Seametrics INW CT2X Instructions Manual
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INW CT2X
Conductivity Smart Sensor
and Data Logger Instructions
For PSIG
sensors, refer
to page 21
regarding
desiccant
use!
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PROUDLY
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CT2X INSTRUCTIONS
Seametrics • 253.872.0284 Page 2 inwusa.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Information
General Information ...................................................................................................................................................Page 4
Dimensions ....................................................................................................................................................................Page 4
Specications ................................................................................................................................................................Page 5
Initial Inspection and Handling ..............................................................................................................................Page 6
Do’s and Don’ts ............................................................................................................................................................Page 6
Installation
Connecting External Power ......................................................................................................................................Page 7
Connecting a CT2X to a Computer .......................................................................................................................Page 7
Cable Wiring ..................................................................................................................................................................Page 8
Installing Aqua4Plus or Aqua4Plus Lite Software ...........................................................................................Page 8
Using Without Aqua4Plus or Aqua4Plus Lite Software ................................................................................Page 9
Installing the Sensor ...................................................................................................................................................Page 9
Desiccant Use ................................................................................................................................................................Page 9
Grounding Issues .........................................................................................................................................................Page 9
Settings and Calibration
General Settings and Calibration Information .................................................................................................Page 10
Conductivity Channel .................................................................................................................................................Page 10
Pressure Channel .........................................................................................................................................................Page 12
Depth/Submergence ........................................................................................................................................Page 13
Depth-to-Water ..................................................................................................................................................Page 13
Elevation Above Sea Level ..............................................................................................................................Page 14
Staff Gauge ...........................................................................................................................................................Page 14
Operation
Collecting Data with Aqua4Plus and Aqua4Plus Lite ....................................................................................Page 15
Real Time Monitor .......................................................................................................................................................Page 15
Setting up Data Recording .......................................................................................................................................Page 15
Retrieving Data .............................................................................................................................................................Page 15
Viewing Data .................................................................................................................................................................Page 15
Exporting Data ..............................................................................................................................................................Page 16
A Word about Units ....................................................................................................................................................Page 16
Direct Read Modbus/SDI-12
Setting Units for Direct Read ..................................................................................................................................Page 16
Power Consideration ..................................................................................................................................................Page 17
Reading via Modbus RTU .........................................................................................................................................Page 17
Reading via SDI-12 ......................................................................................................................................................Page 18
Maintenance
Desiccant Tubes ............................................................................................................................................................Page 21
Removing Debris from End Cone ..........................................................................................................................Page 21
Sensor/Cable/End Connections .............................................................................................................................Page 21
Changing Batteries ......................................................................................................................................................Page 22
Troubleshooting
Problems/Probable Causes/Things to Try ..........................................................................................................Page 25
CT2X INSTRUCTIONS
IF USING ALKALINE BATTERIES—PREVENT BATTERY LEAKAGE!
CT2X sensors are typically shipped with lithium batteries. If, however, you are
using alkaline batteries, be aware that under some circumstances alkaline
batteries can leak, causing damage to the sensor. To prevent leakage, the
following is recommended. (Does not apply to lithium batteries.)
• Change the batteries at least every 12 months.
• If the sensor will not be deployed for 3 months or more, remove the
batteries.
Seametrics • 253.872.0284 Page 3 inwusa.com
GENERAL INFORMATION
CT2X INSTRUCTIONS
The INW CT2X Smart Sensor is a microprocessor-based
submersible conductivity/temperature sensor with builtin data logging. This device stores thousands of records
of conductivity, temperature, salinity, and total dissolved
solids (TDS). The CT2X is also available with a depth/level
option giving added functionality in the same sensor
housing.
The CT2X incorporates 4-pole electrode cell measurement
technology for conductivity, salinity, and TDS. This
technology reduces fringe eld interference errors,
lessens inaccuracy caused by polarization effects, and
lowers contact resistance problems. Four-pole electrode
technology also allows users to work with one electrode
over a wide range of conductivity. The conductivity element
is constructed of epoxy/graphite, making it extremely
durable for use in rugged eld conditions. To clean, simply
scrub with a small brush.
