HOBO® U30 USB Station (U30-NRC) Manual

The HOBO U30 USB Station is a weatherproof data logger designed for environmental
monitoring applications. This rugged logger has a built-in rechargeable battery and supports up
to 10 plug-and-play smart sensors and two optional analog inputs with sensor excitation. With
HOBOware® Pro, you can easily configure the logger, check the status, and download data for
graphing and analysis. You can also use HOBOware Pro to set up a relay that can be activated
on alarm conditions. Note: U30 stations with remote communication capability are no longer
available. RX3000 stations are available in Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and cellular models. See
www.onsetcomp.com for details.

Specifications
Station
Normal Operating Range -20 to 40°C (-4 to 104°F)

Extended Operating Range -40 to 60°C (-40 to 140°F) NOTE: Operation within the extended operating
HOBO U30 USB Station range (but outside the normal range) will reduce battery service life.
Smart Sensor Connectors 5 standard, option to expand to 10
U30-NRC
Smart Sensor Network 100 m (328 ft) maximum
Cable Length
Included Items:
Smart Sensor Data Maximum of 15 (some sensors use more than one data channel; see
• Mounting kit
Channels sensor manual for details)
• Cable channel kit
• Grounding wire Logging Interval 1 second to 18 hours
Start Modes Immediate, at interval, push button, or delayed start
Required Items:
Memory Modes Stop when full or wrap when full
• HOBOware Pro
• USB cable Memory 512 KB nonvolatile flash data storage
• AC adapter (AC-U30 or Alarm Output Relay One relay contact closure can be configured as normally open, normally
AC-U30-EU) or solar panel closed, or pulsed. Voltage: 30 V Current: 1 amp max.
(SOLAR-xW)
Operational Indicators Three status lights provide basic diagnostics
Optional Items: Time Accuracy 0 to 2 seconds for the first data point and ±5 seconds per week at 25°C
• Smart sensors (77°F)
• Analog sensor port
Battery Type/Power Source 4 Volt, 10 AHr, rechargeable sealed lead-acid; external power required
• Smart sensor expander
using one of these options: AC power adapter (AC-U30) or solar panel
board (S-ADAPT-X5-10)
(SOLAR-xW)
• Tripod kit (M-TPA or M-TPB)
• Guy wire kit (M-GWA) Rechargeable Battery Typical 3–5 years depending upon conditions of use. Operation within the
Service Life extended operating range (but outside the normal range) will reduce
Sensors and accessories are battery service life.
available at
www.onsetcomp.com. Communication Type Full speed USB via USB mini-B connector
Full Memory Download 4 minutes
Time
Enclosure Access Hinged door secured by two latches with eyelets for securing with user-
supplied padlocks
Materials Outer enclosure: Polycarbonate/PBT blend with stainless steel hinge pins
and brass inserts
Inner enclosure: Polycarbonate with brass inserts
U-Bolts: Steel with zinc dichromate finish
Gaskets: Silicone rubber
Cable entry channel: EPDM rubber
Cable entry bars: Aluminum, metal thumbscrews with plastic heads
Dimensions 18.9 H x 11.8 D x 18.1 W cm (7.4 H x 4.7 D x 7.1 W inches) (see diagrams
on next page)
Weight 2.2 kg (4 lbs 13 oz)
Mounting 3.8 cm (1.5 inch) mast or wall mount

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 HOBO U30 USB Station (U30-NRC) Manual

Specifications (continued)
Environmental Rating Weatherproof enclosure, tested to NEMA 6 (Requires proper installation
of cable channel system)
The CE Marking identifies this product as complying with all relevant
directives in the European Union (EU).
Analog Sensor Port
Input Channels Two, single-ended

Field Wiring Two- or three-wire via screw terminals on detachable connector, 16–24
AWG
Replacement Detachable Part of spares kit, Part No. A-FS-CVIA-7P-1
Connectors
Input Range User-configurable: 0–20 mA DC, 0–2.5 VDC, 0–5 VDC, 0–10 VDC, and 0–20
VDC (the voltage range is determined based on the raw values entered
for the voltage scaling in HOBOware)
Minimum/Maximum 0 / 24 VDC
Input Voltage
Minimum/Maximum 0 / 24 mA DC
Input Current
Minimum Current Source > 20 KΩ
Impedance
Accuracy ±0.25% of FSR from 50mV to FSV

ADC Resolution 12 bits

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 HOBO U30 USB Station (U30-NRC) Manual

