CR6 Automated Monitoring Platform
Rugged, Wireless Edge Device and Gateway with Built-in Connectivity
Designed for geotechnical, structural, and environmental projects
weather applications supported water applications supported energy applications supported gas flux and turbulence applications supported infrastructure applications supported soil applications supported

Overview

The CR6 Automated Monitoring Platform, designed on decades of infrastructure and environmental monitoring experience, is used by some of the largest monitoring networks worldwide. With the unique ability to serve both as an edge device and gateway, this simplifies networks that would otherwise require discrete devices to provide complete access to your data.

This unique platform is used where reliability, flexibility, and compatibility are essential to your success. The CR6 ecosystem supports an array of powerful peripherals that add channel capacity, distributed measurements, and communication capabilities, as well as measure vibrating wire sensors dynamically.

Campbell Scientific’s vibrating wire measurement devices, including the CR6, are the only devices that use patented VSPECT® technology. VSPECT filters external noise from your sensor and gives you diagnostic information about the quality of your vibrating wire measurement.

Learn about our patented VSPECT at our VSPECT® Essentials web resource.

The dynamic vibrating wire measurement technique is protected under U.S. Patent No. 8,671,758, and the vibrating wire spectral-analysis technology (VSPECT) is protected under U.S. Patent No. 7,779,690.

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Benefits and Features

  • All-in-one edge device and gateway with built-in connectivity
  • Native vibrating wire measurements using VSPECT
  • Integrated communication options, charge regulator, and expandable storage to provide simplicity and reduced costs
  • Configurable Universal (U) measurement and control terminals to measure virtually any sensor or application
  • Availability of Campbell Scientific qualified support staff
  • Designed and manufactured for long-term operation in extreme environments

This product is available for repair and calibration

Images

CR6 front view with covers
CR6 front view with covers
CR6 front view with covers
CR6-WIFI option (additional charge) - front view with covers
CR6-RF407 option (additional charge) - front view with covers
CR6-RF412 option (additional charge) - front view with covers
An example setup with CR6s and other devices (items sold separately)

3D/CAD Files:

Detailed Description

The CR6 is the only monitoring platform currently available that operates as an edge device and gateway with connectivity, provides an industry standard for rugged design, has universal sensor compatibility and communication options, and includes VSPECT for vibrating wire measurements.

Edge and Gateway Device

The variability and site-specific challenges and constraints that exist in robust monitoring networks typically result in a wide array of devices to achieve full functionality. With built-in and modular measurement, processing, control, and communication capabilities, the CR6 is the only device that is needed.

As a gateway device, the CR6 converts the data measured into the format or protocol required to seamlessly communicate on your network—whether on your computer or the cloud. Entry into the network does not require a separate edge device, as the CR6 also fills this role. Additionally, the CR6 forms a network as a connectivity device via spread-spectrum radio, Wi-Fi, serial, and RS-485.

Using the CR6 as an edge device and gateway with connectivity allows you to standardize on a single platform in your monitoring program. This simplifies purchasing, inventory management, and an overall required knowledge base. The CR6 is capable of a wide range of over thirty-five M2M protocols that include PakBus, MQTT, DNP3, IPv4, IPv6, HTTP/HTTPS, and PPP. Connectivity options include cellular, radio, satellite, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. These communication methods enable access to critical data and the ability to receive alarms triggered by user-configured thresholds and events.

Native Vibrating Wire Using VSPECT

VSPECT, Campbell Scientific’s patented technology for measuring vibrating wire sensors, significantly improves vibrating wire sensor measurements—regardless of the manufacturer of the sensor. For more details about this unique technology visit our VSPECT® Essentials web resource.

Integrated Benefits for Simplicity and Reduced Costs

The integrated benefits and capabilities of the CR6 make it the most flexible platform available. In addition to several spread-spectrum radio options that are compatible with available frequencies across the world, it also includes Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and compatibility with modular cellular and satellite modems. Using Campbell Scientific communication peripherals ensures complete compatibility and extremely low power consumption.

The built-in charge regulator, with direct connections for main power or solar panels, is used to keep your battery charged. An intelligently designed and maintained power supply ensures long-term functionality and helps to capture data from critical events when you need it.

