›Universal input›22V excitation›Smart, simple, USB powered setup›Optional relay outputs›Optional isolated analog output›Designed for harsh environments›Large 0.8" super-bright display
›Flexible 32 point linearization table
General Description
The Merlin universal digital indicator accepts
analog inputs from a range of industrial sensors, including: process, temperature, ow,
frequency, and voltage from 200mV to
300V. It features a wide range power supply
that suits both AC mains and 24V DC applications, and supplies the excitation required
for common sensors and transmitters.
The Merlin can be scaled into any engineering unit, and the result displayed on the
large 0.8" 4 digit super-bright LED display.
Auto ranging is available to increase the dynamic range of viewable data.
The Merlin R2A adds two Form A 3 Amp
relays for a variety of control and alarm
functions, and a 4-20mA active output for
retransmission to PLCs and SCADA systems.
1
Merlin
Universal Indicator
The unit boasts a 1 minute setup time using
the Dene Toolbox conguration soware.
All functions are explained expertly in the
dynamic sidebar help - perfect for the novice
starting out who can use it to learn about
industrial applications, or the expert who
wants to save commissioning time.
The Merlin has been designed for harsh industrial environments. With an IP65 sealed
bezel and extensive testing of noise eects
to and beyond CE requirements, the meter
provides a tough and reliable application
solution.
For your safety and the prevention of damage to the Merlin unit and other equipment connected to it, please read complete instructions prior to installation and
operation of the Merlin, and carefully observe all safety regulations and instructions. Consult this manual carefully in all cases where hazard symbols are marked
on your Merlin unit.
Use of this instrument in a manner not specied by the manufacturer may compromize the protection provided by the instrument. This instrument should not be used
to directly drive valves, motors, or other actuators, unless equipped with appropriate safeguards.
It is the responsibility of the user to indentify potential hazards that may arise in
the event of a fault to unit, and implement safeguards for the prevention of harm
to persons or equipment. The safety of any system incorporating this unit is the
responsibility of the assembler of the system.
Symbol denitions
3
CAUTION
Risk of electric shock
Please refer to user manual.
CAUTION
Risk of danger
Please refer to user manual.
1
SPECIFICATIONS
1.1 - General meter specications
Power
Power supply 24–250V AC / 19.5–250V DC,
47–63Hz, 6VA max
Isolation 2,300Vrms for 1min to all inputs
and outputs
Both direct and alternating current.
Equipment protected throughout by
DOUBLE INSULATION or REINFORCED
INSULATION.
Analog input
Input Universal (see Section 6 for full input
specications and wiring)
The Merlin is designed to be mounted into
an enclosed panel, and meets IP65 requirements when properly installed.
A Prepare the Panel Cutout to 92x45mm
±.5 (3.62x1.77" ±.02) as shown below.
B Remove the Mounting Clips from the
Merlin unit.
C Slide the Panel Gasket over the rear of
the unit to the back of the Bezel.
Panel
Mounting
Clips
D From the front of the panel, insert the
Merlin into the Panel Cutout. Holding
the unit in place, engage the Mounting Clips so that the tabs snap into place
over the notches on the case.
E To achieve a proper seal, tighten the
Screws evenly until the unit sits rmly
against the panel (torque to approximately 70N-cm [6.2 in-lbs]). Do not overtighten the screws.
92mm ±.5
(3.62″ ±.02)
45mm ±.5
(1.77″ ±.02)
Screws
2.2 - Installation environment
The Merlin should be installed in a location
that does not exceed the maximum operating temperature, and at a safe distance from
other devices that generate excessive heat.
The installation environment should provide
good air circulation to the unit.
The bezel, plastic casing and product label
may be cleaned, if required, using a so,
damp cloth and neutral soap product.
Continuous exposure to direct sunlight
should be avoided, as this may accelerate
the aging process of the bezel.
Page 7
7
3
ToolBox oers a smart, no-fuss setup experience for your Merlin universal indicator. It features
USB powered programming (no power supply required!) and has been designed to simplify
and speed up conguration.
You must install ToolBox before connecting the Merlin to your computer. If you have already
connected the meter using the Bridge Key, please disconnect it before continuing.
A Download the latest version of ToolBox from
www.deneinstruments.com/toolbox
For ease of access, we recommend saving the install le on your desktop. If you
can't nd the install le, check whether your browser has saved it in your 'Downloads' folder.
B Extract the install le from the zip folder. Right-click on the zip folder and choose 'Extract
All', (or extract the le using another extraction utility of your choice).
