INSTRUCTION MANUAL Vosponder Voice Radio Interface for Use with Campbell Scientific Dataloggers 3/05 C o p y r i g h t ( c ) 2 0 0 4 - 2 0 0 5 C a m p b e l l S c i e n t i f i c , I n c .
Warranty and Assistance The VOSPONDER VOICE RADIO INTERFACE is warranted by CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for twelve (12) months from date of shipment unless specified otherwise. Batteries have no warranty. CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC.'s obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing (at CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC.'s option) defective products.
Disclaimer This manual is intended to present application, product, and technical data to assist the user in selecting and using Vosponder data to speech translation devices. However, users should independently evaluate the suitability of, and test each product for their application. DACOM TECHNOLOGIES INC., makes no warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of the information in this manual and disclaims any liability resulting from its use. In no case will DACOM TECHNOLOGIES INC.
This is a blank page.
Vosponder Table of Contents PDF viewers note: These page numbers refer to the printed version of this document. Use the Adobe Acrobat® bookmarks tab for links to specific sections. Overview.................................................................... OV-1 1. Hardware ..................................................................1-1 1.1 SDI-12 Bus and Power Input ................................................................ 1-1 1.2 Two-Way Radio Interface.......................................
Vosponder Table of Contents A.2 SDI-12 Slave Mode Commands .......................................................... A-1 A.3 Master Mode for SDI-12 Sensors........................................................ A-2 A.4 SDI-12 Master Mode........................................................................... A-2 B. Cabling and Connections ...................................... B-1 C. Audio Level Controls ............................................. C-1 D. Terminal Commands Menu Tree ................
Vosponder Overview The Vosponder converts raw digital data input from a datalogger to natural human speech. The model VSP3 is designed to connect via an industry standard SDI-12 serial digital interface to data acquisition systems such as the Campbell Scientific, Inc. CR510, CR10X, and CR23X series dataloggers. The Vosponder also interfaces to a two-way radio system to broadcast the information to the user over the radio link.
Vosponder Overview Several special “extended SDI-12 commands” are used to deliver data from the datalogger to the Vosponder for verbalization through the radio telemetry link. The SDI-12 master mode can be used to interface the Vosponder directly to any SDI-12-compatible sensor or other SDI-12 compatible devices. Some information about this mode is covered in Appendix A. However, detailed use and configuration instructions are not included in this manual.
Section 1. Hardware ► 1. Hardware connections to the datalogger and radio (Section 1) 2. Programming the datalogger to output the data values to the Vosponder (Section 2) 3. Developing a voice image file for the Vosponder (Section 3) 4. Setup and testing of the Vosponder (Section 4) Understanding how to connect the various hardware components is the first step in the setuup process. The Vosponder has three input connectors.
Section 1. Hardware The SDI-12 interface cable is wired between Vosponder and a CSI datalogger as follows: Vosponder Color Purpose CSI Datalogger Terminal 1 Terminal 2 Terminal 3 Terminal 4 Black Red White No Connection Ground +12 VDC Data G 12V Control Port 1.2 Two-Way Radio Interface This connection provides an interface from the Vosponder to a two-way radio.
Section 1. Hardware 1.3 RS-232C Terminal Interface This connection provides an interface from the Vosponder to a computer. The connection is made using a 9-pin female to 9-pin female null modem cable, as shown in Figure 1-3. This allows a user to configure various operational parameters, upload the voice image file, view existing settings, and view incoming DTMF tones and SDI-12 commands.
Section 1. Hardware This is a blank page.
Section 2. Programming the Datalogger ► 1. Hardware connections to the datalogger and radio (Section 1) 2. Programming the datalogger to output the data values to the Vosponder (Section 2) 3. Developing a voice image file for the Vosponder (Section 3) 4. Setup and testing of the Vosponder (Section 4) The datalogger should now be connected to the Vosponder via the SDI-12 interface cable and the Voponder should be connected to the radio via the radio interface cable.
Section 2. Programming the Datalogger 2.1 Send Data Command The following example depicts an EDLOG program for a CSI datalogger that sends the battery voltage, internal datalogger temperature, and the time to the Vosponder. The Vosponder is assumed to have been set up with an SDI-12 address of 1 and the SDI-12 data line (white wire) to be wired into the dataloggers control port 1 (C1). Example 2-1.
