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NSnappy Kide-LWEU

Introduction

NSnappy Kide-LWEU is a factory calibrated temperature transmitter with an IP67 protection class enclosure. Data is transmitted using standard LoRaWAN radio technology. LWEU-N models operate on the European license-free 868 MHz ISM radio frequency band. Kide transmitter can be mounted into a special smart Dock, which stores the configuration parameters for the transmitter. Once docked, the transmitter loads the configuration from the Dock. This enables an effortless calibration service and calibration replacements of Kide transmitters.

The transmitter is also available with a basic Dock which does not have the smart Dock features, but instead always uses the configuration parameters of the transmitter.

Installation

NSnappy Kide-LWEU is ready to use when supplied from the factory. Upon shipping, it is automatically registered to the NSnappy service.

The transmitter and the dock are shipped with a default configuration and this configuration must match the configuration of the Hub or Receiver device receiving the data. See chapter Configuring the device later in this manual for more details.

Install the Dock by following the steps below:

  1. Choose the installation place so that it represents the measured conditions. Avoid heat sources.

  2. Mount the Dock with two universal countersunk screws (ST 2.5 or ST 3.0). Use suitable length and type according to the wall material.

  3. Attach the device into the dock observing its orientation. The metal inserts in the bottom of the enclosure must make contact to the spring clamp connectors in the Dock.

Power supply

The transmitter is powered with two 1.5 V LR6 (AA) alkaline batteries. The device is supplied with batteries already installed, so it is ready to be used.

Connections

NSnappy Kide-LWEU uses the LoRaWAN wireless connection standard on the European 868 MHz radio frequency band to send the data to the cloud-based NSnappy service. There is a fixed radio antenna inside the enclosure of the device. Before using the 868 MHz radio, make sure it is legal in your country.

For the LoRaWAN radio reception to work, an NSnappy Hub 4G LWEU-N LoRaWAN gateway device needs to be installed on all sites where transmitters will be used. Please refer to the manual of the Hub device for its installation instructions.

There is a 3-pin connector on the circuit board inside the transmitter enclosure that can be used to configure the transmitter part. See the picture below for the location of this connector. Use a Nokeval DCS772 USB-POL converter and a POL-3PIN adapter to connect the Kide-LWEU to a computer to configure it with MekuWin software.

Configuring the device

There is usually no need to configure the device since most of the settings are already at their best defaults. However, if configuration changes are needed, the process varies between the models.

NSnappy Kide-LWEU is typically configured using the smart Dock. Once the device is docked, it loads the configuration from the Dock. Note that the loading of the configuration is not instantaneous. It is triggered by the outgoing radio transmission, so the current transmission period setting affects the configuration switch time. Please, contact the manufacturer to get a smart Dock setup with the desired configuration.

If a basic Dock (without a configuration chip and golden connections in the Dock) is used and the Kide-LWEU transmitter part needs to be configured manually, use the MekuWin program and a DCS772 (USB-POL converter). You can download the required MekuWin configuration program from Nokeval’s website for free. Follow these steps:

  • Remove the transmitter from the dock.

  • Open the enclosure by unscrewing the four Torx screws.

  • Connect a DCS772 with USB-POL-adapter into the 3-pin connector on the circuit board and the USB to a computer.

  • Launch the MekuWin program.

  • In MekuWin, select your DCS772 from the list and set the parameters as follows:

    o   Protocol = SCL

    o   Baud = 9600

    o   Address = 0

  • Click Direct.

A new window should open, showing the settings menus as a tree.

Conf menu

Period: Data transmission interval. Valid range 5min…120min (default 15min).

Ch2 response time: 90% response time of the synthetic response time temperature channel (aka slow response). Selectable to 30, 60, 120, 180, 240 or 300 minutes (default 60min).

The following settings should only changed if the device is not used with NSnappy service.

AppEUI: LoRaWAN application identifier.

OTAA: LoRaWAN activation mode. If not set, ABP is used instead. Selected mode affects the required security keys:

  • For OTAA: AppEUI + AppKey

  • For APB: Device address + AppSKey + NwkSKey

Quality: Select the reliability of the radio packet delivery:

  • Unconfirmed (default): The device will transmit each packet once not expecting any acknowledgement. If the packet is lost due to a collision with another transmission or any disturbance, it is lost.

