Diver-NETZ General FAQ
Below is a list of frequently asked questions for the Diver-Gate(S) and Diver-Gate(M). If you have a question that is not listed here, please contact our technical support team.
General
What is the difference between the Diver-NETZ Mobile and Diver-NETZ Static solution?
The Diver-NETZ Mobile solution allows a field technician to wirelessly collect Diver data using a Diver-Gate(M) when he or she is in the field. The Diver-NETZ Static solution allows wireless data collection directly from the field to the office using a Diver-Gate(S). Therefore, by using the Diver-NETZ Static solution it is no longer necessary to visit the field to collect groundwater level data as the data is sent from the field via GSM/GPRS. Both solutions can collect data from multiple Divers and Diver-DXTs with only one Diver-Gate.
What is the radio range between the Diver-Gate(M/S) and the Diver-DXT?
The radio technology of the Diver-DXT and the Diver-Gate(M/S) makes use of the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band. Specifically, the 2.4 GHz radio frequency is used. This radio band is unlicensed, which means that the frequencies are open for public use and require no registration or payment for usage of the frequency. In order to comply with the regulations, the output power of the devices is regulated. This regulation may cause limited range of the radio device. The radio range of the Diver-DXT device is about 500 meters (1,300 ft) line-of-sight (LOS).
Certain characteristics inherent to the environment where the system is deployed may affect the range of the radio system. This includes, but is not limited to, rain, snow, fog, large bodies of water, trees, forests, metal well protective covers, buildings, atmospheric conditions, ambient frequencies, noise, electromagnetic fields and general conditions of the terrain. Besides, the positioning of the Diver-DXT may affect the range of the radio system as well.
To maximize the performance of the radio devices, it is recommended to place the Diver-DXT in an area where it is possible to “see” the device without obstacles in between. This is not mandatory but it significantly improves the performance of the system. A site assessment prior deployment of the equipment is recommended in order to optimize the performance of the solution.
Can I use my existing Diver Data Cables?
Yes, you can use your existing DDC cables. However, the connector of the DDC cable needs to be modified by Van Essen Instruments.
What is the maximum cable length that can be used?
The maximum cable length is 300 meters.
How long does the battery in the Diver-DXT last?
The Diver-DXT is available with two different battery types: A-size battery and D-size battery. The battery lifetime of the Diver-DXT with A-size battery and D-size battery are respectively more than 5 years and more than 10 years under normal conditions. The batteries in both types can be replaced by the user. Appendix XI contains instructions to replace the battery of the Diver-DXT. When the battery of the Diver-DXT is replaced the warranty will void.
How long does the battery in the Diver-Gate(M) last and how can it be recharged?
The battery in the Diver-Gate(M) can be used for 10 hours without the need for recharging. The Diver-Gate(M) is recharged through the USB port on the Diver-Gate(M).
How long does a battery for the Diver-Gate(S) last?
The Diver-Gate(S) needs to be connected to an external power supply. This can be a lithium battery pack or a 12 V solar panel with a rechargeable battery. The battery life will therefore depend on the type of power supply and usage (for example, data collection frequency) of the Diver-Gate(S).
What are the max/min operating temperatures of the Diver-DXT?
The Diver-DXT operating temperature range is from -20 °C up to +80 °C. The battery life time will decrease when the device is used below 0°C and/or above 40°C.
How much water can be on top of the Diver-DXT?
The Diver-DXT is designed to withstand up to 1 meter water pressure for 7 days. Please note that if the Diver-DXT contains a barologger the sensor will not measure the barometric pressure while immersed in water.
Is the old Diver-DXT compatible with the new Diver-DXT?
Yes, the new Diver-DXT is compatible with the previous version of the Diver-DXT (produced until 2015).
Can I download the barometric data when the Diver-DXT fails?
No. The Diver-DXT must be returned to Van Essen Instruments. In most cases Van Essen Instruments can retrieve your data from the Diver-DXT.
Can other people connect with Diver-NETZ to my Divers?
A user specific network name (network id) can be programmed in the Diver-DXT preventing other people to access/view the Diver-DXT.
During rainy periods I see outliers in the baro sensor results
In some cases it is possible to have outliers in the baro data records. These outliers are caused by water drops sticking in the opening in front of the baro sensor. These water drops will evaporate in time and will not harm the sensor. But during the existence it can create outliers!
This situation can happen when rain water enters the well in which the Diver-DXT is placed. With most wells this will not happen because the top of the well is too far above the ground level, but in case of street pots the top of the well is below ground level.
Outliers can be limited or avoided by placing the Diver-DXT in a position in which the gap between sensor and the inner wall of the well is the largest.
Which SIM cards can be used with Diver-Gate(S)?
