ALS: Difference between revisions

== '''<big>Connection dimensions</big>''' ==

[[File:Dimenstions_TD_150.png|none|thumb|702x702px|'''<big>Connection dimensions of the wired FLS</big>''']]

= '''<big>Connection to the sensor, setup, calibration and calibration via [https://www.fmeter.ru/download/_ftp/all/dut/FLS_Configurator.zip?v=210521143455 the configurator on a PC]</big>''' =

== '''<big>Installation of the configurator and connection to the sensor</big>''' ==

The sensor can be configured using [https://www.fmeter.ru/download/_ftp/all/dut/FLS_Configurator.zip?v=210521143455 '''<big>the configurator on a PC</big>'''] (From here onwards- "'''configurator'''").

'''Connect the sensor to the USB-RS-485 converter using a 6-pin MOLEX connector''' or using cable clamps if a cable route is connected to the sensor. Orange wire is line A of the RS-485 sensor interface, white wire is line B of the RS-485 sensor interface, black wire is GND, red is PWR.

[[File:Sensor_connected_via_MOLEX.png|none|thumb|731x731px|'''<big>Sensor connected via MOLEX</big>''']]

[[File:Sensor_connected_via_cables_and_cable_clamps.png|none|thumb|731x731px|'''<big>Sensor connected via cables and cable clamps</big>''']]

We recommend using our Escort C200M/C200M2 USB-RS-485 converter, since we cannot guarantee 100% compatibility of our devices with converters from other brands.

When working with a laptop, we recommend connecting it to the power supply and/or connecting an additional USB cable to the ADD connector of the PWR C200M. Otherwise, there may not be enough power to operate the sensor and transmitter.

Along with installing the configurator 1.0.2.38, the drivers for the C200M will be installed automatically.

If you use C200M2 on Windows 10 and 11 operating systems, drivers should be installed automatically from Windows Update, on the Windows 7 operating system and below, you may need to [https://windowsreport.com/driver-signature-enforcement-windows-10/ disable the electronic signature of drivers] and manually install [https://www.fmeter.ru/download/_ftp/eng/escort_c-200m/Escort%20driver%20C-200M2.zip?v=050623134319 drivers for the С200M2].

If the driver was installed correctly, then after connecting the converter to your PC/laptop, you will see the STMicroelectronics Virtual COM Port ('''1''')(C200M) or USB-SERIAL CH341A ('''2''')(C200M2) device in the COM and LPT ports section of the Windows device manager " to enter this menu, press '''win+r''' and enter '''devmgmt.msc''' and press '''OK''' ('''3''') and then expand the com ports submenu ('''4''')"

The com port number displayed in this menu is also needed to connect the sensor.

[[File:Com_ports_connected.png|frameless|796x796px]]

After connecting the converter, sensor to it and checking the installation of drivers by checking the com port number of the converter, you need to open the configurator, select the desired com port which we could find in the device manager ('''1''') and press the '''FLS''' button ('''2''').

[[File:Com_ports_selection.png|frameless|657x657px]]<blockquote>The connection to the FLS should be made '''within 15 seconds after the sensor has been connected''' to power, if the sensor operating mode has been changed from RS-485 to any other. </blockquote>After connecting the sensor you should see this menu:

[[File:Main_page_PC_configurator.png|frameless|751x751px]]

#Sensor serial number

# Sensor firmware version (FW)

# Sensor temperature

# Current sensor level

# Current CNT level (raw level value) of the sensor

# LLS network addresses connected to this converter (if there is more than one address in this list, it means either more than one sensor is connected to the line at the same time or there is interference on the line, in this case it is necessary to check the connection to the ALS for the presence of other conflicting devices and it is necessary to close other programs using the com ports for example tracker configurator)

# Network address of the polled sensor (This address is used when connecting in RS485 mode)

# Current sensor operating mode

# Current range of output values (1-1023 or 1-4095)

# Current filtration type and degree

# Connected sensor model

== '''<big>Sensor calibration</big>''' ==

[[File:FLS_calibration_PC.gif|frameless|647x647px]]

[[File:TD_150_calibration.png|frameless|734x734px]]

* '''IMPORTANT! DO NOT INVERT THE SENSOR OR INTRODUCE LIQUID INTO THE INTERNAL TUBING IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO FUEL SENSORS. CALIBRATE THE SENSOR EXCLUSIVELY BY SUBMERGING THE TURBOC INTO A RESERVOIR CONTAINING THE FLUID IN WHICH THE SENSOR WILL BE OPERATED.'''

