Tracer
®
Bluetooth Interface
VM
Model number VMBTI-100
Operating Instructions
General
The TracerVM Bluetooth Interface collects, transmits and saves data from
TracerVM Base Flowmeters installed in injection mold cooling circuits.
Flowmeters purchased separately are connected via cable to the TracerVM
Bluetooth Interface. The Interface provides power to each owmeter and
receives voltage signals for temperature and ow.
The Tracer
Bluetooth Interface wirelessly transmits ow and
VM
temperature for display on a tablet or smartphone. Files can be created
using the free app and saved on USB ash drive connected to the Interface.
The Interface also communicates over Ethernet connection to PC software
for network le storage and alerts. The les are easily read into database
management software for reference or analysis.
App software is available for download at no cost from Google™ Play or
iTu nes™ stores and is required to view data. Search for “Tracervm” to
locate.
PC Based software is provided free of charge from Burger & Brown
Engineering, Inc. It is available for download at this web address: www.
smartow-usa.com/tracer-vm-bluetooth.htm.
Power
Attach the power cable to the P1 connector according to the chart below.
Individual wires are 24AWG stranded copper. Attach 8 to 28VDC power to
the unit for correct operation. Do not energize the circuit without TracerVM
Base units connected.
Power supply other than 8 to 28VDC may damage the
electronics! Ensure that power supply provides Earth Ground
(0V) and not a reference. Earth Ground is required for reliable
ow and temperature output display.
Power Cable Color Chart
Wire Color Function
RoHS Compliant
Specications
Operating Temp. Range ..........32 to 248°F (0 to 120°C)
Housing ................................................ ABS, NEMA4X
Seals ....................................................................... Buna
Maximum Wireless Range .............................. 20 meters
Bluetooth Version .......................................1.1 4.0+LE 5
Power Required ............ 8 to 28VDC with Earth Ground
USB Port Output .................................................. 5VDC
Power Cable ..............2-Conductor, 6 meters (20ft) long
Cord Grips ..................... 9 pieces liquid-tight (included)
EMI/RFI Interference
Care should be taken to route power and signal cable
away from motors and pumps. Signal integrity may be
adversely aected by close proximity of the wiring to
machinery producing high frequency emissions.
Cables to Tracer
VM
Maximum eective signal cable length is 4.8m (16ft)
as supplied. Splicing extra length to the cable is not
recommended. Sensor cables are supplied with the
Tracer
Base units.
VM
Flow and Mounting Direction
Orient the TracerVM Base units so the ow direction
of the process uid matches the directional arrow on
the body of each meter. Flow in the opposite direction
of the arrow will yield inaccurate voltage output. The
presence of air bubbles in the process uid will also
create an inaccurate voltage output. Refer to Tracer
VM
Base Instructions (Form 187) for details.
Black DC Ground (Earth)
Red +DC Input (8 to 28VDC)
The Apple logo and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc.,
registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of
Google Inc.
Tracer
®
VM
with Bluetooth Interface Instruction
SW1
ON
1
2 3
SW2
ON
1
2 3
SW3
ON
1
2 3
SW4
ON
1
2 3
SW5
ON
1
2 3
SW6
ON
1
2 3
SW7
ON
1
2 3
SW8
ON
1
2 3
Tracer
Connectors
VM
Tracer
DIP Switches
P1
Power Connector
VM
LED
Indicators
238mm
9.373"
225.4mm
8.875"
Cord Grips (9X)
131mm
5.15"
85.7mm
3.38"
Mounting Holes
4.8mm
0.188"
(4X )
Ø
Power
Cable
213mm
8.40"
Ethernet Port
(network connection)
USB Port
(mobile device
charging and
file storage)
Cover
Screws
80mm
3.15"
3.2mm
0.125"
Housing
Dimensions
Figure 1
Circuit Board
(Cord Grips top)
Figure 2
2
Tracer
®
VM
with Bluetooth Interface Instruction
Red
Wire
Black
Wire
Installation
Tracer
temperature values from the process. Begin by installing TracerVM Base units into the ow
Bluetooth Interface must be wired to TracerVM Base units to transmit ow and
VM
path (see Form 187 for installation details) except for wire terminations.
Mount the Bluetooth Interface box in a dry location. Occasional water spray will not permeate
the electronics housing if correct installation practices are used. See Figure 1 for mounting
hole locations. Use #8 screws to mount the housing.
Remove 6 cover screws and the interface cover to expose the circuit board inside the box.
Connect Power Cable
Loosen the nut on the power cable cord grip in the side of the box. Insert the cable through the
cord grip with approximately 8cm (3") of loose cable on the inside of the box. Tighten the cord
grip nut on the outside of the box hand-tight. Locate P1 connector on the left side of the circuit
board (See Figure 2). Hold down the small button on the top of the connector and insert the
red and black wires of the power cord according to Figure 3: PWR = Red Wire, GND = Black
Wire.
