This applies to SA380 units from Mod. State 4 onwards, bearing serial numbers above 4000, manufactured from 2024.

For older versions, see https://utils.mpec.co.uk/downloads/sa380_ug.pdf

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Copyright

© MPEC Technology Ltd. 2024.

Versions

Overview

The SA380 & SA380C are data capture devices intended to monitor railway signalling relays in interlockings and at level crossings. A single device can monitor up to 384 separate relays, safely, reliably and precisely. That data is not only recorded locally, but transmitted live to our Centrix back-office service for graphical replay. This enables faults and operational incidents to be investigated faster, in more detail, and with less time spent on-site.

The MS4 update to the SA380 provides enhanced software and connectivity, while remaining a drop-in replacement for most existing SA380 installations.

A typical installation comprises a single device, and up to eight break-out-boards, to which spare contacts on relays are wired. However, multiple devices can be networked together, enabling up to 3072 relays to be monitored with the same timing precision.

Physical description

SA380

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SA380C

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Long Breakout Board

Intended to be mounted vertically on Unistrut racking

Compact Breakout Board

Intended to be mounted on BR930 style relay racks

Specifications and Ratings

Human interfaces

Ports

Performance

* Sufficient for five months at a major London terminus.

Communications

• 100Mbps Ethernet (with MDI-X)

• 4G cellular modem (Speed dependent on network operator)

Methods of configuration

The device can be configured:

• Using the built-in touchscreen

• Remotely using Centrix

Back-office services

Designed to connect to Centrix for:

• Graphical event playback

• Near-real-time monitoring

• Customisable fault alarms

• Push notifications

• Remote configuration and firmware upgrade

• Integration with data from other MPEC products

Versions and upgrades

Hardware

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The hardware version number is included in the serial number label on the front of the unit. This is composed of:

• A major hardware version, also called a “Mod State”

• A minor hardware number, corresponding to MPEC’s Engineering Change Notification (ECN) system

The example shown (right) is thus Mod State 4, with ECN’s applied up to ECN “A”

Older hardware versions may still be used, and upgrades to include the latest ECNs are available from MPEC

Software

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The firmware version number can be seen on the “Information” screen SA380 & SA380C MS4 User Guide | Information , and is also visible on the loggers' page on Centrix.

Units will be initially shipped with firmware version “1982”. We anticipate making firmware upgrades available through Centrix for improved performance and functionality.

Certificates & Approvals

Product-Approved for use on Network Rail infrastructure, and rigorously tested for long-term reliability

Environmental

Electromagnetic

Options and accessories

SA380 and SA380C devices can be supplied with a number of fitting and accessories.

Standard accessories (supplied with all units):

• Cellular antenna with 6m cable

• Mains flex

• External USB disk

Specified accessories (to requirements, at no extra cost):

• Breakout boards (standard / compact)

• SCSI cable for breakout boards (lengths up to 4m)

• Mounting brackets (wall / unistrut)

Further accessories (at extra cost)

• Antenna cables longer than 6m

• Ethernet switch (with UPS connection)

• Ethernet cables

• SCSI cable for breakout board (longer than 4m)

Contact MPEC to discuss requirements for your installation.

Common tasks

Routine inspection

The SA380 is designed to be a low-maintenance system, and should not require replacement parts during its rated life.

The following should be periodically confirmed:

• All cable connections to the device are secure

• The red “Fault” indicator light is not showing

• If mains power is disconnected from the device, it continues to operate for at least 15min

• The device is kept dry and clean. Dust with a soft cloth if necessary.

Servicing, including replacing the internal battery, can be carried out by the manufacturer.

Removing USB disk for investigation

In the event of a serious incident, the investigating authority may require recorded data. This is stored on the external USB disk.

• Touch the display to activate

• Press “Eject USB disk”

• Press “Yes”

• Remove USB disk from the the bottom of the device

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Installation

Competence

N.B. This guide is not a substitute for the purchasing organisation's rules, standards and policies, which must be adhered-to at all times.

• Wiring must be installed to Signal Works Testing Handbook.

• Testing is to be carried out by a signalling tester competent to Section 3B (I)

• Commissioning is to be carried out by a competent Instrumentation Engineer.

• Before any work takes place, a risk assessment and method statement for the installation and commissioning of the datalogger must be approved by the infrastructure controller.

Logistics

• The device and accessories are supplied in a cardboard box with protective foam inserts. No special transport or handling requirements apply, and all components can easily be carried by one person.

• Installation can be performed with common hand-tools; screwdrivers and spanners. Optionally, a drill may be used when mounting the device directly to a wall, and a common hand torque-driver.

• Maintenance does not require tools beyond a soft cloth for dusting

• Removal of the device is the reverse of installation, requiring only simple hand-tools

• At the end of its service life, the device may be returned to MPEC for responsible disposal. Do not dispose of the product with general waste.

Mechanical

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Minimum installation, showing space requirements

Mounting

When ordering, specify mounting type required. This can be:

• For 21mm Unistrut racking (Shown above)

• For direct attachment to a wall

These brackets are secured to the back of the device using 6mm M4 machine screws. Use of longer screws may seriously damage the device.

MPEC prescribe all bolts are tightened to 5Nm torque.

