Keynes Controls VibWire-201-Pro User Manual

VibWire-201-Pro User Manual 1

Model VibWire-101-Pro

Vibrating Wire Sensor Analyser

&

Data Recording Unit

Part No: VibWire-201-Pro

Advanced FFT Sensor Analyser

Advanced FFT Sensor Analyser

Advanced FFT Sensor AnalyserAdvanced FFT Sensor Analyser
Precision Temperature Readings

Precision Temperature Readings

Precision Temperature ReadingsPrecision Temperature Readings
User Pre-set VW Sensor Configurations

User Pre-set VW Sensor Configurations

User Pre-set VW Sensor ConfigurationsUser Pre-set VW Sensor Configurations

Sdi-12 & RS-485 Communication Ports

Sdi-12 & RS-485 Communication Ports

Sdi-12 & RS-485 Communication PortsSdi-12 & RS-485 Communication Ports

Daylight readable LCD display

Daylight readable LCD display Expansion Options

Daylight readable LCD display Daylight readable LCD display

Manufactured by Keynes Controls Ltd

Data logging to micro SD memory card

Data logging to micro SD memory card

Data logging to micro SD memory cardData logging to micro SD memory card
Up to 32 gb Storage

Up to 32 gb Storage

Up to 32 gb Storage Up to 32 gb Storage

Spreadsheet Format Data Files

Spreadsheet Format Data Files

Spreadsheet Format Data Files Spreadsheet Format Data Files

Real-time Clock

Real-time Clock

Real-time ClockReal-time Clock

Expansion Options

Expansion Options Expansion Options

- 16 x 4 Wire Inputs

- 16 x 4 Wire Inputs

- 16 x 4 Wire Inputs - 16 x 4 Wire Inputs

- 32 x 2 Wire Inputs

- 32 x 2 Wire Inputs

- 32 x 2 Wire Inputs - 32 x 2 Wire Inputs

Manufactured by KEYNES CONTROLS LTD

Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

VibWire-201-Pro User Manual 2

Features

Lightweight, Portable & Rugged

Compatible with most manufactures vibrating wire sensors

Real-time displays Freq (Hz), Digits (Hz2/1000), SI-Units, Spectra

FFT Spectral based algorithms for interference free measurements

Auto-resonance excitation 400 - 15 K Hz range - minimises sensor stress

Fully configured sensor operations

Large data storage - 100 million readings - SD Flash Cards to 32 Gb

Fast data recording - 1 sec to 1 hour logging intervals

No Vibrating Wire Sensor Prior operating conditions required

Expandable to 32 channels

SDI-12 and RS-485 ports for remote network connection

Optional radio interfaces for cable free operations

Firmware up gradable device - load software revisions with factory return

Benefits

Out the box solution for vibrating wire sensor measurements
Daylight readable LCD Display
Provides superior measurements by automatically reducing incorrect readings caused by noise sources
Customised FFT-based algorithm ensures readings are accurate and free from interferences
Real-time Sensor Spectra Display
No special cables or connectors required
No programming experience required to interface to 3rd party loggers and data acquisition systems..
Interfaces up to 32 channels using the MUX-16/32 Expansion unit.
High resolution—less than 0.001 Hz (industry standard is 0.1 Hz)
Low power consumption - Uses readily available AA battery life - 24 Hours continuous use
Suitable for laboratory testing and field measurement applications
Precision temperature and frequency measurements from vibrating wire sensors
Works with all RTD-temperature sensors regardless T0 resistance - 3 K, 10K etc
Free Data Storage and Display Applications Software -

Additional items commonly used with the VibWire-201-Pro Unit

MUX-16/32 Expansion Unit

This device is used to expand the number of sensor inputs
that can be used by the VibWire-201-Pro from a single
channel to 32 inputs.

This device can be powered directly from the
VibWire-201-Pro for stand-alone measurements.

USB-SDI12-Pro Media Converter

This device is used to connect the VibWire-201-Pro to a
Windows PC remotely across the SDI-12 digital network.
The USB-SDI12-Pro can be used to power the VibWire­201-Pro for fixed monitoring applications

The device supports all of the Keynes Controls SDI-12
sensor and interfaces, including many 3rd party devices.

The USB-SDI12-Pro isolates the network devices from the
Windows PC USB port and protects it against possible
damage caused by sensor failures.

USB-485-Pro Media Converter

This device is used to connect RS-485 based intelligent
devices including the VibWire-201-Pro a Windows PC.

The device not only can power sensors on the network,
but also isolates the PC USB port from any possible device
failure in order to prevent damage to the host PC.

The device supports all of the Keynes Controls RS-485
sensor and interfaces, including many 3rd party devices.

©

Copyright 2016-2017 Keynes C ontrols Ltd
No part of this manual can be re produced in part, or in whole
without the permission of Keyne s Controls Ltd.

VibWire-201-Pro User Manual 3

Page Number Description

5 Hardware Features / Controls and Ports

6 Quick User Guide - Default Thermistor part numbers - Real-time Results - Adjusting the display

7 Fitting Batteries - Battery Life - MUX-16/32 Expansion Port - Initial Start-up Screen -Low Battery Effects - Setting the Real-time Clock

8 Real-time Results -

9

10 Technical Specifications

11 Pre-set Sensor Configurations

12 Channel Expansion Options

13 Number of Channels

14 Program Commands for scanning MUX-16/32 in 32 x 2 Wire mode (3rd party loggers )

15 Frequently Asked Questions

16 Sensor Configuration Example - Piezometer

17 Sensor Configuration Example - Piezometer

18 Q-Log - Quick User Guide

Auto-timeout / Real-time Clock.
Factor Default Settings Reset

VW Sensor Installation.

