APG warrants its products to be free from defects of material and workmanship
and will, without charge, replace or repair any equipment found defective upon
inspection at its factory, provided the equipment has been returned,
transportation prepaid, within 24 months from date of shipment from factory .
THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDES ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES NOT EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN, WHETHER
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY OPERATION OF LAW OR OTHER WISE
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED T O ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANT ABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A P AR TICULAR PURPOSE.
No representation or warranty, express or implied, made by any sales
representative, distributor, or other agent or representative of APG which is not
specifically set forth herein shall be binding upon APG. APG shall not be liable
for any incidental or consequential damages, losses or expenses directly or
indirectly arising from the sale, handling, improper application or use of the
goods or from any other cause relating thereto and APG’s liability hereunder, in
any case, is expressly limited to the repair or replacement (at APG’s option) of
goods.
Warranty is specifically at the factory. Any on site service will be provided at
the sole expense of the Purchaser at standard field service rates.
All associated equipment must be protected by properly rated electronic/
electrical protection devices. APG shall not be liable for any damage due to
improper engineering or installation by the purchaser or third parties. Proper
installation, operation and maintenance of the product becomes the
responsibility of the user upon receipt of the product.
Returns and allowances must be authorized by APG in advance. APG will
assign a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number which must appear on
all related papers and the outside of the shipping carton. All returns are subject
to the final review by APG. Returns are subject to restocking charges as
determined by APG’s “Credit Return Policy”.
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The DCR-1003, 1004 controllers with DST series sensors were specifically
designed to provide a rugged and reliable non-contact sensor system that is
easily programmed yet flexible enough to use in a wide range of applications.
The DCR-1003, 1004 controllers have a large display to show readings and
parameters. They also include a mode display to provide easy setup of the
programmable modes. The controller can be configured to monitor level, flow,
volume or differential. The DCR-1003 comes standard with four relay outputs.
The DCR-1004 or analog version, also includes a standard 4-20 mA output with
optional configurations of 0-20 mA or voltage outputs.
The DST series sensors are non-contact ultrasonic which measure the
distance to a surface through air. The standard DCR-1003, 1004 sensor is the
DST-1002. It is a totally sealed PVC sensor with a range of 25 ft. Several other
versions of DST are available to fit almost any application.
Typical applications include:
• Monitoring water levels in a well
• Monitoring open channel flow
• Determining material volume in a tank
• Taking differential measurements
• Obstacle avoidance
• Product dimensioning
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Ultrasonic sensors measure distance
using a transducer to send out ultrasonic
bursts. Each burst contains a series of 120 pulsed sound waves that emit in the
shape of a cone, reflect off the target, and
are received by the sensor. The time
required for the sound burst to travel to
and from the target is converted into a
distance measurement by the sensor.
Ultrasonic sensing is affected by
several factors including the target
surface, distance, size, and angle. The
following considerations will help ensure
the best possible target conditions.
Surface
The ideal target surface is hard and smooth and perpendicular to the face of
the transducer. This surface will reflect a greater amount of signal than a soft,
sound wave absorbent surface. A target with poor sound wave reflection
characteristics will reduce the operating distance of the sensor and decrease its
accuracy.
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The shorter the distance from the sensor to an object, the stronger the
returning echo will be. Therefore, as the distance increases, the object requires
better reflective characteristics to return a sufficient echo.
Size
A large object will have a greater surface area to reflect the signal than a
small one, therefore, a large target will be detected at a greater distance than a
small target. The surface area recognized as the target is generally the portion
closest to the sensor.
Angle
The inclination of the object's surface facing the ultrasonic sensor affects the
reflectivity of the object. The portion perpendicular to the sensor returns the
echo. If the entire surface is at a great enough angle, the signal will be reflected
away from the sensor and no echo will be detected. Generally a target at an
angle greater than 5 degrees off perpendicular will not be detected.
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The DST sensor should be installed so that it has a clear sound path to the
intended target. The path should be free from obstructions and as open as
possible. Follow the guidelines mentioned in this manual under “Understanding
Ultrasonics”, found on page 5.
NPT and Flange Mounting
• Mounting in a coupler or half coupler welded to the top of tank. (see
drawings below)
• Coupling should extend through the top of tank.
• Coupler must be aligned perpendicular to the target level.
