HyQuest Solutions PVD200 Operation Manual

HyQuest Solutions Pty. Ltd.

- 1 -

PVD200

Current Meter Counter

(with signal processor)

Operation Manual

HyQuest Solutions Pty Ltd

48-50 Scrivener Street

Liverpool NSW 2170

Australia

Ph. 61 2 9601 2022 Fax. [phone]

Internet: www.hyquestsolutions.com.au

E-Mail: [e-mail]

HyQuest Solutions Pty. Ltd.

Current Meter Counter – Model: PVD200
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- 2 - Issue 1.03 August 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction........................................................................................ 3

2.1 Overview ............................................................................................................... 4

3. Installation .......................................................................................... 4

3.1 Hardware Connections ....................................................................................... 4

4. Operation ............................................................................................ 5

4.1 Navigating Screens .............................................................................................. 5

4.2 Current Meter Counter Operation .................................................................... 6

4.3 Current Meter Counter Menus .......................................................................... 7

4.4 Indicator LEDs .................................................................................................... 11

4.5 Bluetooth® Communications ............................................................................... 11

4.5.1 Serial Communications Interface ...................................................................... 12

4.5.2 Data Conversion Example .................................................................................. 14

4.5.3 Operating the Special Functions Using Serial Communications .................... 16

4.6 Changing the Batteries ........................................................................................ 16

4.7 Maintenance and Repair Procedure .................................................................. 17

5. Specifications ...................................................................................... 18

Appendix A Capturing a Spin Test ............................................................... 20

Appendix B Measuring Meter Dwell ............................................................ 25

Appendix C Example Calibration Certificate .............................................. 26

Appendix D Ground Feeler Device Model GFD .......................................... 27

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1. Introduction

The HyQuest Solutions
PVD200 is similar in function
to the PVD100 Current Meter
Counter, with automatic
calculation and display of
‘point velocity’ and current
meter revolutions after a pre-set
time interval – it includes a
more user friendly display and
menu system to change
functions or add current meter
formulas. This measures flow
velocity from almost any
mechanically rotating current
meter. A feature of the device
is its ability to "clean" the
current meter signal and interface via Bluetooth to a compatible PDA, PocketPC, or other
computing device (compatible software also required) and provide serial data that can be used
by the external devi ce to compute discha rge. Current Meters fitted with a cat whisker ball
and wire contact to p erfo rm a m echani cal s witch clo sure can be used with the unit to produce
a clean, noise-free signal. The water velocity is directly computed and displayed on the LCD.
The PVD200 suppo rts up to 6 current meters with each meter having up t o 3 rat in g equati ons
and 3 rotations/sec ranges.

The PVD200 operat es with 3 x AA alkali ne 1.5V batteries and co mes in a robust waterproof
enclosure. The commands are identical to the CMCsp commands, so existing third party
compatible software that has been developed, can be used to perform a measurement and
make operating selections. The PVD200 can operate with current meter velocities from less
than 0.05 ft/sec to more than 20 ft/sec for a Price AA meter. The PVD200 also provides a
slow-speed mode to improve measurements with extremely slow rotating current meters
[velocities less than 0.25 ft/sec]. The PVD200 does not need to be connected to an external
device to operate. The visual indicators, LCD and internal buzzer of the PVD200 can be used
to make a conventio nal c urren t m et e r meas u rem e nt and com put e w at er v elocity using look up
tables if required.

As you continue to read this manual, many features and operating capabilities of the PVD200
will be revealed and described. The PVD200 is extremely easy to use and yet versatile
enough to offer selections to operate in a wide variety of scenarios and field settings.

As an added benefit, whenever the PVD200 is in active, it will automatically turn itself OFF
after a preselect ed period to help conserve the batteries. To turn it ON, simply press the 2
buttons together and all previous settings are restored ready for the user to begin a
measurement.

The PVD200 also has an intern al serial port th at can be us ed to u pgrade t he firmw are as n ew
features become available.

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Banana sockets for

current meter

2. Product Overview

2.1 Overview

Any pulse type curren t m et er c an b e connected to the PVD200, and after entering the pulse to
velocity equations, it can display the measured velocity directly. Velocity can be either
displayed in feet /sec (ft/sec) or metres/second (m/sec) and is chosen b y the user in a menu.
When a measurement is being made, the PVD200 coun ts contact closures , measures elapsed
time, and computes velocity to a precision of 0.01 ft/sec or 0.001 m/sec. The velocity is
computed based on the selection from up to 6 entered meter ratings, again chosen from a
menu. During a measurement, the PVD200 sends through the Bluetooth serial port the
number of accumulating meter contact closures and elapsed time at 1-second intervals.
An important operating feature of the PVD200 is th e ability to signal process each contact
closure. Contact closures from any type of meter are inherently noisy causing miscounting or
double counting. The PVD200 samples the input signal from the connected meter and
examines the signal to determine if a cont act closure has occurred and if successive sign als
are of the same chara cteristi cs. The PVD200 then determin es contact cl osure conditi ons and
either counts the signal closure or eliminates the condition as a noise pulse and does not count
the signal. For cat’s whi sker contact s, this becomes ex tremely import ant since cat’s whisker
contacts offer the poorest quality for marking and counting rotations. The options for the
internal sounder allow it to operate momentarily or continuously when the current meter
contacts close – the continuous mode is ideal for operation with a Ground Feeler Device GFD
allowing detection of the river bed – see Appendix D.

