Sensors

Last modified: 25 Oct 2024

The blue'Log supports many different types of sensors, divided into two main groups: analog and bus sensors. Each selected sensor is identified by its profile name and displays the specific measured values, such as temperature, humidity, irradiation, wind speed, wind direction, or a combination of these.

Note

Beta-version drivers have not been tested in the field and may not be fully functional. Drivers in the beta phase are grayed out and can only be activated by contacting meteocontrol support.

Add a bus sensor

You can search for a bus sensor or add it manually.

Prerequisites

• The basic configuration of your blue'Log has been completed.

• Your blue'Log is connected to the network and the sensor has been physically connected.

• The device is compatible with blue'Log. If the type is not supported, contact Sales.

• All blue'Log updates have been performed.

• Add-on modules, if required, are connected.

Steps

1. Navigate to Devices > Sensors > Add new sensor.

2. Using the drop-down menus, select the Manufacturer (vendor) of the device you are scanning for. 

3. Alternatively, using the drop-down menus, select the device type (Series) of the device.

4. Select an interface. The interface settings will depend on the connection type. See the table “Interface abbreviations and meanings”.

5. Adjust the interface settings. 

6. Depending on the type of sensor you select, you will need to select additional information, e.g. interface irradiance for an irradiation sensor.

7. To scan for a device, select Start scan. Select the Show details window to display the scan log.

8. The devices found appear under Installed devices. 

Note

In most cases, interface settings can be found in the manufacturer documentation or the device itself. If you do not know the bus address, you can activate the Use range toggle to scan the blue'Log bus. For questions regarding the best baud rates to choose for a device, please contact the manufacturer.

Add an analog sensor

You can connect sensors with an analog output signal (e.g. current, voltage) if there is an existing compatibility with blue’Log. Alternatively, you can configure a generic analog input.

Prerequisites

• The output signal and the type of measured value (e.g. temperature, irradiance) must be the same

• The basic configuration of your blue'Log has been completed.

• Your blue'Log is connected to the network and the sensor has been physically connected.

• All blue'Log updates have been performed.

• Add-on modules, if required, are connected.

Steps

1. Navigate to Devices > Sensors > Add new sensor.

2. Select the manufacturer and series:

   • For a compatible sensor
     If the device is compatible with blue’Log, select the Manufacturer and device type (Series).

   • For a generic analog input
     If no driver exists for your analog sensor, select Manufacturer-neutral as the manufacturer and an input type under Series.

3. Select an interface. The interface settings will depend on the connection type. See the table below for explanations of the abbreviations.

4. Select Add.

5. The device will appear under Installed devices. Next, you can configure the gradient and offset if necessary.

Configure gradient and offset for analog sensors

The gradient (slope) and offset vary depending on the measurement range and output signal. These parameters are normally predefined in the device driver. However, if the measurement range of a sensor differs from what was defined in the driver profile, you must manually adjust the gradient and offset.

Steps

1. Determine the gradient and offset:

   • Refer to the sensor manufacturer’s data sheet or meteocontrol’s Device connection plan.

   • If you do not know the gradient and offset values for the analog sensor, you can determine them based on other values in the manufacturer’s data sheet. The output signal of the sensor must correspond to the following range of values:

     • Voltage (0-10V)

     • Current (0-20mA)

     • 600-800 Ohm

2. Enter the relevant values from the manufacturer data sheet in the Calculate gradient and offset tool below.

   • Measurement range: W/m² or °C

   • Electrical output: mA, V

3. Navigate to Devices > Sensors > Analog sensors. 

4. Select the Pencil icon next to the sensor and edit the values.

5. Select Save selected.

Calculate gradient and offset

Table: Interface abbreviations and meanings