*The water level sensor is designed based on a fuel sensor platform; therefore, the calibration menu will display the label "Calibration without fuel."

*Wait for the CNT level to stabilize ('''1''')

* Deselect the '''"Calibration without fuel'''" slider ('''2''')

* Click '''"Full"''' ('''3''')

* The value '''"Full"''' ('''4''') should change to a value close to the value of the current CNT ('''1'''), but not equal to it, since this value is set according to the temperature compensation of the sensor

[[File:Wired_calibration.png|frameless|366x366px]]

[[File:PC_Empty_calibration.png|frameless|366x366px]]

*The sensor level should display as 1, the sensor calibration process is complete.  Thus, CNT should increase as the sensor tubes fill with fuel. It should change from a value close to the Empty calibration value to the Full calibration value.

'''<big>WARNING! For the ALS sensor, it is strongly advised to avoid using the automatic dry calibration function (formally labeled as "Calibration without fuel").</big>'''

== '''<big>Setting the calibration value Full and Empty manually</big>''' ==

We do not recommend using this functionality, but you can set the Full and Empty calibration values manually to save time when you are using sensors of the same length in the same tanks.<blockquote>'''<big>Attention!!! Setting calibration values manually will most likely increase the sensor error! We do not recommend doing this!</big>'''</blockquote>To do this, enter the Full and Empty calibration values of the previously calibrated sensor into the appropriate fields in the configurator.

[[File:Wired_advanced_menu.png|frameless|733x733px]]

[[File:Wired_advanced_menu_page.png|frameless|669x669px]]

[[File:Wired_manual_Empty-Full.png|frameless|667x667px]]

== '''<big>Setting the mode, range and network address</big>''' ==

=== '''<big>Setting the mode</big>''' ===

In the main menu, you can change the operating mode of the sensor. The name of the mode coincides with the interface that is used to physically connect the sensor to the GPS terminal

Select the mode you need('''1''') and click '''“Save parameters to device”'''('''2''')

[[File:Wire_mode_settings.png|frameless|572x572px]]

- '''Passive RS485''' should be selected when you plan to connect to line A and B of the terminal's RS-485 interface. The terminal must have the function of polling sensors, for example, requesting information from them. The terminal must be able to interrogate sensors in accordance with the '''LLS protocol'''.

- '''Frequency mode''' is used when connecting to a GPS terminal to inputs that can receive and read signals in the range '''300 Hz … 1323 Hz''' or '''300 Hz … 4395 Hz'''.

- '''Active RS485''' mode should be used if the terminal has an RS-485 connection interface, but cannot independently poll the sensor, for example, request information from it; the sensor will send its readings independently every 2 seconds.<blockquote>'''<big>Note: The analog output of the ALS is always active on the green wire in the 0.2-9V range, there is no need to turn it on separately</big>'''</blockquote>

=== '''<big>Setting the range</big>''' ===

If you are configuring the sensor to operate in RS-485, Active RS-485, or Frequency modes, you can select the range '''1-1023 or 1-4095''' ('''1''') . In frequency mode, the range will be from '''300Hz to 1323Hz or 300Hz to 4395Hz'''.

After changing the range, click “'''Save the parameters to device'''” ('''2''').

[[File:Wire_range_settings.png|frameless|561x561px]]

'''The range 1-1023''' is most often used for sensors that are '''shorter than 1 meter'''. However, if we are talking about a stationary tank, the height of which is small, but the length and width are more than 2-3 m, it is better to choose the range 1-4095.

