Hydrological Services Pty Ltd
Data Logger Model ML1-420
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Copyright
ML1-420 100-9
Issue 1.00 6 Apr, 2011
3.2
Setup and Configuring the Logger
Once the ML1-420 logger has been connected to a computer, the parameters can be setup
using WinComLog or any ‘dumb’ terminal emulation program. (NOTE: If a third party
application is used, the handshake signals DTR and RTS should be forced high to enable the
MinLog to have power.) If using a third party program, it should be set for the appropriate
baud rate, and 8/N/1 (bits/parity/stop), handshake off, and “local echo on”. On receipt of
individual commands from the computer, the logger will respond with the present parameter
setting. (Note that the command keywords permit both upper and lower case characters, or a
combination of both.) A carriage return ( < CR > , Enter Key) immediately following an
entry will action the command. Invalid entries return a “Command Error” response. A list of
all logger commands may be viewed on the computer screen by using the unique on-board
help system. Simply type ? and then press the Enter key.
Data and parameter security is provided by means of a user password. Any data or
parameters may be viewed without a password, but parameters may only be altered and data
may only be cleared after the password has been entered correctly. The default password
when the logger is supplied is “BOMM”. Parameters may be entered by typing the command,
then the equals symbol (=) and then the new parameter, followed by the Enter key.
3.2.1 Site Information
The “Site Information” (SI) is a user definable 16 character string that allows each logger to
have a unique location name. Alternatively, loggers in a locality may be given the same
name and the rainfall channel ID may be used to uniquely identify the logger data. This
allows for easy identification of dumped data or status window information. See section
4.1.8 for more information on this command.
3.2.2 System Time/Date
The “Time” (T) and “Date” (D) should be checked for accuracy during installation.
The “Time Adjust” (TA) command allows the Real Time Clock to be adjusted for crystal
frequency inaccuracies.
3.2.3 Parameters
The Minilog ML1-420 has several parameters that allow characterisation of the sensor being
used. The “Channel ID” (CHID) is a 7 digit user definable number that should be set to
uniquely identify the digital (rainfall) channel. The “Increment” (INC) parameter defines the
capacity of the specific digital sensor used as well as the number of external events that
constitute one logged event - this determines the digital input resolution.
The “River Channel ID” (CHIDRV) is a 7 digit user definable number that should be set to
uniquely identify the 4-20mA (river) channel. The “Transducer Range” (TXR) parameter
defines the 4-20mA Range of the transducer. The “Transducer Interval” (TXI) parameter
defines how often a transducer measurement is taken, and how long the transducer is powered
for. The “River Height Ref” (RvHR) parameter defines the offset of the water height.
See section 4.1.4 for more information on these commands.