AMALGAMATED INSTRUMENT RM4-FX Guide

Model RM4-FX
Ratemeter
DIN Rail Process Monitor/Controller
Operation and Instruction Manual
AMALGAMATED INSTRUMENT CO PTY LTD ABN: 80 619 963 692
Unit 5, 28 Leighton Place Hornsby Telephone: [phone] e-mail: [email protected]
NSW 2077 Australia Facsimile: [phone] Internet: www.aicpl.com.au

Table of Contents
1 Introduction 3
2 Mechanical installation 6
3 Electrical installation 7
4 Function table - for rate/frequency only display 15
5 Explanation of functions 18
6 Specifications 34
7 Guarantee and service 35
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1 Introduction
1.1 General description
This manual contains information for the installation and operation of the RM4-FX Monitor. The
instrument operates as a frequency/ratemeter/tachometer and will accept pulse inputs from a
wide range of input types. The instrument can be scaled to read in any process units e.g. R.P.M.,
Litres/min etc. All function setup and scaling is accomplished via the front pushbuttons. Input
sensor selection is accomplished via link settings. In “low frequency” mode (input less than 1kHz)
the user has the choice of displaying the rate or the period of the input waveform. Also in this mode
a “timeout” function allows the display of very low frequency inputs without the alternate display
of an actual reading followed by a zero reading often seen in instruments without this feature. An
“averaging” mode allows the display to indicate the average rate over a user selectable (1 to 9999)
number of seconds.
Unless otherwise specified at the time of order, your RM4 has been factory set to a standard
configuration. Like all other RM4 series instruments the configuration and calibration is easily
changed by the user. Initial changes may require dismantling the instrument to alter PCB links,
other changes are made by push button functions. Full electrical isolation between power supply,
input voltage or current and retransmission output is provided by the RM4, thereby eliminating
grounding and common voltage problems. This isolation feature makes the RM4 ideal for interfacing
to computers, PLCs and other data acquisition devices.
The RM4 series of DIN Rail Process Modules are designed for high reliability in industrial appli-
cations. The 5 digit LED display provides good visibility, even in areas with high ambient light
levels. A feature of the RM4 is the programmable display brightness function, this allows the unit
to be operated with low display brightness to reduce the instrument power consumption and to
improve readability in darker areas. To reduce power consumption in normal use the display can
be programmed to automatically dim or blank after a set time.
Unless otherwise specified at the time of order, your RM4 has been factory set to a standard
configuration. Like all other RM4 series instruments the configuration and calibration is easily
changed by the user. Initial changes may require dismantling the instrument to alter PCB links,
other changes are made by push button functions.
Full electrical isolation between power supply, input voltage or current and optional retransmission
output is provided by the RM4, thereby eliminating grounding and common voltage problems.
This isolation feature makes the RM4 ideal for interfacing to computers, PLCs and other data
acquisition devices.
The RM4 series of DIN Rail Process Modules are designed for high reliability in industrial appli-
cations. The 5 digit LED display provides good visibility, even in areas with high ambient light
levels. A feature of the RM4 is the programmable display brightness function, this allows the unit
to be operated with low display brightness to reduce the instrument power consumption and to
improve readability in darker areas. To reduce power consumption in normal use the display can
be programmed to automatically dim or blank after a set time, the display will return to its normal
brightness level if any of the pushbuttons are pressed or if an alarm relay is activated.
RM4FXMAN-2.0-0 3 of 35

