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Pulsar dBi-M Instruction Manual

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Summary of Contents for Pulsar dBi-M

  • Page 1 Instruction Manual...
  • Page 3 Pulsar Measurement operates a policy of constant development and improvement and reserves the right to amend technical details, as necessary. The dBi-M shown on the cover of this manual is used for illustrative purposes only and may not be representative of the actual dBi-M supplied.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Hazardous area location....................17 Preparation for Operation ..................... 18 Maintenance ........................18 Parameter Defaults ......................18 Chapter 3 Getting Results With dBi-M Transducers ..........19 Setting up Your Application..................19 Resetting Factory Defaults..................... 20 Chapter 4 dBi-M PC Software ................... 21 dBi-M RS485 Connector ....................
  • Page 5 Device Address ........................59 Function Codes ........................59 Register Address ........................ 60 Registers ..........................60 Addressing 32-bit Registers on dBi-M ..............60 Runtime Registers (Input Registers) ................62 Configuration/Holding Registers (Parameters) ............. 63 Echo Status (register 1) ....................68 Chapter 7 Troubleshooting ....................69...

  • Page 6: Chapter 1 Start Here

    There are various parts of the manual that offer additional help or information as shown. Tips TIP: Look f or this ic on throu ghout your Pulsar Measu rem ent manual t o find helpful info rmation and answers to frequently asked que stion s . Additional Information...

  • Page 7: About The Dbi-M

    The transducers are compatible with RS-485 Modbus communications. They are able to be easily set-up using a PC with an RS-485 adapter and Pulsar dBi-M PC software. Easy calibration and maintenance free “fit and forget” performance meaning...

  • Page 8: Product Specification

    INSTRUCTION MANUAL Product Specification PHYSICAL Transducer housing material PVDF or Valox 357 PBT dBi-M3: 1kg (2.2lbs), dBi-M6: 1.2kg (2.7lbs), Weight dBi-M10: 1.3kg (2.9lbs), dBi-M15: 1.4kg (3.1lbs) dBi-M3: 77mm dia x 134mm high (3 x 5.31”) 1” BSP/NPT dBi-M6 & dBi-M10: 86mm dia x 121mm high (3.38 x Dimensions &...
  • Page 9 Average 14mA, 0.006 mAh per measurement. 1 second for warm bootup (within 12 hours), 2 Boot Time seconds cold bootup (after 12 hours). Pulsar Measurement operates a policy of constant development and improvement and reserve the right to amend technical details, as necessary.

  • Page 10: Eu & Uk Certificate Of Conformity

    INSTRUCTION MANUAL EU & UK Certificate of Conformity...

  • Page 11: Chapter 2 Installation

    Pulsar Measurement Partner. Power Supply Requirements The dBi-M series intelligent transducer operates from a supply voltage of 5 to 15V DC, and typical draw on average over 900ms is 14mA, peak is 100mA at start up for 5ms.

  • Page 12: Dimensions

    • The ambient temperature is between -40ºC and 80ºC (-40°F to 176°F). • There should be no high voltage cables or electrical wiring near the transducer cabling. Dimensions The dimensions of the dBi-M Series Intelligent Transducerw are shown below: Rear Thread Mount dBi-M3 dBi - M6 &...
  • Page 13 PULSAR MEASUREMENT Front Thread Mount dBi-M3 dBi-M3 1.5” Thread (49mm (1.93”) Clearance hole) 77mm ø (3”) dBi-M6 & dBi-M10 dBi-M6 2” Thread (61mm (2.40”) Clearance hole) 77mm ø (3”)

  • Page 14: Outdoor And Open Vessel Installation

    INSTRUCTION MANUAL Outdoor and Open Vessel Installation The dBi-M Series Intelligent Transducer can be simply mounted on a bracket, suitable for the application and secured using either the 1" BSP/NPT rear thread or via the 1½″ or 2″ front thread, dependant on model.

  • Page 15: Closed Vessel Installation

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT Closed Vessel Installation “L” should as a minimum be at least that as detailed in the table above but can be greater if required. The dBi Series Intelligent Transducer can be simply screwed into a flange and secured using the rear 1" BSP/NPT rear thread or via the 1½″...