  • Confirmed: After transmitting a packet, the device will listen for an acknowledgement from a receiver and retransmit up to two times if not getting acknowledged. If there is no acknowledgement, the device will discard the packet and decrease the number of retransmit for the next packet. If the device does not get acknowledgement, it will eventually send the packet just once. This setting increases the probability of successful delivery significantly but does not guarantee it.

Confirmed tx: This parameter controls the number of transmissions per packet if confirmed is selected as a transmission quality. Valid value between 1 and 8.

Port: The LoRaWAN specification provides a Port field. This can be used to distinguish different types of messages. Valid port numbers are between 1 and 223.

Max EIRP: This parameter controls the maximum transmission power of the device. Valid value between 0 and 14 dbm.

Datarate: This parameter controls the data rate of the modem. However, if the adaptive data rate is enabled, the MAC layer controls the data rate.

Adaptive datarate: Adaptive data rate enable. Two parameters affect the operation of the algorithm. Once the count of transmissions without acknowledgement reaches the limit, the server must acknowledge within the next N (num of ack delay) transmission. If there is no acknowledgement, the device tries to regain connectivity by lowering the data rate.

Operation

After the Kide device is successfully installed, it operates independently and automatically. The device sends temperature readings on two channels:

  • Ch1 – Temperature, fast response: Reading according to EN 13485 and EN 13486.

  • Ch2 – Temperature, slow response: Reading from Ch1 filtered with a user configurable low-pass filter. The low-pass filter enables more control over how quickly the device reacts to temperature changes and smoothes the temperature curve.

Both temperature readings are given in degrees Celsius.

Users of NSnappy can change the measurement unit in which temperature readings are shown, in their preferences.

Detailed data packet format is described for system integrators in the chapter Uplink payload structure.

Maintenance

Replacing the battery

Kide devices are powered with two 1.5 V LR6 (size AA) alkaline batteries. In order to replace the batteries:

  • Remove the device from the Dock.

  • Unscrew the four screws from the bottom of the enclosure and open the enclosure.

  • Replace the batteries with new ones observing the polarity.

  • Close the cover with the four screws making sure the rubber seal is properly seated.

  • Reattach the device into the Dock.

Cleaning

The enclosure can be wiped with a damp cloth moistened with soap water. We recommend the NHygiene fiber towels.

Avoid strong chemicals and never use abrasive substances or utensils for cleaning.

Service

The device does not require other regular service or maintenance.

NSure service and calibration subscription services are available for these device and these services include a periodic calibration and battery replacement.

Uplink payload structure

The following tables and examples describe how the data can be extracted from the uplink data packets' payload. This information is only needed when the Kide device is integrated into a system that is not provided by Nokeval.

The payload data format consists of a protocol version field and 1 or more messages in length-type-data format. Example payloads are presented at the end of this chapter for reference.

Size

Name

Meaning

1B

Protocol version

Version=1

XB

1 or more messages

See Message format

Message format

Messages are presented in length-type-data format with optional age field.

Size

Name

Meaning

1B

Message length

Bits 0…6:

 

Bit 7:

Message length in bytes, excluding length field and optional age field.

If 1, age field is included.

(2B)

Optional age field

Age, uint16 * 60 seconds

1B

Message type

See Message type, e.g. 11 = Flagged utility

XB

Message data

Data, based on message type

Message types

Message types:

  • 10 – Formatted measurement data

  • 11 – Flagged utility

  • 12 – Debug

  • 14 – Dock identifier

The device may send other message types but those should be ignored. Start of next record can be found based on the length field at start of every message.

Type 10: Measurement data

Measured readings and status information about them.

Size

Name

Value/Meaning

2B

Measurement format

Format, always 3 for the Kide devices

XB

Data by format

See the table below

Measurement data using bit flags to describe which measurement fields are included. If the device failed to measure a value, that field will be missing.

After the measurement flags, the measurement data is provided. Sometimes a conversion may be needed in order to get the reading right. All the needed conversions and the units they provide are described in the table below.

