EchoPod DL14, DL24 & DL34 Series Manual Revision A.3 Flowline Inc. 10500 Humbolt Street Los Alamitos, CA 90720 Tel: (562) 598-3015 Fax: (562) 431-8507 www.flowline.
Preface This manual explains how to use the EchoPod DL14, DL24 and DL34 series level switch, controller and transmitter. Warranty, Service & Repair To register your product with the manufacturer, go to the Flowline website for on-line registration. The website address is as follows: www.flowline.com On-line Warranty Registration can be found on the Flowline home page.
Warranty Flowline warrants to the original purchaser of its products that such products will be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service in accordance with instructions furnished by Flowline for a period, which is equal to the shorter of one year from the date of purchase of such products or two years from the date of manufacture of such products.
Introduction: The EchoPod is a general-purpose ultrasonic level switch, controller and transmitter that provides a loop powered 4-20 mA output and 4 SPST 60 VA relays. The 4-20 mA output can be used to provide the proportional level of liquid in any tank or vessel. The 4 relays can be used to control multiple combinations of pumps, valves and/or alarms. The signal can be connected to any device that accepts a loop powered 4-20 mA signal or relay output, such as a PLC, SCADA, DCS, display, controller, etc.
About this Manual: PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE QUICK START PRIOR TO INSTALLING OR USING THIS PRODUCT. This manual includes information on the EchoPod series Ultrasonic Level Switch, controller and transmitter from FLOWLINE. Please refer to the part number located on the switch label to verify the exact model configuration, which you have purchased. User’s Responsibility for Safety: FLOWLINE manufactures a broad range of level sensing technologies.
Components: EchoPod is offered in two different models. Depending on the model purchased, you may or may not have been shipped all the components shown below. You do however, need an EchoPod, USB® Fob and Viton® gasket to configure, install and operate EchoPod. EchoPod o o o o o o o o o o o o DL14-00 DL14-01 DL14-10 DL14-11 DL24-00 DL24-01 DL24-10 DL24-11 DL34-00 DL34-01 DL34-10 DL34-11 – 4.1’ (1.25 m) range, – 4.1’ (1.25 m) range, – 4.1’ (1.25 m) range, – 4.1’ (1.25 m) range, – 9.8’ (3.
Specifications: DL14: 2" to 4.1’ (5 cm to 1.25m) DL24: 4" to 9.8’ (10 cm to 3.0m) DL34: 8" to 18.0’ (20 cm to 5.5m) Accuracy: DL14: 0.125” (3mm) DL24: +/- 0.2% of range DL34: +/- 0.2% of range Resolution: DL14: 0.019” (0.5mm) DL24: 0.039” (1mm) DL34: 0.079” (2mm) Beam width: DL14/24: 2” (5cm) dia. DL34: 3” (7.6cm) Dead band: DL14: 2” (5 cm) DL24: 4” (10 cm) DL34: 8” (20 cm) Memory: Non-volatile Supply voltage: 24 VDC (loop) Loop resistance: 400 Ohms max Consumption: 0.
Getting Started: EchoPod is configured through WebCal, a PC software program. WebCal is a free download from Flowline’s website. You must download and install WebCal prior to plugging in the USB® Fob. Please go to http://www.flowline.com, click on WebCal Software and select your language version. WebCal System Requirements Windows® XP or 2000 10 mB hard drive space 256 mB RAM 1 USB® 2.0 port Internet connection USB® Fob Interface EchoSonic communicates with WebCal through a USB® interface called a Fob.
* Once EchoPod is configured and prior to installation, isolate the white and green wires from active power to prevent a short of the configuration circuit WebCal With EchoPod connected to your computer, open the WebCal software by clicking on the WebCal icon. Follow steps 1-3 to configure the transmitter. Click “Help” in the lower right hand corner and open the help menu of WebCal for additional instructions on WebCal.
