ROTRONIC HF4 User Manual
E-M-HF4-V1_22
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Document code
Unit
HygroFlex HF4 Humidity Temperature
Transmitters: User Guide
Instruction Manual
Document Type
Page
1 of 29
Document title
HygroFlex HF4
Humidity Temperature Transmitters
User Guide
© 2009-2011; Rotronic AG E-M-HF4-V1_22
E-M-HF4-V1_22
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Document code
Unit
HygroFlex HF4 Humidity Temperature
Transmitters: User Guide
Instruction Manual
Document Type
Page
2 of 29
Document title
Table of contents
1 Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 3
2 Mechanical configurations and dimensions ..................................................................................... 4
2.1 Display and keypad option ............................................................................................................... 5
3 General description ............................................................................................................................. 5
3.1 Power supply .................................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Measured parameters ...................................................................................................................... 5
3.3 Calculated parameters ..................................................................................................................... 6
3.4 Analog output signals (HF42 and HF43) .......................................................................................... 6
3.5 Digital interface (HF45) ..................................................................................................................... 7
3.6 Service connector ............................................................................................................................. 8
3.7 Sensor protection (dust filter)............................................................................................................ 8
4 User configurable settings and functions ......................................................................................... 8
4.1 Function overview ............................................................................................................................. 9
4.2 Factory default settings .................................................................................................................. 10
5 Mechanical installation ..................................................................................................................... 12
5.1 General guidelines .......................................................................................................................... 12
5.2 HF4 enclosure ................................................................................................................................ 12
5.3 Installation of the HF4 type D (through wall mount) ........................................................................ 12
5.4 Installation of the HF4 type W (surface mount)............................................................................... 13
6 Electrical installation ........................................................................................................................ 14
6.1 General wiring guidelines ............................................................................................................... 14
6.2 Guidelines for RS-485 wiring (HF45) .............................................................................................. 15
6.3 Cable grip and cable specifications ................................................................................................ 15
6.4 Wiring ............................................................................................................................................. 15
7 Operation ........................................................................................................................................... 19
7.1 Minimum load requirements for the HF43 with voltage outputs ...................................................... 19
7.2 HF42 and HF43 transmitters (analog outputs)................................................................................ 19
7.3 HF45 (digital output) ....................................................................................................................... 20
7.4 Internal menu (optional keypad and display) .................................................................................. 21
7.5 Displayed parameters (optional keypad and display) ..................................................................... 21
8 Maintenance....................................................................................................................................... 22
8.1 Service cable .................................................................................................................................. 22
8.2 Location of the service connector (mini USB type) ......................................................................... 22
8.3 Periodic calibration check ............................................................................................................... 22
8.4 Cleaning or replacing the dust filter ................................................................................................ 23
8.5 Validation of the output signals transmission .................................................................................. 23
9 Firmware updates .............................................................................................................................. 24
10 Technical data ................................................................................................................................... 25
10.1 Specifications ................................................................................................................................. 25
10.2 Dew point accuracy ........................................................................................................................ 27
11 Accessories ....................................................................................................................................... 28
12 Supporting documents ..................................................................................................................... 28
13 Document releases ........................................................................................................................... 29
© 2009-2011; Rotronic AG E-M-HF4-V1_22
E-M-HF4-V1_22
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Document code
Unit
HygroFlex HF4 Humidity Temperature
Transmitters: User Guide
Instruction Manual
Document Type
Page
3 of 29
Document title
Applicability:
This manual applies to all instruments of the HF4 series with firmware version 1.x, where 1.x can be 1.0, 1.1,
etc. Changes to the last digit of the version number reflect minor firmware changes that do not affect the
manner in which the instrument should be operated.
1 Overview
The HF4 transmitter measures temperature, relative humidity and the dew or frost point. The HF4 series is
designed for fixed installation in HVAC and light industrial applications where a high measurement accuracy is
required at conditions within the range of 0 to 100 %RH and -50 to 100 C (-58 to 212 F). The electronics
operating range is limited to -40…60 °C (-10…60°C with the optional LC display).
