Alpha-Log was created with the clear need to be an independent acquisition system, but also integrable in more complex systems.
Based on a Linux architecture, it contains the power of this operating system, but also the extreme low consumption of its acquisition part. Also the part of usability and data management in addition to that relating to the outputs has been taken care of in consideration of the most modern needs.

• Linux operating system for data processing and communications. Open architecture based on integrated Linux PC;
• Integrated web server for real-time data, diagnostic information and data download to Excel file via Internet browser;
• Large number of analog, digital and serial inputs. Up to 200 channels managed between measured, derived and calculated quantities;
• Large multi-level data memory. Removable external memory;
• 3G/4G communication, wireless router, Ethernet, WIFI, satellite; Redundant dual system with automatic switch from one mode to another;
• RS232, RS485, SDI-12 ports for connection with serial sensors;
• Data communication protocols: Modbus RTU/TCP data, FTP (client/server), SFTP, SMTP, SAP, MQTT, HTTP, R-MAP (Participatory Environmental Monitoring Network);

• Other supported protocols: SSH, NTP;
• Low power consumption with energy saving modes management;
• Programmable logics for messages notifications or activating external devices;
• Alarms: use of SMS, email and local digital outputs;
• Advanced processing for data statistical analysis: total values, rain intensity, moving and current statistical values. Wind elaborations;
• Remote system configuration also via modem, without the need of fixed IP SIM Card with or VPN;
• Remote firmware update;
• Internal temperature sensor and integrated atmospheric pressure;
• Model codes: DLALB0100

Other Highlights

Input fot analog and digital sensors – Main module

• N.2 digital inputs for two independent rain gauges, or one rain gauge with double reed relay / N.2 frequency inputs for optoelectronic anemometers (selectable);
• 1 dedicated input for the sensor for measuring the distance of the storm front;
• N.1 Pt100 input for Temperature sensor;
• N.1 0÷2 V input;
• Integrated Absolute Pressure sensor;
• Integrated internal Temperature sensor.

Input fot analog and digital sensors – Inputs extension module ALIEM

• N. 8 analog differential inputs (N.16 single-ended);
• N. 4 digital inputs.

Internal web-server

Alpha-Log has an internal web-server. Using any Internet browser, the following information are available:

• Diagnostic information (system date/hr, IP address, battery status, events/alarms log, output status, etc.;
• Instant values;
• Data downloading from memory (ASCII, CSV, Excel, ZIP).

Sensors acquisition rate

Acquisition rate is programmable individually for each sensor (from 1 sec to 12 hours). To limit energy consumption from sensors requiring power supply, it is possible to set an advanced power supply from the acquisition event (warm-up) that is interrupted immediately after the acquisition itself.

Data elaboration

Statistical elaboration of the raw data within one or more time basis programmable individually for each channel (from 1 sec to 24 hrs).

Derived environmental quantities and mathematical functions

The library of derived quantities lists a serie of calculations using acquired measurements, constants and other calculated quantities. The library also includes mathematical functions. Alpha-Log manages up to 200 channels between acquired, derived and calculated quantities..

Data memory

Large internal circular memory (8 GB in total) and 5 GB circular memory for data, plus an ex-tractable USB external memory (capacity up to 32 GB) with FAT32 file system. The external memory can be read directly from a PC. Alpha-Log stores data in ASCII format. The open operating system allows to develop alternative storage formats.

Data communication protocols

Available data communication protocols:

• FTP (ASCII format);
• SFTP (ASCII format);
• SAP (Simple ASCII Protocol, property);
• Modbus-RTU/TCP;
• MQTT (to Broker MQTT);
• SMTP (via Email);
• HTTP;
• SMS.

Communication time rate

Depending on the protocol and the communication device used, it is possible to choose the shortest data communication time base to the remote server:

• Via FTP: minimum 3 minutes;
• Via MQTT: minimum 1 second.

It is possible to set different data communication rate according to alarm statuses. For example: increase the communication rate when the rain intensity is greater than a certain programmable threshold.

