Page 3
Pulsar Measurement. WARRANTY AND LIABILITY Pulsar Measurement guarantees for a period of 2 years from the date of delivery that it will either exchange or repair any part of this product returned to Pulsar Measurement if it is found to be defective in material or workmanship, subject to the defect not being due to unfair wear and tear, misuse, modification or alteration, accident, misapplication, or negligence.
PULSAR MEASUREMENT CHAPTER 1: START HERE… Congratulations on your purchase of a Pulsar REFLECT Intelligent Transducer Level Monitoring System. This quality system has been developed over many years and represents the latest in high technology Radar level measurement and control. It has been designed to give you years of trouble-free performance, and a few minutes spent reading this operating manual will ensure that your installation is as simple as possible.
BLE Browser on iOS). The primary system communication is via HART modem over 4-20mA loop. For further information on setting up Radar with a controller please consult Pulsar Measurement for assistance. It gives all the advantages associated with radar technology and offers best- in-class performance with a narrow beam angle.
Page 9
PULSAR MEASUREMENT Easy calibration and maintenance free “fit and forget” performance mean that you can install the REFLECT Level Monitoring System rapidly and with confidence, with calibration being achieved either using a HART programmer/calibrator, or via a PC utilising the Pulsar REFLECT software.
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL Product Specification PHYSICAL Dimensions & Mounting All models: 135 x 102mm (5.31 x 4.04”) Rear thread 1” BSP (UK or ATEX only) with M20 adaptor, or optional 1.5” BSP front thread. Mounting Options ANSI or DIN flange front thread adaptor (PVDF) Weight All Models: 1.5kg (3.3lbs) Frequency...
Page 11
Current consumption at start-up = 20mA ACCESSORIES BReez Adaptor Greatly increases ease of use Front Thread Adaptor For compatibility with chemical applications Pulsar Measurement operates a policy of constant development and improvement and reserve the right to amend technical details, as necessary.
If there is any shortage or obvious shipping damage to the equipment, report it immediately to Pulsar Measurement. Power Supply Requirements The Pulsar REFLECT Intelligent Transducer operates from a DC supply of 12 to 28V and will typically draw less than 22mA.
PULSAR MEASUREMENT Dimensions The dimensions of the Pulsar REFLECT Intelligent Transducer are shown below: Rear Thread Mount R8 & R20 1” BSP thread 102mm (4.01”)
Page 16
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL Front Thread Mount R8 & R20 1” BSP thread 1.5” BSP thread 38mm (1.49”) 102mm (4.01”) Important Notice The diagrams shown are for illustrative purposes only.
PULSAR MEASUREMENT Outdoor and Open Vessel Installation The Pulsar REFLECT Intelligent Transducer can be simply mounted on a bracket, suitable for the application and secured using either the 1" BSP with M20 adaptor (UK & ATEX) rear thread or via the 1½″ front thread, dependant on model.
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL Closed Vessel Installation “L” should be at least that as detailed in the table above but can be greater if required. The Pulsar REFLECT Intelligent Transducer can be simply screwed into a flange and secured using the rear 1" BSP with M20 adaptor (UK & ATEX) rear thread or via the 1½″...
PULSAR MEASUREMENT When using a standpipe, fixed to the top of a vessel, ensure that the open end of the standpipe is clear of any obstructions such as weld seams, gaskets etc. to avoid unwanted signal returns. If using standpipes which extend into the vessel, beyond the blanking...
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL Loop Resistance For two wire operation, the maximum cable resistance allowable can be calculated from the graph below. For example, if a Pulsar REFLECT Intelligent Transducer was supplied from 24V, the maximum total cable resistance is 650 ohms, for a typical 77 ohm/km cable this would mean a maximum cable length of 650/77 = 8.4km, remember this is total cable resistance, so this figure must be divided by 2 to give 4.2km max distance.
There are no user serviceable parts inside your Pulsar REFLECT Intelligent Transducer, if you experience any problems with the unit, then please contact Pulsar Measurement for advice. To clean the equipment, wipe with a damp cloth. Do not use any solvents on the enclosure.
Page 22
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL 6. The certificate number has an ‘X’ suffix that indicates that the following special condition of certification applies; In the case of Pulsar REFLECT, due to the housing and labels being non- conductive plastic, care needs to be taken with regards electrostatic charge.
Page 23
PULSAR MEASUREMENT Hazardous Area Installation CABLE DESCRIPTION COMMENTS COLOUR DC Power +Ve +12V to +28V DC max. Black DC 0V / Ground Connect to the same point Green Cable Screen Important Notice A Barrier with rated nominal resistance of Rs ≤ 250Ω is advised for...
