In-Situ Inc.
221 E Lincoln Ave.
Ft. Collins, CO 80524
970-498-1500
Level TROLL® Comparison | Recommended Systems
Level TROLL® 100 | Level TROLL® 300 | Level TROLL® 500 | Level TROLL® 700 | BaroTROLL®

In-Situ Inc. offers water level instruments for every applicaton and budget. Level TROLL® instruments contain everything needed for monitoring level, pressure, and temperature -- all in one design. Five data logging instruments are available and all are manufactured for accuracy, ruggedness, and ease-of-use.

The new, low-cost Level TROLL® 200 instrument measures and logs water level and temperature. The non-vented instrument is ideal for long-term groundwater or surface water monitoring. The chemically-resistant ABS body stands up to harsh conditions. Deploy with either suspension wire or direct-read cable to communicate with the RuggedReader® PC, laptop, or TROLL® Link telemetry system. Output options include Modbus RS485 or SDI-12.

Level TROLL® 100
Level TROLL® 300
Level TROLL® 500
Level TROLL® 700
BaroTROLL®
Recommended Systems
Manuals


The Level TROLL® is available in multiple versions to meet the needs of water professionals:

Versions
Level TROLL 100 Level TROLL 300 Level TROLL 500
Level TROLL 700
Overview Reliability at our lowest price. Ideally suited for non-vented, long-term water monitoring Simple, reliable and economical. Ideally suited for non-vented long-term level and/or pressure monitoring Highly accurate, reliable, and affordable. Ideally suited for long-term level and/or pressure monitoring. Fresh or marine. Our top-of-the-line unit. Powerful and flexible level monitoring. Optimized for multi-step aquifer testing, precision level monitoring, and research.
General
Operational Range -20°C to 50°C -20°C to 80°C -20°C to 80°C -20°C to 80°C
Storage Temp. -40°C to 80°C -40°C to 80°C -40°C to 80°C -40°C to 80°C
Diameter, OD 1.03" (26.2 mm) 0.82" (20.8 mm) 0.72" (18.3 mm) 0.72" (18.3 mm)
Length 5.5" (14.0 cm) 9.0" (22.9 cm) 8.5" (21.6 cm) 8.5" (21.6 cm)
Weight 6.0 oz (170 g) 8.6 oz (240 g) 6.9 oz (197 g) 6.9 oz (197 g)
Output Options USB or RS232 Modbus (RS485)
SDI-12
4-20 mA
Modbus (RS485)
SDI-12
4-20 mA
Modbus (RS485)
SDI-12
4-20 mA
Housing Material ABS Stainless Steel Titanium Titanium
Nose Cone Material ABS Black Delrin® Black Delrin® Black Delrin®

Power
Internal Battery 3.6V Lithium 3.6V Lithium 3.6V Lithium 3.6V Lithium
Battery Life 5 years or 2 million readings* guaranteed 5 years or 2 million readings* guaranteed 5 years or 2 million readings* guaranteed 5 years or 2 million readings* guaranteed
Cable Connect Suspension Wire Direct Read or Wire Direct Read or Wire Direct Read or Wire
External Power None 8-36 VDC 8-36 VDC 8-36 VDC
* 1 reading = time plus all available parameters polled or logged from device

Logging
Memory 0.5 MB / 32,000 1 MB / 50,000 dp** 2 MB / 100,000 dp** 4 MB / 350,000 dp**
Data Records 32,000 dp** 50,000 dp** 100,000 dp** 350,000 dp**
Fastest Logging Rate 1 per second 1 per second 2 per second 4 per second
Output Rate
  Modbus N/A 2 per second 2 per second 2 per second
  SDI-12 N/A 2 per second 2 per second 2 per second
  4-20 mA update rate N/A 2 per second 2 per second 2 per second
Mesasurement Types Linear, Fast Linear, Event Linear, Fast Linear, Event Linear, Fast Linear, Event Linear, Fast Linear, Linear Average, Event, Step Linear, and True Logarithmic
** 1 data point = time plus one parameter logged.