The HF4 features well proven sensors and a robust housing. Digital signal processing ensures consistent
product performance and also facilitates the task of field maintenance with features such as potentiometer
free – digital calibration.
Based on the ROTRONIC AirChip 3000 digital technology the HF4 series offers the following functions:
User configurable settings
Calculation of the dew or frost point
Humidity temperature calibration and adjustment
Simulator mode
Automatic humidity sensor test and drift compensation
Fail safe mode
Data recording
The ability for the user to easily update the AirChip 3000 firmware means that instruments of the HF4 series
can be kept up-to-date regarding any future functionality improvement.
HF4 transmitters with analog output signals: two types of electronic circuit are available: HF42: 2-wire,
loop powered (4…20 mA current signal) and HF43: 3-wire (voltage or current signal). Both circuit types
provide linear analog outputs signals for transmission over a length of cable to a remote display, recorder,
controller or data processing unit and can be used to measure humidity only, temperature only or both
parameters.
HF4 transmitters with digital output: the HF45 is available with the following digital interface options: RS485, USB + RS-485 or Ethernet (TCP/IP) + RS-485. Use of a digital interface allows the simultaneous reading
of relative humidity, temperature and calculated parameter. The communication protocol used by the RS-485
interface offers several options that can be configured by the user. This includes a Modbus compatible
protocol.
© 2009-2011; Rotronic AG E-M-HF4-V1_22
E-M-HF4-V1_22
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Document code
Unit
HygroFlex HF4 Humidity Temperature
Transmitters: User Guide
Instruction Manual
Document Type
Page
4 of 29
Document title
Models with USB or Ethernet interface
2 Mechanical configurations and dimensions
© 2009-2011; Rotronic AG E-M-HF4-V1_22
E-M-HF4-V1_22
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Document code
Unit
HygroFlex HF4 Humidity Temperature
Transmitters: User Guide
Instruction Manual
Document Type
Page
5 of 29
Document title
2.1 Display and keypad option
The LC display option for the HF43 and HF45 has a
backlight. The LC display option for the HF42 does
not have a backlight.
The upper line corresponds to relative humidity or
dew / frost point and the bottom line corresponds to
temperature.
The display can be configured to show a trend indicator on each line:
▲: increasing value
▼: decreasing value
In the event of an alarm the display shows the symbol [ ! ] to the right of the value.
For instructions see the following HW4 manual: E-M-HW4v3-F2-003.
3 General description
3.1 Power supply
Depending on the circuit type, the HF4 requires the following power supply:
a) HF42 (2-wire, loop powered): 10…28 VDC - depending on the load connected to the output(s). The
minimum supply voltage can be determined as follows:
V min = 10 V + (0.02 x Load*) *Load resistance in ohms.
For the maximum load of 500 , the minimum supply voltage is 10 + (0.02 x 500) = 20 VDC. With both
output circuits closed, the maximum current consumption is 40 mA.
b) HF43 (3-wire with analog outputs): 15 to 40 VDC (see note below) or 12 to 28 VAC. With both output
circuits closed, the maximum current consumption is 50 mA.
Note: depending on the type of output signal, the HF43 will operate with the following minimum voltage
0…1 V outputs: 5 VDC or 5 VAC
0…5 V outputs: 10 VDC or 8 VAC
0…10 V outputs: 15 VDC or 12 VAC
0…20 mA or 4 …20 mA outputs: 6 VDC or 5 VAC with 0 load
15 VDC or 12 VAC with 500 load
c) HF45 (3-wire) with digital outputs: 5 to 40 VDC or 12 to 28 VAC. Maximum current consumption:
Model with USB interface: 50 mA
Model with Ethernet (TCP/IP) interface: 300 mA
3.2 Measured parameters
The HF4 measures relative humidity with a ROTRONIC Hygromer® IN1 capacitive sensor and temperature
with a Pt100 RTD.