Depth and level is measured with an extremely rugged
and stable piezo-electric, media isolated pressure element
and compensated for temperature using INW’s proprietary
calibration methodology. Temperature is measured using a
borosilicate glass encapsulated thermistor.
The CT2X is powered internally with two AA batteries.
Alternately it can be powered with an external auxiliary
power supply for data intensive applications. Several
CT2Xs, or a combination of CT2Xs and other INW Smart
Sensors, can be networked together and controlled from
one location, either directly from a single computer or via
INW’s Wireless Data Collection System.
While most will use the CT2X with our free, easy-to-use
Aqua4Plus Lite or Aqua4Plus software, it is by no means
limited to that software. You can use your own Modbus®
RTU or SDI-12 software or logging equipment to read
measurements, thus tying into your existing systems and
data bases.
Dimensions
0.25” (0.6 cm)
Cableless
Shorter
0.28” (0.7 cm)
0.28” (0.7 cm)
15.44” (39.2 cm)
Battery Version
11.64” (29.6 cm)
Non-Battery Version
Diameter
0.75” (1.9 cm)
with Pressure:
1.5” (3.8 cm)
Longer
Seametrics • 253.872.0284 Page 4 inwusa.com
GENERAL INFORMATION
CT2X INSTRUCTIONS
Specications*
Housing & Cable Weight 1.0 lb (0.5 kg)
Body Material Acetal & 316 stainless or titanium
Wire Seal
Material
Cable Submersible: polyurethane, polyethylene, or ETFE (4 lb/100 ft, 1.8 kg/30 m)
Desiccant 1-3 mm indicating silica gel
Field Connector Standard
Temperature Operating Range Recommended: -5˚ to 40˚C (23˚ to 104˚F) Requires freeze protection kit if using pressure option in water
Storage Range Without batteries: -40˚ to 80˚C (-40˚ to 176˚F)
Power Internal Battery Two lithium ‘AA’ batteries - Expected battery life: 12 months at 15 minute polling interval (may vary due
Auxiliary Nominal: 12 Vdc, Range: 9–16 Vdc
Communication RS485 Modbus® RTU (output = 32-bit IEEE oating point), SDI-12 (ver. 1.3) - ASCII
Logging Memory 4MB - 349,000 records
Logging Types Variable, user-dened, proled
Logging Rates 4x/sec maximum, no minimum
Baud Rates 9600, 19200, 38400
Software Complimentary Aqua4Plus and Aqua4Plus Lite
Networking 32 available addresses per junction (Address range: 1 to 255)
File Formats .a4d and .csv (also .xls in Windows 8 and earlier)
Output Channels Temperature Depth/Level¹ Conductivity
Element Borosilicate glass
Accuracy ±0.25˚C ±0.05% FSO (typical, static)
Resolution 0.1˚C 0.0034% FS (typical) (32 bit internal) 0.1 µS/cm, 0.001
Units Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin PSI, FtH₂O, inH₂O, mmH₂O, mH₂O,
Range -5˚ to 40˚C (23˚ to 104˚F) Gauge:
Compensated --- 0˚ to 40˚C (32˚ to 104˚F) Thermal: None, Linear, or nLFn
Warmup Time --- --- 200 msec
Max operating pressure 1.1 x full scale
Over pressure protection 3x full scale up to 100psi—for > 300psi (650 ft or 200 m), contact Seametrics
Burst pressure 550 psi (approx. 2000 ft or 600 m)
Environmental IP68, NEMA 6P
*Specications subject to change. Please consult our web site for the most current data (inwusa.com).
Modbus is a registered trademark of Schneider Electric. Pyrex is a registered trademark of Corning Incorporated.
