5252 East 36th Street North
Wichita, KS USA 67220-3205
TEL: 316-686-7361
FAX: 316-686-6746
FM-300H and
FM-300HR
Electronic Disc Meter Owner’s Manual
06/10
Rev. C 920679-06
Page 2
To the owner…
Congratulations on receiving your GPI
Electronic Disc Meter. We are pleased to
provide you with a meter designed to give
you maximum reliability and efficiency.
Our business is the design manufacture,
and marketing of liquid handling, agricultural, and recreational products. We
succeed because we provide customers
with innovative, reliable, safe, timely, and
competitively-priced products. We pride
ourselves in conducting our business with
integrity and professionalism.
We are proud to provide you with a quality product and the support you need to
obtain years of safe, dependable service.
President
Great Plains Industries, Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Information ............................ 2
Before Installation ............................... 3
Service .............................................. 12
2
GENERAL INFORMATION
This manual assists you in operating and
maintaining your meter. Please take a few
moments to acquaint yourself with the
information here.
If you need assistance, contact the dealer
from whom you pur chased your meter.
If You Measure in Litres
This manual commonly refers to “gallons.” If your meter is factory calibrated in
litres, consider all references to “gallons”
apply equally to “litres.”
This symbol is used throughout
the manual to call your attention
to safety messages.
WARNING
CAUTION
Notes give you information that can
improve efficiency of opera tions.
It is your responsibility to:
• make sure all operators have access to
adequate instructions about safe operating and maintenance procedures.
• know and follow all safety precautions as specified by your chemical
manufacturer for handling of the fluid
being metered.
Warnings alert you
to the potential for
personal injury.
Cautions call your
attention to practices or procedures
which may cause
damage to your
equipment.
Read Me!
For your safety, review the major warnings and cautions below before operating
your meter.
1. This meter is approved to handle
water, pesticides, fertilizers, and
most industrial fluids. Do not use for
gasoline, diesel or other fluids. Do not
use this meter with flammable liquids.
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2. When handling hazardous chemicals,
always follow the chemical manufacturer’s safety precautions. Wear
protective clothing such as goggles,
gloves, and respirators, as instructed.
3. To avoid damage, DO NOT blow
compressed air through the meter.
Your electronic disc meter is designed
for measuring a wide range of chemicals.
The meter translates flow data from the
nutator disc into calibrated units shown
on the meter’s readout. A field replaceable battery provides power.
BEFORE INSTALLATION
Upon receipt, examine your meter for
visible damage. Remove protective plugs
and caps for a thorough inspection. If any
items are damaged or missing, contact
your distributor.
CAUTION
To avoid damage, DO NOT blow
compressed air through the meter.
3. Replace the gasket and battery
cover and tighten securely. Torque
the screws to 9 to 10 in. lbs.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: To avoid damage to the inlet
and outlet, install this meter ONLY
on plastic hose end or pipe fittings.
1. To protect against leakage, seal all
threads with two or three turns of
®
Teflon
tape or a pipe thread sealant compatible with the liquid being
measured. Make sure the Teflon
tape or sealant does not interfere
with flow.
2. Hand-tighten the meter onto the fittings until snug. (Figure 1)
®
Figure 1
If the meter is located in a rigid piping
system where the fluid is trapped (for
example, by gravity, valves or nozzles)
thermal expansion of the fluid can create
pressure spikes that can damage a meter.
Install a thermal relief valve or otherwise
allow for thermal expansion of the fluid.
Connect Battery
To save power, this meter is shipped with
the battery disconnected. Before using,
connect the battery using the instructions below:
1. Remove the two large and two small
screws from the battery coverplate
located on the lower portion of the
meter face.
2. Remove the battery and plug into
battery connections. When connected properly, numbers appear in
the meter readout.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the housing,
DO NOT use a wrench.
BEFORE EACH USE
If the meter has been used before, make
sure it is flushed and cleaned as outlined
in the Maintenance Section.
Press and release the DISPLAY button to
ensure the meter is operating. Numbers
will display from the last use.