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL CHAPTER 3 HOW TO USE YOUR PULSAR REFLECT 4-20 mA Device The REFLECT will be in Install-Liquid mode so will need to be changed to one of the measure modes to allow the output to be dynamic. For example, if setting the measurement mode to Level the 4 –...
PULSAR MEASUREMENT Accessing Parameters To view or change parameters values one of the following methods must be used: Hart Commands If familiar with the use of HART protocol and the Pulsar REFLECT Intelligent Transducer is connected to a HART modem, then it can be programmed following normal HART procedures.
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL CHAPTER 4 REFLECT BLUETOOTH AND PC CONNECTIVITY REFLECT Bluetooth The Pulsar REFLECT Intelligent Transducer has the capability to connect to your smartphone (Android and Apple iOS), tablet or laptop via a Bluetooth connection. When connected you can view and change parameters, check level measurements, and view live echo traces in the palm of your hands.
Page 27
PULSAR MEASUREMENT Important Notice Ensure that the Pulsar REFLECT Intelligent Transducer is powered prior to making a connection to the REFLECT Bluetooth page Alternatively, you can use the QR code provided below: Whether using the QR code or the webpage App address, when selected you will be directed to the Pulsar REFLECT Bluetooth Home page where a connection to the Pulsar REFLECT can be made.
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL Home Page The Home page allows the connection/disconnection to a Pulsar REFLECT Intelligent Transducer, the ability to query and change parameters along with providing live information on the current readings obtained from the Pulsar REFLECT connected. Web Page Selector: Displays the current Pulsar REFLECT page you are viewing highlighted by a white background.
Page 29
PULSAR MEASUREMENT Device Scan: Click this to scan and pair to a Pulsar REFLECT Intelligent Transducer. Once selected, a window will open for you to select the Pulsar REFLECT you wish to pair via Bluetooth and connect to. When connected to a Pulsar REFLECT, the buttons on the Web App will change from Orange to Green, signifying a connection has been made successfully.
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL Live Distance Measurement: This displays the current Distance measurement being obtained from the Pulsar REFLECT connected. Live Level Measurement: This displays the current Level measurement being obtained from the Pulsar REFLECT connected. End Session: When this is selected, you will terminate the connection between the Web App and the Pulsar REFLECT you were connected to.
Page 31
PULSAR MEASUREMENT Select the Pulsar REFLECT you wish to connect to, and then press the Pair button which will now be highlighted in blue. When connected, all the selectable buttons on the software will change from orange to green signifying a connection has been made. The command box will also display the message ‘connected’...
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL Trace Page The Trace page provides real time echo trace readings, and status information on the current readings obtained from the Pulsar REFLECT connected. You can also turn on/off the real time echo trace information on this page. This is the page that is displayed as soon as a confirmed connection has been made to a Pulsar REFLECT Intelligent Transducer.
Page 33
PULSAR MEASUREMENT Toggle DATEM and ECHO: Option to view/hide DATEM and ECHO respectively by clicking on it. Trace area: The graph area is used to display real time diagnostic echo trace information from the Pulsar REFLECT Intelligent Transducer connected. The X axis represents the distance in measurement units (P104) defined by the Pulsar REFLECT transducer.
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL Settings Page The setting page provides the user with options to view/update readily available Bluetooth and RADAR parameters. Once connected to a REFLECT unit, selecting the Settings page for the first time would do an initial query of all the RADAR parameters once.
Page 35
PULSAR MEASUREMENT Range: Indicates the current Bluetooth range in metres. Also, allows the user to set the range between 4 and 40m using the slider. This could be used to prevent unauthorised access to the Pulsar REFLECT from outside the facility where it has been installed.
Page 36
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL Span (P106): Gets/sets the span of the unit. Refer P106 Span further information. Fail Mode (P808): Gets/sets the mA output in the event of the unit going into fail-safe mode. Refer P808 Fail Mode for detailed explanation.
REFLECT Hart Communicator software can also be used to record and view Echo Profiles from your applications, which can be saved for your records or sent via e-mail back to Pulsar Measurement for our engineers to analyse. The software can also be used to re-program your REFLECT to the latest version of firmware, with any enhancements that it may contain.
Page 38
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL REFLECT HART connection To connect to Pulsar REFLECT Hart Communicator software, a HART modem is required to allow communication between the Hart Communicator software and the REFLECT transducer. When connecting to the software using the HART modem, power to the REFLECT transducer can be obtained from a 12-28V DC source.
