Acksen Electrocorder EC-1A User manual

Electrocorder
EC-1A
User
Instructions
WARNING!
This product must only be
used by suitably qualied
personnel; do not attempt to
use this product unless you
are qualied to do so.
High voltages that cause
burns and lethal shocks
are present during voltage
monitoring and recording!
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Thank you for purchasing the Electrocorder EC-1A, we hope
you enjoy using this product, this package consists of six main
components:
1. Electrocorder logger (1)
The logging unit is housed in a strong ABS case.
2. Rogowski Coil (1)
Current input sensor.
3. USB Lead (1)
A USB lead is provided to allow connection between the
logger and any PC with a USB port.
4. Software CD (1)
Electrosoft software is provided free.
5. User Instructions (1)
These User Instructions are provided to give guidance, to
qualified personnel.
6. 12Vdc PSU within most regions (1).
PC HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
To run Electrosoft you must have certain hardware and software
installed on your computer. The system requirements include:-
• MicrosoftWindowsXP,Vista,7,8or2003/2008/2012
Server.
• AnRS232-compatible.SerialPortand/orUSBPortis
required for interfacing to an Electrocorder, depending on
model.
• Ourminimumsystemspecicationisa2GhzIntelCore2Duo,
2GB RAM, 1GB free disk space.
• 136x768resolution,24-bitcolourandWindowsXP.
• Ourrecommendedsystemspecicationisa3.1GhzInteli5-
 3450,8GBRAM,1GBfreediskspace.
• 1920x1200resolution,24-bitcolourandWindows7.
Installing Electrosoft
When you run the Setup program, it will automatically set a path
on When you insert the Electrosoft CD, it will prompt you to run
the setup program; follow the on-screen instructions to install
Electrosoft. If the setup program does not start automatically,
pleaserun“ElectrosoftSetup.exe”onyourDVD/CD-ROMDrive.
The setup program will create a shortcut for Electrosoft in the
Start menu.
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 recording mode is set by default to commence recording
when the Electrocorder Start button is pressed 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 current.
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T : +44(0)8702251790
F : +44(0)8702251791
E : [email protected]
acksen.com
Powerfully Measured
Version1.00.11.12

Electrocorder Model: EC-1A 2 of 3
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 current.
When the Electrocorder is recording a flashing green light will
show. When it has completed recording, the green light will fully
extinguish and IF an external PSU is being used than a steady
red light will appear on the unit. Otherwise the red (stopped)
light 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 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.
USB to RS232 Serial Converter (for use only with RS232 models)
If you have purchased a USB to RS232 converter, you must
install the drivers. You can use the drivers shipped with the
program which may be in the USB sub-folder within the Program
Folder, normally C:\Program Files\Electrosoft\USB. You can
download them from the website www.electrocorder.com or use
the disk, if one came with the converter.
ThefollowingdescribestheXPinstallation,otheroperating
systems will vary slightly. When you plug the converter into the
PC, it will detect it and identify the new hardware as UC232R,
Windows will then ask to search for the drivers, choose “Yes, this
time only”, then on the next screen choose, “Install from a list
location” then specify the location of the drivers, possibly the USB
sub folder, in the installation folder, or wherever you saved the
files to when you downloaded from the internet.
When installed, make a note of the serial or COM port number
the converter has been assigned to and when you run Electrosoft,
select the appropriate serial port or COM port number.
SAFETY TIPS
Current input is labelled ‘A1’.
Prior to connection of the logger to any system:-
1. f possible electrically isolate the conductors to which you wish
to connect.
2. Current input sensor must only be used around insulated
conductors.
3. Using insulating gloves, connect the each current sensor in
turn around each current carrying conductor.
4. The sensor lead is double layer, with a copper braid. Should
 theleadbecomescuffedand/ordamaged,thewhiteinner
braid could become visible through the black outer layer. If this
is the case seek further advise on the condition of the unit and
whether it may be used safely.
5. Do not connect the PC while the current sensors are around
conductors, unless the conductors are heavily insulated.
Feature Benet
Unit is small and lightweight Easy to install
Easy to use Windows software Can be used by non-technical sta
Electrosoft contains internal database Allows eective management of
distributed Electrocorders
True RMS current measurement A true reading
Soft carry case, with handle Allows you to keep and carry all the leads etc.
together with the logger
Features & benets of the EC-1A logger system
Phase New EU UK US
Colour Code Colour Code Color Code
A (L1) Brown Red Black
B (L2) Black Yellow Red
C (L3) Grey Blue Blue
N (Neutral) Blue Black White
G Yell/Green Yell/Green Green
(Ground/Earth) Stripe Stripe Yell/Green
Conductor colour codes around the world
Inputs and Connections on Various Systems
Colour and Single Phase Single Phase Single Phase
Input Terminal (1-Wire) (2-Wire) (3-Wire)
Brown (A1) X (L1) X (L1) X (L1)
Black (A2) X (G/E) X (L2)
Grey (A3) X (L3)
Single Phase Systems (logging current in ‘L1’)
Simply connect sensor A1 around the ‘L1 conductor’ and press
the start button.
Single Phase 3 Wire Systems (logging current in ‘L1’)
Connect sensor A1 around the ‘L1 conductor’,‘L2 conductor’ or
‘L3 conductor’ then press the start button.
Power Measurement (power in ‘L1’)
Connect sensor A1 around the ‘L1 conductor’ then press the
start button. When logging is complete, upload the data to a PC
using Electrosoft. Now click on the Power Tab and input the
nominal voltage on the conductors. The graphs shown represent
the power.
L1
L2
L3
N
EC-1A

Electrocorder Model: EC-1A
Current range Model EC-1A various, 0.1A to 10kA
Current measurement accuracy 5% of reading 100 to 500A, otherwise 10%
Sampling frequency 16 samples/cycle 800Hz @ 50Hz or 960Hz @
60Hz
Data recorded Average current, max & min current-cycle-
value during the averaging period
Memory capacity 64kB able to record 32,000 current levels
Memory type Non-volatile SEEPROM
Memory - averaging period & duration 1 sec to 60 mins (1sec. avg gives 2 hrs of log-
ging, 60min. avg gives 300 days of logging)
Real-time clock accuracy Greater than 0.001%
External PSU (nominal 12Vdc) 9Vdc to 24Vdc @ 100mA, 2.5mm jack, core is
+ve and outer is common (0V)
Battery life (without external PSU) 100 days, 14 weeks
Battery life (with external PSU) Unlimited, all power is taken from external
PSU
Battery type Unit contains ve 9V Alkaline batteries (E-
Block, PP3, 1604A, 6LF22)
Communications interface type USB, baud of 19,200
Electrosoft software Windows (9x, 2K, ME, NT,XP Vista, Windows 7);
1024 x 768 min resolution
Environmental (temp & sealing) -10C to +40C or +14°F to +104°F – IP54 for
indoor or protected environment!
Dimensions & weight Metric 250 x 140 x 100mm & 500g
Imperial - 10” x 7”x 5” & 1lb
Technical specications
(subject to change without notice)
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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.
Calibration
Each unit is individually calibrated during testing.
Battery life (while connected)
Unlimited - mains powered (via 12Vdc PSU) and battery back up.
Battery life (while unconnected to mains)
The9VAlkalinebatteriesshouldlastforatleast2,000hours(3
months)
Caution
The battery 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9VLithiumorAlkaline
batteryIECType6-F22(PP3,MN1604).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.