The Secret Telstra Handshake

The NextG modem is sold without an airtime agreement. The user must arrange connection of the modem to a network and have it enabled for data use. The service provider will supply a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM), which plugs into the MM-6280IND and acts as a key to enable its use.

When setting up the account, the service provider may require some information such as the make and model of the modem being used. They will then set up an account and provide a phone number. This phone number is a voice number. However, voice is not supported in the MM- 6280IND, and it is not possible for the data logger to receive data calls (circuit switched data) and SMS with a voice number.

A data number is required for circuit switched data and SMS transmissions to the data logger. The service provider will need to know this information when setting up the account and enabling the SIM card. Furthermore, you will need to ensure that Code 2620 is activated on your account.

Code 2620 is Telstra’s code for data service on NextG. There are also options that can be specified to reduce complexity and cost of the service. You can strip all ancillary services such as Call Waiting, Call Diversion and Message Bank as these are not required.

If the unit is set up with a security code or pin number, it should be disabled before use with the Campbell Scientific data logger. The security code or pin number can be disabled by putting the SIM card into a normal digital mobile phone and select the security menu. Exact key presses will depend on the mobile phone used, but from this menu the PIN should be able to be disabled.

Monitoring Success - CSA officially Opens New Premises

The official opening of Campbell Scientific Australia’s new premises was held on Friday 30th March in Townsville, Australia. Approximately 40 dignitaries, customers, board members, invited guests and staff attended the function. We had customers travel from Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide which was very pleasing in view of the long distances involved.

Above: Campbell Scientific Australia - New Premises - Front View

These exciting new premises are the culmination of 19 years of hard work and planning, with a good degree of the credit to go to Bert Tanner, a Director on CSA’s Board for most of that time.

Situated on a 6800m2 block, the former ten pin bowling alley building was ideally suited to CSA’s current and future needs. The large open plan frame was completely stripped and redesigned to provide purpose built premises. CSA currently occupies the rear half of the building and in the short to medium term, plan on sub leasing the front half. The approximate 1000m2 that we now occupy is double the area of our previous premises and will allow us to more than double our capacity before we will need to expand into the front half of the building. This move will then allow us to quadruple our current size and there will still be room for future expansion on the block if needed.

Above: Reception

Our Open Day comprised presentation sessions in the morning and afternoon, hands on product displays, and finished with a small celebration at the end of the day. Informative displays and demonstrations of many CS products, as well as an overview of some of our most recent case studies; including some spectacular pictures of applications on the Great Barrier Reef, were prepared for the event.

Above: The application engineers room - chatting with guests

Products on display included the CS data loggers and peripherals, the new IRGASON integrated gas analyser and sonic anemometer, the range of OBS water quality sensors, our latest family of discrete and composite water samplers, a visibility sensor developed by Campbell Scientific Limited in the UK, a new outdoor camera developed by Campbell Scientific Canada, the Hydrosense II developed here at CSA, various weather stations including the quick deploy FIREHAWK for fire fighting applications, as well a range of equipment suitable for Geotech applications such as the TDR systems we supply.

 Thanks to all customers and suppliers that were able to attend and to all CSA staff who put in an extra effort to make this a day to remember.

CSA Welcomes Apogee President Dr. Bruce Bugbee

Bruce Bugbee at Campbell Scientific Australia

This week we were very fortunate to have Dr. Bruce Bugbee, President and founder of Apogee Instruments visit us here in Townsville. A frequent visitor to Australia, Bruce is here to speak at the Australasian Controlled Environment Working Group (ACEWG) at Charles Sturt University in Wagga. Apart from his work at Apogee, Bruce is also Professor of Plants, Soils and Biometeorology at the Utah State University. This year he was awarded the Governor’s Science and Technology Medal for his accomplishments over a lifetime and in the short time he was here with us, it became clear why he is held in such esteem.

Campbell Scientific and Apogee Instruments have a close affiliation. Apart from being neighbours in Logan Utah, both companies have an over-arching mission to improve the process of measurement - pure and simple. We were delighted to be reminded by Bruce of our shared passion for the scientific process and the significance and potential impact of better measurements on the big issues of the day - most notably limited water resource, food production and creating a sustainable future.

We look forward to a continuing close relationship with Apogee Instruments and the refinement and development of measurement tools and technologies to address real-world problems.

You can find some great articles on the Apogee blog - with new material weekly
http://blog.apogeeinstruments.com/