1.2 Standard outputs
•Two standard inbuilt relays provides an alarm/control function
•A non isolated transmitter supply selectable as 5V or 24VDC approx. (25mA max.) unreg-
ulated is provided.
1.3 Output options
•1 or 2 extra relays
•Isolated 12 bit analog retransmission (single or dual analog output versions available) config-
urable for 4–20mA., 0–1V or 0–10V.
•Isolated 16 bit analog retransmission plus extra relay
•12VDC or 24VDC (link selectable) isolated transmitter supply/excitation voltage (25mA
max.). Not to be used with the standard unregulated transmitter supply
•Isolated RS232, RS485 or RS422 serial communications (8 bit ASCII or Modbus RTU)
•Isolated Optional outputs are available in certain combinations e.g. Analog output plus
isolated transmitter supply.
1.4 Entry to setup and scaling functions
The RM4 setup and calibration functions are configured through a push button sequence. Two
levels of access are provided for setting up and calibrating:-
FUNC mode (simple push button sequence) allows access to alarm relay, preset value and display
brightness functions.
CAL mode (power up sequence plus push button sequence) allows access to all functions including
calibration parameters. Push buttons located at the front of the instrument are used to alter
settings. Once CAL or FUNC mode has been entered you can step through the functions, by
pressing and releasing the Fpush button, until the required function is reached. Changes to
functions are made by pressing the ^or vpush button (in some cases both simultaneously) when
the required function is reached.
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P
P
F
F
P F
P PF F
Entering CAL Mode Entering FUNC Mode
1. Remove power from
the instrument. Hold in the
button and reapply power.
The display will indicate
as part of the
"wake up messages" when
the message is seen
you can release the
button.
2. When the "wake up"
messages have finished
and the display has settled
down to its normal reading
press, then release the
button.
1. When the "wake up"
messages have finished
and the display has settled
down to its normal reading
press, then release the
button.
3. Within 2 seconds of
releasing the button
press, then release
the and buttons
together. The display will
now indicate followed
by the first function.
2. Within 2 seconds of
releasing the button
press, then release
the and buttons
together. The display will
now indicate followed
by the first function.
^
^
^^
FUNC
FUNC
F
F
F
FF
CAL
CAL
Note: If step 1 above has been completed then the
instrument will remain in this CAL mode state until
power is removed. i.e. there is no need to repeat step 1
when accessing function unless power has been removed.
No special power up procedure
is required to enter FUNC mode.
FUNC
FUNC
FUNC
FUNC
End
End
A1Hi
dCPt
CAL
OFF
0
100
.002
Press & release
Press & release
Press & release
Press & release
Press & release
Press & release
Press & release
Press & release
Press & hold Release
Hold
Press & release F
Press & release F
^ until
^ until
F
F
P or F until
P or F until
F until
F until
FF
F until
then press ^v
then press ^v
Switch off
instrument
Switch on
instrument
Example: Entering FUNC mode to change alarm 1 high function A1Hi from OFF to 100
Example: Entering CAL mode to change decimal point dCPt function from 0 to 0.02
RM4FXMAN-2.0-0 5 of 35

2 Mechanical installation
The instrument is designed for DIN rail mounting. The instrument clips on to 35mm DIN standard
rails (EN50022). Cut the DIN rail to length and install where required. To install the instrument
simply clip onto the rail as shown below. To remove the instrument lever the lower arm downwards
using a broad bladed screwdriver to pull the clip away from the DIN rail.
44mm
91mm
141mm
4
3
2
I
Rail
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3 Electrical installation
3.1 Electrical installation
The RM4 Panel Meter is designed for continuous operation and no power switch is fitted to the
unit. It is recommended that an external switch and fuse be provided to allow the unit to be
removed for servicing.
The plug in, screw type, terminal blocks allow for wires of up to 2.5mm2to be fitted for power
supply and relays 1 and 2 and 1.5mm2for signal input connections and optional outputs. Connect
the wires to the appropriate terminals as indicated below. Refer to connection details provided in
this chapter to confirm proper selection of voltage, polarity and input type before applying power
to the instrument.
When power is applied the instrument will cycle through a display sequence indicating the software
version and other status information, this indicates that the instrument is functioning. Acknowl-
edgement of correct operation may be obtained by applying an appropriate input to the instrument
and observing the reading. The use of screened cable is recommended for signal inputs.
For connection details of optional outputs refer to the separate ”RM4 Panel Meter Optional Output
Addendum” booklet supplied when options are fitted.
RM4FXMAN-2.0-0 7 of 35