Number of Pumps This feature allows you to select the number of pumps or valves used with EchoPod. This is the setting that activates the control capabilities of up to two relays. Control relays are often referred to as Latching relays. o Switch/Alarms Only – The relays will be standard single point relays (High and/or Low alarms). Relays are nonlatching. o 1- Pump/Valve – One relay will be configured as a control or latching relay (relay will have a start level and a separate stop level).
Pump/Valve Action This feature allows you to select if the pumps or valves will be used to automatically fill or empty the tank. For 2-Pump/Valve mode, both devices must be the same (automatic fill or empty). You cannot set one relay for fill and the other for empty. o Empties Tank – Will set relay(s) to automatically empty a tank. Start level will be above the Stop level for each relay. o Fills Tank – Will set relay(s) to automatically fill a tank. Start level will be below the Stop level for each relay.
Pump/Valve Mode This feature allows you to select the mode for a control or latching relay. Pump/Valve mode is not active for Switch/Alarms Only or 420 mA Transmitter Only. o Simplex – Allows for the relay to be used as an automatic fill or empty. This is the default and only configuration when 1Pump/Valve is selected. o Simplex used to Empty Tank (example) o Lead/Lag – Allows for the two relays to have unique start levels and a common stop level.
Relay Fail-Safe This feature allows you to select the fail-safe state for the relays. When the sensor regains signal, the output current will revert back to the current level condition. o Relays Off - The relays will revert to the OFF state. Appears when Switch/Alarms Only is selected. o Relays On - The relays will revert to the ON state. Appears when Switch/Alarms Only is selected. o Hold State - The relay(s) will remain in the same state as the last echo detected.
Switch/Alarm Configuration This feature allows you to select the operation for the switches / alarms (used as a high or low alarm). This setting adjusts the number of available relays based upon the previous settings. o No Alarm – Turns off all of the remaining relays. o High Alarm Options – Set from 1 to 4 High Alarm (1-High, 2-High, 3-High, 4-High). o Low Alarm Options – Set from 1 to 4 Low Alarms (1-Low, 2-Low, 3-Low, 4-Low).
Switch Hysteresis/Dead band This feature allows you to select a hysteresis or dead band for the remaining high and/or low alarms. o Options for Hysteresis/Dead band – No Hysteresis, ¼”, ½”, 1”, 2”, ½ cm, 1cm, 2 cm, 5 cm or Not Applicable. o High Alarms – Relay activates above set point. Relay will deactivate when level goes below the set point plus the value of the hysteresis. o Low Alarms – Relay activates below set point.
Loop Fail-Safe This feature allows you to select the fail-safe current output if the sensor fails to detect a return signal. When the sensor regains signal, the output current will revert back to the current level condition. o Hold Last Value - The output will remain in the same state as the last echo detected. Example: If the output was 6.7 mA just prior to the lost signal, the device will continue to output 6.7 mA. Sensor will indicate the level when signal was regain.
WebCal Step 2: Tank Levels This section of WebCal is where you enter application measurement values. All values must be filled in before moving to step 3. Sensor Height: Distance from the bottom of the tank to the bottom of the transducer. Fill Height: Distance from the bottom of the tank to the maximum liquid height. WebCal Step 3: Write to Unit After you have entered configurations and tank values, click “Write to Unit” and send the configuration to your EchoPod.
Wiring EchoPod After you have finished positioning and mounting EchoPod, follow WebCal’s wiring diagram to wire the sensor. A typical wiring diagram is shown above. Flowline recommends using a qualified licensed electrician to wire EchoPod and your application’s components. Note: Do not extend the White & Green wires beyond 15’. Note: Configure your EchoPod with WebCal and use the wiring diagram button to view the appropriate diagram. Each configuration will have its own unique diagram.
White & Green White and Green leads are reserved for use with WebCal and should not be connected during usage in the application. These wires should not be connected to WebCal while power is supplied from any source other than the LI99 series Fob. Never allow the white or green wires to touch any power supply. Blue, Orange, Yellow & Purple Blue, Orange, Yellow & Purple wires are the relay contacts (normally open) from each of the relays respectively.
