AMI 1700 Manual

Revision 4 - July 2022
American Magnetics, Inc.
P.O. Box 2509, 112 Flint Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-2509, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]
MODEL 1700
LIQUID LEVEL INSTRUMENT
(LIQUID HELIUM VERSION)
INSTALLATION, OPERATION, AND
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
EXCELLENCE IN MAGNETICS AND CRYOGENICS
1 Cover Page

REV 4 I
AMERICAN MAGNETICS, INC. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword ................................................................................. vii
Purpose and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vii
Contents of this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vii
General Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
Cryogen Safety Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x
Safety Legend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x
Equipment Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
Instrument Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
Introduction ...............................................................................1
Model 1700 Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Superconducting Level Sensors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Digitally-Controlled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
System Flexibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Intuitive Human-Interface Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Measurement Flexibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Real Time Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Analog Outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Signal Relays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Model 1700 Front Panel Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Model 1700 Rear Panel Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Model 1700 Specifications @ 25°C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

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AMERICAN MAGNETICS, INC. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Installation.................................................................................9
Unpacking and Inspecting the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Mounting the Model 1700 Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Liquid Helium Level Sensor Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Connecting the Liquid Helium Level Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Configuring an Autofill System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
LHe Autofill System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Power Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Connecting the Analog Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
0-10 VDC Recorder Output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4-20 mA Current Loop Output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Operation................................................................................ 15
Energizing the Model 1700 Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Screen Navigation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Home Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Home Screen Footer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Editing a Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Navigating the Instrument Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Menu Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Screen Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Superconducting (Liquid Helium) Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Configure the instrument to display helium level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Sensor Burnout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Sampled or Continuous Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Other Liquid Helium Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Alarms and Relays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Alarm Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Level-Based Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Multiple alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Configuring Alarm Setpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Acknowledging an Alarm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Muting an Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Configuring Relay Setpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

REV 4 III
AMERICAN MAGNETICS, INC. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Configure the Autofill Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Setting the autofill parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Enable the Autofill function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Clearing the Autofill Timeout Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Select the appropriate units on the display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Analog output signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Configuring the Analog Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Ethernet Connectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
IP Addressing Scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Serial Connectivity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Configuring the
RS-232 Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Abnormal Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Dirty Helium Sensor Operational Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Resetting the Instrument to Factory Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Shutting the Instrument Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Calibration ...............................................................................41
Setting the System Date and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Superconductivity-Based (Liquid Helium) Level Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Verify the Liquid Helium Sensor Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Sensor Sample Interval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Sensor Active Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Continuous Measure Time Limit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Sensor Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Remote Interface Reference.....................................................47
SCPI Command Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
RS-232 Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Serial port connector and cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Command/return termination characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Ethernet Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Ethernet Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Termination Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

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AMERICAN MAGNETICS, INC. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Port Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Command Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
System Related Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Display Configuration Commands and Queries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Relay Configuration Commands and Queries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Alarm Configuration Commands and Queries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Measurement Commands and Queries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Fill Control and Queries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
HE Channel Sampling Commands and Queries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Assignment Commands and Queries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
HE Channel Calibration Commands and Queries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Remote Units Commands and Queries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Error Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Legacy Command Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Commands for Controlling the Units of Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Commands for Configuring Permanent Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Querying the Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Returning a Level Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Service and Repair ................................................................... 71
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
User Replaceable Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Battery Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Low Battery Indication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Fuse Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Firmware Upgrade Via Ethernet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Upgrade via SCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Appendix ................................................................................. 79
Serial (RS-232) Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

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AMERICAN MAGNETICS, INC. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Ethernet Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
Liquid Helium Connector J1 Wiring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Aux I/O Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Instrument Displays “LOSS OF SENSOR” Condition for LHe Level Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Instrument Displays “SENSOR PROTECTED” Condition for LHe Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
System Test Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
System Logs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Glossary ...................................................................................93
Abbreviations and Acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
Index........................................................................................95

vi REV 4
AMERICAN MAGNETICS, INC. TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERICAN MAGNETICS, INC. FOREWORD
REV 44 VII
FOREWORD
PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This manual contains the operation and maintenance instructions for the
American Magnetics, Inc. Model 1700 Liquid Level Control Instrument
and outlines applications for various system configurations. Since it is
not possible to cover all equipment combinations for all magnet systems,
only the most common configurations are discussed. The user is
encouraged to contact an authorized AMI Technical Support
Representative for information regarding specific configurations not
explicitly covered in this manual. This manual refers to the instrument as
configured for liquid helium operation.
CONTENTS OF THIS MANUAL
Introduction describes the functions, specifications, and characteristics
of the Model 1700 Instrument. It provides illustrations of the front and
rear panel layouts as well as documenting the performance
specifications. Additional information is provided in the form of system
block diagrams.
Installation describes how the Model 1700 Instrument is unpacked and
installed in conjunction with ancillary equipment in typical systems.
Block-level diagrams document the interconnects for various system
configurations.
Operation describes how the Model 1700 Instrument is used to monitor
liquid helium levels.
Calibration describes the calibration technique for liquid helium level
sensors.