• Screw sensor in only hand tight.
• To avoid false Echoes, the coupler should be installed where there is a clear
sound path perpendicular to the detection surface and where the sound
path will not intersect vessel fill spouts, rough vessel walls, ladders…etc.
BEST GOOD
*Soft gasket
material is
recommended with
flange mounting.
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The stand pipe should be as large in diameter and as short in length as
possible. Mount the sensor above the highest anticipated material by at least
the published blanking distance.
The stand pipe should be seamless to provide a smooth path for the sound
waves to propagate into the tank. Because the sound waves will concentrate
along the inside wall of the pipe, any seams from couplers, nipples, and welds
will cause echo returns that will be picked up by the sensor. The sensor
blanking will need to be changed to a distance greater than the length of the
pipe (found on page 15; mode 5).
The end of the stand pipe should extend inside the tank and be cut to a 45°
angle. Make sure that the cut is clean and free from burs. If the standpipe is cut
at 90°, there will develop a standing wave echo at the end of the pipe that will be
seen by the sensor as a target. If a 45° cut is not feasible in your application,
then the cut should be made as close to 45° as possible (often, even a 10° cut
will shrink the standing wave enough to allow the sensor to see past it).
To avoid false Echoes, the stand pipe should be installed where there is a
clear sound path perpendicular to the detection surface and where the sound
path will not intersect vessel fill spouts, rough vessel walls, ladders…etc. Any
angle off perpendicular will degrade the performance of the sensor .
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Provides access to difficult areas and eliminates problems with foam.
• Extend the pipe above the highest anticipated level by at least the
published blanking distance.
• Provide a vent hole at the top of the tube. Keep the hole inside the blanking
distance of the sensor to prevent false echoes.
• Use only in liquid materials that will not leave deposits on the inside of the
pipe (material build-up will result in false echoes).
• Pipe must have smooth walls and should be seamless to provide a smooth
path for the sound waves to propagate into the tank. Because the sound
waves will concentrate along the inside wall of the pipe, any seams from
couplers, nipples, and welds will cause echo returns that will be picked up
by the sensor.
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The DCR-1003, 1004 should be installed using the 4 mounting feet provided.
The enclosure must be mounted out of direct sunlight and should have good
clearance to the left for opening the hinged cover.
10
DCR-1003 and DCR-1004 Mounting Dimensions
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Step 1: Connect the DST to the DCR Controller using RG-6 coaxial cable
with ‘F’ series connectors. If more than one DST is to be connected for a
differential application, the two sensors should be connected to the DCR using
an external splitter.
Step 2: To obtain access to the DCR’S terminal strip, open the DCR’s
plexiglass cover and raise the hinged panel by loosening the knurled thumb
screws.
Step 3: The DCR-1003, 1004 is shipped from the factory configured for 100-
120 VAC input power. If 200-230 VAC is to be used, change the jumpers
configuration to 220 VAC as shown in the diagram below.
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Step 4: Wires can be pulled into the DCR-1003, 1004 through the strain
reliefs on the enclosure, or the strain reliefs may be removed and 1/2 in.
conduit used in their place.
The spring loaded terminal can be wired using solid or stranded wire
between 16 - 20 AWG . Wires should be stripped, leaving a .4 in. bare wire. The
wires can then be inserted into the terminal by depressing the associated
orange lever with a #5 1/8 in. screwdriver. While the lever is depressed, the
conductor should be pushed into the terminal until it bottoms out. The lever
should then be released, securing the conductor in the terminal.
Follow the legend on the circuit board when wiring the DCR. The DCRController should never be used without the earth ground terminal being
connected.
Step 5: Perform an internal check to ensure that all wires are properly
connected and secured.
Step 6: Close the hinged panel and make the power connection. The LED
display should turn on and the COM light illuminate.
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The DCR-1003, 1004 has a four-digit LED readout, a two-digit display showing
the modes, and four lights labeled TRIPS 1, 2, 3, and 4. These lights indicate the
status of the relays. The keypad, located under the clear cover, is used to
program the DCR-1003, 1004. The front cover makes reading the displays easy
while preventing the buttons on the keypad from being accidentally bumped.