The PVD200 offers (2) modes of operation for a cat whisker t ype meter - FAST and SLOW
speed mode. FAST is selected for meter rotations >0.25 ft/sec while SLOW mode is for
velocities below 0.25ft/sec. To improve noise rejection, the sample rate of the input signal at
the SLOW speed mode (lower velocities) is 1/10 of the sampling rate that occurs during
FAST mode. This slower sampling rate improves performance for back rotations and
corroded whisker cont acts at extremel y low meter cup rotations. It is important to know that
the PVD200 offers operational overlap at this 0.25 ft/sec velocity selection in either mode
and therefore it is not necessary for the operator to know precisely the velocity of water for
selecting either mode.

3. Installation

3.1 Hardware Connections

1. The current meter is connected through
the 2 banana type sockets at the top of the
PVD200.

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4. Operation

4.1 Navigating Screens

The PVD200 has two front panel buttons that are used to turn power ON and OFF, view
menus, and choose operating settings. The labeling on the PVD200 gives you a reminder of
the button functions:

Power ON – Press and hold both buttons to turn on the PVD200.
Power OFF - Press and hold both buttons again to turn off the PVD200.

(The off function only occurs when the main screen is displayed)

Left Right
Button Button

Stop -CMC- Start
Up/Dn -Menu- Select

HoldMenu

Current Meter Counter

(CMC) Display

Press and HOLD

Right Button to

select the CMC

menus

CMC Menus

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4.2 Current Meter Cou n te r Op eration

The Current Meter screen data is presented as shown above.

1. Press “Start” (right hand button) and the count,
elapsed time and velocity will be zero’d. The / will start
toggling between / and \.

2. When the first meter pulse is detected, the elapsed
timer will start. The count and velocity will also be
updated as pulses are detected.

3. When the elapsed timer exceeds the measurement
interval, and a meter pulse is detected, the timer will be
stopped. The final count, elapsed time and the
calculated velocity are all displayed.

4. If “Stop” (left hand button) is pressed during a measurement, the count, elapsed time and
velocity are frozen at that point.

Meter Type :

Mag Head / High Speed or

Cat Whisker / Hi+Lo Speed

Meter equations selected

(created by the User)

Measurement

interval in Secs

Water Velocity

calculated in ft/s or m/s

Toggles between \ and /

while taking a measure ment

Elapsed Time

in Secs

Contact counts

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4.3 Current Meter Cou n te r Menus

While in the Current Meter Counter (CMC) display press and hold the right hand button to
enter the CMC Menu’s. Pressing “Up/Dn” (left hand button) will move the triangle pointer
down through the menus, and pressing “Select” (right hand button) will toggle the option, or
select the item.

1. The “Meter” type can be Mag Head, Cat
Whisker Fast, or Cat’s Whisker Slow.

In Mag Head mode the Status LED is Green.
In Cat Whisker Fast the Status LED is Red.
In Cat Whisker Slow the Status LED is off.

One important operating features of t he PVD200 is the abili ty to signal p rocess each co ntact
closure. Contact closures from any type of meter are inherently noisy causing miscounting or
double counting. The PVD200 samples the input signal from the connected meter and
examines the signal to determ ine if a contact closure h as occurred and if succes sive signals
are of the same chara cteristi cs. The PVD200 then determines contact closure conditions and
either counts the signal closure or eliminates the condition as a noise pulse and does not count
the signal. For Cat’s Whisker contacts, this becomes extremely important since Cat’s
Whisker contacts offer the poorest quality for marking and counting rotations.

In Cat ’s Whisker mode there are 2 sp eed s ett in gs. F AS T i s s ele ct ed f or m eter rotations >0.25
ft/sec while SLOW mode is for velocities below 0.25ft/sec. To improve noise rejection, the
sample rate of the input signal at the SLOW speed mode (lower velocities) is 1/10 of the
sampling rate that occurs during FAST mode. This slower sampling rate improves
performance for back rotations and corroded whisker contacts at extremely low meter cup
rotations. It is important to know that the PVD200 offers operational overlap at this 0.25
ft/sec velocit y selection in eith er mode and therefore it is not necessary for the operator to
know precisely the velocity of water for selecting either mode. When in SLOW mode, the
status LED flickers, and the sounder beeps longer whenever the whisker contacts are made.

2. The “Time” is the CMC elapsed time and can be set to 10, 20, 30, 40, …..90 Secs

3. Up to 6 different Meters can be selected – the Meters and their equations are entered in the
Setup Equations… option.

4. When Setup Equations… is selected, the Meter name and the respective equations are
displayed.

When the triangle is at item 1, and “Select” is
pressed, the Meter No is stepped through. The
equations for the selected meter are displayed
at the bottom of the screen.

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5. To Edit a selected Meter Equation, step to
item 2 and press “Select”

The Meter Serial No (or name), the number of
equations (1, 2 or 3), and the equations
themselves will be displayed. The first character
of the Serial No will be flashing. Press “Up/Dn”
(left hand button) to change the character, and
press “Select” (right hand button) to select this
character and move to the next character.
Repeat these steps so the equations on the screen
match the equations on your Current Meter
calibrations sheets.