Allow 100mm below the bottom of the device to avoid sharp bends in the cables connected

Breakout boards

Each breakout board can be connected to up to 48 relays. these are also available in two variants:

• Full-length (Standard)

• Compact (for mounting on BR930-style racking

Either type of breakout board is connected to the device with a SCSI cable. These cables are available in a range of lengths. Specify when ordering.

Full length breakout boards have space to label each terminal. MPEC can supply adhesive labels printed to requirements.

Antenna

Installations where the cellular radio is used to connect to the internet require an external antenna.

Details of placement will depend on local circumstances, but we recommend:

• Antennas should be high up, facing upwards.

• Antennas should not be mounted inside or underneath structures

• Special consideration may be required in remote or hilly areas

The antenna wire should be screwed onto the SA380’s SMA connector to finger-tightness. Overtightening with tools will damage the device.

USB Memory Stick

• This should be plugged into

• A faulty or absent USB disk will cause the Fault LED to light

Electrical

Power supply

Each device is supplied with an IEC C13 lead, to be connected to an AC power supply.

• This can be either 110V or 230V nominal

• An external isolation transformer is not required

• The device contains internal over-current protection

• The supply should be fused at 1A, but a higher-rated fuse or MCB may be used where 1A is not available

• Where the supply is protected by an MCB, this should be of a B-curve type

• A wire retaining loop is provided to secure the power inlet connector. Ensure this is positioned around the incoming flex.

Relay wiring

• SA380 Breakout Boards are designed to be connected to a spare contact pair on each relay.

• This may be a Back (Normally closed) or Front (Normally open) contact

• No other devices may be present in the circuit from relay to breakout board

• Special care must be taken with Geographical Interlockings, as each set may include many internal connections. In no circumstances may Breakout Board terminals be connected to live signalling circuits.

Auxiliary DC Output

If specified, the device can be supplied with an auxiliary DC output cable, for connection to an ethernet switch used in master-slave networks. Use only the cables provided.

Configuration

SA380s are supplied with standard software configuration which is suitable for most purposes:

• Judicial logging is active by default

• Cellular networking is enabled by default, with automatic fallback to ethernet (using DHCP)

• Centrix connection is automatic.

All installations will require:

• A configured site name

• A set of relay-channel mappings

Both of these can be configured using the built-in touchscreen interface, or (optionally) can be pre-configured by MPEC.

If using ethernet to connect the logger to Centrix, consult the person responsible for your network.

By default, loggers are configured for use with O2 SIMs. Customers using other mobile networks should consult their documentation for appropriate APNs and credentials.

Master-slave networks

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Multiple SA380 loggers can be connected together, using an ethernet LAN. This allows them to share an internet connection, and ensures precise relative timing and ordering of events. We recommend this for monitoring interlockings with more than 384 connected relays.

MPEC can preconfigure master-slave networks for faster installation

To configure a master-slave network:

• Connect all the devices together using the ethernet switch and ethernet cables provided.

• Connect the ethernet switch power supply to the power output on the Master logger

• Using the touchscreen UI on each device, navigate to Setup Networking, disable “DHCP Client”, and set a static IP address

  • These must be unique on the network

  • We suggest 192.168.0.1 (master) 192.168.0.2 (First slave), 192.168.0.3 (Second slave) (etc)

• On each slave device navigate to “Setup Centrix Server”, and set the “Centrix domain” to the chosen IP address of the master logger

• Do not change the “Centrix Server” settings on the master device

• On the master, navigate to “Setup inputs”

• Press “Autoconfigure”, and confirm you have connected an ethernet slave logger if asked

• Restart each device, and wait for a minute

• Navigate to Setup Inputs → Autoconfigure again

• The slave devices will now appear in the list of inputs

• Map channel names in the same way as if for a single device

Indicator LEDs

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The Power LED indicates the presence of a power supply to the processor. This can be either from the external mains, or internal battery.

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The Run LED blinks in a “heartbeat” pattern to show the device’s firmware is running.

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The Disk LED lights when data is being written to the external USB disk.

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The Server LED lights when a connection has been established to Centrix, or to a Master logger in a local network

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The Internet LED lights when the logger has access to the internet

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The Fault LED lights if the logger is unable to operate as configured. Note that this will also be lit during device startup.

Using the touchscreen

The SA380 has a built-in touchscreen display, which can be used to monitor and configure most functions of the device.

Throughout this guide, the route through the menu system from the Home screen is marked with a compass ( ) icon.

To save energy, the display will turn off after a period of inactivity. touch any part of it to reactivate.

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The coloured “Status” dot in the top-right of the page indicates overall device health using a “traffic light” system.

Press the “Eject USB” button before removing the external USB disk. Failure to do so may cause data corruption.

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Information

The Information page describes the product and current firmware.

Please quote Model, Serial number and Firmware when contacting customer support.

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Status

The Status page indicates the status of the device’s software functionality. The specific set of entries may vary depending on configuration, but a typical set is shown here.

Each entry has a status dot, indicating its current performance.

• Green: Normal operation (Brightens for activity)

• Yellow: Degraded operation (Brightens for activity)

• Red: Not operating - probable fault or misconfiguration

• Black: Disabled or no connection

• White: Upgrade in progress, please wait

Touch entries shown with a bevelled border to see more detail.

The SA380 Inputs entry describes the status of the onboard digital inputs. In master-slave systems, this becomes a selectable list of devices in the network.