Device Components pressure exactly so a barometric pressure sensor deployed

within the station cannot measure the true atmospheric
LEDs pressure unless it has its own unrestricted vent to the outside.
Internal Smart Sensor Expander Board: The optional smart sensor
Enclosure expander board that can support up to five additional sensors is
installed here.
Cable Access Opening: All cables and wires are pulled through a
External Power protective rubber cable channel placed in this opening. If you
Supply Connector Expansion Port
(Solar Panel or AC Connector
are using the optional smart sensor expander board, you will
Adapter) need to use the second cable access opening.
USB Port
Smart Sensor Ports: Connect up to five smart sensors in these
Ground
Connector Relay Contact
RJ-12 jacks. Use one jack to connect the optional expander
board for additional smart sensors.
Battery Vent
Connector Battery: 4-Volt Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) battery located inside
Battery Smart Sensor the case.
Cable Access Expander Board
(optional) Battery Connector: Plug in the battery in this port.
Smart Sensor Ports Openings
Ground Connector: Plug in the grounding wire in this port to
Internal Enclosure: This weatherproof enclosure provides a ground the system.
second level of protection for the U30 electronic circuitry. Do
not open this case; doing so will void the warranty. External Power Supply Connector: Plug in the compatible solar
panel or AC adapter here.
LEDs: There are three LEDs that indicate logger activity and
status. Important: Always connect the battery before plugging in
an external power supply. Always disconnect external
LED Description
power before disconnecting the battery. Damage may occur
Logging Green: The station is currently logging data. if the battery is unplugged before the external power is
Red: There was a sensor failure. Check for loose disconnected.
connections and remove the offending sensor.
Check the wire and connector for damage or signs
of moisture. See Troubleshooting for more details.
Setting up and Starting the Station
Orange: There was a communication failure, but
the system recovered. There may be an Follow these steps to set up the station.
intermittent problem. Try checking the smart
1. Install the mounting plates. Screw the mounting plates
sensors one at a time to make sure they are all
communicating. See Troubleshooting for more onto the back of the HOBO U30 Station case using a Phillips-
details. head screwdriver. Be careful to orient the plates as shown
below so that the screw heads are sunk into the screw
Alarm An alarm has tripped.
holes.
Sensor Active There is activity with the smart sensor network
communications.

Expansion Port Connector: This is location where the optional,

two-channel analog sensor port is factory-installed. The analog
sensor Port can accept and provide excitation power to a wide
range of Onset and third-party sensors and features input
protection and signal filtering, as well as delta-sigma A/D
conversion and factory calibration. The station can provide 12 V
DC sensor excitation voltage up to 50 mA total for transducers
that require external power for proper operation. See Setting
up and Starting the Station for details on connecting sensors to
and configuring the Analog Sensor Port.
USB Port: Plug in a USB cable into this port to connect to a
computer.
Relay Contact: This can be activated, deactivated, or pulsed on
user-defined sensor alarms. The relay contact can be
configured as normally open or normally closed, and is rated
for 30 V, 1 Amp maximum. See Setting up the Relay Contact for
more details.
Vent: This vent allows pressure to equalize inside the
enclosure, but does not allow liquid to pass through. Note: The
pressure inside the station may not match the outside air

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2. Remove the secondary cable slot and install the smart e. If the smart sensor expander board is already installed,
sensor expander board. If you are using the optional smart skip to the next section. Otherwise, insert a self-tapping
sensor expander board, follow these steps to remove the screw (supplied) into each end of the expander.
piece covering the secondary cable slot to access the board
f. Lower the expander onto the two standoffs near the
and then install it if necessary. Note: The station must be
bottom of the case and screw the expander into place.
turned off with all cables disconnected before beginning.
Alternate Method: Place the expander (without the
screws) onto the standoffs. Apply a small amount of clear
grease (the grease supplied with this kit can be used) at
the end of the screwdriver to hold screws while lowering
them into place.
Note: The contacts of the expander jacks should be
nearest to the bottom of case as shown in the following
example. Be careful not to trap the battery cable behind
a. Use a hammer and a bladed tool (e.g., screwdriver, the board.
chisel) to punch through at the four corners and at the
ends of the piece covering the secondary cable slot.

b. Punch through along the bottom of the knockout and

then tap sharply in the middle to break into the opening.
Remove the hanging flap.

c. Peel away any residual material.

g. Plug one end of the supplied expander cable into the
rightmost jack of the expander board. Plug the other end
into the rightmost jack of the built-in board.

d. File any rough edges. For best results, the surfaces in the
cable access opening should be smooth so that the
rubber cable channel gasket will seal.