6. Select “Save and Return” to go back to the previous menu.

7. When More Settings + Test is selected, 5
more selections become available.

8. The Buzzer can be set to Disable, EnFull,
and EnMom. (When set to EnFull, the
buzzer beeps while the contacts are detected as
closed) When set to EnMom, the buzzer beeps
only momentarily as the contacts close)

9. If the Bluetooth module is not detected, it will display “Not Fitted”, otherwise it can be set
to Disable, EnCMC or EnFull. At this time both these options provide the same set of
Bluetooth commands – a new set of commands will be available for EnFull in the future.

10. The Units selection can be imperial (ft) or metric (m). (The units do not modify the result
of the velocity equations – you must enter the appropriate equations to match the required
units.)

*** Please Note ***

If a metric result is required you must use m/s equations.

If an imperial result is required you must use ft/s equations.

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11. LCD Options allows 3 more LCD
selections to be chosen.

The contrast can vary between 6 (light) and
24 (dark) and may only need changing at the
extremes of ambient temperature.

The Power Down time can be set to 15, 20,
25, 30, 35,…..60 mins. If no buttons are pressed, the PVD200 will power down automatically
after this time.

The BackLight time can be set to 1,2,3,4,5,6…14,15 mins or Off. This is the time the
backlight stays on after a button is pressed – when operating in daylight, it is best to set the
BackLight Off as this will conserve power and the batteries will achieve considerably longer
life.

12. The Dwell Test measures the rotational
angle that the contact is closed on the Meter
head.

Spin the meter by hand at about 1 to 2 revs
per second and press “Start”. The bottom of the display will show “Rdy” while it is waiting
for a contact closure, and the Start button function will change to “Stop”. When the 3 angles
are measured, the display will indicate “Done” and the angles will appear across the screen.

This function measures the dwell angle (ratio of meter contact time to the total time for a
single rotation) for a meter contact and is useful for making adjustments to a cat whisker type
meter in the field. For a cat whisker contact head, the optimum adjustment is 60º or a single
meter cup width (US Geological Survey Price AA or Pygmy meter). A variation to an
adjustment of +/- 10% is acceptable. The measure of dwell angle for the magnetic head
contact does not apply but can be performed.

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13. The “Spin Test” is an elapsed time
measurement from the time a meter is spun
to when rotation of the meter stops.

Press “Start” and the display will indicate
Rdy, then the first contact closure will start
the time and subsequent closures will
increment the count. This will continue until
no closures are detected for 10 a second period – indicating the meter has stopped. Note that
the time will then jump back 10 secs as the display shows the total count and the elapsed time
up to the last count.

Press “Stop” if you wish to terminate the test earlier.

14. The “Manual Calibrate” menu allows the analog ac Level and dc Threshold to be
measured and displayed. (Everytime the display changes from the TSR menu to the CMC
menu, a calibrate is automatically performed – as indicated by the Status LED flashing green
and red.) This calibrate process allows the circuitry to take into account the water salinity
when measuring the contact closures from the meter. This menu is for testing only.

dc Thresh = 87 (fresh water or air)
dc Thresh = 26 (extremely salty water)

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4.4 Indicator LEDs

The PVD200 provides two LED indicators to show the unit is operating and to indicate
current meter contact closures. The following is a brief description for each indicator.

COUNT (Orange LED)—This indicator will flash whenever a contact closure from the meter
has been detected.

OPERATING STATUS (Green/Red/Blue LED)—This indicator remains illuminated
whenever the PVD200 is turned On and showing the operating status mode. The LED has
three colors showin g the type of meter (Magnetic H ead or Cat’s Whiske r Head) selected as
well as Bluetooth® operational status. Green indicates the Magnet ic H ead is s elected and red
indicates the Cat’s Whisker Head Fast is selected. The indicator also shows the operating
mode.

The indicator will flash Blue while searching for a Bluetooth connection, and be Blue steady
when a connection is established.

4.5 Bluetooth

®

Communications

Bluetooth® provides fo r a wireless link to an ext ernal device such as a Pock etPC (PDA) or

laptop. Bluetooth® is a wireless standard (IEEE 802.14) that offers a transparent serial port
protocol for communication. When the PVD200 is turned On, the PVD200 determines if

Bluetooth® is installed. If available, Bluetooth® can be enabled and ‘discovered’ by another
Bluetooth® device to establish a connection. Set the external device’s communication

protocol in the following manner:

Baud Rate : 19200
Data bits : 8
Stop bits : 1
Parity : None

Flow control : None

When this display is presented, the STATUS indicator will be blue and flashing. When
another Bluetooth® compatible device is in proximity of the PVD200, and the devices
application requests a connection, each automatically establishes the Bluetooth® serial
interface protocol. When the connection has been established, the STATUS indicator will
show a solid blue color continuously.

When making a connection with another Bluetooth® device for the first time, first examine
and prepare the required enabling features of the ex ternal device for Bluetooth® connection.
Enable the PVD200 Bluetooth® function and allow the external device to ‘discover’ the
PVD200. When the external device makes ‘discovery’, the user must select the PVD200
within the device’s menu setup and enable the connection. The external device should
respond with a ‘connected’ message. The PVD200 can now be used in a normal manner. All
serial data sent from th e PVD200 will be transmitted via Bluetooth®. The connection can be

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disengaged by selection in the ‘Bluetooth’ menu. The operator must monitor the integrity of
the connection from the external device. If the connection becomes broken, the PVD200 will
revert back to Bluetooth® DISCOVER mode. The blue flashing LED will alert the operator
of a disconnection between the PVD200 and the external device. Connection will have to be
rediscovered by the external device. Any active measurement occurring during a broken
communications link will terminate and the measurement will need to be retaken. The

PVD200 will not automatically power down when Bluetooth® is enabled and connected.

