ZL6

Advanced Cloud Data Logger

Easier, more advanced, and more robust, the ZL6 introduces provides cloud-based data delivery, Bluetooth® configuration, and integrated metadata.

Simple setup and configuration ~~Configure~~ via Bluetooth or USB connection
~~Stores~~ Ample storage for 80,000+ records in non-volatile memory
~~Simple setup~~
Peace of mind thanks to battery monitoring, efficient power management, and enclosure door alerts in ZENTRA Cloud

Overview / Features

Maximize your data productivity

~~With the advent of big data~~ Modern agriculture, environmental research, and geotechnical engineering applications are data dependent, you can’t be constantly fussing with complex programming, installation headaches, downloads, data gaps, or maintenance. You need a data logger that puts near-real-time data at your fingertips—whenever, wherever, and however you want it—so you can ~~maximize your paper output~~focus on the important work.

This data logger breaks new barriers, so you can too

With the ZL6 data logger, there are no limits. Easier, more advanced, and more robust, the ZL6 data logger offers cloud-based data delivery, GPS, integrated metadata, and configuration via Bluetooth^® using the ZENTRA Utility app, all of which simplify and speed up the process of data collection, management, and sharing. It does the legwork for you, so you can spend more time ~~being a data visionary~~ doing the work that matters.

Less work. More discovery.

The ZL6 data logger uses ZENTRA Cloud to deliver near-real-time data wherever and whenever you need it. This means you can spend less time downloading data in the field and more time generating results. Accessing data on ZENTRA Cloud speeds up your analysis by enabling you to correlate event factors, see important trends, or discover problems almost instantly, all from any location with an internet connection.

Choose between hardware that allows data upload via cell service or via Wi-Fi. Whichever you choose, data can also be downloaded directly via USB. Whether your site is within reach of cell service or relies on a local internet connection, ZL6 operates where you work, sending data effortlessly to ZENTRA Cloud for easy access and analysis.

Removing this whole paragraph since it’s a ZENTRA pitch, not a ZL6 pitch.
Plus, data are incredibly easy to distribute and share. Simply enter an email, and send an invitation. Your collaborators can instantly see what you see. The ZL6 Pro and ZENTRA Cloud allow you and others to review data the way you want, whether it’s visualized on a map, short graphs, a list, or downloading to data-analysis packages. Not only that, the ZL6 Pro package comes with a free 3-year subscription, so you don’t have to worry about renewals. And cloud data backup is now automatic, so you don’t ever have to think about it.

Uncomplicated. Almost unbreakable.

We engineered the ZL6 to be extremely robust and low maintenance, so you can almost forget about your data logger completely. ~~The ZL6’s integrated solar charging panel means there’s hardly any power maintenance required~~ Six rechargeable batteries and an integrated solar panel provide enough power for six sensors and telemetry for a year or longer. An The IP55-rated enclosure designed for shedding rain makes sure water doesn’t get in, and a sensor in the enclosure door creates an alert in ZENTRA Cloud whenever the door is opened. More secure cable handling ensures sensor cables don’t get yanked out. A hidden antenna limits breakage. And we’ve added fully round clasps and hinges that won’t break.

Good at everything, so you don’t have to be

With the ZL6 data logger, you no longer have to be a specialist in every discipline. Using the ZL6 is like having a meteorologist, a soil physicist, and more at your disposal, allowing you more time to focus on your specialty. How? The ZL6 data logger connects up to six different types of METER sensors, so you can monitor different parameters, such as weather, soil moisture, and soil water potential, all at the same time, giving you deeper insight. We’ve also integrated barometric pressure to eliminate the need to install extra sensors. And because everything is plug and play, you don’t have to be an expert at wiring or programming.

You’ve got research. We’ve got you.

~~Want each of your grad students to write one more peer-reviewed paper? Now they can.~~ With the ZL6, you can focus on data, not distractions. Together, the ZL6 data logger and ZENTRA Cloud make it easy to connect all the critical tools you need to understand the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum, so you can analyze your data faster, and at a much deeper level.

