Acksen DC-3V-RS User manual

Electrocorder DC-3V-RS
User Instructions
WARNING!
THIS PRODUCT MUST ONLY BE USED BY SUITABLY
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL; DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE THIS
PRODUCT UNLESS YOU ARE QUALIFIED TO DO SO.
HIGH VOLTAGES THAT CAUSE BURNS AND LETHAL SHOCKS
ARE PRESENT DURING VOLTAGE MONITORING AND
RECORDING!
Voltage inputs are not isolated from each other, as
one input is energised, other will become live!
General Description
Thank you for purchasing the Electrocorder DC-3V-RS, we hope you enjoy using this
product, this package consists of seven main components:
1. Electrocorder logger (1)
The logging unit is housed in a strong ABS case.
2. Carry Case (1)
The ABS case of the logging unit is in turn contained within a soft carry case.
3. Voltage Input Leads (4)
Four voltage input leads are provided to allow easy connection to the voltage system.
4. Communications Lead (1)
For the DC-3V a USB lead is provided to allow connection between the logger and any PC
with a USB port.
5. 12Vdc PSU (1)
6. Software CD (1)
Electrosoft software is provided free.
7. User Instructions (1)
These User Instructions are provided to give guidance, to qualified personnel.
PC Hardware requirements
To run Electrosoft you must have certain hardware and software installed on your
computer. The system requirements include:-
An IBM®- compatible Personal Computer with a minimum of an 80486 processor.
A hard disk, with at least 5MB spare capacity.
One 1.44MB 3.5” disk drive.
An SVGA 600 x 800 or higher resolution display.
At least 16MB of random access memory (RAM).
A mouse.
Microsoft®Windows 9X, NT4.0, 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.
Installing Electrosoft
When you run the Setup program, it will automatically set a path on your hard disk and
install Electrosoft there.
In Windows 9X, NT4.0, 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, the Setup program will
create an option in your Programs menu, which is in the Start menu.
Step 1: To install Electrosoft; run Setup.
For Windows 9X, NT4.0, 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7
Step 2: From the Taskbar menu click Start and choose Run. The Run dialogue box
appears.
Step 3: Type a:\Setup. Click OK. Follow the instructions on the screen to install
Electrosoft - you will be alerted when the installation is complete.
Getting started
In order to set-up an Electrocorder, you must first run Electrosoft on your PC. Then connect
an Electrocorder to the PC serial port using the correct (supplied) serial lead. In Electrosoft,
use the ‘Setup’ dialog box window and input the details of the location to be monitored. The
Electrocorder does NOT need to be connected in to the mains voltage to perform this task.
The recording mode is set by default to commence recording when the Electrocorder
detects voltage and to stop recording when the memory is full.
Select the recording method - two options are available:
1. Record to EN50160 standard - the Electrocorder will take a sample once every second for
10 minutes. It then averages the samples taken over that 10 minute period and stores the
value. In this mode the unit will record for approximately 50 days until the memory is full.
2. Take a sample over a discrete period - the Electrocorder can be set to take an average
over a selected period, 1 (one) sec to 60 (sixty) min and also record the max and min during
each period. For example, a unit set to record every 1 (one) second will record for
approximately 2 hours. A unit set to record every 12 seconds will record for approximately
1 day. A unit set to record every 60 (sixty) minutes will record for approximately 300
days.
When the required information has been input, download to the connected Electrocorder by
clicking the ‘Write Setup’ icon. The Electrocorder is now ready to monitor voltage.
When the Electrocorder is recording a flashing red light will show, when it has completed
recording, a steady green light will appear on the unit. The database contained within
Electrosoft will also advise that the unit has completed recording and is ready to be
collected. To download the recorded data connect the Electrocorder to the PC serial port
and click the ‘Read Setup’ icon. The recorded data is displayed for analysis.
This document is produced in conjunction with the Help file contained in Electrosoft, which
contains a detailed explanation of all features and contains information, which should be
studied prior to using this product.
DUAL RANGE / RANGE SELECT
The range can only be changed when the logger has started logging. The selected
range will automatically be displayed if an external 12Vdc power supply is connected
to the logger. If no external power is connected pressing the “?” button will display
the range, either 0.5V to 60V or 1V to 300V. To change the range, on all 3 input
channels press and hold the “?” button and press the adjacent up/down arrow, this
will toggle the range. Please note that the range should be set once at the beginning
of recording and not changed, the logger does not record which range it was in so
you should make note of the range used, as you need to set this when viewing the
data.
