Hello,
Our systems usually has a Raven connected to a CR1000. Is there a way the use a NL120 to communicate with a networked camera and still provide external control of the camera. For example, a camera like Panasonic's BB-HCM531A.
J,
The statement "still provide external control of the camera" could mean a variety of things.
The easiest thing would be to use either a cell modem with integrated router or something like the Raven X (http://www.sierrawireless.com/resources/product/AirLink/AirlinkRavenX_HSUPA_Datasheet.pdf).
However, we do have customers logging and accessing images from network cameras through the logger. A network camera can be connected directly to a CR1000 via a NL120 and a crossover cable. The logger can retrieve and store images from the network camera. Then images could be viewed/retrieved from the logger in a variety of ways including LoggerNet, CR1000 web server, CR1000 FTP client/server, or the CR1000 email client. For example, a customer in VA is currently accessing images from a network camera via the CR1000 connected to a spread spectrum radio modem.
As far as control, the CR1000 can perform a variety IP based communications. This can be used to control a camera. For example the StarDot XL zoom lens can be zoomed and focused by issuing commands via HTTP or Telnet. The CR1000 can be programmed to issue these control commands over HTTP or Telnet.
If you want to talk about this in more depth, please feel free to contact Sam Utley at 435-753-2342.
Hi,
I am just now planning a system with CR1000, Stardot camera, and Airlink Raven X, and want to make sure I understand this.
With the CR1000 plugged into the modem's serial port, and the camera plugged into the modem's ethernet port the devices can be accessed independently from outside world, correct?
And the CR1000's built in services like ftp and http would not be running or accessible?
If you are trying to do this, please call in so we can help. Feel free to contact Sam Utley at 435-753-2342.
But, here's the short of it.
-----------------
Images from camera saved to data logger memory. CR1000 IP stack is accessible via PPP connection with RAVENXT. Saved images are accessible via cellular connection with logger.
RAVENXT Serial -> CR1000 Serial
CR1000/NL120 -> Camera Ethernet
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Devices communicated with separately. Devices can communicate with each other through router. CR1000 IP stack accessible.
RAVENXE/Router or Cellular Router -> CR1000/NL120
RAVENXE/Router or Cellular Router -> Camera Ethernet
-----------------
Devices communicated with separately. As far as I can tell, CR1000 IP stack NOT accessible. As far as I can tell, PPP not available when using the Ethernet port also.
RAVENX Serial -> CR1000 Serial
RAVENX Ethernet -> Camera Ethernet
Thanks for the call, Sam. I am aiming for the last option. I'll report back on any glitches or gotchas!
Would the second option listed above work with an ethernet switch? Would either of the cables need to be a 'crossover' version?
AN,
I'm not sure I understand your question. Are you referring to "Devices communicated with separately"? If so, then you will need either:
a) A cellular modem with integrated switch.
b) A cellular modem with single Ethernet interface and external/additional switch.
Either way you would not need a crossover cable to connect the logger and camera to the switch.
Thank you!
Sam,
I am looking to do connect to a CR1000 and another device using either a Raven X or XE. I would like to retrieve data from a CR1000 using LoggerNet and occasionally either connect directly to an analyzer with an Ethernet port and vendor software (Teledyne APICOM), or alternatively, connect using GoToMyPC to a laptop PC running APICOM. My options seem to be:
1. A Raven XE connected to an Ethernet switch and then to the CR1000/NL115 and the PC (and maybe each analyzer); or
2. A Raven X with the serial port connected to the CR1000 and the Etherent port connected to the PC (or network switch).
Which option is more advisable? Would a D-Link EBR-2310 be an acceptable switch to use? ***We may want to communicate in the future directly between the CR1000/NL115 and the analyzer to collect data from the analyzer to the logger.
I am leaning towards Option #1 which seems to be the same as:
Devices communicated with separately. Devices can communicate with each other through router. CR1000 IP stack accessible.