=== '''<big>Setting the network address</big>''' ===

The default network address of the sensor is 1; if more than one unit is installed or other ALS devices are added, the network address on the sensor may need to be changed. The network address of each sensor must also be specified in the settings of the receiving device (navigation terminal).<blockquote>'''<big>Attention!!! There cannot be two devices with the same network address on the same line; this will cause a conflict.</big>'''</blockquote>To change the network address, enter a new address in the range '''0-255''' in the '''“Change network address”''' field ('''1''') and click '''“Save the parameters to device”''' ('''2'''), after which the configurator should switch to the new sensor address and display the new sensor address in the field '''"Available units"''' ('''3''') and '''"Poll network address"''' ('''4''').

[[File:Wired_before_changing_Network_address.png|none|thumb|611x611px|'''<big>Before changing network address</big>''']]

[[File:After_changing_network_address.png|none|thumb|614x614px|'''<big>After changing network address</big>''']]

== '''<big>Tank calibration</big>''' ==

'''The process is carried out similarly to the calibration procedure used with fuel sensors. For example, when using a sensor based on the''' [[TD-150]]

== '''<big>Setting and removing a password</big>''' ==

If necessary, you can set a password on the sensor to change settings.

To do this:

* Click on the '''"Service"''' button ('''1''') and then '''"Security"''' ('''2''')

* In the menu that opens, you can enter a password consisting of numbers and then click set password. '''Also note that the password cannot start with 0.''' [[File:Password_menu_wired.jpg|frameless|777x777px]]

<blockquote>'''<big>PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PASSWORD RESET PROCEDURE CAN BE VERY TIME-CONSUMING. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU TAKE A RESPONSIBLE APPROACH IN SETTING YOUR PASSWORD AND SAVING IT.</big>'''</blockquote>

[[File:PC_wired_no_password_menu.png|frameless|719x719px]]

'''Attention!''' By default, there is no password set on the sensor! If you connected the sensor and a password was already set on it, contact technical support.

= '''<big>Connecting the sensor to the GPS terminal</big>''' =

== '''<big>Connection diagrams</big>''' ==

= '''<big>Sensor and cable sealing</big>''' =

== '''<big>Sealing sensor of the current design</big>''' ==

File:New_design_seal.png|'''<big>Seal TD-150</big>'''

Then the seal itself is fixed in a special hole (it must be inserted to the end, with the '''closed end facing outwards''')<gallery widths="400" heights="400">

Thus, it will be impossible to remove the seal without damaging it. This provides additional protection against unauthorized access.

Also included with the sensor of the current sample is an alternative seal if a numbered seal is required.

* It is necessary to pass the cable through the hole in the sensor cover

* [[File:Alternative_sealing_of_wired_FLS_step_1.png|frameless|432x432px]]

* [[File:Alternative_sealing_of_wired_FLS_step_2.png|frameless|435x435px]]

[[File:Sealing_sensor_of_the_former_design.png|frameless|512x512px]]

== '''<big>Cable sealing</big>''' ==

[[File:Wire_sealing.png|frameless|493x493px]]

'''[https://docs.google.com/document/d/16KhS0ZV5Hrb44J66LmGOy7Gy2TKcuEqU/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=116383505004193584732&rtpof=true&sd=true Firmware update instructions]'''

'''[https://youtu.be/BVCs-LiWLVs There is also a video instructional guide]'''

'''You can find the latest firmware version in the [https://www.fmeter.ru/en/download/#td150 downloads section of our website]'''

'''Error Code 7000: Short Circuit.''' This error indicates that water has infiltrated the sensor head, for example, due to improper calibration practices such as inverting the sensor and introducing water into the sensor tubes, akin to the calibration method used for fuel sensors. '''This practice is strictly prohibited.''' Alternatively, the error may occur if foreign particles have entered between the tubes, causing a short circuit.

You should clean the sensor tubes—preferably by blowing them out through the drainage holes using compressed air.

If this error occurred after the sensor was put into operation, it is highly likely that contaminants entered the tubes from the reservoir. In this case, it is also necessary to clean the reservoir thoroughly.