Connect the TracerVM Base Units
Eight connectors on the circuit board accommodate external TracerVM Base units. Each one
must be wired into the circuit board on the Bluetooth Interface.
Prepare wire ends. Cut cylindrical connector end o of TracerVM Base cable if present. Cut
away 25mm (1") of external cable jacket. Use caution not to damage wire insulation. Strip
inside wire ends to expose approx. 6mm (1/4") of copper wire. Twist copper wire together so it
will insert easily into the connectors on the circuit board.
Loosen the nut on a TracerVM cord grip in the top of the box. Insert the TracerVM Base
cable through the cord grip with approximately 5 cm (2") of loose cable on the inside of the
box. Tighten the cord grip nut on the outside of the box hand-tight. Locate the appropriate
connector along the edge of the circuit board. Hold down the small button on the top of the
connector and insert the color-coded wires of the cable according to gure 4 (left to right:
green, yellow, white, brown).
Ensure that any unused cord grips have a short length of unattached wire installed in them to
maintain the liquid-resistant properties of the enclosure. Secure each cord grip hand-tight.
Set the Corresponding DIP Switches
Each connector is associated with a DIP (Dual In-Line Package) Switch below it. Flow range
must be matched to the sensor on the TracerVM in order for values to be correctly displayed on
the mobile app and PC. Set the switches according to the chart below. See Figure 5. Position 3
should always be set to "OFF".
Green
Yellow
Power
Connector
Figure 3
Brown
White
TracerVM Base
Connectors (8X)
Figure 4
DIP Switch Settings
Flow Range Pos. 1 Pos. 2 Pos. 3
1 - 15LPM O O
2 - 40LPM On O
5 - 100LPM O On
10 - 200LPM On On
SW1
1
2 3
ON
Future Use
Do not adjust.
OFF
ON
O
3
Typical DIP
Switch (8X)
Figure 5
Tracer
®
VM
with Bluetooth Interface Instruction
TracerVM Bluetooth Interface Operation
When unit is powered, green LED Indicator blinks.
If the red LED Indicator is on, check cable connections.
When green LED is blinking and all cables are connected, re-install cover, evenly torque 6
cover screws hand-tight. Do not over-tighten.
Download the Mobile App
From your mobile device, download the TracerVM Application from Google Play or iTunes
stores. See Figure 6 for icon.
The application includes the following features:
• Toggle display in Metric or Standard Units by touching the applicable label.
• Rename Cooling Circuits and Bluetooth Interface Units if desired. Cooling Circuit and
Bluetooth Interface names are saved on the local device only.
• Display temperature and ow rate from any Tracer
Bluetooth Interface device within
VM
20 meters.
• Display all Tracer
may be connected at one time to any Tracer
Bluetooth Interface Units within 20 meters. Only one mobile device
VM
Bluetooth Interface Unit.
VM
App Operation
1. Power on the TracerVM Bluetooth Interface and start the TracerVM app on the mobile
device.
2. Select the Interface to view from the list of available Interfaces. The app automatically
searches for Bluetooth signals. If Interface devices are not listed:
• Verify that other users are logged off
• Bluetooth Interface is attached to appropriate power with earth ground
• Mobile device is less than 20 meters from the Interface
3. The Interface and the cooling circuits are renamed by pressing and holding the name
on the mobile screen. These names are specific to the mobile device and will display as
defaults when using a different mobile device.
4. To begin a data logging session, go to the logging screen by selecting the USB icon in the
upper right hand corner of the app.
5. Ensure that a USB flash drive is connected to the USB port on the Interface.
6. Select the name box to enter a name for the file.
7. Set the frequency. This is the time in seconds between data points.
8. To start a manual session, select the "START USB LOGGING" button. To stop a manual
session select "STOP USB LOGGING".
9. To start a scheduled session, first select the date, start time and duration. Then select
"START USB LOGGING" button. The session will start and end automatically.
To exit the app, select the "back" function on your device until your home screen reappears.
App Icon
Figure 6
Recommendations
• When more than one TracerVM Bluetooth Interface is in use, place a physical label on
each housing and follow a consistent naming convention.
• When running more than one shift, consider using a single tablet instead of individual
smartphones to monitor all circuits.
• Make sure there is enough storage space on the USB flash drive for your files before
starting the logging session. Files generated are usually less than 1MB.
4
Tracer
®
VM
with Bluetooth Interface Instruction
Data Logger Software
General Description
The Smartow Data Logger collects and displays temperature
and ow rate information from TracerVM Bluetooth Interface
Modules. The information is saved to a .csv le that can be
imported into a database or spreadsheet for future analysis or
process reference. Medical molding applications or other critical
molded parts that require process verication or traceability will
benet from this technology.
The Data Logger can collect from up to 10 Bluetooth Interfaces
at once. Each Bluetooth Interface connects up to 8 owmeters for
a maximum of 80 cooling water lines. One .csv le is created for
each Interface. Files are only comma delimited.