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If the display becomes dim, faded or the
low battery message appears (see below),
battery needs to be replaced. Reference
the Maintenance Section for details. Also
check battery terminals for corrosion. To
prevent corrosion from condensation,
coat the terminals with petroleum jelly.
Verify Meter Accuracy
Before using, verify calibration and check
the meter’s accuracy.
1. If desired, hold down DISPLAY for
three seconds to zero the meter’s
Batch Total. When zeros appear,
release the button.
2. Meter an exact known volume into
an accurate container. For best results, meter with one continuous full
stream.
3. Check the readout. If the amount
metered is accurate, field calibration is not needed. If not, refer to
the Calibration Section for further
instructions.
NOTE: Best performance can be ob-
tained by using the factory calibration.
OPERATION
WARNING
This meter is approved to handle
water, pesticides, fertilizers and
most industrial fluids. Do not use
for gasoline, diesel or other fuels.
Do not use this meter with flammable liquids.
Computer Display
All operations are reflected in the LCD
readout. The large center digits indicate
amounts, where smaller words or “icons”
located above and below indicate
specific information regarding totals, flow,
calibration and units of measure.
Activate the Meter
Computer is on continuously and always
ready to perform. The computer is
powered by a field replaceable battery.
When display becomes dim, faded or the
low battery message appears, the battery
needs to be replaced. Reference the
Maintenance Section for details.
Batch and Cumulative Totals
The computer maintains two totals. The
Cumulative Total provides continuous
measurement and cannot be manually
reset. The Batch Total can be reset to
measure flow during a single use. The
Cumulative Total is labeled TOTAL 1,
Batch Total is labeled TOTAL 2 BATCH.
When the Cumulative Total reaches a
display reading of 999,999 the computer
will highlight an X10 icon. This indicates to
the operator that a zero must be added to
the 6 digits shown. When the next rollover
occurs, the computer will highlight an
X100 icon. This indicates to the operator
that two zeros must be added to the 6
digits shown.
Press the DISPLAY button briefly to switch
between the TOTAL 1, TOTAL 2 BATCH
and FLOWRATE (if applicable). Press
DISPLAY briefly to display the TOTAL 2
BATCH. Hold the DISPLAY button for 3
seconds to reset the Batch Total to zero.
When fluid is flowing through the meter, a
small propeller icon is highlighted.
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Flowrate Feature
Some models have of Rate of Flow
mode. To use this feature, press and
release DISPLAY until FLOWRATE icon
appears. The factory set time base will
be highlighted to the right of FLOWRATE
(M = minutes). When FLOWRATE is
invoked, the display will be indicating
rate of flow.
CALIBRATION
Factory and Field Calibration
All calibration information is visible to the
user as icons on the top line of the display,
above the numeric digits.
All units are configured with a “factory”
calibration. Some models are calibrated
with gallons (GL) and others calibrated
with litres (LT). This factory calibration
(indicated with FAC) is permanently
programmed into the computer and is
not user adjustable.
The “field” calibration may be set by the
user, and can be changed or modified at
any time using the calibration procedure
described in the Calibration Section.
Totals or flowrate derived from the field
calibration are invoked when the FAC
icon is no longer visible on the top line
of the display.
Field Calibration
Factory calibration settings are customprogrammed into each flowmeter during
production, and are correct for light fluids
such as water or heavier liquids like pesticides or light oil. However, readings using
the standard factory calibration curves
may not be accurate in some situations –
variations in chemical formulation, viscosity, temperature, and flowrates all effect
meter accuracy. To ensure accuracy, it is
important to check accuracy frequently
and field calibrate when necessary.
Field Calibration Procedures
(Dispense/Display Method)
1. To field calibrate, press and hold the
CALIBRATE and DISPLAY buttons
for about 3 seconds until you see
FLdCAL. Release both buttons and
you will see dd000.0. You are now in
the field calibration mode.
2. Dispense a known amount of fluid
at a flowrate representative of the
application. Any amount between .1
and 999.9 units can be used. Display
will count up while fluid is flowing
through the meter.
