Pulsar FarSight Instruction Manual
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Pulsar FarSight Instruction Manual

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Instruction Manual

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Summary of Contents for Pulsar FarSight

  • Page 1 FarSight Instruction Manual...
  • Page 2 Pulsar Measurement operates a policy of constant development and improvement and reserves the right to amend technical details, as necessary. The FarSight shown on the cover of this manual is used for illustrative purposes only and may not be representative of the actual device supplied.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Installing the Sensor ......................27 Preparation for Operation ..................... 28 General Maintenance ...................... 28 Chapter 4 Understanding How the FarSight Works ..........29 Measuring streamflow / open channel flow ............29 FarSight Protocol ....................... 30 Chapter 5 Setting Up the FarSight .................. 31 FlowCERT Setup .........................
  • Page 4 FARSIGHT INSTRUCTION MANUAL Ultimate Controller Fascia and Wall Mount setup ..........33 Chapter 6 Microflow PC ...................... 36 Software installation ......................36 Using MicroFlow/FarSight PC..................37 Flow Tab ..........................38 Setup Menu ......................... 42 System menu ........................42 Tools menu .......................... 43 Info menu ..........................

  • Page 5: Chapter 1: Start Here

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT CHAPTER 1: START HERE… Congratulations on your purchase of a FarSight velocity sensor. This quality product has been developed over many years and represents the latest in non-contacting velocity monitoring technology. 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.

  • Page 6: About The Farsight

    PC software is available to allow setup and run diagnostics using MicroFlow PC via a RS 485 connection. The FarSight is compatible for use with Pulsar Measurement’s, FlowCERT, Velocity Interface and Ultimate controllers to obtain velocity readings.

  • Page 7: Benefits

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT Benefits Combined with the ease of programming there are many other benefits to using the FarSight, these are listed below: Non-contact velocity measurement. • Retro-fit capability and low-cost installation. • Monitors flow over natural channels such as streams and rivers.

  • Page 8: Functional Description

    Signal Processing) platform, offering you a cost-effective solution with excellent reliability and performance. FarSight automatically matches to the protocol and Baud rate of the controller. When it is connected to a controller and powered up, after approximately 10 seconds the sensor will adjust to the Baud rate of the controller it is connected to.

  • Page 9: Product Specification

    Cable: 5-core screened 10, 20 or 30m (32.8, 65.6 or 98.4ft) Cable Lengths: Optional: 50 m or 100 m (164 ft or 328 ft) Up to 500m (1,640 ft) from FarSight to controller or Maximum separation: RTU/logger PERFORMANCE Operational Range:...
  • Page 10 10 – 28V DC Power Consumption 0.42W Support for complete power-down between measurements. Required power-on duration depends Power Conservation: on application and field programming of FarSight. See manual for details. ACCESSORIES Increases ease of use, supplied as standard. Greatly BReez Adapter:...

  • Page 11: Eu Certificate Of Conformity

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT EU Certificate of Conformity...

  • Page 12: Chapter 2 Power Supply Requirements

    Pulsar Measurement. Power Supply Requirements The FarSight can operate from a DC supply of 10 to 28V DC. In all cases the unit typically draws 0.42W. Cable Screen and Earth Requirements The FarSight cable supplied is a 5-core (individual core 2.5mm...

  • Page 13: Location

    FarSight can be correctly installed. The bracket can be used if the FarSight sensor is to be mounted on its own in a specific location or along with a Pulsar Measurement dB transducer. Please see ‘Angled Mounting Bracket’...

  • Page 14: Angled Mounting Bracket

    FARSIGHT INSTRUCTION MANUAL Angled Mounting Bracket Part number: dBA0008MF 176mm Side view R20mm 22mm 22mm 100mm 12mm 90mm 130mm Top view...
  • Page 15 PULSAR MEASUREMENT R20mm 4 off 12mm Important Information Using a spirit level, ensure that the Mounting Bracket is level before attaching the sensor to the bracket.

  • Page 16: Farsight Sensor

    FARSIGHT INSTRUCTION MANUAL FarSight Sensor The dimensions of the sensor body are shown in the below diagram: 105mm (4.13”) 1” BSP or NPT 120mm (4.72”) BOTTOM 30 -50° Surface of measurement...

