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AccuRange AR500™ Laser Sensor User’s Manual Revision 3.0 – For models with serial number 19300 or higher. For use with AR500™ Laser Position Sensor May 1, 2020 Acuity A product line of Schmitt Industries, Inc. 2765 NW Nicolai St. Portland, OR 97210...
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Limited Use License Agreement CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE OPENING THE PACKAGE CONTAINING THE PRODUCT AND THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE LICENSED HEREUNDER. CONNECTING POWER TO THE MICROPROCESSOR CONTROL UNIT INDICATES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, PROMPTLY RETURN THE UNIT WITH POWER SEAL INTACT TO THE DEALER FROM WHOM YOU PURCHASED THE PRODUCT WITHIN FIFTEEN DAYS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE AND YOUR PURCHASE PRICE WILL...
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Procedures for Obtaining Warranty Service 1. Contact your Acuity distributor or call Schmitt Industries, Inc. to obtain a return merchandise authorization (RMA) number within the applicable warranty period. Schmitt Industries will not accept any returned product without an RMA number.
User’s Manual for the AR500™ Series Laser Sensor Rev. 3.0 Table of Contents Introduction ........................1 General Overview ....................... 1 Definition of Terms ..................... 2 Quick Start Instructions ....................2 1.3.1 Mounting ......................... 2 1.3.2 Serial Data Wires ....................3 RS232 serial ..............
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Sensor Cable, Wire Colors and Functions ..............11 Power Supply (Red, Brown) ..................11 RS232 / RS485 Serial Comm. (Green, Yellow) ............12 Analog Output (Blue, Grey) ..................12 4.4.1 Current Loop ......................13 4.4.2 Voltage Output .......................13 Logic Outputs (Pink, Grey)..................14 Serial Interface Operation ....................15 Binary Communications Protocol and Syntax ............15 5.1.1 Request .........................15 5.1.2 Answer ........................16...
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8.9.1 Averaging Configuration ..................26 Demo and Configuration Software ..................27 Program Setup ......................27 Connecting to the sensor (RS232/RS485) ..............27 Sensor Operation ......................28 Display and Archiving of Data ..................29 Setting and Saving Sensor Parameters ..............30 9.5.1 Setting Parameters ....................30 9.5.2 Saving Parameters ....................31 9.5.3 Saving and Writing a Group of Parameters ............31 Factory Reset ......................31 Serial Command Quick Reference ................32...
AR500 has a number of configurable parameters, but many applications can use the sensor in its default factory configuration. This manual contains information for a variety of AR500 sensor configurations that can be ordered from Acuity. Your specific AR500 model may not have all interfaces and functions described in this manual.
performance. Sampling may be turned on and off. It can even be triggered using an input signal wire or a serial command. After making changes to the configuration, it may be viewed, saved in non- volatile memory, and restored. At power-on the sensor uses the most recently saved configuration settings.
1.3.2 Serial Data Wires The serial connection is required to set up a unit for operation. If not using the Acuity Connectivity kit which includes a serial cable, the customer must make their own D-sub 9 serial connector 1.3.2.1 RS232 serial...
General Description The AR500 is an ultra-compact laser diode-based distance measurement sensor with available ranges covering 5 to 1000 mm. Consult the AR500 data sheet for exact model range availabilities. The accuracy is generally specified with an absolute linearity of +/- 0.10% of the span with a resolution of 0.01% of the span for ranges up to the 750 mm model, and an absolute linearity of +/- 0.15% of the span with a resolution of 0.02% of the span for the 1000 mm range model.
2.2 Mechanical Dimensions The following diagram shows the mechanical dimensions for the AR500. The sensor unit has two Ø3.6 / Ø6x7 holes on the sides. On all models there is an 8 conductor supply cable (w/ a Binder series 712 8-pin connector). On models without Ethernet, this cable is for power and all communications (serial, analog, trigger, power, etc.).
2.4 Laser Safety Installers of laser sensors should follow precautions set forth by ANSI Z136.1 Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers or by their local safety oversight organization. The AR500 is a class 1 (eye safe) laser product as stipulated in IEC 60825-1/DIN EN 60825-1:2001-11 and a class 2, 3R or 3B product under FDA 21CFR.
2.5 Sensor Maintenance The AR500 sensor and module require little maintenance from the user. The sensor lens should be kept clean of dust buildup as a part of regular preventative maintenance. Use compressed air to blow dirt off the windows or use delicate tissue wipes.
