PASCO 0605MNMMDWJEIN User Manual

Instruction Sheet

Handle

Depth Scales

(cm and in)

Impeller

Housing

PASPORT

Sensor

Plug

Propeller

Close-up view of

the propeller

Flow Direction

Arrow

Ribbed

Sections

Sensor Plug

PASPORT
Input Port

Interface

Flow Rate/Temperature Sensor

PS-2130

012-08622B

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*See the PASCO catalog or the PASCO web site at www.pasco.com
for more information.

Introduction

The PS-2130 Flow Rate/Temperature Sensor measures the
flow rate and temperature of moving water. The impeller
housing contains a propeller mounted on a low friction brass
shaft. Magnets on the propeller revolve as the propeller
turns, and the revolutions are recorded by a Hall effect sens­ing element. The Hall effect sensing element minimizes arti­fact pulses that sometimes occur with a magnetic reed
switch. The propeller makes 4.31 revolutions for each linear
foot of water that passes, so 8.62 pulses are produced for
each linear foot of water passing through the housing.

The Flow Rate Sensor transforms the kinetic energy of mov­ing water into electric pulses that are converted into velocity
measurements and viewed in the data acquisition software.
The Flow Rate Sensor measures in feet per second (ft/s) or
meters per second (m/s). The built-in temperature sensor
measures temperature at the same point as the flow rate is
measured.

The tube of the Flow Rate/Temperature Sensor can be
extended to a total length of 7 feet (2.13 m). The outer part of
the tube has depth markings in inches and centimeters. The

Included Item

Flow Rate/Temperature Sensor

Required Items*

PASCO Interface

PASCO Data Acquisition Software

impeller housing has an arrow to indicate the direction to
hold the sensor so that the water flow can be measured.

The sensor is designed to work with a PASPORT-compatible
interface (such as the PS-2002 Xplorer GLX hand-held data­logger) and PASCO data acquisition software.

Sensor Operation

• Connect the sensor plug to one of the PASPORT input
ports of a PASCO PASPORT-compatible interface.

NOTE: If more distance is needed between the sensor and
the interface, plug the sensor into a Sensor Extension Cable
(PS-2500) and then plug the cable into the interface.

Safety CAUTION!

SAFETY TIPS: When using the Flow Rate Sensor outdoors,
follow standard water and outdoor safety precautions. The
Flow Rate Sensor is recommended for use in streams and
lakes (avoid turbulent waters or rivers). Always be aware of
potential hazardous conditions in the area. Do not use the
sensor in high winds, adverse weather or avalanche condi­tions, near potential land or mudslides, or when standing on
unstable ground. Before using the sensor, survey the area.
When inserting the Flow Rate Sensor into water, stand on
stable ground or in shallow water. Keep the Flow Rate Sen­sor away from water that has lots of debris or potential obsta­cles. If the propeller or sensor becomes lodged in a high
velocity current or near a drop off, do not attempt to remove

Flow Rate/Temperature Sensor Specifications

the sensor. In high risk situations, only allow a water patrol
officer or public safety official to remove the sensor.

• Always hold the pole vertically and keep the propeller in
the direction of the current flow, facing upstream.

• When taking a reading, keep the handle steady.

• If the flow rate reading suddenly falls to zero mid­stream, check the propeller for debris. When sand or
other particles become lodged in the propeller, the pro­peller stops turning and the reading drops to zero.

• Erratic readings may occur with turbulent water flow. If
measuring flow from a stream or creek, keep the hous­ing in a stable position, away from rocks and turbu­lence. If measuring in low depths, the housing can be set
on the stream bed for a more stable reading.

• Do not connect the propeller housing to pipes or other
tubing.

• If using the Flow Rate Sensor from a boat, tether the
boat such that the boat does not move during measure­ments. Boat movement may interfere with an accurate
flow rate measurement.

Making Measurements

Specifications

Item Value

Ranges: Flow Rate: 0.3 to 13 ft/s

Temperature: -3° to 42°C

Accuracy: 0.1 ft/s

Pulse Frequency: 8.62 per linear foot

Unit Options: feet/second, meters/second,

total pulses

Probe Length: 1 meter to 2.13 m

Minimum Depth: 1.5 in (3.8 cm)

Extending the Sensor Tube

Between the handle and the sensor tube are two ribbed sec­tions. One of them is slightly longer and larger in diameter.
To extend the tube, hold the smaller ribbed section firmly
with one hand, and turn the other ribbed section counter­clockwise (left-to-right) to loosen it. When the ribbed section
is loose, pull the handle to extend the tube to the desired
length. Turn the larger ribbed section clockwise
(right-to-left) to tighten it and hold the tube in place.

Using SPARKvue Software

• Connect the sensor plug to a PASPORT input port on a
SPARKvue-compatible interface and start the software.
The sensor parameter screen opens and shows the list of
measurements for the sensor.

• In the sensor parameter screen, touch a measurement,
and then touch ‘Show’ to open a graph display of the
measurement.

• Touch “Start”( ) to begin recording data.

Using the Xplorer GLX

• Turn on the Xplorer GLX and connect the sensor plug to
a port on the top. A Graph display of Flow Rate versus
Time opens automatically.

•Press the Sta rt/Stop key (s) to begin recording data.
Press the same key again to stop recording.

Calibration Information

Calibration of the Flow Rate/Temperature Sensor is not
needed.

More Information

For more information about collecting, recording, displaying
and analyzing data, refer to the User’s Guide or Online Help
System for the data acquisition software.

Maintenance

Storage

When not using the Flow Rate Sensor, store the sensor in a
dry environment to avoid corrosion. If necessary, periodi­cally lubricate the propeller with silicone oil.

Suggested Activity: Measuring the Flow Rate and Temperature in a Stream

• Connect the sensor plug to the interface and turn on the
interface.

• Place the Flow Rate/Temperature Sensor impeller hous­ing about two inches below the surface of a moving
stream of water. Hold the sensor steady.

• Start recording data.

• On a piece of paper, draw a diagram of the stream and
shoreline. On the stream diagram, mark the point where
you took the measurement. Next to the point, record the
flow rate and temperature readings.

• Repeat the data recording process as several depths and
locations in the stream of water.

• Compare the flow rate and temperature at the different
depths and locations.

Using the Flow Rate Sensor to Estimate Total Wat er Outpu t

• With a measuring tape, measure the width of the stream
of water (shore-to-shore) and record the width in meters.

• With the Flow Sensor’s depth measurement scale, take
depth measurements in meters at equally spaced inter-

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012-08622B