== '''<big>Level 6500</big>''' ==

This code may indicate that the tubes have lost contact. This error code may be generated immediately after cutting the tubes. In this case, simply calibrate the sensor.

If this does not help, check the CNT. If the CNT is below 10,000, it is very likely that the tubes are not in contact with the sensor board.

Take a photo of the sensor head (the sensor serial number should be visible), its tubes (the correspondence or discrepancy of the tubes length should be clearly visible), take a screenshot of the main screen of the sensor and the Settings menu page in the application and send these data to tech support.

If the sensor does not connect to the configurator, do the following:

* Make sure that the correct COM port number is selected and that drivers and libraries are installed (STMicroelectronics Virtual COM Port ('''1''')(C200M) or USB-SERIAL CH341A ('''2''')(C200M2) in the COM and LPT ports section of the Windows device manager "to enter this menu, press '''win+r''' and enter '''devmgmt.msc''' and press '''OK''' ('''3''') and then expand the com ports submenu ('''4''')"

** If possible, connect another sensor that is sure to work; if it connects, then there are no problems with the COM port or converter

** If another converter is used, ensure that sufficient power is supplied to the sensor (12 volts is optimal)

** When connecting the sensor, press Search for sensors within 15 seconds after power is applied to the sensor

** If the above does not help, reflash the FW of the sensor

** If you cannot complete the firmware, contact our technical support

== '''<big>Checking the connection between the sensor and the terminal via RS-485</big>''' ==

If the sensor, for some reason, after you have configured everything correctly, does not transmit data to the terminal, you need to find out whether data is being exchanged between devices.

To do this, connect the sensor to the terminal via RS-485. Connect power to both devices.

After that, take the RS-485-USB converter and connect it between the sensor and the terminal as shown below:

 

[[File:RS-485_Logging_Connections_.png|none|thumb|648x648px|'''<big>RS-485 Logging Connections</big>''']]

Run [https://drive.google.com/file/d/10i7v4TZ9-JDJYPAh-9JSh4x6vkM93BVV/view?usp=sharing terminal.exe] and configure the COM port as shown below:

Also, check HEX or ASCII depending on the format in which information from the sensor will be transmitted. For all sensors except the TD-600 configured in RS-232 mode, you must select HEX.

After connecting the converter correctly, select the COM port and click Connect. If the sensor is polled by the terminal and responds, then everything is in order.

[[File:Sensor_responds_to_the_terminal_via_RS-485.png|none|thumb|572x572px|'''<big>Sensor responds to the terminal via RS-485</big>''']]

If there is no communication between the two devices, try polling the sensor manually.

To do this, enter the request '''31$01$06$6C''' for the sensor with network address 1 and click '''Send'''

[[File:Sending_a_request_to_the_sensor.png|none|thumb|585x585px|'''<big>Sending a request to the sensor</big>''']]

The structure of the request depends on the network address of the sensor. If you change the sensor address to 255, for example, then the request would look like this

'''FF''' - 255 in HEX

'''29''' - '''CRC''' checksum calculated for a specific request

In order to calculate the checksum, you can go to the '''[https://crccalc.com/ crccalc]''' website and enter your request without the '''$''' sign, select HEX, CRC-8/MAXIM and click Calc CRC-8

If the sensor is polled by the terminal and responds, then everything is in order.

If the sensor does not respond to the terminal, but responds to a request you send manually, you should check your terminal's RS-485 ports.

If the sensor does not respond to anything, the standard ALS diagnostic procedure should be carried out.

The protocol is described in this [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1maRSrToEaYtOP0sQz69Qq3e0iA0dBRos/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=113197106569288024895&rtpof=true&sd=true document]

Example of a request and response for 1 network address:

Request: '''''31 01 06 6C'''''

Response from sensor: '''''3E 01 06 19 01 00 92 5D BE'''''

= '''<big>Purpose of contacts and wires</big>''' =

= '''<big>Useful links</big>''' =

*'''<big>[https://www.fmeter.ru/download/_ftp/eng/water-level-sensor/Datasheet%20Escort%20ALS.pdf?v=220225205325#page=21 Technical data sheet of the device]</big>'''