AVW206
AVW206
Limited availability900 MHz Wireless 2-Channel Vibrating Wire Analyzer Module
Overview
The AVW206 is a vibrating wire analyzer module that includes an internal 910 to 918 MHz spread-spectrum radio for wireless communication, typically used in the U.S. and Canada. With this vibrating wire analyzer module, your data logger can measure vibrating wire strain gages, pressure transducers, piezometers, tiltmeters, crackmeters, and load cells. These sensors are used in a wide variety of structural, hydrological, and geotechnical applications because of their stability, accuracy, and durability.
Key Advantages
Signal Noise
Includes built-in radio
Technical Description
The AVW206 uses vibrating wire spectral-analysis technology (VSPECT™). VSPECT observes the incoming sensor signal, performs a Fourier transform and a spectral analysis (transforming the time series into individual sinusoidal components in the frequency spectrum), and determines the sensor frequency by identifying the largest signal in the acceptable range while filtering out environmental and electrical noise.
The AVW206 analyzer module also provides many self-checking diagnostics such as vibrating element signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, vibrating element signal decay ratio, and incorrect signal response. These diagnostics can be running in the background to give continual feedback of the condition for each sensor.
The AVW206 typically transmits its data to an RF401(A) spread-spectrum radio that is connected to the data logger. The AVW206 can also be connected directly to the data logger.
Benefits
- Provides better measurements by significantly reducing incorrect readings caused by noise sources
- Interfaces two vibrating wire sensors; more sensors may be connected if an AM16/32B multiplexer is used
- Self-checking diagnostics give continual feedback on sensor condition
- High resolution—less than 0.001 Hz (industry standard is 0.1 Hz)
- Low current drain
- Remote, wireless operation with on-board radio
- Interfaces both temperature and frequency measurements from vibrating wire sensors
Specifications
- -NOTE-
- Electrical specifications are valid over a -25° to +50°C range unless otherwise specified. Non-condensing environment required.
- Internal Radio Frequency Range
- 910 to 918 MHz
- Radio Power
- 250 mW
Older AVW206 modules (serial # < 11224) have 100 mW radios. - Number of Vibrating Wire Sensors Measured
- Up to 2 vibrating wire sensors can be connected to the analyzer module.
Additional sensors can be measured by using an AM16/32-series multiplexer.
- Power Requirements
- 9.6 to 16 Vdc
- Analog Input/Outputs
- 2 differential (DF) vibrating wire measurements (V+ and V-) and 2 single-ended (SE) ratiometric resistive half-bridge measurements (T+ and T-) for vibrating wire sensor's onboard temperature sensor.
- Digital Control Ports
- 3 digital control ports (C1 – C3)
C1 functions as an SDI-12 I/O communication port.C2 functions as a Clk output for multiplexer control.C3 functions as a Reset output for multiplexer control.
- RS-232 Port
- 1 9-pin RS-232 port
(for connecting to a data logger COM port)
- Measurement Resolution
- 0.001 Hz RMS
(±250 mV differential input range; -55° to +85°C)
- Measurement Accuracy
- ±0.013% of reading
(±250 mV differential input range; -55° to +85°C)
- Input Voltage Range
- ±250 mV
(differential) for vibrating wire inputs
- Common Mode Range
- ±25 V
- Baud Rates
- Selectable from 1200 to 38.4 kbps
(ASCII protocol is one start bit, one stop bit, eight data bits, and no parity.)
- Memory
- Either 128 or 512 kB of SRAM2 MB of OS Flash
- CE Compliance Standards to which Conformity Is Declared
- IEC61326:2002
- Dimensions
- 21.6 x 11.18 x 3.18 cm
(8.5 x 4.5 x 1.2 in.)
- Weight
- 0.43 kg
(0.95 lb)
Typical Current Drain @ 12 Vdc
- Quiescent, Radio Off
- ~0.3 mA
- Radio Duty Cycling 1 s
- ~3 mA
(includes quiescent current)
- Radio Always On
- ~26 mA
(radio transmit current 100 mA)
- Active RS-232 Communication
- ~6 mA
(3 s after communication stops, the current will drop to the quiescent current.)
