Levelogger 6 Quick Start Guide

To begin using your Levelogger, download the newest version of Levelogger Software and User Guide by visiting: https://downloads.solinst.com/

Connect your datalogger to a computer using either the Optical Reader (Desktop Reader or Field Reader), or PC Interface Cable if your Levelogger is connected to a Direct Read Cable.

Mk3 PC Interface Cable

Direct Read Cable

1. Connect the Levelogger to the communications device and start the software.
2. Select the appropriate Com Port for the connected communications device from the centre drop-down menu.

3. Click the ‘Retrieve Settings from Levelogger’ icon. This will retrieve and display information about the connected datalogger, and any current programmed settings.
4. Diagnostic self-tests will be performed for the connected datalogger, and Direct Read Cable if an Mk3 PC Interface Cable is used. Full test results can be viewed in the ‘Diagnostic’ tab.
5. You can now customize the Levelogger including your Project ID, Location, Sampling Mode and Rate, and Future Stop and Start times.

Datalogger Settings Window

The Rainfall Calibration Constant ‘value’ of the tipping bucket rain gauge used with the Rainlogger is required when programming the Rainlogger 6. Consult the Levelogger User Guide for more information on programming the Rainlogger 6.

Before deploying your Levelogger 6 LTC, be sure to calibrate the instrument. To begin calibration, open the ‘Conductivity Cal’ tab and follow the steps provided. Consult the Levelogger User Guide for more information, or view the LTC Calibration Video on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/SolinstCanadaLtd

1. If desired, enter a Future Start and/or Future Stop Time. To start logging immediately, do not fill in a future start time and click the ‘Start Now’ icon.

2. All settings are applied to the Levelogger and it will start logging at the specified time.
3. To stop the Levelogger immediately, click the ‘Stop Now’ icon.

1. Click the ‘Data Control’ tab to access the ‘Data Control’ window. This window is laid out in three sections: Levelogger settings, tabular data, and graphical data.
2. To download the data from a connected Levelogger, select the ‘Download Data from Levelogger’ icon. There are four options for downloading data. They are: All Data, Append Download, Partial Download and Recover Previous Log. The data will be presented in both tabular and graphical format.

3. To save data, click the ‘Save Data’ icon and input desired name for the saved file.
4. To export the file for use in other software, click the ‘Export’ icon. The file can be exported to a *.csv or *.xml file.

The Data Analysis function allows you to view your logged data as min, max, average, median, and standard deviation values per user-defined interval. Filters can tabulate data over user-specified intervals, including by the minute, hour, day, or week. Use the filters to extract information from logged data, create a new data series, graph it, and export it.

Real Time View provides on-screen measurement as data is being recorded by the connected datalogger. A view rate is set independently of the logging period of the Levelogger and does not interfere with internal logging taking place. To take a reading at any specific time, click and that reading will be added to the displayed data. The data can be exported and saved.

Click the ‘Data Wizard’ tab to open the ‘Data Wizard’ window. In this window the ‘Wizard’ will guide you through Barometric Compensation, Manual Data Adjustments, and Parameter Adjustments on your open data files. There are two convenient options; Basic or Advanced compensation. This allows you to choose just one, two, or all three types of compensation. Multiple Levelogger files can be barometrically compensated at once, using one open Barologger file.

Each model of Levelogger is rated for a specific submergence depth (Table 1). The choice of model largely depends on the accuracy of the water level required and the submergence depth. The selection, however, should be based on the maximum anticipated water level fluctuation.

A single Barologger 6 can be used to compensate all Leveloggers on site, within a 30 km/20 mile radius and with every 300 m (1000 ft.) change in elevation. Ensure that your Barologger will start logging within at least 3 hours of your Levelogger start time.

Before deployment, make sure you do the following:

• Program your Levelogger, using Levelogger Software, with the correct project identification, memory mode, sampling regime, time, etc.