Section 2. Programming the Datalogger Additional data values (input locations) can be sent to the Vosponder by adding P68 commands consecutively, as shown in Example 2-3. The number of data value characters is limited to no more than 102. For example, you could transmit as many as 17 data values that each had 6 characters. When calculating the total number of characters, the positive and negative sign (+/-) and the decimal point are included. Example 2-2.
Section 2. Programming the Datalogger 2.2 Speak Text Command The speak text command can be used for alarming conditions. Example 2-4 is a program that shows how the speak text command could be formatted. Example 2-4. Program to send text string to the Vosponder *Table 1 Program 01: 10 Execution Interval(seconds) 1: Batt Voltage (P10) 1: 1 Loc [ BatVolts ] ;IF BATTERY VOLTAGE IS LESS THAN 10.5 VOLTS… 1: If (X<=>F) (P89) 1: 1 X Loc [BatVolts ] 2: 4 < 3: 10.
Section 2. Programming the Datalogger 14: Extended Parameters 4 Digit (P68) 1: 65 Option 2: 84 Option 3: 84 Option 4: 69 Option 5: 82 Option 6: 32 Option 7: 69 Option 8: 0000 Option ;Send “A” ;Send “T” ;Send “T” ;Send “E” ;Send “R” ;Send a Space Charter ;Send “E” ;End of command marker 6: End (P95) 7: End (P95) The program in Example 2-4 will issue the SDI-12 command “1XT” which causes the Vosponder to say “Site 31 Low Battery” every five minutes, when the battery voltage measurement is less than 10.
Section 2. Programming the Datalogger 2.3 Speak Now Command The speak now command can be used for outputting a voice data string upon conditions determined by the datalogger. This command will do nothing unless a speak data or speak text command has been implemented in the program. Example 2-5 is a program that shows how the speak now command could be formatted. The conditions for using the speak now command might be a timed interval (i.e., P92 IF Time), a conditional “IF” statement (i.e.
Section 3. Developing the Voice Image File ► 1. Hardware connections to the datalogger and radio (Section 1) 2. Programming the datalogger to output the data values to the Vosponder (Section 2) 3. Developing a voice image file for the Vosponder (Section 3) 4. Setup and testing of the Vosponder (Section 4) After completing Section 2, you should now have the datalogger programmed to send data values to the Vosponder. Step 3 is used to create a voice image file to upload to the Vosponder. 3.
Section 3. Developing the Voice Image File 2. Manually create the text strings and associate the data values. This can be done using any text editor. A user must be very careful to make sure that the format of the voice image text string is correct. If it isn’t, then the Vosponder may react adversely when the file is uploaded to it and may require a compete reset.
Section 3. Developing the Voice Image File this causes a small pause between the letters and makes the verbalization clearer. ¾ Punctuation and other characters are verbalized as follows: • • • • • • • • • • Period, question mark, exclamation mark, and a comma can be used to create pauses between sentences, words, or letters. Adding any of these characters consecutively will create a longer pause. Each of these characters adds a little less than a one-half-second delay (i.e.
Section 3. Developing the Voice Image File 3.3.1 Building the Voice Image File Begin by selecting the “New” icon (picture of a sheet of paper). This will open a new file and the “Add Phrase” window will appear. In this window you enter the text you want spoken before and after the data values. You can also select settings for how the data will be spoken. This is done by selecting the box to the right of the option.
Section 3. Developing the Voice Image File When you have finished creating the voice image file, it can be saved by selecting the “Save” icon located on the upper left side of the screen (picture of a disk). You should give each image a unique name and save it to floppy disk or to your computer’s hard drive. The voice image file will need to be uploaded to the Vosponder, so saving it someplace that is easy to find is a good idea.
Section 3. Developing the Voice Image File Delete a Phrase To delete a phrase select the “x” to the right of the phrase you want to delete. You will be asked to confirm the deletion process. If you answer “OK”, the phrase will be deleted. Move a Phrase To move a phrase so that it is spoken sooner when the message is broadcast, select the UP arrow symbol located to the left of the phrase. To move a phrase so that it is spoken later, select the DOWN arrow symbol located to the left of the phrase.
