User Manual
Node: Vibrating Wire Node
Model: Version 2.0
Manual Revision: 1.3
Viotel Limited. S1.2/89 Grafton Road, Auckland, 1010,
New Zealand. NZBN: 94 2904 7516 083
Viotel Australia Pty Ltd. Level 2, 127 Macquarie Street,
Hobart, 7000, Australia ABN: 34 645 231 34
www.viotel.co
Introduction
1.1 Warning
This guide intends to assist in the preferred mounting, operation, and usage of Viotel’s Vibrating Wire Node.
Please read and completely understand this user guide in order to make sure the safe and correct use of the system as well as maintain the longevity of the device.
Protection provided by the equipment may be impaired if used in a manner contrary to this user manual.
The antenna must be plugged in before any operation occurs.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Viotel Limited could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This product must not be disposed of in the normal waste stream. It contains a battery pack and electronic components and so should be recycled appropriately.
1.2 Theory of Operation
The Vibrating Wire node is a low touch Internet of Things (IoT) device. It is designed to be as simple as possible to install and activate — set and forget. Data is retrieved from the device via our cloudbased platform or via API to yours using the integrated LTE-M (CAT-M1) cellular communications network. The device also uses LTE-M for time stamping to within 1 second for comparison of data between nodes. The device is always monitoring for events, and can be continuously monitoring, or set to a triggered state to upload data within seconds. Remote configuration is possible to change the acquisition and upload frequency via the myViotel device management tool or API.
1.3 Parts List
PART | QTY | DESCRIPTION |
1 | 1 | Vibrating Wire Node |
2 | 1 | Battery pack* (pre- installed on the Node) |
3 | 5 | Caps (pre-installed on the Node) |
4 | 4 | Sensor Plugs |
5 | 1 | External Power Plug |
6 | 1 | Antenna |
7 | 1 | Magnet |
8 | 1 | Pole Mounting bracket (optional) |
*Externally Powered Vibrating Wire Nodes will not include internal batteries.
1.4 Required Tools
Tools are not required for installation other than hand tools specific to your installation scenario.
The following tools are required for connecting your sensors to the device.
- Soldering equipment
1.5 Dimensions
Usage
2.1 Mounting Options
Viotel’s Vibrating Wire Node comes with two primary mounting options.
MOUNTING | PHOTO DESCRIPTION |
1. Threaded M3 Holes suitable for optional pole mount bracket or mounting to an enclosure. | ![]() |
2. Covered Mounting holes | ![]() |
2.2 Indicated Key Location
WARNING: The antenna must be screwed into its designated antenna jack before any operation of the device.
The switch that the magnet (Part 7) operates on the Vibrating Wire Node (Part 1) is located directly behind the “O” on the Viotel logo, as shown below.
2.3 Sensor Plugs
You are supplied with 4x Sensor Plugs (part 4) for soldering to your chosen vibrating wire sensor to.
PIN | DESCRIPTION |
1 | Sensor + |
2 | Sensor – |
3 | Thermistor + |
4 | Thermistor – |
Viotel can supply sensors with the plugs pre-installed, or a plug to junction box for quick connection of cables.
Operating Instructions
3.1 Operation
By default, your Viotel Vibrating Wire Node will be set to Sleep mode. To change the mode that the logger is currently in; simply take the Magnet (Part 7) and hover it over the Indicated key location.
All operations and LED indications refer to firmware version: 3.02.14, please be aware future states may change some functionality.
