Why is the SonTek Not Gathering Readings?
The SonTek-SL Current Meter X-Series Integration Guide outlines the required process for integrating SonTek-SL Series of Side-Looking Doppler Current Meters with NexSens X-Series data loggers. If a SonTek meter is not providing values after following the guide, below is a list of common reasons.
Issues with Gathering SonTek Readings
- Issue #1: The SonTek is connected to the wrong port or has a different SDI-12 address than the one specified in the user-generated SDI-12 script.
- Explanation: While creating the SDI-12 script, the user specifies the associated port and SDI-12 address. The X-Series data logger needs the port and address specified to send power and commands to the proper location.
- Solution: Change the internal SonTek settings to match the settings of the user-generated script, or connect the SonTek to the proper port on the data logger.
- Explanation: While creating the SDI-12 script, the user specifies the associated port and SDI-12 address. The X-Series data logger needs the port and address specified to send power and commands to the proper location.
- Issue #2: Two or more sensors connected to the data logger have the same SDI-12 address.
- Explanation: NexSens X-Series data loggers can only read measurements from a sensor if it has a unique SDI-12 address. If another sensor using the SDI-12 communication protocol has the same address, both sensors will respond simultaneously to commands. Thus, communication will be interrupted as the logger expects a specific response.
- Solution: Review and adjust the SDI-12 addresses for each sensor in their respective software.
- Explanation: NexSens X-Series data loggers can only read measurements from a sensor if it has a unique SDI-12 address. If another sensor using the SDI-12 communication protocol has the same address, both sensors will respond simultaneously to commands. Thus, communication will be interrupted as the logger expects a specific response.
- Issue #3: The flying lead cable cable utilized for the sensor is wired incorrectly.
- Solution: Follow the article below to review the wiring connections between the SonTek and X-Series data logger.