Voltage Output EchoPod can be used as a 0 to 5 or 0 to 10 VDC output device. A resistor will need to be added to the circuit to enable a voltage output (refer to the wiring diagram below). 0-5 VDC output o Add a 250 Ohm resistor o Actual output will be 0.8 to 5 VDC 0-10 VDC output o Add a 500 Ohm resistor o Actual output will be 2 to 10 VDC When using WebCal, under Number of Pumps, select 4-20mA Transmitter Only to simplify the configuration in WebCal.
Do not install at angle relative to the liquid. Do not install within 3” of tank sidewall. (2” for DL14 and DL24 series) Do not install with objects in the beam. Do not install in applications with vacuum. Installation in existing fittings If the existing fitting is larger than the threads of the EchoPod, select a reducer bushing such as the LM52-1400 (2” thread x 1” thread) or LM52-2400 (3” thread x 2” thread).
Tank Adapter w/ 2”x1” Reducer Bushing Tank Adapter Thread x Thread Do not use thread x thread 2. Riser: Installations with tall, narrow risers can impede the acoustic signal. a. DL34 Series: 2” (5 cm) diameter risers should be no taller than 5” (12.7 cm). Larger diameter risers should be no taller than 12” (30.5 cm). b. DL14 & DL24 Series: Note: Do not exceed the dimensions listed above 3.
4. Side Mount Bracket: For installations in open tanks and sumps, use the LM50 series side mount bracket. a. For the DL14 & DL14 series, order the LM50-1001-1, which includes a 2”x 1” Reducer Bushing. b. For the DL34 series, order the LM50-1001 side mount bracket. 5. Stand Pipe: A standpipe maybe used to dampen turbulence or when foam is present in the application. a. Pipe can be made of any material. b. Select a minimum 3” ID pipe for the stand pipe. i.
Advanced Features This tool is designed to help solve operational issues. Changing these setting will alter the performance of your unit. Please read through this HELP file to assist you in making adjustments or if still unclear about a specific issue, please contact FLOWLINE, Applications Engineering. Note: When the Advanced Button is highlighted with a RED border, this indicates you have selected an advanced feature.
Increase Output Filtering: Placing a check mark in the box will increase the filtering (averaging) of the analog output. Use this filter if the 4 to 20 mA output requires a smooth output for the application such as open channel flow measurement. Decrease Output Filtering: Placing a check mark in the box will eliminate all filtering (averaging) of the analog output. Enables a pulse by pulse level reading. Use this filter to see changes in level after every sound pulse.
Appendix Updating WebCal Software WebCal software can be updated directly from the software. Simply click on the Updates Tab at the top of the window and press the Download button. Make sure that your computer has access to the Internet. If not, an error window will appear. When the Download button is pressed, the software will check the version of software you are using with the most recent version at Flowline. If the versions are similar, a window indicating that the most recent version is installed.
Select the latest version of the firmware file and click on OK. Confirm that the address is correct and then click on Update Sensor to begin the firmware update. This step should take less than 1 minute. You can follow the progress with the status bar to the right of the Update Sensor button. When completed, click on the Configuration tab to configure the transmitter. Remember, when the firmware has been updated, the unit will return to its original factory settings.
Factory Defaults Table Testing the Transmitter 1. Connect a multimeter in series with the black wire to read the current output. 2. Verify that the current increases (tank filling) and decreases (tank emptying) appropriately in the calibrated span. 3. If not, carefully observe and attempt to correlate any installation, level or application event for more specific troubleshooting direction.
Troubleshooting PROBLEM Transmitter indicates a current of 0 mA Transmitter jumps to a current reading between 19 and 20 mA SOLUTION Check the wiring for an open circuit. An open circuit is the most common issue with a 0 mA signal. Check the installation of the transmitter. Bad installation fittings will cause false signals near the top of the tank, which typically translates to a signal between 19 and 20 mA. Also look for interference just below the transmitter.
