VuLink CI

Operator’s Manual

In-Situ, Inc | 221 E. Lincoln Ave | Fort Collins, CO 80524 | USA

2022-07-18 | 0094842

ContentsSymbols.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Safety Information.............................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Required Components...................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Cable.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Instrument......................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Software............................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Accessories............................................................................................................................................................................................ 8
How it Works......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Setting Up Vulink..............................................................................................................................................................................11
Attach the antenna and remove the battery pull-tab.....................................................................................................11
Troubleshooting Network Connectivity...................................................................................................................................11
Adding Instruments.........................................................................................................................................................................12
Connect an Instrument...............................................................................................................................................................12
Add another instrument and press the button (optional).............................................................................................12
Understanding the LEDs................................................................................................................................................................12Logging With VuLink.......................................................................................................................................................................14
VuLink Logs.........................................................................................................................................................................................14
Instrument Logs................................................................................................................................................................................14
Using HydroVu...................................................................................................................................................................................15
Using VuLink With VuSitu...............................................................................................................................................................16
Creating Alarms.................................................................................................................................................................................17
Using VuLink with an FTP Server.................................................................................................................................................19
Connecting a Pulse Instrument to VuLink...............................................................................................................................21
Setting Up a Pulse Instrument with VuSitu.............................................................................................................................22
Add the instrument to VuLink..................................................................................................................................................22
Configure it......................................................................................................................................................................................22
Understanding VuLink SIM Cards...............................................................................................................................................24
Updating VuLink...............................................................................................................................................................................24

1-970-498-1500

2

www.in-situ.com

Controls................................................................................................................................................................................................25
Specifications.....................................................................................................................................................................................26

1-970-498-1500

3

www.in-situ.com

1 Topic headerSymbols

Important Symbols in This Manual
The exclamation point calls your attention to a requirement, safety issue, or important actionthat should not be overlooked.

A check mark highlights a tip or feature.

Important Symbols on the ProductCaution
This symbol indicates critical safety information. Ignoring text that accompanies this symbol
could result in injury or death due to improper handling.

WEEE Directive: Disposing of VuLink at the end of its useful life
In accordance with the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive of 2005 and later
Directives, VuLink should not be discarded with regular household waste. Check local
electronic/electrical waste regulations before disposing of a VuLink device.

1-970-498-1500

4

www.in-situ.com

Safety Information
Using VuLink Correctly
Read these instructions carefully before using VuLink. Don’t use VuLink in any manner not
specified in the manual or quickstart guide. Follow all safety warnings.

Installing and Replacing Batteries
Never mix old and new batteries, or Lithium and alkaline batteries. Make sure all three batteries
are installed in the same orientation. Use only In-Situ recommended Lithium batteries forlongest battery life.

A blinking red and green battery LED indicates a problem with the batteries. Do not deploy theVuLink in this condition. Check batteries and reinstall as necessary.

Installing the Antenna
Use only In-Situ recommended cellular antennas. Maintain a safe distance of at least 14cm fromthe antenna and VuLink when the device is in operation.

1-970-498-1500

5

www.in-situ.com

Required Components
1 CableRugged Twist-Lock Cable
Connects VuLink to an Aqua TROLL, Baro TROLL,
Level TROLL, or Rugged TROLL instrument.
Vented or non-vented.

2 Instrument
Aqua TROLL

Baro TROLL

Level TROLL

Rugged TROLL

3 Software
HydroVu Software

VuSitu Mobile App

View data, manage
instruments, create
alarms, and modify
VuLink settings in yourbrowser.

Communicate with VuLink on any
Bluetooth-enabled mobile device
and the VuSitu mobile app.

4 Batteries
In-Situ recommends Saft LM33600 batteries for your VuLink. Find them athttps://bit.ly/2Qmtmwe.

1-970-498-1500

6

www.in-situ.com

Accessories
The following accessories are available for VuLink.

Cellular AntennaPart #: 0043630
The cellular antenna permits strong cellular network
connectivity.

Rugged Cable Splitter
Part #: 0095500 (vented)
Part #: 0085840 (non-vented)
With the Rugged Cable Splitter, you can connect as many as 8
instruments to VuLink.

Load-Bearing Universal Adapter
Part #: 0101000
To attach pulse instruments and devices that don’t have a
Twist-Lock connector, use the Load-Bearing Universal Adapter.

Mounting Kit
Part #: 0095570
The Mounting Kit lets you attach VuLink to a pole, wall, orother structure.

1-970-498-1500

7

www.in-situ.com

1 Topic header

How it Works

Using VuLink in any manner not specified by the manufacturer (In-Situ) may impair the device’sbuilt-in protections.

1Carabiner
VuLink hangs from the top of a well with the detachable
carabiner.