Instrument data label example
3.2 Sensor power supply
The standard internal sensor supply may be link selected to provide a regulated 5V or unregulated
24V to power the sensor. The maximum current available is 25mA. The 24V unregulated supplies
are only available on the AC powered versions of this panel meter. Note that no more than one
link should be fitted i.e. either LK10 or LK11. For 24V sensor supply both LK10 and LK11 should
be out and LK16 and LK17 on the main board should be in.
3.3 Relay connections
The RM4 is supplied with two alarm relays as standard. Relay 1 is connected across terminals
A and B. Relays 2 is connected across terminals C and D. One or two extra relays are optionally
available. Relays 1 and 2 are single pole, single throw types (form A) and are rated at 5A, 240VAC
into a resistive load. Relays 3 and 4 are form A rated 0.5A resistive 30VAC or DC. The relay
contacts are voltage free and may be programmed for normally open or normally closed operation.
If only 3 relays are fitted and no other options are fitted then Relay 3 can be configured as form C
via a link on the option board.
3.4 Rotapulse wiring and link settings
The Rotapulse flowmeter is commonly supplied with this model. Wiring and link settings are as
shown below:
Rotapulse: Colour code: Black - signal + (terminal 8), Brown - +24V (terminal 7), Blue - ground
(terminal 9). Input link settings: Links in are LK2 (BIAS), LK3 (DC), LK4 (HYST), LK9 (VCC),
LK16 and 17 (24V links on main board) all other links are out.
3.5 Ext In (Remote input) connections
The remote input connections are across terminals 5 and 9. A momentary or latching voltage free
switch can be fitted across these terminals to suit the operation selected at the R.INP function.
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4
3
2
I
Remote
input
Choose momentary or
latching switch to
suit function selected.
RM4FXMAN-2.0-0 9 of 35

3.6 Input connection and internal link settings
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RM4FXMAN-2.0-0 11 of 35

3.7 Notes
The AC link LK8 is only in when the RM4 is to be used to measure the frequency of its own AC
supply input, this mode also requires other factory fitted components and is therefore only available
when if this mode is specified when ordered. No signal input other than the AC supply is required
when this method is used i.e. there is no input to signal fed to terminal 8.
The LOW FREQ link LK7 is primarily provided to filter out contact bounce for voltage free inputs.
It can also be used to filter out frequencies above approx. 80Hz in electrically noisy environments
when the maximum input frequency is less than approx. 80Hz.
The GND link LK6 and VCC link LK9 should both be out when the input is greater than 24V
RMS or 24VDC (48V RMS or 48VDC max. with links removed).
HYST2 link LK5 should be in for signals greater than 1V .HYST link LK4 should be in for signals
greater than 5V. For signals lower than 1V both links should be out (100mV minimum signal).
A maximum of one hysteresis link should be fitted. The DC coupling link LK3 should be in for
frequencies less than 10Hz. The BIAS link LK2 should be in when input signal does not go below
0V.
The FREQ link should generally be left out. It can used when the display is having difficulty
registering sinewave AC inputs. If at high frequency (above 10kHz) and with input signals above
2VRMS difficulty is found in obtaining a stable display this link can be tried and it may in some
circumstances help to stabilise the display.
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3.8 Input circuit diagram
RM4FXMAN-2.0-0 13 of 35

3.9 Configuring the input board
Remove the circuit board from the case following the instructions below. Link settings for the main
input board are as shown below. For optional output link settings consult the separate “RM4 DIN
Rail Meter Optional Output Addendum” booklet.
Insert the links into the appropriate location on the pin headers.
14 of 35 RM4FXMAN-2.0-0

4 Function table - for rate/frequency only display
Note: the order in which the functions appear on the display may not be exactly as shown below.
The availability and order of functions is determined by choice of function settings and options
fitted.
Functions in this first table are available in FUNC or CAL mode
Display Function Range Default Your
record
Ref/Page
AxLo Low setpoint value for
designated alarm relay x
Any display
value or OFF
OFF See
4.1
5.3 /20
AxHi High setpoint value for
designated alarm relay x
Any display
value or OFF
OFF See
4.1
5.4 /20
AxHY Hysteresis value for the
designated alarm relay x.
0to 9999 10 See
4.1
5.5 /21
Axtt Trip time delay for the
designated alarm relay x.
0to 9999 0 See
4.1
5.6 /22
Axrt Reset time delay for the
designated alarm relay x.
0to 9999 0 See
4.1
5.7 /22
Axn.o
or
Axn.c
Alarm relay xaction to
normally open (de-energised) or
normally closed (energised)
Axn.o or
Axn.c
Axn.o See
4.1
5.8 /22
AxSP
or
Axt1
etc.
Relay operation independent
setpoint or trailing setpoint
(∗Optional)
AxSP or
Axt1 etc.
AxSP See
4.1
5.9 /23
brGt Display brightness level 1to 15 15 5.10 /23
duLL Display remote brightness
switching
0to 15 1 5.11 /23
d.oFF
SECS
Auto display dimming timer 0to 9999 0 5.12 /24
(∗Optional)—this function will only be accessible if the relevant option is fitted
Functions in this second table are available only in CAL mode or if ACCS is set to ALL
Display Function Range Default Your
record
Ref/Page
REC_ Analog output option low
display value (∗Optional)
Any display
value
05.13 /24
REC~ Analog output option high
display value (∗Optional)
Any display
value
1000 5.14 /24
REC_
Ch2
Second analog output option
low display value (∗Optional)
Any display
value
05.15 /25
REC~
Ch2
Second analog output option
high display value (∗Optional)
Any display
value
1000 5.16 /25
(∗Optional)—this function will only be accessible if the relevant option is fitted
RM4FXMAN-2.0-0 15 of 35