3. Connect sensors and optional relay equipment. Follow

these steps to connect smart sensors, analog sensors, and
relay equipment to the station. If you are using the smart
sensor expander board, connect sensors to those ports
before connecting the sensors through the primary cable
slot.
a. Run cables through the Secondary Cable Slot.

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Pin# Left Function Pin# Right Function

1 Shield 1 Shield
2 Channel 1 Signal 2 Channel 2 Signal
3 Channel 1 Return 3 Channel 2 Return
4 Excitation Voltage 4 Excitation Return

e. Connect external equipment to the relay screw terminal,

making sure any wires are routed through the cable
b. Plug the cables into the smart sensor expander board. access opening. Note: The relay contacts are designed for
low power switching (see specification for rating). To
switch higher power, use an appropriately rated relay
and the U30 station relay to switch the external relay on
and off.

c. Run cables for the remaining smart sensors through the

primary cable slot and connect the cables into the
primary smart sensor ports.

Note: To fit into the holes in the rubber cable channel that
will be installed when you are ready to deploy, the ideal
cable diameter is 0.157 in (4.0 mm). If the cable is too small,
build up the diameter using heat shrink. If it is too big and
you are using the secondary cable access opening, then
place the cable through the left-most hole in the rubber
cable channel where the diameter can be up to 0.25 in (6.4
mm). If you are not using the secondary opening or the
cable is still too big, then splice on another cable with a
d. To connect a two- or three-wire sensor or transducer to smaller diameter to fit through the hole. See Deploying and
the terminals in the optional analog sensor port: Loosen Mounting the Station for details on working with the rubber
the screw for each pin on the connector. Insert the cable channel.
appropriate wire into the screw terminal (see the pinout
table below). Make sure all wires attached to the analog 4. Connect the battery. Connect the built-in battery cable to
sensor port are routed through the cable access opening. the battery as shown below.
Tighten the screws. Refer to the specific sensor
documentation for terminal connection details. Note: To
maintain a weatherproof seal, the analog sensor cables
must be the right diameter (see the note following step e
for more details).

5. Connect the U30 station to a computer with HOBOware

Pro installed. Plug the small end of the USB cable into the
USB port on the station and the large end in the USB port
on the computer and open HOBOware Pro. Note: Device
hardware drivers will be installed automatically the first
time the station is connected. This may take a few minutes
to complete.

