Campbell Scientific LevelVUE B10 User manual
Revision: 03/2021
Copyright © 2020 – 2021
Campbell Scientific, Inc.
Table of contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Precautionary statements 1
3. Initial inspection 1
4. Overview 2
5. Specifications 4
5.1 Pressure transducer 4
5.2 Air flow 4
5.3 Power 5
5.4 Communications 5
5.5 Enclosure 6
5.6 Environmental 6
6. Installation 6
6.1 Verify operation 6
6.2 Wiring 7
6.3 Power considerations 8
6.4 Default settings 9
6.5 Setup using keypad/display 11
6.6 Campbell Scientific data logger programming 13
6.6.1 SDI-12 programming 13
6.6.2 RS-485 programming 13
6.7 Field installation 14
6.7.1 Site selection 14
6.7.2 Enclosure mounting 14
6.7.3 Desiccator installation 15
6.7.4 Orifice line and conduit installation 17
7. Operation 19
7.1 Principles of operation 19
7.2 Keypad/display menu 20
7.2.1 Stage setup 21
7.2.2 Bubbler setup 21
Table of Contents - i
7.2.3 System setup 22
7.2.4 Communication setup 23
7.2.5 Diagnostic/Test 23
7.2.6 System information 27
7.3 SDI-12 measurement and extended commands 27
7.4 Modbus register map 30
7.5 Secured orifice line 35
7.6 Long orifice lines 37
7.7 Orifice-line outlet orientation 37
7.8 Orifice-line outlet types 38
8. Maintenance and troubleshooting 39
8.1 Replacing desiccant 39
8.2 Lithium battery replacement 40
8.3 Plugged orifice outlet 41
8.4 Cold weather 42
8.5 Preventing or fixing orifice-line leaks 42
8.6 Updating operating system 42
8.7 Troubleshooting 43
Appendix A. Example program 46
Appendix B. SDI-12 sensor support 48
B.1 SDI-12 command basics 48
B.1.1 Acknowledge active command (a!) 49
B.1.2 Send identification command (al!) 49
B.1.3 Start verification command (aV!) 50
B.1.4 Address query command (?!) 50
B.1.5 Change address command (aAb!) 50
B.1.6 Start measurement commands (aM!) 51
B.1.7 Start concurrent measurement commands (aC!) 51
B.1.8 Start measurement commands with cyclic redundancy check (aMC! and aCC!) 53
B.1.9 Stopping a measurement command 53
B.1.10 Send data command (aD0! … aD9!) 53
B.1.11 Extended commands 54
B.1.12 SDI-12 version 1.4 identify measurement commands and responses 54
B.2 SDI-12 transparent mode 55
B.2.1 Changing an SDI-12 address 56
Table of Contents - ii
B.3 References 58
Appendix C. Field calibration check 59
Table of Contents - iii
1. Introduction
The LevelVUE B10 is a continuous-air-flow bubbler that measures ground water, surface water, or
any liquid level. It consists of an integrated circuit board, pressure sensors to measure and control
tank and line pressures, a 12VDC industrial compressor, a 0.8 liter air tank, and an integrated
keypad/display. Three pressure ranges are available: 15psi (34.6ft, 10.5m), 30psi (69.2ft,
21.0m), or 50psi (115ft, 35.0m). The bubbler communicates with a data logger or RTU using
either SDI-12 or Modbus protocols. Although this document only includes example programs for
Campbell Scientific CRBasic data loggers, any data logging device capable of SDI-12 or Modbus
communications can be used to retrieve the LevelVUE B10 measurements.
2. Precautionary statements
l READ AND UNDERSTAND the Safety section at the back of this manual.
l Not using a desiccator will void your warranty. Campbell Scientific offers a desiccator kit,
which is recommended for use with the LevelVUE B10.
l The sensor can survive temporary operation for 1.5 times the maximum rated pressure
(Table 5-1 (p. 4). However, measurements made beyond the rated pressure range will be
inaccurate.
l Do not use quick connect fittings as these tend to leak.
l Mount the LevelVUE B10 in a location where it will not get jarred or shift during operation.
3. Initial inspection
l Upon receipt of the LevelVUE B10, inspect the packaging for shipping damage, and, if
found, report the damage to the carrier in accordance with policy.
l Carefully open the package to avoid damaging or cutting the orifice-line tubing (if
ordered). A thorough inspection of the tubing is prudent.
LevelVUE™B10 Water-Level Bubbler 1
l Compare the pressure range printed on the bottom of the enclosure with the pressure
range listed in the shipping document to ensure that the correct pressure range was
received.
l Verify that the orifice line Swagelok® fitting and air intake line barbed fitting were shipped
with the LevelVUE B10. They are shipped in a small bag inside the enclosure. Do the
following to locate these items:
o
Open the enclosure lid
o
Press on the black magnet
o
Lift the keypad panel
l
NOTE:
The orifice line Swagelok® fitting may already be installed on the LevelVUE B10.
l Verify that all bubbler accessories were sent. The following accessories (ordered separately)
are often shipped with the LevelVUE B10:
o
Orifice line
o
Desiccator kit
o
Desiccant
4. Overview
The LevelVUE B10 bubbler incorporates all the components of a self-contained pressurized air
supply system. It has an air compressor, air tank, and other components of older conoflow
systems. However, instead of pressurized air tanks and manual valves used in conoflow systems,
the LevelVUE B10 meters the airflow to create a constant flow in the line regardless of the water
depth above the orifice. Precision sensors monitor the tank and line pressures to consistently
maintain the same airflow. The precision sensor monitoring the pressure on the orifice line
precisely detects the pressure required to push air through the line. This pressure value is directly
related to water depth. A simple conversion is applied to the pressure value to generate water
depth in feet, meters, or other units. Proprietary electronics control the pump and calculate the
measurements. The LevelVUE B10 has a digital SDI-12 or RS-485 output that allows any data
logger that supports SDI-12 or Modbus protocols to retrieve the LevelVUE B10 measurements.
FIGURE 4-1 (p. 3) shows a LevelVUE B10-based system that uses a Campbell Scientific data logger
and SDI-12 protocol.
LevelVUE™B10 Water-Level Bubbler 2
FIGURE 4-1. Components in a LevelVUE B10-based system
The LevelVUE B10 environmental enclosure can be mounted next to rivers, in stilling wells, or on
or near bridges. Only the orifice line contacts the water, which allows the bubbler to work in
areas that would damage submersed sensors due to corrosion, contamination, flood-related
debris, lightning, or vandalism. It also can be used in stream beds that periodically dry up or in
sub-zero temperatures if the water is still flowing. Unlike radar gages, bubbler measurements are
not affected by wind.
Features:
l Proprietary high-pressure/high-volume purge operation to prevent sediment buildup
l High-volume industrial air compressor
l Low power consumption
l –40 to 60 °C operation
LevelVUE™B10 Water-Level Bubbler 3
l Three pressure ranges: 15 psi, 30 psi, and 50 psi
l Built-in keypad/display for full setup, measurement, and maintenance operations
l Proprietary air flow/bubble generation for years of trouble-free operation
l Large volume desiccator to minimize maintenance frequency
l Incorporated SDI-12 version 1.4 metadata commands for identification of data
l Compatible with SDI-12 and Modbus controllers including Campbell Scientific CR300
series, CR6 series, CR800 series, CR1000X series, CR3000, and GRANITE-series data loggers
l High water mark detection (crest stage) between normal SDI-12 measurement requests
5. Specifications
Compliance documents:
View at www.campbellsci.com/levelvueb10
5.1 Pressure transducer
Table 5-1: Pressure range, depth, and resolution
Pressure range
0 to 15 psi 0 to 10.54 m (34.6 ft) ±2.1 mm (0.007 ft)
0 to 30 psi 0 to 21 m (69.20 ft) ±4.26 mm (0.014 ft)
0 to 50 psi 0 to 35.16 m (115.35 ft) ±7.11 mm (0.023 ft)
1
Level calculations assume 1 psi = 0.7031 m (2.3067 ft) of water.
Accuracy:
Sensor overpressure rating:
≤ 0.02% of full scale output (FSO)
over temperature range
1.5 times the pressure range
Water depth range
1
Resolution
5.2 Air flow
Description:
Bubble rate: Programmable 30 to 120 bubbles per minutes;
Microprocessor controlled constant air flow
over full pressure range and temperature.
based on 6.35 mm (0.25 inch) inner-diameter outlet.
60 bubbles per minute default
LevelVUE™B10 Water-Level Bubbler 4
Purge operation
Manual:
SDI-12:
Modbus:
Automatic-timed purge:
Purge pressure:
Purge sustain time:
Pressure inlet port:
Orifice-line outlet port:
Requested from keypad/display
Command for purge under program control
Command for purge under program control
Once a day to once a month with 1 day resolution
30 to 90 psi, programmable
0 to 30 s, programmable
1/8-inch female NPT
1/8-inch female NPT
5.3 Power
Input voltage range: 11.5 to 16.5 VDC
Current
Standby: 5 mA
Compressor active: 7 A typical, 10 A maximum
Start-up surge current: 18 A maximum
5.4 Communications
SDI-12
Response time:
Default address:
RS-485
Protocol:
Default address:
Default configuration:
Data type:
Built-in keypad/display: Graphical 8-line-by-20-character display.
SDI-12 V 1.4 compliant
10 s forM!SDI-12 command with default averaging time of
5seconds
0
Modbus
1
8-bit, even parity, 1 stop bit, 19200 bps baud rate
32-bit float, no reversal of the byte order (ABCD)
Menu fully supports system setup.
LevelVUE™B10 Water-Level Bubbler 5
5.5 Enclosure
Material:
Width:
Height:
Depth:
Weight:
Fiberglass
28.9 cm (11.4 in)
34 cm (13.4 in)
13 cm (5.2 inch)
7.5 kg (16.5 lb)
5.6 Environmental
Operating temperature:
Storage temperature:
Relative humidity:
–40 to 60 °C
–40 to 80 °C
0 to 95%, non-condensing
6. Installation
6.1 Verify operation 6
6.2 Wiring 7
6.3 Power considerations 8
6.4 Default settings 9
6.5 Setup using keypad/display 11
6.6 Campbell Scientific data logger programming 13
6.7 Field installation 14
6.1 Verify operation
Before installing the LevelVUE B10, verify its operation using the following procedure:
1. Remove the plug from the orifice line Outlet fitting on the LevelVUE B10. Save the plug for
use later.
2. Connect the LevelVUE B10 to the power supply (Wiring (p. 7)). After connecting the
bubbler to the power supply, the bubbler will take an initial atmospheric measurement and
LevelVUE™B10 Water-Level Bubbler 6
calibrate itself. The compressor also will turn on to initially charge the tank and start the
flow of air out of the system. If the compressor does not turn on, check the power supply.
The LevelVUE B10 must be connected directly to the battery.
3. Connect a short piece of orifice line tubing to the Outlet fitting and place the end of the
tubing in a bucket or tube of water, and bubbles should appear in 15 to 20 seconds.
4. Press the soft key button directly under Measure on the display to initiate a measurement
sequence. Once the measurement is complete ensure that the reading is reasonable based
on the depth of the orifice line and an offset of 0.00.
5. Press the soft key button directly under Purge on the display to initiate a line purge. The
compressor will charge the tank to 60 psi and release the air out the orifice line. This may
take a few seconds.
6.2 Wiring
Terminals and connectors are on the bottom of the LevelVUE B10 enclosure (FIGURE 6-1 (p. 7)).
FIGURE 6-1. LevelVUE B10 connector panel
Table 6-1 (p. 8) provides wiring to a data logger when using SDI-12 and Table 6-2 (p. 8) provides
wiring to a data logger when using Modbus. The air compressor and electronics connect directly
to the battery using a 16 to 20AWG wire. Keep wire lengths less than 3m (6ft).
The SDI-12 output can be directly read by many devices including all Campbell Scientific data
loggers. RS-485 output can be directly read by a CR6-series, CR1000X-series, or Modbus RTU
RS-485 network. Other Campbell Scientific data loggers can use an MD485 multidrop interface
to read the RS-485 output. Refer to the MD485 manual for information about using the MD485.
LevelVUE™B10 Water-Level Bubbler 7
Table 6-1: LevelVUE B10 terminal, function, and connections for SDI-12 measurements
LevelVUE B10
Function Data logger or RTU terminal Power supply
terminal
SDI-12 Data, C, SDI-12,
SDI-12 Data SDI-12 signal
or U configured for SDI-12
1
⏚ or G (digital ground
SDI-12 G Ground
connection)
12Vdc + Power 12V
12Vdc – Power ground G, GND
1
U and C terminals are automatically configured by the measurement instruction for Campbell Scientific CR6 data
logger.
NOTE:
For Campbell Scientific CR6 and CR1000X data loggers making SDI-12 measurements,
conflicts may occur when a companion terminal is used for a triggering instruction such as
TimerInput(), PulseCount(), or WaitDigTrig(). For example, if the LevelVUE
B10 is connected to C3 on a CR1000X, C4 cannot be used in the TimerInput(),
PulseCount(), or WaitDigTrig() instructions.
Table 6-2: LevelVUE B10 terminal, function, and connections for Modbus measurements
LevelVUE B10
Function
terminal
Data logger or RTU
terminal
1
Power supply
RS-485 A– RS-485A A–, C odd
RS-485 B+ RS-485B B+, C even
12Vdc + Power 12V
12Vdc – Power ground G, GND
1
Assumes the sensor directly connects to the data logger.
6.3 Power considerations
The current load of the internal compressor requires the LevelVUE B10 to be connected directly to
the 12VDC battery. The battery should be recharged using AC power or a solar panel. Do not
power the LevelVUE B10 using the 12 V excitation terminal from the data logger and do not use
the PS150 or PS200 because the current limit switch on these devices will trip when the
LevelVUE™B10 Water-Level Bubbler 8
compressor tries to turn on. Specific power requirements depend on communications methods,
frequency of site visits, and site location. Contact Campbell Scientific for more information.
6.4 Default settings
For most applications, the default settings (Table 6-3 (p. 9)) allow the LevelVUE B10 to work out
of the box with only minor changes such as setting an offset. Settings can be changed by using
the keypad/display, the SDI-12 extended commands, or Modbus commands (Modbus register
map (p. 30)).
Table 6-3: LevelVUE B10 user options
Option Default value Comments/quick reference
Stage setup menu options
Displays the last measured stage value.
Stage N/A
Enter a floating point value of the
desired stage reading to automatically
calculate the stage offset
Units Feet
Slope 2.3067 (feet)
Offset 0.0
Num Stage Digits 2
Measure Average 5 s Range is 1 to 255 s
Bubbler setup menu options
60 bubbles per
Bubble Rate
minute
Purge Pressure 60 psi Purge-pressure range is 30 to 90 psi
Options are feet, meters, inches, centimeters,
millimeters, psi, and user-defined
Automatically set based on stage units.
If stage units are user defined, this
option accepts a floating point value.
Either automatically calculated based on the
stage entry or entered as a floating point
value
Digit range is 2 to 4. Sets the number of digits
to the right of the decimal for the stage value
Bubble-rate range is
30 to 120 bubbles per minute
Purge Sustain 10 s Purge-sustain range is 0 to 60 s
LevelVUE™B10 Water-Level Bubbler 9
Table 6-3: LevelVUE B10 user options
Option Default value Comments/quick reference
Range is 0 to 30 days
Auto Purge 0
System setup menu options
Date Does not reset System date in format of yyyy/mm/dd
Time Does not reset System time in format of hh:mm:ss
Display Sleep 5 minutes Range is 1 to 15 minutes
Display Brightness 80% Range is 10 to 100%
Temperature Units ° C Options are ° C or ° F
Reset to Defaults N/A Resets options to default values
Communications setup menu options
0 disables auto purge
1 to 30 = once a day to once every 30 days
SDI-12 Address 0
ModbusAddress 1 Possible addresses: 1 to 247.
RS-485Baud Rate 19200 bps Standard baud rates from 9600 to 115200 bps
RS-485 Parity even Options are even, odd, none
RS-485 Stop Bits 2 Options are 1 or 2
Diagnostics/test menu options
Status Errors N/A
Test Line Noise N/A Press Enter to perform a line noise test
Test Line Leak N/A Press Enter to perform a line leak test
Reset Min / Max N/A
Possible addresses: 0 to 9 (Standard),
A to Z, a to z
Displays error (Table 7-1 (p. 24) or
none if no errors are detected
Press Enter to reset the min and max
battery values to the current battery value
level
Min Battery Voltage N/A
Displays the minimum voltage detected
on the battery
LevelVUE™B10 Water-Level Bubbler 10
Table 6-3: LevelVUE B10 user options
Option Default value Comments/quick reference
Max Battery Voltage N/A
System information menu options
Clear Purge Counter N/A Press Enter to reset purge counter to zero
Clear System Reset
N/A
Counter
Purge Counter N/A Displays the number of purges since last reset
System Reset Counter N/A
Sensor SN N/A Displays the sensor serial number
OS version N/A Displays the current operating system version
Displays the maximum voltage detected
on the battery
Press Enter to reset the system reset counter to
zero
Displays the number of system resets since last
reset
6.5 Setup using keypad/display
The LevelVUE B10 includes a keypad/display to set up, make measurements, and troubleshoot
the unit. Although the LevelVUE B10 can be completely setup using the SDI-12 or Modbus
protocols, using the keypad/display is more convenient for setting up and testing. Open the
enclosure lid to access the keypad/display.
LevelVUE™B10 Water-Level Bubbler 11
FIGURE 6-2. LevelVUE B10 keypad/display
Press the right arrow key to open a menu and show the available options. Fixed values are shown
next to an equal sign (=), while editable options are displayed inside square brackets ([ ]). To edit
a menu, press the right arrow key at the chosen menu and use the up and down arrow keys to
make the changes to the parameter.
The following example shows the process for changing the stage setting.
1. Press the down arrow key to move to the setup screen.
2. Press the right arrow key to access the stage setup screen.
3. Press the right arrow key and press the Enter key.
4. Use the right and left arrow keys to move the cursor to the digit you want changed, then
use the up and down arrow keys to change the number.
5. Press Enter when the number is changed to the correct value.
LevelVUE™B10 Water-Level Bubbler 12
6.6 Campbell Scientific data logger programming
A data logger or RTU can remotely control and retrieve LevelVUE B10 data. Programming basics
for Campbell Scientific CRBasic data loggers are provided in the following sections. If using
another manufacturer's data logger or RTU, refer to their documentation for programming
information. An SDI-12 program example for a Campbell Scientific data logger is provided in
Example program (p. 46).
6.6.1 SDI-12 programming
The SDI12Recorder() instruction is used to measure a LevelVUE B10 configured for SDI-12
measurements. This instruction sends a request to the sensor to make a measurement and then
retrieves the measurement from the sensor. See SDI-12 measurement and extended commands
(p. 27) for more information.
For most data loggers, the SDI12Recorder() instruction has the following syntax:
SDI12Recorder(Destination, SDIPort, SDIAddress, “SDICommand”, Multiplier,
Offset, FillNAN, WaitonTimeout)
For the SDIAddress, alphabetical characters need to be enclosed in quotes (for example,
“A”). Also enclose the SDICommand in quotes as shown. The Destination parameter must
be an array. The required number of values in the array depends on the command (see Table 7-2
(p. 28)).
FillNAN and WaitonTimeout are optional parameters (refer to CRBasic Help for more
information).
6.6.2 RS-485 programming
The RS-485 output can be directly read by a CR6-series, CR1000X-series, or Modbus RTU RS-485
network. Other Campbell Scientific data loggers can use an MD485 multidrop interface to read
the RS-485 output. Refer to the MD485 manual for information about using the MD485.
A CR6 or CR1000X data logger programmed as a Modbus Master can retrieve the values stored in
the Input Registers (). To do this, the CRBasic program requires SerialOpen() followed by
ModbusMaster(). The SerialOpen instruction has the following syntax:
SerialOpen (ComPort, Baud, Format, TXDelay, BufferSize, Mode)
LevelVUE™B10 Water-Level Bubbler 13
The Format parameter is typically set to logic 1 low; even parity, one stop bit, 8 data bits. The
Mode parameter should configure the ComPort as RS-485 half-duplex, transparent.
The ModbusMaster() instruction has the following syntax:
ModbusMaster (Result, ComPort, Baud, Addr, Function, Variable, Start, Length,
Tries, TimeOut, [ModbusOption])
The Addr parameter must match the sensor Modbus address. To collect all of the values, the
Start parameter needs to be 1 and the Length parameter needs to correspond with the
register count (see Modbus register map (p. 30). For ModbusOption parameter use 2, which
means the Modbus variable array is defined as a 32-bit float or a Long, with no reversal of the
byte order (ABCD).
6.7 Field installation
6.7.1 Site selection 14
6.7.2 Enclosure mounting 14
6.7.3 Desiccator installation 15
6.7.4 Orifice line and conduit installation 17
6.7.1 Site selection
The site selection is often based on the type of water being measured. Water in rivers and
streams will act differently than in lakes and reservoirs. In rivers and streams, choose a location
where the water velocity remains constant regardless of water levels. Care must also be taken to
prevent errors caused by drawdown and buildup such as around a bridge pier. In lakes and
reservoirs, wind can cause wave action and buildup on the face of the dam or other structure.
Select a location that will be less affected by these conditions.
6.7.2 Enclosure mounting
1. Choose a location that is accessible for servicing electrical connections and plumbing
fittings, but will not get jarred or shifted during operation.
2. Place the enclosure at the desired height with connectors pointing down so that moisture
or condensation that could collect on the connectors do not access the inner components
of the equipment.
LevelVUE™B10 Water-Level Bubbler 14
3. Secure the enclosure to a wall or flat surface using user-supplied bolts. The enclosure
includes holes at the top and bottom of the enclosure for mounting the LevelVUE B10.
4. Route a 14 AWG copper wire from the enclosure grounding lug to an earth ground.
6.7.3 Desiccator installation
WARNING:
Not using a desiccator will void your warranty.
An external desiccator is required to dry the compressor intake air and prevent accumulation of
moisture in the tank, manifold, and other areas in the system. Campbell Scientific offers a
desiccator kit (FIGURE 6-3 (p. 16)), which is recommended for use with the LevelVUE B10.
LevelVUE™B10 Water-Level Bubbler 15
FIGURE 6-3. Desiccator kit (indicating desiccant not shown)
Desiccator installation procedure:
1. Use the desiccator kit bracket to mount the desiccator as close to the LevelVUE B10
enclosure as possible.
NOTE:
Campbell Scientific offers a long desiccant tube if the desiccator needs to be located
farther away from the bubbler than normal, such as when air must be drawn from
outside the main enclosure.
2. Insert the threaded end of the 1/4-inch NPT barbed fitting included in the desiccator kit
into the desiccator connector.
3. Insert the threaded end of the air-intake 1/8-inch NPT barbed fitting into the Inlet port of
the LevelVUE B10, then connect the desiccator output tubing to both barbed fittings.
NOTE:
The LevelVUE B10 is shipped with a plug inserted in the intake port that needs to be
removed before inserting the 1/8-inch NPT barbed fitting.
LevelVUE™B10 Water-Level Bubbler 16
4. Loosen the clamp ring on the desiccator and remove the bowl from the top housing.
5. Pour desiccant into the bowl; shake and tap bowl while filling to settle desiccant. Fill to
3mm (0.1in) below inner step of bowl.
6. Replace the bowl and bowl guard.
CAUTION:
Ensure that the clamp ring is securely locked in place before operating the unit.
6.7.4 Orifice line and conduit installation
To ensure accurate data, consider the following while siting and installing the orifice line:
l Install the orifice line in an area that will remain relatively calm. A stilling well is a good
option.
l Install the orifice line at a continuous downward slope from the LevelVUE B10 to the outlet,
avoiding swells, dips, and depressions.
l If possible, use one continuous orifice line to eliminate junctions or splices, which are
potential sources for leaks. Campbell Scientific offers orifice line that comes in 152m
(500ft) rolls, which suits most applications. If a continuous line is not possible, install the
junction or splice in a serviceable enclosure.
l Do not use quick connect fittings as these tend to leak.
LevelVUE™B10 Water-Level Bubbler 17
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