With regular data collection intervals or remote access, the 4 MB of onboard CR6 memory will likely be sufficient. However, if your application requires high measurement frequency; long, unattended deployments; or data storage redundancy, the CR6 has built-in expandable memory via a microSD card.

Communication Options

The CR6 Automated Monitoring Platform is available in different integrated communications frequency radio options.

CR6-WIFI

The CR6-WIFI comes factory-configured as a Wi-Fi access point. Alternatively, the CR6-WIFI can be configured to join an existing Wi-Fi network with standard or Enterprise (EAP) security.

CR6-RF407

This 900 MHz, 250 mW, frequency-hopping spread-spectrum radio option can join a high-speed “mesh topology” radio network of other CR6s, ideal for medium-range, license-free radio communications.

CR6-RF412

Designed primarily for unlicensed operation in Australia and New Zealand, this 922 GHz, 250 mW, frequency-hopping spread-spectrum radio can join a high-speed “mesh topology” radio network of other CR6s and is also ideal for medium-range, license-free radio communications.

CR6-RF422

Used in the EU and ideal for short- to medium-range, license-free radio communications, this 868 MHz, 25 mW option includes listen-before-talk (LBT) and adaptive-frequency-agility (AFA). It can join a high-speed “mesh topology” radio network of other CR6s using the included RF422 radio.

CR6-RF452

With this internal 900 MHz, 1 W, frequency-hopping spread-spectrum radio option, the CR6-RF452 can be part of a “star topology” network where all radio-frequency (RF) traffic routes back through the gateway. This option is ideal for long-range, license-free radio communications.

Universal Measurement and Control Terminals

The Universal or “U” terminals allow each terminal to be configured to measure a multitude of different types of sensor outputs. This allows the CR6 to be used in many different applications, regardless of the sensor types required—analog, digital, smart, or vibrating wire. This nearly limitless array of sensors includes inclinometers, meteorologic, hydrologic, piezometers, water quality, etc. The flexibility of Universal channels allows you to standardize on a single monitoring platform for all projects.

Support Staff

Recognized for more than 45 years for our outstanding customer support, Campbell Scientific includes experienced product engineering teams, knowledgeable technical support, attentive sales staff, and market-focused professionals who are committed to ensuring your success throughout the lifetime of your project.

Rugged Design

Unique to all CR6 Automated Monitoring Platforms is the design and manufacturing process used to ensure operational integrity in the most extreme environments. Each CR6:

  • Includes surge electrostatic discharge (ESD) and over voltage protection, as well as dust protection.
  • Is fully tested for shock and vibration tolerance.
  • Is factory chamber tested for its full operational temperature range (standard range -40° to +70°C and extended range -55° to +85°C).
  • Has been proven in hundreds of real-world applications.

These extreme measures are required to manufacture a product with a meantime between failure (MTBF) of 557 years! This means that if you purchase a CR6 today, your probability of failures during the warranty period (three years) is 0.6%. The CR6 Automated Monitoring Platform will last the entirety of your project, even if that means decades.