Section 4. Vosponder Configuration and Programming ► 1. Hardware connections to the datalogger and radio (Section 1) 2. Programming the datalogger to output the data values to the Vosponder (Section 2) 3. Developing a voice image file for the Vosponder (Section 3) 4. Setup and testing of the Vosponder (Section 4) 4.1 Communicating with the Vosponder The final step is to configure the Vosponder and upload the voice image file that you created in Section 3.
Section 4. Vosponder Configuration and Programming The screen replicas depicted in this section will be those displayed when using Microsoft® HyperTerminal® Version 5.1 running under Windows® XP. Other terminal emulation programs may have some slight differences, but should function in a similar manner. Once the terminal program is running and the configuration settings have been saved, you should see a blank terminal screen. Press any key to bring up the Vosponder main menu prompt.
Section 4. Vosponder Configuration and Programming See Appendix D for a complete diagram of the Vosponder menu tree. At any prompt, entry of an will abort the command and/or move back one menu level. If at the main menu, will return the Vosponder to its runtime mode. At each prompt a 10-second timeout feature is provided that will abort the command and/or move back one menu level if no activity on the keyboard happens in this time period.
Section 4. Vosponder Configuration and Programming M:>V (D)TMF (I)mage (T)X (A)ddr Data (V)alues (ESC) V:> E - Edit. Allows user to edit the following parameters (for more details see Section 4.2.2): • DTMF Code • SDI-12 Address • SDI-12 Mode • Transmit Settings M:>E (D)TMF Code (S)DI-12 Adr SDI-12 (M)ode (T)x (ESC) E:> S - Speak Now. Speaks the most recent data values using the current voice image file.
Section 4. Vosponder Configuration and Programming U - Upload. Transfers a prepared voice image file to the Vosponder from a computer. The image must be properly formatted for the intended function. (See Section 3 for details on creating the voice image file and Section 4.3 for details about uploading a voice image file to the Vosponder.) M:>U U:>*** X – Transparent. Enters SDI-12 transparent mode. (Used only in master mode.) ESC.
Section 4. Vosponder Configuration and Programming V:>D VD>Bye! 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 I - Image. This command allows the user to view the current voice image file that is loaded on the Vosponder. Entering a “V” will display the voice image text string. (M)aster is only used with the master mode option and does not apply to CSI datalogger users with the Vosponder in slave mode. For more information on the anatomy of a voice image file, see Appendix E. V:>I VI> (V)oice/(M)aster VI>V0301The Battery is|NY2volts.
Section 4. Vosponder Configuration and Programming not, then the user will need to modify either the datalogger program or the Vosponder voice image file. V:> VV> VV>+12.491+20.762+748.00 4.2.3 Edit Menu Commands The edit menu as shown in Figure 4-4 allows the user to edit the DTMF code, SDI-12 address, SDI-12 mode, and transmit settings. M:>E (D)TMF Code (S)DI-12 Adr SDI-12 (M)ode (T)x (ESC) E:> FIGURE 4-4. Terminal Command Mode – Edit Menu Prompt (With Help) D – DTMF.
Section 4. Vosponder Configuration and Programming M – SDI-12 Mode. The SDI-12 mode can be set to master or slave . The unit defaults to “Slave” mode. In the slave mode the unit emulates a sensor. In the master mode the unit emulates a datalogger. For CSI datalogger users, it is recommended that the Vosponder be in the “Slave” mode. See Appendix A for more information on why and how to use the “Master” mode. E:>M EM> (M)aster (S)lave (ESC) EM>S T – x (Transmit).
Section 4. Vosponder Configuration and Programming • The Transmit Hang Time is set in milliseconds from 0 to 65535. {default = 539} o o • The Busy Sense or COS sets how the Vosponder responds to a channel busy signal on pin 8 of the radio connector (J6 in Figure 1-1). {default = N} o o o Hang time determines the duration that the Vosponder leaves the transmitter keyed after speaking. The keyboard characters entered here are not echoed to the PC terminal until an key has been pressed.
Section 4. Vosponder Configuration and Programming 4.3 Configuring the Vosponder Settings Information that you will want to have before you start setting up the Vosponder includes: 1. What SDI-12 address do you want to assign to the Vosponder? The default is 0. The SDI-12 address should relate to the control port on the datalogger that you have chosen to wire the SDI-12 interface cable into. 2. What DTMF code (numeric key sequence) do you want to assign to the Vosponder? The default is 123.
