TC Meter Options for Communications and Control

Use of the 2160 with External Current Shunt

Powering a Two-Wire Transmitter (Model 2162 or 2162X)

Using 2000 Meters to Instrument an AC Line (Models 2168, 2169, Optional V-to-F Counter)

Using 2000 Meters to Synchronize Motor Generators (Models 2168, 2140R, Optional V-to-F Counter)

Taring Out the Weight of a Container (Model 2170 or 2170X)

Determining Volume Using Load Cells (Model 2170 or 2170X)

Using Peak Capture to Test Wire Tensile Strength (Model 2170 or 2170X)

Using Quadrature for Cutting to Length (Model 2135)

Using Quadrature for X-Y Positioning (Model 2135)

Using Quadrature to Monitor a Drilling Operation (Model 2135)

Model 2140(R) System-Level Capabilities

Up/Down Totalizing (Model 2140R)

Combining Two Totals (Model 2140R)

Up or Down Counting with Preset (Model 2140(R))

Machine ON Time and Utilization (Model 2140(R))

Total and Rate Simultaneously (Model 2140R)

Controlling the Mixing Ratio of Two Fluids (Model 2140R)

Comparing Fluid Inflow and Outflow (Model 2140R)

Controlling Coating Thickness on a Film (Model 2140R)

Synchronizing Two Conveyor Lines (Model 2140R)

Measuring A/B-1 Draw for Elongation (Model 2140R)

Instrumenting a Pulsed Laser System with Model 2140(R) Timers and Counters

Timing Process Dynamics (Model 2140(R) and TC Meter)

Duty Cycle for a Pulsed Laser (Model 2140R)

Using Three Relays to Control a Pump (Model 2140R)

Using Multiple Batch Controllers in a Mixing Operation (Model 2140R)

Discrete Filling and Batch Controlling (Model 2140R)

TC Meter Options for Communications and Control     [Back ]

See the 2000 Series Thermocouple Meters

Use of the 2160 with External Current Shunt     [Back ]

See the 2000 Series DC Voltage Meter

Powering a Two-Wire Transmitter     [Back ]

See the 2000 Series Process Signal (4-20 mA) Meters

Using 2000 Meters to Instrument an AC Line     [Back ]

The Model 2168 AC (RMS) Voltage Meter—along with the Model 2169 AC (RMS) Current Meter and the optional Dual-Channel Voltage-to-Frequency Counter Meter—is a low-cost means of monitoring AC power lines with great accuracy.

Many AC loads (such as electrical motors) will only operate reliably if the AC line voltage and frequency are within specified tolerances.  Otherwise, serious damage to expensive plant equipment may occur.  Also, motor generators and UPS systems will only function properly with the load for which they are rated.  Drops in line voltage or frequency may indicate an excessive load and the possibility of equipment damage.

The true RMS capability of the 2168 allows display of RMS voltage for non-sinusoidal waveshapes such as square waves from a UPS.  The Model 2169's built-in 5-A range can be used to display currents up to 5.000 A with 10 mA resolution, or to accept the output of 5-A current transformers.  Scaling to the input current is easily accomplished via the meter's front-panel push buttons.  The optional "Frequency Meter" uses inverse period to determine AC line frequency to six-figure accuracy (60.0000 or 50.0000) in only a few line cycles plus 30 ms.

Using 2000 Meters to Synchronize Motor Generators     [Back ]

Successful synchronization of two motor generators requires that their voltage outputs be close to each other, that the two frequencies be identical, and that the voltage waveshapes be precisely in phase.

In this application, the two AC voltages can be measured to 0.1% accuracy by two Model 2168 AC (RMS) Voltage Meters, which offer 200.00-V and 660.0-V ranges (or a single meter can be multiplexed by using an external toggle switch).  An optional Dual-Channel Voltage-to-Frequency Counter Meter measures the two generator frequencies to six-digit accuracy, while a Model 2140R Counter Meter measures phase angle to 0.1° resolution.