When the Electrocorder is recording a flashing green light will show, when it has completed
recording, the green light will extinguish and if an external PSU is being used then a steady
red light will appear on the unit, otherwise the red will not light, so completion is signified by
the absence of a flashing green. The database contained within Electrosoft will also advise
that the unit has completed recording and is ready to be collected. To download the
recorded data connect the Electrocorder to the PC USB port and click the ‘Read Setup’ icon.
The recorded data is displayed for analysis.
When you read the data via the software you will be asked to select the range used
during logging, select either 60V or 300V range. If you select the wrong range, the
readings will be incorrect. If this happens, use the “select scale” button on the main
graph window to change to the correct range/scale. You may even do this with data
that has already been saved to file.
SAFETY TIPS
Voltage inputs are labelled ‘D1’, ‘D2’, ‘D3’ and Common is labelled ‘C’. For correct
operation this recorder must have a proper Common (C) connection.
Prior to connection of the logger to any voltage system:-
1) If possible electrically isolate the conductors to which you wish to connect.
2) Remove (unplug) all voltage leads from the logger.
3) Using insulating gloves where necessary, connect the each voltage lead in turn to the
electrical bus-bar with the crocodile clip.
4) When all voltage leads are connected to the voltage bus-bars, then beginning with the
Common (C) input, connect in turn each lead to the logger (with the 4mm shrouded plugs).
5) Voltage leads are double layer. The inner layer is white, should the lead become scuffed
and/or damaged, the white inner layer should become visible, as opposed to the normal red
or black outer layer. When this occurs, you must replace the voltage lead with a new,
undamaged one.
Features & Benefits of the DC-3V-RS Logger System
Feature
Benefit
Unit is small and lightweight.
Easy to install
Easy to use Windows software.
Can be used by non-technical staff.
Electrosoft contains internal
database.
Allows effective management of distributed
Electrocorders.
True RMS voltage measurement.
Complies to EN50160:1994.
Soft carry case, with handle
Allows you to keep and carry all the leads etc.
together with the logger.
Inputs and Connections on Various Systems
Colour and Input
Terminal
Voltage inputs
Red (D1)
0.5V to +60Vdc, & 1V to +300Vdc
Red (D2)
0.5V to +60Vdc, & 1V to +300Vdc
Red (D3)
0.5V to +60Vdc, & 1V to +300Vdc
Black (C)
Common
Single Channel Logging (using inputs ‘D1’ and ‘C’)
Simply connect ‘C’ to System Common (ground, earth or 0V) then ‘D1’ to voltage input.
Connect the 12Vdc PSU, and to start logging, simply press the ‘Start’ Button, logging is
signified by a flashing Green light, when finished the Green light will extinguish and if you
are using the 12Vdc PSU a red light will illuminate.
Two or Three Channel, Voltage Logging (using inputs ‘D1’, ‘D2’, ‘D3’ and ‘C’)
Use either the 60V or 300V range. Simply connect ‘C’ to System Common (ground, earth or
0V) then ‘D1’, ‘D2’,’D3’ to the positive voltage inputs. Connect the 12Vdc PSU, and to start
logging, simply press the ‘Start’ Button, logging is signified by a flashing Green light, when
finished the Green light will extinguish and if you are using the 12Vdc PSU a red light will
illuminate.
One Channel, Current Logging (using inputs ‘D3’ and ‘C’)
Use the 0.5V to 60V range. Connect ‘C’ to Transducer ‘--‘ (negative output of the 0-10Vdc)
then ’D3’ to the ‘+’ (positive output of the 0-10Vdc) of the transducer. Connect the 24V PSU
or system supply to the transducer. Connect ‘D1’and/or ‘D2’to the voltage inputs and ‘C’
to the system ground, connect the 12Vdc to the logger. Then to start logging, simply press
the ‘Start’ Button, logging is signified by a flashing Green light, when finished the Green
light will extinguish and if you are using the 12Vdc PSU a red light will illuminate.