3. The DISPLAY button can then be
pushed to select the digit location
and the CALIBRATE button can be
pushed to scroll the desired value at
the blinking position. Edit the amount
shown with the value that was dispensed above. Values from 000.1 to
999.9 can be entered.
4. When satisfied with the value, press
both CALIBRATE and DISPLAY buttons simultaneously. CALEnd will
be displayed and unit will go back
to normal operation, less the FAC
(factory calibration) icon.
5. The meter will now be operating with
a custom calibration number unique
to the above dispense procedure. No
unit of measure (gallon, litre, etc.) icon
will be highlighted.
NOTE: If the field calibration mode is
entered and NO fluid is dispensed,
then upon leaving, the computer will
use data from the last successful field
calibration.
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Calibration Container
The desired calibration container should
be uniformly dependable and constructed
with a graduated neck. The container’s
volume indicator should be clearly and
precisely marked. It is helpful if the
container’s material allows a window
through which the level of liquid can be
viewed. GPI offers a properly designed
calibration container for volumes of 5
gallons or 5 litres.
DO NOT use several smaller containers or
a larger container with a 5-gallon marking.
For the most accurate results, dispense
at flowrates that best simulate your actual
operating conditions. Avoid “dribbling”
more fluid or repeatedly starting and stopping the flow. These actions will result in
less accurate calibrations.
During calibration, make sure you meet
the meter’s minimum flowrate requirements of 2 GPM (7 LPM).
Before calibrating, purge the system of
air using instructions in the Before Each
Use section.
1. Ensure all chemical is drained from
the meter. This could include draining
the hose, meter and nozzle.
2. Wearing protective clothing, loosen
the meter from fittings by hand.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the housing, do
not use a wrench.
If the meter is not immediately installed
again, cap the hose end to prevent spills
and drying. The nozzle could be used for
this purpose. Flush the meter if it will not
be in use for more than two weeks.
Flushing
When removed or not in use for more than
two weeks, flush the meter to remove
chemical residue.
CAUTION
Do not submerge the meter.
If needed, clean the meter using Cleaning
instructions.
MAINTENANCE
This meter is virtually maintenance free.
It is important, however, that the nutator
disc moves freely.
To prevent drying of chemical on internal
assemblies, meters should be kept free
of chemical when not in use for extended
periods of time. Flush and clean after each
use to promote trouble-free operation.
Removal
WARNING
During meter removal, chemical may
spill. Follow the chemical manufacturer’s safety precautions for
cleanup of minor spills.
6
Cleaning
During use, the meter should be kept free
of liquid to ensure drying does not occur
inside the meter. If drying should occur,
the nutator will stick or drag, affecting accuracy. If this occurs, cleaning is required.
Cleaning the Nutator
1. Loosen the screws on the back of
the meter about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm).
(Figure 2)
Figure 2
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2. Tap the screws with a hammer to
loosen the coverplate from the housing. (Figure 3) Remove the screws
and washers.
5. Gently remove the metal clips holding
the nutator in place. (Figure 6) Take
care not to damage the O-ring on the
nutator inlet.
Figure 3
3. Gently pry the coverplate from the
housing. Take care not to damage
the coverplate, housing, or O-ring.
(Figure 4)
Figure 4
Figure 6
6. Remove the nutator.
7. Using water or a solvent-based fluid
and a brush, carefully remove residue
from the nutator disc, nutator halves,
signal generator, and inside of housing. Allow all parts to dry.
CAUTION
Do not submerge the meter.
8. When the nutator turns freely, assemble and install following the
instructions below.
4. Remove the signal generator from
the pin on the nutator disc.
(Figure 5)
Figure 5
Assemble Nutator
1. Assemble the nutator disc and nutator halves. Install the O-ring on the
nutator inlet.
2. Install the nutator in the meter housing. Make sure the nutator O-ring fits
properly against the meter inlet.