Pressure Sensor
Sensor Type Piezoresistive Silicon Strain Gauge Silicon Strain Gauge Silicon Strain Gauge
Material Ceramic Stainless Steel Titanium Titanium
Sensor Accuracy*
@ 15°C Typical +/-0.1% +/- 0.1% +/- 0.05% +/- 0.05%
Full Scale Maximum +/- 0.3% FS +/- 0.2% FS +/- 0.1% FS +/- 0.1% FS
Sensor Resolution +/- 0.01% FS or better +/- 0.01% FS or better +/- 0.005% FS or better +/- 0.005% FS or better
Sensor Range Non-Vented
0-30 ft (0-10.5m)
0-100 ft (0-30m)
0-250 ft (0-76m)
Non-Vented
(30PSIA) 0-35ft (10.5m)
(100PSIA) 0-200ft (60m)
(300PSIA) 0-650ft (200m)
Non-Vented
(30PSIA) 0-35ft (10.5m)
(100PSIA) 0-200ft (60m)
(300PSIA) 0-650ft (200m)
(500PSIA) 0-1100ft (340m)
Vented
(5PSIG) 0-11.5ft (3.5m)
(15PSIG) 0-35ft (11m)
(30PSIG) 0-70ft (21m)
(100PSIG) 0-230ft (70m)
(300PSIG) 0-700ft (210m)
(500PSIG) 0-1150ft (350m)
Non-Vented
(30PSIA) 0-35ft (10.5m)
(100PSIA) 0-200ft (60m)
(300PSIA) 0-650ft (200m)
(500PSIA) 0-1100ft (340m)
(1000PSIA) 0-2273ft (692.9m)
Vented
(5PSIG) 0-11.5ft (3.5m)
(15PSIG) 0-35ft (11m)
(30PSIG) 0-70ft (21m)
(100PSIG) 0-230ft (70m)
(300PSIG) 0-700ft (210m)
(500PSIG) 0-1150ft (350m)
Burst Pressure 0-30ft: 60ft (18m)
0-100ft: 134ft 40.8m)
0-250ft: 368ft (112m)
Maximum 2X range
Burst 3X range
Maximum 2X range
Burst 3X range
Maximum 2X range
Burst 3X range
Unit of Measure - Pressure psi, kPa, bar, mbar, mmHg psi, kPa, bar, mbar, mmHg, inHg, cmH20, inH20 psi, kPa, bar, mbar, mmHg, inHg, cmH20, inH20 psi, kPa, bar, mbar, mmHg, inHg, cmH20, inH20
Unit of Measure - Level m, mm, cm, in, ft m, mm, cm, in, ft m, mm, cm, in, ft m, mm, cm, in, ft
* Accuracy with 4-20 mA output option is +/- 0.5% from 4 to 4.2 mA. Accuracy is +/- 0.25% above 4-20 mA.
Temperature
Operational Temperature -20°C to 50°C -20°C to 80°C -20°C to 80°C -20°C to 80°C
Calibrated Temperature 0°C to 50°C 0°C to 50°C -5°C to 50°C -5°C to 50°C
Temperature Accuracy +/- 0.3°C +/- 0.3°C +/- 0.1°C +/- 0.1°C
Temperature Resolution 0.1°C 0.1°C 0.01°C 0.01°C
Unit of Measure Celsius, Fahrenheit Celsius, Fahrenheit Celsius, Fahrenheit Celsius, Fahrenheit

A complete system with many industry advantages.