drnd Display rounding 1to 5000 1 5.17 /25
FLtr Digital filter 0to 8 2 5.18 /25
RAtE
dCPt
Rate display decimal point
selection
0to number of
display digits
minus 1
05.19 /26
RAtE
INPt
Rate input scale factor Any display
value
15.20 /26
RAtE
SCLE
Rate scale factor Any display
value
15.21 /26
PErd
dCPt
Period display decimal point
selection
0,0.00.02
etc.
05.22 /27
PERd
INPt
Rate input scale factor Any display
value
15.23 /27
PERd
SCLE
Period scale factor Any display
value
15.24 /27
FREQ
RNGE
Frequency range LoF.HiF,
AUGE or
R.AUG
HiF 5.25 /27
FASt
UPdt
Fast update on or OFF OFF 5.26 /28
INPt
EdGE
Input edge RISE or
FALL
RISE 5.27 /28
dISP Display rate or period RAtE or
PERd
RAtE 5.28 /29
dISP
RNGE
Period display range 0,0.01,0.02
or 0.00.02
05.29 /29
tout
SECS
Rate display time out 1or 9999 1 5.30 /30
AUGE
SECS
Average display seconds 1or 9999 1 5.31 /30
R.INP Remote input function NONE,
P.HLd,
d.HLd,Hi,
Lo,HiLo,
SP.Ac,
No.Ac or
duLL
NONE 5.32 /30
P.but Pbutton function NONE,Hi,
Lo or HiLo
NONE 5.33 /31
ACCS Access mode OFF, EASY,
NONE or ALL
OFF 5.34 /31
SPAC Setpoint access mode
(∗Optional)
A1, A1-2 etc. A1 5.35 /31
(∗Optional)—this function will only be accessible if the relevant option is fitted
16 of 35 RM4FXMAN-2.0-0

bAUd
RAtE
Baud rate for serial
communications (∗Optional)
300, 600,
1200, 2400,
4800, 9600,
19.2 or 38.4
9600 5.36 /32
PrtY Parity for serial communications
(∗Optional)
NONE, EUEN
or odd
NONE 5.37 /32
O.Put Output for serial
communications (∗Optional)
dISP, Cont,
POLL,A.buS
or M.buS
Cont 5.38 /32
Addr Instrument address for serial
communications (∗Optional)
0to 31 0 5.39 /33
(∗Optional)—this function will only be accessible if the relevant option is fitted
4.1 Relay table
Record your relay settings in the table below
Display Relay 1 Relay 2 Relay 3 Relay 4
AxLo
AxHi
AxHY
Axtt
Axrt
Axn.o or Axn.c
AxSP or Axt1 etc. n/a
Axn.o or Axn.c
RM4FXMAN-2.0-0 17 of 35