Saving New Parameters - Adjusting the Time

Initial Start-up Display - Frequency Results Display - Digits Results Screen - Natural Units (SI) - Spectra Display
Spectral Features.

Digital Network Selection
Device Port Selection - SDI-12 Network Connection - RS485 Network Connection (Using USB-SDI12-Pro or USB-485-Pro media converters)

Temperature Measurements - Associated Part No - Device Configuration Software - Common VW Sensor Thermistor Part Numbers

- Sources of Error - Calibration Factor Error - User Defined Stein-hart Hart Calibration Factors

- Sensor Information

- Downloading and installing device setup software - Automatically setting the real-time clock.
Pre-defined Thermistor Calibration Parameters (Steinhart-Hart Calibration factors)
Automatically setting the real-time clock.

- 16 x 4 Wire Expansion - 32 x 2 wire expansion

- Mux-16/32 Expansion Unit Configuration Options - MUX Channel Selection Menu Options
Data Recording - Data Recording Options - Data Recording Menu System

Program Commands for scanning MUX-16/32 in 16 x 4 Wire Mode

- Switching between 2 and 4 Wire Mode Operations under SDI-12 Commands

- VW201-Pro want communicate with 3rd party logger - Network ID Number - How fast can the VibWire-201-Pro make a measurement

- Where to download the Q-LOG Software - How to make a measurements using a PC without any programming experience

- MUX-16/32 Connection Options to the VibWire-201-Pro

Temperature Compensated Calibration Factors - Results in Natural (SI) Units
Process Option setting - Pre-set Sensor Configuration Settings - Simplified Calibration Factors

Temperature Compensated Calibration Factors - Results in Natural (SI) Units
Process Option setting - Thermistor Type
Pre-set Sensor Configuration Settings
Simplified Calibration Factors

Factory Default Settings -Sample Rate Options

- Logging Configuration Window - Scanning for Devices
External Power Supply -Device identifier strings
PC Data Acquisition - Start data recording

(VW201cal software)

(VW201cal software)

19 Technical Specifications

20 Examples Of Using RS-485/SDI-12 Commands

21 Data Record to Flash Memory Card

22 Worked Example - Spot Welded VW Strain gauge

23 Temperature Calibration Factors

24 PC based Water Level Recording with Barometric Correction.

25 Temperature Measurements

26 Sensor Problems and Diagnostics

27 Free Standing Strain Gauge

Changing the ID Number (address) - Start a measurement for Instrument on a network
Isolated Power Source
Diagnostics

Removing The Memory Card
Storing the menu option
Default Sample Rates
External Power Supply
Isolated USB Media Converters

Data into engineering units - simplified formula

Adding a new thermistor type - Calibration parameters and what they mean - Sample Calibration Factors

(VW201cal software)

Device USB Configuration Port - Connection to a Data Logger

Factory Set Steinhart Hart Calibration Factors
Testing the temperature measurements

- 22 Deg C fixed point - 3.3 K Ohm temperature test resistor

- 52 Deg C fixed point - 1 K Ohm temperature test resistor

Sensor Operating Characteristics

- VW strain gauge - Pre-tension gauge mounted onto a structure

- VW strain gauge - Failed or loose weld

29 APPENDIX-A Menu System Summary

32 APPENDIX-B Sample Calibration Data Sheets

VibWire-201-Pro User Manual 4

Important Figures

Figures Description

Fig 1 Hardware Features

Fig 3 Initial Start-up Screen - no sensor connected

Fig 7 & 8 Sensor Installation

Fig 9 Adjust results display screens

Fig 10 Fitting batteries

Fig 12 Setting the real-time clock

Fig 14 - 17 Results displays

Fig 18 - 19 VW sensor spectra

Fig 20 - 21 Device Port Selection

Fig 22 SDI-12 network connection - USB-SDI12-Pro Media Converter

Fig 23 RS-485 network connection - USB-485-Pro Media Converter

Fig 24 - 25 VW201cal Software - Calibration Factors Entry Window

Fig 26 32 x 2 Wire Expansion with the MUX-16/32 Unit

Fig 27 16 x 4 Wire Expansion with the MUX-16/32 Unit

Fig 28 MUX-16/32 Control Menu System.

Fig 29 Data Recording Menu System

Fig 31 MUX-16/32 Output Port Connections for 32 x 2 Wire Mode.

Fig 32 MUX-16/32 Output Port Connections for 16 x 4 Wire Mode.

Fig 33-35 32 x Frequency / 32 x Temperature / 16 x 4 Expansion Unit Wiring Options.

Fig 39 Select individual MUX-16/32 Channel Menu System

Fig 41 VW201cal Software - Example Calibration (Frequency) factor configuration Window.

Fig 43 Preset Sensor selection Menu System

Fig 45 SDI-12 port pin-outs - USB-SDI12-Pro and VibWire-201-Pro

Fig 46 Q-LOG Configuration Window - Data Logging - PC Port Network Type Selection.

Fig 48 Scanning for Devices - Q-Log Window.

Fig 49 Q-LOG Devices List Window

Fig 50 Q-LOG Start Data Acquisition Window

Fig 53 External Power Supply

Fig 54 Recording Interval Menu Options

Set number of channels to scan.

Product Changes

VibWire-201-Pro demonstrating the ability
to calculate and display a real-time
vibrating wire sensor spectra.