VIII REV 4
AMERICAN MAGNETICS, INC. FOREWORD : GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Remote Interface Reference documents all remote commands and
queries available through the Model 1700 Instrument RS-232 and
Ethernet interfaces. A quick-reference summary of commands is
provided as well as a detailed description of each.
The Appendix and Glossary sections support the information in the
sections listed above. See the Appendix section when referenced from
other sections. See the Glossary for any words or acronyms presented
in the above sections, requiring a more complete understanding.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Cryogen Safety
The two most common cryogenic liquids used in superconducting
magnet systems are nitrogen and helium. Both of these cryogens are
extremely cold at atmospheric pressure (321°F and 452°F,
respectively). The following paragraphs outline safe handling
precautions for these liquids.
Personnel handling cryogenic liquids should be thoroughly instructed
and trained as to the nature of the liquids. Training is essential to
minimize accidental spilling. Due to the low temperature of these
materials, a cryogen spilled on many objects or surfaces may damage
the surface or cause the object to shatter, often in an explosive manner.
Inert gases released into a confined or inadequately ventilated space
can displace sufficient oxygen to make the local atmosphere incapable
of sustaining life. Liquefied gases are potentially extreme suffocation
hazards since a small amount of liquid will vaporize and yield a very
large volume of oxygen-displacing gas. Always ensure the location
where the cryogen is used is well ventilated. Breathing air with
insufficient oxygen content may cause unconsciousness without
warning. If a space is suspect, purge the space completely with air and
test before entry. If this is not possible, wear a forced-air respirator and
enter only with a co-worker standing by wearing a forced-air respirator.
Cryogenic liquids, due to their extremely low temperatures, will also burn
the skin in a similar manner as would hot liquids. Never permit cryogenic
liquids to come into contact with the skin or allow liquid nitrogen to soak
clothing. Serious burns may result from careless handling. Never touch
uninsulated pipes or vessels containing cryogenic liquids. Flesh will stick
to extremely cold materials. Even nonmetallic materials are dangerous
to touch at low temperatures. The vapors expelled during the venting
process are sufficiently cold to burn flesh or freeze optic tissues.
Insulated gloves should be used to prevent frost-bite when operating
valves on cryogenic tanks. Be cautious with valves on cryogenic

AMERICAN MAGNETICS, INC. FOREWORD : GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
REV 4 IX
systems; the temperature extremes they are typically subjected to cause
seals to fail frequently.
In the event a person is burned by a cryogen or material cooled to
cryogenic temperatures, the following first aid treatment should be given
pending the arrival and treatment of a physician or other medical care
worker:
1. If any cryogenic liquid contacts the skin or eyes, immediately flush the
affected area gently with tepid water (102°F  105°F, 38.9°C  40.5°C) and
then apply cold compresses.
2. Do not apply heat. Loosen any clothing that may restrict circulation. Apply a
sterile protective dressing to the affected area.
3. If the skin is blistered or there is any chance that the eyes have been
affected, get the patient immediately to a physician for treatment.
Containers of cryogenic liquids are self pressurizing (as the liquid boils
off, vapor pressure increases). Hoses or lines used to transfer these
liquids should never be sealed at both ends (i.e. by closing valves at
both ends).
When pouring cryogenic liquids from one container to another, the
receiving container should be cooled gradually to prevent damage by
thermal shock. The liquid should be poured slowly to avoid spattering
due to rapid boil off. The receiving vessel should be vented during the
transfer.
Introduction of a substance at or near room temperature into a cryogenic
liquid should be done with great caution. There may be a violent gas
boil-off and a considerable amount of splashing as a result of this rapid
boiling. There is also a chance that the material may crack or
catastrophically fail due to forces caused by large differences in thermal
contraction of different regions of the material. Personnel engaged in this
type of activity should be instructed concerning this hazard and should
always wear a full face shield and protective clothing. If severe spraying
or splashing could occur, safety glasses or chemical goggles along with
body length protective aprons will provide additional protection.
The properties of many materials at extremely low temperatures may be
quite different from the properties that these same materials exhibit at
room temperatures. Exercise extreme care when handling materials
cooled to cryogenic temperatures until the properties of these materials
under these conditions are known.
Metals to be used for use in cryogenic equipment application must
posses sufficient physical properties at these low temperatures. Since
ordinary carbon steels, and to somewhat a lesser extent, alloy steels,
lose much of their ductility at low temperatures, they are considered
unsatisfactory and sometimes unsafe for these applications. The