  • Page 16: Cable

    PTFE faced Flanged Transducer is used. Please consult Pulsar Measurement for a full availability of options. Cable The dBi-M Series Intelligent Transducer comes with a fitted integral cable, if this cable is extended then the total capacitance must not exceed the limits for the voltage applied.

  • Page 17: Hazardous Area Location

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT Hazardous area location Ex ia (Intrinsically Safe) dBi-M transducers are certified for use in hazardous zones 0, 1, 2 (gas) & 20, 21, 22 (dust). The installation must comply with local regulations and the power supply cable to the transducers shall meet the relevant requirements of clause 9 of IEC60079-14:2013 / EN60079-14: 2014.

  • Page 18: Preparation For Operation

    Factory Default P930, as described in the relevant unit type parameter guide. This can be done by using the free dBi-M PC software. Once you are satisfied with the installation, and the dBi-M Series Intelligent Transducer is reading what you would expect in terms of distance from the face of the transducer to the material.

  • Page 19: Chapter 3 Getting Results With Dbi-M Transducers

    Near blanking (P107) is the distance from the face of the transducer that the dBi-M Series Intelligent Transducer will not record a level nearer than. A typical reason to increase this from the default value would be if you wish to ignore close in obstructions.

  • Page 20: Resetting Factory Defaults

    Factory Default’ and all parameters, will be restored to the factory settings (including the DATEM trace) and on completion. Checking Information Specific to your dBi-M Intelligent Transducer There are some parameters dedicated to each individual dBi-M Series Intelligent Transducer, such as the firmware revision and the unit’s serial number.

  • Page 21: Chapter 4 Dbi-M Pc Software

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT CHAPTER 4 DBI-M PC SOFTWARE The free dBi-M PC Software is a powerful tool that can be used to aid you in getting the most from your dBi-M Series Intelligent Transducer. It can be used to record all the Parameters for your applications, which can be saved to a PC or USB and stored for future reference.

  • Page 22: Opening Dbi-M Pc

    INSTRUCTION MANUAL Opening dBi-M PC Once the dBi-M PC software has been installed on to your local machine, double click on the dBi-M PC shortcut and a window will appear prompting you to enter a passcode (as shown below).

  • Page 23: Dbi-M Pc Opening Screen

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT dBi-M PC Opening Screen Menu Strip Shortcut Icons Toggle parameter list Main Screen Main screen selection tabs Common Controls Menu Strip None of the menu strip drop down menus can be accessed if you are viewing echo profiles. To access these menu options, change regular echo...
  • Page 24 The Parameters menu gives you three options (options 1 & 2 are easily accessed with the Tools button): 1. View (all) parameters in the dBi-M. A list will appear on the right-hand side in a table showing all parameters (highlighted in yellow are parameters where their values have been changed from default).
  • Page 25 The Tools menu enables you to open up the Comport settings window, enabling you to select the comport that the dBi-M is connected to. Or if a dBi-M is already connected to the PC software, you can close the com port ending your session with the dBi-M series intelligent transducer.
  • Page 26 2. View list of parameters with full description: This option displays a table that allows you to view all the parameters in the dBi-M with a full description of the options available for them (where applicable).

  • Page 27: Shortcut Icons

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT Shortcut Icons NAME ICON DESCRIPTION Allows you to search for any parameter file that you File wish to open, view, and examine. Parameter files are saved in a .xml format. Selecting this icon will paste the current viewed echo...
  • Page 28 INSTRUCTION MANUAL ICON NAME DESCRIPTION This enables you to download all parameters that are currently in the dBi-M that is connected to the Upload PC software. You will be prompted to save the parameters when the download is complete. Send...

  • Page 29: Toggle Parameter List

    This provides a graph and controls for viewing echo traces. Parameters dBi-M parameters can be viewed in a table format, and in relational groups. A single parameter can be viewed or all parameters from that group can be changed. You can also view the individual parameters options, change them, and default them to their factory values.

