Campbell AM16/32B Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

AM16/32B Relay Multiplexer

Copyright © 1987- 2016

Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Revision: 7/16

Guarantee

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



This equipment is guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship.
We will repair or replace products which prove to be defective during the
guarantee period as detailed on your invoice, provided they are returned to us
prepaid. The guarantee will not apply to:

Equipment which has been modified or altered in any way without the

written permission of Campbell Scientific
Batteries
Any product which has been subjected to misuse, neglect, acts of God or

damage in transit.

Campbell Scientific will return guaranteed equipment by surface carrier
prepaid. Campbell Scientific will not reimburse the claimant for costs incurred

in removing and/or reinstalling equipment. This guarantee and the Company’s

obligation thereunder is in lieu of all other guarantees, expressed or implied,
including those of suitability and fitness for a particular purpose. Campbell
Scientific is not liable for consequential damage.

Please inform us before returning equipment and obtain a Repair Reference
Number whether the repair is under guarantee or not. Please state the faults as
clearly as possible, and if the product is out of the guarantee period it should
be accompanied by a purchase order. Quotations for repairs can be given on
request. It is the policy of Campbell Scientific to protect the health of its
employees and provide a safe working environment, in support of this policy a

“Declaration of Hazardous Material and Decontamination” form will be

issued for completion.

When returning equipment, the Repair Reference Number must be clearly
marked on the outside of the package. Complete the “Declaration of
Hazardous Material and Decontamination” form and ensure a completed copy
is returned with your goods. Please note your Repair may not be processed if
you do not include a copy of this form and Campbell Scientific Ltd reserves
the right to return goods at the customers’ expense.

Note that goods sent air freight are subject to Customs clearance fees which
Campbell Scientific will charge to customers. In many cases, these charges are
greater than the cost of the repair.

Campbell Scientific Ltd,

80 Hathern Road,

Shepshed, Loughborough, LE12 9GX, UK

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

www.campbellsci.co.uk

PLEASE READ FIRST

About this manual

Please note that this manual was originally produced by Campbell Scientific Inc. primarily for the North
American market. Some spellings, weights and measures may reflect this origin.

Some useful conversion factors:

Area: 1 in2 (square inch) = 645 mm2

Length: 1 in. (inch) = 25.4 mm

1 ft (foot) = 304.8 mm
1 yard = 0.914 m
1 mile = 1.609 km

In addition, while most of the information in the manual is correct for all countries, certain information
is specific to the North American market and so may not be applicable to European users.

Differences include the U.S standard external power supply details where some information (for
example the AC transformer input voltage) will not be applicable for British/European use. Please note,

however, that when a power supply adapter is ordered it will be suitable for use in your country.

Reference to some radio transmitters, digital cell phones and aerials may also not be applicable
according to your locality.

Some brackets, shields and enclosure options, including wiring, are not sold as standard items in the
European market; in some cases alternatives are offered. Details of the alternatives will be covered in
separate manuals.

Part numbers prefixed with a “#” symbol are special order parts for use with non-EU variants or for
special installations. Please quote the full part number with the # when ordering.

Mass: 1 oz. (ounce) = 28.35 g
1 lb (pound weight) = 0.454 kg

Pressure: 1 psi (lb/in2) = 68.95 mb

Volume: 1 UK pint = 568.3 ml

1 UK gallon = 4.546 litres
1 US gallon = 3.785 litres

Recycling information

At the end of this product’s life it should not be put in commercial or domestic refuse but
sent for recycling. Any batteries contained within the product or used during the
products life should be removed from the product and also be sent to an appropriate
recycling facility.

Campbell Scientific Ltd can advise on the recycling of the equipment and in some cases
arrange collection and the correct disposal of it, although charges may apply for some
items or territories.

For further advice or support, please contact Campbell Scientific Ltd, or your local agent.

Campbell Scientific Ltd, 80 Hathern Road, Shepshed, Loughborough, LE12 9GX, UK

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

www.campbellsci.co.uk

Precautions

DANGER — MANY HAZARD S ARE ASSOCIATED WITH INSTALLING, USING, M AINTAINING, AND WORKING ON
OR AROUND TRIPODS, TOWERS, AND ANY ATTACHMENTS TO TRIPODS AND TOWERS SUCH AS SENSORS,
CROSSARMS, ENCLOSURES, ANTENNAS, ETC. FAILURE TO PROPERLY AND COM P LE TE LY ASS E M BLE ,
INSTALL, OPERATE, USE, AND MAINTAIN TRIPODS, TOWERS, AND ATTACHMENTS, AND FAILURE TO HEED
WARNINGS, INCREASES THE RISK OF DEATH, ACCIDENT, SERIOUS INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, AND
PRODUCT FAILURE. TAKE ALL REASONABLE PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID THESE HAZARDS. CHECK WITH YOUR
ORGANIZATION'S SAFETY COORDINATOR (OR POLICY) FOR PROCEDURES AND REQUIRED PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO PERFORMING ANY WORK.

Use tripods, towers, and attachments to tripods and towers only for purposes for which they are designed. Do not
exceed design limits. Be familiar and comply with all instructions provided in product manuals. Manuals are
available at www.campbellsci.eu or by telephoning [phone] (UK). You are responsible for conformance
with governing codes and regulati ons, including safety regulati ons, and the integrity and locati on of structures or land
to which towers, tripods, and any attachments are attached. Installation sites should be evaluated and approved by a
qualified engineer. If questions or co ncerns arise regarding installation, use, or maintenance of tripods, towers,
attachments, or electrical connections, consult with a licensed and qualified engineer or electrician.

General

• Prior to performing site or installation work, obtain required approvals and permits. Comply with all

governing structure-height regulations, such as those of the FAA in the USA.

• Use only qualified personnel for installation, use, and maintenance of tripods and towers, and any

attachments to tripods and towers. The use of licensed and qualified contractors is highly recommended.

• Read all applicable instructions carefully and understand procedures thoroughly before beginning work.

• Wear a hardhat and eye protection, and take other appropriate safety precautions while working on or

around tripods and towers.

• Do not climb tripods or towers at any time, and prohibit climbing by other persons. Take reasonable

precautions to secure tripod and tower sites from trespassers.

• Use only manufacturer recommended parts, materials, and tools.

Utility and Electrical

• You can be killed or sustain serious bodily injury if the tripod, tower, or attachments you are installing,

constructing, using, or maintaining, or a tool, stake, or anchor, come in contact with overhead or
underground utility lines.

• Maintain a distance of at least one-and-one-half times structure height, or 20 feet, or the distance

required by applicable law, whichever is greater, between overhead utility lines and the structure (tripod,
tower, attachments, or tools).

• Prior to performing site or installation work, inform all utility companies and have all underground utilities

marked.

• Comply with all electrical codes. Electrical equipment and related grounding devices should be installed

by a licensed and qualified electrician.

Elevated Work and Weather

• Exercise extreme caution when performing elevated work.

• Use appropriate equipment and safety practices.

• During installation and maintenance, keep tower and tripod sites clear of un-trained or non-essential

personnel. Take precautions to prevent elevated tools and objects from dropping.

• Do not perform any work in inclement weather, including wind, rain, snow, lightning, etc.

Maintenance

• Periodically (at least yearly) check for wear and damage, including corrosion, stress cracks, frayed cables,

loose cable clamps, cable tightness, etc. and take necessary corrective actions.

• Periodically (at least yearly) check electrical ground connections.

WHILE EVERY ATTEMPT IS MADE TO EMBODY THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF SAFETY IN ALL CAMPBELL
SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTS, THE CUSTOMER ASSUMES ALL RISK FROM ANY INJURY RESULTING FROM IMPROPER
INSTALLATION, USE, OR MAINTENANCE OF TRIPODS, TOWERS, OR ATTACHMENTS TO TRIPODS AND TOWERS
SUCH AS SENSORS, CROSSARMS, ENCLOSURES, ANTENNAS, ETC.

Table of Contents

PDF viewers: These page numbers refer to the printed version of this document. Use the
PDF reader bookmarks tab for links to specific sections.

1. Introduction ................................................................ 1

1.1 Typical Applications ............................................................................ 1

1.2 Compatibility ....................................................................................... 1

2. Precautions ................................................................ 2

3. Initial Inspection ......................................................... 2

4. QuickStart ................................................................... 2

5. Overview ..................................................................... 5

6. AM16/32B Specifications ........................................... 6

7. Installation .................................................................. 8

7.1 Wiring to Datalogger ........................................................................... 8

7.1.1 Control Terminals ......................................................................... 8

7.1.2 COM Terminals ............................................................................ 8

7.1.3 Measurement Terminals ................................................................ 9

7.2 Grounding ............................................................................................ 9

7.3 Power Supply ....................................................................................... 9

7.4 Installation in Enclosure ..................................................................... 10

8. Operation .................................................................. 10

8.1 Programming ...................................................................................... 11

8.1.1 General Programming Considerations ........................................ 12

8.1.2 Mixed Sensor Types ................................................................... 12

8.2 General Measurement Considerations ............................................... 13

8.2.1 Long Cable Lengths .................................................................... 13

8.2.2 Earth Ground............................................................................... 13

8.2.3 Completion Resistors .................................................................. 13

8.2.4 Contact Degradation ................................................................... 13

Appendices

A. Importing Short Cut Code Into CRBasic Editor ... A-1

B. Example Measurements and Programs ................ B-1

B.1 Single-Ended Voltage Measurement ................................................ B-1

B.2 Differential Voltage Measurement ................................................... B-3

B.3 Half-Bridge Measurement ................................................................ B-4

B.4 Full-Bridge Measurement ................................................................ B-6

i

Table of Contents

CR5000 Program Example ............................................................ B-10

B.5

C. Thermocouple Measurement ................................. C-1

C.1 Measurement Considerations .......................................................... C-1

C.1.1 Reference Junction ................................................................... C-1

C.1.2 Datalogger Reference ............................................................... C-1

C.1.3 AM16/32B Reference .............................................................. C-2

C.1.4 Thermal Gradients .................................................................... C-2

Figures

5-1. AM16/32B Relay Multiplexer ............................................................. 6

7-1. Example of AM16/32B-to-datalogger signal connection (4x16

mode) ............................................................................................... 9

B-1. Typical single-ended voltage measurement connection .................. B-1

B-2. Typical differential voltage measurement connection ..................... B-3

B-3. Typical half-bridge measurement connection ................................. B-5

B-4. Full-bridge measurement ................................................................. B-6

C-1. Differential thermocouple measurement with reference junction

at the datalogger ........................................................................... C-2

C-2. Differential thermocouple measurement with reference junction

at the AM16/32B (using 107-L thermistor) ................................. C-2

C-3. AM16/32B aluminum cover plate ................................................... C-3

Tables

7-1. Control Terminal Function and Datalogger Connection ..................... 8

B-1. Wiring for Single-Ended Voltage Measurements CRBasic

Example ....................................................................................... B-2

B-2. Wiring for Differential Voltage Measurements CRBasic

Example ....................................................................................... B-3

B-3. Wiring for Campbell Scientific 107 Temperature Sensors

CRBasic Example ........................................................................ B-5

B-4. Wiring for Load Cells CRBasic Example ....................................... B-7

B-5. Wiring for CS616 Sensor CRBasic Example .................................. B-9

B-6. Wiring for CR5000 Program Example .......................................... B-10

CRBasic Examples

B-1. Single-Ended Voltage Measurements ............................................. B-2

B-2. Differential Voltage Measurements ................................................ B-4

B-3. Campbell Scientific 107 Temperature Sensors ............................... B-5

B-4. Load Cells ....................................................................................... B-7

B-5. CS616 Sensors................................................................................. B-9

B-6. CR5000 Program Example ............................................................ B-11

ii

NOTE

AM16/32B Relay Multiplexer

1. Introduction

The primary function of the AM16/32B multiplexer is to increase the number
of sensors that can be measured by CR6-series, CR800-series, CR1000,
CR3000, and CR5000 dataloggers. The AM16/32B is positioned between the
sensors and the datalogger. Mechanical relays in the AM16/32B connect each
of the sensor channels in turn to a common output destined for the datalogger.
The user program advances the multiplexer through the sensor channels,
making measurements and storing data.

A slide switch located on the AM16/32B’s top panel selects one of two modes
of operation. In 2x32 mode, the multiplexer adds 32 terminal pairs. In 4x16
mode, it adds 16 terminal groups with four terminals each. The datalogger
program is written according to the selected mode and the sensors to be
measured.

The maximum number of sensors multiplexed by an AM16/32B depends
primarily on the type(s) of sensors to be measured.

This manual provides information for CRBasic dataloggers and
serial numbers greater than 5056. The AM16/32B is also
compatible with most of our retired Edlog dataloggers.

For Edlog datalogger support or for specifications on serial
numbers lower than 5056, see an older version of this manual at

www.campbellsci.com/old-manuals

1.1 Typical Applications

The AM16/32B is intended for use in applications where more terminals are
needed than the datalogger has available. Most commonly, the AM16/32B is
used to multiplex analog sensor signals, although it can also be used to
multiplex switched excitations, continuous analog outputs, or even certain
pulse counting measurements (those that require only intermittent sampling). It
is also possible to multiplex sensors of different, but compatible, types (see
Section 8.1.2, Mixed Sensor Types

1.2 Compatibility

The AM16/32B is compatible with Campbell Scientific’s CR6-series, CR800­series, CR1000, CR3000, and CR5000 dataloggers.

The AM16/32B is compatible with a wide variety of commercially available
sensors. As long as relay contact current maximums are not exceeded (see
Section 2, Precautions
time, system compatibility for a specific sensor is determined by sensor­datalogger compatibility.

.

(p. 12)).

(p. 2)), and no more than four lines are switched at a

1

AM16/32B Relay Multiplexer

NOTE

2. Precautions

The AM16/32B is also compatible with the CDM-A108 and
CDM-A116 24-bit analog input modules by using the CRBasic
CDM_MuxSelect() instruction. Refer to the CRBasic Help for
information on using the AM16/32B with these modules. The
CDM-A100 Series manual includes a sample program for the
CDM-A108 and the AM16/32B.

The AM16/32B is not designed to multiplex power. Its intended function is to
switch low-level analog signals. Switched currents in excess of 30 mA will
degrade the relay contacts involved, rendering that channel unsuitable for
further low-level analog measurement. Customers who need to switch power
are directed to Campbell Scientific’s SDM-CD16AC, A6REL-12, or
A21REL-12 relays.

Changing the setting of the mode switch from 4x16 to 2x32 connects COM
ODD H to COM EVEN H and also COM ODD L to COM EVEN L. After
wiring the AM16/32B, exercise due care to avoid inadvertently putting excess
voltage on a line or short-circuiting a power supply, which might damage
connected devices such as datalogger, wiring panel, sensor, or multiplexer, and
which would not be covered under warranty.

3. Initial Inspection

• The AM16/32B ships with:

o 4 each pn 6044, Grommet

o 4 each pn 505, Screw

• Upon receipt of the AM16/32B, inspect the packaging and contents for

damage. File damage claims with the shipping company.

• Immediately check package contents. Thoroughly check all packaging

material for product that may be concealed. Check model number, part
numbers, and product descriptions against the shipping documents. Model
or part numbers are found on each product. On cables, the number is often
found at the end of the cable that connects to the measurement device.
Ensure that the expected lengths of cables were received. Contact
Campbell Scientific immediately if there are any discrepancies.

4. QuickStart

Short Cut is an easy way to program your datalogger to make measurements
through an AM16/32B multiplexer. Short Cut is included in installations of
LoggerNet, PC400, PC200W, and RTDAQ. It is also available as a download
on www.campbellsci.com and the ResourceDVD.

2

This section will guide you through programming a datalogger to measure 6
Campbell Scientific 107 temperature sensors as an example for creating a
program using a multiplexer. With minor changes, these steps can apply to
other measurements and dataloggers.

Open Short Cut. From the

LoggerNet toolbar, click Program |

Select your datalogger model in the

datalogger.

In the Scan Interval box, enter how

Enter 30 and select Seconds.

NOTE The first time Short Cut is run, a prompt will appear asking for a choice of first notch

the Program menu.

Short Cut. In PC200W and PC400,
click on the Short Cut icon.

Select New Program.

Datalogger Model drop-down list.
This tutorial uses the CR6-series

frequently the datalogger should
make measurements. When
measuring with an AM16/32B
multiplexer, we recommend an
interval of 30 seconds or longer.

AM16/32B Relay Multiplexer

Click Next.

frequency. Select 60 Hz Noise Rejection for the United States and areas using 60 Hz
AC voltage. Select 50 Hz Noise Rejection for most of Europe and areas that operate at
50 Hz.

A second prompt lists sensor support options. Campbell Scientific, Inc. (US) is

probably the best fit if you are outside Europe.

To change the first notch frequency or sensor support option for future programs, use

The next window displays
Available Sensors and Devices.
Expand a folder by clicking on the

symbol. Expand the Devices
folder, then double-click on the
AM16/32 to add it to the Selected
panel.

3

AM16/32B Relay Multiplexer

When the AM16/32 multiplexer is
added as a device, a new AM16/32
tab will appear at the bottom of the
Available Sensors and Devices
pane. With the AM16/32 tab
selected, select the Sensors |
Temperature subfolder. Double­click on 107 Temperature Probe
(4-wire).

In the resulting window, enter the
number of 107 temperature probes
to measure on this AM16/32B
multiplexer. For this tutorial, enter 6
as the number of 107 (4-wire)
sensors to add. Click OK in the
dialog window to accept the default
name of T107_C and the default
units of Deg C.

After adding the measurements,
click Wiring Diagram to see how
the sensors are to be wired to the
AM16/32B and how the AM16/32B
is to be wired to the datalogger. The
datalogger tab (CR6 Series in this
example) shows the connection
between the AM16/32B and the
datalogger, and the AM16/32 tab
shows the sensor connection to the
AM16/32B.

With power disconnected, wire the
sensors and devices as shown in the
wiring diagrams. Insert the wires,
taking care to tighten the terminals
on the conductors themselves, not
the insulation.

4