Specifications

-NOTE-
  • Additional specifications are listed in the CR6 Specifications Sheet.
  • This information applies to CR6 dataloggers with serial numbers 7502 and newer. These data loggers have two blue stripes on the label.
Operating Temperature Range
  • -40° to +70°C (standard)
  • -55° to +85°C (extended)
  • Non-condensing environment
Maximum Scan Rate 1000 Hz
Case Material High-impact-resistant polycarbonate and UV-resistant TPE, recycle code 7
Analog Inputs Up to 12 single-ended or 6 differential (The CR6 has 12 universal [U] and 4 control [C] terminals that can be programmed for a variety of functions. The number of analog inputs, switched excitations, and digital ports assume all the ports are configured the same.)
Universal Inputs 12 individually configured inputs for analog or digital functions
Pulse Counters 16 (C1 to C4 and U1 to U12)
Communications Ports
  • Ethernet
  • USB Micro B
  • CS I/O
  • CPI
  • RS-485
  • RS-422
  • SDI-12
Data Storage Ports microSD
Switched 12 Volt 2 terminals
Digital I/O 16 terminals (C1 to C4, U1 to U12) configurable for digital input and output. Terminals are configurable in pairs for 5 V or 3.3 V logic for some functions.
Input Limits ±5 V
Analog Voltage Accuracy
  • Accuracy specifications do not include sensor or measurement noise.
  • ±(0.04% of measurement + offset) at 0° to 40°C
  • ±(0.06% of measurement + offset) at -40° to +70°C
  • ±(0.08% of measurement + offset) at -55° to +85°C (extended temperature range)
ADC 24-bit
Power Requirements
  • 16 to 32 Vdc for charger input (CHG) (Current limited at 12 Vdc to 1.2 A at 20°C maximum.)
  • 10 to 16 Vdc for battery input (BAT) (Current limited at 12 Vdc to 2.5 A maximum at 20°C.)
Real-Time Clock Accuracy ±3 min. per year (optional GPS correction to ±10 µs)
Internet Protocols Ethernet, PPP, RNDIS, ICMP/Ping, Auto-IP (APIPA), IPv4, IPv6, UDP, TCP, TLS (v1.2), DNS, DHCP, SLAAC, Telnet, HTTP(S), SFTP, FTP(S), POP3/TLS, NTP, SMTP/TLS, SNMPv3, CS I/O IP, MQTT
Communications Protocols CPI, PakBus, SDM, SDI-12, Modbus, TCP, DNP3, UDP, NTCIP, NMEA 0183, I2C, SPI, and others
Battery-backed SRAM for CPU Usage & Final Storage 4 MB
Data Storage 4 MB SRAM + 72 MB flash (Storage expansion of up to 16 GB with removable microSD flash memory card.)
Idle Current Drain, Average
  • Assumes 12 Vdc on BAT terminals; add 2 mA if using CHG terminals.
  • < 1 mA
Active Current Drain, Average
  • Assumes 12 Vdc on BAT terminals; add 2 mA if using CHG terminals.
  • 3 mA (1 Hz scan)
  • 67 mA (20 Hz scan)
Static Vibrating Wire Measurements Supported
Dimensions 21.0 x 10.2 x 5.6 cm (8.3 x 4.0 x 2.2 in.)
Additional clearance required for cables and leads.
Weight 0.42 to 0.52 kg (0.92 to 1.15 lb) depending on communication option selected

CR6-RF407 Option

Radio Type Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)
Output Power 5 to 250 mW (user-selectable)
Frequency 902 to 928 MHz (US, Canada)
RF Data Rate 200 kbps
Receive Sensitivity -101 dBm
Antenna Connector RPSMA (External antenna required; see www.campbellsci.com/order/rf407 for Campbell Scientific antennas.)
Idle Current Drain, Average 12 mA (@ 12 Vdc)
Active Current Drain, Average < 80 mA (@ 12 Vdc)

CR6-RF412 Option

Radio Type Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)
Output Power 5 to 250 mW (user-selectable)
Frequency 915 to 928 MHz (Australia, New Zealand)
RF Data Rate 200 kbps
Receive Sensitivity -101 dBm
Antenna Connector RPSMA (External antenna required; see www.campbellsci.com/order/rf412 for Campbell Scientific antennas.)
Idle Current Drain, Average 12 mA (@ 12 Vdc)
Active Current Drain, Average < 80 mA (@ 12 Vdc)

CR6-RF422 Option

Radio Type Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)
Output Power 2 to 25 mW (user-selectable)
Frequency 863 to 870 MHz (European Union)
RF Data Rate 10 kbps
Receive Sensitivity -106 dBm
Antenna Connector RPSMA (External antenna required; see www.campbellsci.com/order/rf422 for Campbell Scientific antennas.)
Idle Current Drain, Average 9.5 mA
Active Current Drain, Average 20 mA

CR6-RF427 Option

Radio Type Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)
Output Power 5 to 250 mW (user-selectable)
Frequency 902 to 907.5 MHz/915 to 928 MHz (Brazil)
RF Data Rate 200 kbps
Receive Sensitivity –101 dBm
Antenna Connector RPSMA (External antenna required.)
Idle Current Drain, Average 12 mA (@ 12 Vdc)
Active Current Drain, Average < 80 mA (@ 12 Vdc)