Keynes Controls Ltd has an on-going policy of design review and reserves the right to amend
the design of their product and this instruction manual without notice

VibWire-201-Pro User Manual 5

Hand Held VW Logger Unit with FFT Analyser

Hand Held VW Logger Unit with FFT Analyser

Hand Held VW Logger Unit with FFT Analyser Hand Held VW Logger Unit with FFT Analyser

Hardware Features

Fig-1

Carbon fibre reinforced
ABS plastic enclosure

Power On

To power on the VibWire-201-Pro unit, hold and press the On/Off
button for 2 seconds. The device will initiate and start a measurement
operation.

The device will initialise using the last defined senso

Power Off

Hold and press the On/Off button and the device will power off

Powering on the Unit

Press and hold for 2 seconds the ‘Menu Out’ button. The device will
power on and the ‘Start-up Screen will be displayed. Repeat the
operation to power off the device.

Menu-Out
On/Off Button

r.

.

Menu-In &
Power On/Off
Button

MUX-16/32 Control Port

Sensor Port

Compatible with the
VW101 & VW108 units

Rubber protective
boot cover

Earth

Frequency

Signal connection Posts

Port

Temperature

Port

Calculations

Keynes Controls use the following calculation

Digits = Frequency 2

1000

Day Light Readable LCD Display

The LCD display is clear to read in most lighting conditions. A
back light is available for low level light environments. Three
levels or display brightness can be ‘User’ assigned.

Back light - LCD Screen

Options for High , Low, Off.

User Defined Sensors - 20 options

Use the Windows Configuration software to assign
sensor details.

Menu Control Buttons

Use the Menu-In and Menu-Out buttons to select the different
menu systems.

User the ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ menu keys to select the menu items.

RS-485 network port

SDI-12 network port

The 4 wire sensor port mounted at the bottom of the instrument is
used a general sensor test port. Bare sensor wires can be simply
connected directly into the spring terminal posts.

4 Wire Sensor Inputs + Earth

Spring Terminal Post Connectors

Real-time Clock

Temperature compensated real-time clock accurate to 50 ppm
/ Deg C.

(Hz2)
1000

Menu-InMenu-Out Down Up

Automatic Time-out

The VibWire-201-Pro will power down automatically after 30 minutes of un­attended operation, unless configured to make measurements.

Protective Case

The case for the VibWire-201-Pro is manufactured from carbon fibre reinforced
ABS plastic. This makes the case highly safe from accidental damage.

The rubber boot prevents provides additional protection from the wear and tare
of site work. A rear stand enables the device to free stand while in operation.

SDHC flash memory
card slot.

Factory Default Setting Reset

Select the ‘Reset Defaults’ option shown below to reset the device to its factory
settings. The image below shows the menu operations required to undertake
this task.

Ethernet Port

Micro-USB Port
(Type B)

Fig-2

Frequency

2534.86

Selected Sensor

Frq

Hz

Res
Dg
SI

Tem

2016-01- 20 08 :40::17

6

3003.56

24.89

2534.86

Dig

6424.95

992.28

Val

Ohm
C

Menu-In

Hz

Sensor No
Logger

Multiplexe r
Remote
System

Main Menu

Menu-In

System

Set Time and Date

Speaker O N/OFF
Backlight
Info
Reset De faults

Ethernet Port

The Ethernet port is currently not used in the VibWire-201-Pro and has been added for future expansion.

Micro-USB Port (Type B)

The micro-USB port is used to configure the VibWire-201-Pro and to download data. Use the VW201pro configuration software tool assign sensor configuration
information into the instrument.

SDHC Flash Memory

The VibWire-201-Pro supports a single SDHC memory card slot. The memory card has to be pre-formatted before use.

The maximum size memory card currently supported is 32 Gb.

VibWire-201-Pro User Manual 6

Quick User Guide

VW Sensor Installation

The instructions shown in the Quick User Guide presumes that the batteries have
already been installed into the device and a vibrating wire sensor is ready for
testing.

The VibWire-201-Pro will operate with any sensor manufactures device.

The VibWire-201 comes pre-configured with default temperature sensor calibration
factors defined. The pre-set temperature sensor calibration factors are based on
a 3 K Ohm @ 25 Deg C device. The following sensor part numbers all use the
same calibration settings.

1000001

-70.20

2016-01-20 08:40::17

Hz

Ohm
C

Default Thermistor Part Numbers

YSI 44005
Vishay 1C 3001 B3
RS Part no: 151-215

1. Power On The VibWire-201-Pro.

Press and hold the ‘Power On’ for 2 seconds.
and with no sensor connected the default

Frequency display is shown opposite.

Frequency

99.00

Selected Sensor

Frq
Dig
Val

99.00

9.80

9.80

Hz

Res
Tem

Dg
SI

6

Fig-3 Initial Start-up Screen

Default screen with no sensor attached.

2. Connect a vibrating wire sensor to the device

Connect a single sensor to either the 5 pin terminal block input port or directly onto the
sensor port mounted at the bottom of device using the spring loaded terminal posts..

Connect the frequency output signal from the sensor to the red and
black terminal posts.

Frequency

Fig-4

Input Signal
Connection

The VibWire-201-Pro supports full 4 wire sensor operations. The device
measures frequency and temperature from any suitable vibrating wire sensor.

Connect a Vibrating Wire sensor to the 5 pin ‘Sensor Input’ port or directly to
the spring return termination posts mounted at the bottom of the unit.