  • Page 30: Main Screen

    Echo traces To request an echo trace from the dBi-M, select the Regular Echo ‘Off’ button, this will turn on and an echo will be presented on the main screen. The X axis represents the distance in measurement units (P104) defined by the dBi-M transducer.
  • Page 31 PULSAR MEASUREMENT Gate and Measurement line The distance line shows which echo is being selected for the measurement. The vertical blue lines remain fixed at either side of the distance line, and act as a stability mechanism to filter out any momentary echoes from passing machinery/stirrers etc.
  • Page 32 INSTRUCTION MANUAL By default, the DATEM in dBi transducers is ACTIVE which means it will grow to cover any fixed obstructions in front of the current measurement echo. Looking at the trace below, the only echo which can be “seen” by the echo...
  • Page 33 PULSAR MEASUREMENT Zooming You can zoom into an echo trace by clicking and dragging a window from Top Left to Bottom Right across the area you want to zoom into. To zoom out, simply draw a box from the bottom right to top left or select Trace >...

  • Page 34: Common Parameters

    Series Intelligent Transducer, when it is communicating with the PC software. They will flash red/green when communication is being made (dBi-M PC tries to connect automatically when the software is first opened). You can search/poll a dBi-M transducer after confirming the comport you are connecting to is setup correctly.
  • Page 35 PULSAR MEASUREMENT DATEM Note: This feature is only available when in service mode. Please consult a Pulsar Measurement engineer for further assistance. The DATEM line can be adjusted manually, by selecting the ‘view DATEM points’ box. When selected a purple line will appear on the echo trace graph with a number of moveable points.
  • Page 36 INSTRUCTION MANUAL When finished and a regular echo is selected, the DATEM line will have changed to wrap around the echoes hidden from the movement of the points. To undo the manipulation of the DATEM points, select the , and the DATEM line will assume its default value:...

  • Page 37: Progress Bar

    Receiving and Sending Information Obtaining an echo for the first time, uploading, or downloading parameters from the dBi-M, the progress bar will increment in green to signify an action is being performed: When the initial trace has been received the PC software will indicate the information received from the dBi-M in the information box below the progress bar, such as ‘Get Echo trace’...

  • Page 38: Cursor Position

    INSTRUCTION MANUAL When uploading or downloading parameters from the dBi-M, the information box will display the parameters and their values being sent or received from the dBi-M. Replaying Echo Trace When replaying an echo trace, the progress bar will turn turquoise: During the playback of the echo trace, you are unable to select the option to view a regular echo.

  • Page 39: Transducer

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT Transducer Echo Trace This option displays the Raw echo when selected, if unselected the Raw echo will be hidden from view on the echo trace graph. Show Gate This option displays the Gate when selected, if unselected the Gate will be hidden from view on the echo trace graph.

  • Page 40: Chapter 5 Parameter Guide

    INSTRUCTION MANUAL CHAPTER 5 PARAMETER GUIDE This chapter describes all the parameters contained in the dBi-M Series Intelligent Transducer. Application Included in this tab is a diagram to help with setting up your application. Operation P100 Mode of Operation...

  • Page 41: Distance

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT P102 Material This parameter should be set to the type of material being monitored. OPTION DESCRIPTION 1 = Liquid (Default) Used for liquids and flat solid materials. 2 = Solid Used for sold material that is heaped or at an angle.
  • Page 42 This parameter is the distance from the face of the transducer that is not measurable and is pre-set to the minimum value dependant on the version of dBi-M Series Intelligent Transducer being used. It should not be set to less than this figure but can be increased.

  • Page 43: Data Logs

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT Data Logs The data log parameters contain the following information: Temperature The following parameters give information on temperature conditions seen by the Temperature source (P852) in ºC. These parameters are read only and cannot be changed, though if P852 is changed they will be reset.

  • Page 44: Compensation

    INSTRUCTION MANUAL Compensation P851 Measurement Offset The value of this parameter is added to the measured distance, in Measurement Units (P104). This Offset will be added to the level, as derived from the transducer, and will affect everything including the reading on the display of the PC software and Modbus registers.
  • Page 45 PULSAR MEASUREMENT P860 Sound Velocity This option allows for the velocity of sound to be changed according to the atmosphere the transducer is operating in. By default, the velocity is set for 342.72m/sec which is the speed of sound travelling in air at a temperature...

  • Page 46: Stability

    “angles of repose” presented by the way the material settles. Please consult Pulsar Measurement for further information and assistance on changing the value...

