Model 8800 Series

GeoNet Wireless Network

Applications
GeoNet is a low power,
wireless data acquisition
network developed to
more efficiently collect
data from widely distributed instruments where
cabling and cable trenching
is difficult and time consuming (or not possible).
Typical applications include
Groundwater
Tailings

monitoring

dams

Structural monitoring

Model 8800-2 Network Supervisor (center), surrounded by five Model 8800-1 Sensor Nodes.

of buildings, bridges,
excavations and tunnels

Historical structures

Mining/slope stability

Introduction

Operating Principal

GeoNet is a low-power, wireless data acquisition net-

GeoNet is built on top of the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. The

work developed to more efficiently collect data from many

network is self-healing and will reconfigure itself, if pos-

points. The system consists of a Network Supervisor

sible, to tolerate disturbances to the physical environment

(8800-2), up to 100 Single-Channel Sensor Nodes (8800-1)

(see insets on backside). Up to 12 networks can coexist by

and, where required, Sensor Node Multiplexers (8800-8).

setting each to a different operating frequency (channel).

The supervisor controls the network and is the aggregator

of all the data collected by the nodes. The system is compatible with all Geokon Vibrating Wire instruments.

Model 8800-8-1 Multiplexer, shown with

eight 2-pair cable connections.

8800-1 Sensor Node (l) connected to

the Model 8800-8-3 Multiplexer (r), shown
with multi-pair cable entry configuration.

that they wake from deep sleep simultaneously to communicate or collect data, and then return to sleep when

Topology

finished. Nodes separated from the network will continue

The system topology takes the form of a mesh or cluster

to collect and store data autonomously until battery expi-

tree with an indoor range of 90 m (North America); 60m

ration. When network connectivity is reestablished, the

(International) and an outdoor range of 1600 m (North

data collected is transmitted to the supervisor where it is

America); 750 m (International).

aggregated (a copy of all data, collected and sent to the

Sensor Node Multiplexers expand the capacity at each node

Model

The nodes that comprise the network are synchronized so

supervisor, is stored on each respective node).

to 8 channels, thereby allowing clusters of closely spaced

Configuration of the network and collection of data is

sensors to be added to the system, or to add vibrating wire

accomplished via a PC client program by connecting to

load cells (which contain between 3-6 sensors), multipoint

the network supervisor either directly, through cellu-

borehole extensometers (which contain between 3-8 sen-

lar modems or network serial servers. Each data array

sors) or multilevel piezometers. Sensor cables are connected

consists of the record date/time, battery voltage, node

to the multiplexer through cable glands (Model 8800-8-1,

temperature, vibrating wire sensor reading, sensor tem-

8800-8-3) or via 10-pin plugs (Model 8800-8-2). Multiplexers

perature, array number and radio signal strength.

are connected to the nodes via a 3 m interconnect cable,

with 10-pin plugs each end) and are supplied with mounting
brackets for attaching to poles or backboards as required.

MEMS (5 V) Sensor Nodes (single and addressable types) and Thermistor String Nodes
currently under development.
Geokon, Inc. offers cell modem compatibility for GeoNet Supervisors by way of the
Model 8800-2-4A (please contact Geokon for details).

Geotechnical Instrumentation

Communications

treated with a conductive coating, that protects the

Communication between the Supervisor and the client

internal components and signals from outside inter-

software can be accomplished several ways. The

ference, and offers protection from transient events

Supervisor protocol is Modbus RTU over RS-232 or USB

caused by nearby lightning strikes. Operating tempera-

as a virtual COM port. The software also supports network

ture range is from 40 to +85C.

connections such as serial servers and cellular modems.

Devices capable of functioning as a Modbus master can
be programmed to collect data from the network.

Model 8800-1 Sensor Node, with 10-pin

connector option and cover removed to show
battery compartment.

source up to 12 V. For Battery Life versus Number of

Nodes, please contact Geokon, Inc.

battery life and is self-healing to accommodate disturbances in the network environment. Nodes continue to

network connectivity is reestablished. Sensor readings are

synchronized across the entire network; the minimum sample interval is 10 minutes and the maximum is 24 hours.

Typical

Multiplexer

Lithium or Alkaline D cell batteries, or an external

Advantages and Limitations

network, then transmit the data to the supervisor when

Node

The Supervisor and Nodes are powered by either

The system is non-obtrusive, simple to deploy, has a long

collect and store data autonomously if separated from the

Supervisor

Power

Software
GeoNet Software for Windows (GNS) is a software
application used for data collection and the management of GeoNet projects. GNS will discover devices
that comprise a network and add them automatically to
minimize setup time. Sensor histories can be viewed
in tabular and chart form. Data is stored locally with a

Environment

standalone database and can be exported in a standard

GeoNet nodes, multiplexers and supervisors are

format to other data management programs.

enclosed in fiberglass NEMA 4X enclosures, which are

Nodes connected to Multiplexers will require Lithium batteries.

suitable for harsh environments. The enclosures are

network.

Technical Specifications
8800-1 (Node)

Supervisor
Network

Node

with obstructions.

0.025% F.S. (400-5000 Hz)

Thermistor Accuracy

2% F.S.

NA

Quiescent Current (Typical)

50 A

Thermistor Resolution

0.4C

NA

On-state Current (Typical)

10 mA (varies with temperature)

Data Memory

32 MB

Switch Resistance (Max)

10 added in series to each VW coil

Storage Capacity

> 1.04 M Arrays

Datalogger Cable

3m

Communication Type

NA

USB, RS-232, RS-485

LWH

Communication Speed

NA

115 k Bits/Second

260 160 91 mm (8800-8-1/3)

360 160 91 mm (8800-8-2)

Communication
Parameters

NA

8, N, 1 (data bits,
parity, stop bits)

North America

International

IEEE 802.15.4 DSSS

D Cell Alkaline or Lithium (2)

Radio Frequency, ISM Band

2.4 GHz

Please contact Geokon, Inc.

Channels

12

40 to +85C

Range (Indoor, Urban)

90 m

60 m

122 120 91 mm

Range (Outdoor, line-of-sight)

1600 m

750 m

Receiver Sensitivity

100 dBm

Network Throughput

78, 50, 22 kbps (1, 2, 4 hops)

Antenna (half-wave dipole)

2.1 dBm

Transmit Power

63 mW

NA

LWH

Network Specifications

Modbus RTU
Radio Technology

USB Driver

Operating Temperature

2.8 V - 3.6 V (3.3 V)

Mesh/Cluster Tree

10-1440 Minutes

Operating Time

Supply Voltage (Nominal)

Topology

Scan Interval
Power Supply

Geokon, Incorporated
48 Spencer Street
Lebanon, NH 03766
USA
TM

8800-8-1/2/3 (Multiplexers)

Measurement Accuracy

Communication Protocol NA

The World Leader in Vibrating Wire Technology

Multiplexer Specifications
8800-2 (Supervisor)

Geokon maintains an ongoing policy of design review and reserves

the right to amend products and specifications without notice.

FTDI

1 603 448 1562

1 603 448 3216
geokon@geokon.com
www.geokon.com
2015 Geokon, Incorporated. All Rights Reserved | Doc. Rev. A, 10/15

10 mW