1. Connect the sensor coil to the ‘Frequency Input’ port.

2. Connect the sensor thermistor (temperature) sensor to the ‘Temperature
Input’ port.

3. Use the VW201cal.exe software to define thermistor calibration factors.

Figures 7 and 8 show how to connect a vibrating wire sensor to the device.

Sensors connected to the spring loaded terminal posts

Fig-7

Earth

Frequency

Input

Frequency
Signal

Coil

+-

Temperature

Input

Sensor
Terminal
Posts

Sensors connected to the Sensor Port

Connect the vibrating wire sensor thermistor (temperature sensor)
to the green and yellow terminal posts.

Thermistor

Fig-5

Input Signal
Connection

3. Real-time Results

As soon as the vibrating wire sensor is connected to the VibWire-201-Pro then the measurements
will be displayed on the display.

3003.56

24.89

2016-01-20 08:40::17

Ohm
C

Hz

A typical display screen is shown opposite.

Fig-6

Frequency

2534.86

Selected Sensor

Frq
Dig

Val

2534.86

6424.95

992.28

Hz

Res
Tem

Dg

SI

6

3. Use the ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ keys to switch between Hz, Digits and Spectra.

Down

Up

The SI unit display remains blank until configured.

Adjusting the display

Use the keyboard ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ arrow keys to adjust the results display screens.

The display screen will be change as the
Up and Down keys are pressed.

Menu-InMenu -Out Down Up

- VW Sensor

Earth

Frequency
Signal

Coil

- Thermistor

+ Thermistor

+VW Sensor

Sensor Port

Thermistor

temperature
sensor

Fig-8

Fig-9

Frequency

Frequency

2534.86

Selected Sensor (3) EDS-20

Frq
Dig
Val

2534.86

6424.95

992.28

Hz
Dg
SI

Res
Tem

2016-01-20 08 :40::17

6

3003.56

24.89

Hz

Ohm
C

Digits

Digits

6424.95

Selected Sensor (3) EDS-20

Frq
Dig

Val

2534.86

6424.95

992.28

Hz
Dg

SI

Res

3003.56

Tem

2016-01-20 08 :40::17

6

24.89

D

Ohm
C

The results shown above are obtained using an Encardio-rite EDS-20
vibrating wire pressure sensors.

SI Units

Sensor

992.28

Selected Sensor (3) EDS-20

Frq
Dig

Val

2534.86

683.929

992.28

Hz
Dg

SU

Res

3003.56

Tem

2016-01-20 08 :40:17

6V

24.89

Nat Units

Ohm
C

Spectra

FFT Sensor Spectra

6 10 11

2534.86

6424.95

992.28

7

Hz
Dg

SI

0 1 2 3 4 5

Selected Sensor (3) EDS-20

Frq
Dig

Val

KHz

Res
Tem

6

12

13

3003.56

24.89

2016-01-20 08:4 0::17

14

Ohm
C

Use the Up and Down arrow keys

15

to switch between the results screens

Down Up

VibWire-201-Pro User Manual 7

Fitting Batteries

-

-

+

+

Only fit standard AA batteries in the VibWire-201-Pro.

AA 1.5 V Cells

-

+

-

+

Initial Start-up Screen

Frequency

99.00

Selected Sensor (1)

Frq

99.00

Dig

9.80

9.80

Val

Battery level
when a new set of
batteries are installed into the unit.

Hz

Res 1000000.00
Tem -70.2

Dg

SI

2016-01-20 08:40::17

2016-01-20 08:40:17

6 V

3003.56

24.89

Fig-10

Hz

Ohm
C

Fig-11

1. Remove the battery cover from the rear of the device by simply unscrewing the securing bolts.

2. Replace the battery set in the layout shown in the image opposite.

3. Replace the battery cover and power on the unit.

The battery level indicator will show 6V when a new set of batteries has been installed See Fig 11.

Battery Life

When operating as a single channel device using a new set of batteries the VibWire-201-Pro will operate for
approximately 40 Hours continuous use.

MUX-16/32 Expansion Operations

The VibWire-201-Pro powers the MUX-16/32 expansion unit directly across the SDI-12 BUS and will reduce the
battery life of the device if used without an external power supply.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Remove the batteries from the VibWire-201-Pro should the device not be used for a long period of time.

Low Battery Level Effects

Once the battery levels falls before 4.5 V then

1. Display may not update at the correct rate and appears to flicker.

2. Measurement values can be erratic.

Once the display falls below 4.5V then the ‘Low Battery’ indicator flashes, see Figure 13 below. Should the unit
continue to operate then the display may flicker. Fit a new set of batteries.

Setting the Real-time Clock

The real time clock in the VibWire-201-Pro is configured using the ‘Set Time
and Date’ menu. See Page FF section G.

The VibWire-201-Pro can be used as a stand-alone VW sensor data logger
recording measurements automatically, and also to take single shot readings
under ‘User’ control.

Measurements are stored to the flash memory card.

See Page MM for details on selecting the ‘Time and Date’ menu.

Real-Time Clock Menu System

Set Time and Date

Date 2016-01-06

Time 08:25:30

Fig-12

Example

6th January 2016
08:25 AM 30 Seconds

Use the Up and Down keys between ‘Date’ and ‘Time’ options.

Down Up

Select Date or Time to be configured

Use the ‘Menu-Out’ and ‘Menu-In’ keys to move along the Date or Time fields.

As the keys are pressed the item indicator symbol will be displayed
under chosen item.

