Updating the operating system

Campbell Scientific posts operating system (OS) updates at https://www.campbellsci.com/downloads when they become available. It is recommended that before deploying instruments, you check operating system versions and update them as needed. The data logger operating system version is shown in the Status table, Station Status Summary, and Device Configuration Utility Software tool used to set up data loggers and peripherals, and to configure PakBus settings before those devices are deployed in the field and/or added to networks. Also called DevConfig. Deployment > Datalogger. An operating system may be sent through Device Configuration Utility Software tool used to set up data loggers and peripherals, and to configure PakBus settings before those devices are deployed in the field and/or added to networks. Also called DevConfig. or through program-send procedures.

NOTE:

For CR6-WIFI and CR6-RF models, there is a separate operating system for the daughter card in addition to the main data logger operating system. The main OS has a .obj extension, while daughter-card OS files have a .iobj extension. When the data logger is connected to Device Configuration, it will notify you if a new operating system is available. See CR6-WIFI or CR6-RFxx daughter-card operating systems.

CAUTION:

CR6 data loggers with Serial Numbers 19001 and newer have hardware requiring the use of OS version 11.02 or newer.

WARNING:

Because sending an OS resets data logger memory and resets all settings on the data logger to factory defaults, data loss will certainly occur. Depending on several factors, the data logger may also become incapacitated until the new OS is programmed into memory.

TIP:

It is recommended that you retrieve data from the data logger and back up your programs and settings before updating your OS. To collect data using LoggerNet, connect to your data logger and click Collect Now. To backup your data logger, connect to it in Device Configuration Utility, click the Backup menu and select Backup Datalogger.

Sending an operating system to a local data logger

Send an OS using Device Configuration Utility. This method requires a direct connection between your data logger and computer.

Download the latest Operating System at https://www.campbellsci.com/downloads .
Locate the .exe download and double-click to run the file. This will extract the .obj and .iobj OS files to the C:\Campbellsci\Lib\OperatingSystems folder.
Supply power to the data logger. If connecting via USB for the first time, you must first install USB drivers by using Device Configuration Utility (select your data logger, then on the main page, click Install USB Driver). Alternatively, you can install the USB drivers using EZ Setup. A USB connection supplies 5 V power (as well as a communications link), which is adequate for setup, but a 12 V battery will be needed for field deployment.
Physically connect your data logger to your computer using a USB cable, then open Device Configuration Utility Software tool used to set up data loggers and peripherals, and to configure PakBus settings before those devices are deployed in the field and/or added to networks. Also called DevConfig. and select your data logger.
Select the communications port used to communicate with the data logger from the COM Port list (you do not need to click Connect).
Click the Send OS tab. At the bottom of the window, click Start.
On the Avoid Conflicts with the Local Server window, click OK.
Navigate to the C:\Campbellsci\Lib\OperatingSystems folder.
Ensure Datalogger Operating System Files (*.obj) is selected in the Files of type list, select the new OS .obj file, and click Open to update the OS on the data logger.
The Power and Act LEDs on the CR6 will flash red as the operating system is updated. After the flashing stops, return to the Deployment | Datalogger tab and check that the operating system shows the updated version. You may have to press the F5 key to refresh the displayed information.

Watch a video: Sending an OS to a Local Datalogger .

Sending an operating system to a remote data logger

If you have a data logger that is already deployed, you can update the OS over a telecommunications link by sending the OS to the data logger as a program. In most instances, sending an OS as a program preserves settings. This allows for sending supported operating systems remotely (check the release notes). However, this should be done with great caution as updating the OS may reset the data logger settings, even settings critical to supporting the telecommunication link.

The default.CR6 program can be edited to preserve critical data logger settings such as communications settings. See Default program for more information.