After the measurement data, the message has a status bit flags field describing which status fields are included, similarly to the measurement bit flags. Generally, if the device failed to produce a measurement, it will have a status code to help identify the issue.

Size

Name

Value/Meaning

1B

Measurement flags

Tells which of the measurement fields are included.

E.g.

0000 0011 = both readings

0000 0001 = Only fast response

2B

0 – Temperature, fast response

Conversion: int16 / 100 (oC)

2B

1 – Temperature, slow response

Conversion: int16 / 100 (oC)

1B

Status flags

Tells which of the measurement status fields are included.

1B

0 – Temperature, fast response status

0: Reserved for future use

1+: error number

1B

1 – Temperature, slow response status

0: Reserved for future use

1+: error number

Type 11: Utility

Utility data using bit flags to describe which fields are included in the message, similar to message type 10.

Size

Name

Meaning

1B

Bit flags

0x00: Request to send utility.

Otherwise: Describes which fields are included in the message.

E.g. 0100 0001 = device type + serial number

3B

0 – Device type

<0-16777215> Product number of the device.

2B

1 – Firmware ver

<major 0-255> <minor 0-255>

3B

2 – Firmware build

<0-16777215> Build number to identify FW version more precisely.

3B

3 – Firmware ID

<0-16777215> Firmware identifier, for use with firmware update.

1B

4 – Battery info

<number 0-255>

Highest bit: Describes whether the device has auxiliary power.

Other bits:

127 = no battery attached.

0-100 = main battery empty/full (1% resolution).

101-121 = reserve battery empty/full (5% resolution).

126 = battery can’t be measured.

2B

5 – Calibration date

<0-65535> As days after 1.1.2000; 65535 means unknown

XB

6 – Serial number

<symbol> *[1-20], 32-126: Ascii-symbols,

128-227: 2 numbers encoded: ”00”, ”01”, ”02”… ”99”

Type 12: Debug information

Debug information message. These should be skipped when reading messages.

Type 14: Dock identifier

Information for identifying the dock and the docking status of the device.

Size

Name

Meaning

1B

Status key

Describes the current docking status of the device
0x00 = Docked
0x01 = Read error
0x02 = Failed to power the communication bus

0x03 = Dock type mismatch

0x04 = Dock POL connected

0x05 = Dock disabled

2B

Last docking

If status key = 0 (i.e. the device is successfully docked), last docking indicates the time that the device has been continuously docked into the same dock.

Otherwise last docking indicates the time elapsed since the last successful docking, expressed in minutes (up to 45 days)

XB

Dock SN

Serial number of last the dock the device was attached to:

<symbol> *[1-20],
32-126: Ascii-symbols,
128-227: 2 numbers encoded: ”00”, ”01”, ”02” … ”99”

Here are some example uplinks to help clarify how the uplink payloads are structured.

Bytes are presented as hex values, numbers are LSBF. E.g. consecutive bytes 0x01 and 0x23 converted to uint16 equals 0x01 + 0x23*0x100.

Example – normal measurement data

Bytes (hex): 01 09 0A 03 00 03 3B 09 D3 08 00

Interpretation:

Bytes (hex)

Name

Meaning

01

Protocol version

Version = 1

09

Message length

Length = 9, excluding length field. No age field.

0A

Message type

Type 10 = Measurement data

03 00

Measurement format

Format 3 = Kide device

03

Measurement flags

0x03 = 0000 0011, meaning both readings

3B 09

0 – T, fast response

2363 = 23.63 °C

D3 08

1 – T, slow response

2259 = 22.59 °C

00

Status flags

0x00 = No errors

Example – uplink containing 2 messages

If there are more than 1 message in an uplink, they are simply one after another.

Bytes (hex): 01 09 0A 03 00 03 5C 09 E1 08 00 0E 0B 73 73 83 01 00 01 4F FF FF 50 AB 9C B3

Interpretation:

Bytes (hex)

Name

Meaning

01

Protocol version

Version = 1

09

Message length

Length = 9, excluding length field. No age field.