Hardware

  • Level, temperature & data logging all in one design -- Fits in 1-inch (50mm) wells.
  • Ultra-rugged, all-titanium design (Level TROLL® 500 & 700) -- Perfect for fresh, marine, brackish, and acidic sites.
  • Sealed vent line -- Prevent water from entering instrument even when cable is not attached, but allows for barometric correction! (Level TROLL 500 & 700)
  • Ultra-low power system guarantees 5 years or 2-million readings. -- Forget changing batteries or running out of power.
  • Can use external battery or line power -- Preserves instrument battery. (Level TROLL 300, 500, 700)
  • RuggedCable® System with twist-lock cables that "lock" tight -- 100% reliability (Level TROLL 300, 500, 700)
  • Extend cables by simply adding additional segments -- Maximizes your investment. (Level TROLL 300, 500, 700)
  • Accurate sensors -- Record minute changes in water level and temperature. Four-way compensation for maximum accuracy (temperature, barometric pressure, density, and effects of gravity)
  • Fast sampling. Down to 0.25-second (with Level TROLL® 700) -- Record detailed level changes in fast changing environments.
  • Fault tolerant design -- Logging will resume from catastrophic events (i.e., surge, lightning) when power is restored.
  • Version, range, and manufacturing info printed on side of the unit -- Know the details of the unit without opening the software. Reduces accidental over pressuring.
  • Modbus, SDI-12, and 4-20mA -- Provides for easy connections to existing and online systems (Level TROLL 300, 500, 700)
  • -20 to 80C temperature range -- Useful for geothermal and hot spring research and monitoring (Level TROLL 300, 500, 700)
  • Up to 350,000 data points of memory (4 MB) -- Reduces the interval between data collection (700 series)
  • Sealed desiccant options -- Allow for barometric compensation for maximum accuracy while preventing water / humidity intrusion (Level TROLL 300, 500, 700)
  • CE, FCC emission tested -- Prevents susceptibility to outside emission interference and transient electrical surges
  • Submersible ranges up to 1150 ft (351m) / cable length up to 4000 ft (1200m) -- Measure to the depth you need.

Software

  • Easiest ever Win-Situ® software -- Get the data you need fast! Large, sizable display that's easy to see from a distance.
  • Full function report or graph -- Graphing of data with zoom, scroll, and pan tools
  • Real-time data viewing -- View data real-time--even while logging (Level TROLL 300, 500, 700)
  • Wizards guide every step -- Eliminate complicated set up.
  • Pause logging feature -- Pause logging when removing a unit. Reinstall and restart where you left off.
  • Data saved by sites not files -- Collect and save information by site automatically.
  • Easy-to-read memory and battery gauges -- Know exactly how much is left.
  • Specify start and stop times for logging -- Collect the data you need up to the date you want.
  • End-of-File (EOF) and First-in-First-out (FIFO) logging modes -- Log the way you want.
  • Ability to "undelete" files from the unit -- No worries of accidentally deleting your data.
  • Zero-offset calibration -- Reduces unwanted drift

* Represent industry firsts in the level and temperature sensors plus data logger instrument market

Cables and Accessories

Level TROLL® instruments are designed to meet the needs of water professionals monitoring groundwater and surface water. System components include:

RuggedReader Handheld PC

BaroTROLL® Instrument
The BaroTROLL® is used to measure and log barometric pressure and temperature changes. It can be used by itself or together with a non-vented (absolute) Level TROLL® to compensate the level readings for fluctuations in barometric pressure where vented cable cannot be used.

RuggedCable® System with Twist-Lock Connectors
RuggedCable systems include twist-lock connectors; just press together and twist until they lock. RuggedCable systems are available vented or non-vented with rugged titanium connectors (2-year warranty). Select between polyurethane or Tefzel® cable jackets that are available in custom length up to 4000 ft (1212 m). Each RuggedCable system includes a Kellems® grip for easy suspension.

Stripped & Tinned RuggedCable Systems
Specialty cables are available for convenient connection to PLCs and loggers. 

Short stripped & tinned cables have a male twist-lock connector on one end for connection to the female twist-lock connector on the RuggedCable system and stripped & tinned wires on the other for wiring to a PLC. (Level TROLL 300, 500, 700)
View Information Sheet

RuggedCable stripped & tinned connects directly to the Level TROLL with stripped & tinned wires on the other end for connection to a PLC or logger. Available vented or non-vented in custom lengths. (Level TROLL 300, 500, 700)
View Information Sheet

Twist-Lock Hanger / Backshell
The Twist-Lock Hanger is a combination backshell cap and hanger to anchor a pre-programmed BaroTROLL or non-vented (absolute) Level TROLL in a well or other site while taking data. No communication capabilities. No venting. Allows use of inexpensive hanging cable.
View Information Sheet

TROLL Cable Extender
Titanium adapter for joining two lengths of RuggedCable. Twist-lock connectors mate with connectors on cable. The TROLL® Cable Extender seals the cables and provides a weight bearing connection. An adjustable Kellems grip is included with each cable for precise installation. (Level TROLL 300, 500, 700)
View Information Sheet