The different modes of the DCR-1003, 1004 can be easily accessed using the
mode buttons, MODE UP and MODE DN. They operate similar to a digital
watch. To cycle forward through the modes, hold down the MODE UP key. To
cycle backward through the modes, hold down the MODE DN key .
To select a mode, press the MODE UP or MODE DN key until the desired
mode number is displayed. Pressing either the NUM UP, NUM DN, or one of the
numeric keys will display the selected mode setting on the large LED display.
To change the selected mode setting, hold down the NUM UP or NUM DN
key until the desired setting is displayed. If the setting is not a menu item, such
as a multiplier or distance, then it may be keyed using the numeric keypad. To
change non-numeric values
(i.e.., ON, OFF , NEG, POS) or
a menu number, use the
NUM UP and NUM DN
keys.
Enter the new value by
pressing the ENTER key or
either of the mode keys. The
display will then show the
DST distance reading.
To leave a mode without
entering the setting, press
the function key, F1, and the
DCR-1003, 1004 will return to
displaying the DST reading.
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The filtering modes are provided to adjust how fast the system will respond
to target changes. The default settings should be appropriate for most level
applications. However, the filtering can be changed to increase or decrease
reaction time to keep up with fast moving targets and filter out unwanted
targets.
MODE DESCRIPTION PARAMETERSEXPLANATION
7Sample RateUnits = seconds
DelayRange = 0.075 – 1.0 sec.
Default = .250 seconds
Sets the delay between each
sample (or reading) taken by
sensor
8SamplesRange = 1 - 50
AveragedDefault = 20 samples
9Out-of-RangeRange = 1-50
SamplesDefault = 10 samples
10WindowUnits = mode 1
Range = 0 - 20 ft.
Default = 2.00 ft.
Sets the number of samples to be
saved in the buffer memory and
averaged together. The average
is then displayed as the output
(distance, volume, or flow).
Samples are sent to the buffer on
a First-In-First-Out (FIFO)
basis. When the number of
samples in the buffer is equal to
the number entered in mode 8,
the samples are averaged and the
result is displayed as the output.
Sets the number of consecutive
sample readings outside the
*window that will be ignored
before the new target is
accepted. If a target is detected
outside the window and is
sampled in successionthe
number of times entered in mode
9, then it will be accepted as a
target by the sensor. *(see mode
10)
Sets the window of target
acceptance. The window is equal
to + or – the value entered in
mode 10 from the current
16
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distance reading. If a target is
sampled outside of this window
it will be ignored until it is
consecutively sampled the
number of times set in mode 9.
When the sensor accepts a new
target, the window automatically
shifts to the new target.
11Loss of EchoUnits = seconds
Range = 0 - 9999
Default = 5
Sets the delay before the output
will show a loss of echo
condition. A loss of echo
condition exists when the sensor
looses all targets (receives no
echo returns). Loss of echo
condition will result in a display
reading of “0” in volume and
flow modes, or the maximum
distance of the sensor in distance
mode.
Example 1: Rapid Level Changes
If the DCR-1003, 1004 filtering is too slow and the level to be monitored is
changing rapidly, the display will seem to jump between readings instead of
scrolling smoothly as the level changes. To reduce the filtering and quicken the
response, modes 7 to 10 should be changed.
Filtering Guideline 1 - Target Level Rate of Change
A smooth and steady outputs and display reading of the target is almost
always desirable. If the level being monitored is changing rapidly and the
filtering is set too slow, the display will jump between readings instead of
scrolling smoothly as the level changes. However, if the level is changing
slowly and the filtering is set too fast, the display will track even small waves
and ripples, resulting in a constant variation in the output.
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7Set the sample rate delay as high as is practical in your application to allow
more time for the previous sound wave to dissipate before transmitting the
next wave. This will minimize the chances of multiple-echo interference.
8Set the samples averaged as high as is practical in your application to help
minimize the effects of waves and ripples on a liquid target. A greater number
of target readings averaged together will result in a more stable displayed
output of a wavy surface.
9Set the out-of-range samples as high as is practical in your application to
filter out unwanted intermittent objects and still assure the intended target is
being tracked smoothly.
10Set the window as small as is practical in your application to help isolate the
intended target (rarely needs to be set to less than 0.33 ft.). A smooth slower
moving surface will allow for a small window setting, while a wavy and fast
moving surface will require a larger window setting.
To prevent splashing, agitators, or other intermittent objects from being
detected even though they are occasionally in the ultrasonic detection beam
MODE DESCRIPTION
7 & 9 Modes 7 and 9 should be increased. If the sample rate delay (Mode 7) is set to
0.250 seconds, and the out-of-range samples (mode 9) is set to 10, then the
DCR will require only 10*0.250 or 2.5 consecutive second of readings
outside the window (mode 10) before the new target will be recognized. If the
numbers are increased to 0.500 seconds and 40 out-of-range samples, then the
DCR will require a much greater time of 0.500*40 or 20 consecutive second
of readings outside the window before the new target will be recognized.
10Should be kept to a small value to help qualify only echoes from the target
surface.
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The DCR-1003 comes standard with 4 relay outputs fused at 5 A each. The
DCR-1004 is equipped with relays and an analog output. Detailed explanations
of the two output types are given in the RELAY and ANALOG sections.
RELAY
The four relays are fully programmable for ‘BEGIN’ and ‘END’ points and
‘TYPE’ of operation. The LEDs on the DCR indicate the status of the normally
open relays. When the LED is on, the relays are energized and the contact is
closed. For performing a distance to level measurement the zero point of
distance will be at the transducer. For volumetric or open channel monitoring,
the zero point will be at the empty point of the tank or flume. For distance
measurements the relay trip points will be programmed in the units selected in
mode 1. For volumetric or flow, the relays are in volume or flow.
MODE DESCRIPTION PARAMETERSEXPLANATION
12Begin Trip 1Units = mode 1Sets the begin point
Default = 2.5 ft.of Trip 1
13End Trip 1Units = mode 1/mode 3 Sets the end point
Default = 2.9 ft.of Trip 1
14Trip 1 TypeRange = 0 - 7Selects the type of
0 - nearfunction Trip 1 will
1 - exclusiveperform
2 - hysteresis near
3 - farSet by NUM UP or NUM
4 - inclusiveNUM DN
5 - hysteresis far
6 - disable
7 - fail-safe
Default = 0
15Begin Trip 2Units = mode 1/mode 3 Sets the begin point
Default = 3 ft.of Trip 2
16End Trip 2Units = mode 1/mode 3 Sets the end point of
Default = 3.4 ft.of Trip 2
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A 10 ft deep lift station requires that a pump turn on when a level is closer
than 6 ft. to the DST. The pump
must stay on until the level
drops to 9 ft. from the DST . An
alarm relay is to be energized
under normal operation and
should open for failure in power,
communication, invalid readings,
high level closer than 5 ft., or
loss of echo.
To program the DCR-1003,
1004 for this application, the
following modes must be set:
MODEVALUEDESCRIPTION
Operation
52.00Do not set closer than the minimum distance recommended for
the DST sensor type being used
Relay
126.00Set the pump begin point at 6 ft. from the DST
139.00Set the pump end point at 9 ft. from the DST
142Use the hysteresis near type of gate to keep the pump on while
pumping the level down
155.00Begin the alarm trip point at 5 ft.
1610.00End the alarm trip point at 10 ft. because any reading greater
will indicate loss of echo or communication
174Any signal higher than 5 ft. or lower than 10 ft. will cause the
alarm relay to open
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Example 4- Relay Settings For Product Level Rather than Distance to Level
A 10 ft. deep lift station requires
that a pump turn on when a level
reaches 4 ft. and stay on until the
level drops to 1 ft. from the
bottom of the station. An alarm
relay is to be energized under
normal operation and should open
for failure in power,
communication, invalid readings,
high level above 5 ft., or loss of
echo.
To program the DCR-1003, 1004
for this application, the following
modes must be set:
MODEVALUEDESCRIPTION
Operation
32Select Volumetric Monitoring for this application so the display
will read the distance from the tank bottom to the level
52.00Do not set closer than the minimum distance recommended for
the DST sensor type being used
Relay
121.00Set the pump begin point at 1 ft. from the bottom
134.00Set the pump end point at 4 ft. from the bottom
145Use the hysteresis far type of trip to keep the pump on while
pumping the level down
150.00Begin the alarm trip point at the bottom because any signal
below the zero point will indicate loss of echo or
communication
165.00End the alarm trip point at 5 ft. for high level alarm
174Any signal higher than 5 ft. or lower than 0 ft. will cause the
alarm relay to open
Volume
291Flat bottom tank
3210Distance from sensor to bottom of tank. The Controller
subtracts the measured distance from the Tank Span to display
product level.
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The analog output is only available on controller model DCR-1004. The
analog circuit comes standard with 4-20 mA, but may be configured for 0-20
mA. A hardware change will allow 0-5 V, or 0-10 V as the output.
The desired analog output should first be selected in mode 24. The two end
points must then be entered. For performing a distance to level measurement,
the zero point of distance will be at the transducer and the 4-20 limits will be
programmed in the same units as mode 1. For volumetric or open channel
monitoring, the zero point will be at the empty point of the tank or flume and
the end points must be set in the units used in the volume or flow measurement.
Keep this in mind when referring to the diagram below.
MODE DESCRIPTION PARAMETERSEXPLANATION
24Analog OutputRange = 0 - 1Selects the type of analog output
Select0 = 4 to 20mAoutput to be used
1 = 0 to 20mASet by NUM UP or NUM DN
Default = 0
250,4 mA DistanceUnits = mode 1Sets the minimum distance of
Default = 3.00 ft.the analog output slope
2620 mA DistanceUnits = mode 1Sets the maximum distance of
Default = 4.00 ft.the analog output slope
270,4 mA CalibrationFine tunes the minimum current
sourced on the analog output
2820 mA CalibrationFine tunes the maximum current
sourced on the analog output
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The DCR Controller can be configured for four different types of
applications. They are:
• Distance: Measuring the distance to an object
• Volume: Determining the volume, or level of a product in a tank
• Differential: Calculating the differential measurement between two levels
or measurements
• Open Channel Flow: Taking flow rate measurements over a weir or flume
DISTANCE
Measuring the distance to a target is the most basic application. The DCR
Controller will do this without any special settings. The zero distance point is .5
inches behind the face of the DST-X002 and DST-X003, at the transducer face
on the DST-X001.
Example 5: Distance Measurement
A batch plant operator needs a display to show the level of rock in a hopper 5
meters deep.
To program the DCR-1003, 1004 for this application, the following values
must be entered in the modes indicated. Many of them are the same as the
preset values but are shown again for example purposes.
MODEVALUEDESCRIPTION
Operation
13Set units to meters because the output is to be displayed in
meters
2.0Change the display so that it will have a 10 cm resolution
31Select distance monitoring for application
480Adjust percent of sensitivity with 100 being maximum
5.60Do not set closer than the minimum blanking spec. for the DST
sensor.
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A very popular use for the DCR-1003, 1004 is to do volumetric conversions
for the amount of product in a tank. If 0 is selected as the tank type , the zero
point is at the DST, and the display will show the distance to the product. If
tank type 1 - 5 are selected, the zero point is the bottom of the tank, and the
display will show how much product is in the tank.
MODE DESCRIPTION PARAMETERSEXPLANATION
29Tank TypeRange = 0 - 5Selects the type of tank
0 - distance to levelto be monitored
1 - level indicationSet by NUM UP or NUM DN
2 - horizontal flat ends
3 - horizontal with
spherical ends.
4 - spherical tank
5 - conical bottom
Default = 0
Converting the output into units of volume other than (ft.3), (in.3) ,or (m3)
(determined in mode 1) is often preferred. T o accomplish this, a conversion
factor needs to be entered into modes 30 and 31. For example, converting the
output from cubic inches to liters requires a conversion factor of 0.0164 (1 in.
= 0.0164 liters). If you are using tank type 1, you must multiply the area of
the bottom of the tank by the conversion factor and enter the result into modes
30 and 31. For example, if you have a flat-bottom tank (type1) with a diameter
of 110 in, you must first figure the area of the tank bottom. (Area of a circle = tt
x r2) 3.1415 x 552 = 9503.0375 IN2. The area is then multiplied by a conversion
factor. 9503.0375 x 0.0164 = 155.8498. This is the number you would enter
into modes 30 and 31. This is only necessary with tank type 1. If one of tank
mode 2-5 is selected, then the only the conversion factor needs to be entered in
modes 30 and 31. For example, to convert from (ft.3) to gallons will require a
conversion factor of 7.4805 (1 ft.3 = 7.4805 gallons) to be entered into modes
30 and 31. Using the values entered in modes 30-35, along with the measured
distance to the level, the DCR calculates the volume in gallons.
3
30Constant AboveRange = 0 - 9999Sets the portion of the multiplier
Decimal PointDefault = 1above the decimal point. Used
for converting between units of
volume. The relay and analog
outputs must be programmed in
the same units used here.
31Constant BelowRange = .0000 - .9999Sets the portion of the multiplier
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Gallons of diesel fuel need to be displayed in the horizontal tank with
spherical ends shown below.
To program the DCR for this application will require the following steps:
MODEVALUEDESCRIPTION
12Set the units to feet.
4-10---Determine settings to achieve reliable reading of the target.
32Select volume as operating mode
20000.Move the decimal point to the far right. The tank has a
capacity of more than 1500 gallons and we need 4-digits above
the decimal to display the volume.
293Choose tank type 3
307The conversion factor for *ft.3 to gallons is 7.4805. The portion
of the conversion factor above the decimal point is 7
314805The portion of the conversion factor below the decimal point is
4805
326Set the span. This is the distance from the sensor face to the
bottom of the tank in *feet.
3310Set the tank length between the spherical end in *feet.
341.2Set length of spherical ends to 1.2 *ft.
352.5Set the tank radius to 2.5 *ft.
12-26---Set outputs. Must be setup in gallons.
*Because the units set in mode 1 are set to feet, any
tank dimensions entered must also
be in feet.
This does NOT include output settings, outputs are setup in the units of volume being
used.
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Liters of water need to be displayed in
the cylindrical flat bottom tank shown
below.
MODEVALUEDESCRIPTION
12Set units to feet
4-10---Determine settings to
achieve reliable reading
of the target.
32Select volume as
operating mode.
20000.Move the decimal
point to the far right.
The tank has a capacity of more than 15,000 liters. Because we
can't display 15000 with 4-digits, we will have to display the
output in 10's of liters. (A reading of 1200 would represent
12000 liters)
291Select flat bottom tank
The conversion factor for ft3 to liters is 28.317 Because this is
a flat bottom tank (type 1), we need to multiply the area of the
flat bottom by the conversion factor. area = tt x r2 = 3.1415 x 4
= 50.264 ft.2 area x conversion factor = 50.264 x 28.317 =
1423.3257 Because the display is limited to 4 digits it becomes
necessary to display 10's of liter. To do this we must shift the
decimal point of the conversion one place to the left. The
conversion to be entered into modes 30,31 becomes 142.3325.
2
30142Set the conversion above the decimal point
313325Set the conversion below the decimal point
3211.75Set the span in *feet. This is the distance from the sensor face
to the bottom of the tank (9 in. = 0.75 ft.)
33-35---No settings are necessary. Because we selected tank type 1,
modes 33-35 are not used and any number in these modes will
be ignored by the DCR.
12-26---Set outputs. Must be setup in liters for this example.
*Because the units set in mode 1 are set to feet, any
tank dimensions entered must also
be in feet.
This does NOT include output settings, outputs are setup in the units of volume being
used.
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The DCR-1003, 1004 can determine the difference between two levels. This is
accomplished by installing two DST s at the same height, one over each level to
be monitored. The DST s are then programmed as different sensor numbers, # 1
and # 2. The DCR-Controller will take the two level readings and display the
difference.
MODE DESCRIPTION PARAMETERSEXPLANATION
36Change SensorUnits = sensor #Selects which number to assign
NumberRange = 1 - 2to the sensor connected to the
Default = noneDCR.
ONLY ONE SENSOR SHOULD BESet by NUM UP or NUM DN
CONNECTED WHEN USING THIS MODE
37Display ControlUnits = sensor #Selects which sensor distance
Range = 0 - 2will be displayed. Default is the
0 - display differentialdifference between DST #1 and
1 - display sensor #1DST #2.
2 - display sensor #2
Default = 0
Example 7: Differential Reading
A mechanical rake is to be engaged for cleaning a screen when the upstream
level is 2 feet higher than the downstream level. To program the DCR-1003, 1004
for this application, the following modes must be changed from their preset
values.
MODEVALUEDESCRIPTION
Operation
33Select Differential Monitoring for application
52.00Do not set closer than the minimum distance
recommended for the DST sensor type being used
Relay
122.00Begin trip point # 1 when the difference between levels is
greater than 2 ft.
133.00Set the end point beyond the begin point
143Set the trip type to ‘far’, meaning the relay will energize for
display readings greater than 2 ft.
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The DCR-1003, 1004 and DST ultrasonic system can be used to compute the
flow of a liquid in an open channel such as rivers, canals, and partially filled
conduits. The flow is determined by using the DCR/DST system to measure the
liquid level upstream from a weir or flume. Weirs and flumes are simply special
shaped dams or restrictors built in a channel. Each type of weir or flume has an
associated equation for calculating flow. By programming the specified
constants into the DCR Controller and installing the DST sensor to monitor the
upstream depth of the weir or flume, an exact flow measurement can be
continually obtained. All relay and analog outputs must be programmed in the
units of flow .
The standard flow equation for a weir or flume is:
The equation for the weir or flume being used can be obtained from the
respective manufacturer. Two examples will show how the DCR/DST system can
monitor flow.used to convert distance to flow.
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Q = KH^X
whereQ = flow
K = constant
H = head, or water depth to zero point
X = exponent
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The inlet flow to an irrigation reservoir is to be monitored and displayed in
cubic feet per second (CFS). A 5 ft. rectangular weir without end contractions is
to be used as the primary measuring device.
The associated flow equation for the 5 ft. weir is:
Flow in CFS = 16.65 * H^1.5
where H = the height of the pool above the weir crest
By mounting the DST sensor more than 2.00 ft. above the maximum pool
height, and locating the sensor upstream from the weir crest as recommended
for this weir type, the flow can be calculated.
*NOTE: The DCR-1004 does NOT work with contracted-end weirs.
To program the DCR-1003, 1004 for this application, the following modes
must be set:
MODEVALUEDESCRIPTION
Operation
34Select Open Channel Monitoring for application
52.00Do not set closer than the minimum distance
recommended for the DST sensor type being used
Open Channel Flow
3816Constant ‘K’ above the decimal point
396500Constant ‘K’ below the decimal point
40.00Secimal to two places
41SPANDistance from .5 in. behind the transducer face to the top of the
weir crest using a tape measure
421Exponent ‘X’ above the decimal point
435000Exponent ‘X’ below the decimal point
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A 1 meter wide cutthroat flume has been installed on the outlet of a water
treatment plant. Flow is to be displayed in liters/sec. (LPS).
The associated flow equation for the 1 meter flume is:
Flow in LPS = 11.48 * H^1.56
where H is the upstream head measurement as specified
for this flume type.
To program the DCR-1003, 1004 for this application, the following modes
must be set:
MODEVALUEDESCRIPTION
Operation
13Set units to meters because the output is to be displayed in liters
per second.
34Select Open Channel Monitoring for application
50.60 mDo not set closer than the minimum blanking distance
recommended for the DST sensor type being used
Open Channel Flow
3811Constant ‘K’ above the decimal point
394800Constant ‘K’ below the decimal point
40.0Decimal to one place
41SPANDistance from .5 in. behind the transducer face to the bottom of
the flume using a tape measure
421Exponent ‘X’ above the decimal point
435600Exponent ‘X’ below the decimal point
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As air temperature changes, so does the speed of sound. This change can
cause .18% drift in distance for every °C change. Mode 44 allows
compensation in the readings for this change. The DST contains an internal
thermistor which measures temperature in degrees F. By turning temperature
compensation on, the effects of temperature changes may be reduced by 50%.
For the DST temperature sensor to operate properly, it must be shielded from
radiant heat. Because the temperature sensor is internal to the DST, it requires
several minutes to react to air temperature changes.
MODE DESCRIPTION PARAMETERSEXPLANATION
44TemperatureRange = OFF, ON,Selects internal temperature
Compensation temp in Fcompensation for changes in the
Default = OFFspeed of sound, on, off, or view
sensor temperature set by NUM
UP or NUM DN
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For most open air applications, the factory-set calibration should be correct.
Variations between the distance measured by the DCR/DST System and the
actual distance are caused by environmental conditions such as temperature,
humidity, or chemical atmospheres. These environments can be compensated
for by using a calibration factor which alters the reading to match the
application conditions.
MODE DESCRIPTION PARAMETERSEXPLANATION
45Distance OffsetUnits = mode 1Sets an offset for the display
Range = 0.000 - 9999when measuring distance to a
Default = 0level
46Offset PolarityRange = NEG, POSSelects the direction of the
Default = NEGoffset, adds or subtracts offset to
reading, set by NUM UP or
NUM DN
47CalibrationRange = 0 - 9999Sets the integer portion of the
Above theDefault = 1calibration factor
Decimal Point
48CalibrationRange = .0000 - .9999Sets the fractional portion of the
Below theDefault = 0calibration factor
Decimal Point
Example 11: Calibration
1 Point Calibration
The Calibration Factor is used to bring the displayed reading in line with the
measured distance. To obtain the measured distance, measure from the level to
be detected to .5 in. behind the DST face. (.5 in. behind the DST face is the
electrical zero of the sensor.) The calibration factor is determined by dividing
the actual distance measured, by the displayed distance. Enter this number in
the calibration modes 45 and 46.
2 Point Calibration
If a more precise calibration is required, a two point calibration should be
used. This is accomplished by using the linear equation of Y = AX + B where;
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Y = measured distanceX = DCR Reading
A = MultiplierB = Offset
The multiplier (A) can be determined by taking ultrasonic readings at two
known distances and dividing the difference of the known distances (D) by the
difference of the ultrasonic (U) readings (A) = (D2-D1)/ (U2-U1) where;
D2 = far known distanceU2 = Ultrasonic reading at D
D1 = close known distanceU1 = Ultrasonic reading at D
2
1
Enter this multiplier in Modes 47 and 48. The multiplier can then be entered
in the above equation to calculate the offset B = D2 - (A)U2. The offset should
be entered using Modes 45 and 46.
Utilities
Reset
When the DCR is powered up, ‘NO’ is loaded in mode 49. This saves the
user-selected modes into the DCR. If the mode adjustments get scrambled or if
the factory preset values are wanted, press the NUM UP key. If ‘YES’ is
entered, the DCR will perform a reset, loading all the modes with the default
parameters.
MODE DESCRIPTION PARAMETERSEXPLANATION
49ResetRange = no - yesReset the mode parameters to
Default = notheir factory preset values
(default)
Set by NUM UP or NUM DN
Software Version
Mode 50 displays the software version for the DCR. The value corresponds
to the operating version and the approximate date of manufacture.
MODE DESCRIPTION PARAMETERSEXPLANATION
50Software VersionDisplays the software version
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The DCR-1003, DCR-1004 and DST sensor are a rugged, reliable level
measurement system that is easy to install and setup. But occasionally problems
will occur during set up. A list of symptoms and possible corrective actions are
provided for troubleshooting.
SYMPTOMCAUSEACTION
DISTANCE DISPLAY ON Short circuit• Verify coaxial connections
COM. LED IS OFFon the transducerand wiring on cable or connector
• Sensor failure
COM. LED FLASHINGCommunication• Check coaxial cable and
EVERY .5 SECONDSerrorconnectors for tight connection
• Sensor failure in communication
circuit
COM. LED FLASHINGLoss of echo• Poor target characteristics see
EVERY SECOND“understanding ultrasonics”
section
• Sensor failure in transducer circuit
DISPLAY READS ----Display overflow• Change calibration, multiplier, or
decimal point position
• DST & DCR are incompatible,
upgrade DST software
DISPLAY WILL NOTSensor is seeing the • Remove detected object at
CHANGE BUT LEVELwrong targetmeasured distance
DOES• Mount the sensor away from tank
seams or obstructions
DISPLAY WILL ONLYSensor is receiving• Check transducer installation for
READ AT CLOSEstrong echoes in itssmooth sound propagation into
DISTANCEblanking distancetank or to desired target
• Increase blanking distance mode 2
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The DCR-1003, 1004 controller and DST sensor do not require maintenance.
However, a periodic visual inspection of the system would be in order.
The DST should be kept as clean as possible for optimum performance. Dust
buildup may be removed from the transducer with a cloth or by low pressure
air. The DST-PVC can be cleaned with soap and water.
If the DST is visibly effected by the environment, a different type of
transducer may be required.
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