Taring Out the Weight of a Container     [Back ]

To read the net weight of an object, the empty container is first weighed, and an external button is pushed to zero out the display.  The Model 2170 or 2170X Strain Gage Meter will then read net weight when an object is added to the empty container.  The tare offset value is stored in memory for subsequent readings.

Determining Volume Using Load Cells     [Back ]

An easy way to determine volume of an irregularly shaped tank with no need for linearizing is to weigh the tank using load cells.  The Model 2170 or 2170X Strain Gage Meter will automatically tare out the weight of the empty tank and then scale the load cell signals to gallons or other desired units of volume.

Using Peak Capture to Test Wire Tensile Strength     [Back ]

Peak readings are automatically captured at rates of up to 60 per second, while the display updates at a legible 3.5 per second.  The peak reading can be recalled at the push of a button (or can always be on display).  It can also be transmitted to a computer via the optional serial interface.  See the Model 2170 or 2170X Strain Gage Meter.

Using Quadrature for Cutting to Length     [Back ]

Controlling the repetitive cutting of material to length is an excellent application of the Model 2135 Quadrature Encoder Meter.  The quadrature encoder shares the shaft of a sensing wheel, whose rotation corresponds to linear displacement of material.  The meter compares the displacement reading against setpoint information, and then uses its optional dual relays to actuate the slowing down and cutting of the material.

Using Quadrature for X-Y Positioning     [Back ]

Accurate X-Y position or rate can be obtained from two shaft encoders, which convert linear position to quadrature signals as a shaft turns.  In addition to serving as a display, each Model 2135 Quadrature Encoder Meter can use its optional relay setpoint capability for closed-loop control.  It can also transmit data via RS232 or RS485, or as a standard 4-20 mA analog signal.

Using Quadrature to Monitor a Drilling Operation     [Back ]

Quadrature can be employed to track position and vertical drilling speed of the bit in an oil drilling operation.  A shaft encoder is rotated by a cable that moves with the drilling shaft.  In this application, the same encoder signal is applied to one Model 2135 Quadrature Encoder Meter for position, and to a second 2135 for rate.  Both meters can be scaled to read out in appropriate engineering units (such as feet and inches per minute), and can be equipped with appropriate alarms.  A six-digit remote display could be added to read out peak rate.

Model 2140(R) System-Level Capabilities     [Back ]

Employing basic 2000 Series optional plug-in boards, the Model 2140 Counter Meter can independently scale, display, and alarm two totals, and the totals (plus alarm data) can be transmitted via RS232 or RS485.  The displayed totals can also be transmitted as isolated 4-20 mA output and as parallel BCD output.  Supplied with the "R" Option, the 2140 can further display and transmit arithmetic combinations of the two totals.

Up/Down Totalizing     [Back ]

With the "R" Option, the Model 2140 Counter Meter can totalize in a mode where pulses are either added or subtracted on Channel A based on a direction input on Channel B.  The counter can also be programmed such that counting by Channel A is inhibited by an input on Channel B.

Combining Two Totals     [Back ]

With the "R" Option, the Model 2140 Counter Meter can sum both totals (as "A + B").  "A - B" operation can be used to subtract the outflow total from the inflow total.  See also Ratio and Draw Measurement.

Up or Down Counting with Preset     [Back ]

A single Model 2140(R) Counter Meter will handle two repetitive fill operations by counting from zero up to a preset, or down from a preset to zero.  A Dual Controller (Relay) Board is required.

Machine ON Time and Utilization     [Back ]

An easy way to measure the ON time of machines is to count AC line cycles and scale the total to hours.  To display machine utilization or duty cycle in percent, a Model 2140R Counter Meter may be used (as discussed in detail under the Phase Angle and Duty Cycle operation of the Model 2140(R)).  Connect Channel A to switched AC and Channel B to the AC line, and have the counter display the A/B ratio with a 100x multiplier.