PULSAR MEASUREMENT Opening Pulsar REFLECT Hart Communicator Once the Pulsar REFLECT Hart Communicator software has been installed on to your local machine, double click on the Pulsar REFLECT Hart Communicator shortcut and a window will appear prompting you to enter a passcode (like the image shown below).
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL Pulsar REFLECT Hart Communicator Opening Screen Menu Strip Shortcut Icons Main screen selection tabs Toggle parameter list Main Screen Common Controls Menu Strip None of the menu strip drop down menus can be accessed if you are viewing echo profiles.
Page 41
Setup menu enables you to open up the Comport settings window, enabling you to select the comport that the Pulsar REFLECT is connected to. Please consult Pulsar Measurement if you wish to utilise the Re-program option which is greyed out.
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL About This displays information about the Pulsar REFLECT software you are using. 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.
Page 43
PULSAR MEASUREMENT You can also pause and move the slider to a specific position of the total trace recordings (ideal for long recordings). Or press stop to end the replay.
Page 44
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL ICON NAME DESCRIPTION This enables you to download all parameters that are currently in the Pulsar REFLECT that is Upload connected to the Hart Communicator software. You will be prompted to save the parameters when the download is complete. Send This allows you to send all parameters at once in Parameters to...
PULSAR MEASUREMENT Toggle Parameter List When you have uploaded the parameters from the connected REFLECT (or from your laptop), a list of changed parameters will appear in the right-hand side of your screen. Pressing the toggle parameters icon will alternately show all parameters, (with the changed parameters highlighted in yellow), show only the changed parameters, and then hide the table from view.
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL Main Screen The main screen is used to display real time diagnostic echo trace information from the Pulsar REFLECT Intelligent Transducer connected or replay recorded echo traces previously saved. Echo traces To request an echo trace from the Pulsar REFLECT, select the Regular Echo ‘On’...
Page 47
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 48
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL By default, the DATEM in Pulsar REFLECT Transducers is ACTIVE which means it will grow to cover (mask out) 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 selection algorithm is the current selected echo at 2.6 metres.
Page 49
PULSAR MEASUREMENT To zoom out, simply draw a box from the bottom right to top left and the echo trace will resume its normal shape. Important Information If you are connecting to multiple devices that are to be placed onto a HART network, the Poll address of each sensor will need to be changed from the default value of 0.
Page 50
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL After using the Setup menu option to detect the correct comport, you can look to make a connection the connected Pulsar REFLECT Intelligent Transducer. Click on the button to begin a scan of any connected HART devices.
Page 51
Important Information 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...
Page 52
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL To undo the manipulation of the DATEM points, select the button and the DATEM line will resume its default value: P21 DATEM Distance To request echo traces from the Pulsar REFLECT Intelligent Transducer, change regular echo from Off: This parameter allows you to determine which echo is to be used for measurement purposes.
PULSAR MEASUREMENT Progress Bar The progress bar color the changes to indicate the different actions that are being performed. Blue indicates that the raw echo is being obtained and updated when it reaches 100%. Purple indicates that the DATEM line is being obtained and updated when it reaches 100%.
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL DATEM Trace This option displays the DATEM line when selected, if unselected then DATEM will be hidden from view on the echo trace graph. Show Distance This option displays the Measurement Marker line when selected, if unselected the Measurement Marker will be hidden from view on the echo trace graph.
PULSAR MEASUREMENT Using the 4-20 mA Output The mA output can be used to monitor remotely what the Pulsar REFLECT Intelligent Transducer is measuring, so it can be displayed remotely, integrated into a PLC, or used to generate a record using a chart recorder or similar.
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL Resetting Factory Defaults If you need to restore parameters to their original factory settings, then access parameter P930, which is the factory defaults parameter, change the value to 1 and ENTER, all parameters, except for the mA trims, will be restored to the factory settings (including the DATEM trace) and on completion.
PULSAR MEASUREMENT CHAPTER 5 PARAMETER LISTING AND DESCRIPTION Application Operation P100 Mode of Operation This parameter sets the mode of operation, when in run mode, and can be set to one of the following: OPTION DESCRIPTION 1= Distance Display shows the distance from the transducer face to the surface.
Page 58
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL P241 Indicator Mode This parameter should be set to the type of material being monitored. The below outlines what each indicator mode does: MODE DESCRIPTION FUNCTION (P241) OUTPUT Dynamic Installation – Long LED Flash, colors related to Tilt 20mA Liquid Angle of installation.
Page 59
PULSAR MEASUREMENT LED Functionality MODE LED FUNCTION NUMBER (P241) GREEN AMBER Level with Horizontal Between Pass and Not Level plane Fail Raw Echo Strength Raw Echo Strength Raw Echo Strength above P242 (Signal above P243 (Signal below both Strength Threshold...