- Measurement
- ~25 mA
(averaged over the 2 s)
Accessories
(9)14204
900 MHz 0 dBd 1/2 Wave Omnidirectional Antenna with RPSMA Connector
Orderable15970
900 MHz 1 dBd Omnidirectional Dipole Antenna with Adhesive Mount
Orderable14201
900 MHz 9 dBd Yagi Antenna with Mounting Hardware
Orderable14221
900 MHz 3 dBd Omnidirectional Antenna with Mounting Hardware
Orderable15731
900 MHz 0 dBd 1/4 Wave Omnidirectional Antenna with RPSMA Connector
Limited availability15730
900 MHz 0 dBd 1/4 Wave Omnidirectional Antenna with RPSMA Connector
Limited availability18663
Null Modem Cable, 9-Pin PIn (Male) to 9-Pin Pin (Male)
Orderable17855
Serial Cable, DB9 Pin (Male) to Pigtail
OrderableCABLE3CBL
3-Conductor 22 AWG Cable with Drain
Orderable
Common Accessories
(10)14201
900 MHz 9 dBd Yagi Antenna with Mounting Hardware
The AVW206 requires the purchase of an antenna. Six antennas are offered. The 14201 is a high-gain (9 dBd), directional (Yagi) antenna suitable for outdoor use. It has a narrow beam width, so precise aiming is mandatory. The 14201 is useful for longer distances and when communicating only with one other station (due to narrow beam width). The antenna has a TYPE N female connector and requires an antenna cable to connect it to the AVW206.
Orderable14221
900 MHz 3 dBd Omnidirectional Antenna with Mounting Hardware
The AVW206 requires the purchase of an antenna. Six antennas are offered. The 14221 has the highest gain (3 dBd) of our omnidirectional antennas. It has a TYPE N female connector and requires an antenna cable to connect it to the AVW206.
Orderable14204
900 MHz 0 dBd 1/2 Wave Omnidirectional Antenna with RPSMA Connector
The AVW206 requires the purchase of an antenna. Six antennas are offered. The 14204 is a unity gain (0 dBd) omnidirectional antenna. This antenna must reside inside a building or enclosure. It's right angle knuckle joint can be oriented vertically or at right angles. The 14204 attaches directly to the AVW206 (antenna cable not required).
Orderable15731
900 MHz 0 dBd 1/4 Wave Omnidirectional Antenna with RPSMA Connector
The AVW206 requires the purchase of an antenna. Six antennas are offered. The 15731 is a unity gain (0 dBd), straight, omnidirectional antenna that attaches directly to the AVW206 (antenna cable not required). This antenna must reside inside of a building or enclosure.
Limited availability15730
900 MHz 0 dBd 1/4 Wave Omnidirectional Antenna with RPSMA Connector
The AVW206 requires the purchase of an antenna. Six antennas are offered. The 15730 is a unity gain (0 dBd), right angle, omnidirectional antenna that attaches directly to the AVW206 (antenna cable not required). This antenna must reside inside of a building or enclosure.
Limited availability15970
900 MHz 1 dBd Omnidirectional Dipole Antenna with Adhesive Mount
The AVW206 requires the purchase of an antenna. Six antennas are offered. The 15970 is an omnidirectional antenna with a 1 dBd gain. It includes adhesive backing that adheres to a wall, rear-view mirror, window, or another suitable flat, non-conductive surface. A 79 in.cable is provided for attaching the antenna to the AVW206. The 15930 must reside inside of a building or enclosure.
OrderableCOAXRPSMA
LMR195 Antenna Cable with Reverse Polarity SMA and Type N Pin (Male) Connector
Either this cable or the COAXNTN (see below) is required when using the 14201 or 14221 antennas. The COAXRPSMA is an LMR 195 cable that terminates in a type N pin (male) connector on the "antenna end" and a Reverse Polarity SMA (RPSMA) pin (male) connector on the "transceiver end." This cable is recommended for applications where the cable length is less than 10 feet.
