This question is somewhat basic, but I'm having trouble finding documentation on it.
We currently use a single CR9000x connected to one laptop via serial port when we do testing. Some of our newer laptops have no serial port, so we're trying to figure out a connection solution going forward.
One consideration was to use a USB-serial dongle, does anyone have experience with this? Is this a reliable option?
A second option is to connect via ethernet, but we've never used this before. I've read that the laptop needs to be assigned a static IP address (presumably for the ethernet connection). But can the wifi connection still use DHCP?
And what IP address should the laptop be assigned? In the RTDAQ communication settings, it asks for the IP address and port number of the logger. Is there an IP address and port already assigned to each logger? How can I find it?
If all of this is already published somewhere, please point me to it. I've obviously missed it.
Thanks for the help,
Geoff
The CR9000X manual is here:
http://s.campbellsci.com/documents/us/manuals/cr9000x.pdf
Page QS-9 (17) is where a discussion of setting up the TCP/IP address on the CR9000X begins.
You will see that the CR9000X requires a fixed IP address. It cannot use DHCP. If you will use the CR9000X on your local LAN, then call your IT/IS group to get an IP address that can be guaranteed not to be used by any other device. Once you set up the CR9000X, it is a good idea to "PING" it's IP address from a computer on the network to make sure it is responding. In this LAN scenario, it doesn't really matter what the IP address on the laptop is, just that it is connected to the network. However, you will want to use a hub/router when wiring your ethernet cables between the CR9000X and the laptop.
If you are trying to make a direct link connection between the laptop and CR9000X (i.e. no Hub/router used, using a crossover ethernet cable, trying to get both devices on their "own network" independent of the LAN set up by your IT department), then that is when you assign a fixed IP to both the CR9000X and the laptop. There should be some guidance on the web for how to configure the laptop to do that (search "TCP/IP crossover direct connection"). You can use 127.0.0.1 and 127.0.0.2 for the IP addresses in that case.
I would avoid the direct connect method unless it is absolutely necessary. It works much more easily to do it the first way -- putting the CR9000X on your LAN, where it can be accessed by any device currently on the same network/segment (only one client at a time may connect to it, though).
I would give that a shot, and then call in to your local CSI support for any further help.
We do also sell a USB to serial converter (PN 17394) :
http://www.campbellsci.com/17394-cable
This seems to work well generally, but some laptops/desktops occasionally have hardware specific trouble. In that case you can try out two or three. Usually you can find one that will work for you reliably.
Thanks for the reply and the link to the CR9000X manual. I was looking (unsuccessfully) in the RTDAQ manual.
We typically do testing on bridges with no access to a local network and really only need a direct connection between a single laptop and the logger. In that case, I may try using a dongle first, that way we don't need special crossover ethernet cables. But if need be, its good to know that a direct connection is possible. Just have to remember to adjust the network settings to use a static IP.
Thanks again for the help.
Geoff