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6. Configure analog sensor ports. If you are using analog 8. Test the U30 and sensors. To verify the U30 station and
sensors, configure the analog sensor port. sensors are working properly, select Status from the Device
menu. If you set up a fast logging interval for an initial test,
a. From the Device menu in HOBOware Pro, select
change the sensor readings by changing the conditions. For
Configure Modules/Ports.
example, hold the temperature sensor in your hands for a
b. In the Select Sensor to Configure window, click the + sign minute or two and verify that the temperature shown in
to see the available modules/ports. Note: The default Current Readings increases.
channel names Voltage and Current can be configured to
You are ready to deploy the logger:
measure voltage or current. For example, both channels
can be used to monitor sensors with 4-20 mA output. • Launch the logger again with your desired logging rate if
you ran a test with a fast logging interval.
c. Select a sensor and then click the Configure button to
open the Configure Sensor window. • Disconnect the USB cable.
d. In the Configure Sensor window, select the Sensor Name
Important: When you deploy the logger, make sure you
(choose a default name or type your own name).
connect the solar panel or AC adapter to charge the battery. If
e. Select one of following excitation power modes: at any point you need to unplug the battery, unplug the solar
panel or AC adapter first. Damage may occur to the HOBO U30
• Warm-up mode. The logger supplies excitation power Station if the battery is unplugged before disconnecting the
for a brief, user-programmable period prior to each solar panel or AC adapter.
measurement, which allows you to select the
minimum warm-up time needed to allow for sensor
stabilization while conserving battery power. For
example, if you specify a warm-up of one second and
set the logging interval to one minute, the HOBO U30
Station will power the external sensor for one second,
log a measurement, and then turn off the excitation
power for the next 59 seconds. The warm-up time can
be set from 5 milliseconds up to 120 seconds. Note: If
the warm-up time selected is greater than the logging
interval selected, the logger will interpret the
excitation mode as continuous.
See Configuring the Relay if you are using a relay. See Deploying
• Continuous mode. The logger supplies constant and Mounting the Station for installation steps and other
excitation power to the sensor for the entire duration deployment guidelines.
of the deployment, which will result in reduced battery
life. Continuous mode is required if the sensor needs
more than two minutes of warm-up time.
Reading Out the Station
To download data from the station:
f. Select the measurement type and enter any scaling
values. Enter the low value for the sensor in Raw Value 1 1. Open the door on the station and connect it to the
and the high value in Raw Value 2. For example, if the computer with a USB cable.
range is 0–20 mA, then Raw Value 1 would be 0 and Raw
2. From the Device menu in HOBOware Pro, select Readout. If
Value 2 would be 20. Enter the Scaled Value 1 and Scaled
the station is logging, select whether to stop or continue
Value 2. See the HOBOware Help for additional details on
logging.
scaling.
3. After the readout is complete, plot the data. Refer to the
g. Click Configure. Note: During logging, the Active indicator
HOBOware Help for details on working with the data.
LED on the analog sensor port blinks once per logging
interval to indicate that a successful measurement has
been made. The Ex. On indicator LED will also be lit when Station Memory
excitation is enabled. The station contains 512 KB of non-volatile memory, which is
7. Configure launch settings. retained even if the power runs out. If the station is set to stop
logging when the memory is full, the amount of time it takes for
a. From the Device menu in HOBOware Pro, select Launch. the memory to fill depends on the number and type of sensors
connected and the logging interval selected. The following
b. In the Launch Logger window, type a name for the
figure shows the expected run time for several logging intervals
launch, which will be used as the filename for data
based on the total number of bits in use by the logger, which is
readouts. Select a logging interval, which is how often the
determined by adding the bits per sample for each sensor
station logs data from the sensors (select 10 seconds for
measurement used by the logger. For example, a station with a
an optional initial test). Choose any other settings as
temperature sensor (12 bits), wind speed (16 bits), and two
desired. Select a Start Logging option, which determines
temperature/RH sensors (22 bits each) uses 72 total bits. Refer
when the station will be launched (select Now for an
to the Specifications in each sensor manual for the bits per
optional initial test).
sample.
c. Click the Start button.

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Adding or Removing Sensors

Sensors can be added or removed while the station is stopped
or while the station is waiting to start because it was configured
to start logging on a specific date/time or with a push button
start. To add or remove sensors from the logger:
1. Open the station door. Connect the station to the computer
with a USB cable.
2. Read out and stop the logger with HOBOware Pro.
3. Remove the rubber cable channel(s) and unplug any smart
sensors or disconnect analog sensors you wish to remove.
If the station is set to never stop logging (wrap when full), the
4. For each sensor you are adding, lightly coat the smart
oldest data will be overwritten with the newest data and
sensor cable with a small amount of silicone grease (about
logging will continue indefinitely.
the size of a pea).

Time Accuracy 5. Feed the sensor cables through the holes in the cable
channel.
The internal clock in the station is set by the time zone offset
from UTC that you select when you configure the device. UTC, 6. Plug in the smart sensors, connect the analog sensors, and
or Coordinated Universal Time, is similar to Greenwich Mean reinstall the cable channel(s). Use rubber plugs to fill any
Time. The time zone offset makes it possible to determine empty holes. See Setting up and Starting the Station for
objective, non-local time. This prevents conflicts and confusion more details on installing sensors. See Deploying and
before a Spring or Fall time change. Once the logger is logging, Mounting the Station for more details on the cable
it will keep fairly accurate time. However, the following may channels.
cause errors with time reporting:
7. Configure the logger with HOBOware Pro and start it again.
• Launch time loss. The HOBO U30 Station may lose up to Notes:
two seconds when it is launched. This is unavoidable.
• If you remove a sensor while the station is logging, the
• Clock drift. The long-term time accuracy is related to Logging LED will blink red at the next logging interval. The
ambient temperature. At 25°C (77°F), the worst-case data for that sensor will then display as missing or
error is ±8 parts per million (PPM), or about 5 seconds erroneous in readouts.
per week. The error increases as the temperature • If you add a sensor while the station is logging, it will be
deviates from 25°C, as shown in the graph below. At a ignored. Logging will continue normally for the other
constant temperature of 20°C, the logger time error sensors.
could be as much as 35 PPM (21 seconds per week).
• Smart sensors are listed in ascending order by serial
number in HOBOware Pro by default.
• The station can log up to 15 data channels (not including
the internal battery channel). This includes two channels
in the analog sensor port plus each of the smart sensor
channels (note that some smart sensors may have more
than one channel). If you have more than 15 channels
connected, some of the sensors will be ignored. Disable
the second channel in the analog sensor port if it is not
needed.
• The station can work with a maximum of 100 meters
(328 feet) of smart sensor network cable, which is the
digital communications portion of the sensor cables. If
you are using multiple smart sensors, check the length of
each smart sensor network cable listed in the
• Host Clock Error. The most likely source of error is an
specifications in the sensor’s manual and make sure the
incorrect time or time zone setting on the computer
combined length does not exceed 100 meters (328 feet).
that launched the logger. Make sure the clock on your
computer is set to the correct date and time before
launching the logger. One accurate resource is Configuring the Relay
http://www.nist.time.gov. Upon an alarm condition, the relay contact on the station can
be opened, closed, or pulsed to control the operation of an
external device such as an irrigation system or fountain. The
deactivated state (set in HOBOware Pro) is the normal state of
the relay when no alarm has been tripped to activate the relay.

