A single ShapeArray (SAA) can be connected to Measurand’s SAA232 converter. The SAA232 converts the RS232 communications protocol from Measurand’s SAA232-PC cable to the RS485 communications protocol that the ShapeArray uses. It also incorporates a re-settable fuse and surge protection, and automatically applies power to a ShapeArray only when there is serial RS232 data being sent from the PC to the SAA232.

 

This guide references the following documentation:

• The SAARecorder manual
• The Software FAQs

Step 1 - Connect the ShapeArray to an SAA232

Connect the ShapeArray into the green 5-pin connector on the SAA232.

Figure 1: An SAA232 - (A) Power and data connection, (B) ShapeArray connection

Figure 2: A 5-pin Phoenix connector that plugs into the SAA232's ShapeArray connection (Figure 1.B above)

The wiring for a 5-pin terminal block or Phoenix Connector is shown in Figure 3 below.

 

Figure 3: Wiring for a 5-pin terminal block or Phoenix Connector

Step 2 - Connect SAA232 to PC via USB Port

If you are connecting using a USB port, Measurand’s SAA232-PC cable will be needed. 

Figure 4: An SAA232-PC cable

Remove the 4-pin connector in SAA232 from the power and data connection, as shown in Figure 1.A above. Plug the 4-pin connector on the SAA232-PC cable into the now empty slot on the SAA232. 

Ensure that the USB connector is plugged into an available USB port on the PC that will be running the SAARecorder application. 

The marked wire (band or white stripe) should be connected to a +12 V power supply. The black wire should be connected to Ground (GND) on the same power supply. Alternatively, the standard 2.1 mm DC power connector can be used to supply power. 

Note: Built-in PC serial ports can also be used to connect to an SAA232, see Step 3 below with regards to wiring.

Step 3 - Alternatively, Connect SAA232 to PC via Serial Port

If connecting to the SAA232 via a serial port on the PC, connect the PC serial port to the green 4-pin connector on the SAA232, as shown in Figure 1.A above. 

 

Figure 5: A PC serial port

The wiring for a 4-pin terminal block or Phoenix Connector is shown in Figure 6 below.

 

Figure 6: The wiring for 4-pin terminal block or Phoenix Connector

Step 4 - Start SAARecorder 

Start SAARecorder. In SAASuite 3.0 or higher, the SAARecorder application is launched by clicking the Manual Data Collection button.

Figure 7: Launch SAARecorder from SAASuite by clicking the Manual Data Collection button

Click the Connect SAA button.

Figure 8: The SAARecorder Startup window

In the Connect window, select the COM Port you are using and select the SAA232 option. 

Figure 9: The Connect window in SAARecorder

To go to the data collection portion of SAARecorder, click the Start with found SAAs button. Otherwise, click Next and follow the steps listed below.

Step 5 - Optional, Click on the Search Tab

Click on the Search tab in the Connect window of SAARecorder. This causes SAARecorder to look for ShapeArrays on each of the previously selected serial ports or SAA232-5 channels as described in the above mentioned guides. It tests communications with each microprocessor of a ShapeArray.

Figure 10: The Search tab in the SAARecorder Connect window

Each microprocessor has a unique serial number and is responsible for one item based on the model of ShapeArray connected: 

• Models 1 and 2 SAAF and SAAScan: An octet (group of 8 segments) 
• Model 3 SAAF and later ShapeArrays: A segment (every segment has a microprocessor) 

If the search is successful and the expected devices are found, click the Next button, as shown in Figure 1 above. If any issues occur please refer to the Software FAQs.

Step 6 - Optional, Click on the Devices Tab

Some devices are not automatically detected. The Devices tab is where they would be added manually. Devices that have been previously found in the Connection or Search tab should appear here automatically. Some devices, such as piezometers and older ShapeArrays, need to be added manually. To add a device manually, click the Add Device link in the SAA Serial Numbers table.

Figure 11: The Devices tab in the SAARecorder Connect window

In the Enter Device Serial Number dialog, enter the Serial Number and COM Port and click the OK button. 

Figure 12: The Enter Device Serial Number dialog

Repeat this step until all desired devices have been added. Once all the devices have been selected click the Next button.

Step 7 - Optional, Click on the Test Tab

The Test tab runs Basic and Voltage / Current tests on the devices before starting SAARecorder application. Each test can be performed by clicking their respective buttons. Both tests can be performed if desired. The SAARecorder interface for viewing and recording data can be started by clicking the Continue button or clicking the Save and Continue button.

Figure 13: The Test tab in the SAARecorder Connect window

Step 8 - Optional, Troubleshoot Connection Issues

If there are issues connecting, please refer to the following FAQs

• How do I diagnose an unresponsive ShapeArray for cable damage? 
• How do I wire the ShapeArray Connector onto the ShapeArray cable?