Installation and Checkout 3.1 Mounting Mount the sensor in such a way that the case not twisted or warped. Do not clamp or squeeze the sensor case excessively. If the case is distorted, the sensitivity and accuracy of the sensor may be affected. 3.2 Cabling for sensor unit The AR500 sensor has a multipurpose cable with 8 conductors (included).
It also has an AC power supply and a 2m RS232 serial cable for connection to a PC. Without the Acuity connectivity kit, the user must connect a DB9 plug to the cable using the directions below.
3.3.1 Serial Communications Check If no information is received over the serial port, check the power supply and serial wire connections. The sensor may be in a configuration that prevents serial communication, such as being set at the wrong baud rate or is in a polling mode.
Signal and Power Interface 4.1 Sensor Cable, Wire Colors and Functions The AR500 sensor includes a multipurpose cable (sensor cable) with solder tail wires. Connection and termination according to the instructions is essential for correct sensor operation. Read the wire descriptions for connection information.
4.3 RS232 / RS485 Serial Comm. (Green, Yellow) Your sensor is configured with either RS232 or RS485 communications See Serial Interface Operation (section 5) for information on commands and data. The maximum baud rate is 921.6 KBaud for both RS232 and RS485.
4.4.1 Current Loop Figure 3 The current loop connection scheme is shown in the . The value of load resistor should not be higher than 500 Ohms. To reduce noise, it is recommended to install an RC (resistor / capacitor) filter before the measuring instrument.
4.5 Logic Outputs (Pink, Grey) The Pink wire is a multi-purpose logic output / interface that can operate in eight distinct modes. The functionality can be configured according to the instructions in section 7 . Functions include distance alarms, multi- sensor synchronization, setting of Zero Point via hardware control, encoder input, Ethernet packet counter reset, and control of the laser ON / OFF state.
Serial Interface Operation This section refers to serial communication protocols for both the Sensor and Module versions of the AR500. 5.1 Binary Communications Protocol and Syntax Serial port communication is required to configure the AR500 for operation. The easiest way to communicate is by using a PC with an RS232 communication port and a terminal emulation program that uses hexadecimal binary format.
5.1.2 Answer An ‘answer’ is a data burst that can be transmitted by a ‘slave’ during the course of the session. All messages with an ‘answer’ burst contain 1 in the most significant digit. The data in a message is transferred in nibbles (aka:”tetrads”). When a byte is transmitted, the lower tetrad goes first, and then follows the higher tetrad.
5.1.3 Data Stream ‘Data stream’ is an infinite sequence of data bursts or batches transmitted from ‘slave’ to ‘master’, which can be interrupted by a new request. In transmission of the ‘data stream’ one of the ‘slaves’ fully holds data transfer channel, therefore, when ‘master’...
The analog output is updated with each sample measured. The analog output will deliver a current which increases linearly from 4 mA (or 0 volts) at the range beginning point to 20 mA (10 volts) at the range end point. 6.1 Analog Output ON (Binary: 01h;...
6.3 Analog Output Working Range (Binary: 0Ch, 0Dh, 0Eh, 0Fh; ASCII: none) Default Value [Beginning of Range]: 0 Default Value [End of Range]: 16384 Resolution of the analog output can be increased by adjusting the window size and location within the measurement span. The analog signal will be scaled within this window only.
Logic Interface(s) Operation All AR500 sensors include a multi-purpose logic line. See the wiring description in section 4.5. 7.1 Binary Communication (02h bits M2, M1, and M0) Default Value: 000 – Distance Alarm Mode When the laser is set to binary communication, this line can be set to one of the eight modes defined by the M bits of parameter 02h Distance Alarm Mode: To activate this mode from another, set bits M2, M1, and M0 to 000.
7.2 ASCII Communication (TLx) Default Value: 0 – Distance Alarm Mode When the laser is set to ASCII communication, the Logic Interface line can be set to one of four modes using the command TLx: Distance Alarm Mode: This is the default logic output. To activate this mode from another, use command TL0.
Performance Optimization This section describes how to configure the AR500 sensor for best use in your particular application. 8.1 Baud Rate (Binary: 04h; ASCII: Bxxx) Default Value: 4 – 9600 bit/s (baud) AR500 automatically begins measuring outputting distance measurements to the analog and serial lines when powered-up. The default baud rate is 9600 bit/s.