  • Page 17: Mounting Sensor To A Bracket

    Cable For correct installation, we recommend that the adapter or BReez threaded on the cable, and carefully screwed onto the FarSight before fitting to the bracket. This will reduce the risk of any ’twisting’ in the cable. Ensure that the sensor is tightened, and the dot is in the correct position.
  • Page 18 FARSIGHT INSTRUCTION MANUAL Central to the movement of flow in channel. Important Information Care should be taken not to overtighten the sensor when everything is connected, as seen in the diagram below, as this could cause damage to the housing.
  • Page 19 FarSight. As these are different locations, it is important to have a uniform channel shape when measuring flow via the Area*Velocity method.
  • Page 20 For this installation method, please set P44 to 1 (Away) Green dot to be displayed on top Direction of flow By setting P44 to 1, this allows the sensor to output a positive flow reading when the direction of flow is away from the FarSight.

  • Page 21: Terminal Connection Details

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT Terminal Connection Details Power The FarSight operates from a DC voltage supply of 10-28 volts and should be installed and connected in accordance with ‘Chapter 2–Power supply requirements’ and the instructions below. When wiring the FarSight the cable used is of a multicore design. The wire coding is shown below for...

  • Page 22: Flowcert

    FlowCERT unit. For further information on how to operate a FlowCERT unit, please refer to the separate FlowCERT user manual. To set up a FarSight sensor with the FlowCERT please refer to Chapter 5 – Setting up the FarSight of this manual.
  • Page 23 The green cable (cable screen) should be connected to Earth such as terminal 44 (0V). Important Information If you require help in connecting the FarSight to any of the Pulsar Measurement controllers mentioned in this manual, then please contact your local Pulsar Measurement Distributor for assistance.

  • Page 24: Ultimate Controller

    The green cable (cable screen) should be connected to Earth such as terminal 44 (0V). Important Information If you require help in connecting the FarSight to any of the Pulsar Measurement controllers mentioned in this manual, then please contact your local Pulsar Measurement Distributor for assistance.

  • Page 25: Chapter 3 Locating The Farsight

    Locating the FarSight • If the width of the channel exceeds 3m. Multiple FarSight sensors are recommended to be used in conjunction with the Ultimate Controller. • Ensure that there is an unobstructed path between the sensor and the surface of the moving liquid being measured.
  • Page 26 FARSIGHT INSTRUCTION MANUAL Important Information If the maximum width of the channel exceeds 3m, you may require more than one FarSight sensor for your application, please consult Pulsar Measurement for assistance. In the instance where there are vertical drops, baffles, curves, or...

  • Page 27: Installing The Sensor

    500m. Install the sensor cables in grounded metal conduit. Do not run-in cable trays or duct banks with variable frequency drives or other high voltage sources. When connecting multiple FarSight sensors for use with the Ultimate • controller. Ensure that all wiring in any junction /connector box is...

  • Page 28: Preparation For Operation

    ✓ The power supply is correctly installed. General Maintenance There are no user serviceable parts inside FarSight. 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 29: Chapter 4 Understanding How The Farsight Works

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT CHAPTER 4 UNDERSTANDING HOW THE FARSIGHT WORKS To set up and obtain flow readings using the FarSight, it is advised to do this using a Pulsar Measurement controller. Measuring streamflow / open channel flow The calculation of flow using Area x Velocity is only possible when the FarSight sensor is used as part of an integrated system with either FlowCERT or Ultimate Controllers.

  • Page 30: Farsight Protocol

    Once the sensor is connected to the controller and power is restored to the device, after a short period of time, the FarSight will automatically detect and adjust its protocol and Baud rate to match that of the appropriate...

  • Page 31: Chapter 5 Setting Up The Farsight

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT CHAPTER 5 SETTING UP THE FARSIGHT This chapter explains the quickest way in which to get your FarSight sensor working with the Pulsar Measurement controllers that the sensor operates with. FlowCERT Setup 1. Install and connect your FlowCERT controller as outlined in the FlowCERT user manual.

  • Page 32: Velocity Interface Setup

    11. If no further changes are required, return to run mode and after a short time the flow readings from the FarSight will be displayed on the FlowCERT screen. Velocity Interface setup 1.