Menu-InMenu-Out

Once the parameter to adjust has been chosen then use the ‘Up’ and ‘
buttons to make changes.

The ‘Up’ and ‘

Down

’ buttons will increment, or decrement a parameter by 1 unit

after each action.

(Time/Date For mat)

Date Year-Month-Day

Time Hours:Minutes:S econds

(Selected Item Indicator)

Down

’

Adjusting the Time

Down

Up

Time 09 : 23: 06

Secs

Time 09 : 23: 06

Hours

Down

Up

Time 09 : 23: 06

Mins

Move through each date an and time parameter in turn making adjusts as
necessary.

Saving New Parameters

Once all parameters have been set, press the button unit the

Menu-Out

default ‘Frequency’ menu is displayed.

The new date and time values will be stored and the real-time clock settings
updated to the different menus.

Frequency

Hz

99.00

Selected Sensor (1) EDV-30

Frq

99.00

Dig

9.80

9.80

Val

Low Battery
Indicator

Note

The VW201cal.exe Windows configuration software automatically sets the
time and date used by the VibWire-201-Pro to the PC clock.

Hz

Res 1000000.12
Tem -70.2

Dg

SI

Low Battery

24.89

Ohm
C

3003.56

2016-01-21 10:40::17

2016-01-20 08:40:17

Fig-13

Date and time string will update
with the new settings.

Up

Down

Adjusting the Date

Date 2016-01-06

Year

Down

Up

Date 2016-01-06

Month

Up

Down

Date 2016-01-06

Day

Up

Down

VibWire-201-Pro User Manual 8

Real-time Results

Figures 14 below shows the default display that appears as soon as the device is powered on and with no sensor connected to an input port.

Upon connection of a sensor to the input port then the device automatically displays the frequency and temperature values.

With no sensor coil connected to the frequency input then the device defaults to 99.00 Hz.

Initial Start-up Screen

Frequency

99.00

Selected Sensor (4) EPP-30V

Frq
Dig

Val

SI Units

See Note 1

99.00

9.80

9.80

Battery
Voltage

Hz
Dg

SI

Res

100000.1

Tem

2016-01-20 08:40:17

6 V

Date Time

-70.20

Fig 14

Hz

Ohm
C

Fundamental Frequency

Resistance Thermistor
temperature sensor built
into a VW sensor.

Instant sensor
temperature in Deg C

Frequency Results - Hz

Frequency (Hz)

Digits - Hz2/1000

Engineering Units

Once a vibrating sensor is connected to an input port the display will change
similar to that shown above.

Frequency Results - Hz2 (Digits)

Fig-16

Digits

VW Sensor - SI Unit (Dig its)

D

Natural Units (SI)

Fundamental Frequency

2534.86

Selected Sensor (4) EPP-30V

Frq

2534.86

Dig

6424.95

992.28

Val

SI Units

Battery
Voltage

Hz
Dg

SI

Res

3003.56

Tem

2016-01-20 08:40::17

6 V

Date Time

24.89

Ohm
C

in Digits

All Keynes Controls VW sensor
instrumentations uses the digits
calculation

Digits = Frequency 2

1000

(Hz2)
1000

Use the ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ arrow keys
to switch between the different
results screens.

Fig-15

Frequency

834.69

Selected Sensor (4) EPP-30V

Frq

834.69

Dig

696.70

696.70

Val

Fig-17

Sensor

300.31

Selected Sensor (4) EPP-30V

Frq

876.86

768.36

Dig

300.31

Val

SI Units

Battery
Voltage

Important Note

Hz

Res
Tem

Dg

SI

6 V

Hz

Res

Tem

Dg

SI

5.2 V

Date Time

VW Sensor - SI Unit (Hz)

3571.73

2016-01-20 08:40:17

Ohm
C

21.07

VW Sensor - SI Unit

Nat Units

18.67

Ohm
C

3984.29

2016-01-20 08:40::17

Hz

Sensor Frequency (Hz)

Output value in
engineering
units.

Up

Down

Thermistor
Resistance Value

VW sensor
Temperature Deg C

The VibWire-201-Pro undertakes the spectral calculations on the incoming
vibrating sensor signal and gives the results immediately.

There are no ‘User’ configuration settings required to be assigned in order to
undertake a spectral calculation.

The largest peak is taken as the fundamental operating frequency of the sensor.
See Fig 19 opposite.

Spectra (Hz)

Frequency (Hz)

Digits - Hz2/1000

Engineering Units

VW Spectra Screen

FFT Sensor Spectra

992.28

6 10 11

Hz
Dg

SI

Battery
Voltage

0 1 2 3 4 5

Selected Sensor

Frq

2534.86

6424.95

Dig

Val

SI Units

7

KHz

Res
Tem

6 V

3003.56

2016-01-20 08:40::17

Date Time

12

24.89

Fig-18

131415

Ohm
C

Once the calibration factors have been set, and the process option set to ‘2’ see
Fig 24 on page 11.

All Keynes Controls VW sensor instrumentations uses the digits calculation

FFT Sensor Spectra

Fundamental
Frequency

0 1 2 3 4 5

2534.86

= Fundamental Frequency in Hz

6424.95

= Fundamental Frequency in Digits

st

1

Harmonic

Frequency

nd

2
Frequency

6 10 11

7

KHz

Digits = Frequency 2

1000

Harmonic

12

15

13

14

Maximum Operating
Frequency

(Hz2)
1000

Fig-19

Note. The example screens have been determined using a free standing
Encardo-Rite EPP-30V pressu re sensor

Copyright Keynes Controls Ltd 2015

VibWire-201-Pro User Manual 9

Selecting Remote Network Connections

The VibWire-201-Pro unit can connect to the SDI-12 and RS-485 networks for use in remote vibrating wire sensor measurements.