8.4 Zero Point (Binary: 17h, 18h; ASCII: Zxxxxx) Default Value: 0 This parameter allows the user to set a zero point within the sensor’s measurement span. The factory default value for the zero point is the beginning of the measurement span. Note that users can also set the zero point through hardware controls.
Binary Parameters: 08h – Low byte for the sampling period. 09h – High byte of sampling period. ASCII Command: Sxxxxx – Where xxxxx is the sampling period. Value ranges: • In Time sampling mode: 10 to 65535. The time interval in increments of 1 μs with which sensor automatically communicates of results on streaming request (priority of sampling = 0) •...
Binary Parameters: 0Ah – Low byte for maximum integration time. 0Bh – High byte for maximum integration time. ASCII Command: Exxxx – Where xxxx is the maximum integration time. Value ranges: 2 to 3200. This value specifies the limiting integration time for the CMOS array in increments of 1 μs.
8.9.1 Averaging Configuration (Binary: 06h; ASCII: Gxxx) Default Value: 1 – No Averaging Depending on the selected averaging mode (Number or Time), this parameter controls either the number of results to be averaged or the time for averaging. Averaging can reduce noise or occasional spikes in the output of the sensor caused by inaccurate readings in dynamic applications.
9. Demo and Configuration Software The AR500-SP software is intended for making simple serial (or Ethernet, if ordered) connections to the AR500 for demonstration purposes and configuration of the many sensor parameters. It is also possible to archive measurement data to a file using this software.
If the selected parameters correspond to the parameters of the sensor interface, the program will identify the sensor, read and display its configuration parameters: If connection a connection cannot be established, a prompt will appear asking to make an automatic search for the sensor. To start search, press the Yes button and a configuration window will appear Where: it will be necessary to set the search range for the...
Pressing the Stream button will switch the sensor to the data stream trans-mission mode (07h request code). Move the target object and observe changes in the distance readings. The status line in the lower part of the window will show current data transmission and refreshing rates.
To manipulate the chart image, right mouse click on the chart to reveal the corresponding menu: Additionally, one can manipulate the chart image, press the mouse wheel for movement or rotating the mouse wheel for zooming capabilities. 9.5 Setting and Saving Sensor Parameters 9.5.1 Setting Parameters Configuring is only accomplished through RS232 or RS485 interfaces.
9.5.2 Saving Parameters After setting one or more parameters as required, users must write them into the sensor memory. Write parameter by clicking File >Write parameters or by clicking the button. Be sure to perform testing of the sensor operation with the new parameters. Once satisfied, it is necessary to store the new parameters in nonvolatile memory by clicking File >...
10. Serial Command Quick Reference 10.1 Binary Communications Reference Request Description Message Answer code (size in bytes) (size in bytes) — Device identification - device type - firmware release - serial number - base distance - range Reading of parameter - parameter code - parameter value —...
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1 - full range mode (sampling mode): 0 – time sampling (default) 1 – trigger sampling is not used Network address 1 - 127 (default: 1) Rate of data transfer through serial 1 - 192, (default: 4) port specifies data transfer rate in increments of 2400 baud; (e.g., 4 means 4 ...
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byte of Subnet Mask byte of Subnet Mask byte of Subnet Mask 0th byte of Source IP Address default: C0A80003h = 192.168.0.3 byte of Source IP Address byte of Source IP Address byte of Source IP Address Lower byte of the number of 1 - 168 (default: 168) measurements in Ethernet packet specifies the number of measurements in one Ethernet packet...
10.2 ASCII Communications Reference The following are the command codes for the ASCII protocol. When entering a request code, it should be followed by the CR and LF codes in your terminal emulator. Each answer will also be followed by CR and LF codes. Request Name Description...
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Sxxxxx Sampling period 1) 10 - 65535, (default: 5000) When laser is set to Time Sampling mode (TSx) this is the time interval (in increments of 1 μs) 2) 10 - 65535, (default: 5000) When laser is set to Trigger Sampling mode (TSx) this is the division for the external synchronization input Note: See section 8.6 for further explanation Exxxx...
11. Accessories 11.1 Protective Enclosure Acuity offers an air-cooled, protective housing for the AR500. It is designed to be used in harsher environments of higher ambient temperature or airborne particles. The temperature of compressed air at the sensor input must be <25 °...
11.2 Spray Guard The optional spray guard is designed to minimize the amount of dirt or liquid spray from reaching the optical windows of the sensor. Figure 9 Spray Guard AR500 Operation Manual...
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