OrderableCOAXNTN
RG8 Antenna Cable with 2 Type N Pin (Male) Connectors
Either this cable or the COAXRPSMA (see above) is required when using the 14201 or 14221 antennas. The COAXNTN is a low-loss RG8 coaxial cable that requires the 14462 surge suppressor to connect it to the AVW206. The COAXNTN/14462 combination is recommended over the COAXRPSMA when the antenna cable is longer than 10 feet (as measured between the transceiver and the antenna) or when the AVW206 is used in an environment susceptible to lightning or electrostatic buildup.
Orderable31314
Surge Protection Kit, Type N to RPSMA, 700 to 2700 MHz
The 31314 is an RF surge protection kit with flange mounting bracket. It may be flange-mounted to an enclosure backplate or bulkhead-mounted through an enclosure wall. One side of the surge protector connects to a radio with an RPSMA antenna connection. The other side connects to an antenna/antenna coaxial cable with Type N connector.
Orderable21212
Black Cold Shrink Tape
This 10 ft (3.1 m) roll of 1"-wide black self-vulcanizing tape can help protect the connection of outdoor antennas. After connecting the coaxial cable to the antenna, wrap the tape around the connectors that are exposed to the environment.
Orderable
Other Accessories
(3)18663
Null Modem Cable, 9-Pin PIn (Male) to 9-Pin Pin (Male)
This 1-ft, null modem cable has 9-pin connectors on both ends. The 18663 can connect the AVW206's RS-232 port to the datalogger's RS-232 port.
Orderable17855
Serial Cable, DB9 Pin (Male) to Pigtail
One end of this cable is fitted with a 9-pin connector, and the other end terminates in pigtails. The 17855 is used to connect the AVW206's RS-232 port to a pair of control ports on a CR800, CR850, CR1000, or CR3000.
OrderableCABLE3CBL
3-Conductor 22 AWG Cable with Drain
The CABLE3CBL is recommended to connect the AVW206 to a datalogger when SDI-12 is used. This 22-AWG, three-conductor cable has a Santoprene jacket and an aluminum Mylar shield.
Orderable
Replacement Parts
(6)3768
2-Pin Screw Terminal Plug Connector
This green, plug-in power connector is shipped attached to the AVW206. The 3768 provides screw terminals for connecting the 12V and GND wires of the 19246 power cable. The other end of the 19246 power cable connects to the 12V and G terminals of a datalogger or power supply.
Orderable20581
Green Terminal Connector Plug
The 20581 provides screw terminals for connecting the sensor(s) and multiplexer(s) to the AVW206. This green, plug-in connector may be purchased to have a spare terminal strip or as a replacement item if the strip has been lost or damaged.
Orderable19246
Power Cable, AVW200-Series to Datalogger
The 19246 power cable connects to the 12V and G terminals of a datalogger or power supply. It is shipped with the AVW206 and available as a replacement part.
Orderable10873
Serial Data Cable, 9-Pin Socket (Female) to 9-Pin Pin (Male)
This RS-232 cable connects the AVW206 to a PC. The AVW206 is connected to a PC during configuration and troubleshooting. The 10873 is shipped with the AVW206 and available as a replacement part.
Orderable505
Screw #6-32 x .375 Pan Phillips
These screws, along with the 6044 grommets, are commonly used together to secure our equipment to the backplates of our enclosures.
Orderable6044
Grommet for #6 or #8 Screw
These grommets are commonly used with the 505 screws to secure our equipment to the backplates of our enclosures.
Orderable
Services
(2)21107
900 MHz Radio Test Kit Rental for 5 Business Days
The 21107 provides a two week rental of a 900 MHz spread spectrum demo kit that allows customers to test the 900 MHz spread spectrum radio incorporated in the AVW206. The kit includes two CR206 dataloggers; each CR206 datalogger has an internal 900 MHz spread spectrum radio. With this kit, customers can ensure that the spread spectrum radio will work in their system's environment, and can also determine the best antenna options for their system. An applications engineer must be connected with each order containing this demo kit. The applications engineer needs to ensure that all of the equipment is returned within the allotted two-week time period.
