Manual – 3000 NRL Family
Unidata Manual - 3000 NRL Family - 06 08 2019.docx
Page 9
1.7
NRL Models
The NRLs come in different sizes and configurations, and while the software architecture remains the
same with all models, the larger models have more connectivity and more input channels than the lower
models.
There are three main groups:
1. The 3016, 3008 and 3004 are the higher end models with higher connectivity and are housed
inside metal enclosures with input terminals exposed on the side, for easy sensor connection.
2. The 3004M models are mid-range models with lower connectivity and are housed inside smaller
polycarbonate enclosures or metal enclosures for high IP rating applications.
3. The 3001M models are low end models with lower connectivity and are housed inside smaller
polycarbonate enclosures.
All of the models and the connectivity details are listed in this manual in the section Summary of Remote
Loggers.
1.8
NRL Programs (Schemes) and Prologger / Starlogger Emulation Mode
NRL loggers operate in two modes: Native or Emulation.
In Native mode the logger operates much like a Neon Remote Terminal (NRT) and has a memory layout
and configuration settings broadly the same. It allows existing NRT schemes to be used immediately
without change.
In Emulation mode the logger operates like a Prologger (3016) or Starlogger (all other 3xxx models) with
compatible memory layout and configuration options. It is intended to allow the use of existing Prologger
or Starlogger schemes immediately and later transition to Native mode.
To access new NRL features requires porting both NRT and Prologger/Starlogger schemes to the new
NRL scheme type.
1.9
NRL New Features
The NRL offers several new features not available in earlier NRT and Prologger/Starlogger loggers:
•
Critical data is stored in non-volatile FRAM, rather than volatile RAM, to allow for faster recovery
after power interruptions.
•
Improved memory management allows for more complicated scheme programs.
•
Floating-point support.
•
Support for >16-bit analog channels.
•
Support for 32-bit counter channels.
•
Support for multiple SDI-12 busses.
•
Support for multiple Modbus busses.
•
Support for burst transmission of each log record. This is particularly suitable for IoT technologies
such as LoRa, microsatellite systems or Iridium Short Burst Data.
1.10
NRL Data Storage options
1.10.1 Flash
NRLs have internal Flash memory that is used to store internal data, the scheme program, and all logged
data.
1.10.2 MMC/SD Card
Not currently available, but future updates to NRLs will add support for saving logged data to MMC/SD
cards and for loading scheme programs saved to those cards.
