The TC-Link-200 is a 12-channel wireless sensor used for the precise measurement of thermocouples. There is no calibration required, users need only select the desired thermocouple type and the node will output accurate, low-noise temperature or mV data. Cycle power to the TC-Link-200 using the on/off button. A quick push will power the device on or off. A longer push (approximately two seconds) will initiate sampling, indicated by the blue light illuminating. A very long push
(approximately 10 seconds) will perform a hardware reset. In this document we explain how to deploy the TC-Link-200 for data collection. This includes electrical wiring, mounting of the device, and using SensorConnect software to configure the node, start sampling, and display data. Item Description Quantity A B C D TC-Link-200 Antenna with right angle adapter AA Lithium batteries (3.6 V dc, 2.4 Ah) DIN rail clip
#6-32 x 3/8 Thread forming screws 1 1 4 1 3 Table 1 - TC-Link-200 Configuration Options Figure 1 - Interface and Indicators Indicator Behavior Node Status Device status indicator OFF Node is OFF Rapid green flashing on start-up Node is booting up 1 (slow) green pulse per second Node is idle and waiting for a command 1 green blink every 2 seconds Node is sampling Blue LED during sampling Node is resynchronizing Red LED Built-in test error Table 2 - Indicator Behaviors LORD QUICK START GUIDETC-LINK-200Wireless 12 Channel Analog Input Sensor NodeWireless Simplicity, Hardwired Reliability 1. Pinout and Sensor Wiring TC-Link-200 default wiring uses a K type thermocouple. User-configuration is required for the following wiring options. Pin #
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Signal S1+
Pin #
16 Signal S7+
S1-
S2+
S2-
S3+
S3-
S4+
S4-
S5+
S5-
S6+
S6-
--
--
--
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 S7-
S8+
S8-
S9+
S9-
S10+
S10-
S11+
S11-
S12+
S12-
GND VIN GND Signal VIN GND Sx+
Sx-
Description External supply voltage Ground Thermocouple positive input, with internally applied 1.4V bias Pin Type Power input Range 4.0 V to 36 V Power return GND Analog input 0 to 2.5 V Thermocouple negative input Analog input 0 to 2.5 V Table 2 - TC-Link-200 Connections 2 Figure 3 - Additional Wiring Options 2. Mounting Recommendations There are 4 mounting holes on the TC-Link-200 for 2-56 UNC screws. The node can be mounted in any orientation, but it is recommended that it is mounted in a way that optimizes wireless communications. Figure 4 - Mounting the Node TC-Link-200 Quick Start Guide 3. Node Operational Modes 4. Install Software 6. Connect to Nodes Sensor nodes have three operational modes: active, sleep, and idle. When the node is sampling, it is in active mode. When sampling stops, the node is switched into idle mode, which is used for configuring node settings, and allows toggling between sampling and sleeping modes. The node will automatically go into the ultra low- power sleep mode after a user- determined period of inactivity. The node will not go into sleep mode while sampling. Install the SensorConnect software on the host computer before connecting any hardware. Access the free software download on the LORD Sensing website at:
http://www.microstrain.com/software 5. Establish Gateway Communication Drivers for the USB gateways are included the SensorConnect software installation. With the software installed, the USB gateway will be detected automatically whenever the gateway is plugged in. 1. Power is applied to the gateway through the USB connection. Verify the gateway status indicator is illuminated, showing the gateway is connected and powered on. 2. Open the SensorConnect software. 3. The gateway should appear in the Controller window automatically with a communication port assignment. If the gateway is not automatically discovered, verify the port is active on the host computer, and then remove and re-insert the USB connector. Figure 5 - Node Operational Modes Figure 6 - USB Gateway Communication 3 TC-Link-200 Quick Start Guide Several methods can be used in SensorConnect to establish communication with the nodes: the automatic node discovery on the same frequency, automatic node discovery on a different frequency, and add node manually. A. Automatic Node Discovery on Same Frequency If the base and node are on the same operating frequency, the node will populate below the Base Station listing when powering on the TC-Link-200. Highlight the new node being added and select Move Node to Frequency (#). Figure 7 - Node Discovered On Same Frequency B. Automatic Node Discovery on Different Frequency If a red circle with a number appears next to the Base Station, the node may be operating on a separate radio channel. Select the Base Station and then select the Nodes on Other Frequencies tile. Figure 9 - Move Node C. Manually Add Node Adding a node manually requires entering the node address and its current frequency setting. Figure 10 - Add Node By Address Figure 8 - Node On Other Frequency 4 TC-Link-200 Quick Start Guide If the node was successfully added, two confirmation messages will appear and it will be