2

VuLink Telemetry Device
VuLink provides power to monitoring instruments,
transmits data to the cloud, and notifies you when
maintenance is required.

3

Instrument
An In-Situ instrument measures water quality and/or waterlevel.

1-970-498-1500

8

www.in-situ.com

VuLink CI
1

Create a HydroVu account.

Visit hydrovu.com and create an account.

3

Scan the QR code on yourVuLink.

orOpen your web camera and scan the QR code on
your device, or type the registration code into theprovided field.

In-Situ, Inc | 221 E. Lincoln Ave | Fort Collins, CO 80524 | USA

2Go to the telemetry page.

Click the telemetry page link in the menu on the left
side of the page. Then click Add a VuLink.

4Attach the antenna andconnect an instrument.

click

After connecting the external or on-board antenna
and instrument, follow the instructions on the next
pages of this quickstart guide.

2022-07-18 | 0094842

Setting Up Vulink
VuLink works with Aqua TROLL, Level TROLL, Baro TROLL, and Rugged TROLL instruments.
Follow the steps below to connect an instrument and start transmitting data.

5 Attach the antenna and remove the battery pull-tab.

Make sure the antenna isproperly attached before
proceeding.

Remove the battery
cover by twisting it
counter-clockwise andpulling down.

Remove the yellow tab
to allow current to flow
through the batteries.
Replace the cover.

Press the button. All
LEDs turn on. Each LEDchanges color according
to device status.

Never mix old and new batteries, or Lithium and alkaline batteries. Make sure all three batteries
are installed in the same orientation.

Troubleshooting Network Connectivity
If VuLink has trouble connecting to a 4G network, switching to 2G may help. Launch VuSitu andfollow the instructions below. Contact your cellular provider for coverage details.

cclilicckk

Press the All Settings
button at the bottom ofthe screen.

Tap Cellular Network on
the Settings screen.

Tap 2G to change
VuLink’s network
settings. Press Save.

VuLink should now
connect to a networkand sync with HydroVu

Connecting to a cellular network can take up to 10 minutes the first time VuLink powers up orwhen VuLink hasn’t been powered up in several weeks or months

1-970-498-1500

10

www.in-situ.com

Adding Instruments
6 Connect an Instrument
cclilicckk

Align the flat edge of theconnector with the flatedge inside the cable.

Twist the cable until itclicks into the secure
postion.

Connect the cable toyour instrument.

7 Add another instrument and press the button (optional)
Add as many as 8 instruments to VuLink, repeating the steps below for each one. When you’reready to deploy, use one or more Rugged Cable Splitters to connect multiple instruments.

Disconnect instrument.
Attach another and press
the button.

VuLink connects to thenew instrument and thedata network.

VuLink connects toHydroVu or an FTP site.

All LEDs indicate current
device status. See thesection below for details.

Understanding the LEDs
All five LEDs illuminate when VuLink is powered on. The color of an LED indicates status.

Battery status

1-970-498-1500

Solid green

Blinking red

Battery power is at least75%.

Battery power isbetween 25% and 50%.

Blinking green

Solid redBattery power isbetween 50% and 75%.

Battery power is lessthan 25%

11

www.in-situ.com

Blinking red and green
A blinking red and green LED indicates a problem
with the batteries. Do not deploy the VuLink inthis condition. Check batteries and reinstall asnecessary.

Instrument connection status
Blinking green

Blinking red

Searching for an
instrument

New instrument not
found

Solid green

Solid redConnected to instrument

No instruments
connected to VuLink

Network connection status
Blinking green

Solid redAttempting to connect
to network

Unable to connect tonetwork

Solid green
Connected to network

Cloud connection status
Blinking green

Blinking red

Connecting anduploading data to
HydroVu

Unclaimed device

Solid red

Solid green

Failed to connect toHydroVu.com

Upload successful

Bluetooth connection status
Blinking blue
Ready to connect

Solid blue
Bluetooth connected1-970-498-1500

12

www.in-situ.com

Logging With VuLink
VuLink logs get uploaded to the cloud; instrument logs do not. Be sure to understand thedifferences between these log types before deploying VuLink.

VuLink Logs
12

Instrument Logs

Program a log into
VuLink with theVuSitu mobile app.

Program a
1 log into theinstrumentwith VuSitu.

2

See your data in HydroVu.

Downloadlog files withVuSitu.

Pressing the VuLink button for 5 seconds or longer will stop the active VuLink log. Create a
new log in VuSitu to configure custom log settings. If no user-created log is configured, VuLink willautomatically create a default log to collect all parameters at 1 hour intervals. Logs on connected
instruments are not affected.

1-970-498-1500

13

www.in-situ.com

Using HydroVu
Use HydroVu to create logs, configure alarms, and modify VuLink’s settings.

