Fox Thermal Instruments FT3 Operating Manual

Fox Thermal

THERMAL MASS FLOW METER & TEMPERATURE TRANSMITTER

Model FT3

Mass Flow

An

ON

ICON

Brand

www.foxthermal.com | 399 Reservation Road Marina, CA. 93933

104488 Rev. G

Model FT3

Notice

FOX THERMAL

This publication must be read in its entirety before performing any operation. Failure to understand and follow these instructions could result in serious personal injury and/or damage to the equipment. Should this equipment require repair or adjustment beyond the procedures given herein, contact the factory at:

FOX THERMAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.

399 RESERVATION ROAD

MARINA, CA 93933

TELEPHONE: [phone]

FAX: [phone]

EMAIL: [e-mail]

Download Technical Data Sheets from our website:

www.foxthermal.com

Fox Thermal Instruments (Fox Thermal) believes that the information provided herein is accurate; however, be advised that the information contained herein is NOT a guarantee for satisfactory results. Specifically, this information is neither a warranty nor guarantee, expressed or implied, regarding performance, merchantability, fitness, or any other matter with respect to the products; nor recommendation for the use of the product/process information in conflict with any patent.

Please note that Fox Thermal reserves the right to change and/or improve the product design and specification without notice.

All Fox Thermal Manuals and software available in English only.

2

Table Of Contents

1.	Introduction	Page 4
2.	Installation (Mechanical)	Page 8
	a. Insertion Type	Page 8
	b. Inline Type	Page 12
3.	Wiring (Electrical)	Page 14
	a. General	Page 14
	b. Signal Wiring	Page 14
	c. Input Power	Page 16
	d. Alarm Wiring	Page 21
	e. Remote Switch	Page 23
	f. Remote Wiring	Page 24
4.	Operation (Standard Operation)	Page 26
	a. Start Up	Page 26
	b. Display Screens	Page 27
	c. Engineering Screens	Page 28
	d. Programming	Page 29
	e. Menu Trees	Page 54
5.	Maintenance	Page 60
	a. Troubleshooting	Page 63
6.	Dimensions	Page 70
7.	Appendices	Page 78
	a. Specifications	Page 78
	b. Agency Approvals	Page 80
	c. FT3 with 2 Gas Curves	Page 82
	d. Installation Variations	Page 86
	e. Returning your meter	Page 88
8.	Warranty	Page 89
9.	Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations	Page 90
10. Index		Page 92

Model FT3

CONTENTS OF TABLE

3

INTRODUCTION

Model FT3

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Model FT3 Thermal Gas Mass Flow Meter and Temperature

Transmitter from Fox Thermal. The Model FT3 is one of the most technically advanced flow meters in the world. Extensive engineering effort has been invested to deliver advanced features, accuracy measurement performance and outstanding reliability.

This Instruction Manual contains the electrical and mechanical installation instructions as well as details for programming, maintaining and troubleshooting the meter.

This manual is divided into the following sections: Introduction, Installation, Wiring, Operation, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Appendices, Glossary and Index.

Theory of Operation

The Model FT3 is an innovative Thermal Mass Gas Flow Meter and Temperature Transmitter.

It is microprocessor-based and field programmable. The FT3 thermal sensor operates on the law that gases absorb heat. A heated sensor placed in an air or gas stream transfers heat

in proportion to the stream’s mass velocity. There are two sensor elements connected to a balanced bridge circuit. One sensor element detects the gas temperature and a second element is maintained at a constant temperature above the gas temperature. The energy

applied to the heated sensor to maintain a constant temperature differential (constant ∆ T) is directly proportional to the mass flow velocity. The FT3 flow meter maintains accurate flow measurement over a large temperature and pressure range.

Mass Flow

The Model FT3 measures mass flow; an advantage over other flow meters which measure volumetric flow rate. Volumetric flow is incomplete because temperature and pressure are unknown and must be measured separately. For example, the mass flow of a gas depends on its temperature and pressure. As temperature and pressure changes, the gas volume changes but not its mass. Therefore a device measuring mass flow is independent of temperature and pressure. The Model FT3 provides a direct measurement of gas flow in Mass units (kg/ hr, lb/hr), standard units (SCFM, SLPM) or normal units (NM3/hr, NLPM) with no additional temperature or pressure measurements required.