  • Page 33: Ultimate Controller Fascia And Wall Mount Setup

    9. Select ‘Velocity’ where you will now be able to select the FarSight as a velocity measurement point. 10. Select ‘Single’ when only using one sensor to obtain velocity...
  • Page 34 22. If no other changes are required, then exit the OCM (Open Channel Flow Measurement) setup and Save changes made. 23. To view the velocity obtained from the FarSight(s) on the main display in run mode, please continue to follow these instructions. If you do not require to view this information, and you have finished setting up your Ultimate then return to run mode.
  • Page 35 29. Once velocity is detected then this information can be viewed in the auxiliary display. Important Information For further information on how to set up the individual controllers, please refer to that controller’s instruction manual. All of Pulsar’s product manuals are available from the Pulsar Measurement website: https://pulsarmeasurement.com/downloads...

  • Page 36: Chapter 6 Microflow Pc

    FARSIGHT INSTRUCTION MANUAL CHAPTER 6 MICROFLOW PC The software that accompanies the FarSight can be used to setup, test, obtain and record readings from a sensor. To utilise the features of the software, an RS485 connector, which is available from Pulsar Measurement (as shown below), is required to communicate between the sensor and your machine.

  • Page 37: Using Microflow/Farsight Pc

    Ensure that power to the controller/sensor is switched ‘OFF’ before removing cables and any connection is made. With the two FarSight RS485 cables removed, connect the Red wire with the Red crocodile clip on the connector, to the Orange (RS485+) wire of the FarSight.

  • Page 38: Flow Tab

    FARSIGHT INSTRUCTION MANUAL Flow Tab The above picture is the default screen of FarSight PC, which is the Flow tab. The dial on the left displays the reported flow velocity (up to 6m/s), which is in metres per second. The numerical display near the Velocity label shows...
  • Page 39 Refer “Chapter 7 - Configuration parameters” for more information. Inclination This indicates the angle (with the horizontal axis) at which the FarSight is mounted. Signal Strength The signal strength gives an indication of the actual strength of the velocity signal detected. A level of higher than 70% is desired for reliable operation.
  • Page 40 • When activated, this icon border will light up yellow and ‘live’ traces can be observed on the ‘Trace’ tab. Click again to deactivate. Save Data to File: Click to record data from the FarSight device. When activated, this icon will light up yellow, clicking again will deactivate the feature.
  • Page 41 PULSAR MEASUREMENT ICON DETAILS Replay Recorded Data: Click to replay recorded data. This can be performed without a connection to a FarSight sensor. • The program will disconnect from a sensor during replay. • A prompt will appear for choosing the data files to play.

  • Page 42: Setup Menu

    This menu provides the options to perform the following actions: Save Device Parameters Extract parameters configured on the sensor and save them to PC as a parameter file. This will be saved to FarSight PC installation folder and prefixed with ‘ParamFarSight’. Load Parameters to Device Load the parameters from a saved parameter file onto the FarSight sensor.

  • Page 43: Tools Menu

    *Switch Device into Bootloader Resets the FarSight into Bootloader mode. The Bootloader PC program must be used to connect to the sensor in this mode. The FarSight will resume normal operation if no connection is established after approximately 30 seconds.

  • Page 44: Flow Record Tab

    When the save data to file function is being used, flow information and traces will be written to file, at the fixed interval selected via ‘Setup > Recording Interval’. See ‘Recording Interval’ in the ‘Using FarSight PC’ section of this manual.

  • Page 45: Trace Tab

    The vertical axis is related to the signal strength, while the horizontal axis is related to the detected flow. Since the trace for FarSight includes bidirectional data, the toward directional trace is from the flow index 0 to 126, whereas the away directional trace is from the flow index 127 to 253.

  • Page 46: Parameter Tab

    You are also able to see the current velocity measurement obtained by the sensor in the chosen volume and time units selected. Parameter Tab This tab enables the user to change parameter settings in the FarSight sensor. It is important to note the following to ensure that the sensor is correctly programmed.
  • Page 47 Manual Setting terminal on the parameters tab, as shown below: All parameters can be queried by entering the parameter address in the Parameter field and then clicking on the Query button. The FarSight will then reply with the current value of that parameter.
  • Page 48 If the FarSight is being controlled simultaneously on both FarSight PC and RS485 via Modbus interface, the values on the Parameter tab will not be instantly updated on FarSight PC if a parameter change is instructed via the RS485 Modbus.