  • Page 47: System

    Important Notice Parameters 926, 927 and 928 are read only parameters and do not affect how the unit performs, but details contained in them may be required, by Pulsar, when making technical enquiries. System Information P926 Firmware Revision This parameter will display the current firmware revision.

  • Page 48: Modbus Poll Address

    Alarm condition is triggered. When requesting an echo trace the Alarm trace will be displayed on the graph. The dBi-M can be set up to capture an echo trace under certain alarm conditions; Alarm Trace (activates within the setpoints set in (P951 and P952) or LOE Trace.

  • Page 49: Datem

    LOE (Loss of Echo) condition is triggered. When requesting an echo trace the LOE trace will be displayed on the graph. This parameter sets the frequency at which a trace is saved to the dBi-M’s internal memory in a LOE condition.
  • Page 50 P70 DATEM Speed This parameter is used to the speed in which the DATEM trace will react. Please consult Pulsar Measurement for further information and assistance on changing the value of this parameter. OPTION...

  • Page 51: Volume

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT Volume The dBi-M allows the user to select from a variety of volume calculation features, with 11 programmable vessel shapes. See Vessel Shape (P600) for more information. For each vessel, you will need to know the dimensions (P601-603) in Measurement Units (P104) which are required to calculate the volume (P604) which will be displayed in the selected Volume Units (P605).

  • Page 52: Conversion

    INSTRUCTION MANUAL Conversion P600 Vessel Shape This parameter determines which vessel shape is used when utilising “Volume Conversion”. The choices are as shown in the table below, along with the dimensions that are required to be entered (P601-P603). VESSEL SHAPE...
  • Page 53 PULSAR MEASUREMENT VESSEL SHAPE P600 VALUE DESCRIPTION DIMENSIONS Cylinder diameter P600 = 4 Parabola Base and height of bottom P600 = 5 Cylindrical half- Cylinder diameter sphere Base Cylinder diameter P600 = 6 Cylindrical Sloped and height of Base bottom...
  • Page 54 INSTRUCTION MANUAL VESSEL SHAPE P600 VALUE DESCRIPTION DIMENSIONS P600 = 10 Sphere Sphere diameter No dimensions required as level, P600 = 11 Universal linear and volume breakpoints are used No dimensions required as level, P600 =12 Universal curved and volume...
  • Page 55 P604 Calculated Volume This parameter displays the maximum volume that has been calculated by the dBi-M firmware and is a Read Only parameter. The volume displayed will be shown in cubic meters and is the total volume available between empty...
  • Page 56 P607 Max Volume This parameter displays the actual maximum volume that has been calculated by the dBi-M PC software, i.e., P604 Calculated Volume x P606 Correction Factor, and is a Read Only parameter. The volume will be shown in P605 Volume Units and is the total volume available between empty...

  • Page 57: Breakpoints

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT Breakpoints P610-P641 Level/Volume Breakpoints These parameters are used to create a profile of the vessel when P600=11 (universal linear) or P600=12 (universal curved). You should enter breakpoints in pairs, a reading for level and its corresponding volume. The more pairs you enter, the more accurate the profile will be.
  • Page 58 INSTRUCTION MANUAL Universal Curved (P600=12) This volume calculation creates a curved approximation of the level/volume relationship, and works best if the vessel is non-linear, and there are no sharp angles. You should enter 2 level/volume breakpoints at the minimum and maximum levels, and several for each place where the vessel has got an arc.

  • Page 59: Chapter 6 Modbus

    Each Modbus slave has a unique Modbus address. The Modbus protocol defines the address range limits as 1 to 247. However, the dBi-M Series will support an address range of 1 to 126. The device address used by the dBi- M is set using the parameter shown below: PAR.

  • Page 60: Register Address

    X+1. Registers Every Register in the dBi-M is a 32-bit float (4 bytes length) formatted as little endian (little endian registers, little endian bytes in the register). Even the integer registers must be read in the same format (4 bytes float little endian).
  • Page 61 PULSAR MEASUREMENT Consecutive addresses Holding Registers Configuration Registers: • P0 to P999 (P= Parameter) • Read using the FC 3 (Function Code) – Read Holding Registers. • Write using: FC 6 – Cannot be used to write 32-bit registers. FC 16 – Write single or multiple 32-bit registers.

