FAQ: New Connectivity for the OTT ecoLog 1000 & Sutron XLink 100/500

Q: What are the benefits of two-way communication?

Two - way communication enables remote configuration reducing the time and cost of visiting field stations to check, change, or download configuration /data or turn on/off instruments via cell. This makes c omplete , remote network management possible .

FAQ: New Connectivity for the OTT ecoLog 1000 & Sutron XLink 100/500

20. September 2022

Hydrology

Seamless integration from sensor to software is simplified as connectivity technology becomes more advanced and intuitive. The OTT ecoLog 1000, an all-in-one water level logger and our trusted family of Sutron XLink dataloggers now support 4G and cellular IoT (CAT-M1/LTE-M) transmission. What do these upgrades mean for simplifying your workflows?

We compiled a series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) surrounding the connectivity capabilities of the trusted ecoLog1000, XLink 100/500, and how the corresponding LinkComm software provides a user-friendly interface to communicate to your hardware and remotely manage your monitoring network.

What is the latest connectivity technology in environmental monitoring?

Internet of Things, or IoT is at the forefront of connectivity. IoT enables interrelated devices to transfer data. IoT is rapidly advancing the communication capability of almost all industries, including environmental monitoring. Professionals are implementing IoT into their systems more and more due to better network availability and lower cost.

What is LTE-M?

LTE-M is a type of low power wide area network (LPWAN) radio technology standard to enable a wide range of cellular devices and services specifically for machine to machine (M2M) and IoT applications, such as a network of groundwater monitoring sites. LTE-M is based on the LTE-3GPP Standard and has 5G compatibility making it future proof as cellular networks evolve around the globe.

What are the benefits of two-way communication?

Two–way communication enables remote configuration reducing the time and cost of visiting field stations to check, change, or download configuration/data or turn on/off instruments via cell. This makes complete, remote network management possible.

What are the main benefits of using LTE-M connectivity for the ecoLog 1000?

LTE-M is a low power transmission option and allows users to access real-time data across greater distances. The low power nature of the LTE-M protocol enables longer battery life of the ecoLog1000. Additionally, the cost of data transmission is low with inexpensive machine to machine (M2M) communication. You can expect to experience better network availability, even underground, and avoid high network traffic in emergency events, such as flooding.

Can satellite communication be used to remotely access data from the ecoLog 1000?

The ecoLog 1000 is intended for cell communication only and does not support satellite transmission. OTT HydroMet offers other solutions, such as the XLink dataloggers for satellite transmission.

Is the modem optional?

The ecoLog 1000 is a device that features mobile/cell communication. An option without telemetry is not planned. If telemetry is not needed, the OTT Orpheus Mini is an excellent option for recording water level and temperature values in a compact logger without a built-in modem.

I have some sites with no 4G coverage, will the system work?

If there is no 4G coverage the ecoLog 1000 will automatically connect to 2G (GSM/GPRS). If 4G/2G coverage is not available, LTE-M may be. The coverage for the LTE-M network is often times better and may be available at your monitoring site.

Is the modem designed to allow remote pulling from the logger or only transmitting data?

The idea behind transmission technology is to push the data, meaning that the data logger has a self-time transmission to a server, so the data is not pulled, but it’s pushed. The advantage of this is that the logger can do this on its own, you don’t need to have the modem on all the time or wait for someone to pull the data. By pushing it, it saves time, battery power, and energy, and with the action and alarm management, it’s possible to adjust, for example, the transmission interval from maybe once per day to two times a day. The XLink dataloggers have the ability to pull data with additional effort.

How does the data transfer directly into the Aquarius software?

Very easily. The ecoLog 1000 sends the data to an Aquarius FTP server in a .CSV file. From there, the software ingests the data and visualizes it. Dataloggers can be configured to send information to up to four different servers, one being Aquarius, others being a Flood Warning Service or a government database. This allows your data to be available in various locations. Once the data is in Aquarius, you also have the option to export the data to share with other stakeholders.

What type of telemetry methods are supported by the Sutron XLink datalogger family?

Field exchangeable plug and play modem cards allow for easy upgrade of cellular/telecom technologies including 4G, and cellular IoT (CAT-M1/LTE-M). The XLink 100 & 500 also support Iridium Satellite communications.

What are the main differences between the XLink 100 & 500?

The XLink 500 supports Python scripting and has additional analog sensor inputs.

What are the advantages of using the LTE-M network capabilities of a XLink datalogger?

The LTE-M network is a low-cost option with improved network availability. By equipping a datalogger with a modem, a user can leverage the two-way communication features to change configuration and check station status.

How does LinkComm software integrate?

Connection is either via direct USB connection or remotely over cell, Iridium satellite, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. The software runs on Windows PC, iPhone/iPad, and Android platforms enabling seamless connection with commonly used devices.

What is the price of LinkComm software?

LinkComm software is complimentary and used to easily set up and maintain XLink and Satlink dataloggers, as well as the ecoLog 1000, an all-in-one water level logger. LinkComm can be downloaded from our website and in the App Store.

Interested in learning more about our innovative solutions?

Julie Dauer

With a background in Watershed Science, I am passionate about the complex interaction between water resources and human activity. As a Content Specialist focused on hydrology, I have the privilege of articulating the latest developments in environmental monitoring and how OTT HydroMet is playing a key role in protecting lives and the environment.

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