5 Explanation of functions
Easy alarm relay adjustment access facility
The display has an easy alarm access facility which allows access to the alarm setpoints simply by
pressing the Fbutton at the front of the instrument. The first setpoint will then appear and
changes to this setpoint may be made to this setpoint via the ^or vbuttons. Press the F
button to accept any changes or to move on to the next setpoint. The instrument must be set in
the manner described below to allow the easy access facility to work:
1. The R.INP function must be set to SPAC or the ACCS function must be set to EASY.
2. At least one alarm must have a setpoint, nothing will happen if all the alarm setpoints are
set to OFF.
3. The SPAC function must be set to allow access to the relays required e.g. if set to A1-2
then the easy access will work only with alarm relays 1 and 2 even if more relays are fitted.
4. The instrument must be in normal measure mode i.e. if the instrument is powered up so that
it is in CAL mode then the easy access will not function. If in doubt remove power from the
instrument, wait for a few seconds then apply power again.
5. If the easy access facility is used then the only way to view or alter any other function
settings is to power up via CAL mode i.e. there is no entry to FUNC mode functions unless
the instrument is powered up in CAL mode.
Frequency/rate operation.
The ratemeter mode can operate in one of 4 basic ways to give different display options namely:
1. Rate display, high frequency.
If HI F is selected at the FREQ RNGE function the instrument acts as a general purpose fre-
quency/ratemeter/tachometer. If a very low frequency (below approx. 4Hz) input is used then
LoF mode should be selected. At frequencies below 4Hz, if HI F is selected, the display may al-
ternate between an actual frequency reading and a zero reading, this is due to the higher sampling
rate when HI F is selected.
2. Rate display, low frequency.
If LoF is selected at the FREQ RNGE function the instrument expects an input frequency of less
than 1kHz. This mode allows very low frequency inputs without exhibiting the apparent display
instability often seen with low frequency inputs. This display stability is accomplished by allowing
the user to set a “time out” value - see the tout SECS function.
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3. Period display, low frequency.
With Lo F selected at the FREQ RNGE function the user has the option of either displaying the
rate (RAtE) or period (PERd) of the input (chosen via the dISP function). If PERd is selected
then the display will show the period (or scaled period if required) of the input pulse rather than
the rate.
4. Averaged rate display.
With AUGE selected at the FREQ RNGE function the display will average the rate input over the
number of seconds selected at the AUGE SECS function. The display will only update at the end
of the averaging period. This mode allows the user to see a steady averaged display for an input
which produces short term irregularities.
5.1 Relay pass value
Display: AxPS
Range: Any display value
Default Value: OFF
Alarm relay pass value - only seen when AxPS is selected at the Axrt/AxtL/AxPS function.
Displays and sets the chosen alarm relay (A1Pt,A2Pt etc.) pass time in seconds. The alarm
relay will activate at multiples of the pass value e.g. if A1PS is set to 50 then relay 1 will activate
at a total display value of 50,100,150 etc. The time for which the relay remains activated at
each pass value is set via the AxPt function which follows. The pass value may be set anywhere
in the display range of the instrument, positive or negative. The pass value can be set to OFF
(disabled) by pressing the ^and vbuttons together.
5.2 Relay pass time
Display: AxPt
Range: 0.0 to 999.9
Default Value: 0.0
Alarm relay pass time - only seen when AxPS selected at the Axrt/AxtL/AxPS function.
Displays and sets the chosen alarm relay (A1Pt,A2Pt etc.) pass time in seconds. The value set
is the time for which the relay will remain energised when activated at a pass value. e.g. if set to
2.0 with a A1PS value of 50 then the relay will remain energised for 2.0 seconds every time the
display passes a multiple of 50. Note: If the pass time exceeds the time taken to reach consecutive
RM4FXMAN-2.0-0 19 of 35

pass values then the instrument will “store” any relay operations it does not have time to activate
and will perform these activations when the total display update rate allows. For this reason the
relay may be seen to activate repeatedly for a period after the total update rate has slowed down
or stopped.
5.3 Alarm relay low setpoint
Display: AxLo
Range: Any display value or OFF
Default Value: OFF
Displays and sets the low setpoint value for the designated alarm relay x. Note xwill be replaced
by the relay number when displayed e.g. A1Lo for relay 1. Use this low setpoint function if a
relay operation is required when the display value becomes equal to or less than the low setpoint
value. To set a low alarm value go to the AxLo function and use the ^or vpush buttons to set
the value required then press Fto accept this value. The low alarm setpoint may be disabled by
pressing the ^and vpush buttons simultaneously. When the alarm is disabled the display will
indicate OFF. If the relay is allocated both a low and high setpoint then the relay will activate
when the value displayed moves outside the band set by the low and high setpoints. The value at
which the relay will reset is controlled by the AxHY function.
Example:
If A1Lo is set to 10 then relay 1 will activate when the display value is 10 or less.
Display Value
Time
A Lox
A HYxvalue
A Lo
A HY
x
x
plus
Relay
activates
at this value
or below
Relay
resets
above this
value
Alarm low operation with hysteresis
5.4 Alarm relay high setpoint
Display: AxHi
Range: Any display value or OFF
Default Value: OFF
Displays and sets the high setpoint value for the designated alarm relay x. Note xwill be replaced
by the relay number when displayed e.g. A1Hi for relay 1. Use this high setpoint function if a
relay operation is required when the display value becomes equal to or more than the low setpoint
value. To set a high alarm value go to the AxHi function and use the ^or vpush buttons to
set the value required then press Fto accept this value. The high alarm setpoint may be disabled
20 of 35 RM4FXMAN-2.0-0