Sidebar Menu Options/HydroVu Pages


View your data

See LocationsCreate and edit dashboardsConfigure telemetry devices

Manage alarms

 Upload data

Set up notifications



Edit calculated parametersManage users

1-970-498-1500

14

www.in-situ.com

Using VuLink With VuSitu
After connecting to your VuLink with VuSitu, the app always displays the Connected Telemetry
Device screen at launch. You can access all features of the app from this screen.

Connected Telemetry Device Screen
Access helpinformation.

Access menu.

View andmakechanges toinstruments
connected toa VuLink.

Specifiy adestination
for uploads,
like HydroVuor an FTP
server.

1-970-498-1500

Create andmodify logs.
Adjust VuLink
and instrument
settings.

15

www.in-situ.com

Creating Alarms
VuLink Alarms
VuLink alarms send a notification when VuLink batteries run low, a VuLink parameter crosses a
specified threshold, or other events occur at a remote monitoring site.

Tap All Settings fromthe menu.

Tap Real-Time Alarms.

To create an alarm, tap
Add a real-time alarm.

Select the parameterthat should trigger thealarm and set the limits.

Connected Instrument Alarms
Connected instrument alarms send a notification when a parameter measured by a connected
instrument crosses a specified threshold.

Tap Connected
Instruments.

Select an instrument toconnect.

Tap Instrument
Settings from the menu.

To create an alarm, tap
Add a real-time alarm.

Select the parameterthat should trigger thealarm and set the limits.

Use the menu toreconnect to VuLink.

1-970-498-1500

16

Tap Real-Time Alarms.

www.in-situ.com

Managing Alarm Responses
Alarms can send a notification by SMS or through the cloud when an alarm threshold is crossed.
Message and data rates may apply.

Tap All Settings fromthe menu.

Tap Manage AlarmResponses.

Select cloud notifications
or SMS notifications.
Enter SMS phone
number(s).

Select Apply and Test.

Confirm that the test
message was received.

1-970-498-1500

17

www.in-situ.com

Using VuLink with an FTP Server
You can configure VuLink to upload data to an FTP server via VuSitu. Have your FTP hostname,path, port, username, and password ready before getting started.

ab
Tap All Settings.

c
Select Telemetry CloudService.

efEnter your FTP
VuLink tests thecredentials. Then tap Test connection to the server.
& Save.

dTap the radio button nextto FTP.

gThe app displays the testresults.

Connect to VuLink withthe VuSitu mobile app.

Recovering Data Via FTP
Use the recovery FTP screen to send data that failed to transmit via a scheduled upload. You
need to know the number or date of the last record uploaded before a data gap occurred.

Access the Telemetry
Cloud Service screen asshown above.

1-970-498-1500

Tap Upload MissingData.

Enter a starting date andtime, or a starting record
number.

18

Tap Start.

www.in-situ.com

Read the pop-up
If the upload ismessage about data
successful, VuSitucharges. Tap Send Data if displays a confirmation.
you wish to continue.

1-970-498-1500

19

www.in-situ.com

Connecting a Pulse Instrument to VuLink
VuLink can upload data from a pulse instrument to HydroVu or an FTP server.

Required Components• Rugged Twist-Lock Cable with one stripped-and-tinned end• Load-Bearing Universal Adapter (LBUA)• Cable (from LBUA to pulse instrument)• Pulse instrument• VuLink

Wiring with the Load-Bearing Universal Adapter (LBUA)
To VuLink
To pulseinstrument
Attach the Twist-Lock
Connect the brown andend of a Rugged Cable to black wires at the other
VuLink.
end of the Rugged Cable
to the Load-Bearing
Universal Adapter.

Snip the four unusedwires.

Run wires from the otherend of the LBUA to thepulse instrument.

Refer to the following table when connecting a pulse instrument to VuLink via a Rugged Cable.

Rugged Cable Wire Legend

1-970-498-1500

Wire Color

SignalBrownPulse OutputBlackGround

Red

Power (optional)

Blue

UnusedGreenUnused

White

Unused20

www.in-situ.com

Setting Up a Pulse Instrument with VuSitu
Add rain gauges and other pulse devices to VuLink with VuSitu pulse configuration.

1 Add the instrument to VuLink.

Launch VuSitu andconnect to VuLink.

Tap the Connected
Instruments dropdown.

Connect the instrument
to VuLink with a cable.
Press the Add button inVuSitu.

VuSitu displays aconfirmation message.
Press OK to dismiss it.

Tap Add New.

Select the Pulse
Instrument radio button.

Select low or highfrequency.

Low frequency: Choose
one of the three built-in
parameters or create acustom parameter.