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If you want the relay to be open when there is no alarm, then

set the deactivated state to open. If you want the relay to be
closed when there is no alarm, set the deactivated state to
close. You can also set a pulse relay alarm when the relay opens
or closes.
Some common examples:
• An irrigation system on a cranberry bog or orchard turns
on if the temperature drops below a certain temperature
to avoid frost damage. In this case, the deactivated state
of the relay is set to normally open and an alarm is set
that changes the activated relay state to closed.

3. In the Alarm Configuration window, enable the High Alarm

if you want an alarm to trip when the sensor reading rises
above the high alarm value. Type a High Alarm value or drag
the top slider to set a value.
• A fountain that normally runs continuously turns off 4. Enable the Low Alarm if you want an alarm to trip when the
when the wind speed exceeds 20 mph. In this case, the sensor reading falls below the high alarm value. Type a Low
deactivated state of the relay is set to normally closed Alarm value or drag the bottom slider to set a value.
and an alarm is set that changes the activated relay state
Note: The actual values for the high and low alarm limits
to open.
are set to the closest value supported by the logger.
5. Set the number of samples that will be logged before the
alarm trips. Note: To avoid unintended activation of the
relay contact, set the number of samples to allow for
anticipated breaches of the alarm threshold. If the
measurement is still out of range when the number of
samples is reached, the relay will be activated.

• You need to take a water sample when a water level

reaches a certain amount. In this case, set the
deactivated state of the relay to open and then set a
pulse relay alarm. The relay will close briefly to activate a
piece of external equipment and then open after a
specified amount of time.

6. Select an action to occur when the alarm is triggered:

Activate Relay, Deactivate Relay, or Pulse.
7. Select the Deactivate on Alarm Clear checkbox if you want
the alarm action to stop automatically once the alarm
condition clears.
You can test a relay in HOBOware by clicking the Close
Relay/Open Relay button in the Sensor Alarm window 8. Click OK. The alarm will now appear in the Sensor Alarms
described in the following steps. You should hear a click in the window.
station when click the Close/Open Relay button. Click the
button again to return to the default state. Use a digital 9. Set the relay to Normally Open or Normally Closed.
multimeter to check for continuity to confirm the relay is 10. If the alarm action was set to Pulse Relay in step 6, type the
opened and closed as expected. duration of the relay pulse.
To configure a relay: 11. Click Set to send the alarm configuration to the station.
1. From the Device menu in HOBOware Pro, select Manage Notes:
U30 and then Configure U30 Alarms.
• If you do not want the relay to deactivate as soon as the
2. Select a sensor and click Add. alarm is cleared, you can set up another alarm to
deactivate the alarm. For example, an alarm is set to trip
when the temperature is 35°F, turning on the irrigation
system. Instead of turning off the irrigation system when

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the alarm clears (when the temperature rises above Installing the Grounding Wire
35°F), you want to turn it off at 38°F. Make sure the If you are using a grounding wire, insert the wire through the
Deactivate Alarm on Clear checkbox in the first 35°F cable slot and plug it into the ground connector in the station.
alarm is unchecked. Then, create a second temperature Make sure the thicker section of the grounding wire is placed in
sensor alarm with a high alarm above 38°F, an alarm a sensor cable groove when installing the weatherproof cable
action of Deactivate Relay and Activate Alarm on Clear channel (see next section).
unchecked.
• When multiple sensor alarms are configured, any one
alarm can activate the relay when tripped.
• The relay on the U30 station is rated for a maximum of
30 V, 1 Amp. If you need to switch higher power devices
use an appropriate external relay controlled by the
station.