Technical Specifications
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (subject to change without notice)
Measurement range (Vrms)
0.5Vdc to +60Vdc, & 1Vdc to +300Vdc
Maximum channel input voltage
+300Vdc with respect to common.
Inputs (non-isolated inputs)
Three positive voltage inputs (D1, D2 & D3) &
Common (C, 0V), Input channels are not
electrically isolated!
Input socket types
4mm shrouded ‘banana’ plugs & sockets, each with
insulated crocodile clip.
Voltage measurement range.
60V range, +0.5Vdc to +60Vdc, 300V range , +1Vdc
to +300Vdc.
Measurement accuracy
±1% of scale (10 bit) within +5Vdc to +60Vdc else
±3%.
Vmin & Vmax meas time resolution
Always one 20ms, independent of selected
averaging period.
Sampling frequency
16 samples per 20ms period.
Data recorded
Average voltage, max & min voltage-cycle-value
during the averaging period
Memory capacity
192kB able to record 32,000 Voltage levels per
channel.
Memory type
Non-volatile SEEPROM
Memory - averaging period & duration
1 sec to 60 mins (1sec. avg gives 2 hrs of logging,
60min. avg gives 300 days of logging)
Real-time clock accuracy
Greater than 0.001%
Input Lead Length
Metric 1.2 metres Imperial 4’ (4 feet)
Battery life (while logging)
Unlimited - mains powered & 1,000 hours, on battery
power only.
Battery Type
Unit contains six 1.5V Alkaline C-Cell batteries.
Power Supply
12Vdc +/-10%.
Communications Interface type
USB, baud of 19,200
Electrosoft Software
Windows (9x, 2K, ME, NT, XP & Vista, Win 7,1024 x
768 min resolution
Environmental (temp & sealing)
-10C to +40C or +14°F to +104°F –Indoor or
protected environment only!
Dimensions & Weight
Metric 250 x 175 x 70mm & 500g
Imperial/English - 10” x 6” x 3” & 1lb
Calibration
Each unit is individually calibrated during testing.
Battery life (while connected to PSU)
Unlimited - mains powered and battery back up.
Battery life (while unplugged & not logging)
The six 1.5V Alkaline C-Cell batteries should last for at least 9,000 hours (1 year),
Caution
The batteries used in this device may present a risk of fire or chemical burn if mistreated.
Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 100°C or incinerate. Replace with a 1.5V
Lithium or Alkaline C-Cell batteries. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or
explosion. Dispose of used batteries promptly. Check for signs of battery (electrolyte)
leakage. If leakage has occurred, the PCB must be cleaned in an approved manner by a
competent (trained) person. Keep away from children.
Maintenance
Regularly check the Electrocorder casing for signs of damage (cracks, broken or loose
parts) or misuse. If the unit is damaged in any way it must NOT be used and should be
returned to the supplier. The unit must not be used for any other purpose than for that
recommended by the manufacturer. The unit must not be submerged in any liquid.
Cleaning
Wipe the outside of the case with a clean cloth damped with IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol).
Warranty
All Acksen products carry a minimum 1 year warranty covering manufacturing defects and
component failures. The device contains no user-serviceable parts and as such should only
be repaired by skilled and authorised personnel. Failure to comply could result in unsafe
operation and should not be attempted under any circumstances. Contact below for a list of
approved service agents.
Note: Any unauthorised repair or adjustment will automatically render the warranty invalid.
Repair and spare parts
Acksen Ltd.
28 Station Road
Whiteabbey
Newtownabbey
Co. Antrim BT37 0AW
United Kingdom
Or an approved repair company.
Returning a product for repair
If returning a product to the manufacturer for repair, it should be sent freight pre-paid to the
appropriate address. A copy of the Invoice and of the packing note should be sent
simultaneously by airmail to expedite clearance through Customs. A repair estimate showing
freight return and other charges will be submitted to the sender, if required, before work on
the device commences.
WEEE
For EU customers Acksen Ltd offer a product take-back service. For customers within the
European Union (only) and products manufactured or sold by us; when those products
reach the end of their life, simply send them back to us at your expense, we will dispose of
them according to the relevant legislation. Acksen Ltd's WEEE Registration Number
WEE/DD2117VU.
Part No: DC-3V-RS-UI-En.PDF
Web: www.acksen.com