  • Page 62: Runtime Registers (Input Registers)

    INSTRUCTION MANUAL Runtime Registers (Input Registers) The first table below presents the unit symbols and their corresponding descriptions for the Runtime Registers. The second table shows the addresses, descriptions, and units of the Runtime Registers. These registers are ‘Read Only’ and can be accessed using the Function Code 4.

  • Page 63: Configuration/Holding Registers (Parameters)

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT Configuration/Holding Registers (Parameters) The first table presents the unit symbols and their corresponding descriptions for the Configuration Registers (Parameters). The second table shows the addresses, descriptions, and units of the Configuration Registers. These registers are read/write (see Chapter 5 for details of each parameter), and can be accessed using the Function Codes 3, 6 and 16.
  • Page 64 INSTRUCTION MANUAL Data Logs 32BIT 2X 16BIT REGISTER REGISTER DESCRIPTION UNIT ADDRESS ADDRESS 2118-2119 Minimum Temperature U_TP 2124-2125 Maximum Temperature U_TP 2130-2131 Current Temperature U_TP 2266-2267 Number of Starts U_NO Compensation 32BIT 2X 16BIT REGISTER REGISTER DESCRIPTION UNIT ADDRESS...
  • Page 65 PULSAR MEASUREMENT System 32BIT 2X 16BIT REGISTER REGISTER DESCRIPTION UNIT ADDRESS ADDRESS 2218-2219 Failsafe Mode U_NO 2220-2221 Failsafe Timer U_MN 2258-2259 Default Parameters U_NO 2278-2279 Alarm Low Limit U_MU 2280-2281 Alarm High Limit U_MU 2282-2283 Alarm Save Trace U_NO 2116-2117...
  • Page 66 INSTRUCTION MANUAL Volume 32BIT 2X 16BIT REGISTER REGISTER DESCRIPTION UNIT ADDRESS ADDRESS 2132-2133 Vessel Shape U_NO 2134-2135 Vessel Dimension A U_MU 2136-2137 Vessel Dimension B U_MU 2138-2139 Vessel Dimension C U_MU 2140-2141 Cal Vol m (Read Only) U_VU 2142-2143...
  • Page 67 PULSAR MEASUREMENT 32BIT 2X 16BIT REGISTER REGISTER DESCRIPTION UNIT ADDRESS ADDRESS 2194-2195 Volume Breakpoint 12 U_VU 2196-2197 Level Breakpoint 13 U_MU 2198-2199 Volume Breakpoint 13 U_VU 2200-2201 Level Breakpoint 14 U_MU 2202-2203 Volume Breakpoint 14 U_VU 2204-2205 Level Breakpoint 15...

  • Page 68: Echo Status (Register 1)

    INSTRUCTION MANUAL Echo Status (register 1) NAME VALUE 0 DESCRIPTION VALUE 1 DESCRIPTION Voltage is greater than or Voltage is less than 4V Voltage equal to 4V DC Temperature Error When P852 = 3 (Fixed) When P852 = 3 (Fixed)

  • Page 69: Chapter 7 Troubleshooting

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT CHAPTER 7 TROUBLESHOOTING This section describes many common symptoms, with suggestions as to what to do. If the issue persists, please contact your local Pulsar Measurement Partner. SYMPTOM WHAT TO DO Check power supply to the transducer, and Transducer not firing.

  • Page 70: Chapter 8 Disposal

    INSTRUCTION MANUAL CHAPTER 8 DISPOSAL Incorrect disposal can cause adverse effects to the environment. Dispose of the device components and packaging material in accordance with regional environmental regulations including regulations for electrical \ electronic products. Transducers Remove power, disconnect the Transducer, cut off the electrical cable and dispose of cable and Transducer in accordance with regional environmental regulations for electrical \ electronic products.
  • Page 71 S U P P O R T @ P U L S A R M E A S U R E M E N T . C O M Copyright © 2021 Pulsar Measurement Ltd. Registered Address: 1 Chamberlain Square CS, Birmingham B3 3AX Registered No.: 3345604 England &...

This manual is also suitable for:

Dbi-m3Dbi-m10Dbi-m6Dbi-m15

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