Download the latest Operating System at https://www.campbellsci.com/downloads .
Locate the .exe download and double-click to run the file. This will extract the .obj OS file to the C:\Campbellsci\Lib\OperatingSystems folder.
Using data logger support software LoggerNet, RTDAQ, and PC400 - these Campbell Scientific software applications include at least the following functions: data logger communications, downloading programs, clock setting, and retrieval of measurement data., connect to your data logger.
- LoggerNet Campbell Scientific's data logger support software for programming, communications, and data retrieval between data loggers and a computer. users, select Main and click Connect on the LoggerNet toolbar, select the data logger from the Stations list, then click Connect.
- PC400 Free entry-level data logger support software that supports a variety of communications options, manual data collection, and data monitoring displays. Short Cut and CRBasic Editor are included for creating data logger programs. PC400 does not support scheduled data collection or complex communications options such as phone-to-RF. users, select the data logger from the list and click Connect.
Select File Control at the top of the Connect window.
Click Send at the top of the File Control window.
Navigate to the C:\Campbellsci\Lib\OperatingSystems folder.
Ensure Datalogger Operating System Files (*.obj) is selected in the files of type list, select the new OS .obj file, and click Open to update the OS on the data logger.

(Click image to expand/collapse display)

Note the following precautions when sending as a program:

Any peripherals being powered through the SW12 terminals will be turned off until the program logic turns them on again.
Operating systems are very large files. Be cautious of data charges. Sending over a direct serial or USB connection is recommended, when possible.

CR6-WIFI or CR6-RFxx daughter-card operating systems

CR6-WIFI and CR6-RF4xx data logger models have WIFI and RF daughter cards, respectively. These daughter cards have their own operating systems (.iobj file), which are separate from the main data logger operating system (.obj file).

Daughter-card operating systems are occasionally updated, though not as frequently as the main data logger OS. Daughter-card operating systems are updated using the same process as the main OS.

If the data logger is running a WIFI daughter-card OS version earlier than 3.01, you must first update to version 3.01 before installing the latest version.

The OS download executable (e.g., CR6_OS_X.X.X.exe) can be downloaded from the Campbell Scientific Web site: https://www.campbellsci.com/downloads/operating-systems-datalogger . The executable includes the main OS and any daughter-card OS files. When the executable is run, it stores all current CR6 operating systems in the C:\Campbellsci\Lib\OperatingSystems folder. For example:

In the event that the WIFI or RF daughter-card OS should be updated, verify the following:

The main data logger operating system must be version 5 or later. You can see this information in the Deployment | Datalogger tab in the Device Configuration Utility. The main operating system version is listed first, followed by the daughter-card OS version:

If the main data logger OS is not version 5 or later, update the operating system. See Sending an operating system to a local data logger.
If you are updating a WIFI daughter card, verify that the current WIFI OS is 3.01 or later. If the WIFI OS is earlier than 3.01, first install OS 3.01, followed by the latest OS available in the OS downloads executable.
If you are updating a WIFI OS version that is 3.01 or later or if you are updating an RF4xx daughter card, follow the steps in the next section.

CAUTION:

To avoid potential file corruption and loss of communication, do not attempt to send a daughter-card OS over the same communication link (e.g., WIFI or RF) that you are attempting to update.

Sending a daughter-Card OS to a local data logger using Device Configuration Utility

Download the latest Operating System executable file from https://www.campbellsci.com/downloads .
Locate the .exe download on your computer and double-click to run the file. This will extract the .obj OS file to the C:\Campbellsci\Lib\OperatingSystems folder.
Supply power to the data logger. If connecting via USB for the first time, you must first install USB drivers by using Device Configuration Utility (select your data logger, then on the main page, click Install USB Driver). Alternatively, you can install the USB drivers using LoggerNet EZ Setup. A USB connection supplies 5 V power (as well as a communications link), which is adequate for setup, but a 12 V battery will be needed for field deployment.
Physically connect your data logger to your computer using a USB cable, then open Device Configuration Utility and select your data logger.
Select the communications port used to communicate with the data logger from the COM Port list (you do not need to click Connect).
Click the Send OS tab. At the bottom of the window, click Start..
If an Avoid Conflicts with the Local Server window appears, click OK.
Navigate to the C:\Campbellsci\Lib\OperatingSystems folder.
Ensure Daughter Card operating System Files (*.iobj) is selected in the Files of type list, select the new OS .iobj file, and click Open to update the OS on the data logger.
The WIFI or RF LED on the CR6 or will flash green and red (and at times, just red) as the daughter card is being updated. After the flashing stops, return to the Deployment | Datalogger tab and check that the daughter card operating system shows the updated version. You may have to press the F5 key to refresh the displayed information.