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7. Nano_Link as an Outstation
When configured as an outstation (S1 not set to 00000000),
Nano_Link
can be interrogated by either a
Micro_Link
or
a
Nano_Link
base-station. It can operate continuously or in a power-saving mode. In continuous mode the power
consumption is too high for operation from internal batteries for extended periods, so it is assumed to be mains-
powered (although it could be operated from a solar panel or from external batteries). In power-save mode
Nano_Link
will run for typically 2 years on an internal alkaline battery pack, or indefinitely on a small solar panel. Variants of the
power-save mode allow special features to be enabled as described below, but reduce battery life.
7.1 Operating Modes
7.1.1 Continuous operation (S2.6…S2.8 = 001)
In this mode the outstation is permanently active, so able to respond to base-station commands at any time. Its radio
receiver is constantly powered, so the power consumption is significant. Although the battery back-up within a mains
power supply will keep the outstation running for several hours, this mode is not suitable for long-term operation from
batteries.
A
Nano_Link
operating as a repeater must be configured in this mode, since it has to be able to respond both to
commands directed to itself and to commands to be forwarded to more distant outstations.
Analogue and digital outputs can normally only be used in this mode.
7.1.2 Power-save mode with 250ms transducer settling time (S2.6…S2.8 = 000)
Power drain within
Nano_Link
is mainly due to the radio receiver and the radio transmitter. Minimising the time each
of these is on minimises power consumption. In power-save mode the receiver is only switched on when a message is
expected from the base-station, and the base-station only requests as much data as it needs (e.g. if it is not reading
analogues, it does not request them) to minimise the time the transmitter is on. If there is no power at the outstation
site, there will be no plant to control, so the outstation will not be equipped with digital or analogue outputs, and the
base-station will not send data to it.
The
Nano_Link
outstation can be supplied with an internal battery pack, which can also be used to energise transducers
connected to it. The outstation will only switch them on when needed, again to avoid unnecessary power drain.
In this mode the outstation will be in one of the following states:
7.1.2.1 Sniff mode
The outstation switches on its radio receiver every two seconds for just long enough to sense a valid data
signal. If no signal is detected it will switch the radio off and repeat the cycle. If a signal is detected it
changes to the Receive Mode.
7.1.2.2 Receive Mode
The outstation enters this mode two seconds before it expects to receive a command from the base-station. If it
receives a valid command it will change to Transmit Mode:
7.1.2.3 Transmit Mode
The outstation first switches on its 12V supply, then, waits 250ms. It then reads the analogue inputs, compiles
the relevant response, sends it, then drops the 12V supply.
The normal command to an outstation configured for a low-power mode requests data, but also defines the
delay before the outstation will next be interrogated. If such a command is received, the outstation changes to
Receive Mode for a defined ‘Stay Awake’ period. The Stay Awake period is normally 5 seconds, which is
sufficient time for the base-station to send another command if the response to the first was corrupted in
transmission. However, if the base-station detects that the outstation is also used as a repeater, it will modify
each command sent to the outstation, instructing it to remain in receive mode for an extended Stay Awake
period (typically 30 seconds). During this time it can send further commands to it for passing on to more
Содержание Nano Link IP67
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