© 2009-2011; Rotronic AG E-M-HF4-V1_22
E-M-HF4-V1_22
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Document code
Unit
HygroFlex HF4 Humidity Temperature
Transmitters: User Guide
Instruction Manual
Document Type
Page
6 of 29
Document title
Signal type
Maximum offset at range bottom
0…1 V
3 mV
0…5 V
50 mV
0…10 V
90 mV
0…20 mA
4 µA
4…20 mA
No offset
3.3 Calculated parameters
Using the ROTRONIC HW4 software, the HF4 can be configured by the user to calculate either the dew point
or the frost point.
3.4 Analog output signals (HF42 and HF43)
HF42 and HF43
With the ROTRONIC HW4 software any of the two analog output signals can be made to correspond to one of
the following:
Relative humidity
Temperature
Dew or frost point
Any output can also be disabled.
The scale of each analog output can be set within the numerical limits of -999.99 and 9999.99.
The D/A converters used to generate the analog output signals feature a 16-bit resolution.
The D/A converters used to generate the analog output signals feature a 16-bit resolution and exhibit a small
positive offset at the bottom of the signal range as indicated below:.
HF43
The ROTRONIC HW4 software allows changing the type of output signal to one of the following: 0…20 mA,
4…20 mA, 0…1V, 0…5V or 0…10V. Both output signals are automatically configured with the same signal
type. No calibration or adjustment is required after changing the type of output signal.
In the case of voltage output signals, load requirements apply to the external device or circuit connected to the
HF43 transmitter. These requirements are defined in the “Operation” chapter
© 2009-2011; Rotronic AG E-M-HF4-V1_22
E-M-HF4-V1_22
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Document code
Unit
HygroFlex HF4 Humidity Temperature
Transmitters: User Guide
Instruction Manual
Document Type
Page
7 of 29
Document title
3.5 Digital interface (HF45)
a) RS-485 serial interface
The HF45 has always a RS-485 serial interface. When the number of available network ports is limited, this
interface can be used to connect together up to 64 devices in a multi-dropped arrangement. In principle, an
unlimited number of such networks can be monitored with the HW4 software, but each RS-485 multi-drop
network is limited to 64 devices. The HF45 can be used either as a slave or a master, without special
configuration. The master is automatically the device that is directly connected to a network (PC or LAN) by
means of a USB port or TCP/IP port.
RS-485 Compatibility: The communication protocol used by the HF45 and other AirChip 3000 products is not
compatible with the protocol used by the previous generation of ROTRONIC instruments. Do not connect
legacy products and AirChip 3000 products to the same RS-485 multi-drop network.
b) USB or Ethernet interface
The HF45 is also available with the following interface combinations: USB + RS-485 or Ethernet +RS-485. In
that case the protection grade of the HF4 enclosure is no longer IP65 / NEMA 4 rated.
c) Communication protocol options
The measurement data can be read without having to use the ROTRONIC HW4 software. Starting with
firmware version 1.3, the HF4 offers the following communication protocol options (ASCII) which can be
selected by connecting the HF4 to a PC running the ROTRONIC HW4 software (version 2.1.1 or higher):
o RO-ASCII: this is the standard (default) communication protocol used by all AirChip 3000 devices and by
the HW4 software. In principle, this protocol supports all of the AirChip 3000 functions but some of the
functions require a certain amount of computations to be carried out by an external device such as a PC.
o Custom: this communication protocol can be used to provide compatibility of the HF4 with an existing
communication system. The Custom communication protocol is limited to reading measurement data from
the HF4. Functions such as device configuration, humidity and temperature adjustment, etc. are not
supported. The Custom protocol is applicable to all AirChip 3000 devices with a digital interface and
allows RS-485 networking
o Modbus: the Modbus protocol available with the HF4 is limited to reading measurement data from the
HF4. Functions such as device configuration, humidity and temperature adjustment, etc. are not
supported by the Modbus protocol.
When using either the RO-ASCII or the Custom protocol, the HF4 can be set to send data automatically after
each refresh cycle without requiring a data request. When this mode is enabled, the receiving device must be
listening at all times in order to get the measurement data.