The software is provided as a .zip le. Extract the installation
program and install onto a computer in the default location or
select a folder according to your preference. Executable le name
is "SmartFlow Data Logger.msi".
There are two viewing screens: "Home View" and "Session
Vi ew".
Home View: Metric or English Units and Interface Modules are
selected. A graph of the ow rate and temperature is available for
each Interface. The user selects the area on the screen for each
Interface from the list of those available.
Session View: Session options and le output are congured.
Selectable options are:
• Manual or Scheduled Duration
• Session Name
• Sensor Names
• Log Rate in seconds
• Enable or Disable Alarms and Audible Indication
• Metric or English Units
• Graph View
• Output File Name (.csv)
Start the Smartow Data Logger Application. Check that each
TracerVM Bluetooth Interface is connected to 8 to 28 Volts DC
power supply with earth ground and connected to the local
network.
1. Highlight the "Home View" box. Select your preferred units
(English or Metric). Changing units after a session is started
will clear all data without saving.
2. Select the name of a TracerVM Bluetooth Interface from the
list at the top of the screen. Select the area of the home view
screen for individual interface display. Once an interface is
assigned to the home view, the name in the list will change
from yellow to green. Note: There are up to 10 possible
graph locations on the "Home View" screen. The number
of locations you can select is determined by the number of
Interfaces connected to the local network. If one Interface is
connected, there will only be one available graph location.
3. To start a logging session, the Interface must be assigned
in the "Home View" with visible graph (steps 1 & 2). Select
the "Session View" box. Select the Interface from the list of
available modules in the top window. Then select "New Tab".
4. Once a session has been started, you can start either a
Manual Session or a Scheduled Session.
5. Once a session has been opened, the software begins
recording data that can be saved by starting a "Manual
Session". This rolling history is gathered for up to 72 hours
without a session being actively recorded. This is available
as long as a session is open and the program is running.
Note: If units are changed on a session view, the rolling
history will be cleared.
6. The session name, as well as the names of each sensor can be
changed by clicking the Session/Sensor names button.
7. Log Rate is the rate at which data is collected in terms of
seconds between data points. The value can be set from 1
second up to 3600 seconds (1 hour).
8. The session controls section allows you to turn alarms on/o
as well as turn the graph on/o for individual sensors. The
audible indication selection turns the audible alarm on/o.
Units must be set to either English or Metric before a session
is started. Once a session is started you will not be able
to change units. The Graph View provides available time
ranges (30 seconds through 8 hours or cumulative) for Real
Time Graphs visible in the Session View.
9. Once alarms have been enabled they can be adjusted in the
"Alarms" region. If an alarm is triggered, a pop up warning
will display as well as an icon underneath any sensor with
an active alarm. In addition, the session tab will turn red to
indicate which Bluetooth Interface is experiencing an alarm.
Alarm indicators are visible only during a logging session.
10. For a manual session, once the desired data has been
recorded, select the end session button to save the data. For
a scheduled session the data will save automatically. Once a
session is started, data is recorded to a .csv le. This le is
updated after every data point is recorded. Do not open the
le while the current session is in progress. To close out of a
session simply select the red "X" in the session setup area.
5
Tracer
®
VM
with Bluetooth Interface Instruction
Troubleshooting
Display Resolution
Flow and Temperature readings
are 0.00
Flow and Temperature readings
are erratic
No display on app
No Tracer
Bluetooth Interfaces
VM
are listed
Check cable between sensor and Bluetooth Interface circuit is plugged in both places.
Re-seat connections.
Check ow sensor value matches the DIP Switch settings on the circuit board. See page 3.
Check power supply for voltage between 8 & 28VDC with Earth Ground.
Check for connection to power supply.
Conrm distance of mobile device to Bluetooth Interface is less than 20 meters.
Check for other users connected to the Interface. Only one mobile device will connect
wirelessly at one time.
Limited Warranty
Seller war rants that this product supplied will conform to the description herein stated and that the product will be of standard quality. This is the sole warranty
made by Seller with respect to this product. Seller expressly disclaims any other express or implied warranties, including, but not limited to, the implied warranty
of merchantability and the implied warranty of tness for a particular purpose. Seller shall not be liable for any cost or damages, whether direct, incidental or
consequential, including, but not limited to, any injur y, loss or damage resulting from the use of this product, regardless of whether any claim for such cost or
damages is based on warranty, contract, negligence, tort or st rict liability. The sole liability of Seller is limited to repairing or replacing this product. This war rant y
shall not apply to any products that have been repaired or altered by anyone other than Seller. The war ranty shall not apply to any products subject to misuse due to
common negligence or accident, nor to any products manufact ured by Seller which are not installed or operated in accordance with the printed instructions of Seller
or which have been operated beyond the rated capacity of the goods. Seller states that the product’s useful safe life is 5 years. Actual life may vary widely depending
on operating environment such as temperature, pressure, and chemical exposure. Users are cautioned to refer to instructions for operating limits and a partial list of
incompatible chemicals.
6
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