Deploying and Mounting the Station • If you are mounting the station on a tripod or mast, attach
Follow the guidelines and steps in this section for deploying and the grounding wire under one of the nuts on one end of
mounting the station. the U-bolt.
• If you are mounting the station on a metal post, clamp the
Deployment Guidelines
grounding wire to the metal post with a hose clamp or a
When deploying the station: 1-5/8 inch U-bolt.
• Make sure the station remains in a vertical position once it • If you are mounting the station to a flat surface, attach the
is placed in its deployment location to prevent pooling of grounding wire to a proper ground.
water on the cable entries. If the station is mounting
horizontally, the battery could be damaged over time as it Installing Weatherproof Cable Channels.
is charged. If the station will be deployed outdoors, follow these
• If possible, avoid sites immediately adjacent to instructions to install the weatherproof cable channels in the
radio/television/microwave towers and equipment. In rare primary and secondary cable openings.
situations, strong electromagnetic interference may result 1. Make sure all cables and wires are routed through the
in sensor network errors. primary and secondary cable openings (cables from the
smart sensor expander board should be routed through the
• Take note of the mounting considerations in the sensor
secondary cable opening).
manuals for additional guidelines for the sensors you are
using. 2. Apply a small amount of silicone grease (about the size of a
pea) onto your fingertip and then work a light coating into
• If you are using a wind speed/direction sensor or if the
the top, bottom, and two ends (the sides with no holes) of
station will be installed on a roof or in a location with
the smaller rubber cable channel. Also put a light coating on
exposure to lightning, use a grounding wire. See Installing
the inside of the two halves of the cable channel.
the Grounding Wire.
• Make sure all smart sensor cables are fastened securely
and routed through the rubber cable channel. Any empty
holes in the cable channels need to be filled with a rubber
plug to ensure the station is weatherproof. See Setting up
and Starting the Station.
• Do not store excess sensor cable wire coiled inside the
station case or within one foot outside the case. The Leaf
Wetness Smart Sensor (S-LWA) is especially sensitive and
should be mounted at least two feet away from the case.
3. Hold the channel just below the station (with the channel’s
• Protect cables and wires with conduit. Exposed cables can
hinged side on the left and the taper facing in). Open the
be chewed by rodents.
channel and lay the cables and wires into the grooves.
• Make sure the total cable length for the digital sensor bus
• The solar panel or AC adapter cable must be in the
for all installed smart sensors does not exceed 100 m (328
leftmost (larger diameter) groove.
ft). For cables with a smart sensor adapter, only the cable
on the logger-side of the adapter count towards this 100 • Use the small rubber plugs to fill any unused grooves.
m (328 ft) limit. Center the thick part of the plugs in the groove. Plug
‘tails’ can face in or out. It may be easier to install
• Consider using a padlock to restrict access to the station.
these after the rubber cable channel has been
With the door closed, hook a padlock through one of the
pushed into the case. Insert the thin part of the plug
latches on the right side of the door and lock it.

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 HOBO U30 USB Station (U30-NRC) Manual

into the hole and pull to center the thick part of the the pole and the mounting plates (installed in Setting up
plug in the channel. and Testing the Station), with the flat side of the clamps
against the plates.

Mount the
saddle clamp
between the
pole and the
mounting
plate, with
the flat side
against the
plate

• Use the mounting plates to adhere the station vertically to

a wall or board with screws.
4. Close the channel, making sure the cables, wires, and any • Use a tripod to mount the station. See the Tripod Setup
plugs remain in their grooves. Press the channel into the Guide for details.
opening. To reduce the amount of excess cable in the case
(especially when several smart sensors are connected), Care and Maintenance
gently pull the cables toward you as you press the channel
into place. Press the channel in until it is flush with the The station is designed for outdoor use, but should be
outside of the case. When fully seated, the channel will inspected periodically. When inspecting the station, do the
project slightly into the inside of the case. following:
• Verify the station is free of visible damage or cracks.
• Make sure the station is clean. Wipe any dust or grime off
with a damp cloth. Wipe any water off the station before
opening it.
• Check that all cables are free of damage, such as cracks,
cuts, and splits.
• Make sure cables are still fastened securely and any
conduit is still intact.
• Grease the sides and bottom of the rubber cable channel
and the portion of the cables in the cable channel with a
5. If you are using the smart sensor expander board, repeat small amount of silicone grease.
steps 2–4 with the second cable channel. Use the larger • Verify that all cables are free of corrosion. If moisture is
plug for the leftmost hole if necessary. visible inside the station or if there is any sign of corrosion
6. Finger-tighten the retaining bars on to the case to secure on the connectors, spray WD-40® or an equivalent
the channel(s). Do not use a screwdriver to tighten the electronics-safe corrosion inhibitor on the connectors. This
thumb screws. The bars should be flat against the case. will displace moisture and prevent additional corrosion. Be
Note: After time, you may need a screwdriver to loosen sure to determine the source of the moisture and fix it.
them in the field. Check the cable channel and cover seal for any sign of
moisture entry.