4.5.1 Serial Comm u nic at ion s Int er fac e

The PVD200 can be connected to a h and-held or notebook computer or any device that can
transmit and receive serial communications using Bluetooth® using an application such as
HyperTerm. Commands can be sent to the PVD200 to perform special functions or select
operating modes. The following describes the serial data requirements, commands, and data
formats that are used for the serial communications interface :

Baud Rate : 19,200
Format : 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit
Flow Control : None

The following list shows the commands and functions that can be performed through the
serial communications interface.

Command Function Perfor med

S Start a measurement
T Terminate the measurement
I Abort the measurement
R Resend the last data string (** not implemented yet **)
U Buzzer ON
Z Buzzer OFF
H Cat Whisker Speed Select, set to Fast
L Cat Whisker Speed Select, set to Slow
M Select Magnetic Head meter processing
C Select Cat Whisker Head meter processing (Fast)
P Start a measurement without performing a calibration
Q Start a measurement with no time limit (continuous measure)
V Software Version

NOTE: Commands sent to the PVD200 are case sensitive – and must be upper case only.

When the commands ‘S’, ‘T’, and ‘I’ are received b y the PVD200 from an ext ernally

connected device, the PVD200 sends an acknowledge character ‘A’ back to the
device. For the ‘S’ command, the PVD200 sends ack now ledge character ‘A’ after the
PVD200 performs and completes the calibration. Note that invalid or unrecognized
commands will result in a ‘?’ being transmitted through the Bluetooth port.

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S – Start a measurement: Begins a measuremen t at the first con tact closure detected .

Number of contact closures and el apsed time cou nts are accumu lated. At the fi rst
contact closure, t he PVD200 begins sending the accum ulated contact closures and
elapsed time counts through the serial port every second. The first data string
transmitted through the serial port begins the start of the measurement interval with
the meter contact closu re count tally and elapsed time tally of ‘0’. Note that when
this command is received by the PVD200, it automatically performs a calibration
then monitors the input for meter contact closures. Following is the output data
format sent to the externally connected device at the 1-second output rate:

dnn,xxxx_

d = preamble for indicating display data

nn = number of meter contact closures, transmitted in HEX ASCII

(hexadecimal notation)(i.e. 0-9,A-F)
, = delimiter
xxxx = counts of elapsed time measured as 0.003333 seconds/count,

transmitted in HEX ASCII (i.e. 0-9,A-F) while in Normal mode

and 0.03333 seconds/count while in Slow mode.
_ = space

Thi s data format t hat is transm itted to the externall y connected devic e can be used

to display elapsed time and velocity while the measurement is being performed.

At the end of the measurement interval or if the ‘T’ command is received, the

PVD200 sends the last tally of accumulated counts and time in the following
format:

fnn,xxxx or enn,xxxx

f = final data, no detected faults

e = final data, error detected during measurement;

restart the measurement

The m easuring int erval is bas ed on the user sel ected m easurement tim e. When t he

measuring interv al has b een reached , (or th e T co mmand is received) t he PVD200,
upon the next meter contact closure, will send the final data for that measurement.
If there is no contact closure detected when the measurement interval has been
reached, the PVD200 will continue to send data and the user must send the ‘I’
command to abort the function. Note that the meter contact number, nn, is limited
to a total of 255 counts (hexadecimal notation ‘FF’). If more than 255 counts are
detected throughout the measurement interval, the count will rollover to ‘00’ and
continue to accumulate counts. No fault condition is set if this occurs. This allows
for continuous counting in excess of 255 counts occurring during the measuring
interval. External processing software can easily detect this condition and process
total meter counts when the measuring interval is completed. The same condition
occurs for the elapsed time tally. This permits an elapsed time count of 218
seconds for a measuring interval before the count rolls over to ‘0000’.

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T – Termin ate the measurement: PVD200 stops the measurement at t he next contact

closure and, at the next contact closure (which is counted), sends the last tally of
accumulated counts and elapsed time as previously described.

I – Abort the measurement: The PVD200 aborts the measurement. No final

measurement data is transmitted.

P – S tart a measurement without doing a calibration: This command is used to begin

a measurement without performing a calibration. The command should only be
used for a high velocity measurement that does not allow a calibration to be
performed due to the rapid rotation of the meter cups.

Q – Continuous measurement: This command is used to continuously output a 1-

second data display without a time limit. The ‘T’ or ‘I’ command must be used to
terminate the operation.

V – The software version of the PVD200 is sent in the following manner:
vX.X Example: v1.0

4.5.2 Data Conversion Example

The data format of the PVD200 is transmitted in HEX ASC II (base 16 numbers using the
ASCII code which is displayable on any terminal) to provide efficiency in the number of data
characters sent th rough the serial interface. Foll owing is an ex ample of the interpretation of
the data.

Example: d0C,0AF6
Accumulated meter counts = 0C16 = 1210
Elapsed time = 0AF616 = 280610 = (2806 counts x 0.003333 sec/count) = 9.35 secs
The data format says a total of 12 meter counts have been accumulated in 9.35

seconds.

Shown below is a simple Excel program t h at eas ily converts hex ad ecim al numbers to decimal
(base 10) numbers. The column ‘Decimal Conversion’ shows the Excel formula.