Calibration Validation

Fox Thermal has developed a method to validate the calibration of the flow meter in the field.

This method is called Calibration Validation and it is made up of two distinct tests: CAL-V™ and Zero CAL-CHECK®. The goal of Calibration Validation is to provide operators with the ability to verify that the meter is capturing accurate data at scheduled recalibration times - or at any time - instead of sending the meter back to the factory for recalibration.

By performing CAL-V™ in the field, operators can verify that the meter is running accurately by testing the functionality of the sensor and its associated signal processing circuitry. This test can be done in the pipe and in normal processing conditions. The second test, Zero CAL-

CHECK®, ensures the effectiveness and sensibility of the sensor at a "no flow" condition.

4

Model FT3

Introduction

Flow Calibration

The Fox Thermal Calibration Lab maintains instrument calibration records on every flow meter.

This data can also be accessed by a computer using FT3 View™ software within the instrument.

Computer-generated calibration documents describe specific instrument details that can be sorted by serial number, tag number or customer purchase order.

Calibration files include details on process conditions, calibration fluid, line size and other information. All NIST-traceable equipment utilized for the calibration procedure is identified, as is the calibration history of all reference equipment. In addition to the Calibration Certificate, a certified flow table that correlates current outputs with scaled units of flow is produced for each calibrated device.

I/O Description

The FT3 features two galvanically isolated 4-20mA analog outputs, one isolated digital output that can be used for frequency or alarm, one programmable contact input and a USB connection for communication with a computer.

The first 4-20mA output is for flow rate. The second 4-20mA output can be configured either for flow rate or process gas temperature. Both 4-20mA outputs can be scaled by the user. The frequency output is programmable to represent flow rate and can be scaled for maximum flow/ maximum frequency, units-per-pulse or pulse-per-units. The maximum frequency is 100 Hz.

An isolated 24VDC output power option is provided for use with these outputs. It can supply a 42mA maximum total load (do not use for other external devices). FT3 View™ interfaces to the USB port and is a free Fox Thermal PC-based software program that displays flow meter readings and permits flow meter configuration. Industry standard communication options are available including HART or RS485 Modbus. Only one of these options can be provided in a single FT3 flow meter.

FT3 Optional Display and Configuration Panel

The configuration panel allows the user to change a variety of settings in the FT3. The display is 2 lines x 16 characters with 4 mechanical and 4 IR (infrared) buttons. The IR and mechanical (push) buttons perform the same function but the IR buttons can be used without opening the cover. The IR buttons can be calibrated (p. 53) for better operation in the field or disabled

(p. 52) when the meter is used in snow or ice in order to avoid false key detection.

Fig. 1.1: FT3 Optional Display and Configuration Panel

Display Window

IR (infrared) Buttons

Push Buttons

INTRODUCTION

5

INTRODUCTION

Model FT3

Introduction

FT3 Functional Diagram

An optional on-board display is available to view flow rate, total flow, elapsed time, process gas temperature and alarms. The display is also used in conjunction with the Configuration Panel for field configuration of flow meter settings such as 4-20mA scaling, pulse output frequency scaling, pipe area, zero flow cutoff, flow filtering or damping, display configurations, diagnostics and alarm limits.

Fig. 1.2: FT3 Functional Diagram

24VDC Input Power						Standard I/O
						4-20mA Flow
100-240VAC Optional
Optional Display and						4-20mA Flow or Temperature
Configuration Panel						Frequency or Alarm
						Contact Input
						Standard Digital Communications
						USB
						(Free FT3 View™ Software)
						Optional Serial Communications
						HART
						Modbus RTU (RS485)
						Outputs and Communications are Galvanically Isolated

6

Model FT3

Introduction

Scope

This section describes how to install the Fox Thermal Model FT3 Flow Meter and how to get started. Installation methods will vary according to the flow meter type (insertion or inline).