  • Page 49: Chapter 7 Parameter Listing And Description

    CHAPTER 7 PARAMETER LISTING AND DESCRIPTION Parameter Access All the FarSight sensor parameters have factory default values which the user receives upon first use, or when the sensor is reset. The parameters consist of two main types: Output parameters and Configuration parameters.

  • Page 50: Output Parameters

    FARSIGHT INSTRUCTION MANUAL Output parameters Using a Modbus Master, output parameters can be polled using Read Input Registers. For example: To view the flow velocity, you would read register (parameter) addresses 30020 and 30021. Toward Flow Velocity P20 and P21...
  • Page 51 Toward Flow Velocity in 32-bit floating point representation P32 and P33 The user can query the toward flow reading in 32-bit floating point representation using Modbus polling (Not available using FarSight PC). By default, the value will be in Big Endian format. i.e., 32-bit floating point value AB CD can be queried as P32:AB and P33:CD.

  • Page 52: Configuration Parameters

    FARSIGHT INSTRUCTION MANUAL Configuration parameters RS485 Communication and Modbus Use these parameters to setup the FarSight device to the appropriate Pulsar Measurement controller. NAME PAR NO. OPTIONS DEFAULT DESCRIPTION FarSight sensor Unique Modbus Modbus 1 – 126 device ID. Address...
  • Page 53 PULSAR MEASUREMENT Device Information Parameters These parameters are read only. PARAMETER NAME DESCRIPTION Registers 240 & 241 form a 32-bit number. Serial Number 240 & 241 Register 240 = Most significant 16-bit. Register 241 = Least significant 16-bit. A number associated with the version of...
  • Page 54 100 for 100%. Cal Factor 1 – 500 50% is half and 200% would be double. This sets the damping High applied to the FarSight Damping 0 – 30 sensor. A higher number Factor represents more damping. When enabled, the high...
  • Page 55 PULSAR MEASUREMENT NAME PAR NO. OPTIONS DEFAULT DESCRIPTION Changing this to ‘Fast’ will automatically calibrate parameters in the FarSight sensor to track measurements faster. This is recommended for Pumped flow. ‘Slow’ is 0 = Slow recommended when there 1 = Fast...
  • Page 56 Trims applied). If using the FarSight on an application where flow type is changed to ‘Fast’, this will reduce the damping to obtain better results. If there is natural flow and ‘Slow’ is chosen, then damping is...

  • Page 57: Saving & Loading Parameters

    The filename is prefixed by “ParamFarSight-” followed by the date and time. 3. Connect the second device to FarSight PC, to load the parameters on to. Select ‘System > Load Parameters to Device’, then choose the parameter file to load.

  • Page 58: Firmware Upgrade

    7. Click ‘Erase-Program-Verify’ and wait for the process to finish. 8. When the ‘Verification Successful’ message is displayed, click ‘Run firmware’ and the Bootloader Interface will close. 9. Select the ‘connect’ button on the software, and the sensor will reconnect to FarSight PC with the new firmware installed.
  • Page 59 PULSAR MEASUREMENT Important Information If the sensor does not connect to the device within 40 seconds, it will resume its normal operation with its current firmware. Do not switch off supply to the unit or close the software during the firmware...

  • Page 60: Chapter 8 Troubleshooting

    FARSIGHT INSTRUCTION MANUAL CHAPTER 8 TROUBLESHOOTING This section describes many common symptoms, with suggestions as to what to do. If the issue persists, please contact your local Pulsar Measurement distributor. SYMPTOM WHAT TO DO Check power supply. Check wiring to the FlowCERT/Velocity FarSight sensor.

  • Page 61: Chapter 9 Disposal

    PULSAR MEASUREMENT CHAPTER 9 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 62: Notes

    FARSIGHT INSTRUCTION MANUAL NOTES...
  • Page 63 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 © 2023 Pulsar Measurement Ltd. Registered Address: 1 Chamberlain Square CS, Birmingham B3 3AX Registered No.: 3345604 England &...

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