0A

Message type

Type 10 = Measurement data

03 00

Measurement format

Format 3 = Kide device

03

Measurement flags

0x03 = 0000 0011, meaning both readings

5C 09

0 – T, fast response

2396 = 23.96 °C

E1 08

1 – T, slow response

2273 = 22.73 °C

00

Status flags

0x00 = No errors

0E

Message length

Message length 14, excluding length field. No age field.

0B

Message type

Type 11 = Utility

73

Bit flags

0x73 = 0111 0011, fields 0,1,4, 5, 6 are included

73 83 01

0 - Device type

Type = 99187

00 01

1 – Firmware ver

Version = v0.1

4F

4 – Battery info

Battery = 79%

FF FF

5 – Calibration date

Date = Unknown

50 AB 9C B3

6 – Serial number

Serial number = P432851

Specifications

Environment

Storage conditions

-40…+70°C, without batteries, non-condensing

Operating conditions

-30...+60°C

Protection class

IP67

Enclosure material

ABS+PC, black, withstands mild acidic and basic solutions

Dimensions

Dimensions

91 x 68 x 31 mm, including Kide-Dock
86 x 68 x 26 mm, without Kide-Dock and bumper domes

Weight

136 g + 12 g Kide-Dock

Temperature measurement

Sensor

Internal high-accuracy semiconductor temperature sensor

Measuring range

-30…+60°C

Accuracy

±0.2°C (-30…+60°C) typical
±0.3°C (-30…+60°C) maximum

Measuring interval

15 minutes, default setting. Configurable between 5 - 120 minutes.

Response time

Channel 1: 15 minutes to 90%
Channel 2: Configurable 90% response time of 30, 60, 120, 180, 240 or 300 minutes

Radio connection (LWEU models)

Description

LoRaWAN standard, EU 868 MHz frequency range

Transmitter module

Murata ABZ-093 LoRaWAN modem

Antenna

Internal

Compatibility

Nokeval NSnappy Hubs and Cloud Service

Frequency

863-870 MHz (LoRaWAN 1.0.2 EU band)

Power

Max +14 dBm E.R.P.

Range

Depends on environment, indoors: in good conditions up to hundreds of meters, outdoors: line-of-sight up to 10 km

Radio connection (Sky models)

Description

Nokeval Sky radio technology

Antenna

Internal

Compatibility

Nokeval Sky radio receivers and gateways and NSnappy and Ovaport Cloud Services

Frequency

Frequency band 433.05 - 434.79 MHz

Power

Transmission power 10 mW E.R.P. max

Range

Line-of-sight: Depends on installation location and environment, in good conditions 10 km
Indoors: typically 30 - 300 m

Power supply

Type

2 pcs LR6 (AA 1.5 V alkaline). For the best battery life, use high quality batteries.

Battery life

5 years minimum with 15 minute data transmission interval and default settings with good radio link

Dimensional drawing

Declaration of Conformity

Warnings

This device contains a license-free ISM band (433.92 MHz) SRD radio transceiver. Observe local regulations concerning the use of such radio transmitters. Never start or use this device near explosion hazard areas or in areas where the use of radio transmitters has been limited, such as in airplanes, near medical instruments, near flammable liquids or chemicals or near explosion work sites.

Do not leave the product in direct sunlight or any other place, like in a parked car, where the temperature can rise to over +50°C. The battery may overheat and cause a fire or explosion hazard.

Read this manual carefully before using the product. Misuse may damage the product or cause other harm. Nokeval assumes no responsibility for any damages caused by inappropriate use or handling of the product.

Only Nokeval authorized services may repair or modify the product. The product contains no user serviceable parts.

The product must not be disposed of in household waste. Observe local regulations concerning the disposal of electrical waste. The device may contain a battery.

Trademarks

All trademarks mentioned and any logos reproduced in this documentation are the legal property of their respective owners. Nokeval and NSnappy are registered trademarks of Nokeval Oy.

Manufacturer

Nokeval Oy
Rounionkatu 107
FI-37150 Nokia, Finland

Phone: +358 3 342 4810
WWW: https://www.nokeval.com
Email: support@nokeval.com

Business ID: 2852422-8

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