Feature summary

Ultra-rugged and durable construction
Configure via Bluetooth with the ZENTRA Utility app or via laptop using a USB cable
Plug and play with METER sensors (see compatibility charts)
Six sensor ports
Download data directly from the data logger using a USB connection
Integrated GPS and barometric pressure measurement
Simple setup
Built-in solar panel for extended deployments
Rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries
Can store 80,000+ records, depending on sensor configuration
Combine the ZL6 data logger with ZENTRA Cloud to view near real-time data in your web browser
See signal strength and connection quality in real time: test connectivity at your site BEFORE installation
Data is simultaneously transmitted to ZENTRA Cloud and backed up in the data logger memory, providing extra data protection

Specifications: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Measurement Specifications

Sensor Logging Interval

5 min to 12 h (average or accumulation of 1-min sensor reading)

Logger Reporting Interval

Hourly with additional charges for more frequent reporting

Time Keeping

Synchronize automatically and on-demand; GPS, cellular or Wi-Fi communication, or ZENTRA Utility software

Communication Specifications

Computer Communication

Standard USB C cable

Cellular Communication
(ZL6 and ZL6 Pro)

4G LTE-M: USA, Canada, and select other countries

4G LTE-M specifications: 4G LTE-M and NB-IoT cellular

4G LTE-M coverage: Verizon^® in USA. AT&T^® and T-Mobile^® in USA, 550+ global partner carriers. Cellular and data hosting service provided by METER

4G LTE Cat 1 Cellular Communication

4G LTE Cat 1 specifications: LTE Cat 1 cellular module with 3G and 2G fallback

4G LTE Cat 1 coverage: AT&T^® and T-Mobile^® in USA, 550+ global partner carriers. Cellular and data hosting service provided by METER

Wi-Fi Communication

Specifications: IEEE 802. 11b/g/n 2.4 GHz

Supported Channels: 1-11 in the USA and most regions of the world
12-13 when hardware detects ETSI/UKCA region

Supported Wi-Fi Networks: Open personal networks
Secure personal networks
Secure personal networks using WPA/WPA2/WPA3
Enterprise networks using LEAP and PEAP security methods

Mobile Communication

Bluetooth 5.2 supporting Bluetooth Low Energy protocol for communication with iOS and Android mobile devices

GPS Communication

Type: Integrated 56-channel GPS/QZSS receiver

Update: Daily (automatic) and on-demand (manual)

Accuracy: ±3 m, with a good sky view

Physical Specifications

Dimensions

Length: 14.9 cm (5.9 in)

Width: 6.3 cm (2.5 in)

Height: 25.0 cm (9.9 in)

Enclosure Material

Weather-, impact-, and UV-resistant polymer

Enclosure Rating

IP55

Enclosure Access

Hinged door with latches and eyelets for lock or zip tie

Sensor Input Ports

6 (supports METER analog, digital, or pulse sensors)

Sensor Port Type

3.5 mm stereo plug connector

Memory Type

Nonvolatile flash, full data retention with loss of power

Data Storage

8 MB (40,000 to 80,000+ records depending on configuration)

Battery Capacity

6 AA NiMH or alkaline batteries

Battery Life

Alkaline: 3–12 months depending on configuration

NiMH: 3+ years with unobstructed view of sun. Charging through solar energy harvesting or USB

Operating Temperature Range

Full communications, sensor measurement, and data logging functionality
NiMH: –20 °C to +50 °C
Alkaline: –30 °C to +55 °C
Energizer® Ultimate Lithium™: –38 °C to +60 °C

Sensor measurement and data logging functionality
NiMH: –38 °C to +50 °C
Alkaline: –38 °C to +55 °C
Energizer® Ultimate Lithium™: –38 °C to +60 °C

Other

Compatibility

See compatibility chart

Compliance

EM ISO/IEC 17050:2010 (CE Mark)