• Set a future start time, or start the Levelogger if deploying on a wireline/Kevlar cord (Leveloggers can be started after deployment if using a Direct Read Cable)
• Determine borehole depth to ensure the Levelogger does not touch the bottom of the well (avoid submergence in sediment)
• Determine the minimum and maximum expected water levels, as Leveloggers must remain submerged for the entire monitoring period, and Barologgers must not be submerged
• Use a Solinst Model 101 or 102 Water Level Meter to take a manual depth to water measurement that will be used to verify Levelogger readings

Direct Read Deployment

• Deploy your Levelogger and Barologger using a Direct Read Cable for down-well communication, or use an inexpensive wireline or Kevlar cord.

• Install the Barologger in a similar thermal environment as the Levelogger
• The Barologger should be suspended beyond the frost line and deep enough to avoid large temperature fluctuations
• Ensure the Barologger location is vented to atmosphere

After deployment, make sure you do the following:

• Take a manual depth to water measurement after the well has stabilized (approximately 10 minutes)
• Take another manual depth to water measurement just before removing the Levelogger from the well

If you have installed your Levelogger using wireline/Kevlar cord, you can communicate with your Levelogger via a Field Reader or Desktop Reader and Levelogger Software on a laptop.

If you have installed your Levelogger using a Direct Read Cable, you can communicate with your Levelogger via a PC Interface Cable and Levelogger Software on a laptop. You can also use a Levelogger App Interface and the Solinst Levelogger App on your mobile device, or connect an SRU or a DataGrabber, without removing the Levelogger from the well.

Desktop Reader

Mk3 USB-C PC Interface Cable

DataGrabber

As with any monitoring project, you should select the proper equipment and determine a maintenance schedule based on the environment specific to your application.

Maintenance tips include:

• Inspect regularly, and replace the o-ring at the optical end of the Levelogger if damaged
• Clean the optical eye of the Levelogger with a clean, soft cloth or cotton swab
• Rinse the Levelogger body using a mild, non-residual, non-abrasive household cleaner
• Use a very soft-plastic bristled brush, if needed, to clean the Levelogger body
• Do not insert any object through the circulation holes at the sensor end of the Levelogger
• See the Levelogger User Guide Maintenance Section if simple household cleaners are not sufficient for certain issues, such as hard water build up
• Clean Levelogger 6 LTC conductivity sensor pins before calibration and before/after deployment—see the Solinst Levelogger User Guide
• Stop the Levelogger from recording before storing
• Store Leveloggers with the installation cap on and in the case they were originally provided in
• Store Leveloggers in above-freezing conditions
• Read our Technical Bulletin “Ensuring Proper Use and Maintenance of Leveloggers”

1. You must have administrator privileges to install software on a computer.
2. Windows 10 and 11 Operating Systems support Levelogger Software.

“Port Cannot Open”, “Check Com Port”

1. Reason: Software was started before USB device was connected to computer.
   Solution: Restart computer, connect USB device, start software.
2. Reason: Incorrect Com Port is selected in Com Port selection menu.
   Solution: Check the Com Port location for the installed device, by accessing the ‘Device Manager’ (through the Control Panel), and selecting the “Ports” section. This will state the Com Port the device is installed on.
3. Reason: Another device shares the same Com Port or is causing a communication conflict.
   Solution: Ensure that software for PDA or other devices, which automatically synchronize, are disabled. Ask your system administrator for assistance.

1. Reason: Levelogger, Direct Read Cable, or communications device has failed.
   Solution:
   
   1. Narrow down the failure by using a different Levelogger, Direct Read Cable, or another communications device.
   2. Clean the optical eye/lens on the Levelogger and Optical Reader (Desktop Reader or Field Reader), or Direct Read Cable, with a soft cloth.
   3. Check that the communication cable is connected to the same Com Port that is chosen in the upper middle of the Levelogger Software window.
   4. Try using a different computer, to see if this is the cause of the problem.
   5. If using a laptop (especially in conjunction with a Direct Read Cable) your Com Port may not be powered adequately to receive/transmit data. Try using a desktop computer to test this.
   6. If problem persists, contact Solinst.

(Also see https://www.solinst.com/products/dataloggers-and-telemetry/3001-levelogger-series/levelogger-faq/levelogger-faq.php)