TROLL® Com
TROLL Com provides the communication interface between the Level TROLL and desktop/laptop PC or RuggedReader handheld PC. It automatically converts the RS485 signal to RS232. When attached to a RuggedCable system, it allows for venting through the unit and is protected by a hydrophobic membrane. The TROLL Com is the same diameter as the Level TROLL and is made of titanium for durability. (Level TROLL 300, 500, 700)
View Information Sheet

TROLL® Shield Antifouling System

Small Desiccant
A protective cap that provides cable venting, a hydrophobic membrane barrier, and indicating desiccant to protect the cable and electronics from condensation of water vapor. Included with all RuggedCable system purchases. (Level TROLL 300, 500, 700)
View Information Sheet

Large Desiccant
A clear acrylic tube with replaceable indicating desiccant, designed to protect the Level TROLL vented deployment cable in high-humidity environments. Desiccates 20 times more saturated air than the standard small desiccant pack. The desiccant gradually turns from blue to pink as it absorbs moisture. (Level TROLL 300, 500, 700)
View Information Sheet

External Battery Pack
Supplements the Level TROLL internal battery during long-term deployments. When this power source is connected, the Level TROLL will use the external battery source first and switch to the internal battery when external battery power is depleted. Internal battery life is dependent on sampling rate. External batteries can be expected to last about a year, regardless of sampling rate. (Level TROLL 300, 500, 700)
View Information Sheet

Win-Situ 5

Win-Situ® 5.0 Software
Win-Situ 5.0 software offers icon-based buttons and wizards. The basic functions--Home (real-time data view), Logging, Calibration, Setup, and MyData--are organized by five large tabs at the top of the screen. When connected, the unit type and serial number are displayed on every screen. A dashboard includes the time of the instrument along with battery and memory gauges.

Data logging setup is easy with the Logging Setup Wizard, which guides every step, including setting reference points and display modes.

Features:

  • Start, Stop, Pause or Restart buttons for logging files
  • Specify start and stop times
  • Multi-step pumping test function - restart logarithmic sampling within the same file
  • Real-time data viewing
  • Instrument alarms and reminders
  • Export to CSV, Excel®
  • Site management tools
  • Automation tools

Accuracy
The Level TROLL boasts superior accuracy with its advanced four-way compensation system. Level readings are automatically corrected for temperature fluctuations--not just at one or two points, but across a wide temperature range from -5°C to 50°C on Level TROLL 500 and 700 and 0°C to 50°C on Level TROLL 100 and 300. Additionally, readings are compensated for barometric fluctuations using vented cable, fluid density, and the affects due to gravity.

  • Internal silicon strain gauge
  • Grade 5 titanium body on Level TROLL 500 and 700, stainless steel on Level TROLL 300, and ABS on Level TROLL 100 and 200.
  • 2x over pressure, 3x burst pressure (Level TROLL 300, 500, 700)
  • Fast responding temperature sensor built into silicon
  • Raw 0.1% full scale accuracy, < 0.1% drift per year
  • Operating temperature: -20°C to +80°C (Level TROLL 300, 500, 700)

The graph below show typical level sensor performance across pressure and temperature range (-5 to 50C)

Battery Specifications
Level TROLL instruments have low power consumption. Level TROLL instruments contain one AA lithium battery that is permanently sealed in the device. At sampling rates of 30+ seconds, it is possible to run the unit for 5-7+ years. When the battery expires, the Level TROLL can use external line power or an external battery pack that attaches at the top of the cable.

We guarantee the battery in Level TROLL instruments for 5 years OR 2-million data points in our specifications, but it is likely to last longer. While in theory the battery life could last for many years, the actual shelf life of the battery will be the limiting factor.

Sampling interval Estimated life using Additional life using external
Seconds Minutes Hours Level TROLL® internal batteries TROLL® Battery Pack
0.5 1.9 Months** 1.2 Months**
1 3.8 Months*** 2.3 Months***
30 0.5 6.6 Years* 10 Months
Estimated battery life numbers listed below are dependent upon manufacturers shelf life of 5-7 years
60 1 10.1 Years* 10.6 Months
120 2 13.8 Years* 11 Months
180 3 15.6 Years* 11.1 Months
300 5 17.5 Years* 11.2 Months
600 10 19.2 Years* 11.2 Months
900 15 19.9 Years* 11.4 Months
1800 30 0.5 20.6 Years* 11.4 Months
3600 60 1 21 Years* 11.4 Months
21600 360 6 21.3 Years* 11.4 Months
43200 720 12 21.3 Years* 11.4 Months
86400 1440 24 21.4 Years* 11.4 Months
604800 10080 168 21.4 Years* 11.4 Months

* Even when sampling at a low rate, the battery is not guaranteed past the battery manufacturer's shelf life of 5-7 years.
** Version dependent. The software will only allow this sampling rate for 14 hours or until the memory is full.
*** Version dependent. The software will only allow this sampling rate for 28 hours or until the memory is full.

Relationship between battery life and sampling rate:
In-Situ Inc. guarantees the battery in the Level TROLL for 5 years OR 2-million readings since the sampling rate and battery life are directly related. The faster the sampling rate, the sooner the battery will run down. At a common sample rate of 3 samples per minute, the Level TROLL battery will last for an estimated 5 years, which is also the battery manufacturer's shelf-life rating. For applications requiring fast sampling, In-Situ offers an external TROLL battery pack or the option to hook into external power sources.

External battery pack details:

  • Same welded, titanium construction as Level TROLL 500 and 700
  • Deployable in 1-inch wells
  • Internally contains 4 AA Lithium batteries
  • 4 x 3.6V = 14.4 VDC output
  • Double fault protected via diodes
  • Vented with hydrophobic membrane
  • Continuously provides internal power to Level TROLL
  • Yields 1 year typical life

Logging Types
The Level TROLL instruments offer several logging modes.


Linear: Measurements are logged at a fixed interval of 1 minute or more. User-selectable. (All Level Instruments)

Fast Linear: Measurements are logged at a fixed interval of 1 minute or less (All Level Instruments)

Event: One parameter is checked for an event at a fixed interval. All data is logged only if a condition is met. (All Level Instruments)


Linear Average: Each logged measurement is the average of several fast measurements (Level TROLL 700)

Step Linear: Measurements are logged on multiple schedules with varying linear intervals. (Level TROLL 700)

True Logarithmic: Measurements are logged as fast as possible and gradually get further apart until they become linear. (Level TROLL 700)

Communications
The Level TROLL can communicate three via options (Modbus RS485, SDI-12, and 4-20mA) (Level TROLL 300, 500, 700)

Modbus RS485

  • Two wire (half duplex) RS485
  • Shielded cable with drain wire
  • Baud rates up to 57.6 K baud
  • Communication speed versus cable length
  • 57,600 baud up to 304m (1000 ft)
  • 38,400 baud up to 457m (1500 ft)
  • 19,200 baud up to 1524m (4000 ft) (spec is to 1219m / 4000 ft)
  • 9,600 baud up to 2286m (7500 ft)
  • Standard Modbus protocol used over RS485

Modbus

  • Most widely used digital protocol in industrial space
  • Modbus registers allow access to all device settings
  • Modbus file transfer used for transferring tests, firmware downloads
  • RTU / ASCII modes both supported
  • List of registers published in user manual
  • Natively supported by data loggers, telemetry systems, PLCfs, PC programs

Download In-Situ Modbus Networking Specifications | www.modbus.org

SDI-12

  • Serial Data Interface at 1200 Baud
  • USGS Digital Interface Standard
  • Native on PCBA (no adapter required)
  • External powered required to conserve battery life
  • Pressure (psi), temperature (F)
  • Communication possible with test running in background
  • Selectable level, units, order via software
  • Max cable length 66m (200 ft)

4-20mA

  • Requires external voltage supply (to conserve battery life)
  • Analog signal generated by 12 bit D to A converter
  • 4096 total steps
  • Maximum resolution when set to full scale as follows:
PSI 4-20mA Resolution 0.05% F.S.
5 0.001 0.0025
15 0.004 0.0075
30 0.007 0.015
100 0.024 0.05
300 0.073 0.15
500 0.122 0.25
1000 0.244 0.5

Wide range external power option also standard

  • 8 to 36 VDC
  • Allows extremely long cable lengths
  • Compatibility with 12 / 24 V solar systems, PLCs, etc.
  • 24VDC recommended with long cables
  • Reverse polarity protected