Groundwater measurements on site are time-consuming and cause easily avoidable costs. The same applies to maintenance visits to the device. When developing our new OTT ecoLog 1000 groundwater data logger, Product Manager Peter Schaeffeler and his team had a clear goal: To make measurement, data transmission and maintenance as efficient, convenient, safe and cost-saving as possible.
Based on the experience of numerous customers in using the successful OTT ecoLog 500, we have retained its proven measurement technology and robust construction but have further enhanced its communication capabilities. It now has a 4G/2G modem and a highly energy-efficient Bluetooth Low Energy Interface (BLE). Since the data logger also measures power consumption, the user knows in advance when a battery change becomes necessary. “Under normal conditions, the OTT ecoLog 1000 can last for around ten years without battery replacement,” says Schaeffeler. Using a software tool, the user can calculate the service life of the 26 Ah battery specifically for the respective operating conditions.
Data measurement guaranteed – even if the mobile network fails
The new OTT ecoLog 1000 water level logger
Using a standard SIM card, the OTT ecoLog 1000 dials into the LTE network (4G) and transmits all important measurement data such as water level/pressure, temperature, supply voltage, battery level and signal strength to up to four servers. These can be, for example, different offices at municipal and state level, or backup servers.
If there is no local 4G network, the device automatically switches to 2G as a fallback, which in most European countries will generally continue to provide basic coverage in the future. Even in the event of a network failure, no measured value is lost. The integrated memory holds around one million entries and guarantees consistent data recording. As soon as the connection is re-established, the device automatically supplies all missing, not yet transmitted measured values.
Remote maintenance and configuration
OTT ecoLog 1000 groundwater datalogger
One feature we are particularly proud of is the new monitoring network management. This allows the OTT ecoLog 1000 to be updated remotely, for example with new firmware. Changes to the settings can also be made conveniently from the office or from the hammock. A visit to the device is no longer necessary.
Schaeffeler considers the new principle to have another advantage. Previously, the user had to actively dial the data logger via a single connection, for example to change the measuring frequency. Daily maintenance windows were provided for this, and the device was only accessible during these short, defined time windows. “With the OTT ecoLog 1000’s network management, the user can make changes at any time and the logger automatically retrieves the command the next time it is transmitted,” explains Schaeffeler, “as if I were leaving a note on his desk. With the new principle, one or all OTT ecoLog 1000 data loggers in the measurement network can now be updated practically in one go.
Secure data transmission with HTTPS
Inner life of the new measurement device
The OTT ecoLog 1000 is also state-of-the-art in terms of data security. In addition to FTP and HTTP, it transfers data on request using the latest encrypted HTTPS protocol and is therefore future-proof.
As mentioned at the beginning, it was one of the main objectives during the development of our new groundwater data collector to minimize the number of visits to the monitoring sites though they cannot be completely avoided due to authority regulations. To make these site visits as convenient, simple and easy as possible, we have given the OTT ecoLog 1000 an energy efficient Bluetooth interface. This means that it is sufficient to get within a few meters of the data logger to read out the device or make changes. There is no need to touch the device to plug it in via cable or dongle, the OTT ecoLog 1000 remains completely closed. “Especially on days with unpleasant weather, this is a very practical feature”, explains Schaeffeler. “The measurement can be carried out conveniently from the car using a notebook, tablet or smartphone, for example”.
Not only on cold and wet winter days this is an obvious advantage.
Learn more about the OTT ecoLog in our webinar recording:
