Define Instruments Sentry Manual

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Universal input

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22V excitation

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0.4" LED display

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2 x relay outputs

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Optional isolated analog

output (0[4]–20mA or

0–10V, software select)

General Description

The Sentry Signal Conditioner & Universal Transmitter accepts

analog inputs from a range of industrial sensors, including: process,

temperature, flow, frequency, and voltage from 200mV to 300V.

It features a wide range power supply that suits both AC mains

and 24V DC applications, and supplies the excitation required for

common sensors and transmitters.

The Sentry comes standard with two relays, which can be set up

for a variety of alarm and control functions. An optional isolated

analog output provides both 0(4)–20mA and 0–10V signals to

interface to PLC's and SCADA systems.

The Sentry is a tough and reliable instrument that has been

designed for demanding industrial environments. Advanced

techniques have been used to meet or exceed CE noise immunity requirements. A 4 digit LED

display allows for convenient commissioning, and simplifies fault-finding in the event of a

system malfunction.

The unit boasts a 1 minute USB setup using the Define ToolBox configuration software. All

functions are explained expertly in the dynamic sidebar help - perfect for the novice learning

about industrial applications, or the expert who wants to save commissioning time.

Quick start

Hardware

Install (p6)

›

Smart, simple, USB

powered setup

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Designed for harsh EMC

environments

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Flexible 32 point

linearization table

Software

Install (p9)

Signal Conditioner

Software

Setup (p11)

SEN-MAN-25V02 (0326)

Sentry

Wiring

(p14)

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Summary of Contents for Define Instruments Sentry

Page 1 24V DC applications, and supplies the excitation required for common sensors and transmitters. The Sentry comes standard with two relays, which can be set up for a variety of alarm and control functions. An optional isolated analog output provides both 0(4)–20mA and 0–10V signals to interface to PLC's and SCADA systems.
Page 2: Table Of Contents
– – R2(A) Sentry Universal Voltage Output Sentry Sentry Signal Conditioner & Universal Transmitter Universal Voltage 24–250V AC / 19.5–250V DC Output 2 x relay outputs (default configuration) 2 x relay outputs, 1 x analog output (0[4]–20mA/0–10V) SEN-MAN-25V02 (0326) Copyright © 2025 Define Instruments...
Page 3: Safety Notices
SAFETY NOTICES For your safety and the prevention of damage to the Sentry unit and other equip- ment connected to it, please read complete instructions prior to installation and operation of the Sentry, and carefully observe all safety regulations and instruc- tions.
Page 4 101 x 23 x 120mm (3.98 x 0.91 x 4.72") Resolution 0(4)–20mA = 1μA Weight Approx 177g (6.2oz), including plugs 0–10V = 1mV Plastic flap to protect front display. (Swing Temperature drift 30ppm/°C typical upward to access programming port) Powered Self-powered (active) SEN-MAN-25V02 (0326) Copyright © 2025 Define Instruments...
Page 5: Front Display & Cover
To open the cover, slide your fingernail into the crack between the plastic cover and the panel provides protection (mainly from dust accumulation over time) to the Sentry's dis- unit case in the bottom right or bottom left corner, and then flick the cover upwards.
Page 6: Hardware Installation
23mm (.91") (.91") 3.2 - Installation environment The Sentry should be installed in a location The plastic casing and product label may be that do not exceed the maximum operating cleaned, if required, using a soft, damp cloth temperature, and at a safe distance from and neutral soap product.
Page 7: Installation Instructions
3.3 - Installation instructions A - Mount in an Enclosure (Fig 1) The Sentry is rated IP20, and should be mounted in an enclosure (not supplied) to protect it from weather conditions and dust. Prepare the enclosure as illustrated by mounting a 35mm DIN rail, and cable glands or other required components.
Page 8: Emc Installation Guidelines
Using shielded cable on sensitive input The Sentry not only meets CE noise require- and control signal lines. ments, but surpasses them in many tests. Good results can be obtained by ground-...
Page 9: Software Installation
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION ToolBox offers a smart, no-fuss setup experience for your Sentry Signal Conditioner & Universal Transmitter. It features USB powered programming (no power supply required!) and has been designed to simplify and speed up configuration. You must install ToolBox before connecting the Sentry to your computer. If you have already connected the Sentry using the Bridge Key, please disconnect it before continuing.
Page 10 (Fig 6). Click 'Close'. The installer will place an icon on your desktop for easy ac- cess to ToolBox. The downloaded .zip and .msi installer files are no longer needed, and may be deleted. Fig 6 SEN-MAN-25V02 (0326) Copyright © 2025 Define Instruments...
Page 11: Software Configuration Using Toolbox
CAUTION Risk of damage to equipment or PC Ensure that all connections between the Bridge Key and your Sentry are secure. Connect- ing your indicator with cables that are not firmly 'pushed in' will result in connection faults, and in extreme cases could cause damage to your computer.
Page 12: Using Toolbox
This will scan your computer's Comm ports and automatically connect to your device. Connection problems? ToolBox will auto-detect and connect to the Sentry when you click the 'Connect' button. If you have problems establishing a connection, please check the following: ›...
Page 13: Toolbox Interface Overview
5.3 - ToolBox interface overview Main Navigation Tabs Input/Output, Setpoints, and Advanced configuration pages. (ToolBox will detect your Sentry outputs and will only display relevant controls.) Control Area & Live Trace Connection Panel Main control area for configuring your Disconnect button Sentry.
Page 14: Wiring
Insert the lead into the correct plug in the correct position, and tighten until the terminal blocks on the top and bottom of the Sentry. All conductors must conform to wire is secure. Verify tightness by pulling on the unit's voltage and current ratings, and the wire.
Page 15: Power Supply
See 6.2B, pins 7–8 The Sentry features a wide range Power Supply that suits both AC mains and 24V DC applications. The Sentry uses a full bridge rectifier, so it is not sensitive to polarity for DC power inputs. POWER 24–250V...
Page 16: Analog Output
CAUTION Risk of electric shock. Dangerous and lethal voltages may be present on the terminals of the Sentry. Please take appropriate precautions to ensure safety. CAUTION Risk of danger. The sensor input can potentially float to dangerous and unexpected volt- ages depending on what external circuit it is connected to.
Page 17: Thermocouple Input
0.02% FSO offset error per Ω of lead Accuracy Better than 0.2°C resistance mismatch Temperature drift <0.007°C/C PT1000 lead wire resistance 20Ω/wire max. 0.002% FSO offset error per Ω of lead Response time 400msec resistance mismatch Copyright © 2025 Define Instruments SEN-MAN-25V02 (0326)
Page 18: Ntc Input
Supported NTC types/ranges that covers inter operability between dif- 10K Beta 3984 -55°C (-67°F) 125°C (257°F) ferent thermistor manufacturers. 10K Beta 3435 -50°C (-58°F) 110°C (230°F) SEN-MAN-25V02 (0326) Copyright © 2025 Define Instruments...
Page 19: Current Input
0/4–20mA DC 0/4–20mA DC, 3 or 4 wire transmitter 0/4–20mA DC is the most commonly used The Sentry can provide up to 25mA to analog signal in industry, and is universally power an external 3 or 4 wire transmitter, accepted. As a current loop, it is unaffect- and at the same time measure the signal.
Page 20: Voltage Input
Response time 100msec Input resistance 1MΩ min ±200mV DC 0–10V DC For low signal applications the Sentry sup- 0–10V DC is a common process signal gen- ports a ±200mV DC range. Typical applica- erated by transmitters, meters and PLCs. tions include measuring large DC currents It would normally be scaled into engineer- using external current shunts.
Page 21: Digital Pulse
The input signal (up to 2KHz) is converted into a flow rate The Sentry can also provide up to 25mA to by programming the unit with the sensor power an external device.
Page 22: Potentiometer Input
RPM by programming the unit with N.P.N Open the pulses per revolution value. Collector Output The Sentry can also provide up to 25mA to power a 3 wire NPN proximity sensor. PNP open collector output +22V DC, 25mA max P.N.P Open...
Page 23: Ac Current Sensor
Frequency 50–60Hz Output (Representing 0–100% of full scale input range) ACCS-420(-L) = 4–20mA DC loop powered ACCS-010 = 0–10V DC AC current sensors ACCS Jump Ranges The Sentry accepts input from a Define 010/420: 0–100A 0–150A 0–200A 420-L: 0–10A 0–20A 0–50A...
Page 24: Maintenance & Service
MAINTENANCE & SERVICE 8.1 - Calibration The Sentry has been fully calibrated at the factory, and can be recalibrated in software using Define ToolBox (see section 5). Scaling to convert the input signal to a desired display value is also done using ToolBox.
Page 25: Service
APPENDIx A - EMC TEST RESULTS The Sentry has been designed to cope with large EMC disturbances. This has been achieved by constantly testing and improving filtering and layout techniques over many years. The Sentry offers superior R.F. filtering on all inputs, outputs and power supplies, when compared to most competing products.
Page 26 During testing, temporary degradation, or loss of performance or function which is self-recovering. Note: Stated performance by the manufacturer will have an additional error of less than 0.2% of full scale range due to EMC influence. SEN-MAN-25V02 (0326) Copyright © 2025 Define Instruments...
Page 27: Appendix B - Warranty & User's Responsibility
Define Instruments’s obligations under In no case shall Define Instruments’s liabil- this warranty are limited to replacement or ity exceed the original purchase price. The repair, at its option, at its factory, of any...
Page 28 10B Vega Place, Rosedale, Auckland 0632, New Zealand PO Box 245 Westpark Village, Auckland 0661, New Zealand Ph: +64 (9) 835 1550 Fax: +64 (9) 835 1250 sales@de neinstruments.com www.de neinstruments.com Signal Conditioner Sentry Revision Code: SEN-MAN-25V02 Date Code: 250326...

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