Extra Memory

Internal memory
Extra memory is available for the Squirrel in the following sizes:

One module only may be fitted to a Squirrel. Eltek loggers now download at 38400 baud, and in practice this is about 1000 readings per second.

PC Cards (PCMCIA)
As an option, the logger can be fitted with a slot for an SRAM memory card. The logger can record directly onto the card or the user can copy the internal memory to the card for easy transfer of the data to a computer equipped with a PC card slot. SRAM cards are available for storing up to 2M readings. Darca Software includes tools for setting up the card and transferring the data from the card to a file suitable for analysis or translation to ASCII format using any of the standard software. We recommend using Pretec, Panasonic or Mitsubishi cards as these have the lowest power consumption. (We have found that not all SRAM cards are suitable, particularly those with rechargeable batteries and that some older versions have high power consumption when used with the Squirrel.)

512K SRAM	Low power SRAM card for 260,000 readings
1M SRAM	Low power SRAM card for 520,000 readings
2M SRAM	Low power SRAM card for 1040K readings
4M SRAM	Low power SRAM card for 2080K readings

SMS Alarm Notification

Eltek has implemented firmware for the 1000 Series Squirrels which will send a text message to up to 10 telephone numbers using the GSM-mdm modem option:

• The text message is designed to indicate channels which have strayed outside the alarm thresholds.
• The message contains the logger number, the channel identifier, the current reading and whether the reading is high or low.
• The channel identifier can be the channel number or a text identifying the particular channel.
• To avoid sending multiple SMS messages, the logger has the facility to repeat the message at predetermined intervals if the channel is still in alarm. In addition, the time of the messages can be specified. So as well as sending a message as soon as the alarm is asserted, the logger repeats the message at say every 8 hours from 10.00am.
• Multiple alarms on several channels are all sent in the same text message.
• Darca Plus has been upgraded to incorporate the SMS settings and setting the phone numbers.

The SMS Specification Page contains more in-depth information about how the SMS messages are sent and what they contain.

All Squirrels with a serial number greater than 5000 and running Darca Plus v2 or v3 can be equipped retrofitted with the feature. Please contact Eltek or your local distributor.

Specify the "SMS-Text" option at the time of order.

For users running Darca Plus v1 or Darca Lite it will be necessary to upgrade to Darca Plus v2 (this is a chargeable upgrade). Thereafter the "SMS-text" option can be installed.

For Squirrels with a serial number less than 5000 that require Text facility please contact Eltek to advise the best route to providing the feature.

The GSM modem kit (type 'GSM-mdm') can be ordered from Eltek and is delivered complete with antenna. A SIM card will be required and can be obtained from your Service Provider. Alternatively, Eltek can supply the SIM card (Vodaphone Pay-as-you-talk) and install it in the modem, thereby minimising your start up time and assuring immediate connection to the network.

Faster Logging

The Squirrel normally has a minimum logging interval of one second and can record up to 10 analogue channels per second. For faster logging, special Squirrels are available which can measure up to 8 channels with a minimum logging interval of 0.1sec. This option is currently not available on all loggers but is being constantly updated.