 1. Firmware Updates |
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| Why should RTU's and A440's be updated? |
| We strongly recommend to update your RTU's to the latest released version whenever you have the chance to, e.g. when changing batteries, opening RTU's to exchange Silica gel Dry-Packs. The update of an RTU takes only around 1 minute (to flash the micro-processor). Most updates contain new features, some also bug fixes. |
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| What are the requirements to update an RTU ? |
| To update an RTU its case needs to be opened. This should be done by a technician, with detailed information about the Adcon hardware and software. |
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| When updating my RTU to version >2.0, do I loose data ? |
| Yes. The memory in firmware versions as of 2.0 is organized differently than in previous versions. Therefore it is necessary to "purge" the memory with the FDEV command after such an update. FDEV does not have any effect on the RTU's settings, and is not required when updating an A440. |
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| 2. Memory Calculation |
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| For how many days will my RTU store date before the oldest frames are overwritten ? |
| That depends! That depends on the type of RTU you are using and the number of sensors you are attaching to it. Since the RTUs support SDI-12 they have a very flexible memory management. Therefore the less sensors you attach, the longer the memory will last. |
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| 3. Pulse Counting |
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| What's the minimum pulse length required by the RTU's pulse counter input ? |
| By default the minimum pulse length (Pulse Counter Input Level Low) should be around 100 milliseconds, and the time between two pulses (Pulse Counter Input Level High) needs to be greater 0.5 sec! If your application - e.g. water meter reading - requires the capability to read up to 30 pulses per second, and/or has a minimum pulse length of 4 msec's , then your RTU must run at least firmware version 2.2 and needs the "FPC" option to be set to 1. (FPC = Fast Pulse Counter).
NOTE: The Specification is only valid for a single Pulse Counter connected to one IO!
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| 4. External Power Supply |
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| Can the A733/A723 External Power Supply be used for an A730MD ? |
| Yes. For this device an adapter cable is available. Please ask your Adcon distributor for item no. 800.000.033 |
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| Can I connect an external battery pack to the RTU ? |
Yes, rechargeable batteries using the default solar set can be connected using our 5-pin Y-cable (item no.200.800.025) (5-pin extension cables are also available, with 0.5m and 5m in length). Any other power supply system may be connected, as long as it provides at least 5.6V, but no more than 10 Volts. This is crucial! Supply voltages exceeding 10V might permanently damage the RTU's processor!
IMPORTANT NOTE: when connecting an external battery pack, the Internal battery pack needs to be disconnected or removed (we recommend to rather remove it) |
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| Can I use the internal and an external battery in parallel ? |
Unfortunately not. When connecting an external battery the internal one needs to be disconnected. See also previous FAQ.
NOTE: The electronics of the RTU's integrated battery charger can only provide a maximum charging current of up to 0.9Amps. Since batteries should be charged with at least 1/10 of their capacity, the maximum capacity of an external battery should thus not exceed 9Ah. |
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| 5. A733 GSM/GPRS |
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| Is it possible to use the A733 GSM as a relay for other RTU's? |
| No, the A733 GSM builds a direct data connection to the modem of the A840, using the CSD functionality of the GSM network. It's GSM modem operates on different frequencies using different protocols than do Adcon radio RTU's. |
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| What is the estimated cost for A733GSM data transfer ? |
| This depends very much on the number of calls you want to initiate per day, and the cost for data calls from your local provider. In some cases it might be cheaper to use an external GSM modem for outgoing data calls rather than the A840's internal modem in order to stay within the providers network. Watch out for roaming fees! Particularly when installing an RTU near an international boarder, or in areas where other networks have stronger signal coverage, we recommend to disable the RTU's roaming capability. |
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| What is the estimated cost for A733GPRS data transfer ? |
This depends on a variety of factors:
- the number of data transfers per day
- the number of sensors attached
- your slot time (the shorter the slot the more data you send)
- the providers package rounding scheme
By default you will need a 3MB data plan if you run a standard weather station (T/RH, rain, wind, solar radiation) using default settings (slot 900/15) and transmit data every hour. |
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| 6. A731 addRELAY |
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| What are the requirements for using the A731 addRELAY ? |
| As an addVANTAGE 3.45 user you must update your A440 to at least firmware version 2.4. When using addVANTAGE Pro you need to update your A840 to at least ver. 3.6.1 |
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| 7. RTU Tool A720SC |
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| Can I use the A720SC cable with "progtx" or the A730MD service monitor program to communicate with A730MD ? |
| No, the A720SC communication cable only works with RTU's of type A72x, A731, A732 and A733 . |
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