Hexadecimal

Decimal

Number

Conversion

1F

=hex2dec(A3)

0

1
2
3

A B

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Data Format Notes
The data format pr esented by the PVD200 during a measu rement provides for displaying a

computed velocity by an external device at a 1-second rate. The accumulating contact
closure counts and time interval counts can be used in a rating equation to display velocity.
At the end of the measuring interval, a final total of contact closures and interval time is then
used to compute the measured velocity. For the Normal mode, the 1-second output data
format displays the accumulating time interval counts based on a 300 Hz sample rate. The
following example below shows how it would be presented using the ‘HyperTerminal’
program: NORMAL mode, 300 Hz sample rate, counts accumulating at a 1 Hz rate.

For Slow Speed mode operation, the display of the accumulating time interval counts differs
in that the value is based on a 30 Hz sample rate. The following example below shows how it
would be presented in the Slow Speed mode:

30 Hz sample rate, counts accumulating at a 0.25 Hz rate (1 count every 4 seconds)

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4.5.3 Operating the Special Functions Using Serial Communications

The special function ‘SPIN Test’ can be operated using the serial communications interface.
A laptop, desktop PC, or PocketPC using a terminal emulating package or Microsoft®’s
HyperTerminal can be used to invoke the function. No menu selections in the PVD200 are
needed. The select ion of the meter t ype and turning the buzzer On and Off can all be done
using the serial communications interface. These functions can also operate using

Bluetooth®.

The following list shows the commands and functions that can performed through the
serial communications interface.

Command Function Perfo r med

N Spin Test
S Start Spin Measurement (subcommand in ‘Spin Test’)
A Stop Spin Measurement (subcommand in ‘Spin Test’)
U Buzzer ON
Z Buzzer OFF
M Magnetic Head Meter
C Cat Whisker Head Meter

I Abort function

When the ‘N’ command is received b y the PVD200 from an extern ally connect ed devic e, the
PVD200 echoes acknowledge character ‘N’ back to the device.

Refer to Appendix A for details in using the Spin Test and capturing a ‘spin test file’.

4.6 Changin g the Batteries

NOTE : For optimum performance, the batteries should always be replaced with three good

quality AA alkaline 1.5V batteries !!

Simply lift the clip at the bottom of the front face, and lift the front cover upwards.

Insert the new batteries taking care of the battery orientation – which is stamped on the
bottom of the battery enclosure.

Please Note: Installing the batteries backwards will not damage the PVD200.

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4.7 Maintenance and Repair Procedure

There is no speci fic maintenance for the PVD200. As wit h any electr onic device, care must
be taken to insure minimal exposure to moisture, dirt, or other contaminants. The unit is
splash proof; however, it is not waterproof. If the unit becomes submerged in water, remove
the batteries and any remaining water. Allow the unit to dry out completely before
reinstalling the batteries.

There are no user serviceable parts inside the PVD200. If the unit does not function properly,
the unit must be returned to HyQuest Solutions for component repair.

The PVD200 does not require any calibration or adjustments. The PVD200 is self-
calibrating and will perform this operation whenever the unit is turned on and whenever
“Manual Calibrate” is selected via the menu, or whenever a start measurement command
(‘S’) is received through the serial communications interface.

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5. Specifications

Bluetooth® Class 2 / Output power 2.5mW (4dBm)

Compliant Bluetooth® Spec V1.1
(operating at 2.4GHz)

Communications Internal RS232 Port (Tx, Rx) @ 9600 baud 8/N/1
(For reloading new firmware only.)

Connections 2 x Banana type sockets for current meter

Indicators 128 x 64 graphics backlit LCD

1 x Orange LED + 1 x Red/Green/Blue LED
Sounder – momentary or continuous when meter contacts close.
(Ideal for operation with Ground Feeler Device GFD)

Power Source 3 x Internal AA alkaline 1.5V batteries
Battery indicator on LCD

Dimensions 140mm x 100mm x 50mm (L x W x D)

Weight 400 grams (with batteries)

Environmental -5C to + 50C, (IP66 + temporary immersion)

(Note: 60º = 1 Meter cup width for 6 cups)
Water Velocity Flow (absolute maximum)

(1)

(Normal Mode ) Price AA meter - Mag 45 ft/s (13.7m/s) @ 99o to 204o dwell

- CatW 22 ft/s (6.7m/s) @ 10o to 62o dwell
Pygmy meter - CatW 9.4ft/s (2.8m/s) @ 10o to 62o dwell

(Slow speed mode) Price AA meter - Mag 2.5ft/s (0.76m/s) @ 54o to 265o dwell

- CatW 2 ft/s (0.61m/s) @ 17o to 70o dwell
(2-cup width) 1.1ft/s (0.33m/s) @ 120o dwell
Pygmy meter - CatW 0.9ft/s (0.27m/s) @ 17o to 70o dwell
(2-cup width) 0.5ft/s (0.15m/s) @ 120o dwell

Water Velocity Flow (absolute minimum) – before setting fault detection

(1)

(Normal Mode ) Price AA meter - Mag 0.14ft/s(0.04m/s) @ 15o to 210o dwell

- CatW 0.1 ft/s (0.03m/s) @ 10o to 90o dwell
Pygmy meter - CatW 0.06ft/s(0.018m/s)@ 10o to 90o dwell