The SDI-12 and RS-485 ports enable the VivbWire-201-Pro to transmit sensor data into third party data logger and acquisition systems.

Device Port Selection

To select the network port type for remote data acquisition operations on the VibWire-201-Pro, use the menu system to select either of the menu items shown
below.

The device will then make measurements, and transmit data over the specified network port.

Page 30 shows the menu system built into the VibWire-201-Pro.

SDI-12 Port Operation

Frequency

2534.86

Selected Sen sor

Frq

Hz

Res

2534.86

Dig

Dg

Tem

6424.95

992.28

Val

SI

6

RS485

Port Opera

Frequency

2534.86

Selected Sen sor

Frq

Hz

Res

2534.86

Tem

Dig

Dg

6424.95

992.28

Val

SI

6

3003.56

24.89

2016-01-20 08:40::17

3003.56

24.89

2016-01-20 08:40::17

Menu-In

Hz

Ohm
C

tio

n

Hz

Ohm
C

Menu-In

Sensor No
Logger

Multiplexer
Remote
System

Sensor No
Logger

Multiplexer
Remote
System

Main Menu

Main Menu

Menu-In

Menu-In

Remote

Address
Serial Comms

Remote

Address
Serial Comms

Menu-In

Menu-In

SDI12
RS485 1200

SDI12
RS485 1200

Select Backlight

Select Backlight

Fig-20

Sets the VibWire-201-Pro to transmit data
through the SDI-12 Port

Sets the VibWire-201-Pro to transmit data
through the RS-485 Port

Fig-21

For single channel operation, once the output port is specified the sample data can be shown on the display.

SDI12 Remote Port

Remote Mode
Port = SDI-12
Address = 1
Measurement Count = 1 032

Selected Sensor

Hz

2534.86

6424.95

992.28

Dg
SI

Res
Tem

2016-01-20 08:40::17

6

Frq
Dig
Val

D

Ohm

3003.56

C

24.89

Number of measurements since
start of measurements on a
network. ID = 1.

RS485 Remote Port

Remote Mode
Port = RS485
Address = 3
Measurement Count = 1 53

Selected Sensor

Hz

Res

2534.86

Frq
Dig

6424.95

992.28

Val

3003.56

Tem

Dg

SI

2016-01-20 08:40::17

6

Number of measurements since
start of measurements on a
network. ID = 3.

24.89

Ohm
C

D

SDI-12 Network Connection

Figure 22 below shows how to connect the VibWire-201-Pro SDI-12 port to a
USB-SDI12-Pro media converter. The USB-SDI12-Pro media converter con­nects to a Windows PC and allows measurements from VibWire-201-Pro to
displayed directly into

Storing the menu option

Once the selected menu option is highlighted simple press the button
to store the new option.

Repeat the operation until the ‘
page 8.

RS-485 Network Connection

Figure 23 below shows how to connect the VibWire-201-Pro RS-485 port to a
USB-485-Pro media converter. The USB-485-Pro media converter connects to
a Windows PC and allows measurements from VibWire-201-Pro to displayed
directly into the Q-LOG data display and recording software.

The VibWire-201-Pro acts like any other intelligent 485 device, and will operate
with any other suitable device 3rd party device on the network.

Frequency

Menu-Out

’ display appears. See Figure 15 on

Remote Mode
Port = SDI-12
Address = 1
Measurement Count = 1032

Selected Sensor

2534.86

Frq
Dig

6424.95

992.28

Val

VibWire-201-Pro

Hz
Dg
SI

Res
Tem

2016-01-20 08:40::17

6

3003.56

24.89

Fig-22

D

Ohm
C

SDI-12 Data

SDI-12
Port

Part No: USB-SDI12-Pro

12 DC

Fig-23

Res
Tem

2016-01-20 08:40::17

6

3003.56

24.89

Ohm
C

D

+ RS-485

- RS-485
12 DC

Gnd/0V

Remote Mode
Port = RS485
Address = 3
Measurement Count = 153

Selected Sensor

Hz

2534.86

Frq

Dg

6424.95

Dig

992.28

SI

Val

Gnd/0V

Part No. USB-485-Pro

VibWire-201-Pro User Manual 10

Technical Specification

The current technical specification for the VibWire-201-Pro is:

Description

Physical Size
Weight

Battery
Auto-logging no back light

Communication Ports 1 x RS-485 Slave - 1200 Baud, 8 data, 1 stop, no parity

External Power Supply 10 - 15V DC @ 100 mA min specification

Vibrating Wire Measurements

Analogue Input 24 Bit Sigma Delta

Sensor Excitation Auto-resonance - Fully automatic

Operating Frequency 400 - 15 KHz

Measurement Resolution 0.001 Hz RMS - 20 to 70 Deg C

Measurement Accuracy ± 0.014% of reading - 20 to 70 Deg C

Spectral Analysis
Resolution
Window Function

Update Rate 0.25 Sec typical

SI Units Hz, Digits (Hz2/1000), Eng Units

Temperature Measurements

Analogue Input 24 Bit Sigma Delta

Measurement Range - 50 to 100 Deg C

Measurement Accuracy ± 0.25 % of reading - 20 to 70 Deg C

SI Units Deg C

Cal Factors Steinhart-Hart

Bridge Type Half Bridge

Expansion Options

1 x MUX-16/32 expansion unit

Scan rate 2 Sec/Chan - using expansion module

Memory Expansion 1 x SD Card = 1 .. 32 GB

(Excluding boot cover)