listed under the Base Station. The configuration menus show the channels and configuration options available for the type of node being used. This example uses a K type thermocouple. Figure 11 - Add Node Confirmation If the node failed to be added, a failure message will appear. This means the node did not respond to the base station which could indicate the node is not in idle mode or it may be on another frequency. If Add Node Anyway is selected, it will associate that node with the channel entered but it is likely there will be a communication error. If the node was not in idle, move the base station to the frequency of the node and issue a Set to Idle command. Figure 13 - Node Configuration Menu 1. From the Wireless Node Configuration Menu > Transducer Type, select Thermocouple > Sensor Type, select K type. Figure 14 - Temperature Sensor Configuration 2. Under Low Pass Filter, select 12.66 Hz Figure 12 - Failure to Add Node 7. Configure Node Node settings are stored to non-volatile memory and may be configured using SensorConnect. To access the node configuration menu, under Devices select the node and then the Configure tile. Figure 15 - Low Pass Filter Configuration 3. Select Apply Configuration to write to node memory. 5 TC-Link-200 Quick Start Guide 8. Configure Sampling Setting and Start Data Acquisition 9. Replacing Batteries 1. Left click on the Base Station > Sampling, and indicate the nodes to be sampled by checking the box to the left of each node. 2. Under Sampling, select Sample Rate from the drop down menu, select Continuously to sample indefinitely. 1. Remove the screws on both sides of the face plate to open the TC-Link-200. 2. It is important to replace all four of the batteries at the same time, observing the correct polarity orientation. The positive polarities are indicated on the batteries and the node by a + symbol. 3. Reassemble. Figure 16 - Sampling Setting 3. Select Apply and Start Network. 4. Select Create Quick View Dashboard in the pop up window immediately to create a dashboard of the new data. 10. Battery Hazards Figure 18 - Replace Batteries The TC-Link-200 contains internal, non-rechargeable lithium batteries. Lithium batteries are a fire and explosion hazard. Do not store or operate the node at temperatures above 212F (100C). Do not disassemble, short circuit, crush, puncture, or otherwise misuse the battery. Lithium batteries contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to humans and the environment. Disposal is subject to federal and local laws. Do not discard the battery or the node in the trash. Follow proper battery disposal protocol, or contact LORD Sensing Technical Support for information on extracting the battery or returning the product for proper recycling and disposal. Figure 17 - Quick View Dashboard 6 TC-Link-200 Quick Start Guide 11. Power Supply 12 Radio Specifications Apply only the input voltage range specified for the TC-Link-200. Connect to a power source that is near the device, is accessible, and adheres to all national wiring standards. Compliance with wiring standards is assumed in the installation of the power source and includes protection against excessive currents, short circuits, and ground faults. Failure to do so could result in personal injury and permanent damage to the device. The TC-Link-200 employs a 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4- compliant radio transceiver for wireless communication. The radio is a direct-sequence spread spectrum radio and can be configured to operate on 16 separate frequencies ranging from 2.405 GHz to 2.480 GHz. Following the 802.15.4 standard, these frequencies are aliased as channels 11 through 26. For all newly manufactured nodes, the default setting is 2.425 GHz (channel 15). TC-Link-200 FCC ID: XJQMSLINK0012 IC ID: 8505A-MSLINK0012 This device complies with Part 15 of the United States FCC Rules, and Industry Canadas license-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) This device may not cause interference, and 2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Changes or modifications, including antenna changes not expressly approved by LORD Corporation could void the users authority to operate the equipment. Cet appareil est conforme la Partie 15 des Rgles de la FCC des tats-
Unis et aux RSSS exempts de licence dIndustrie Canada. Le fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes: 1) Cet appareil ne doit pas causer dinterfrences et 2) Cet appareil doit accepter toute interfrence, y compris les interfrences pouvant entraner un fonctionnement indsirable de lappareil. Les changements ou modifications, y compris les changements dantenne non expressment approuvs par LORD Corporation, pourraient annuler lautorisation de lutilisateur dutiliser lquipement. LORD Corporation MicroStrain Sensing Systems 459 Hurricane Lane, Suite 102 Williston, VT 05495 USA Phone: 802-862-6629 sensing_sales@LORD.com sensing_support@LORD.com Copyright 2018 LORD Corporation Document XXXX-XXXX Revision X. Subject to change without notice. www.microstrain.com TC-Link-200 Quick Start Guide