For Insertion Types:

1.Determine lateral position on the pipe

2.Sensor installation depth

3.Sensor orientation in relation to sensor length and direction of flow

4.Proper tightening of compression fitting for mounting meter

For Inline Types:

1.Determine lateral position on the pipe

2.Flow body orientation in relation to direction of flow in pipe

3.Proper tightening of compression fitting

Installation procedures must be performed using a combination of the end user’s best engineering practices, in compliance with local codes, and manufacturer’s recommendations.

General Precautions

The following general precautions should be observed:

1.Exercise care when handling the flow meter to avoid damaging the probe, sensor or enclosure.

2.Close any unused conduit openings in the enclosure with plugs certified for your application.

3.The enclosure covers must be closed except during installation.

4.Mounting FT3 in direct sunlight can cause the temperature inside the enclosure to increase beyond design limits, resulting in failure of LCD display and reduced component life. It is recommended that a sunshade be installed to avoid direct sunlight.

5.Ensure the flow direction arrow points in the direction of flow.

6.Do not install the FT3 enclosure near an igniter, igniter-controller or switching equipment.

7.Do not install an external power supply in a cabinet containing an igniter controller or switching equipment.

8.Ensure that good engineering practices and applicable industry codes are followed throughout the installation process.

9.For accurate flow measurement: review flow meter placement instructions before installation to ensure a proper flow profile in the pipe.

INTRODUCTION

7

INSTALLATION

Model FT3

Installation

Instructions for Insertion Flow Meter Lateral Placement

Install the Model FT3 Insertion style flow meter so that it is far enough away from bends in the pipe, obstructions, or changes in line sizes to ensure a consistent flow profile. Fifteen diameters of straight pipe upstream and ten downstream are recommended.

For example, a 2" pipe would require 30" upstream and 20" downstream, but a 4" pipe would require 60" upstream and 40" downstream.

I			NOTE! The probe diameter is ½".
			NOTE! Fox Thermal ¼" meters require 6" of straight pipe upstream and downstream of
			the meter's inlet and outlet.
			NOTE! Fox Thermal flow meters can be mounted in either horizontal or vertical pipes.

Fig. 2.1: Upstream and Downstream Pipe IDs for Insertion Meters

Proper

Profile

FLOW

15X Pipe ID

10X Pipe ID

Irregular

Profile

8

Model FT3

Installation

Installation Depth

The installation depth of the sensor in the pipe is dependent on the pipe size. To get the most accurate reading, proper placement of the sensor window within the pipe is necessary. As shown in Fig 2.2, the end of the sensor window should be 0.87" past the center line of the pipe.

Fig. 2.2: Cross Section of Insertion Sensor Depth in Pipe

INSTALLATION

Half Coupling,	Compression Fitting
	(Supplied by Fox)
3/4" NPT Female
(Supplied by	Probe Diameter, 1/2”
Customer)
	Customer’s Pipe

C

L

.87" (22.098 mm)

9

INSTALLATION

Model FT3

Installation

Fig. 2.3: Orientation of Insertion Type Flow Meter

Flow Direction Arrow

Pipe

FLOW

I			NOTE! Some flow meters are shipped with the sensor elements that are offset (see
			figure 2.4). Others are shipped with sensors that have equal length elements (see figure
			2.5). The sensor type supplied was selected at the factory to be the best suited for your
			application. Follow the appropriate sensor orientation instructions.

Unequal Length Sensor Elements

Install the shorter sensor element upstream from the longer one.

Fig. 2.4: Unequal Length Sensor Elements

+2°

FLOW

-2°

FLOW

10

Model FT3

Installation

Equal Length Sensor Elements

Install flow meter with both sensor elements facing the flow stream within ±2˚.

Fig. 2.5: Equal Length Sensor Elements

+2°

FLOW

-2°

FLOW

Insertion Mounting Instructions - Compression Fittings

The Model FT3 is mounted through a ¾" hole and a ¾" female NPT half coupling provided in the customer's pipe. Insertion style flow meters are not designed for use in pipes smaller than

1½".

•Install the compression fitting into the ¾-inch female NPT half coupling.

•When installing in a 2" pipe or larger, install the end of the probe 0.87" past the center line of the pipe and tighten the compression fitting nut (refer to figure 2.2 on p. 9).

