secure sensor node
Close the sensor node and use a padlock [?] to keep it secure. Note: Ensure that the node seal is clean from foreign debris.
Diagram shows the sensor node closed and a padlock securing it.Mounting the Manager and Setting Up the HOBOnet Wireless Sensor Network
Mounting the Manager
- Mount the manager as high as possible above the RX3000 station to increase the radio signal and line of sight.
- Ensure the RXW Manager cable hangs straight down and is not pulled tightly to the side when connecting to the station.
- Route the RXW Manager cable and all other cables and wires through weatherproof cable channels. Refer to the RX3000 manual at www.onsetcomp.com/manuals/rx3000 for details.
Tips for Setting Up the HOBOnet Wireless Sensor Network
- Stay close to the RX3000 station when adding sensor nodes to the wireless network, as you will need to access both the station and the sensor node simultaneously. After the sensor node successfully joins the wireless network, you can move it to its deployment location.
- Check the signal strength on the sensor node's LCD at the intended deployment location. If the signal strength indicator shows only one or two bars, consider moving the sensor node to a location with a stronger signal.
- Mount sensor nodes a minimum of 1.8 meters (6 feet) above the ground or vegetation to maximize distance and signal strength.
- Consider using plastic poles, such as PVC, for mounting sensor nodes.
- Position each sensor node and repeater so its built-in solar panel receives optimal sunlight throughout all seasons. Periodic adjustment of the sensor node position may be necessary as the sun's path changes or if tree and leaf growth affects sunlight reaching the panel.
- Limit the number of sensor nodes to a maximum of five in any direction within their maximum transmission range from the RXW Manager. Data logged by a wireless sensor must travel or "hop" across the wireless network from one sensor node to the next until it reaches the RXW Manager at the RX3000 station. To ensure successful data transmission, a sensor node should not be more than five hops away from the manager.
- Obstructions between sensor nodes can hinder reliable network communication. If a sensor node is blocked by a minor obstruction (e.g., a pole, the RX3000 station, shrubbery), move the sensor node to a location where the obstruction does not block the path to the nearest sensor node. If there is an elevation change between sensor nodes or a significant obstruction (e.g., a building or tree), either reposition the sensor node for full line of sight to the next sensor node or install a repeater between them.
- Utilize the Map feature in HOBOlink for a bird's-eye view of the network and wireless paths. Consult the HOBOlink Help for details on this and other methods for monitoring network status and sensor data.
Resources
- For instructions on adding a sensor node to the network and complete details on the RX3000 station, go to www.onsetcomp.com/manuals/rx3000.
- For specifications and other details about the RXW Manager, refer to the full product manual: www.onsetcomp.com/support/manuals/22248-rxmod-rxw-manual.
- For all HOBOnet Wireless Sensor Network product manuals, including specific sensor nodes, go to www.onsetcomp.com/support/manuals.
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