Robust, flexible, and configured to receive messages
Overview
The AL205B is an ALERT2 receiver that is configured to support receiving ALERT2 messages typically used at base stations.
The AL205B is configured with a radio receiver. Three serial ports allow for input and output to several devices including a data logger, PC, and serial media converters. Local and remote data collection and administration are possible through the micro USB console and Ethernet ports, with Ethernet being a highly convenient method for transmitting received data over local or wide-area IP networks. The USB host port supports flash drives and peripherals to load settings and firmware, as well as transfer log files from the SD flash drive. Either the GPS or NTP functionality can be used to provide time synchronization, and LEDs offer status and activity indicators.
This ALERT2 Base is suitable for remote, unattended deployments. A co-located data logger can provide local meteorological measurements such as rain, wind, and barometric pressure; provide status information such as battery voltage and intrusion detection; and serve as a communication medium and/or protocol converter for links such as satellite, cellular, and SCADA.
The AL205B supports configurable forward-error-correction (FEC), allowing for the use of 250 ms TDMA time slotting for faster TDMA cycle times and larger networks. The AL205B is firmware-upgradeable, giving you the ability to take advantage of features such as ALERT2 two-way and encryption.
Note: ALERT2 is a trademark of the National Hydrologic Warning Council.
Benefits and Features
- TCIP/IP streaming of received ALERT2 messages and error messages in binary or ASCII format
- Storage of received ALERT2 messages and error messages via a microSD card
- Ability to download logs and data in a secure manner via SFTP over a TCP/IP network
- ALERT2 network device status reporting (battery voltage, temperature, error flags, GPS clock status, and message statistics)
- Remote reconfiguration of device via secure TCP/IP connection
Images
Specifications
| Operating Temperature Range | -40° to +80°C |
| Power Connector | 2 pin, screw terminal |
| Power Supply | 9 to 17 Vdc (reverse polarity protected) |
| Current Drain at 12 Vdc |
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| RX Radio - Data Out Level | 300 to 1200 mV (peak to peak) |
| TX Radio - Data In Level | 100 to 1200 mV (peak to peak, configurable in 0.5 dB steps) |
| Clock Synchronization | GPS or NTP |
| Clock Drift |
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| RS-232 |
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| Ethernet | 10/100 Mb (fixed or DHCP addresses) |
| Storage | microSD expandable storage to record all ALERT2 traffic in ASCII format (N, P, S, C message) |
| LEDs | 10 status LEDs for Power, Bit Sync, Frame Sync, GPS On, Clock Sync, TX Radio Power, Transmit, Serial 1, Serial 2, Serial 3 |
| Active GPS Antenna | SMA, female |
| RX Radio | 4 pin, spring clip (power, gnd, data, channel select) |
| TX Radio | 5 pin, spring clip (power, gnd, ptt, data, channel select) |
| Certifications | FCC Part 15 Class A certified |
| Dimensions | 19.05 x 10.16 x 3.18 cm (7.5 x 4 x 1.25 in.) |
| Weight | 600 g (1.3 lb) |
Compatibility
The AL205B is compatible with ALERT2 and ALERT networks. Learn more about the ALERT2 protocol at www.hydrologicwarning.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=617218&module_id=83216. The AL205B integrates well with ALERT2 Administrator for LoggerNet.
The AL205B is compatible with NHWC ALERT2 AirLink v1.1, MANT v1.1, and API v1.0. It supports ALERT2 API input, as well as ALERT2 API and ASCII output. The AL205B implements proposed protocol extensions for the following:
- Configurable Forward Error Correction
- Encryption and Authorization
- End-to-End Reliable Datagram Service
The AL205B offers complete address list support to maintain pass or reject lists based on the source or destination address.
Downloads
A2Control Software v.1.4.2 (23.9 MB) 16-08-2022
A2Control software to control and configure the AL205B and AL205R.