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FAQ : LHC/LHM data loggers

 

 

 

What is the LHC?

The LHC is an autonomous communicating data logger. Together with a SFP probeThe LHC is a complete and autonomous measurement point: no need for complex civil engineering, an electrical cabinet, or even a 220V power supply.

 

 

What is the need for the LHC data logger?

The LHC meets a need for groundwater or surface water instrumentation. Combined with a specific probe, which measures water levels and temperatures, the LHC stores and retransmits the measured data. It is ideally suited to sites without power.

The LH has two versions: the communicating version (LHC) and the silent version (LHM). After installation, the silent version takes measurements for a given period of time, and then it is necessary to return to the site to retrieve the recorded data.

The communicating version, on the other hand, can be programmed to send data at a set interval: every 12 hours, for example.

data logger lhc

What kind of facility does the LHC fit into?

The LHC was originally developed specifically for use in boreholes for groundwater measurements. Its elongated tubular shape fits perfectly into the drill head and its 8 cm diameter cup can be inserted into the top of the borehole so that the LHC is protected by the borehole cover.

The LHC can also be used to measure water levels and temperatures in natural environments, such as rivers. To do this, all that is needed is a PVC sleeve to immerse the probe and a tube or chain to install the LHC on the surface.

 

 

 

 

 

data logger lhc

What are the competitive advantages of the LHC over existing data loggers?

Unlike most of these products, which are made of plastic, the body of our LHC/LHM is made of stainless steel, which makes it much more resistant over time .

In addition, our communicating version (LHC) is a stand-alone product, and therefore does not require the addition of an extra module to send data. This limits the number of connectors and therefore the potential for water ingress, which again improves the longevity of the product by increasing its resistance to moisture.

PARATRONIC's biggest competitive advantage is its people: our technical sales teams are available and very responsive.

 

How to install the LHC/LHM?

The LHC is one of the easiest products to install. Simply open the LHC, insert a SIM card, close it (to benefit from the IP67 guarantee against humidity), connect it with a universal USB-micro B cable (as for smartphones) and set it up using our free "Sensor HMI" software. This software, which can be downloaded free of charge from our website, has three tabs:

  1. Measurement management: this tab allows you to define the measurement parameters (measurement calibration, acquisition time step, etc.)
  2. Exports: this tab allows you to set up exports - where to send the data, how often, on what type of media (server/SMS/supervisor)
  3. Alerts: this tab allows you to define two level alerts. For example, if the water level reaches 1m50, the LHC can send an alert to the mayor, the prefect, the technicians...

This programming can be done in 5 minutes, and your LHC will be ready. In terms of infrastructure, all that is required is a sensor sleeve.

In short, you can set up your own LHC very simply! Don't hesitate to call our team if you have any difficulties, they will answer you immediately.

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data logger lhc sim

How do I choose the SIM card for my LHC?

If you have not yet purchased the SIM card for your LHC, we can help you!

Once on the installation site, our "Sensor HMI" software allows you to launch a scan of the operators available in the area. You will then be able to identify which operators have the best reception on the measurement site, and thus purchase the most suitable SIM card for your site.

What kind of maintenance does the LHC require?

The LHC does not require any specific maintenance. However, it is advisable to check its proper functioning at regular intervals. Indeed, external factors can affect it: branches or logjams can disturb the measurement, the probe can be silted up...

We therefore recommend that you make a preventive inspection approximately every six months.

How do I feed the LHC/LHM data logger?

Both the LHC and the LHM are completely autonomous and are powered by their batteries. The battery, located between the lower card (which manages the measurements) and the upper card (the SIM card receptacle, in charge of data transmission), is a lithium battery that can power the LHC for over 10 years at a rate of one measurement per hour and one data transmission per week.

The life of the LHM is even longer, as it does not have the energy consumption associated with communication: up to 15 years of autonomy can be achieved.

The LHC/LHM's lithium battery is removable: it is scratch-mounted and can be replaced very easily.

What kind of information does the LHC transmit? What can this information be used for?

The information transmitted by the LHC is water level and temperature. This data is often used to feed models (models for forecasting water levels, rising water levels in rivers, etc.) and, increasingly, to provide 'live' monitoring tools.

For example, we have a client: the public establishment of the Marais Poitevin (EPMP), which uses a supervisor to centralise a large number of measurement points. These measuring points record data that are plotted on a "live" curve (according to a determined interval). If there is a large tide or a major storm, the EPMP can consult the data live and transmit it to whomever they wish (the fire brigade, the DREAL, etc.).

How does the LHC transmit data to me?

The LHC has several protocols for sending data. The most common protocol is export to an FTP (server hosted by the customer or by us, referenced with an IP, port and login). An export by SMS is also possible; this protocol is also used for sending alerts. Finally, the LHC can also send information via the MQTT protocol (linked to embedded technologies: smartphones, etc.).

LHC data logger

What are the limitations of the LHC data logger - SFP probe combination?

The LHC and SFP were originally developed for boreholes, and therefore have very large full scales (the difference between the minimum and maximum measurable). Some boreholes go down to 150 m, so we designed the SFP probe to reach this full scale; apart from the MPXF probeour other probes do not reach such high values (our probes have, on average, a full scale of 10 to 30 m).

The SFP cable is supplied by the metre: we have chosen not to base ourselves on standard lengths (10, 15, 25 m for example) in order to adapt to each configuration.

The LHC data-logger has an accuracy of 0.05% of full scale. This is a very small margin of error (in the millimetre range), which ensures a particularly accurate measurement. Most of the time, this level of confidence far exceeds the customer's needs: when monitoring the level of a water table or a river, flooding or low water conditions are not usually managed to within 1 mm of water. However, if you need such high accuracy, the LHC-SFP will meet your expectations.

What is the guarantee of the LHC?

The LHC and SFP are guaranteed for 2 years, including lightning risk*: if the probe fails within 2 years, and the service team determines that the failure is due to lightning strike or water ingress, the product is replaced immediately.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the product has been misused (cut on the cable, damage due to a fall, incorrectly closed shell, etc.), the warranty will lapse but a repair is still possible (on free diagnosis).

*The installation only includes the LHC, the cable and the SFP probe: it is not necessary to add a Paratronic lightning arrester to benefit from the lightning guarantee.

Is the DATA LOGGER HC produced in France?

The machining of the stainless steel bodies is subcontracted to a service provider in Ain (France). All the rest of the production of the LHC and SFP is done by hand in our PARATRONIC factory in Reyrieux.

Do you have any further questions?

Didn't our FAQ answer all your questions? Do not hesitate to contact us for more information.