ASCII file data format

Alpha-Log can send data files, in ASCII format, to one or more FTP servers, the content of which is configurable in columns.

Switched power supply outputs

Outputs are useful to power sensors and external devices activated with configurable logics depending on the sensor requirement or event occurrences.
These outputs become relay outputs using an external module.

Warnings by SMS, E-mail and MQTT

Notifications/alarms delivery:

• E-mail: with editable text, scheduling and distribution lists. E-mail attachment contains the file with the data that generated the event. Possibility of replicating message via SMS through applicable Web services;
• SMS: with editable text, scheduling and distribution lists up to 5 users. ctive only when the device is working in low-power mode and connected through 3-4 G modem;
• MQTT: Alpha-Log can send data to a MQTT Broker server: instant values, elaborations and alarm notifiations.

Firmware update

Alpha-Log’s firmware can be updated remotely, or locally via USB pen-drive.

Data Logger configuration

Alpha-Log’s configuration is carried out by means of the 3DOM program on PC. The configuration file is sent to the FTP server. The file can also be saved on a pen drive and loaded, via the USB port, into the instrument.

Local Display

Alpha-Log is equipped with a back-lit LCD display (4×20 chrs) for displaying the main diagnostic data.

Camera

Alpha-Log can manage an external independent IP camera using on/off programmable logics related to the measurement and alarms status. In this way, it is possible to increase/decrease the number of images according to the programmed events reducing the system’s power consumption and communication costs.
The IP camera can be connected to the same Router used by Alpha-Log for data communication.

Clock synchronization

The internal clock (accuracy 30 seconds / month) is up-dated through NTP (Network Time Protocol) whenever Alpha-Log activates an Internet connection. The time zone is defined by the configuration.

Power supply

Alpha-Log runs at 9÷30 Vdc. The internal regulator allows to charge an external Pb battery, through solar panel or main power supply.

Power consumption and battery duration

Alpha-Log average electrical consumption is 0,03 W during stand-by and measurements; 2,4 W with active communication. Power consumption of the input extension module (ALIEM) is 0.12 W being always active. All this power consumptions do not include the external communication device.

Installation

Alpha-Log can be placed inside IP66 enclosure ELF se-ries against shock, water, dust and atmospheric agents. Depending on the ELF’s model, the enclosure can also accommodate power systems, communica-tion devices and batteries.
In the case of sporadic monitoring, Alpha-Log can be housed in a customizable IP66 case.

Derivative Quantities

LSI Lastem data loggers have an internal library of formulas for calculating a series of environmental quantities. These quantities are obtained from measured parameters, entered by the operator and other calculated quantities.

• Dew Point (ISO7726);
• Psychrometric Humidity (ISO7726);
• Sun Position (Height and Azimuth);
• Diffuse Solar Radiation (WMO Guide Nr. 8);
• Sunshine Presence (WMO Guide Nr. 8);
• Sunshine Presence (Step Algorithm – Vuerich, Morel, Mevel, Oliviéri);
• Sunshine Presence (MeteoFrance Algorithm – Vuerich, Morel, Mevel, Oliviéri);
• Daily Evapo-transpiration (FAO Irrigation and Drainage paper 56 – Penmam, Monteith eq.);
• Barometric Pressure (QNH, ref. ICAO WMO Nr. 188);

• Barometric Pressure (QNH, ref. ICAO ISA Eq. 7, CIMO);
• Barometric Pressure (QNH, ref. ICAO ISA Eq. 27/28, CIMO);
• Cross Wind (ICAO doc. 8896, AN/893);
• Head Wind (ICAO doc. 8896, AN/893);
• Tail Wind (ICAO doc. 8896, AN/893);
• Stability Category Pasquill-Gifford (SRDT Method, “Bowen, Dewart, Chen, 1983. Stability Class Determination: A Comparison for one site. Proceedings 6th Synposium on Turbolence and Diffusion, American Meteorological Society”);
• Gravimetric Water Content (VDI3477 – Biological Waste Gas Purification – Biofilters)