1 Higher pressure ranges available upon request
2 Accuracy reduced at levels <10 µS/cm and >100,000 µS/cm
3 ±0.25% accuracy FSO (max) at this range
4 Depth range for absolute sensors has 14.7 PSI subtracted to give actual depth allowed.
Fluoropolymer and PTFE
below freezing.
to environmental factors)
encapsulated thermistor
30K ohm thermistor
Silicon strain gauge transducer
316 stainless or Hastelloy
±0.1% FSO (maximum, static)
(B.F.S.L. 20˚C)
inH₂O, cmHg, mmHg, Bars, Bars, kPa
PSI: 1³, 5, 15, 30, 50, 100, 300
FtH₂O: 2.3³, 12, 35, 69, 115, 231, 692
mH₂O: 0.7³, 3.5, 10.5, 21, 35, 70, 210
Absolute4:
PSI: 30, 50, 100, 300
FtH₂O: 35, 81, 196, 658
mH₂O: 10, 24, 59, 200
Epoxy/Graphite - 4-pole
Static: ±0.5% of measured value
(0–100,000 µS/cm)
mS/cm, 0.1 mg/L (TDS), 0.001 PSU
µS/cm, mS/cm, mg/L, PSU
Conductivity²: 0–300,000 µS/cm
TDS: 4.9-147,000 mg/L
Salinity: 2-42 PSU
Seametrics • 253.872.0284 Page 5 inwusa.com
GENERAL INFORMATION
CT2X INSTRUCTIONS
Initial Inspection and Handling
Upon receipt of your smart sensor, inspect the shipping package for damage. If any damage is apparent, note the signs
of damage on the appropriate shipping form. After opening the carton, look for concealed damage, such as a cut cable.
If concealed damage is found, immediately le a claim with the carrier.
Check the etched label on the sensor to be sure that the proper range and type were provided. Also check the label
attached to the cable at the connector end for the proper cable length.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do handle sensor with
care
Do store sensor in a
dry, inside area when
not in use
Do install a desiccant
tube if using a gauge
sensor
Do install sensor so the
connector end is kept
dry
Don’t drop into well
Lower gently to prevent
damage
Seametrics • 253.872.0284 Page 6 inwusa.com
Don’t scrape cable
over edge of well
May nick or fray the
cable
Don’t bend cable sharply
May close off vent tube
and/or weaken internal
wires
Don’t support sensor
with the connector
Use a strain relief device
INSTALLATION
CT2X INSTRUCTIONS
Connecting External Power
The CT2X comes with two 1.5V AA internal batteries.
If auxiliary power is desired, you can use a 9–16 VDC supply
that can provide 15 mA. Connect to Vaux+(pin 1 - white)
and Ground (pin 5 - blue) or contact INW for auxiliary
power supplies.
Connecting the CT2X to a Computer
Cabled sensors are terminated with a weather-resistant
connector. Cableless sensors are terminated with a weatherresistant connector that is inside a screw-cap. Connect the
weather-resistant connector to your computer’s USB port
as shown below.
USB to RS485
Adapter
Screwcap
Sensor
Sensor
Cableless
Conguration
USB Port
PC or Laptop
Computer
Connecting sensor to your computer using
INW’s USB to RS485 adapter.
Aqua4Plus and Aqua4Plus Lite communicate with the
sensor using the USB to RS485 adapter cable. This cable
requires drivers to be installed on your computer. If you
are connected to the Internet when you rst plug in the
cable, it will normally obtain and install the correct drivers
automatically. If this does not happen, or if you do not have
Internet connection, you can use Aqua4Plus or Aqua4Plus
Lite to install the drivers. In Aqua4Plus, select Install USB/
RS485 Drivers from the Utilities menu; in Aqua4Plus Lite,
select the same from the Program Conguration menu.
Select your operating system, and then click Install.
Alternate Connection Options
INW recommends connecting the sensor to your computer
using the INW USB cable. However, when using Aqua4Plus,
the sensor can also be connected using an RS232 serial
port or a USB-to-Serial cable, as described below. (Note:
Aqua4Plus Lite can only communicate using the INW USB
cable.)
Connecting via RS232 Serial Port
Connect the weather-resistant connector to your
computer’s serial port as shown below.
Interface Cable
Screwcap
Sensor
Cableless
Conguration
Sensor
RS485/RS232
Adapter
Serial Port
PC or Laptop
Computer
Connecting sensor to your computer using
an RS485/RS232 adapter and an interface cable.
