Data sources / data logger

Set up a data source (data logger, etc.)

For your devices to communicate with VCOM, you need to set up the data sources in the system configuration. A data source can be a blue'Log data logger or any other product listed in the Data sheet - Import Interface. See also information about specific data loggers.

Prerequisites

• To ensure the charts display properly, ensure that all data sources have the same measuring interval

• The data logger must be compatible with VCOM. See Datasheet - Import Interface.

• The data logger must be online.

• Otherwise, you can set up a generic CSV import. See Set up a generic CSV import instead of a data logger.

Steps

1. At the System level, hover over the system for which you want to set up a data source.

2. Select the Wrench icon. This takes you to the settings for the system. 

3. Select the Data sources tab and select Data logger overview from the sidebar.

4. Select the device type from the dropdown menu and select Add. 

5. Fill in all empty fields. Please note that the information required for each manufacturer will vary but may include a device name, serial number, measuring interval, API, or FTP information. The measuring interval must be the same as for your local data logger.

6. Verify that the data source is communicating with the meteocontrol server. See Verify communication with the meteocontrol server.

Set up a blue'Log data logger

Follow these steps to set up a blue'Log data logger, establishing a direct connection to the blue'Log web portal. 

Steps

1. At the System level, hover over the system for which you want to set up a data source.

2. Select the Wrench icon. This takes you to the settings for the system. 

3. Select the Data sources tab and select Data logger overview from the sidebar.

4. Select blue'Log X series. as the device type from the dropdown menu and select Add. 

5. Enter the serial number (including empty spaces), your blue'Log login, and password, and select Add.

6. In the Interval dropdown, select the desired measuring interval and select Save measured value interval. 

7. Verify that the data source is communicating with the meteocontrol server. See Verify communication with the meteocontrol server.

8. To access the blue'Log web portal directly from VCOM Cloud (for example to make any changes to your blue'Log settings), select the Arrow icon under Remote access.

The data source Import interface V2 can be used if a device manufacturer configures their data logger to communicate with VCOM based on meteocontrol's import specification, standard labels, format, etc. Once configured, the Import interface V2 will display all detected devices. To use this function, please contact sales@meteocontrol.com. See also import specification. 

Set up a generic CSV import instead of a data logger

If your data logger is not compatible with VCOM, or if you use a PLC for monitoring and controlling, you can import your data into VCOM with the generic CSV import function. To use the generic CSV function, your device must be able to send CSV files via FTP. meteocontrol must configure a definition file for you in advance, for which a one-time fee is charged. Please contact sales@meteocontrol.com.

Verify communication with the meteocontrol server

There are two ways to verify whether your data source is transmitting data to VCOM.

• At the system level, add the Data logger overview portlet from the Portlet center. Check the column Last contact to see if data has been transmitted.

• Alternatively, select the Evaluation tab > System > Energy generation at the system level, and check whether energy is being generated.