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL Distance P104 Measurement Units This parameter sets the units you want to use for programming and display DESCRIPTION OPTION 1 = metres All units of measure are METRES 2 = cm All units of measure are CENTIMETRES 3 = mm All units of measure are MILLIMETRES 4 = feet...
PULSAR MEASUREMENT P108 Far Blanking This is the distance (as a percentage of empty level) beyond the empty point that the unit will be able to measure, and the default is pre-set to 10% of the empty level. If the surface being monitored can extend beyond the Empty Level (P105) then the far blanking distance can be increased to a maximum of 100% of empty level.
Page 62
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL P586 Current Temperature This parameter displays the current temperature. Transducer Power Information The following parameters provide information on when the Pulsar REFLECT Intelligent Transducer was last powered down and how long it had run for. P940 Number of Starts This parameter displays the number of times that the unit has been powered since leaving the factory.
PULSAR MEASUREMENT mA Output P834 mA Low Level This parameter sets the level, distance, or space, at which the low mA output will occur (4mA). Default = 0.000m P835 mA High Level This parameter sets the level, distance, or space, at which the low mA output will occur (20mA).
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL mA Failsafe P808 Fail Mode This parameter determines what happens to the mA output in the event of the unit going into fail-safe mode: DESCRIPTION OPTION 1 = Hold (Default) The Pulsar REFLECT will Hold its last known value 2 = High The Pulsar REFLECT will read High (20mA) 3 = Low...
Page 65
PULSAR MEASUREMENT P852 Temperature Source This parameter determines the source of the temperature measurement. By default, it is set to automatic (Option 1), which will automatically detect if a temperature sensor is available from the Pulsar REFLECT. If for any reason, no temperature input is received, then the Fixed Temp value is used, as set by P854.
System Important Notice Parameters 926, 927 and 928 do not affect how the unit performs, but details contained in them may be required, by Pulsar Measurement, when making technical enquiries.
Page 67
PULSAR MEASUREMENT System Information P926 Software Revision This parameter will display the current software revision. P927 Hardware Revision This parameter will display the current hardware revision. It is read only and cannot be changed. P928 Serial Number This parameter will display the serial number of the Pulsar REFLECT connected.
Page 68
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL P922 Passcode This is the passcode that must be used to enter program mode. The default is 1997, but this can be changed to another value. Alarm Limits The Pulsar REFLECT intelligent transducer stores an echo trace internally when the Alarm condition is triggered.
PULSAR MEASUREMENT LOE Save Trace P950 Save DATEM Trace on LOE When enabled this parameter will ensure that in the event of the unit going into a LOE situation a trace at the time of the LOE occurrence is saved for future reference.
Page 70
Pulsar for further information and assistance on changing the value of this parameter. 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 DESCRIPTION...
PULSAR MEASUREMENT Volume 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 72
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL VESSEL SHAPE P600 VALUE DESCRIPTION DIMENSIONS Height of base, P600 = 3 Rectangular Width and Breadth Pyramid Base of Rectangle Cylinder diameter P600 = 4 Parabola Base and height of bottom P600 = 5 cylindrical half Cylinder diameter sphere Cylinder diameter...
Page 73
PULSAR MEASUREMENT P600 VALUE VESSEL SHAPE DIMENSIONS DESCRIPTION P600 = 8 Horizontal Cylinder diameter cylinder with flat ends and tank length Cylinder diameter, P600 = 9 Horizontal length of one end cylinder with parabolic and section, and ends tank length...
Page 74
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL P601-P603 Vessel Dimensions These three parameters are used to enter the dimension required to calculate the volume. The dimensions required are as shown below and are entered Measurements Units (P104). VESSEL SHAPE P601 P602 P603 P600 = 0 Cylinder Not required Not required...
Page 75
PULSAR MEASUREMENT P605 Volume Units This parameter determines the units that you wish to display, for volume conversion. It is used in conjunction with P607 (maximum volume), and the units are shown on the display. The choices are: OPTION DESCRIPTION...
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL 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.
PULSAR MEASUREMENT 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.
PULSAR REFLECT INSTRUCTION MANUAL CHAPTER 6 TROUBLESHOOTING This section describes many common symptoms, with suggestions as to what to do. POSSIBLE CAUSES ACTION Transducer not firing. Check power supply No valid echo being received, and unit has gone into fault condition. Check material level is not Unit indicates a “LOE”...
PULSAR MEASUREMENT CHAPTER 7 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.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the REFLECT R8 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers