Cooper Instruments DFR-1250 Installation Manual

DFR 1250

PAPERLESS RECORDER

USER’S GUIDE

www.cooperinstruments.com

PH: [phone] • FAX: [phone]

CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................1

1.1 Chart Speed to Sample Speed.......................................................................................................2

1.2 Reviewing Data ...............................................................................................................................2

1.3 Zooming and Conditioning Data....................................................................................................2

1.4 Customizing ....................................................................................................................................2

1.5 Triggering ........................................................................................................................................3

1.6 The Graphics LCD Display.............................................................................................................3

1.7 Other Graphic Modes .....................................................................................................................4

2.0 INSTALLATION AND SETUP................................................................................................5

2.1 Unpacking........................................................................................................................................ 5

2.1.1 Initial Inspection.......................................................................................................................5

2.1.2 Unpacking Procedure ..............................................................................................................5

2.1.3 Detected Damage ..................................................................................................................... 5

2.1.4 Equipment Return .................................................................................................................... 5

2.1.5 Storage......................................................................................................................................6

2.2 Installation ....................................................................................................................................... 6

2.2.1 Panel Mounting.........................................................................................................................6

2.3 Connection ......................................................................................................................................7

2.3.1 Power Connections.................................................................................................................. 7

2.3.2 Input Signal Connections ........................................................................................................8

2.3.3 Relay Output Connections ......................................................................................................9

2.3.4 Digital Input...............................................................................................................................9

2.3.5 USB Port (Option)...................................................................................................................10

2.3.6 ETHERNET Port (Option).......................................................................................................10

2.3.7 Isolated DC input (Option).....................................................................................................10

2.3.8 Cleaning .................................................................................................................................. 10

2.4 Input Scaling .................................................................................................................................10

2.5 Alarms............................................................................................................................................11

2.5.1 Alarm Types............................................................................................................................ 11

2.5.2 Setting ..................................................................................................................................... 11

2.5.3 Alarm Indication ..................................................................................................................... 12

2.6 Memory Cards ............................................................................................................................... 12

2.6.1 Care of the Data Cards...........................................................................................................12

2.6.2 Card Storage Capacity and Data Type .................................................................................12

3.0 BASIC OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................13

3.1 Basic Mode of Operation.............................................................................................................. 13

3.2 Viewing Historic Data ...................................................................................................................13

3.3 Compressing and Expanding Data (Trend Viewing)..................................................................13

3.4 Zooming Data (Amplification)......................................................................................................14

3.5 Menu Mode ....................................................................................................................................14

3.5.1 Exit! .........................................................................................................................................14

3.5.2 Alarm Reset! ........................................................................................................................... 15

3.5.3 Record Mode...........................................................................................................................15

3.5.4 Cursor ID!................................................................................................................................ 15

3.5.5 View File..................................................................................................................................15

3.5.6 Card Status!............................................................................................................................16

3.5.7 Sample Rate............................................................................................................................ 16

3.5.8 Password (Protection) ...........................................................................................................16

3.5.9 Adv. Setup (Advanced Setup) ...............................................................................................16

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3.5.10 Display Adj (Adjust) .............................................................................................................16

3.6 Event Triggering ...........................................................................................................................17

3.7 Status Line Indicators ..................................................................................................................17

3.8 Entering Data................................................................................................................................. 17

3.9 Top Level Menu Overview............................................................................................................19

4.0 ADVANCED SETUP ............................................................................................................20

4.1 Channel Setup...............................................................................................................................20

4.2 Alarms............................................................................................................................................21

4.3 Relays ............................................................................................................................................22

4.4 Display ...........................................................................................................................................22

4.5 Data Card ....................................................................................................................................... 23

4.6 Clock ..............................................................................................................................................24

4.7 Beeper............................................................................................................................................24

4.8 Sample Trigger..............................................................................................................................25

4.9 Record Trigger ..............................................................................................................................25

4.10 External Input .............................................................................................................................. 25

4.11 Unit Tag........................................................................................................................................25

4.12 Comms.........................................................................................................................................25

5.0 MISCELLANEOUS...............................................................................................................26

5.1 Battery Backup Option ................................................................................................................. 26

5.2 Ethernet Option.............................................................................................................................26

5.3 Calibration .....................................................................................................................................27

5.3.1 Basic Calibration....................................................................................................................27

5.3.2 Examples ................................................................................................................................28

5.4 Specifications................................................................................................................................ 29

APPENDIX A - UNITS LABEL CHARACTERS.........................................................................31

APPENDIX B - ERROR AND INFORMATION MESSAGES .....................................................31

APPENDIX C - MASTER RESET...............................................................................................31

APPENDIX D – RE-PROGRAMMING FIRMWARE...................................................................32

WARRANTY REPAIR POLICY..................................................................................................32

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SAFEGUARDS AND PRECAUTIONS

Read and follow all instructions in this manual carefully, and retain this manual for future reference.

Do not use this instrument in any manner inconsistent with these operating instructions or under any conditions that
exceed the environmental specifications stated.

This instrument is not user serviceable. For technical assistance, contact Cooper Instruments (800-344-3921).

WEEE NOTICE

In order to comply with EU Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
(WEEE):

This product may contain material which could be hazardous to human health and the environment. DO
NOT DISPOSE of this product as unsorted municipal waste. This product needs to be RECYCLED in
accordance with local regulations, contact your local authorities for more information. This product may
be returnable to your distributor for recycling - contact the distributor for details.

Para obedecer con EU Directiva 2002/96/EC en el Desecho el Equipo Eléctrico y Electrónico :

Este producto puede contener la materia que podría ser la salud humana perjudicial para y el ambiente. NO se
DESHAGA de este producto el desecho municipal como no clasificado. Estas necesidades del producto para SER
RECICLADAS de acuerdo con las regulaciones locales, contactan su administración local para más información.
Este producto puede ser retornable a su distribuidor para reciclar - contacta el distribuidor para detalles.

Afin de respecter la directive européenne 2002/96/EC sur l’Equipement Electronique et les Déchets
Electriques :

Ce produit pourrait contenir des matières qui peuvent être dangereuses pour la santé de l’homme et de
l’environnement. Ne pas jetter ce produit dans un container municipal inapproprié. Ce produit doit être recyclé en
accord avec les arrêtés locaux; contacter les autorités locales pour plus de renseignements. Ce produit peut être
renvoyé au distributeur pour recyclage - Contacter votre distributeur pour plus de details.

Um den Vorschriften der EU-Direktive 2002/96/EC bezueglich elektrischer und elektronischer Abfallstoffe
nachzukommen:

Dieses Produkt kann Materialien enthalten, welche gesundheitsgefaehrdend und umweltschädlich sind. Dieses
Produkt DARF NICHT wie unsortierter Hausmuell entsorgt werden. Dieses Produkt muss gemaess den oertlichen
Bestimmungen recycled werden, bitte kontaktieren Sie die lokalen Behoerden fuer weitere Informationen. Sie
koennen dieses Produkt zum Recycling an Ihren Haendler zurueckgeben, bitte kontaktieren Sie den Haendler fuer
weitere Details.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This instrument is a versatile Solid State Data Recorder / Panel Indicator. It has all the capability of a traditional
paper recorder - variable chart speeds, the ability to review historic data, see trends and more, with a number of
specific exceptions - NO PAPER to jam, no ink to smudge and no pens to clog or break. The data is stored in a
Compact Flash memory card, which can be easily transported.

Of course it does all the regular functions a lot better, and the data can be transferred directly into reports,
spreadsheets or analysis programs. Data can be examined and archived on any Windows XPTM compatible
machine and can be printed out in various formats as required.

This instrument has two universal inputs so it can measure voltage, current, thermocouples and RTDs by simply
selecting them from the menu. It also has two potential free alarm output contacts and an isolated digital input. The
display can be user configured to graphics, digital or a combination. Maximum data storage is 2 Gigabytes.
Communication options include USB and Ethernet ports.

Things are done a little differently in a paperless recorder and there are a few new concepts that you may need to
become familiar with. There are more features and functions in this unit than you will probably use. It is
recommended that you read this manual in its entirety before attempting to use the instrument.

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The balance of this introduction will attempt to introduce some of the more unique features of this paperless
recorder.

1.1 Chart Speed to Sample Speed

A major difference between paper and paperless is SAMPLE SPEED, which is analogous to CHART SPEED in the
paper recorder. There is an apparent chart speed, the rate at which the samples appear to move across the
Graphics Display, but unlike paper recorders the display is made up of discrete data points, each of which is a
distinct sample of the data being measured. The rate of movement across the screen is thus a direct function of the
sample rate. The major factor in deciding what sample rate to select is knowing how much data is enough. In a
paper recorder a chart speed of 1 inch per hour is fine for a process that does not vary very quickly but would result
in a thick blur if trying to record a 1Hz sine wave. Unlike a paper recorder, every point recorded by the paperless
recorder is uniquely identifiable, no matter how dense it appears on the screen. It is always better to have too much
data than to have too little. The only consideration is the amount of space used in the memory card.

To relate chart speed to sample rate we need to consider how we plan to reproduce the data. The graphic LCD
display has a density of 70 pixels (data points) per inch; a typical dot matrix printer has 180 pixels per inch and a
laser printer 300 pixels per inch. Thus to fill one inch of the display in one hour we need to sample at a rate of 70
samples per hour, a little over once per minute, however if this is now printed on a laser printer it will fill less than
1/3 of an inch. It is the amount and quality of the data that counts. Another advantage of the paperless recorder is
that it can sample internally at 100 samples per second (one every 0.01 seconds). These samples can be averaged
or peaks or valleys can be detected and then this data can be stored at the chosen sample rate.

Trial and experience will yield the best sample speeds for the application. Start with a faster sampling rate than you
think you will need; you can always slow it down in the future. As a rule of thumb, one sample every 10 seconds
should give the equivalent information that 1 inch per hour of chart paper would.

1.2 Reviewing Data

One of the biggest features of this recorder is its ability to show historic data and trends. The data on the graphics
screen can be rewound like a tape recorder, scrolling back in time, displaying past data on the screen while still
recording data in real time.

The data can also be compressed on screen, showing a whole day or week's worth of recording on one screen,
enabling trends or irregularities to be spotted easily. A data cursor can be moved around the screen to uniquely
identify samples in both time and amplitude.

Refer to the Section 3 for the specifics on reviewing data.

1.3 Zooming and Conditioning Data

The recorder acquires data with greater resolution than can be displayed on the screen. The user has the ability to
ZOOM in to amplify the data either 2 or 4 times, equivalent to using a magnifying glass on the display. These
ZOOM windows can be scrolled up or down to cover the entire data spectrum. The vertical scale automatically
adjusts to the zoom level and position to enable resolution of minor changes in input signal.

The recorder also acquires data at a rate faster than what may be displayed on the screen. The user can set the
sampling rate from 100 samples per second down to 1 sample every 10 minutes. When sampling slower than 100
samples per second, the recorder can be programmed to record the average, maximum or minimum values. Thus if
a sample rate of 1 sample per minute is chosen, the recorder will still sample internally at 100 samples per second
while computing the average or detect and store either the maximum (peak) value or minimum (valley) value,
depending on the mode programmed. It will then store this value when the minute is up. Unless required otherwise,
it is recommended that the average value be used for recording since this will tend to filter or smooth the data. See
Advanced Setup Menu for details.

1.4 Customizing

There are many operating features and parameters that the user can program. All settings are stored in nonvolatile
memory and are recalled each time the unit is powered on. The display can be scaled to read in engineering units,
and the trace can be labeled accordingly with up to three alphanumeric characters. Four alarms are fully user

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programmable and can be associated with either channel or the external input. The Alarm levels can be set in the
engineering units of the display, the sense of the alarm, the type and the deadband or hysteresis can be individually
set for each alarm. Optional relay outputs can be assigned independently to each alarm. A reset delay feature is
also available.

There are other features which may be programmed by the user including the time stamping mode, either real time
or elapsed time, clock update rates, file names, beeper operation etc. (Refer to – Advanced Setup)

1.5 Triggering

The recorder has the ability to change sampling speeds and stop or start recording as a result of a triggered event.
This event may be tied to any of the four internal alarms or optionally to an external signal. This enables the unit to
monitor a process without recording or to record at a slow speed to conserve card space. When an external event
or internal alarm condition occurs, the unit will begin recording or change to a higher sample rate for the data of
interest.

1.6 The Graphics LCD Display

Recorder Front View showing TREND Display

The above diagram is a representation of the recorder in the TREND mode. The alpha characters around the
border point to various features of the unit and are described below. Not shown are the MENUS which pop up over
the display. The menus are in the form of those shown in Sections 4 and 5. The numbers in parenthesis below refer
to the section that covers the topic in detail.

A CompactFlash™ card slot – manually insert a card into the unit to store data and configuration information. Can

also be used as a means of updating the firmware in the unit. Cards up to 2 Gigabytes in size can be used.

B Busy LED (Red) – on when the unit is recording and blinks rapidly whenever the unit is accessing the

CompactFlash™ card. Blinks at 1 second rate if unit is triggered but not recording. Do not attempt to remove
the card when this light is on.

C Power LED (Green) – on during normal operation. If the optional internal battery pack is present, this LED will

blink during power failure to indicate the unit is running off internal batteries.

D Optional USB interface – enables connection to a Windows XP compatible PC.

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E Navigation buttons – used to set up and navigate around the display. The buttons are all dual function; the

second function is initiated by holding down the MENU button while pressing one of the other buttons. The
second function is printed on each button.

F Date and Time – shows the actual time of day (real time). The time is displayed user selectable in 12 or 24 hour

format. The user can also select European or American formats and auto daylight savings adjustment. See
Clock setup.

G Zoom Scale Indicator – shows the zoom scale for the channel indicated if > x1. Separate scale for each

channel. See zooming.

H Right hand edge of the graphics area in which the traces are displayed. This is the vertical scale area

designated by the scale values at the top, center and bottom of the scale. The most recent data that is
displayed in digital form at the top of the display (J) is against the right edge of this scale and moves left with
time - the most recent data is to the right and the oldest data is to the extreme left. New data appears against
this margin and the oldest data disappears off the screen at the extreme left. The graphic cursor (K) will start
against this right edge.

I Vertical Scale Identifier – this display alternates between Channel A and Channel B. It displays the Channel

Tag and the Engineering units. See Channel setup.

J Digital Window – the top of the screen displays the values for each Channel including the Channel identifier,

the current value and the engineering units. Channel A is displayed on the left and Channel B on the right. This
window displays the absolute digital value of the instantaneous (last) reading for the channel, and is the right
most sample value on the trend display (G), unless the cursor is active. In that case it shows the value at the
point the cursor intersects the trend line.

K Cursor – is displayed when activated in the cursor ID mode. This cursor can be moved using the left ◄ and

right ► arrow buttons. The values in the digital window (J) are the values at the point where the cursor
intersects the trend line.

L Date/Time Axis Delimiter – the dotted vertical lines placed at equal increments along the Horizontal axes

(Time). The Date/Time stamp beside the line indicates the exact position of the line. Both date and time may be
shut off or relocated vertically. These lines move with the trace at a speed dependent on the sampling speed.
This is configurable in Display Setup.

M Channel B Trace – the trend line is the graphic representation of Time (horizontal) versus Amplitude (vertical)

and is shown solid to distinguish it from the Channel A trace, which is shown as a dotted trend line. This is
configurable in Display Setup.

N Graphic TREND Window – shows the channel traces, which may be compressed, expanded, zoomed, scrolled

and halted.

P Status Icons – these icons appear at various times to indicate the status of the unit and the display. From left to

right they are:

• The numbers 1,2,3 and 4 are the ALARM indicators - one for each alarm. The numbers are present when the
alarm is enabled and will blink if the alarm is in an alarm condition.

• The X indicates the status of the EXTERNAL INPUT and is present when the external input is present.

• The

icon indicates the display is compressed. The horizontal time stamps indicate the current

compressed values. The display can function normally in compressed mode, may be paused or the user can
scroll back and forth using the left ◄ and right ► arrow buttons.

• The H indicates the display is in the HOLD condition. While in HOLD, the trends do not update. The display
enters the HOLD condition when the ID Cursor (K) is present or the user scrolls in the horizontal direction
using the left ◄ and right ► arrow buttons. Exit the HOLD mode by pressing the MENU button.

DO NOT INSERT OR REMOVE THE COMPACT FLASH CARD WHILE THE BUSY LED IS ON!

1.7 Other Graphic Modes

In addition to the full screen trend mode shown section 1.6, there are two additional graphic display modes.

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The Dual Digital mode, as shown below, enables both channels to be shown as Digital values similar to a digital
panel meter. The user has the option of showing the displays in normal or reverse video (shown) modes, and the
display can be set to blink on Alarm Condition.

The other Graphic mode is a split screen with the trend in the top half and the digital display in the lower half as
shown below. When selecting this mode, Channel B is the default digital value, but can be switched in the
Advanced Setup menu.

2.0 INSTALLATION AND SETUP

2.1 Unpacking

2.1.1 Initial Inspection

Exercise care when unpacking the instrument from the shipping carton. The instrument is packed in a custom
cardboard box to prevent damage during normal transit. If damage to the shipping carton is evident, ask the
carrier’s representative to be present when the instrument is unpacked.

2.1.2 Unpacking Procedure

To unpack your Recorder, first remove the cardboard retainer and instrument from the shipping carton. Check the
box for the following contents - The Recorder, two locking bars, two 6-32 x ½" screws, AC power supply wall unit
(unless the unit is the isolated DC model) and this manual.

2.1.3 Detected Damage

Remove the instrument from the plastic bag and check for damage if any. Also check that the unit is as ordered. If
damage is detected after unpacking the instrument, immediately report any damage to the shipping agent and re­pack the instrument for return it to the factory as described in the following section.

2.1.4 Equipment Return

Before returning a damaged or malfunctioning instrument to the factory for repair, contact the sales organization
from which you purchased the instrument. A Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained
from the factory before returning an instrument for any reason.

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2.1.5 Storage

For prolonged storage before installation, re-pack the Recorder in the shipping container and store in a cool, dry
area. We do not recommend storage of the Recorder for more than one year. If longer storage time is required,
contact the factory for additional storage information.

2.2 Installation

The instrument is intended to operate in the following environment:

Indoor Use Only
Installation Category II per IEC 664
Pollution Degree Level II per IEC61010-1
Temperature -10 °C to 50 °C operating per IEC61010-1
Humidity Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperatures up to 31 °C decreasing linearly to 50% relative humidity

at 40 °C

Recorder Power 9.0 +0.5V dc @ 5VA (unless indicated otherwise on the unit)
AC Power Requirement (External adapter) 100 - 240 Vac ~ 50/60 Hz

NOTE: The recorder is designed to be panel mounted and as such should be considered as permanently

connected. Disconnection from the supply must be possible via a customer supplied switch or circuit breaker. This
disconnection device must be included in the panel installation and should be clearly marked, it must be in close
proximity to the Recorder and easily accessible to the operator.

NOTE: In order to fully comply with the CE EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, connections to the recorder should not
exceed 3m (9.8ft) without adding additional filtering.

The Recorder fits in a standard ¼ DIN panel cutout of 92 x 92 mm (3.62 x 3.62 in.) and requires 140mm (7.5
inches) panel depth not including space for power and input source cable. The thickness of the panel is immaterial,
but panels thicker than .125 inch will require that the locking bars be cut down. Actual dimensions are shown below
in Figure 2.1:

WARNING: Do not use this instrument in any manner inconsistent with these operating instructions or
under any conditions that exceed the environmental specifications stated.

2.2.1 Panel Mounting

The Recorder should be mounted in a vertical panel to ensure proper operation. Ensure you have the proper
clearances and proceed as follows:

2.2.1.1 Cut a panel opening 96 mm x 96 mm (3.62 x 3.62 in.).

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2.2.1.2 Remove any packaging material from the Recorder. Always handle the unit carefully to avoid damaging
the LCD display or scratching the display surface.

2.2.1.3 Remove the locking bars from the Recorder enclosure by removing the captivating screws

2.2.1.4 Insert the Recorder, rear end first, through to front of the panel opening.

2.2.1.5 With the Recorder held firmly in place against the panel, install one of the locking bar assemblies from

the rear, by sliding the locking bar tongue into the groove on the side of the Recorder enclosure as
shown in Figure 2.2.

2.2.1.6 Insert the retaining screw into the rear of the groove. Using a Phillips screwdriver, tighten the screw
until the locking bar is just pressing against the panel.

2.2.1.7 Install the other locking bar assembly into the groove on the opposite side of the Recorder enclosure
and tighten as before.

2.2.1.8 Using the screwdriver, tighten both screws so that the Recorder is held firmly in place. Do not over
tighten, to avoid stripping the threads.

Figure 2.2 Rear View - Installation

2.3 Connection

2.3.1 Power Connections

NOTE: The Recorder is designed to be panel mounted and power should be considered to be
permanently connected. Disconnection from the supply must be possible via a customer supplied switch
or circuit breaker. This disconnection device must be included in the panel installation and should be
clearly marked, in close proximity to the Recorder and easily accessible to the operator.

THE RECORDER IS DESIGNED TO OPERATE ON 9 Vdc. DO NOT CONNECT AC POWER DIRECTLY TO THE
UNIT AT ANY TIME.

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The power connector is located on the rear panel in the top left corner. There are two voltage
options available for the recorder – the standard is 9Vdc, which is used with an external universal
AC Mains power supply. The external wall power supply is a high efficiency switcher that will work
from 100 to 240 Volts AC 50/60 Hz. The other power option is an isolated 12 to 24Vdc input for
use with an external DC power supply. The power supply option is marked with a dot in a square
on a label above the power connector as shown in Figure 2.3. Check the unit to ensure that the
power and inputs are as expected.

Figure 2.3

Before connecting any power or inputs to the unit, ensure that all signal wires and power cables are at zero voltage.
The DC power is applied to the unit via a three-way screw terminal connector. The power supply is supplied with
two tinned leads, the positive lead is identified by the RED shroud over the wire. The third connection is for system
GROUND. You will require a small flat-head screwdriver. Connect the power and signal wires accordingly, noting
carefully all polarities. Ensure that the unit is properly grounded to a suitable ground within the cabinet.

Loosen the screws on the terminal block and insert the exposed conductor cable from the power supply below the
screws, under the metal plate. Ensure that the insulation is flush with the terminal block. If it is too long, remove the
cable, trim and reinsert. Tighten the screw to firmly hold the cable. Ensure the ground wire is connected and
properly grounded at the other end. If you are not using the supplied wall power supply, follow the same procedure
carefully identifying the positive supply line. The unit is protected against reverse polarity but not against substantial
over voltage.

2.3.2 Input Signal Connections

The maximum input on any input channel is 25 Volts DC. Voltages higher than this may permanently
damage the unit.

Ensure the unit is powered down before connecting any inputs.

There are two universal analog inputs – Channel A and Channel B. Each is programmed independently of the
other. Inputs can be voltage or current (50mA max using an external shunt), thermocouples, RTDs or TTL
compatible pulse inputs. Isolation is provided between inputs and the rest of the system. The channels are not
isolated from each other. Connection detail for the various inputs is shown in Figure 2.4.

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