AM16/32B

Datalogger Considerations

Programming

A series of datalogger instructions control the AM16/32B operation (measurement instructions that are repetitive are generally contained within a programming loop; in the CR800-series, CR1000, CR3000, and CR5000, this functionality is available in the SubScan instruction).

Compatible Contemporary Dataloggers

CR200(X) Series	CR800/CR850	CR1000	CR3000	CR5000	CR7X	CR9000X
						*

Compatible Retired Dataloggers

CR500	CR510	CR10	CR10X	21X	CR23X	CR9000
						*

Note:
*Although the CR9000X and CR9000 are compatible, the AM16/32B does not support their fastest communication rates and therefore is not practical for most CR9000(X) applications.

Sensors

Compatible sensors include thermistors, potentiometers, load cells, strain gages, vibrating wire or vibrating strip transducers, water content reflectometers, and soil moisture blocks. The AM25T is recommended for multiplexing thermocouples.

Maximum Number of Sensor Connections

The maximum number of sensors multiplexed through one AM16/32B depends on the type(s) of sensors measured. For example, assuming identical sensors, the AM16/32B can multiplex up to:

• 32 single-ended or differential sensors that require two wires (e.g., thermistors, half bridges)
• 16 single-ended or differential sensors that require four wires (e.g., full bridges, four-wire half bridges)
• 32 vibrating wire sensors (16 with temperature) in conjunction with an AVW1, AVW4, AVW100, or AVW200-series Vibrating Wire Interface
• 48 half-bridge measurements (assumes common excitation and completion resistors at the datalogger)
• 48 CS616 Water Content Reflectometers (assumes common excitation)
• 32 gypsum soil moisture blocks (model 223 or 253). The AM16/32B eliminates the requirement for dc blocking capacitors, significantly reducing sensor cost

Power Considerations

The AM16/32B draws less than 210 microamps quiescent, 6 milliamps active—so power considerations are heavily tied to the percentage of time in quiescent versus active states. Use of a relay address can reduce power consumption by minimizing the time spent in an active state.

In most applications, the datalogger’s sealed rechargeable power supply should be more than sufficient; the datalogger’s alkaline power supply could be used in applications where the multiplexer is activated infrequently.

Enclosure Considerations

The AM16/32B operates in most field conditions but requires a non-condensing environment. A weather-resistant enclosure equipped with desiccant is required for field use. A smaller enclosure is often used if the multiplexer is housed at a distance from the datalogger.

If the AM16/32B is to be housed in the datalogger’s enclosure, one AM16/32B, a CR800, CR850, CR1000, CR3000, or CR10X datalogger, and a PS100 power supply will fit in an ENC12/14. For convenience in wiring, a larger enclosure (e.g., ENC16/18) is recommended.

Compatible Enclosures

ENC10/12	ENC10/12R	ENC12/14	ENC14/16	ENC16/18
*

Note:
*Mounted sideways only.

Software

LoggerNet, PC400, and ShortCut are compatible with the AM16/32B. Short Cut software (available at no charge from our website) supports simple programming and generates wiring diagrams for AM16/32B applications; early versions of Short Cut did not support multiplexers.