•When installing into a 1½" pipe carefully install the probe into the pipe until it touches the opposite wall and pull back 0.1". Tighten the compression fitting nut.

CAUTION! Once the compression fitting is locked onto the probe, the probe can be removed or rotated, but the insertion depth is locked in place.

INSTALLATION

I NOTE! Do not overtighten compression fitting.

Fig. 2.6: Proper Tightening of the Compression Fitting Nut

While holding the fitting body steady, tighten the nut one and one-quarter turn to the 9

o'clock position.

11

INSTALLATION

Model FT3

Installation

Instructions for Inline Flow Meter Placement

Install the Model FT3 Inline style flow meter so that it is far enough away from bends in the pipe, obstructions, or changes in line sizes to ensure a consistent flow profile. Eight diameters of straight pipe upstream and four downstream are recommended (for ¼" meters: 6” (152 mm) of straight, unobstructed pipe upstream and downstream are required).

For example, a 2" pipe would require 16" upstream from the edge of the flow body and 8" downstream from the other end of the flow body, whereas a 4" pipe would require 32" upstream and 16" downstream.

The Model FT3 is welded, threaded or flanged to the customer’s pipe. Care should be taken to ensure that the diameter of the mating pipe is the same diameter as the Model FT3 flow body or errors in flow readings can occur. The installation procedure should be a combination of the end user’s best engineering practices, in compliance with local codes, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

See Figure 2.7 for a detailed look at upstream and downstream pipe diameters for inline meters.

Fig. 2.7: Upstream and Downstream Pipe IDs for Inline Meters

Proper

Profile

FLOW

8X Pipe ID

4X Pipe ID

Irregular

Profile

12

Model FT3

Installation

Inline Orientation

Install the flow body so that the engraved arrow on the fitting and the arrow on the flow body are pointing with the direction of flow.

Fig. 2.8: Orientation of an Inline Meter - Directional Arrows

Flow Body

FLOW

Tightening Compression Fittings

The compression fitting has been placed according to the proper depth in the flow body by Fox Thermal factory technicians. After the flow body has been correctly fitted to the process pipe, the compression fitting may need to be tightened correctly (see figure 2.6 on p. 11).

INSTALLATION

I

13

Model FT3

Wiring

Wiring Instructions

Wire the FT3 by opening the rear enclosure cover, bringing customer supplied wires in through the conduit openings and connecting to the terminal blocks. The FT3 has two conduit openings to maintain separation between AC input power and output signal wiring. To eliminate the possibility of noise interference, use a separate conduit for AC power and cut all wires short for a minimum service loop.

		Wiring Precautions
	WIRING	• WARNING - DO NOT OPEN THE ENCLOSURE WHEN ENERGIZED OR AN EXPLOSIVE
		ATMOSPHERE IS PRESENT.
		• All plumbing and electrical installations of flow meters must be in compliance with local
		codes, the end user’s best engineering practices, and manufacturer’s recommendations.
		• An external power disconnect and 16A over-current protection are required for the AC
		and DC powered FT3.
		• Do not install the FT3 enclosure near an igniter, igniter-controller or switching equipment.
		• Do not install an external power supply in a cabinet containing an igniter controller or
		switching equipment.
		• This flow meter contains components that can be damaged by static electricity. You must
		discharge yourself by touching a grounded steel pipe or other grounded steel material
		prior to working inside this flow meter.
		• For the remote sensor option, the serial number of the electronics enclosure must match
		the remote sensor probe.
		• Close any unused entries using suitably certified plugs
		Power Wiring
		For power wiring, use stranded copper wire, no larger than 16-gauge. If an external 24VDC
		power source is used, twisted pair shielded cable is recommended. Supply connection wiring
		must be rated for at least 90°C.
		Grounding
		The enclosure must be properly grounded with a quality earth ground. 16 gauge, stranded
		wire is recommended.
		Signal Wiring
		For signal wiring, the recommended wire gauge is 18 to 22 AWG. Always use twisted pair
		shielded cable. The cable shield should not be connected at the flow meter, it should be
		connected at the power supply AC ground terminal or instrumentation AC ground. Do not
		route the power and signal wires in the same conduit. Power wires must enter left-hand conduit
		entry. Signal and remote sensor (where applicable) must enter right-hand conduit entry.