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AMERICAN MAGNETICS, INC. FOREWORD : CRYOGEN SAFETY SUMMARY
austinetic Ni-Cr alloys exhibit good ductility at these low temperatures
and the most widely used is 18-8 stainless steel. Copper, Monel®, brass
and aluminum are also considered satisfactory materials for cryogenic
service.
CRYOGEN SAFETY SUMMARY
Cryogenic systems are complex systems with the potential to seriously
injure personnel or equipment if not operated according to procedures.
The use of safety mechanisms (pressure relief valves, rupture disks,
etc.) in cryogenic systems is usually necessary.
Recommended Safety Equipment
The use of proper safety equipment is necessary. Such equipment may
include, but not limited to, the following items:
• First Aid kit
• Fire extinguisher rated for class C fires
• Cryogenic gloves
• Face shield
• Signs to indicate that there are potentially dangerous cryogens in use in the
area.
SAFETY LEGEND
Instruction manual symbol: the product is marked with this
symbol when it is necessary to refer to the instruction manual in
order to protect against damage to the product or personal
injury.
Hazardous voltage symbol.
Alternating Current (Refer to IEC 417, No. 5032).
Off (Supply) (Refer to IEC 417, No. 5008).
On (Supply) (Refer to IEC 417, No. 5007).
WARNING The Warning sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a
procedure or practice, which if not correctly adhered to,
could result in personal injury. Do not proceed beyond a
Warning sign until the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.
O
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AMERICAN MAGNETICS, INC. FOREWORD : EQUIPMENT WARNINGS
REV 4 XI
CAUTION The Caution sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure or practice, which if not adhered to,
could cause damage or destruction of a part or all of the
product. Do not proceed beyond a Caution sign until the
indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
EQUIPMENT WARNINGS
Before energizing the equipment, the earth ground of the power
receptacle must be verified to be at earth potential and able to carry the
rated current of the power circuit. Using extension cords should be
avoided. However, if an extension cord must be used, insure the ground
conductor is intact and the cord is capable of carrying the rated current
without excessive voltage drop.
In the event that the ground path becomes less than sufficient to carry
the rated current of the power circuit, the equipment should be
disconnected from power, labeled as unsafe, and removed from place of
operation.
Do not operate this equipment in the presence of flammable gases.
Doing so could result in a life-threatening explosion.
Do not modify this equipment in any way. If component replacement is
required, return the equipment to AMI facilities as described in the
troubleshooting section of this manual.
If used in a manner not specified in this manual, the protection provided
by the design, manufacture and documentation of the Model 1700
Instrument may be impaired.
INSTRUMENT CONFIGURATION
The Model 1700 Instrument is configured at time of purchase as one in
several ways:
•
• As a helium level instrument for level sensors with active length up to 80
inches (203 cm) for either 4.2K or 2K LHe.
Every configuration may be further customized by the following options:
• Table top, single rack mounting, dual rack mounting.

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AMERICAN MAGNETICS, INC. FOREWORD : INSTRUMENT CONFIGURATION
• Line cord: North American, European Schuko, Australia/NZ, China, UK, pig-
tailed ends.
The instrument part number, shown on the serialization label located on
the underside of the instrument, as well as in a field in the instrument
Menu, identifies the configuration according to the following key:
1700-A-B-C-D-E where
A indicates the mounting method:
Tbl = tabletop
SR19L = single rack mounted, 19” wide rack standard, instrument
on left side
SR19R = single rack mounted, 19” wide rack standard, instrument
on right side
SR10L = single rack mounted, 10” wide rack standard, instrument
on left side
SR10R = single rack mounted, 10” wide rack standard, instrument
on right side
DRL = dual rack mount, 19” wide rack standard, instrument on left
side
DRR = dual rack mount, 19” wide rack standard, instrument on
right side
B indicates the line cord shipped with the instrument:
N = North American
E = European, Schuko
A = Australian/New Zealand
C = Chinese
U = United Kingdom
P = India/pigtailed
C indicates the capacitance-based level configuration:
N = not configured
D indicates the helium level configuration:

AMERICAN MAGNETICS, INC. FOREWORD : INSTRUMENT CONFIGURATION
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He2K = 2K helium for sensors
He4K = 4.2K helium for sensors
N = not configured
The sensor active length and length units are appended to the
configuration code, ie ...He2K-40IN-...
E is used to denote any instrument customization:
S = standard (no customization)
C = instrument modified.