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
Fig 1
C Double-click on the extracted .msi install
le. This will launch the ToolBox installer.
Depending on your security settings, a
'Security Warning' dialog may appear. If
you see the security message, click 'Run'.
Install the ToolBox soware (see Section 3) before connecting the Merlin to your PC.
Then connect the Merlin to your computer's USB port using the Bridge Key (supplied separately), as shown below. The interface cable connects to the USB programming jack on the
unit's back panel (see 5.3D). A USB extension cable is supplied for your use if required - this is
oen used for convenience in accessing USB ports located at the back of the computer.
Merlin
Universal
Indicator
Interface
Cable
USB Bridge Key
USB Extension Cable
(If Necessary)
PC Connection
INSTALL SOFTWARE FIRST!
CAUTION
Risk of damage to equipment or PC
Ensure that all connections between the Bridge Key and your Merlin are secure. Connecting your indicator with cables that are not rmly 'pushed in' will result in connection faults,
and in extreme cases could cause damage to your computer.
Do not uplug the Bridge Key or any connecting cables while ToolBox is busy applying
changes to the Merlin. This may cause loss of settings, or unexpected unit behaviour.
CAUTION
Not UL approved
The Bridge Key is sold separately to the Merlin and has not been certied for UL.
Merlinuniversal indicator. To set up your indicator, only the Bridge Key is required - you do
not need to supply power.
ToolBox features a comprehensive help panel that will guide you through the setup of your
Merlin universal indicator. Helpful hints and explanations will appear when you adjust a
setting using the ToolBox controls.
A Double-click the ToolBox icon on your desktop to launch the ToolBox program.
B With the Merlin connected to your computer's USB port (see 4.1), click the green
'Connect' button. This will scan your computer's Com ports and automatically connect to
your device.
Connection problems?
ToolBox will auto-detect and connect to the Merlin when you click the 'Connect' button. If you
have problems establishing a connection, please check the following:
›Ensure that all connections between the device and your computer are secure. The main
interface cable must be fully inserted into both the USB programmer and the Merlin's
programming port. Press firmly.
›Try disconnecting and reconnecting the Merlin USB, or using a different USB port on
your computer.
›Disconnect any additional compatible devices. The software auto-detect feature does
not work if multiple Merlins are connected simultaneously.
Input/Output, Setpoints, and Advanced conguration pages. (ToolBox will detect your
meter outputs and will only display relevant tabs.)
11
Control Area
Main control area for conguring your meter.
Any changes made in this area will bring up
the Apply Bar (see below)
Connection Panel
Disconnect button
Connection status
Live display
Apply Bar
Appears if you have made any changes in the
Control Area. ToolBox will not allow you to browse
to a new tab in the Main Navigation with unapplied changes to your conguration.
Help Panel
Diagrams, explanations, and
helpful tips will automatically
appear in this panel as you
congure your meter.
Electrical connections are made via plug in
terminal blocks at the rear of the meter. All
conductors must conform to the meter's
voltage and current ratings, and be suitably
rated for the expected temperature range to
be incurred.
When wiring the meter, check all connections by comparing the terminal numbers
shown on the meter label against the appropriate wiring diagrams in this manual
(5.3–5.8 and Section 6), or in the Dene
ToolBox soware.Strip the wire, leaving
around 0.25" (6mm) of bare lead exposed.
If you are using stranded wire, this should
5.2 - EMC installation guidelines
The Merlin has been designed to cope
with large EMC disturbances. This has been
achieved by continual testing and improvement of ltering and layout techniques over
many years.
The Merlin not only meets CE noise requirements, but surpasses them in many tests.
(For full details and test results, please see
Appendix A.)
However in some applications with less
than optimum installations and large power
switching, the EMC performance of the
Merlin can be further improved, by:
A Installing the Merlin in an earthed metal
enclosure. This is particularly useful if
the control box is mounted close to
large power switching devices like contactors. Every switching cycle there is a
possibility of generating a large amount
be tinned with solder. Insert the lead into
the correct plug in the correct position, and
tighten until the wire is secure. Verify tightness by pulling on the wire.
Follow all local codes and regulations when
wiring and installing the meter. Each terminal is rated to accept one wire from #14
AWG (2.5mm) to #20 AWG. However it is
also possible to accept two #18 AWG wires,
or up to four #20 AWG wires.