14

Model FT3

Wiring

Serial Communication Wiring

If you have purchased communications options, please refer to one of the following appropriate Fox Thermal Instruction Manuals:

•Fox Thermal FT3 RS485 Modbus Manual

•Fox Thermal FT3 HART Manual

FT3 Wiring

Fig. 3.1: FT3 Wiring

	Input	Signal Wiring,
	Power
		Serial Communication

3x 3/4 inch NPT Female

Flow Meter Probe or

Remote Sensor Wiring

WIRING

	I			NOTE! Remote wiring is only required when the Remote Electronics options is
				provided. Five wire shielded cable required, the recommended wire gauge is 18 AWG.
				Make sure that the cable length does not exceed 100 feet and the wire resistance does
				not exceed one ohm. Do not connect the cable shield at the electronics enclosure end.

15

Model FT3

Wiring

WIRING

Power Input Requirements: 24VDC Supply

External DC power supply must provide 24VDC ± 10%, at 0.7 Amps minimum.

The enclosure must be properly grounded with a quality earth ground. Sixteen (16) gauge, stranded wire, is recommended for power and earth ground.

Fig. 3.2: Connections for 24VDC Supply

	TS2							Earth Ground
	TS3							24V Return
4-20+1	REMOTE
	SENSOR
FLOW-2								+24VDC
4-20+3
		1		2		3
#2 -4
							TS1
+5
PULSE
/ALM-6
+7							F1
IN	TS4 -
-8
	24V	24V, 0.75A
	OUT
		J2

I NOTE! A power failure or resetting the total will cause the Contract Time to change. Data Logger with a Real Time Clock (RTC) option should be used to avoid this.

16

Model FT3

Wiring

Power Input Requirements: 100 to 240VAC Supply

If the FT3 has the AC power supply option, the AC power must provide 100 to 240VAC -15% / +10% (85 to 264VAC) at 0.2 Amps minimum.

The enclosure must be properly grounded with a quality earth ground. Sixteen (16) gauge, stranded wire, is recommended.

Fig. 3.3: Connections for optional AC Power

	TS2						Earth Ground
	TS3
+1	REMOTE						AC (L)
4-20	SENSOR
FLOW-2							AC (N)
4-20+3
		1	2		3
#2 -4
						TS1
+5
PULSE
-6
+7						F1
IN	TS4 -
-8
	24V	24V, 0.75A
	OUT
		J2

WIRING

17

Model FT3

Wiring

WIRING

4-20mA Output Wiring: Customer-Supplied Power Source

Bring the 4-20mA wiring in through the right-hand conduit hub. Connect FLOW RATE 4-20mA wiring to TS2, 1(+) & 2(-). Connect 4-20mA output #2 wiring to TS2, 3(+) & 4(-).

CAUTION! When using the 4-20mA output to control equipment in a failsafe application, see the wiring configuration on p. 20.

Fig. 3.4: 4-20mA Output Wiring for Customer-Supplied Power Source

		FT3	Customer PLC or DCS
	TS2		+24VDC
		TS3
4-20+1		REMOTE
		SENSOR		4 to 20mA FLOW RATE
FLOW-2				* (see important note below)
4-20+3			1 2 3
#2 -4
+5				24VDC Return TS1
PULSE
/ALM-6			+24VDC
+7				F1
IN		TS4 +1		4 to 20mA TEMPERATURE OR
-8
		24V
		OUT		24V, 0.75A FLOW RATE

* (see important note below)

J2

24VDC Return

I

18

Model FT3

Wiring

4-20mA Output Wiring: Loop Power Provided by FT3

Bring the 4-20mA wiring in through the right-hand conduit hub. Connect the 4-20mA wiring to terminal blocks TS2 and TS4 as shown in the diagram below.

CAUTION! When using the 4-20mA output to control equipment in a failsafe application, see the wiring configuration on p. 20.

