In the interests of compatibility, the ARC-1 incorporates the same functions as the GSM-2 but also includes some new features, as the 3G mobile network, or 4G if required. The new radio modules also allow the device to be located via the mobile network. The data logger can also be supplied with an e-SIM upon request. The system status information, including battery status and signal strength, has been supplemented by a moisture sensor. A real-time clock (RTC) now has been integrated into the data logger. Existing GSM-2 data loggers can also be upgraded easily to ARC-1 data loggers if the existing 2G network at the measuring point is no longer available.
Preserving proven features
The new generation has not changed in appearance. At just 48 mm in diameter, the cylindrical design of the ARC-1 can simply be placed into the top of a two-inch-wide sounding tube standard in the groundwater measuring industry. The housing is designed to withstand condensation and temporary flooding. The sealed antenna is covered by a lockable protective cap made of robust plastic. This protects the data logger against theft and damage. Complete with energy-efficient electronics and a premium-quality lithium battery (3,9 V/32 Ah), the logger can transmit the results of 24 measurements every day by e-mail, SMS or FTP for up to ten years. Its fastest measurement rate is 1 measurement per minute. With two input voltages (0...5 V), two digital inputs, one bus interface (RS485) to operate up to five level sensors and an optional SDI12 interface for water analysis devices, the ARC-1 data logger is a universal data collection module for wide area measurement networks. A flexible, easy-to-use, open-source “DataManager” software covers the key functions of a monitoring, collection, control, and organisational unit for the ARC-1. The DataManager collects the measurement data, assigns it, puts it in charts, reports any limits that have been exceeded, and stores it in an open-source mySQL database.