By default the Diver-Gate(S) is supplied with a universal SIM card. Universal SIM cards grant GSM services in nearly every country at lower costs than other SIM cards. A list of GSM providers that supports the universal SIM card is available upon request. Please be aware that the GSM provider still needs to support GPRS to successfully deploy the Diver-NETZ Static solution.
If required the Diver-Gate(S) can also be equipped with other SIM cards. Information regarding the requirements and configuration steps of the Diver-Gate(S) with a local SIM card are available upon request.
How must the equipment be stored and handled?
Before installation, the equipment should be stored in a safe place. However, it is important to know what the effects of storage are for the instrument. The radio in the Diver-DXT cannot be switched off. This means that the instrument is always active and consumes energy from the battery. The total battery capacity will be reduced by approximately 4% per year in storage conditions. Another important storage condition is the ambient temperature. If the instrument is stored for a long period of time (more than one month) it is best to store the instrument in a dark place at room temperature.
The instrument is tested for transport conditions according to ASTM D 4169-09 DC 2 (transport simulation test). This globally accepted standard ensures no damage if the instrument is transported under normal conditions in its own packaging. Keep the instrument in the original packaging until it is installed in the field. The instrument is also tested according to MIL-STD-810 and ASTM D 3332 (shock and vibration tests). This test simulates the mechanical shocks and vibrations during installation of the Diver-DXT. Although the equipment can handle these conditions, it is better to avoid any abnormal shocks and vibrations if possible. The Diver-DXT has sensors which need to be handled with care.
Mobile
How does Diver-NETZ Mobile work?
The Diver is suspended on a Diver-DXT cable with on top the Diver-DXT. The Diver-DXT sends information (data) wirelessly to the Diver-Gate(M). The Diver-Gate(M) can be wirelessly connected through Bluetooth to a Windows Mobile based device. On this device the Diver-Mobile application needs to be installed to communicate with the Diver. The Diver-Mobile application will store the Diver data and can optionally send the data to a FTP server.
What do I need to know about Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a simple two-way wireless radio technology that allows different devices to connect between each other without the use of cables or infrared waves. This technology is robust, low-power and low-cost. The short range radio link provides connectivity between different devices, such as mobile phones, PDAs, PCs and other electronic devices. It is designed to be used in small range communication and allows voice and data communication. It operates in the 2.4 GHz radio spectrum. Each class provides a different power output and they have different communication ranges. This is certified in three different types of standard: Class 1 (100 meters), Class 2 (10 meter), Class 3 (1 meter). The Diver-Gate(M) has a Class 2 (10 meter) Bluetooth module.
Can I use a mobile phone?
Yes, you can use an Android mobile phone. The following hard- and software requirements are needed to install Diver-Mobile on a mobile phone running Android:
- Android version 4.0 and higher
- Minimum of 4 GB of Flash memory (SD card)
- Minimum of 128 MB of RAM
- Bluetooth version 2.0 and later
- GSM/GPRS option and a data plan in case you want to send the data to a FTP server
Can I use a laptop?
Yes, you can use a laptop with Diver-Office 2012.1 or higher. Visit the Diver-Office product page for more information and to download the application.
In what languages is Diver-Mobile available?
The Diver-Mobile application is available in the English language.
Can I use my own FTP server?
Yes. In the Diver-Mobile application you can set the address of the FTP server.
What are the requirements for a FTP server?
The FTP server must be a standard none secured FTP server.
What to do when there is no Bluetooth connection between the Diver-Gate(M) and the mobile device?
To resolve this issue, take the following steps:
- Check the Bluetooth LED of the Diver-Gate(M). This LED should blinking fast (almost continuously on)
- If the Bluetooth LED doesn’t blink at all (not even for a short period) the Diver-Gate(M) has to be paired. Follow the Bluetooth pairing procedure
- If the Bluetooth LED does blink but will not go into an almost continuous mode (indicating the Bluetooth connection), the Bluetooth of the mobile device is not visible to the Diver-Gate(M). Change the Bluetooth settings of the mobile device to “Always Visible”
- If the Bluetooth LED indicates a Bluetooth connection but the application cannot find the Diver-Gate(M) it is possible that the serial port check box in the Bluetooth settings is not ticked. Tick this box (enable serial port) and try again.
I don’t have Bluetooth connection between the Diver-Gate(M) and a mobile device anymore but it worked in the past?
Check if Bluetooth is enabled. Check the Bluetooth status on your device (PC, mobile device). Some devices also have a switch that shuts down all radios (WiFi and Bluetooth). Make sure this switch is on.
I do not have a radio connection between the Diver-Gate(M) and the Diver-DXTs?
Please follow the next steps:
- If you have no connection after 30 seconds you may be out of radio range. Try to move closer to the Diver-DXT and re-establish the connection. Try this a few times from different locations.