Section 4. Vosponder Configuration and Programming in HyperTerminal. Do not be alarmed by seeing some additional characters. The image might look something like that shown in Figure 4-3. V:>I VI>V0301Beaver Creek Site 31..The battery voltage is|NY1volts..|02The dataloggers internal temperature is|YY1degrees C..|03The time is|NN0minutes into the day|{^9*^1*^1*. Alarm!} V:> FIGURE 4-5. Terminal Command Mode – View | Image | Voice Screen 5.
Section 4. Vosponder Configuration and Programming This is a blank page.
Section 5. Testing and Troubleshooting 5.1 ERROR Codes When in the terminal mode, error codes may be directed to the screen to aid in troubleshooting. The following table provides context for the error codes. TABLE 5-1.
Section 5. Testing and Troubleshooting 2. Check the Vosponder a. Leave the radio system in place. Connect the Vosponder to the computer using a null modem cable and initiate communication using a terminal program such as HyperTerminal. (Refer to Section 4.) At the main menu prompt (M:>), issue a (S)peak command by pressing “S”. You should then hear the default text message coming over your radio. If this works, then the problem is most likely due to one of the following: 1.
Section 5. Testing and Troubleshooting Problem: My data values are being spoken in the wrong order. Solution: Open your voice image file in the Vosponder Image Development Software, and using the UP and DOWN arrow keys to the left of the phrases, move the phrases into the order that you want them spoken. Refer to the Section 3.2. Problem: My data values are being spoken with the wrong text phrases.
Section 5. Testing and Troubleshooting 4. Open the Ports/Flags window and watch to see if the control port that you have wired the Vosponder’s SDI-12 interface cable into ever goes high (green dot). The port must go high in order for data to be transferred to the Vosponder. If it doesn’t, then you will need to check your program and/or the datalogger’s control port to see why the control port is not working.
Section 5. Testing and Troubleshooting Problem: The radio doesn’t hang up after a voice message transmission. Solution: Check the radio interface cable. Make sure that the connection to the radio and the Vosponder are solid. If the problem still exists, then try replacing the cable with another one if you have a spare or can swap one out from another Vosponder that is working. You may need to repair or replace the cable.
Section 5. Testing and Troubleshooting 1. Be sure to use a null modem cable. 2. Verify that Vosponder has +12 VDC on Pin 2 of connector J1 and that Pin 1 is grounded to the power supply or datalogger. 3. Go to HyperTerminal and select File | Properties | Connect To. Make sure that the COM port is the one that you are connected to on your PC.
Appendix A. SDI-12 Interface If you are not familiar with the SDI-12 protocol, you can visit the following web page and learn more about it: http://www.sdi-12.org/sdi-12/table_of_contents.htm A.1 SDI-12 Modes The Vosponder is capable of emulating either an SDI-12 master unit or an SDI-12 slave unit. The master mode is best used when the Vosponder is being used with any SDI-12 compatible sensor or any SDI-12 device that cannot issue SDI-12 extended commands.
Appendix A. SDI-12 Interface A.3 Master Mode for SDI-12 Sensors This appendix does not cover the operation of the Vosponder in master mode. The master mode is best used when attaching the Vosponder directly to stand alone SDI-12 sensors such as a water quality multi-probe, pressure transducer, shaft encoder, or any sensor or SDI-12 device that does not have the ability to issue SDI-12 commands. A.4 SDI-12 Master Mode The Vosponder must be converted over to master mode by using terminal programming.
Appendix B. Cabling and Connections DB-9 Female 5 4 3 2 1 DB-9 Female 5 4 3 2 1 9 8 7 6 Pin 2 Pin 3 Pin 5 to to to 9 8 7 6 Pin 3 Pin 2 Pin 5 FIGURE B-1. Terminal Interface Cable (Null Modem) J1 Ground 1 2 3 4 +12 VDC SDI-12 FIGURE B-2. SDI-12 Data and Power Interface Connector J5 Sig GND TX Data 5 4 3 2 1 9 8 7 6 RX Data FIGURE B-3.