(Slow speed mode) Price AA meter - Mag 0.04ft/s(0.012m/s)@ 10o to 340o dwell

- CatW 0.07ft/s(0.021m/s)@ 10o to 170o dwell
Pygmy meter - CatW 0.04ft/s(0.012m/s)@ 10o to 90o dwell

Maximum Conductivity > 50,000 µSiemens (max velocity ranges must be derated 20%)

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Current Meter Counter – Model: PVD200
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- 19 - Issue 1.03 August 2018

Specifications… (continued)

Contact time to Fault Detection (absolute maximum) (** NOT IMPLEMENTED YET **)
(Normal Mode) Magnetic Head Contact 11 Seconds
Cat’s Whisker Head Contact 7 Seconds

(Slow speed Mode) Magnetic Head Contact 30 Seconds
Cat’s Whisker Head Contact 20 Seconds

Minimum dwell angle for 10o
Cat Whisker Head

(1)

NOTES: a) Measurements and Computations based on the following Rating Table

Equations.

Price AA Meter: V=2.2048 +0.0178 where: V= Velocity (ft/s)

T T = Seconds/rotation

Pygmy Meter: V=0.9604 +0.0312
T

b) Measurements made with 0 microSiemens conductivity, open air, ambient

room temperature.

Example: V = 2.3456[n]+0.1234 where: n=number of rotations/second

First Term: 2.3456 V=water velocity
Second Term: 0.1234

First Term Entry: Maximum Allowable: 6.5535
Second Term Entry: Maximum Allowable: 6.5535
Range Values: Maximum Allowable: 9.99

Note: Incorrect or unreasonable entries can give unexpected results.

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Current Meter Counter – Model: PVD200
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- 20 - Issue 1.03 August 2018

Appendix A Capturing a Spin Test

The spin test function allows the user to perform a simple spin test of the meter. The
PVD200 ou tputs a character string represen ting the meter cou nt and elapse t ime. Whenever
the ‘spin test’ measurement begins, the PVD200 will output through the serial data port a
character string at every contact closure. This character string is of the following format:

nxxx,tttt[cr][lf]
n = preamble for indicating contact closure data

xxx = number of meter contact closures, transmitted in decimal
(i.e. 001, 002, 003, etc)
, = delimiter

tttt = counts of elapse time measured as 0.00666 second counts
(150 Hz), transmitted in HEX ASCII (i.e. 0-9,A-F)

[cr] = carriage return (ASCII ‘0D’)

[lf] = line feed (ASCII ‘0A’)

At the end of the spin test, the PVD200 sends a final data string that displays the total number
of counts and total time all shown in decimal notation. This format makes it easy to copy the
final total number of counts and total elapse time information onto a form. Total time is
given in seconds and displays the time to a tenth of a second. The format is shown below.

dxxx,ttt.t[cr][lf]

d = preamble for indicating spin measurement data in decimal

xxx = number of meter contact closures, transmitted in decimal
(i.e. 001, 002, 003, etc)

, = delimiter

ttt.t = total seconds of elapse time displayed to a tenth of a second

[cr] = carriage return (ASCII ‘0D’)

[lf] = line feed (ASCII ‘0A’)

Shown below is an example of both formats, as they would be displayed using the
HyperTerminal program.

N  Perform ‘Spin Tes t’

n000,0000  First contact closure

n001,0013

n002,0027

n003,003A

.

.

.

n162,427A

n163,4607  Final contact closure

n163,4736  Data string whe n “Stop Spin” executed

d163,121.4  Final meter counts and time (in seconds)

A  PVD200 initialization completed

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Current Meter Counter – Model: PVD200
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The following information details some specifics about each format, specifically the
limitations and alternate characters that may be presented.

1) The maximum time that can be displayed, during the measurement, is ‘FFFF16’. If the
measurement continues beyond the maximum data form available, the count ‘rolls
over’ and begins from ‘0’. When this occurs, the delimiter character ‘,’ is replaced by
the ‘>’ character to indicate the rollover condition. When the data is transferred to a
spreadsheet, the character, ‘>’, can be easily detected and used to add ‘65535’ (=
FFFF16) to the elapse time tally. No further change in the delimiter character occurs if
the accumulating time continues to further rollover.

2) The maximum time that can be displayed as given by the final data string is 436.4
seconds as displayed (FFFF16 x 0.00666 seconds). This equates to 7 minutes and 16.4
seconds. If the accumulating time continues during the measurement (as discussed
above), the final count tally will reflect a calculated value rolled over and beginning
from ‘0’. If thi s occurs, th e delimiter char acter ‘,’ is rep laced by the ‘ >’ character to
indicate a rollover. To determine the total accumulated time from the roll over
condition, simply add 436.4 seconds to the total number displayed.

3) The maximum number of measured meter contact closures (clicks) is 999. If the
accumulating contact closures continues beyond the maximum data form, the count
‘rolls over’ and the most significant digit position number is replaced by the colon
(‘:’) character. If the count continues, other characters will replace the most
significant digit position number. Meter counts should not exceed 999, however a
detection scheme is provided if such an occurrence happens.

The “Spin Test” has three subcommands as follows:
S – Start spin measurement.
A – Stop spin measurement, transmit final results, then quit.
I – Abort or quit the “Spin Test” function. No final data is transmitted.
The “Spin Test” is performed in the following manner (through the serial interface) :

1. Before entering the “Spin Test” function, select the type of meter, i.e. Cat’s
Whisker Head, or Magnetic Head Meter. Also enable or disable the buzzer.