Height 184 mm - Width 74 mm - Depth 32 mm
125 g

4 x AA - 2000 mA/Hr
6 mA - standby - 340 Hours continuous use
20 mA/Hr with display - Low
50 mA/Hr with display mode - Full brightness
150 mA/Hr with MUX-16/32 - Peak (Note-1)

1 x SDI-12 - - 1200 Baud, 8 data, 1 stop, no parity
1 x micro USB configuration port

Differential Coil (V+) and Coil(V-) for direct connection of
sensor, excitation and resonant frequency measurement.
Digital signal processing for excellent noise rejection,

1024 line Zoom FFT - with data weighting

0.001 Hz
Hamming

(Quadratic Cal Factors)

Used for temperature compensated vibrating wire
measurements, and stand-alone temperature sensors for
Geotechnical applications. Ratio-metric measurement.

Beta Value - lower performance using Beta

1..32 - 2 Wire Freq inputs

1..32 - Temp (thermistor) inputs

1..16 - 4 Wire vibrating wire sensor inputs

250 ms update to screen

Temperature Measurements

The VibWire-201-Pro is factory set to use the most common thermistor
calibration factors that is fitted into most manufactures vibrating wire sensors.
The thermistor is used to measure temperature.

The thermistor calibration factors are taken from the sensor material
manufactures data sheet and are as accurate as possible.

The voltage input measurements are factory calibrated to traceable national
standards, and can be externally calibrated upon request. There is an extra
charge for operation.

Common VW Sensor Thermistor Part Numbers

YSI 44005
Vishay 1C 3001 B3
RS Part no: 151-215

The part numbers are for 3 K Ohm thermistor commonly used by most
different VW sensor manufacturers to measure temperature

The sensors give 3 K Ohm resistance at 25 Deg C

The most common material used in these sensors uses material type F
from GE sensing.

Under most practical applications, the in-built thermistor calibration factors will
give accurate results without the User having to be concerned with
understanding of process involved.

Simply connect the thermistor output from the sensor to the VibWire-201-Pro
and the device will instantly display the temperature.

Sources of Error

The principle source of error in field measurements will the added resistance
due to long sensor wires. The resistance added to the thermistor measurement
will give a fixed offset error. Make temperature measurements as close to the
temperature sensor as is practically possible.

Calibration Factor Error

Take care when using the calibration factors supplied on a vibrating wire sensor
manufactures data sheet. The factors are often given from sample sensors taken
from a batch and not necessarily from the individual sensor being used. Where
possible ensure that the sensor manufacturer calibrates the sensor and supplies
all test data so that the calibration factors can be verified.

Storage file format CSV - Comma Separated Variables

Logging Rates

16 x 4 Wire Mode
32 x 2 Wire

No. Pre-set Sensor Configurations

File Type Format DOS

Operating Temp Range -20 to 75 Deg C

Storage temperature >5 Deg C with batteries installed.

Note-1 - Use external supply for long term monitoring with MUX-16/32 unit
150 mA peak .

Internal to flash card
1s, 10s, 1 Min, 10 Min, 1 Hour, 6 Hours
MUX-16/32 Expansion
30 Sec/Chan
1 minutes

10 user defined sensors options

Associated Part Numbers

Part No:

VibWire-201-Pro - FFT VW Sensor Interface
USB-485-Pro - Isolated USB to 485 media converter
USB-SDI12-Pro - Isolated USB to SDI12 media converter
MUX-16/32 16 x 4 Wire/ 32 x 2 Wire Expansion unit

Device Configuration Software

The VibWire-101-Pro configuration software runs with on most modern
Windows platforms such as XP, 8.1 and 10 operating systems.

Table 1

User Defined Stein-hart-Hart Calibration Factors

The VibWire-201-Pro has the facility to enter User defined Steinhart-Hart
calibration factors.

The calibration factors are entered into the device using the VW201cal software
package. See figure 57 on Page 20.

Sensor Information

A calibration report should be provided with each vibrating wire sensor and it will
contain all the information required to convert Hertz, the frequency value output
by the sensor into appropriate SI units (e.g., displacement, pressure etc..)

1. If the values in the Calibration Report are in digits, use the following equation
to convert the VibWire-201-Pro frequency values from Hertz to digits.

Digits = Frequency 2

1000

(Hz2)
1000

2. Use the gauge factors and polynomial provided in the Calibration Report to

calculate SI units.

The VibWire-201-Pro uses:

Natural Units = A(R1)2 + B(R1) + C + K(T1-T0) - (S1-S0)

(Equ 1)

Calibration equation.

The software automatically identifies the USB port in use and allows for a true
plug and play operation. Simply enter the sensor calibration factors and select
the ‘Connect’ button to store parameters into the device.

Download the software at:

and this is expanded to:

= C(R1-R0)2 + B(R1-R0) + A + K(T1-T0) - (S1-S0)

(Equ 2)

when initial conditions in the measurements are involved.

The additional terms used in equation 2 only change the constant parameter
( A ) when used.

VibWire-201-Pro User Manual 11

Pre-set Sensor Configurations

The VibWire-201-Pro cab be configured using the

http://www.aquabat.net/downloads/

VW201cal.zip

VW201cal.exe

software which is available as a free download at:

Features

The VW201cal software gives the User the ability to configure the VibWire-201-Pro in an easy to use Windows environment.