Appendix B. Cabling and Connections Push To Talk Relay Contacts De-energized 8X8 MODULAR Jack Transmit Audio > R2 3.3k 1/16w 10K Aux MPU Interface Receive Audio < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 OP4N25 470 1/16w Receive Carrier Operated Squelch Sense (Optional) VOSPONDER III Radio Interface Partial Schematic (c) 2003 ISA-USA, Inc. FIGURE B-4.
Appendix C. Audio Level Controls Four audio level controls are provided on the Vosponder. The information provided here is only for a reference should a technical support representative ask you to make adjustments to the factory settings. Opening the case and adjusting these settings without first consulting with a technical support representative will VOID the warranty. Under normal circumstances no adjustment from the factory settings will ever be required.
Appendix C. Audio Level Controls at pin 6 of J6, increase the output level until peak clipping occurs then back off on R24 approximately 20% (2-3 turns). This will provide for optimum voice clarity. R25 C-2 Receive Level – has a very broad acceptance range and is set for the optimum level at the factory. Should adjustment of this control be desired in the field a PC running a terminal program such as HyperTerminal® is required.
Appendix D.
Appendix D. Terminal Commands Menu Tree This is a blank page.
Appendix E. The Anatomy of the Voice Image File The voice image file can be created using any basic word processor or text editor that is capable of saving simple .txt files. The editor must not insert any embedded control characters, visible or invisible. .RTF, .DOC, .HTM or any other format is unacceptable. Most offer this as an option under the “save as” file selection. The constructed voice image file will appear similar to Example E-1. Example E-1 000301The battery is|NY2volts.
Appendix E. The Anatomy of the Voice Image File The “Postscript” field follows. This is what is to be spoken after the data point is verbalized. Remember the characters, ~ | {} are not allowed in any text string. | Another “End of Text” marker is required next. When the Vosponder encounters this marker, it checks to see if any further data points must be reported. If there are, it continues to retrieve information from the voice image and verbalize it.
Appendix F. Datalogger Program Example This program will send three new data values to the Vosponder every ten seconds. Every five minutes the most recent data values will be broadcast over the radio link. The data values can also be broadcast at anytime by using a radio handset and keying in the DTMF code that has been set in the Vosponder. If the batter voltage ever drops below 10.
Appendix F. Datalogger Program Example 7: SDI-12 Recorder (P105) 1: 1 SDI-12 Address 2: 0 Start Measurement (aM0!) 3: 1 Port 4: 1 Loc [ BatVolts ] 5: 1.0 Mult 6: 0.0 Offset 8: Extended Parameters 4 Digit (P68) 1: 88 Option 2: 83 Option 3: 0000 Option 4: 0000 Option 5: 0000 Option 6: 0000 Option 7: 0000 Option 8: 0000 Option ;X ;S ;End of command marker 9: End (P95) ;IF THE BATTERY VOLTAGE DROPS BELOW 10.5 VDC THEN... 10: If (X<=>F) (P89) 1: 1 X Loc [ BatVolts ] 2: 4 < 3: 10.
Appendix F. Datalogger Program Example 14: Extended Parameters 4 Digit (P68) 1: 51 Option 2: 49 Option 3: 46 Option 4: 46 Option 5: 65 Option 6: 76 Option 7: 65 Option 8: 82 Option ;3 ;1 ;period, creates a 0.4 sec. pause ;period, creates a 0.4 sec. pause ;A ;L ;A ;R 15: Extended Parameters 4 Digit (P68) 1: 77 Option 2: 46 Option 3: 46 Option 4: 76 Option 5: 79 Option 6: 87 Option 7: 32 Option 8: 66 Option ;M ;period, creates a 0.4 sec. pause ;period, creates a 0.4 sec.
Appendix F. Datalogger Program Example This is a blank page.
This is a blank page.
Campbell Scientific Companies Campbell Scientific, Inc. (CSI) 815 West 1800 North Logan, Utah 84321 UNITED STATES www.campbellsci.com info@campbellsci.com Campbell Scientific Africa Pty. Ltd. (CSAf) PO Box 2450 Somerset West 7129 SOUTH AFRICA www.csafrica.co.za sales@csafrica.co.za Campbell Scientific Australia Pty. Ltd. (CSA) PO Box 444 Thuringowa Central QLD 4812 AUSTRALIA www.campbellsci.com.au info@campbellsci.com.au Campbell Scientific do Brazil Ltda.
