Campbell Scientific CR3000 CR3000 Micrologger - Page 68

Section 5. System Overview data this way, stop the CR3000 program to ensure data are not written to the card while data are retrieved; otherwise, data corruption will result. Data stored on CF cards are retrieved through a telecommunication link to the CR3000 or by removing the card, carrying it to a computer, and retrieving the data via a third-party CF adapter. Retrieving data, especially large files, is much faster through a CF adapter than telecommunications with the CR3000. The format of data files collected via a CF adapter is different than the standard Campbell Scientific data file formats (see Data File Format Examples (p. 342) ). Data files read from the card via a CF adapter can be converted to a Campbell Scientific format using CardConvert software (see CardConvert (p. 451) ). For more information on use of CF cards, see the CRD: Drive (p. 340) section. 5.1.7.4 Data File-Formats in CR3000 Memory Routine CR3000 operations store data in binary data tables. However, when the TableFile() instruction is used, data are also stored in one of several formats in discrete text files in internal or external memory. See Data Storage (p. 338) for more information on the use of the TableFile() instruction. 5.1.7.5 Data Format on Computer CR3000 data stored on a PC via support software is formatted as either ASCII or Binary depending on the file type selected in the support software. Consult the software manual for details on available data-file formats. 5.1.8 Communications Read More! See Telecommunications and Data Retrieval (p. 354). The CR3000 communicates with external devices to receive programs, send data, or act in concert with a network. The primary communication protocol is PakBus. Modbus and DNP3 communication protocols are also supported. Refer to the appendix Telecommunications Hardware for information on available communications devices. 5.1.8.1 PakBus Read More! See PakBus Overview (p. 356). The CR3000 communicates with Campbell Scientific support software, telecommunication peripherals, and other dataloggers via PakBus, a proprietary network communications protocol. PakBus is a protocol similar in concept to IP (Internet protocol). By using signatured data packets, PakBus increases the number of communications and networking options available to the CR3000. Communication can occur via RS-232, CS I/O, or digital I/O ports. Advantages of PakBus: • Simultaneous communication between the CR3000 and other devices. • Peer-to-peer communication - no PC required. • Other PakBus dataloggers can be used as "sensors" to consolidate all data into one CR3000. 68