CAUTION
All eld wiring must rated at a
minimum of 158°F (70°C).
of near eld radiated noise. The metal
enclosure acting as a faraday cage will
shunt this radiation to ground and away
from the Merlin. Further improvements
can be made with this type of noise by
increasing the physical distance from
the power devices. For example, increasing the control box distance from 6" to
12" from the noise source will reduce the
noise seen by the control box by a factor
of 4. Probably the cheapest and best results in this situation could be obtained
by adding RC snubbers to the contactors or power switches.
B Using shielded cable on sensitive input
and control signal lines. Good results can
be obtained by grounding the shields to
the metal enclosure close to the entry
point. All cables act as aerials and pick
up unwanted R.F. radiated signals and
noise; the earthed shield acts as a faraday cage around the cables, shunting
the unwanted energy to ground. Shields
can also help with capacitively coupled
noise typically found in circumstances
when signal cable is laid on top of noisy
switching power cables. Of course in
this case you are better o to keep separate signal and power lines.
C Laying cable on earthed cable trays
can also help reduce noise seen by the
D The relay outputs of the Merlin have
5.3 - Back panel
The back panel of the Merlin may have up to 5
screw terminals (A–F) and 1 USB programming jack
(D). Ports C–F are installed on the R2A model only.
meter. This is particularly useful if there
are long cable runs, or the unit is close
to radiating sources such as two way
radios.
built in MOVs to help reduce EMI when
switching inductive loads. EMI can further be reduced at the load by adding
snubbers for AC signals or a yback diode for DC coils.
ASensor input(Pins 1–6, Section 6)
BPower supply(Pins 7–8, See 5.4)
CAnalog output(Pins 9–10, See 5.6)
DUSB programming jack
(See Section 4)
E User input
(Pins 11–12, See 5.8)
FRelay outputs
(Pins 13–16, See 5.7)
5.4 - Power supply
See 5.3B, pins 7–8
The Merlin features a wide range Power Supply that suits both AC
mains and 24V DC applications. The Merlin uses a full bridge rectier, so
it is not sensitive to polarity for DC power inputs.
CAUTION
Risk of electric shock.
AC power supplied to the meter must be protected by a UL approved 10A circuit breaker. DC power supplied to the meter must
be protected by a UL approved 1A, 250V fuse.
The Sensor Input terminal can be wired to suit numerous input types. See Section 6 for input
wiring, or refer to the ToolBox help panel as you are conguring the unit.
5.6 - Analog output (If installed)
See 5.3C, pins 9–10
If your model includes Analog Output, wire it as shown (right).
The analog output can be scaled to suit your application using the
ToolBox soware.
5.7 - Relay outputs (If installed)
See 5.3F, pins 13–16
If your model includes Relay Outputs, wire them as shown (right). The
setpoints can be congured using ToolBox for a variety of alarm or control functions.
5.8 - User input (If installed)
See 5.3E, pins 11–12
If your model includes Relay Outputs, then a User Input is also provided. This can be connected to a switch as shown, to perform manual
relay reset, latching or zero functions. These options are fully congurable using the ToolBox soware.
ANALOG
OUTPUT
4–20mA
SETPOINTS
SP 2SP 1
USER
INPUT
U 1
Com
CAUTION
The User Input common is NOT isolated from the Sensor Input.
In order to preserve the safety of the meter application, the User
Input common must be suitably isolated from hazardous live earth
referenced voltages; or the User Input common must be at protective earth ground potential.
If not, hazardous live voltage may be present on the User Input
and the User Input common terminals. Appropriate considerations
must then be given to the potential of the User Input common
with respect to earth common.
Risk of electric shock. Dangerous and lethal voltages may be present on the terminals of
the meter. Please take appropriate precautions to ensure safety.
CAUTION
Risk of danger. The sensor input can potentially oat to dangerous and unexpected volt-
ages depending on what external circuit it is connected to. Appropriate considerations
must be given to the potential of the sensor input with respect to earth common.
6.1 - Thermocouple input
Thermocouple types
B, E, J, K, N, R, S, T
Input impedance 1MΩ min
TC lead resistance 100Ω max
Cold junction comp. -10 to 70°C
Accuracy E, J, K, N, T: < ±1°C.
B, R, S: < ±2°C.
Temperature (thermocouple)
The thermocouple is one of the most
common temperature sensors used in
industry. It relies on the Seebeck coecient between dissimilar metals.
The thermocouple type is selected with
reference to the application temperature range and environment. The most
common thermocouple types for general
purpose applications are J and K type.
RTD input Pt100 or Pt1000 DIN 3-wire
type (2-wire can be used with oset trim)
Pt100 lead wire resistance 50Ω/wire max.