GSA

View GSA details

Support / FAQ

ZL6 User Manual

Manual

PDF, 0.11MB

ZL6 - Cellular Enabled - Quick Start

Quickstart Guide

PDF, 0.12MB

ZL6 - Wi-Fi Enabled - Quick Start

Quickstart Guide

PDF, 531 KB

Video: How to install the ZL6 data logger

Instructions

URL, 0MB

ZENTRA Utility Installer For PC (For Use with EM60/ZENTRA Family)

Installer

EXE, 40.4MB

ZENTRA Utility Installer for Mac (For use with EM60/ZENTRA Family)

Installer

PKG, 62MB

ZENTRA Utility Mobile App (Android)

Software

URL, 0MB

ZENTRA Utility Mobile App (IOS)

Software

URL, 0MB

ZENTRA Cloud Field App (Android)

Software

URL, 0MB

ZENTRA Cloud Field App (iOS)

Software

URL, 0MB

METER USB Driver (8.0)

Installer

EXE, 0.7MB

ZL6 Cellular Board Replacement Instructions

Instructions

PDF, 0.27MB

VIDEO: ZL6 Cellular Board Replacement Instructions

Instructions

URL

ZL6 Barometer Sensor Replacement Instruction Sheet

Instructions

PDF, 0.25MB

ZL6 Wi-Fi Board Replacement

Instructions

PDF, 1,031 KB

VIDEO: ZL6 Barometer Replacement Instructions

Instructions

URL

VIDEO: ZL6 SIM Card Replacement Instructions

Instructions

URL

VIDEO: ZL6 + ZENTRA Cloud Troubleshooting

Instructions

URL

ZL6 FAQs

How can I learn about ZENTRA Cloud?: Explore ZENTRA Cloud data management software here. Request a live demo here.

What sensors are compatible with the ZL6?: See compatibility chart

Can I use lithium batteries with my ZL6?

Use lithium batteries that meet the following conditions:

The total voltage cannot exceed 14 V. Look for batteries with a maximum capacity of 2 V.
Use non-rechargeable AA lithium batteries. The ZL6 cannot detect lithium battery chemistry. It will assume they are alkaline and will not charge them.

Does the ATMOS 41 and ZL6 conform to the ASABE Automatic Agricultural Weather Stations Guidelines?: From Table 1 of “Measurement and Reporting Practices for Automatic Agricultural Weather Stations“, the ATMOS 41 internal measurement sequence meets the sampling interval guidelines for the weather variables listed. The ZL6 data logger can be configured to report values each hour, as stated in Table 1; however, some min/max instantaneous values are not available when using the ZL6 for data acquisition and delivery. Consult the ATMOS 41 user manual for details on the output values processed in METER data loggers.

Can I lock my logger?: We have included tamper proof options on the casing of the ZL6. Zip ties can be used to prevent or minimize tampering with the device.

How many batteries are in the ZL6?: Six rechargeable Nickle-Metal Hydride (NiMH) are included with the logger.

Is it possible to manually download data from the ZL6 logger?: Yes. You can download data manually from the logger using a laptop and the micro-USB cable provided with your ZL6 data logger.

Installation of our logger is in the North (Arctic). Would it survive 2 months without sun? In other words, after running out of battery (no solar radiation), will it automatically restart again when solar radiation returns?: Yes, the logger will resume operation when battery power improves. Here is some additional information:

The logger has two battery level thresholds that apply here. The logger will continue making sensor measurements even after the battery voltage is too low to run the cellular module (reported as 0% battery). This state can continue for a long time because making sensor measurements tends to be easier on the battery. When the battery level drops too low for reliable sensor measurements, the logger just sleeps until the battery is higher. As the battery charges, the functionality returns.

In many situations, we expect the logger to continue operating normally for 2-4 months of time even with reduced or no solar energy harvesting. This would be lengthened if the client isn't using the cellular communications. Cold weather complicates this math.

