Hello...
Recently I started working with CR5000. I have following clarifications
1. I am unable to connect RS232 with CR5000. CR5000 is working and writing data on card. How to check RS 232 is okay in condition or have to be replaced?
2. Presently CR5000 has 1GB PCMCIA memory card. Can I upgrade the card with higher memory card? Please send the possible links for up gradation.
3. Can I use any 3G/4G based device to communicate and get data from CR5000? Please suggest appropriate possibilities.
Can you please help me?
Waiting for your earliest and kind concern.
(Issue #1)
Are you using the CS I/O port of the CR5000 ? When the CS I/O port of the CR5000 is being used/active then the RS-232 port cannot be used. Also, when the RS-232 port is being used(active) then the CS I/O port cannot be used. You can use one or the other but not both at the same time.
Also, sometimes a program is written that takes up so much processing time just to measure its sensors and store the results on the card, that there is little time left in the processing time to communicate out to LoggerNet or other software (i.e. over the RS-232 port). If the Compact Flash card light is constantly flashing, that may be the situation you are in.
Also, if you have just started your CRBasic program and you are using the CardOut instruction on one of your DataTables, then the entire card will be allocated (at startup time). This can take a significant amount of time (longer with bigger cards) and during that time the light will be active. As soon as the card is allocated then the program will begin its measure and store sequence.
One thing you could try would be to power down the CR5000, then eject the card and start it back up (start the program, etc.). At that point you can try to communicate with RS-232. If it works properly, then you know that the process of using the card (either the startup allocation sequence or the ongoing storage of data) is taking up so much processing that it inhibits the RS-232 communication.
(Issue #2)
You can use a 16GB card on the CR5000, but you must have the latest OS/firmware (Std7 - available on the Campbell Scientific website) http://www.campbellsci.com/cfmc16g-compatibility
No file greater than 2GB will be created, although there is room on a 16GB card for 8 files like that. Refer to this app note for more information:
https://s.campbellsci.com/documents/us/technical-papers/write-high-frequency-data-to-cf-cards.pdf
(Issue #3)
You can use cell modems with the CR5000. The preferred way to do this is using the RS-232 port for a connection. Usually you can set up a modem such as the LS300G to use the RS-232 port, or you can connect an NL201 to the CR5000 and then use an ethernet connection into the modem.
https://www.campbellsci.com/ls300g-compatibility
You must pay special attention to the baud rate setting of the RS-232 port.
It is also possible to use CS I/O to connect to modems or other communication devices. Only the SDC7 and ME channels are available. Using 9600 baud with ME is the most reliable.
You must remember that the CR5000 has no PakBus capability, so you can't rely on PakBus routing, etc.
For further help on this, I would recommend contacting your local Campbell Scientific support representative.
If you are unable to connect to the RS232 port, I would first check the baud rate setting. With the integrated keypad on the CR5000, you can easily find the setting.
For additional help with serial connections, refer to the article on our blog. In the case of the CR5000, you won't have a Pakbus address, but everything else applies.
https://www.campbellsci.com/blog/communication-problems-serial-connections
Using a PCMCIA to CF adapter, you can use 2GB compact flash cards in the CR5000. Use only wide temperature rated SLC compact flash cards like the ones Campbell Scientific sells.
https://www.campbellsci.com/cfmc2g
There is an application note about which cards you can use.
https://s.campbellsci.com/documents/us/technical-papers/cf_cards.pdf
The recommended 3G modem is the LS300G.
https://www.campbellsci.com/ls300g-overview
Thank you very much JDavis and GTProdMgr for useful information.