0.02% FSO oset error per Ω of lead resistance mismatch
Pt1000 lead wire resistance 20Ω/wire
max. 0.002% FSO oset error per Ω of lead
resistance mismatch
Temperature (RTD)
The RTD (standing for Resistance
Temperature Device) is highly stable and
accurate, and is fast becoming the most
popular temperature sensor in industry.
Oen referred to as Pt100 and Pt1000,
the Pt represents platinum (the dominant
metal in its construction), and 100/ 1000 is
the resistance in ohms at 0°C.
NTC (Negative Temperature Coecient),
is a particular type of thermistor.
NTC's are popular in the HVAC industry
due to their low cost, but have a limited
temperature range which makes them less
popular in general industry.
The biggest issue with their general
acceptance is that there is no standard
that covers inter operability between different thermistor manufacturers.
0/4–20mA DC is the most commonly used
analog signal in industry, and is universally
accepted. As a current loop, it is unaected by voltage drops in cables, and can be
transmitted over long distances without
signal degradation.
Current 0/4−20mA
Max over-range 50mA DC continuous
Linearity and repeatability
<±0.02% FSO typical
Temperature dri <50ppm/°C
Response time 100msec
0/4–20mA DC, 3 or 4 wire transmitter
The meter can provide up to 25mA to
power an external 3 or 4 wire transmitter,
and at the same time measure the signal.
3 Wire Transmitter 0/4−20mA
+ Signal 0/4-20mA
Supply +22V DC 25mA max
4–20mA DC, loop powered
transmitter
The meter can provide power to a loop
powered transmitter, and at the same
time measure the signal. This conguration is ideal for when there is a long distance between the sensor and the meter.
For low signal applications the meter supports a ±200mV DC range. Typical applications include measuring large DC currents
using external current shunts.
±200mV DC
-200mV to 1V DC
A -200mV to 1V range is provided for
interfacing to sensors and other electronic apparatus that provide this output.
General Frequency mode allows an NPN or
PNP input (up to 2KHz) to be measured
and scaled to any engineering unit.
The meter can also provide up to 25mA to
power an external device.
Flow rate mode
Flow Rate mode enables an input from an
NPN or PNP paddle type ow meter to be
converted to a ow rate. The input signal
(up to 2KHz) is converted into a ow rate
by programming the unit with the sensor
manufacturer's K-factor value.
The meter can also provide up to 25mA
to power a 3 wire NPN paddle type ow
sensor.
Soware modes General frequency, Flow
rate (pulse), or RPM (pulse)
Linearity and repeatability 0.05%
Temperature dri <50ppm/°C
NPN open collector output
N.P.N Open
Collector Output
+22V DC, 25mA max
N.P.N Open Collector Output
With Excitation
RPM mode
ToolBox RPM mode enables an input from
an NPN or PNP proximity sensor to be converted to an RPM (Revs Per Minute) value.
The input signal (up to 2KHz) is converted
into RPM by programming the unit with
the pulses per revolution value.
The meter can also provide up to 25mA to
power a 3 wire NPN proximity sensor.
A 3 wire potentiometer is typically used
to measure position. The low, medium
or high potentiometer range can be programmed to your unit using the ToolBox
soware.
These ranges must be calibrated using the
two point calibration method.
Sensor type Current transformer (Dene
Instruments ACCS-420/010)
Amperage range Header selectable
100/150/200A; Overload 175/300/400A
respectively (continuous)
Output (Representing 0–100% of full scale
input range)
ACCS-420 = 4–20mA DC loop powered
ACCS-010 = 0–10V DC
AC current sensors
The meter accepts input from a Dene
Instruments AC current sensor. Set the
jumper on the top of the current sensor
to the desired current range, as shown
(right).
AC Current Sensor
4−20mA
Powered by the
Merlin
Power supply
ACCS-420 = Loop powered, 15–36V DC
ACCS-010 = Self powered
The meter has been fully calibrated at the factory, and can be recalibrated in soware using
Dene ToolBox (see Section 4). Scaling to convert the input signal to a desired display value is
also done using ToolBox.
If the meter appears to be indicating incorrectly or inaccurately, refer to troubleshooting
before attempting to calibrate the meter. When recalibration is required (generally every 2
years), it should only be performed by qualied technicians using appropriate equipment.
Calibration does not change any user programmed parameters. However, it may aect the
accuracy of the input signal values previously stored.
7.2 - Troubleshooting
ProblemResolution
No displayCheck power connections.