CR6-RF452 Option

Radio Type Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)
Output Power 10 to 1,000 mW (user-selectable)
Frequency 902 to 928 MHz
RF Data Rate 115.2 or 153.6 kbps (selectable speeds)
Receiver Sensitivity
  • -108 dBm at 115.2 kbps (for 10-4 BER)
  • -103 dBm at 153.6 kbps (for 10-4 BER)
RF Connector Reverse Polarity SMA (RPSMA) jack (external antenna required)
Idle Current Drain, Average 15 mA (@ 12 Vdc)
Active Current Drain, Average 650 mA (@ 12 Vdc)

CR6-WIFI Option

Operational Modes Client or Access Point
Operating Frequency 2.4 GHz, 20 MHz bandwidth
Antenna Connector RPSMA
Antenna pn 16005 unity gain (0 dBd), 1/2 wave whip, omnidirectional with articulating knuckle joint for vertical or horizontal orientation
Transmit Power 7 to 18 dBm (5 to 63 mW)

Compatibility

Please note: The following shows notable compatibility information. It is not a comprehensive list of all compatible products.

Software

Compatible Note
DevConfig (Version 2.10 or higher)
LoggerLink (Version 1.3 or higher)
LoggerNet (Version 4.3 or higher)
PC400 (Version 4.3 or higher)
RTDAQ (Version 1.2 or higher)
Short Cut (Version 3.1 or higher)

Additional Compatibility Information

Sensors

With several terminal types, the CR6 is compatible with nearly every available sensor, including analog (both voltage and current), thermocouples, serial, SDI-12, vibrating wire, pulse, and frequency sensors. 

Measurement and Control Peripherals

The CR6 is compatible with all CDMs, multiplexers, vibrating wire interfaces, terminal input modules, and relays.

Communications

The CR6 communicates with a PC via direct USB port, 10/100baseT Ethernet port, Wi-Fi, multidrop modems, short-haul modems, phone modems (land-line, digital cellular, and voice-synthesized), RF telemetry, and satellite transmitters (HDR GOES, Argos, Meteosat, Iridium, and Inmarsat).

Data can be viewed on an iOS or Android device.

Data Logger Option Radio Type Integrated Radio Is Over-the-Air Compatible With

CR6-WIFI

2.4 GHz, 20 MHz bandwidth

Most other Wi-Fi devices, such as the CR310-WIFI, CR300-WIFI, NL240

CR6-RF407

902 to 928 MHz Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum

RF407, CR300-RF407, CRVW3-RF407

CR6-RF412

915 to 928 MHz Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum

RF412, CR300-RF412, CRVW3-RF412 

CR6-RF422

868 MHz SRD860 LBT+AFA

RF422, CR300-RF422, CRVW3-RF422 

CR6-RF452

902 to 928 MHz, 1 W Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum

RF450, RF451, RF452, CR6-RF451, CR350-RF452

Enclosures

The CR6 and its power supply can be housed in any of our standard enclosures.

Power

The CR6 uses an external power source and has a built-in charger/regulator. Intelligent power sourcing autoselects the highest voltage from three input sources (CHG, BAT, or USB) to operate in one of the following four modes:

  • UPS (recommended)—A 16 to 32 Vdc source, solar panel (SP10, SP20), or power converter is used to charge a 12 Vdc battery, such as our BP7, BP12, or BP24.
  • 12 Vdc battery or other reliable 12 Vdc source
  • Charge only—dc power supply (16 to 32 Vdc)
  • USB—Powered over 5 Vdc USB port for setup, programming, and testing (will not charge battery or boost USB power to provide 12 Vdc to the SW12 switched battery terminals or the 12V power output terminal)

Software

CRBasic, the CR6's full programming language, supports simple or complex programming and many on-board data reduction processes. The CR6 is compatible with CRBasic (version 3.5 or higher).

Downloads

CR6 OS v.14.01 (8.56 MB) 26-09-2024

This download is for the CR6 datalogger. Execution of this download places the Operating System file(.obj) on your computer. It also updates the CRBasic Editor compiler and support files. 