Total and Rate Simultaneously     [Back ]

With the "R" Option, the Model 2140 Counter Meter can display scaled rate or total for the same input channel at the push of a button—and also alarm both the rate and the total.  The 2140R is further capable of linearizing nonlinear inputs, thereby extending the working range and accuracy of flow transducers.

Controlling the Mixing Ratio of Two Fluids     [Back ]

Displaying and alarming the input flow rate ratio of two fluids (gas or liquid) allows these substances to be mixed in a predetermined ratio in continuous processes.  The sensing element is normally a turbine flowmeter, which outputs pulses at a frequency proportional to the rate of flow.  The A/B ratio can also be displayed by the Model 2140R Counter Meter for totalized rate (or delivered volume).

Comparing Fluid Inflow and Outflow     [Back ]

The ratio of the inflow and outflow rates of a tank is a measure of the relative filling or emptying rate.  The same Model 2140R Counter Meter can be programmed to display the net inflow or outflow rate in flow units, or to display totalized inflow or outflow in volume units.  Any of these parameters can be monitored for alarm purposes using the Dual Controller (Relay) Board and can be transmitted via 4-20 mA, RS232, or RS485.

Controlling Coating Thickness on a Film     [Back ]

In this application, Channel A reports the rate at which a coating material is applied (as measured by a flowmeter), while Channel B reports the speed of the film based on pulses from a proximity switch.  Displaying and alarming the A/B ratio ensures application of an even thickness of coating material as the speed of the film varies.  See the Model 2140R Counter Meter.

Synchronizing Two Conveyor Lines     [Back ]

The speed of conveyor lines can be measured by using the output of proximity switches which sense gear teeth or spokes of rotating drive wheels.  Displaying the speed ratio of two lines allows line speeds to be adjusted so that material arrives at work stations when needed.  See the Model 2140R Counter Meter.

Measuring A/B-1 Draw for Elongation     [Back ]

Draw can be used to display the elongation of films compressed between rollers, the shrinkage of films, and the RPM difference of rollers whose speed is varied to maintain tension.  The six-digit accuracy of the Model 2140R Counter Meter is ideal for the comparison of rates that differ only slightly.

Instrumenting a Pulsed Laser System with Model 2140(R) Timers and Counters
[Back ]

See the Model 2140(R) Counter Meter

Timing Process Dynamics     [Back ]

The start and stop pulses used for timing can be generated by the optional Dual Controller Board installed in a 2000 Series DPM or Counter Meter.  In this figure, the start and stop edge pulses are created as a temperature passes two alarm setpoints, or as it cycles in a hysteresis control mode.  See the Model 2140(R) Counter Meter.

Duty Cycle for a Pulsed Laser     [Back ]

Duty cycle can be used to indicate the ON time of a pulsed laser in relation to total time.  The Model 2140(R) Counter Meter can also determine elapsed time, the number of pulses, average pulse width in µs, and total energy applied.

Using Three Relays to Control a Pump     [Back ]

In this drum-filling application, the Model 2140R Counter Meter uses its maximum of three relays to control the pump.  The PREWARN relay slows down the pump near the preset to avoid overshoot.  The BATCH RELAY stops the pump at the preset.  The GRAND TOTAL RELAY stops the filling operation once a predetermined number of drums have been filled.

Using Multiple Batch Controllers in a Mixing Operation     [Back ]

Multiple Model 2140R Counter Meter batch controllers can be used in combination to control the mixing of materials in the proper ratio.  In this application, each feed line is equipped with its own pump, flowmeter, and 2140R.  Controller setup and monitoring of the mixing operation are facilitated by optional serial communications.  RS-485 allows a single data line to handle multiple controllers.

Discrete Filling and Batch Controlling     [Back ]

The Model 2140R Counter Meter batch controller is ideal for discrete manufacturing as well as repetitive fill operations.  In this example, it counts bottles, which it then groups into sixpacks.  Its Grand Total capability can be used to track bottles or sixpacks.