3. Secure the nutator with the metal
clips. Beginning opposite the inlet,
install a clip in each slot in the housing. Push each clip down firmly until
seated.
4. Place the signal generator on the nutator pin. Make sure it rotates freely
on the pin.
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5. Coat the O-ring lightly with bearing
grease and seat securely on the
coverplate.
6. With the display facing up, turn the
coverplate to the desired orientation.
Align holes on coverplate and housing.
7. Secure the coverplate by evenly
tightening screws to 25 to 35 in. lbs.
Figure 7
Storage
After thoroughly cleaning the meter, disconnect the battery and store the meter
in a clean, dry location.
Battery Replacement
Your meter is equipped with a fieldreplaceable 9-volt alkaline battery.
If the meter’s readout should become dim,
blank, faded, or the low battery message
appears, replace the battery.
Batch and Cumulative Totals, as well as,
Factory and Field Calibrations are not lost
when the battery is replaced or power
is lost. They are saved in the meter’s
computer and are available after a new
battery is installed. You do not need to
repeat Field Calibration.
Check the battery and terminals at least
every year to ensure proper operation. It
is strongly recommended that terminals
be cleaned annually.
NOTE: The battery can be replaced
without removing the meter from the
hose or pipe.
2. Remove the battery coverplate and
gasket. (Figure 8)
Figure 8
3. Remove the battery and, if necessary, clean corrosion from the battery
terminals. (Figure 9) To prevent corrosion from condensation, coat the
terminals with petroleum jelly.
Figure 9
To replace battery or clean terminals:
1. Remove the two large and two small
screws from the battery coverplate
located on the lower portion of the
meter face. (Figure 7)
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4. Install the new battery.
When the battery is installed cor-
rectly, the computer powers on
automatically. Check the readout to
make sure normal meter functions
have resumed before assembling
End of Season
To ensure proper operation, the meter
should be cleaned prior to extended
periods of inactivity and at the end of
the season before storage. Disconnect
the battery before storage.
again. If necessary, seat the battery
again.
5. Make sure the coverplate gasket is in
good condition and properly seated.
Replace, if needed.
6. Replace the battery cover. Torque the
screws to 9 to 10 in. lbs.
TROUBLESHOOTING
SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION
A. METER IS NOT 1. Field Calibration not Field calibrate again or select Factory
ACCURATE performed properly Calibration.
2. Factory Calibration not Perform a Field Calibration according
suitable for liquid being to Calibration Section.
measured
3. Meter operated below Increase flowrate. See Specifications
minimum flowrate Section.
4. Meter partially clogged Remove meter. Disassemble and care-
with dried liquid fully clean dried chemical from the
nutator. Make sure the nutating disc
moves freely. Assemble again.
®
5. Teflon
material in flow path path and seal fittings. Install again.
6. Nutator misaligned Disassemble meter and install nutator
again. Ensure O-ring and retainer clips
are in place.
B. READOUT 1. Batteries weak, dead Replace battery. Install again, making
FADED OR or not connected sure the gasket seats evenly around
BLANK the coverplate.
2. Battery terminal Clean corrosion from the terminals.
corroded
3. Computer defective Contact the factory.
tape or other Remove meter. Clear material from flow
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SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION
C. NORMAL FLOW-
1. Field Calibration not Field calibrate again or select Factory
RATE BUT
performed correctly Calibration.
METER DOES
2. Nutator misaligned Disassemble meter and install nutator
NOT COUNT
again. Ensure O-ring and retainer clips
(Meter comes on
are in place.
when DISPLAY
3. Signal generator disc Replace signal generator disc. Contact
button pushed.)
missing or damaged the factory.
4. Computer defective Contact the factory.
D. REDUCED FLOW- 1. Meter clogged with Remove meter. Disassemble and clean
RATE & METER dried liquids dried chemical from the nutator. Make
DOES NOT sure the nutating disc moves freely.
COUNT
DISPLAY button
pushed.)