2 Configure it.

Tap the Connected
Instruments dropdown.

1-970-498-1500

Tap the instrument.

21

www.in-situ.com

Tap the gear icon next tothe unit field to select aunit.

Enter the value of one
pulse in the selectedunits.

Tap Save. VuSitu displaysa “Saving” message.

High frequency: SelectHigh Frequency andchoose a parameter andunit.

Enter a minimum andmaximum value.

Enter a minimum andmaximum frequency inhertz.

Tap Save to confirm
the pulse instrument
configuration.

VuSitu displays a “Saving”
message.

A custom parameter can be anything you want (for example, snow or precipitation), but you
must select one of VuSitu’s built-in unit types.

1-970-498-1500

22

www.in-situ.com

Understanding VuLink SIM Cards
External SIM Card
VuLink attempts to use an external SIM card for all communications if one is present. If
communication via the external SIM fails, VuLink uses the built-in SIM instead.

Built-in SIM
If an external SIM card isn’t present, VuLink uses its built-in SIM for all communication.

Updating VuLink
The automatic update option ensures that VuLink always has the current firmware.

1-970-498-1500

23

www.in-situ.com

Controls
LEDs on VuLink’s control panel indicate the device’s status.

817
2
6
3
51 Carabiner
2 Bluetooth status
3 Battery status

44 Connection status
5 Network connection status
6 Cloud connection status
7 Antenna
8 Power

1-970-498-1500

24

www.in-situ.com

Specifications
Battery
Operation Time (24hour reporting, LiMnO2)
Operation Time(24 hour reporting,Alkaline)

3 x D cell (1.5V - 3.6V) Alkaline / Li-SOCl2 [Lithium Thionyl Chloride] / LiMnO2 [Lithium Manganese Dioxide] supported
Up to 12 years*

Up to 3 years*

Clock AccuracyLess than 1 minute drift per year with ability to synchronize to network
provided time for accuracy +/- 1 second

Network Type

4G LTE Category M1 (LTE-M) / NB-IoT (Narrow Band) with 2G fallback

Bands
Protocols
Data Provider
Antenna
GPS
File Format (nonHydroVu)

LTE Global - B1(2100), B2(1900), B3(1800), B4(AWS1700), B5(850), B8(900),B12(700), B13(700), B18(800), B19(800), B20(800), B28(700)HTTPS (HydroVu), SMS (alarms)
Built-in free** global roaming (see Network List Addendum for details:
in-situ.com/VuLinkNetworks), additional single 4FF slot for 3rd party SIM
support
SMA-M connector
Up to 3m accuracy, built-in antenna
CSV

Remote Setup

Supported

Overall Length

19.1”

Diameter

1.85”

Weight2.2 pounds/1.0 kg (with included alkaline batteries and carabiner, excludingantenna)

Materials

Ryton (housing), PVC (battery cover), Titanium (Twistlock connector,eyebolt), 316 Stainless Steel (carabiner), Silicone (keypad cover), Brass (SMAantenna connector), Polycarbonate (label), Viton (O-rings)

1-970-498-1500

25

www.in-situ.com

Storage Temperature
OperatingTemperature
Ingress Protection
ProtocolsConnectors
SimultaneousConnections
Venting
BarometricCompensation
Barometer Accuracy-20°C to 60°C
-20°C to 50°C (Li-SOCl2/Li-MnO2), 5°C - 40°C (Alkaline)
Device: IP68

System: Up to IP68 per antenna specification

Modbus over RS-485, SDI-12, Pulse low/high frequencies (max 40 khz)
1 In-Situ Twistlock (supports multiple instruments via Rugged Cable Splitter,
TROLL Net Hub, or Load-Bearing Universal Adapter)
Up to 8 instruments (total maximum of 75mA provided to connected
instruments at 16V)
Built-in on all models, no desiccant required
Built-in on all models for automatic compensation of level readings+/- 1 hPa

AlarmsConfigurable based on instrument readings and device parameters

Power

Total maximum of 75mA provided to connected instruments at 16V(intended typically to power a single instrument)

Wireless Setup

Supported via Bluetooth Low Energy

Logging Rate

1 minute to 7 days

Transmission Rate

5 minutes to 7 days

MemoryMaximum TransmitterOutput Power

1-970-498-1500

512 MB (soldered to circuit board)
All LTE FDD bands: +23 dBm +/- 1dB (conducted)
GSM900: +32.5 dBm +/- 1dB GSM1800: +29.5 dBm +/- 1dB (conducted)
EGPRS900: +27.0 dBm +/- 1dB EDGE1800: +26.0 dBm +/- 1dB (conducted)
Bluetooth: +5.5 dBm +/- 0.35 dB (EIRP)

26

www.in-situ.com