- From 07:00 PM to 23:00 PM the radio of the Diver-DXT will be in sleep mode to save battery capacity. Making a connection can therefore take more time (longer than 5 minutes).
- Make sure you use the correct Network ID. For selecting the correct Network ID see the Diver-Mobile Manual.
- The radio connection can be distorted by Wifi signals transmitting at the same radio band of Diver-NETZ.
- Check if the Radio LED on the Diver-Gate(M) is blinking during scanning and continuously on during data transfer. If not, the problem could be the Diver-Gate(M).
Diver-Mobile is unresponsive. What should I do?
Go to Task Manager and shut down the Diver-Mobile application or give your field device a soft reset. How to do this is described in the user manual of the field device.
How long does the battery in the Diver-Gate(M) last and how can it be recharged?
The fully charged battery of the Diver-Gate(M) can be used for 10 hours without the need for recharging. The Diver-Gate(M) is recharged through the USB port on the Diver-Gate(M).
The battery is fully charged, but when I turn on the Diver-Gate(M) all the LEDs go off after a few seconds?
When a Diver-Gate(M) with fully charged battery turns off or if you unplug and plug the internal battery, it is necessary to follow the following procedure:
- Connect the USB cable to the Diver-Gate(M).
- Switch on the Diver-Gate(M).
- The status LED should start blinking for at least 30 seconds.
- After several minutes the battery level is calibrated with the battery. The device can be turned on during charging.
Can I start/stop/reprogram a Diver with Diver-NETZ?
Yes, this can be done with Diver-Office.
What to do when you get an error while starting Diver-Mobile?
If the Diver-Mobile application generates the following error “No Diver-Gate(M) found”, there is no Bluetooth connection between the Diver-Gate(M) and a mobile device. See FAQ “I do not have a Bluetooth connection between the Diver-Gate(M) and the mobile device”.
Static
Can I use my own FTP server?
Yes, you can use any FTP server. In the Diver-Gate(S) you can configure the address of your own FTP server. Van Essen Instruments can provide you with information regarding the requirements and steps to undertake this.
What are the requirements for a FTP server?
The FTP server must be a standard none secured FTP server.
What GSM frequency bands are used by the Diver-Gate(S)?
The GSM module of the Diver-Gate(S) makes use of the following frequency bands 850/900/1800/1900 MHz (Quad band).Frequency band 900 and 1800 MHz are used in most parts of the world: Europe, Middle East, Africa, Australia, Oceania (and most of Asia). In North America, GSM operates on the primary mobile communication bands 850 MHz and 1900 MHz. In South and Central America some countries use 850 and 1800 MHz.
Which mobile data services are supported by the Diver-Gate(S)?
The GSM module of the Diver-Gate(S) makes use of GPRS services (2.5G). GPRS is a wireless data transfer protocol that is used to connect mobile devices to the internet. It operates through the cellular network. To successfully use the Diver-Gate(S) device the telecom provider needs to support GPRS services.
Which SIM cards can be used?
By default Van Essen Instruments makes use of universal SIM cards. Universal SIM cards grant GSM services in nearly every country in the world generally at lower costs than other SIM cards. Van Essen Instruments can provide a list of GSM providers supported by the universal SIM cards in a specific country. Please be aware that the GSM provider still needs to support GPRS to successfully deploy Diver-NETZ Static. See also previous question.
Can I use my own local SIM card?
Yes, this is possible. Van Essen Instruments can provide you with information regarding the requirements and needed steps to configure the Diver-Gate(S) with local SIM cards.
Can I start/stop/reprogram a Diver with Diver-NETZ?
Yes, this can be done remotely. Van Essen Instruments can provide you additional information.
I do not have a radio connection between the Diver-Gate(S) and the Diver-DXTs?
Please follow the next steps:
- From 07:00 PM to 23:00 PM the radio of the Diver-DXT will be in sleep mode to save battery capacity. Making a connection can therefore take more time (longer than 5 minutes).
- Make sure you use the correct Network ID. For selecting the correct Network ID see the Diver-Mobile Manual.
- The radio connection can be distorted by Wifi signals transmitting at the same radio band of Diver-NETZ
- Check if the Radio LED on the Diver-Gate(S) is blinking during scanning and continuously on during data transfer. If not, the problem could be the Diver-Gate(S).
How can I power my Diver-Gate(S)?
The Diver-Gate(S) needs to be connected to an external power supply. This can be a lithium battery pack or a 12 V solar panel with a rechargeable battery.
No data is being transmitted by GPRS from the Diver-Gate(S) to the FTP server?
Please run the Diver-Gate(S) diagnostic tool (paragraph 7.4 of the manual).
The issue could be related to the following:
- Lack of power. Make sure the external power is connected correctly to the Diver-Gate(S) and LED indicators start blinking when waking up the Diver-Gate(S).