2. Press “N” on the computer keyboard to enter the “Spin Test”. The COUNT
LED will become illuminated. The OPERATING STATUS indicator will
illuminate green if the m eter is selected for a Magn etic Head and red if Cat’s
Whisker Head is selected. The PVD200 echoes with ‘N’.

3. Depress the letter “S” on the computer keyboard or press the SELECT button on
the PVD200. The OPERATING STATUS indicator will turn off.

4. When the meter is spun, the OPERAT ING STATUS indicator will blink when
a contact closure is detected.

5. The PVD200 will output through the serial port a character string (as described

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Current Meter Counter – Model: PVD200
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- 22 - Issue 1.03 August 2018

previously) every time there is a meter contact closure. At the first contact
closure, the PVD200 outputs the first contact closure as the start of the
measurement. Th e num ber of mete r cont act clo sures be gins wit h “zero ” and t he
counts of elapsed time begins with “zero.” Contact closures and counts of
elapsed time will begin to increment following every contact closure until the
“A” command is sent or the SELECT button is pressed. The PVD200 then
sends the final data string (in decimal) followed by the PVD200 reinitializing.
The character ‘A’ is sent when the PVD200 complet es a calibration cycle, as it
initializes.

Sending the ‘I’ command anytime before or during the test aborts (or quits) the “Spin

Test” function. The PVD200 sends the character ‘ A’ to acknowledge exiting. When the
PVD200 exits, the PVD200 reinitializes with a calibration. When the calibration has
been completed, the PVD200 sends the character ‘A’ again, and then goes to normal
operation mode.

Capturing a “Spin Test” file

“Spin test” transmitted data can be saved by using the options in the HyperTerminal

program. HyperTerminal is a program that can be found on most computers in the
‘Accessories’ folder listed in the Programs list on the desktop. Within HyperTerminal and
before spinning the meter, select “Capture Text” found in the Windows label “Transfer”
tab. When the “Capture Text” tab is clicked, Windows will ask for a file name. The file
name extension will be “.txt”. Select a file name, then click “Start” to save th e screen
results. After completing the sp in test, select “C apture Text ” again under th e “Transfer”
tab. Click “Stop”. The file will be saved under the file name given. The file can be
opened using Windows “NotePad” or “WordPad” and can be easily imported into Excel
for analysis.

To better align the data being displayed, the PVD200 will respond to the Carriage Return

key,

C

R

. Entering a

C

R

, the PVD200 will send a

C

R

fo llowed by a Line Feed,

L

F

. This will cause the display cursor to return to the left most position on the display

and move down the page by one line position.

Use the following steps to import a text file into Excel. This procedure uses Microsoft

Excel 2000.

1. Open up Excel for Windows.

2. Under the ‘Data’ tab, select ‘Get External Data’.

3. Within ‘Get External Data’, select ‘Import Text File’.

4. Select the location of the text file and click ‘Import’.

5. The ‘Text Import Wizard’ pops up with the ‘Delimited’ radio button on. Also,
a portion of the actual text file is shown at the bottom of the window.

6. Click up the ‘Start import at row:’ tab to start at row 2.

7. Click ‘Next’ at the bottom to go to Step 2 of the Wizard.

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8. In the ‘Delimiters’ window,

a) deselect ‘Tab’,
b) select ‘Comma’,
c) select ‘Other’, then type ‘n’ in the box next to ‘Other’.

The text file preview should show a vertical line separating the meter counts

column data and the time data column.

9. Click ‘Next’, this will bring you to Step 3 of the Wizard.

10. In Step 3 window, click ‘Do not import column (skip)’ in the ‘Column data
format’ window. This will show ‘Skip’ in the column 1 heading.

11. Click on column 3 (where the Time data is shown in HEX-ASC II) and change
in the ‘Column data format’ window from ‘General’ to ‘Text’.

12. In the ‘Data Preview’ window, the columns should show the following
selections on the column heading:

a) ‘Skip’ for column 1
b) ‘General’ for column 2—Current meter counts
c) ‘Text’ for column 3—Time

13. Click ‘Finish’, and then click ‘OK’ to import data into the existing worksheet.

14. Save the workbook under a file name.

15. Shown below is an example of an imported ‘Spin Test’ file.

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Current Meter Counter – Model: PVD200
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- 24 - Issue 1.03 August 2018

Shown in the figure below is an example of a graph showing the response of a current

meter created from data in a “Spin Test” file.

Spin Test for Meter 1234567

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

110

120

130

1

6 11 16 21 26 31 36 41 46 51 56 61 66 71 76 81 86 91 96 101 106 111 116 121 126 131 136 141 146 151 156 161 166

(Total Time) minus (Start-to-End Time)

Total Spin Time = 119.3 seconds

Total Number of Meter Counts = 163

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Current Meter Counter – Model: PVD200
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Appendix B Measuring Meter Dwell

The meter dwell measurement function performs a measure of the contact time in relation to a
single rotation of the meter. For the cat’s whisker contact, it is the measure of the cat’s
whisker contact tim e on the cam lobe. The r esulting measur ement is called “dw ell”. Dwell
is expressed in t erms of degrees and for a cat’s whisker contact; the contact time should be
adjusted to be the width of a single cup. This adjustment results in the dwell angle of 60º for
a meter with 6 cups and rep resents optimum performance. The magneti c contact meter (Ma g
Head) requires no adjustment and therefore measuring the meter dwell angle does not apply
but can be performed. When a meter dwell measurement is performed, the PVD200 takes
three measurements and displays the result on the LCD after each measurement, as shown.