Fig. 3.5: 4-20mA Output Wiring for Loop Power Provided by FT3

		FT3				Customer PLC or DCS
	TS2
+1		TS3
4-20		REMOTE				4 to 20mA FLOW RATE
FLOW		SENSOR			+
-2					-	*	(see important note below)
4-20+3
					+		1 2 3
#2 -4
					-	*	(see important noteTS1below)
+5
						4 to 20mA TEMPERATURE
PULSE
/ALM-6							OR FLOW RATE
+7	(-)2		(+)1				F1
IN
-8		TS4	+1				24V, 0.75A
		TS4
		24V
		OUT					J1

WIRING

I NOTE! This wiring option is only available with the isolated 24V ouput power option.

I

19

Model FT3

Wiring

WIRING

Setting Up the NE-43 Alarms

The FT3 flow meter supports the NAMUR specification NE-43 for alarms on the 4-20 mA output. See p. 31 for the 4-20mA output NAMUR operation.

CAUTION! Configure the FT3 with the following setup when using the 4-20mA output to control equipment in a failsafe application.

4-20mA Failsafe Wiring: NAMUR NE-43

When the 4-20mA output is used to control equipment in failsafe applications:

•Wire the 4-20mA output in series with the Alarm output as shown in Fig. 3.6

•Configure the Pulse/Alarm output to Alarm and select System Alarm as shown in the

"Alarm Output" on page 34.

The System Alarm output is designed to allow current to flow during normal operation and interrupts current when power to the meter is lost or in a System Alarm condition.

In the 4-20mA Failsafe Wiring configuration of Fig. 3.6, the 4-20mA signal goes to 0mA if power to the FT3 is lost or a System Alarm occurs.

Fig. 3.6: 4-20mA Failsafe Wiring and Range of 4-20mA Output for NAMUR Alarm

FT3 Customer PLC or DCS

	TS2			+24VDC
		TS3
4-20+1		REMOTE
		SENSOR
FLOW-2
4-20+3				1 2 3
#2 -4
+5					TS1
PULSE
/ALM-6					4 to 20mA FLOW RATE
+7
					F1
IN		TS4	+1		24VDC Return
-8
		24V
					24V, 0.75A
		OUT
					J2

NAMUR	Range
Alarm
Working Range Normal Operation
NAMUR	Range
Alarm

21 mA

20 mA

4 mA

3.6 mA

0 mA

20

Model FT3

Wiring

Frequency/Alarm Output Wiring

Bring frequency/alarm wiring in through the right-hand conduit hub. Connect to TS2, 5(+) & 6(-). The frequency/alarm output is an open collector circuit capable of sinking a maximum of

20mA of current. Frequency or Alarm selection is programmed using the display. Only one option, frequency or alarm, can be active at a time.

Fig. 3.7: Frequency/Alarm Output Isolated (Recommended)

FT3	Customer PLC or DCS

TS2		TS3
4-20+1		REMOTE
		SENSOR			+24VDC
FLOW-2
4-20+3			1	2	3		2.4K to 10K OHM
#2 -4
+5							TS1
PULSE							Frequency or Alarm Output
/ALM-6
						F1
+7
IN		TS4 +1			24VDC Return
-8
		24V	24V, 0.75A
		OUT
			J1

WIRING

I

21

Model FT3

Wiring

WIRING

Fig. 3.8: Frequency/Alarm Output Local +24V Power Option

FT3

Customer

PLC or DCS

TS2

TS3

4-20+1

REMOTE

SENSOR

FLOW-2

2.4K to 10K OHM

4-20+3

1

2

3

#2 -4

+TS1

+5

PULSE

Frequency

or Alarm Output

/ALM-6

F1

+7

(-)2 (+)1

IN

TS4 +1

TS4

-8

24V

24V

24V, 0.75A

OUT

OUT

J1

22

Model FT3

Wiring

Remote Switch Wiring

A remote switch can be used to reset the Totalizer and elapsed time, if enabled in the programming settings. There is no polarity requirement on these connections. Use TS2, 7(+) & 8(-).

When the 2 gas curve option is ordered, the switch can be used to switch between curves.