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AMERICAN MAGNETICS, INC. INTRODUCTION
REV 4 1
INTRODUCTION
MODEL 1700 INSTRUMENT
The AMI Model 1700 Liquid Level Instrument is a sophisticated
measurement and control instrument which provides monitoring liquid
helium level sensors as inputs and provides for automatic level control
based on user set parameters.
At time of purchase, the Model 1700 will be configured as:
• A liquid helium level instrument/controller.
The Model 1700 instrument will measure liquid helium level using a
superconducting level sensor. The instrument will be factory configured
for either 4.2K or 2K liquid helium level sensors at time of purchase.
SUPERCONDUCTING
LEVEL SENSORS
The instrument can be used with a superconducting level sensor to
measure liquid helium levels. The instrument will be configured at the
factory to measure liquid helium levels. The instrument is configured for
level sensors of active lengths of 1 to 80 inches. The instrument can be
used with either 4.2K or 2K level sensor types but must be configured
and calibrated at time of purchase for the LHe level sensor type.
DIGITALLY-
CONTROLLED
The Model 1700 contains a microcomputer which controls analog data
conversion, display/keypad functions, communications I/O, dry contact
closures, generation of analog output signals and relay control of a
mains power outlet for solenoid valve autofill applications.
SYSTEM FLEXIBILITY The Model 1700 instrument incorporates data converters to translate
signals between the analog and digital domains. Precision
instrumentation techniques and potentiometer-free designs are

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AMERICAN MAGNETICS, INC. INTRODUCTION : MODEL 1700 INSTRUMENT
employed throughout the Model 1700 Instrument to ensure long term
stability and accurate signal translation for a wide range of conditions.
DISPLAY The Model 1700 Instrument has a 4.3” diagonal measure TFT (Thin Film
Transistor) color liquid crystal display of 480 x 272 pixels. The display
has a 4-wire resistive touch overlay for easy operator input.
INTUITIVE HUMAN-
INTERFACE DESIGN
The Model 1700 instrument is designed to simplify the touch-screen
based user interface. All functions were analyzed and subsequently
programmed so that the most commonly used functions are addressed
with the least number of keystrokes. The menus are presented in a
logical fashion so that the operation of the Model 1700 is intuitive to the
user. Context-sensitive Help screens are also provided.
MEASUREMENT
FLEXIBILITY
Set points can be assigned to control two dry-contact relay outputs. The
make or break function of each relay can be set independently. A solid-
state relay allows mains power to be switched according to set points to
operate a solenoid-operated valve or other load.
REAL TIME CLOCK The Model 1700 Instrument incorporates a real time clock, which can be
manually set or synchronized via NTP, with support for worldwide
timezones including automatic DST adjustment.
ANALOG OUTPUTS The Model 1700 Instrument has two analog outputs, a 0-10 VDC voltage
output and a 4-20 mADC current loop output. The 4-20 mADC loop output
has 1500 VPK circuit isolation. The outputs can be used simultaneously.
SIGNAL RELAYS The Model 1700 Instrument has two signal relays that change state
based on a measured input. The set points of these relays are user-
selectable as is their function, alarm on level above or below set point.
CONNECTIVITY The Model 1700 Instrument has a 10Base-T Ethernet connection as well
as an RS-232 port for connecting to other equipment. The instrument
communicates with a SCPI-based command set. The command set is
100% backward compatible with the AMI Model 135, 136, 185, and 186
instruments when configured as a single channel instrument. When
configured as a dual channel instrument, additional commands are
incorporated into the command set.

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REV 4 3
The Model 1700 Instrument allows for remote operation with an external
browser via TCP/IP connection. All commands that are available by
touching the local screen are available via the web browser
NOTE Using a web browser to connect to the instrument allows
different browser sessions to display different information. For
instance, one browser window can display helium level only and a
second browser window can display nitrogen level only. The
instrument can be configured independently as well since it’s
display is also a browser. Refer to “Configure the instrument to
display helium level” on page 24.
Model 1700 Helium Instrument Via Web Browser

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AMERICAN MAGNETICS, INC. INTRODUCTION : MODEL 1700 FRONT PANEL LAYOUT
MODEL 1700 FRONT PANEL LAYOUT
Model 1700 Front View; Dual Channel Instrument Shown