(MeterAssemble again.
comes on when
E. CANNOT GET 1. Button push sequence Make sure CALIBRATE is held down
METER INTO incorrect while DISPLAY is pushed. Hold both
FIELD CALIBRA- buttons for 3 seconds. Readout will then
TION show dd-000.0. Release both buttons.
Proceed with calibration according to
Calibration Section.
2. Computer circuit Contact the factory.
board defective
F. METER 1. Meter installed without Remove meter. Wrap male connections
CONNECTIONS thread sealant with 3 to 4 wraps of thread tape or com LEAK patible sealing compound. Install again.
2. Connecting threads Remove meter and inspect threads. Re damaged place damaged connections. If threads
are damaged, contact the factory.
3. Screws on back of Tighten screws. Torque to 25 to 35 in.
meter loose lbs.
4. Coverplate O-ring Install O-ring on coverplate again.
missing, damaged, or
improperly installed
5. Meter housing Inspect housing for cracks. If cracks
cracked present, contact the factory.
For warranty consideration, parts, or
other servicing information, please contact your local distributor. If you need
further assistance, call the GPI Customer
Service Department in Wichita, Kansas,
during normal business hours.
1-800-835-0113
To obtain prompt, efficient service, always be prepared with the following
information:
1. The model number of your meter.
2. The serial number or manufacturing
date code of your meter.
3. Specific information about part numbers and descriptions.
For warranty work always be prepared
with your original sales slip or other evidence of purchase date.
Returning Parts
Please contact the factory before returning any parts. It may be possible to
diagnose the trouble and identify needed
parts in a telephone call or letter. GPI can
also inform you of any special handling
requirements you will need to follow
covering the transportation and handling
of equipment which has been used to
transfer hazardous liquids.
CAUTION
Do not return meters without specific authority from the GPI Customer Service Department. Due to
strict regulations governing transportation, handling, and disposal of
hazardous liquids, GPI will not accept meters for rework unless they
are completely free of chemical.
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5252 Ea st 3 6th Stre et N orth
Wichita , KS USA 672 20-3 205
TEL: 31 6-68 6-73 61
FAX: 316- 686- 674 6
Limited Warranty Policy
Great Plains Industries, Inc. 5252 E. 36th Street North, Wichita, KS USA 67220-3205, hereby
provides a limited warranty against defects in material and workmanship on all products
manufactured by Great Plains Industries, Inc. This product includes a 2 year warranty
from date of purchase as evidenced by the original sales receipt. A 30 month warranty
from product date of manufacture will apply in cases where the original sales receipt is not
available. Reference product labeling for the warranty expiration date based on 30 months
from date of manufacture. Manufacturer’s sole obligation under the foregoing warranties
will be limited to either, at Manufacturer’s option, replacing or repairing defective Goods
(subject to limitations hereinafter provided) or refunding the purchase price for such Goods
theretofore paid by the Buyer, and Buyer’s exclusive remedy for breach of any such warranties will be enforcement of such obligations of Manufacturer. The warranty shall extend
to the purchaser of this product and to any person to whom such product is transferred
during the warranty period.
This warranty shall not apply if:
A. the product has been altered or modified outside the warrantor’s duly appointed
representative;
B. the product has been subjected to neglect, misuse, abuse or damage or has been
installed or operated other than in accordance with the manufacturer’s operating
instructions.
To make a claim against this warranty, contact the GPI Customer Service Department at
316-686-7361 or 800-835-0113. Or by mail at:
GPI will step you through a product troubleshooting process to determine appropriate
corrective actions.
GREAT PLAINS INDUSTRIES, INC., EXCLUDES LIABILITY UNDER THIS WARRANTY FOR
DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCURRED IN THE
USE OR LOSS OF USE OF THE PRODUCT WARRANTED HEREUNDER.
The company herewith expressly disclaims any warranty of merchantability or fitness for
any particular purpose other than for which it was designed.
This warranty gives you specific rights and you may also have other rights which vary from
U.S. state to U.S. state.
Note: In compliance with MAGNUSON MOSS CONSUMER WARRANTY ACT – Part 702
(governs the resale availability of the warranty terms).