Fig. 3.9: Remote Switch Wiring

FT3

Customer PLC

or DCS

TS2

4-20+1

FLOW-2

4-20+3

1

2

3

#2 -4

TS1

+5

PULSE

EXTERNAL

/ALM

-6

SWITCH

+7

F1

IN

-8

24V, 0.75A

J1

WIRING

I

23

Model FT3

Wiring

WIRING

Remote Wiring

Remote wiring will be the same for both insertion and inline type FT3 flow meters.

Fig. 3.10: Remote Wiring

2X 3/4 " NPT,		Signal Wiring
Female
Input
Power

Remote Cable, 5 Conductor,

Shielded, 100ft (30.48m) Max.

Signal Wiring includes:

4-20mA, pulse, alarm output, contact input, remote switch, USB, and communications options.

Power input is 24VDC or optional 100 to 240VAC (+10%/-15%).

I			NOTE! Remote wiring is only required when the Remote Electronics option is
			provided.

Five wire shielded cable required. The shielded cable should be run through a separate grounded steel conduit (no other cables or wires in the conduit). If you are using your own cable, make sure that the cable length does not exceed 100 feet and has a wire resistance that does not exceed one ohm (18 AWG recommended).

Do not connect the cable shield at the electronics enclosure end.

Use an extension cable to connect the terminals of the remote probe enclosure to connector TS3 of the electronics enclosure as shown in Figure 3.10 and Table 3.1 (p. 25).

24

Model FT3

Wiring

Fig. 3.11: Remote Sensor Wiring

Shield

#4

#2

BLK

Cable Shield

GRN

RED

GRN #6

WHT

RED

1

RED

2

YEL

3

WHT

4

WHT

5

TS3

1

2

3

TS1

-

F1

TS4

24V,0.75A

24V

OUT						Black Dot Denotes Pin #1
J2
Electronics Enclosure				Sensor Wires
						Probe Sensor Wired By Fox
	Remote Enclosure

*Wire colors listed here represent the wire colors of cables supplied by Fox Thermal. Colors may vary if customer is supplying their own cable.

Table 3.1: Remote Sensor Cable Wiring

WIRING

25

OPERATION

Model FT3

Operation

Start Up Sequence

The program automatically enters the Run/Measure mode after power up. If the Local display is installed, the screen will show the software versions for the FT3 and the display module during power up. Programming of the flow meter can also be accomplished using a Windowsbased PC program called FT3View™.

USB Interface

The USB interface is a standard feature which allows communication to a PC in order to monitor readings and configure settings. FT3View™, is a free application program from Fox Thermal that connects to the USB interface and allows data monitoring, configuration setting, data logging to Excel, and an option to save and recall FT3 configuration data. A serial communication manual is available for users who want to create their own PC application.

FT3 Optional Display Panel & Configuration Panel

The FT3 display is a 2 line x 16 character display with 4 mechanical and 4 IR (infrared) buttons. The IR and mechanical buttons perform the same function but the IR buttons can be used without opening the cover. The IR buttons can be calibrated (p. 53) for better operation in the field or disabled (p. 52) when the meter is used in snow or ice in order to avoid false key detection.

Fig. 4.1: FT3 Optional Display and Configuration Panel

Display Window

IR (infrared) Buttons

Push Buttons

Measurement Mode

In the measurement mode, there are four different display screens (display 1, 2, 3 and a prompt screen to enter the programming mode), two display screens are user programmable (refer

to Display Setup p. 36). Scrolling through the display is accomplished by pressing the F1 or F2 key to view the next or previous screen. Pressing the F1 and F2 keys at the same time

enters the Engineering Menu screens (display 10 through 26). Keys F1 and F2 are used to scroll through the different screens and key F4 in order to exit to Display #1. Pressing the F3 and F4 keys at the same time brings up the Reset Total screen (see p. 45) prompt.

26

Operation

Fig. 4.2: FT3 Display Screen Navigation

	F1
Display #1	1456.5 SCFM
	123456 SCF
	F1		F2	F3	F4
Display #2	Elp = 14.6 HR
	88.5˚ F
	F1		F2
Display #3	Alarm = None
	Elp = 14.6 HR
	F1		F2
Display #4	Set Parameter?
	No				Yes
	F2				F4

	Model FT3
F1 key: Moves up one screen
F2 key: Moves down one screen
(User programable screen)	OPERATION
Enter “totalizer reset screen”
when F3 & F4 are pressed at
the same time
(User programable screen)
(Fixed screen)
(Fixed screen)
Enter programming screen
Requires password.
Default is 1234.