- SIM card not properly fitted. In this case the Diver-Gate(S) can not make a connection with the GSM network. Make sure the SIM card is properly fitted into the SIM card holder. The SIM card needs to be locked by sliding the SIM card holder into the fitting.
- Configuration settings incorrect. Make sure the Diver-Gate(S) is properly configured (FTP settings, SIM card settings, network ID, wakeup time etc). The configuration of the Diver-Gate(S) can be checked in the overview LOG file created by the Diver-Gate(S) Configuration tool.
- No GPRS coverage due to a lack of GPRS signal or due to a lack of data subscription with your own local SIM card. Please check the strength of the GPRS signal. This information can be retrieved from a communications log of the Diver-Gate(S). Please contact Van Essen Instruments for more information.
Diver-DXT
I do not have a radio connection between the Diver-Gate(S) and the Diver-DXTs?
Please follow the next steps:
- From 07:00 PM to 23:00 PM the radio of the Diver-DXT will be in sleep mode to save battery capacity. Making a connection can therefore take more time (longer than 5 minutes).
- Make sure you use the correct Network ID. For selecting the correct Network ID see the Diver-Mobile Manual.
- The radio connection can be distorted by Wifi signals transmitting at the same radio band of Diver-NETZ
- Check if the Radio LED on the Diver-Gate(S) is blinking during scanning and continuously on during data transfer. If not, the problem could be the Diver-Gate(S).
I do not have a radio connection between the Diver-Gate(M) and the Diver-DXTs?
Please follow the next steps:
- If you have no connection after 30 seconds you may be out of radio range. Try to move closer to the Diver-DXT and re-establish the connection. Try this a few times from different locations.
- From 07:00 PM to 23:00 PM the radio of the Diver-DXT will be in sleep mode to save battery capacity. Making a connection can therefore take more time (longer than 5 minutes).
- Make sure you use the correct Network ID. For selecting the correct Network ID see the Diver-Mobile Manual.
- The radio connection can be distorted by Wifi signals transmitting at the same radio band of Diver-NETZ.
- Check if the Radio LED on the Diver-Gate(M) is blinking during scanning and continuously on during data transfer. If not, the problem could be the Diver-Gate(M).
What is the radio range between the Diver-Gate(M/S) and the Diver-DXT?
The radio technology of the Diver-DXT and the Diver-Gate(M/S) makes use of the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band. Specifically, the 2.4 GHz radio frequency is used. This radio band is unlicensed, which means that the frequencies are open for public use and require no registration or payment for usage of the frequency. In order to comply with the regulations, the output power of the devices is regulated. This regulation may cause limited range of the radio device. The radio range of the Diver-DXT device is about 500 meters (1,300 ft) line-of-sight (LOS).
Certain characteristics inherent to the environment where the system is deployed may affect the range of the radio system. This includes, but is not limited to, rain, snow, fog, large bodies of water, trees, forests, metal well protective covers, buildings, atmospheric conditions, ambient frequencies, noise, electromagnetic fields and general conditions of the terrain. Besides, the positioning of the Diver-DXT may affect the range of the radio system as well.
To maximize the performance of the radio devices, it is recommended to place the Diver-DXT in an area where it is possible to “see” the device without obstacles in between. This is not mandatory but it significantly improves the performance of the system. A site assessment prior deployment of the equipment is recommended in order to optimize the performance of the solution.
How long does the battery in the Diver-DXT last?
The Diver-DXT is available with two different battery types: A-size battery and D-size battery. The battery lifetime of the Diver-DXT with A-size battery and D-size battery are respectively more than 5 years and more than 10 years under normal conditions. The batteries in both types can be replaced by the user. Appendix XI contains instructions to replace the battery of the Diver-DXT. When the battery of the Diver-DXT is replaced the warranty will void.
What are the max/min operating temperatures of the Diver-DXT?
The Diver-DXT operating temperature range is from -20 °C up to +80 °C. The battery life time will decrease when the device is used below 0°C and/or above 40°C.
How much water can be on top of the Diver-DXT?
The Diver-DXT is designed to withstand up to 1 meter water pressure for 7 days. Please note that if the Diver-DXT contains a barologger the sensor will not measure the barometric pressure while immersed in water.
Is the old Diver-DXT compatible with the new Diver-DXT?
Yes, the new Diver-DXT is compatible with the previous version of the Diver-DXT (produced until 2015).
Can I download the barometric data when the Diver-DXT fails?
No. The Diver-DXT must be returned to Van Essen Instruments. In most cases Van Essen Instruments can retrieve your data from the Diver-DXT.
Can other people connect with Diver-NETZ to my Divers?
A user specific network name (network id) can be programmed in the Diver-DXT preventing other people to access/view the Diver-DXT.