Manual – 3000 NRL Family
Unidata Manual - 3000 NRL Family - 06 08 2019.docx
Page 7
1.3
The NRL Stand Alone Data logger Implementation
The NRL can be programmed with a program (scheme) in the factory or in a remote office and then
transported to the field to work as a stand-alone system, without the need to have an internet connection.
For this operation method the program (scheme) is downloaded to the NRL using the Starlog 4 Logger
configuration software. The data is stored in the NRL and can be unloaded using the Starlog 4 Logger
configuration software.
The Starlog 4 Logger configuration can be used to set up legacy logger emulations, such as the Star
logger and Prologger, so applications using these older loggers can continue using the newer NRL
models. If the emulation modes are used, the new features available in the NRL are not available.
Unidata suggests the program (scheme) should be updated to utilise the features available in the newer
NRL models.
1.4
The NRL Full Protocol Implementation - Internet Connection Required
The Internet provides the transport mechanism between the Neon Servers and the telecommunication
provider gateways. This means that NRL units can be used anywhere in the world provided there is an
internet connection available. The connection to the internet can be via a cell phone data service, a
satellite service or a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
With the full protocol service the communications between the NRL and the Neon Server are closely
coupled and each transmission is checked and acknowledged, such that a beak in communications does
not result in lost data. Rather the NRL attempts to communicate with the Neon Server on a pre-set
schedule and continues to log and store data and then re-send if and when the communications link
and/or the Neon Server service is restored.
Also the remote NRL can be configured online, parameters can be adjusted and a new program (scheme)
and updated firmware can be downloaded remotely from the Neon Server.
1.5
The NRL Message Based Implementation- LoRa LPWAN & Satellite Services
There are communications services available which provide a short message service, similar to an SMS
text message service.
The NRL supports LoRa LPWAN, Iridium Short Burst Data service and also other emerging message
based services. These services are in general terms message only services, where a message is sent
from the NRL to the Neon Server without acknowledgement, without the ability to reconfigure NRL on line
and without the ability to download programs (schemes). These message based services are generally
lower cost and they suit low data rate applications very well and are less expensive.