Troubleshooting
The following table lists common problems you may encounter
with the station and possible resolutions.
Problem Resolution
Individual • If a sensor is removed and then immediately
sensors are reinstalled, it may not be auto-detected. Click
not found or Refresh in the Launch Logger window.
are missing in • Check for a loose connection between the sensor
the Launch and the logger.
Mounting the Logger Logger
• Make sure you haven’t exceeded 100 meters
window in
There are three ways to mount the station: (328 ft) of network cable.
HOBOware
Pro • If you are using the smart sensor expander board,
• Mount the station vertically to a mast or pole using the U- make sure it is connected to the station with the
bolts. Make sure the saddle clamps are mounted between expander cable.

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 HOBO U30 USB Station (U30-NRC) Manual

Problem Resolution Problem Resolution

• Make sure you have not exceeded 15 data Onset Technical Support. It may be possible to
channels. Use HOBOware Pro to see a list of all retrieve the logged data.
sensors in the Launch Logger window. Smart
Data file can’t The data file may be corrupted. Read out the
sensors are listed in ascending order by serial
be opened station again and try opening the file. If that does
number. If more than 15 data channels are
not work, contact Onset Technical Support.
connected, the sensors with the higher serial
numbers will be ignored and their data will not Data file If data is missing for a particular sensor, check that
be recorded. contains the sensor was installed correctly. Unplug the
errors sensor and then plug it back in. Make sure the
All sensors are Remove all but one sensor, then check if the sensor
sensor appears in the Launch Logger window in
missing in the appears in the Launch Logger window (you may
HOBOware Pro (you may need to click the Refresh
Launch Logger need to click the Refresh button). Continue to plug
button). If it does not, contact Onset Technical
window in and unplug each sensor one at a time until you find
Support.
HOBOware the bad sensor. If you find a bad sensor or if none of
Pro the sensors communicate, contact Onset Technical
Support. Battery Information
Logger is not • Make sure the USB cable is fully inserted in the The station uses one rechargeable 4 volt, 10Ah, sealed lead-
found in USB port.
acid battery. Use the AC adapter (AC-U30 or AC-U30-EU) or
HOBOware • Check the computer’s COM port/USB settings in
Pro solar panel (SOLAR-xW) to keep the battery charged. If using a
the HOBOware Pro preferences.
solar panel, the quality and quantity of solar light can affect
• Make sure the battery is charged. whether the battery is sufficiently charged to last through the
The Logging • Look for loose sensor connections. If any are night and cloudy periods. The 5 Watt, 6 Volt solar panel
LED is blinking found, remove the offending sensor and check its (SOLAR-5W) is recommended for most applications. The 15
red or orange wires and connector for damage and/or signs of Watt, 6 Volt solar panel (SOLAR-15W) is recommended for very
moisture. cloudy locations or higher latitudes.
• Check the sensors one at a time to make sure
Without a charging device connected, expected battery life
they are all communicating as described in the
previous problem. If you find a bad sensor or if varies based on the ambient temperature where the station is
none of the sensors communicate, contact deployed, the logging or sampling interval, the number of
Technical Support. channels that are active, excitation in analog modules, the
• In general, it is recommended that you read out number of tripped alarms, and other factors. Deployments in
data when this light is blinking red or orange, extremely cold or hot temperatures, a logging interval faster
investigate the problem, and restart the logger. than 1 minute, or a sampling interval faster than 15 seconds
No status • The LEDs are very faint under direct sunlight. can impact battery life. Estimates are not guaranteed due to
LEDs are Shield the station from light and check the LEDs uncertainties in initial battery conditions and operating
blinking again. environment.
• Make sure the battery power is not too low. Use the following table as a guideline for estimating how long
There needs to be at least 3.6 volts for logging to the station will run using a fully charged battery and no source
continue. of external power. For these examples, the station has up to 10
• The memory is full. Read out the logger and smart sensors installed and no excitation enabled for the
launch it again. analog sensor module.
• The launch configuration settings may not have
been loaded to the station. Check the status with Logging Interval Typical Run Time
HOBOware Pro. 1 second 2 to 3 months
The Logging • The logger may have been configured to start at a
1 minute 6 months
LED is not specific date/time, on an interval, or with a
blinking button start. 5 minutes 6+ months
• The launch configuration settings may not have
been loaded to the logger. Check the status with
Note: It is not recommended that the U30 be deployed for
HOBOware Pro.
longer than 6 months without any charging as the battery may
The battery Make sure the solar panel is installed properly and be damaged from sulfation due to the long-term low-voltage
quickly runs functioning. The solar panel should provide enough
state.
out of power power to recharge the battery during the day. Or,
use the AC adapter to recharge the battery. To maximize battery life:
The battery Recharge the battery for 12 hours with the AC
• If using excitation voltage, select the shortest warm-up
power has run adapter. If it cannot be recharged, you will need to
out replace the battery. Contact your Onset Authorized time needed for the sensor.
Dealer or Onset Technical Support. Note: The • Ensure that the solar panel gets full sunlight. Solar panels
station uses durable, high-capacity Flash memory so
are extremely sensitive to partial shading. Obstructing
that data is retained even when the battery runs
out of change. even a single cell of the panel will result in significant loss
Do not relaunch the station until the data has been
of charging power.
recovered. If the battery cannot be recharged and • Use the sampling interval only if you have sensors that
you are still unable to read out the station, contact
support measurement averaging.