27

OPERATION

Model FT3

Operation

FT3 Engineering Displays

Pressing the F1 & F2 keys at the same time in the normal mode, brings up the engineering displays. These displays show internal parameters of the FT3 which are used by Fox Thermal service technicians.

Press F4 to exit. Use the F1 & F2 keys to navigate.

Fig. 4.3: FT3 Engineering Displays

Flow in selected unit	3124.6 SCFM
Sensor voltage in volts	csv=0.3432 Volt
Sensor average volts
	CsvAv=366809
Velocity in selected unit	Vel=112345.7 FT/M
Sensor filtered average in volts	FloFlt=3666805.3
Velocity in Meter/Hour	Vel=2356.45 M/H
TSI average count	TsiAvr=512.5 cnt
TSV average count	TsvAvr=323.7 cnt
TSI in volts	Tsi= 2.1345 Volt
TSV in volts	Tsv=0.9856 Volt
TSI current in Amp	Tsi = 0.0435 Amp
TSI resistance in Ohm	Tsi = 221.5 Ohm
RTD9 count	RTD9= 345.5 cnt
Gas Temperature in C	Gas Temp=123.7 °C
CH1 4-20ma current loop count	CH1_420=2167 cnt
CH2 4-20 ma current loop count	CH2_420=1234 cnt
Frequency output count
	Feq=1234.5 cnt
Alarm codes	Alarm=33,35
High flow limit alarm	FloHi= 1234 SCFM
Low flow limit alarm	FloLo=0 SCFM
High temperature limit alarm	TmpHi=300 °C
Low temperature limit alarm	TmpLo=10 °C
Elapsed time in hour	Elp=12.5 HR
Status in hexadecimal	Stat(hex)=2800
FT3 main board firmware revision	FT3 V3.02d
FT3 display board firmware revision	Display V2.03b
Power cycle count	Pwr_Cycl=24
Error with totalizer count	Err_tot=0
TSI resistance in ohm	Tsi=221.5 Ohm
RTD9 resistance in ohm	RTD9=10.3 Ohm
CAL-V™ Value	CAL V=23.51
CAL-V™ last verify value	CAL V Chk=0.2%
Bridge shutdown detection count	BrShtDnCnt=0 cnt
Zero CAL-CHECK® Pipe Ref	ZRO_Pref=xx.xxxx
Zero CAL-CHECK® % difference	ZRO_diff=x.xx%
Zero CAL-CHECK® Bottle Ref	ZRO_Bref=xx.xxxx
Zero CAL-CHECK® % difference	ZRO_diff=x.xx%

28

Model FT3

Operation

Data Entry using the local display module

There are 2 basic types of menu entries: one for changing value or string and one for selecting from a selection list.

To Change a Value or String :

VALUE = 0.91234
CHG	OK

F1 F2 F3 F4

Press CHG (F1) key to change the value, OK (F4) to accept the value.

VALUE = 0.91234

UP DN NXT OK

F1 F2 F3 F4

Press the UP (F1) or DN (F2) key to select a new digit or character, the cursor points to the selected digit. Press NXT (F3) to select the next digit and OK (F4) to accept the entry.

I NOTE! If the UP (F1) or DN (F2) key is held down for more than 1 second, the program will progressively select new digits at increasing speed as time increases.

To Select from a List:

FLO UNT = SCFM
NXT	OK

F1 F2 F3 F4

Press NXT (F1) key repeatedly until the correct selection is made and OK (F4) key to accept the entry.

Entering the Programming Mode

To enter the programming mode, press the F1 or F2 key repeatedly in the normal running mode until the following screen is shown:

SET PARAMETERS ?

No Yes

F1 F2 F3 F4

Press YES (F4) and the following screen will prompt the user to enter the password if it is active:

PASWD:_
UP	DN	NXT	OK
F1	F2	F3	F4

OPERATION

29