Why Update?   UID (unique identifier) is now utilized for enhancing security along with other features and bug fixes. With this OS update it is recommended that you also update the Device Configuration Utility to the most recent version so that new datalogger features are available in the utility.  

Note: Campbell Scientific always recommends updating operating systems on site if possible. When remote updates are required, it is recommended that you implement the necessary precautions to handle unexpected OS upload complications. All datalogger settings should be retained when updated remotely. If you choose to roll back to a previous operating system, the datalogger settings will be reset to default.

Watch the Video Tutorial: Sending an OS to a Local Datalogger.

View Revision History

Device Configuration Utility v.2.30 (46.9 MB) 02-10-2024

A software utility used to download operating systems and set up Campbell Scientific hardware. Also will update PakBus Graph and the Network Planner if they have been installed previously by another Campbell Scientific software package.

Supported Operating Systems:

Windows 11 or 10 (Both 32 and 64 bit)

View Revision History

CPI Calculator v.1.0 (2.49 MB) 06-07-2016

The CPI Calculator is a downloadable Microsoft Excel spreadsheet used to estimate the usage and capacity of a CPI network.  The calculator provides an overview on CPI devices including the CDM-A108, CDM-A116, CDM-VW300, CDM-VW305, and the CSAT3B.  The calculator can also estimate the measurement speed of the CDM-A108 and CDM-A116 based on the number of channels and measurement parameters.

 

The CPI Calculator is an estimation tool and will help you better understand and design CPI networks by considering the following:

  1. What is the capability of each CDM or CPI device
  2. What is the CPI network capacity
  3. How much of the CPI capacity are the CDMs or CPI devices using

 

FAQs for

Number of FAQs related to CR6: 6

Expand AllCollapse All

  1. A practical maximum is to connect one multiplexer per every two control terminals on the data logger. Control terminals can be shared between multiplexers to increase the number of connected multiplexers. Sharing terminals, however, requires more complex wiring and programming. Users who would like to connect more than one multiplexer per every two control terminals are advised to contact a sales or support engineer at Campbell Scientific for assistance.

  2. The CR6 has true RS-232 levels on the RJ45 (CPI), and the data logger can be programmed for RS-232 levels on C1-C2 and C3-C4.

     

  3. When idle, the CR1000, CR6, and CR1000X consume less than 1 mA @ 12Vdc. Similar to the CR6, the CR1000X has a much faster processor that requires more power when up and running. As such, there will be higher current draws during active measurements, serial communications, or when plugged into a PC via USB or Ethernet.

    It may be helpful to think of the CR6 and CR1000X as being built on the same "platform."

  4. Campbell Scientific sells, and embeds in their products, microSD cards that have single-level cell (SLC) memory. In contrast, many electronics retailers sell microSD cards that have multi-level cell (MLC) memory. The difference between these two types of memory is significant.

    • The SLC microSD cards from Campbell Scientific are better suited for industrial and environmental applications where wide operating temperatures, low power consumption, and longevity are very important. Most SLC memory cards are designed with industrial applications in mind and, therefore, often have additional perks such as enhanced protection from ESD (electrostatic discharge) and mechanical damage.
    • The MLC microSD cards commonly available at electronics retailers are less expensive, but they are generally not well suited for the majority of applications in which Campbell Scientific data acquisition products are used.
  5. Yes. The communications tasks run independently of each other, and multiple computers can be connected at the same time. If PakBus is being used to communicate, ensure that the computers are using different PakBus addresses to communicate to the data logger.

  6. The serial modem can be connected to a CR6 using any of the following methods:

    • Connect the modem to the RS-232/CPI port on the CR6 using cable pn 31055 (RS-232/CPI RJ45 to DB9 Pin [Male] DTE).
    • Connect the modem to the RS-232/CPI port on the CR6 using cable pn 31056 (RS-232/CPI RJ45 to DB9 Socket [Female] DCE).
    • Connect the modem to a C or U terminal pair on the CR6, where the pair has been configured for serial I/O.
    • Connect the modem to the CS I/O port on the CR6 using an SC105.