Hello, I'm currently experiencing some scaling issues with Vegapuls 65 guided wave radar level transmitters, specifically with SCP commands. I have set the minimum and maximum values in the transmitters based on tank measurements (horizontal cylinders), and the dip tape and transmitter display are in agreement, with a difference of only about an eighth of an inch over a span of approximately 10.28 feet. However, I am facing a challenge with one transmitter that is not allowing me to adjust the maximum value beyond 1.89 feet, resulting in an F261 error when overridden. Let's set that aside for now and focus on the key details:Transmitter specifications are as follows:Minimum: 10.28 feetMaximum: 0.0 feetUpdate time: 0 secondsAttached are the SCP commands and card configurations. Interestingly, I have 4 temperature transmitters on the same card that are functioning properly, as well as a third level transmitter that appears to be working fine. I have compared the configuration files between slot 7 and slot 2 (another NI8 card), and noticed a difference in the filtering frequency (1Hz compared to none). The values in the custom ranges are grayed out, with differences between 0 and -31967, but since I am using 4-20mA scaling on both, I believe these values are not relevant. Please disregard the numbers in the SCP, as those are my attempts to troubleshoot the scaling issue.
What is the configuration of the cards - 4-20ma or 0-10v? Have you properly initialized each channel? A 0-10 volt signal should provide an input range of 0 to 32767, while a 4-20ma signal should yield an input range of 3277 to 16383. It's been some time since I last worked with an NI8 card. - James.
James Mcquade inquired about the configuration of the cards, specifically asking if they are set up for 4-20mA or 0-10V. It is crucial to initialize each channel correctly for optimal performance. A 0-10 volt signal is expected to provide an input ranging from 0 to 32767, while a 4-20mA signal should yield an input between 3277 and 16383. The process of setting up NI8 cards may be unfamiliar if it has been a while since the last configuration. In this case, the cards are configured for 4-20mA, with each channel initialized accordingly. The manual indicates that a 4-20 signal is within the range of -32767 to +32767. Additionally, another NI8 card and four inputs on the same card follow the same configuration and function effectively.
Future reminder: I believe I have identified the issue to be with the sensor. When I set the output of Tank 1 sensor to either 0 or 50%, the HMI accurately displays the value thanks to the PLC's SCP. However, Tank 2 continues to show a configuration error (F261) when attempting to adjust the min/max ranges. I am currently awaiting a response from Vega regarding this issue and will also be exploring the option of installing a spare sensor in the interim.
As this is a radar sensor, it is assumed that the measurement indicates the distance from the sensor to the surface below. In this case, a greater distance measured corresponds to a lower level, and vice versa. Can the current scaling be adjusted to accommodate a negative slope between inputs and outputs? This adjustment may be necessary for optimal functionality and accurate readings.
drbitboy explained that being a radar sensor, the measurement indicates the distance from the sensor to the surface. A greater distance measured corresponds to a lower level, and vice versa. Can the scaling in place accommodate a negative slope between inputs and outputs? Yes, simply switch the min and max values. Most transmitters and PLC inputs can handle a higher value in either the min or max. The issue was resolved by installing a new (used) sensor with correct min and max values, resulting in very precise readings. Thank you to everyone for their input and suggestions!
From your description, it sounds like you have been thorough in your approach to troubleshooting. It's strange that the SCP commands are not allowing you to adjust the maximum value accordingly. It could be due to your set up or it may be a bug with the device's firmware. I would suggest trying to update the device's firmware if an update is available. If this doesn't solve the problem, contacting tech support from Vegapuls may provide you with a more specific solution. Also, the difference in the filtering frequency you mentioned can affect your measurements, even though it seems irrelevant. Changing it to match the rest may clear up the inconsistencies you're facing. If none of that works, it might be a hardware issue and the device itself may need to be replaced.
It sounds like you've ruled out most of the obvious issues and done a thorough comparison between working and non-working setups. Considering the transmitter that's giving you problems doesn't allow to adjust the maximum value beyond 1.89 feet, it may be worth investigating if the issue is hardware-based, perhaps a limitation of the sensor itself or some sort of obstruction in the tank causing inaccurate readings. Also, while you mentioned the discrepancy in the filtering frequency between the two slots (1Hz and none), have you tried to experiment by equalizing the frequencies to see if the issue persists? This could be an overlooked detail. Even though the values in the custom ranges are grayed out, they might still play a role; the -31967 value seems indicative of some sort of underflow or limit. It might be helpful to understand more about why those values are as they are.
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Answer: Answer: The scaling issues with the Vegapuls 65 guided wave radar level transmitters could be caused by various factors such as incorrect configuration settings, differences in filtering frequencies, or limitations in adjusting the maximum values beyond a certain point.
Answer: Answer: Troubleshooting an F261 error related to adjusting the maximum value on a transmitter may involve checking the configuration files, comparing settings between different cards, verifying filtering frequencies, and ensuring the correct input/output scaling values are applied.
Answer: Answer: The limitation in adjusting the maximum value beyond 1.89 feet on a transmitter could be due to specific constraints within the device, configuration discrepancies, or potential firmware issues that need to be addressed during troubleshooting.
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