Internal Comms Error
c.err
Er.CL
ER.Fl
er.01 to10
Sens
over
undr
Try re-starting unit. If the problem is intermittent, this error could be caused by
an EMC issue. Please refer to 5.2 for potential remedies.
Analog Output Calibration Error
Factory calibration of analog output is corrupt or missing. Return unit to factory
for re-calibration.
Display Flash Error
Settings such as decimal point, scaling, and brightness will be lost. Reconnect to
Dene ToolBox (see Section 4) and set up the meter again.
Analog Input Error
Error type indicated by a numerical error code (01–10). Please return to factory
for repair.
Sensor Error
Sensor is missing or faulty. Check your sensor wiring.
A/D Overow
Check your sensor wiring. If the sensor wiring is correct, check the signal level.
A/D Underow
Check your sensor wiring. If the sensor wiring is correct, check the signal level.
For further assistance, please contact technical support using the contact details listed at the
end of this document.
Please return this product to the manufacturer if servicing is required.
THE MERLIN HAS NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS.
For further assistance, please contact technical support using the contact details listed at the
end of this document.
A
APPENDIX A - EMC TEST RESULTS
The Merlin has been designed to cope with large EMC disturbances. This has been achieved by
constantly testing and improving ltering and layout techniques over many years. The Merlin
oers superior R.F. ltering on all inputs, outputs and power supplies, when compared to
most competing products.
The Merlin not only meets CE noise requirements, but surpasses them in many tests. Furthermore, all testing was performed in plastic enclosures without shielded cabling.
Immunity - Enclosure Ports
PhenomenonBasic Standard Test ValuePerformance Criteria
EM FieldIEC 61000-4-310Vm (80Mhz to 1GHz)
Electrostatic
Discharge (ESD)
IEC 61000-4-24KV/8KV contact/airMeets Criterion A (Note 1)
3V/m (1.4GHz to 2.7Ghz)
Meets Criterion A
Meets NAMUR NE 21 recommendation
Immunity - Signal Ports
PhenomenonBasic Standard Test ValuePerformance Criteria
Conducted RFIEC 61000-4-63V(150Khz to 80Mhz)Meets Criterion A
BurstIEC 61000-4-41KV (5/50ns,5Khz)
1KV(5/50ns,100Khz)
SurgeIEC 61000-4-51KV L-EMeets Criterion A (Note 1)
Meets Criterion A (Note 1)
Meets NAMUR NE 21 recommendation
Immunity - AC power
PhenomenonBasic Standard Test ValuePerformance Criteria
Conducted RFIEC 61000-4-63V (150Khz to 80Mhz)Meets Criterion A
BurstIEC 61000-4-42KV (5/50ns, 5Khz) L-N
1KV (5/50ns, 5Khz) L-L
SurgeIEC 61000-4-52KV L-E
1KV L-L
Meets Criterion A (Note 1)
Meets Criterion A (Note 1)
Meets Criterion A (Note 1)
Meets Criterion A (Note 1)
Dene Instruments warrants that its products are free from defects in material and
workmanship under normal use and service for a period of one year from date of
shipment.
Dene Instruments’s obligations under
this warranty are limited to replacement or
repair, at its option, at its factory, of any
of the products which shall, within the applicable period aer shipment, be returned
to Dene Instruments’s facility, transportation charges pre-paid, and which are, aer
examination, disclosed to the satisfaction of
Dene Instruments to be thus defective.
User’s Responsibility
We are pleased to oer suggestions on the
use of our various products, by way of printed matter, on our website, or through direct
contact with our sales/application engineering sta.
However, since we have no control over the
use of our products once they are shipped,
NO WARRANTY, WHETHER OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR PURPOSE OR OTHERWISE is made beyond repair, replacement, or
refund of purchase price at the sole discretion of Dene Instruments.
Users shall determine the suitability of the
product for the intended application before
using, and the users assume all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith,
regardless of any of our suggestions or statements as to application or construction.
The warranty shall not apply to any equipment which shall have been repaired or
altered, except by Dene Instruments, or
which shall have been subjected to misuse,
negligence or accident.
In no case shall Dene Instruments’s liability exceed the original purchase price. The
aforementioned provisions do not extend
the original warranty period of any product
which has been either repaired or replaced
by Dene Instruments.
In no event shall Dene Instruments’s liability, in law or otherwise, be in excess of the
purchase price of the product.
Dene Instruments cannot assume responsibility for any circuitry described. No circuit
patent or soware licenses are implied.
Dene Instruments reserves the right to
change circuitry, operating soware, specications, and prices without notice at any
time.