Connecting with a USB/Serial Adapter
USB-to-Serial cables are readily available from many
electronics and computer stores, as well as numerous
sites on the Internet. INW has tested and recommends the
Keyspan USA-19HS. Install as follows:
• Plug into USB port.
• Install the drivers provided with the particular unit.
• Determine the port number to which the adapter is
assigned.
• Right-click on My Computer.
• From the popup menu, select Manage to open
the Computer Management window.
• On left panel, click on Device Manager.
• On right panel, double-click on Ports.
• A list of active COM ports will be displayed. Note
the COM number assigned to the adapter you
just installed.
For example:
• Close Manager.
• Connect to the sensor.
• On the Aqua4Plus software, select the COM port
noted above. (If you do not see your new COM port
in the dropdown box, open the Communications
dialog box from the Options menu. Increase the
Highest COM port number, up to a maximum of
15.)
USB Port
PC or Laptop
Computer
Screwcap
Sensor
Cableless
Conguration
Interface
Cable
USB-to-Serial
Adapter
RS232/RS485
Adapter
Sensor
Connecting sensor to your computer using
a USB to Serial adapter and an interface cable.
Seametrics • 253.872.0284 Page 7 inwusa.com
INSTALLATION
CT2X INSTRUCTIONS
Cable Wiring
If you buy your cabled sensor with a connector installed
(the normal conguration), no further wiring is needed.
For reference purposes, the rst three diagrams below
show the pinout from the connector for various scenarios.
The nal diagram shows the pinout if you bought your
sensor without a connector for use with SDI-12.
White
Purple
Yellow
Brown
Blue
Shield
1
2
3
4
5
5-Pin
Connector
12 VDC+ (Vaux)
Modbus DModbus D+
Digital I/O (Not used)
12 VDC- (GND)
For Modbus® with rmware lower than 2.0
— with 5-pin connector
White
Purple
Yellow
Brown
Blue
Shield
1
2
3
4
5
5-Pin
Connector
12 VDC+ (Vaux)
Modbus DModbus D+
SDI-12 (Not used)
12 VDC- (GND)
For Modbus® with rmware 2.0 or higher
— with 5-pin connector
White
Purple
Yellow
Brown
Blue
Shield
1
2
3
4
5
5-Pin
Connector
12 VDC+ (Vaux)
Modbus D- (Not used)
Modbus D+ (Not used)
SDI-12 Signal
12 VDC- (GND)
For SDI-12 with rmware 2.0 or higher
— with 5-pin connector
White
Purple
Yellow
Brown
Blue
Shield
12 VDC+ (Vaux)
Modbus D- (Not used)
Modbus D+ (Not used)
SDI-12 Signal
12 VDC- (GND)
Earth ground
Installing Aqua4Plus or Aqua4Plus Lite Software
The CT2X comes with the Aqua4Plus or Aqua4Plus Lite
host software that is installed on your PC or laptop. Use
this software to program the datalogger, to retrieve data
from the logger, to view collected data, and to export data
to external les for use with spreadsheets or databases.
Refer to the software manuals for details on installing and
using Aqua4Plus or Aqua4Plus Lite.
Setting the Continuous Rate
The CT2X can take readings more often than once per
second. This is known as a “continuous rate.” Set the
continuous rate for the CT2X from the Congure Menu |
Sensor Continuous Rate.
To use the continuous rate during recording, enter a “c” or
a zero in the Polling Interval on the Logging Schedule.
Selecting Linear or Non-Linear Mode
All conductivity measurements are sensitive to temperature
change. The CT2X has built-in temperature compensation
to correct for changes in temperature. As a user, you can
select either a linear temperature compensation method or
a non-linear (nLFn) compensation method.
In the linear mode, a constant temperature coefcient is
applied to the readings. This defaults to 2.1% per degree
C, which works well for a wide range of applications. If you
want to use the linear method with a different coefcient,
then enter that coefcient in the Temp Coef box on the
Settings and Calibration window.