TAP INSTRUCTIONS | FUNCTION | DESCRIPTION |
Tap once (while in Sleep) | Query Status | This will light up a LED to indicate the device state is currently in Sleep mode. |
Tap once (while Active) | Test Shots | The device will quickly perform 10 record-and-upload cycles of 3 minutes each. Once this data has been logged, the device will return to its standard operation. |
Tap once, Tap again within 3 seconds | Upload and change mode | This will cause the device to wake up and switch modes. As part of this process, the node connects to the cloud and applies any new settings. If switching from Sleep to Active, the device is fully Active and recording after a few minutes. |
3.2 System Modes
STATUS | DESCRIPTION |
Active | In this mode, the device will regularly record data at the user defined interval, check for firmware updates, monitor for user defined triggers and check for Magnet inputs (Part 7). |
Test Shots | This diagnostic mode will set the data recording interval to 3 minutes and quickly record 10 entries along with GPS data. After approximately 30 minutes, the device will return to its Active status automatically. |
Communicating | The device is currently trying to communicate with the server to download new settings, update firmware, and upload data and status information. |
Sleep | The device is in power-saving mode, but will respond to any taps from the magnet (Part 4). Every 7-days, the device will initiate a connection to provide status updates and check for system updates. Then it shall return to Sleep mode unless otherwise specified by the cloud server. |
Off | No battery/power at all. |
LIGHT | INTERVAL | MEANING | DESCRIPTION | VISUAL |
Green Blink four times | 1s | Successful Firmware Update | Firmware update requested, downloaded, and installed successfully. | ![]() |
Green Blink Twice (100ms) | every 30s | Active | Device is Active, running normally. See the section 3.2 System Modes for details. | ![]() |
Green Blink Twice (50ms) | Status Change Confirmation | The device has confirmed that it will now switch from Sleep to Active. | ![]() |
|
Solid Green | <3s | Status Change Confirmation | The device has confirmed that it will now switch from Active to Sleep | ![]() |
Solid Green + Yellow Blink | 3s 1s | Status Change Confirmation | Device is Active and preparing to enter Test Shots mode | ![]() |
Yellow Blink (100ms) | Every 1s | GPS Fixing | The device is currently acquiring a GPS signal. | ![]() |
Solid Yellow | 1s | GPS Fixing | The GPS signal has been acquired and successfully got a valid position. | ![]() |
Red Blink four times | 1s | Failed Firmware Update | Firmware update requested and failed to download. | ![]() |
Solid Red (300ms) | Device is Busy | The device is currently busy and will not accept commands from the magnet. | ![]() |
|
Blue Blink Twice (150ms) | Communicating | The device has begun communicating, and the network has successfully connected. | ![]() |
|
Solid Blue | 3s | Sleep | Device is in Sleep. See the section 3.2 System Status for details. | ![]() |
Purple Blink Twice (100ms) | Every 30s | Diagnostic | Device is in Test Shots mode. See the section 3.2 System Status for details. | ![]() |
Green/Red Alternating | Firmware Update | Firmware update requested, downloading and installation underway. | ![]() |
|
Blank | N/A | Off | Device is Off. See the section 3.2 System Status for details. | ![]() |
Table 7 System Status Indicator
Maintenance
The product should not require any maintenance after installation. If the need to clean the product should arise, use only a damp cloth and mild detergent. Do not use any solvents as this may damage the enclosure.
Only service personnel authorised by the manufacturer may open the inner enclosure. No user serviceable parts are located inside.
4.1 External Power
7.5V DC supply is required to power your device. All electrical work must be carried out by suitably qualified technician, and in compliance with local laws and regulations. Switching between internal and external power supply requires opening the enclosure. Power adapters can be purchased from Viotel.
Products and Data Loggers (viotel.co)
4.2 Downloading Data
The only way to upload data is over the cellular communications network. When in standard operation, the device continually uploads data on user-defined intervals, and can also be activated to send data on demand for diagnostic purposes via a magnet command. If the signal is weak and the device is unable to upload data at that moment, the device is programmed to keep trying in decreasing increments (to conserve battery). If after 4 days of failing to upload, it will reboot.
Uploaded data can be viewed and downloaded from the myViotel platform.
Data is stored in non-volatile memory and survives reboots and power loss.
Data is deleted from the device once successfully uploaded.
4.3 Further Support
For further support, please email our friendly staff at support@viotel.co with your name and number and we will get back to you.
Viotel Ltd
Auckland Suite 1.2, 89 Grafton Street
Parnell, Auckland, 1010
ales@viotel.co | NZBN: 94 2904 7516 083
Viotel Australia Pty Ltd
Hobart Level 2 127 Macquarie Street
Hobart, TAS, 7000
Remote Offices Brisbane, Sydney
sales@viotel.co | ABN: 15 109 816 846
Documents / Resources
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VIOTEL Version 2.0 Vibrating Wire Node [pdf] User Manual Version 2.0 Vibrating Wire Node, Version 2.0, Vibrating Wire Node, Wire Node |