Here are some other ideas:

Battery chemistry is impacted by cold. We see NiMH cells stop providing enough power when the temperature nears -25°C or so. Most loggers where we observed these conditions resumed operation once the temperature warmed.

Alkaline performs better at cold temperatures than NiMH.

Primary lithium AA batteries (e.g. Energizer Ultimate Lithium) have much better cold-temperature performance. These are not rechargeable but will power the logger for longer than the other two chemistries.

We recommend using the lithium-based battery — especially if you are able to dispatch someone to replace batteries as they decline. Depending on the sensor configuration and reporting frequency, we'd expect this to be 6-12 months.

Reducing the number of cellular uploads helps preserve battery power. We recommend no less than 2 upload sessions per day. This is user-selectable with ZENTRA Cloud.

Resources / Publications

Accessories: ZL6 barometer daughterboard replacement kit

ZL6 Basic, ZL6 Pro, ZL6

ZL6 weather seals and gasket kit

ZL6, ZL6 Basic, ZL6 Pro

ZL6 antenna and extension cable

ZL6, ZL6 Pro

Cable strain relief kit for ZL6 data loggers

ZL6, ZL6 Basic, ZL6 Pro

Cable repair and replacement accessories

TEROS 10, TEROS 11, TEROS 12, TEROS 22, TEROS 21, TEROS 31, TEROS 32, TEROS 06, TEROS 54, PHYTOS 31

ZL6 standard accessory kit

ZL6, ZL6 Basic, ZL6 Pro

View All Accessories

Compare ZL6 Data Loggers

row_position	Features	ZL6	ZL6 Pro	ZL6 Basic
0	Long-Range Telemetry Hardware for Automatic Uploads to ZENTRA Cloud	4G Cellular, or Wi-Fi (IEEE 802. 11b/g/n 2.4 GHz)	4G Cellular, or Wi-Fi (IEEE 802. 11b/g/n 2.4 GHz)	NA
1	Hourly Data Uploads	Included	Included	NA
2	Real-Time Data Uploads (15 min)	Sold separately	Included	NA
3	GPS for Position and Timekeeping	Included	Included	NA
4	Battery Technology	NiMH or alkaline	NiMH or alkaline	Alkaline
5	Battery Charging	Integrated solar panel	Integrated solar panel	NA
6	Measurement Interval	5 minutes to 12 hours	5 minutes to 12 hours	60 minutes
7	Flash Data Storage	8 MB	8 MB	2 MB
8	Reference Barometer	Included	Included	Sold separately
9	Sensor Cable Strain Relief	Included	Included	Sold separately
10	ZENTRA Cloud Subscription	Sold separately	Included	Sold separately
11	Warranty	1 year	3 years	1 year
12	Included with Logger	6 NiMH rechargeable batteries USB communications cable UV-stable plastic zip ties ZENTRA Cloud subscription information sticker (inside logger)	6 NiMH rechargeable batteries USB communications cable UV-stable plastic zip ties ZENTRA Cloud subscription information sticker (inside logger) Spare parts kit (including extra strain relief hooks and extra rubber gasket)	6 alkaline batteries USB communications cable UV-stable plastic zip ties

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ZL6 Data Logger

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ZL6

Advanced Cloud Data Logger

Overview / Features

Maximize your data productivity

This data logger breaks new barriers, so you can too

Less work. More discovery.

Uncomplicated. Almost unbreakable.

Good at everything, so you don’t have to be

You’ve got research. We’ve got you.

Feature summary

Specifications

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Measurement Specifications

Communication Specifications

Physical Specifications

Other

Support / FAQ

ZL6 FAQs

Resources / Publications

Resources

Educational links

Support links

Case studies

Accessories

ZL6 barometer daughterboard replacement kit

ZL6 weather seals and gasket kit

ZL6 antenna and extension cable

Cable strain relief kit for ZL6 data loggers

Cable repair and replacement accessories

ZL6 standard accessory kit

Compare ZL6 Data Loggers

Request a quote

USA

Europe

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