The “Dwell Angle” can be computed by using the following simple formula:

Dwell Angle = (Contact time) x 360
(Total Time)

The contact time and total time shown above in the formula are expressed in terms of the
number of samples measured at a sample rate of 1200 Hz as it is measured b y the PVD200.
A high sample rate is us ed to reflect a more accurate measur e of the contact time and total
time measured. The repeatability and variability in measuring the dwell is directly related to
mechanical factors such as the condition of the pivot bearings, and the cat whisker wire
contact surface and cam lobe. Wide variations in readings reflect conditions that may require
further inspection of the meter and its mechanical parts. Some variation in readings is
acceptable and represents proper adjustment; however there should be no more than a 10%
difference between all the readings. Optimal setting is near 60º (a single meter cup width).
High conductivity of >25,000 micro Siemens can affect the operating performance of the
PVD200 and should a current meter be required to operate in high conductivity water, a
lower dwell angle setting should be used. A setting of not less than 20º for higher velocities
(>2 ft/sec or 0.65 m/sec) is suggested.

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Current Meter Counter – Model: PVD200
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- 26 - Issue 1.03 August 2018

Appendix C Example Calibration Certificate

HYQUEST SOLUTIONS PTY. LTD., AUSTRALIA

------------------------------------------

CERTIFICATE OF CALIBRATION Date: 27/4/06

-------------------------­Current Meter Model: xxxxxx Serial No. 91655
Fan No. 1 Serial No. 165435
Diameter: 125mm Pitch: 0.25m
Type of Support:
Method of Calibration: Average Value Equation

n < 0.42 V = 0.2190 n +0.0153 m/s

0.42 < n < 3.73 V = 0.2459 n +0.0041 m/s
n > 3.73 V = 0.2508 n -0.0142 m/s

Starting Velocity = 0.025 m/s
Maximum Velocity = 5.000 m/s

Note: 'n' denotes the number of revolutions of the propeller per second
'V' is the water velocity in meters per second.

Date: 27/4/06 INSPECTED:__________________

Anthony Gemayel
(Mechatronics Engineer)

_____________________________________________________________
| The above meter has been calibrated in accordance with |
| AS 3778.6.3-1992. This standard is identical with and has |
| been reproduced from ISO 3455:1976. |
| The clause below has been printed with the permission of |
| Standards Australia from AS 3778.6.1-1992. This standard is |
| identical with and has been reproduced from ISO 2537:1988. |
| Clause 7.6 Recalibration. Meters shall be recalibrated |
| whenever their performance is suspect. In practice for |
| individually rated meters, recalibration is sometimes |
| carried out at yearly intervals or after 300 hours of use, |
| whichever is the shorter. |
|_____________________________________________________________|
D127.08.00

Range Values

First Term

(Slope)

Second Term

(Intercept)

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Current Meter Counter – Model: PVD200
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Appendix D Ground Feeler Device Model GFD

Introduction

The Ground Feeler Device is a mechanical spring loaded attachment that can be used in
conjunction with any gauging winches fitted with Amergraph cable and connected to a
Columbus pattern gauging weight.

The unit is designed to alert the operator that the gauging weight has come in contact with the
streambed during a gauging operation.

Ground Feeler Device Model GFD

Current Meter Cable

When the gauging weight contacts the streambed, the GFD causes the current meter signal to
short-circuit. The Buzzer option on the PVD200 should be set to “EnFull”, and the buzzer
will beep continuously indicating the gauging weight is in contact with the streambed. Once
the weight is raised slightly off the streambed, the orange led will turn “OFF” and normal
current meter signal operation will continue.

The GFD eliminates the need to observe the main cable movement on a cableway to
determine if the gauging weight comes into contact with the streambed. In situations where
the distance is too far to observe the main cable movement, or in a harsh weather conditions,
the GFD makes streambed sensing an easy and accurate procedure.

Note:

A current meter cable is supplied with the Ground
Feeler Device (GFD) so it can be connected to the
operator’s current meter. The customer must specify
the lead type when ordering the GFD :

GFD02-AA for AA type current meters
GFD02-RB for Redback type current meters
GFD02-UNI for Universa l T ype Current Mete rs

(OSS-B1/OTT-C31)

GFD02-AA

GFD02-RB

GFD02-UNI

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Installation

Hanger bar is attached to

bottom section

C1 Connector is attached

to top section

Angle Plug connects the

amergraph cable to the
Ground Feeler Device.

ANGLE PLUG

GROUND

FEELER
DEVICE

PART No. GFD

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Operation

• The GFD contact plunger shown in normal gauging position when Columbus weight

is attached (i.e. no contact)

• The GFD spring moves plunger into contact position when Columbus weight reaches

the streambed (i.e. continuous beep or no signal received from current meter)

Gauging weight is

attached; The contact
pin moves away from
the angle plug contact
sleeve (open contact).

Gauging weight attached;

The pin is ma king contact
with the Angle Plug
connecting sleeve (closed
contact); Gauging weig ht
has reached streambed.

This side is attached to

current meter cable
(GFD02-AA or GFD-RB
or GFD02-OSS).
Customer to specify lead
when ordering.

This side is attached to

Amegraph cable angle plug.