RAVENXE/Router or Cellular Router -> CR1000/NL120
RAVENXE/Router or Cellular Router -> Camera Ethernet
* Last updated by: MonSr on 9/25/2012 @ 2:38 PM *
MonSR,
#1 is your only option, because CR1000 cannot keep serial and ethernet ports open at the same time. Heard it from the horse's mouth. Can't comment on your particular switch, but a basic Netgear switch worked for me. Also, check out this: http://buy.advantech.com/ADAM-6520L/ADAM-6520L/model-ADAM-6520L-AE.htm
AN, sorry but your horse must have had a mouthful of hay. The CR1000 supports many connections at once, including Ethernet and serial.
Maybe you are thinking of the RavenX? But it too can have the Ethernet and serial port enabled at the same time. We do this when connecting a CC5MPX to the Ethernet port and a datalogger to the serial port.
MonSr and I spoke on the phone about using a multi port cellular modem (e.g. http://www.sixnet.com/product/industrialpro-6000-modem-214.cfm or https://www.digi.com/products/wireless-routers-gateways/enterprise-routers-vpn-concentrators/transportwrfamily#overview) or the RavenXE with an external switch.
MonSr, let us know how you end up.
Sam,
Thank you for setting me straight. I must be mixing something up. Would you share the main conclusions/considerations regarding the choice of multiport modem vs. one with external switch. When I had to make the choice it seemed the multiport modems all required more power than the Ravens plus a switch.
Sam & AN,
Thanks for the help. I will be giving another look at using a more robust switch such as the ADAM. We had been trying to keep costs down and the switch will be in a climate controlled environment, but longevity and uptime are important considerations. We are spec'ing the Raven XE with an external switch and all of the devices connected to the switch. I will provide an update with our final equipment selection and feedback of setup and operation.
Kevin
Someone asked for a follow up on this post that I said I would follow up on, but never did.
Installed:
CR1000 with NL115 and 2GB card
Advantech ADAM-6520L "5-port Industrial 10/100 Mbps Unmanaged Ethernet Switch"
Sierra Wireless RavenXE cellular modem with Ethernet port
StarDot NetCam SC 5MP with IR
CH100 charge regulator with BP24 24Ahr battery
Qty 2 Crydom D1D07 SPST solid state relay
CS450 SDI-12 water level sensor / pressure transducer
TE525 Tipping bucket Rain Gage
Connected:
CR1000/NL115, StarDot NetCam, and RavenXE all via Ethernet to the ADAM-6520L
CS450 and TE525 to sensor inputs on CR1000
Relays, controlled by CR1000, to power of RavenXE and StarDot NetCam
Description:
Datalogger regularly acquires image from camera, stores it to the flash card for archiving, and serves it up along side the sensor data via HTTP / Webpage. The Webpage was created using RTMCPro and the RTMCPro project was deployed, and is hosted by, the CR1000 datalogger's web server. The logger evaluates all sensor measurements for flood events; events are sent to key personnel via Email to alert them of a flood condition. The logger monitors its own power supply and will duty cycle the modem and camera power to converse power when/if the battery gets low during an outage / event without compromising the ability to take pictures at regular intervals and send Email alerts.
The station has been deployed since late 2010 and all the equipment continues to operate fine. No hardware failures experienced to date.
Here is my update that I also promised of a system installed that includes the following equipment:
CR1000
Raven XE
Netgear unmanaged 5-port switch
Desktop PC running LoggerNet
2 AQ monitors (communicating to the CR1000 via TCP/IP Modbus)
3 Crydom relays
a bunch of meteorological sensors (analog outputs)
Description:
System works great. The Raven XE handles two-way cellular communications with the site and routes all traffic to the intended device using port forwarding. Remote and local communications to the CR1000 using LoggerNet, remote desktop communications to the PC, and remote and local connection to the AQ instrumentation using vendor supplied software are all seemless and can take place concurrently. CR1000 control ports activate Crydom relays to initiate calibration sequences. Email alerts are sent out upon thresholds being exceeded. CR1000 monitors for power failures, equipment failures, and reports calibration and power failure logs.
* Last updated by: MonSr on 4/30/2015 @ 2:22 PM *