Orderable21109
5 Additional Days of Usage of Radio Test Kit
The time period of the demo kit's rental starts when Campbell Scientific ships the kit and ends when Campbell Scientific receives the kit. Each week, or a portion thereof, past the original two week rental will be charged this amount.
Orderable
An applications engineer must be connected with each order containing the demo kit.
Compatibility
Sensors
The AVW206 Vibrating Wire Spectrum Analyzer Module allows our data loggers to measure vibrating wire strain gages, pressure transducers, piezometers, tiltmeters, crackmeters, and load cells.
Communications
The AVW206's internal spread spectrum radio can transmit data to an RF401A, RF401, or RF430. The AVW206 does not have a transparent mode, and therefore its internal radio cannot communicate with an RF400 radio.
Enclosure Considerations
The AVW206 requires a desiccated, non-condensing environment. A Campbell Scientific enclosure is recommended when the analyzer module is in the field. The AVW206 has built-in keyhole flanges for mounting to an enclosure backplate.
Power Considerations
The AVW206 is typically powered by the data logger's power supply.
Operating System Considerations
Newer modules with 250 mW radios must use OS 5 or higher for their operating system.
Compatible Products
(10)CR310
Measurement and Control Datalogger
OrderableNotes—ENC10/12
Weather-Resistant Enclosure, 10 x 12 inches
OrderableNotesIf using the RS-232 port, the AVW206 must be mounted flat to fit in an ENC10/12.
ENC10/12R
Raised Lid Enclosure, 10 x 12 inches
OrderableNotesIf using the RS-232 port, the AVW206 must be mounted flat to fit in an ENC10/12Rl
ENC12/14
Weather-Resistant Enclosure, 12 x 14 inches
OrderableNotesIf using the RS-232 port, the AVW206 must be mounted flat to fit in an ENC12/14.
ENC14/16
Weather-Resistant Enclosure, 14 x 16 inches
OrderableNotes—ENC16/18
Weather-Resistant Enclosure, 16 x 18 inches
OrderableNotes—ENC24/30
Painted Steel Enclosure, 24 x 30 inches
OrderableNotes—ENC24/30S
Stainless-Steel Enclosure, 24 x 30 inches
OrderableNotes—CR350
Measurement and Control Datalogger
OrderableNotes—CR1000Xe
Measurement and Control Datalogger
OrderableNotes—
Related Resources
Case Studies

Kentucky: Dam Repair
Monitoring reservoir seepage during dam repair
Kentucky
November 23, 2009
View
Louisiana: Monitoring Bridge Expansion
Monitoring bridge stresses during widening
New Orleans, Louisiana
June 3, 2010
View
Delaware: Urgent Action on Bridge
Bridge monitoring
Wilmington, Delaware
March 12, 2018
View
Documents
- Manual
AVW200-series 2-Channel Vibrating Wire Spectrum Analyzer Modules
February 2025
View Document - Brochure
Vibrating Wire Spectral-Analysis Technology (VSPECT)
April 2017
View Document - Brochure
AVW206 900 MHz Wireless 2-Channel Vibrating Wire Analyzer Module
March 2026
View Document - Manual
AVW200 Series Product Manual (online)
February 2025
View Document
Showing 4 of 5 results
See all DocumentsDownloads
- AVW200 OSv06Login required
June 10, 2016
OS and FirmwareCurrent AVW200 firmware. Use the Device Configuration Utility version 1.13 or greater to send firmware and to configure the AVW200.
- AVW200 Program Examplesv1Login required
January 31, 2025
Software ApplicationsExample programs for the AVW200 and AVW206. The examples demonstrate a direct RS-232 connection to the AVW200, a wireless connection to an AVW206, an SDI-12 connection to the AVW200 and using multiplexers with the AVW200.