Automatically sets time and date to host PC.
Set the User defined frequency and temperature calibration factors.
Select preset thermistor calibration factors.
20 Pre-set sensor configuration options.

The sensor names entered into the VW201cal software appear on the VibWire-201-Pro sensor list.

The VibWire-101-Pro supports up to 20 built-in User defined vibrating wire sensor configuration options.

Sensor Configuration

Thermistor
Calibration
Factors

EPP-30V

5200 2

SI Unit = A + B(R1)+ C(R1)2 + D(T)

Process Option

0 = Frequency,1 = Digits, 2 = SI Un its

-1720.23

-2159.487

2.8388E-1

3.1728

2

-0.0870

T0

where R1 = Current Reading
T = Temp Deg C
D = Thermal Factor

Thermistor Type T0, T1, T2 ….. etc

Figure 24 opposite shows the VibWire-201-pro Setup software used for entering the calibration
factors for a Vibrating wire sensor.

This Window is used to enter the frequency component calibration factors. The calibration factors
are used to enable the VibWire-201-Pro to display measurements directly in engineering SI units.

Write configuration details
into the device.

VW sensor
calibration factors

Select Therm istor Calibrat ion Window

Default-Therm

300025

Fig 25 Default Thermistor Calibration Factors

Downloading and Installing device setup software

1.

Download the VW201cal software from:

http://www.aquabat.net/downloads/VW201cal.zip

Run the install software script.

3.35E-3

2.56E-4

2.08E-6

Fig 24

7.30E-8

Default Steinhart-Hart
calibration factors

Figure 25 opposite shows the thermistor calibration settings window for the

The factory set default thermistor parameters for T0 are displayed.

SI Units

In order for the SI unit formulae be applied the process option has to be set to
‘2’. Fig 24 above shows how this is done.

Setting the process option to 0 or 1 shows results in Hz or Digits.

VW201cal

software.

Follow the on-line instructions to install and activate the software.

Once activated the main Window shown in Fig 24 above will be displayed.

Automatically setting the Real-time Clock

The VibWire-201-Pro can be used as a stand-alone VW sensor data logger
recording measurements automatically, and also to take single shot readings
under ‘User’ control. In order to act as a logger the internal real-time clock has
to be set.

The real-time clock is used to keep track of the time and date of a measurement.
The clock is set automatically the VibWire-201-Pro is connected to the PC via
the USB cable and the ‘

Upload’

button is activated. Once the sensor data is

written into the device then the clock is automatically synced to the host PC.

Common VW Sensor Thermistor Part Numbers

The part numbers are for 3 K Ohm thermistor commonly used by most
different VW sensor manufacturers to measure temperature

The sensors give 3 K Ohm resistance at 25 Deg C

The most common material used in these sensors uses material type F
from GE sensing.

YSI 44005
Vishay 1C 3001 B3
RS Part no: 151-215

Pre-defined Thermistor Calibration Parameters

The VibWire-201-Pro uses the following predefined calibration parameters to
defining the operation of the 3 K Ohm thermistor temperature sensors built into
most Vibrating Wire sensors.

(Steinhart-Hart Factors)

A = 3.35E-3, B = 2.56E-4, C = 2.08E-6, D = 7.30E-8

VibWire-201-Pro User Manual 12

Channel Expansion Options

The VibWire-201-Pro is expanded using a single MUX-16/32 expansion unit.

The expansion unit offers 16 x 4 wire or 32 x 2 wire sensor operations.

16 x 4 wire mode offers 16 x Frequency and 16 x Temperature inputs.

The 32 x 2 Wire sensor mode offers 32 x Frequency inputs or 32 x temperature measurements.

The VibWire-201-Pro can record data internally onto a SD memory card, or remotely across a digital network to a stand-alone PC running the Keynes Controls
Q-LOG applications software.

32 x 2 Wire Expansion

Output Ports on
the MUX-16/32 Unit

-

+

Out-0 Port

(MUX-16/32)

- VW Sense

+ VW Sense

- Therm

-

+

Sensor Port

+ Therm

(VW-201-Pro)

Unit shown below is configured for 32 x 2 wire
frequency measurements.

Sequencing MUX

MUX 0
21

Selected Sensor

Frq

Hz

Res

Ohm

3003.56
C

24.89

Tem

Out-1 Port

(MUX-16/32)

2534.86

Dig

Dg

6424.95

992.28

Val

SI

Fig-26

16 x 4 Wire Expansion

4 Wire operations records frequency and temperature simultaneously.

Sequencing MUX
MUX 1
12

Selected Sensor

Frq

Hz

Res

3003.56

24.89

Tem

Dg
SI

MUX-16/32
Output Ports

Out-0 Port

(MUX-16/32)

Output Ports on
the MUX-16/32 Unit

-

+

- VW Sense

+ VW Sense

- Therm

-

+

Sensor Port

+ Therm

(VW-201-Pro)

Dig
Val

Out-1 Port

(MUX-16/32)

2534.86

6424.95

992.28

Ohm
C

Fig-27

2 Wire operations records frequency or temperature but not both at the same
time.

MUX-16/32 Expansion Unit - User manual

For 32 x 2 wire operations the output ports on the MUX-16/32 expansion unit are connected together.

Full details for configuring and the MUX-16/32 unit can be seen in the User manual.

Download the User manual at

http://www.aquabat.net/downloads/mux32manualv1.pdf