For details, see document E-M-AC3000-CP
© 2009-2011; Rotronic AG E-M-HF4-V1_22
E-M-HF4-V1_22
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Document code
Unit
HygroFlex HF4 Humidity Temperature
Transmitters: User Guide
Instruction Manual
Document Type
Page
8 of 29
Document title
3.6 Service connector
The service connector is a UART digital interface (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) with a miniUSB type connector. This allows connecting the HF4 either to a PC running the ROTRONIC HW4 software or
to a probe input of another instrument that is compatible with the HygroClip 2 (HC2) probes. In both cases a
service cable is required. See “Maintenance” for the location of the service connector and for the type of
service cable to be used.
Connecting the HF4 to a PC is used to configure the HF4, gain access to the HF4 functions such as
humidity and temperature adjustment, read data from the HF4 on the PC and update the AirChip 3000
firmware.
Connecting the HF4 to the probe input of another instrument is useful only when the other instrument has
its own display and keypad, and has an internal menu equivalent to the menu of the HP23 hand-held
calibrator. The connection allows showing the data measured by the HF4 on the other instrument display
and also allows using the other instrument internal menu to do for example a humidity and temperature
adjustment of the HF4.
o HF45 (digital outputs): the digital interface (USB, Ethernet and RS-485) offers the same functionality as
the service connector but does not allow connecting the HF4 to a HP23 hand-held calibrator.
3.7 Sensor protection (dust filter)
The HF4 is supplied with a Polyethylene filter to protect the sensors against dust particles and high air
velocity.
4 User configurable settings and functions
The HF4 ships configured as specified on the customer order. Models with analog outputs can be installed
and used just as any conventional humidity and temperature transmitter and most users will never need to use
the HF4 configurable settings and functions. Models with a digital interface generally require some
configuration by the user.
Making use of the HF4 configurable settings and functions is entirely up to the user and the appropriate
settings depend on the user application. We have provided below a short description of the HF4 functions and
also indicated the factory default settings.
© 2009-2011; Rotronic AG E-M-HF4-V1_22
E-M-HF4-V1_22
Rotronic AG
Bassersdorf, Switzerland
Document code
Unit
HygroFlex HF4 Humidity Temperature
Transmitters: User Guide
Instruction Manual
Document Type
Page
9 of 29
Document title
MEASUREMENT ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY
AirChip 3000 Functions
Description
► Humidity / temperature adjustment
o 1-point or multi-point humidity calibration or adjustment
o 1-point or 2-point temperature calibration or adjustment
o Generate a time stamp for calibrations and adjustments
o Retain and view last adjustment date and adjustment values
o Generate calibration and adjustment protocols
► Automatic humidity sensor test
and optional drift compensation
Tests the humidity sensor for drift caused by contaminants and
can be used to automatically apply a correction. The test is
automatically carried out at regular intervals of time. Can be
configured, enabled, or disabled
The humidity sensor status can be verified either with the HW4
software or with the instrument display (if available) and is
shown as Good, SQ-tuned (corrected for drift) or Bad (defective)
► Data recording
The data recording function differs from a true data logging
function in the sense that the AirChip 3000 does not time stamp
the data. This data recording function can be used to investigate
events such as a sensor malfunction as well as to retrieve data
that would otherwise be lost
o Start or stop data recording - up to 2000 value pairs (%RH
and temperature). Starting a recording session erases all
previously recorded data
o The recording mode and log interval can be specified
o When the device is powered off, the recording session is
paused but not ended As long as the recording session has
not been ended, the device automatically resumes recording
data when powered up again
o The recorded data can be downloaded to a PC with the
HW4 software, time stamped and viewed
MEASUREMENT LOOP VALIDATION
AirChip 3000 Functions
Description
► Simulator mode
Used to make the HF4 generate fixed values for the humidity,
temperature and calculated parameter. Can be configured,
enabled or disabled
DEVICE SAFEGUARDS
AirChip 3000 Functions
Description
► Device write protection
Used to protect the HF4 with a password to prevent
unauthorized digital access by a digital user. Can be configured,
enabled or disabled
► Internal menu access from keypad
Used to prevent accidental changes to the HF4 settings and
temperature-humidity adjustment by disabling the MENU key on
the optional keypad. Can be enabled or disabled
4.1 Function overview
© 2009-2011; Rotronic AG E-M-HF4-V1_22
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