Natural waters, such as ground water, streams, and rivers,
often have a very low conductivity and do not respond to
temperature in a linear fashion. For this situation, the CT2X
provides a non-linear mode, which uses a complex formula
to calculate and apply temperature compensation to the
readings. This method meets the DIN EN 27888 standards.
If you want to use the non-linear method, checkmark the
Non-Linear box on the Settings and Calibration window.
The temperature coefcient box will disappear.
For SDI-12 with rmware 2.0 or higher
— without connector
Seametrics • 253.872.0284 Page 8 inwusa.com
INSTALLATION
CT2X INSTRUCTIONS
Using the CT2X Without Aqua4Plus or Aqua4Plus Lite
Most users will use the CT2X with INW’s Aqua4Plus or
Aqua4Plus Lite software. However, the CT2X is quite
versatile, communicating via either Modbus® or SDI-12
interfaces, allowing you to do the following:
• Read a CT2X via Modbus® using your own software.
• Read a CT2X via SDI-12 protocol.
• Display readings from a CT2X on a panel meter.
If you want to use one of these methods, see the chapter
Direct Read Modbus®/SDI-12.
Installing the Sensor
• Lower the sensor to the desired depth1.
• Fasten the cable to the well head using a weather
proof strain-relief system. When securing a vented
cable, make sure not to pinch the cable too tightly
or the vent tube inside the cable jacket may be
sealed off.
• Take a measurement to insure the sensor is not
installed below its maximum range.
Be sure the supplied cap is securely placed on the weatherresistant connector at the top of the cable. Do not install
such that the connector might become submerged with
changing weather conditions. The connector can withstand
incidental splashing but is not designed to be submerged.
If the sensor has the vented pressure option, install the
sensor so that the desiccant tube will not ood or lie in
water.
The sensor can be installed in any position; however, when
it leaves the factory it is tested in the vertical position.
Strapping the sensor body with tie wraps or tape will not
hurt it. If the sensor is being installed in a uid environment
other than water, be sure to check the compatibility of the
uid with the wetted parts of the sensor.
1 If your CT2X has the pressure option, then the maximum installation
depth depends on the range of the sensor. One (1) PSI is equal to
approximately 2.31 feet of water. If you have a 5 PSI sensor, the range
is 11.55 feet of water and the sensor should not be installed at a depth
below 11.55 feet. If the sensor is installed below its maximum range,
damage may result to the sensor and the output reading will not be
correct.
Desiccant Use
On sensors with a vented pressure option, a desiccant tube
prevents moisture in the air from being sucked into the
vent tube, which can cause erratic readings and sensor
damage.
The desiccant tube is lled with blue silica gel beads. A
locking barb and a hydrophobic water lter are attached to
the end of the desiccant tube. This lter prolongs the life of
the desiccant as much as three times over a desiccant tube
without the lter.
Install the sensor so that the desiccant tube and cable
connector will not ood or lie in water.
The desiccant is a bright blue color when active and dry. See
Maintenance section for care and changing of desiccant.
Grounding Issues
It is commonly known that when using electronic
equipment, both personnel and equipment need to be
protected from high power spikes that may be caused by
lightning, power line surges, or faulty equipment. Without
a proper grounding system, a power spike will nd the path
of least resistance to earth ground—whether that path is
through sensitive electronic equipment or the person
operating the equipment. In order to ensure safety and
prevent equipment damage, a grounding system must be
used to provide a low resistance path to ground.
When using several pieces of interconnected equipment,
each of which may have its own ground, problems with
noise, signal interference, and erroneous readings may be
noted. This is caused by a condition known as a Ground
Loop. Because of natural resistance in the earth between
the grounding points, current can ow between the points,
creating an unexpected voltage difference and resulting
erroneous readings.
The single most important step in minimizing a ground loop
is to tie all equipment (sensors, dataloggers, external power
sources, and any other associated equipment) to a single
common grounding point. Seametrics recommends
connecting the shield to ground at the connector end.
Seametrics • 253.872.0284 Page 9 inwusa.com
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