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 HOBO U30 USB Station (U30-NRC) Manual

• Stay within the normal operating temperature range.

Important: Due to the self-discharge characteristics of this type
While the logger can operate at temperatures of -40 to
of battery, it is imperative that you charge the battery for at
60°C (-40 to 140°F), the battery has much better short and
least 12 hours every six months at minimum, even if you are
long term performance when maintained between -20 not actively using the station. Otherwise, permanent loss of
and 40°C (-4 and 104°C). The Sealed Lead Acid will self- battery capacity may occur.
discharge. The hotter the battery gets, the faster it will
self-discharge. If the battery is completely dead and recharging is not an
• At 20°C, the battery loses about 20% of its capacity in 6 option, follow these steps to replace the battery:
months, but at 50°C it loses more than 50%. To maximize 1. Disconnect the AC adapter or solar panel.
battery life (no charging) try to locate the logger where the
temperatures will not be above 40°C (104°F). Very cold 2. Disconnect the battery.
temperatures will reduce the self-discharge rate to almost 3. Unplug all sensors, the USB cable, relay, and grounding
zero, but the effective capacity of the battery will be wire.
reduced. Temperatures below -20°C (-4°F) will reduce the
effective battery capacity by more than 25%. 4. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the four screws
The station will stop logging if the battery voltage drops below at the corners of the clear, inner case.
3.6 V. If the station has stopped logging due to low battery 5. Remove the clear, inner case.
voltage, plug in an AC adapter or solar panel. It may take
several minutes for the station to power back up; the lower the 6. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the two screws
remaining voltage, the longer it will take for power to return. that secure the battery.
Also note that it will take longer for power to return with a 7. Note the orientation of the battery and then remove it.
solar panel than with an AC adapter. If the charging device is
not recharging a dead battery, contact Onset Technical 8. Install the new battery with the same orientation and
Support. reverse the steps to reassemble.
9. Dispose of the old battery per local regulations.

DANGER! HIGH VOLTAGE HAZARD!

This station can be used with sensors that may be installed in an energized electrical
enclosure or on an energized conductor. Installation of sensors in an energized
electrical enclosure or on an energized conductor can result in severe injury or
death. These sensors are for installation by qualified personnel only. To avoid
electrical shock, do not install or service these sensors unless you are qualified to do
so. Disconnect and lock out all power sources during installation and servicing.
Please read the sensor users’ manuals for instructions and use.

FCC Part 15 Compliance

Disclaimer and Revisions

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

© 2009–2020 Onset Computer Corporation. All rights reserved. Onset, HOBO, and HOBOware are registered
1-800-LOGGERS (564-4377) • 508-759-9500 trademarks of Onset Computer Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective
www.onsetcomp.com/support/contact companies.
11866-M