Badger Meter iSonic 2000 User manual

®
Badger Meter Europa GmbH
iSonic 2000
Intelligent ultrasonic meter and controller
PC Menu system
October 2013 (Applicable to iSonic Firmware revision 1.6)
UF_iSonic2000_BA_02_1310

Content I
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1. Introduction ...................................................................................................... 1
2. Run screens...................................................................................................... 2
3. Main menu......................................................................................................... 3
4. Configuration menu ......................................................................................... 4
5. I/O channels: Transducer menu...................................................................... 5
6. I/O channels: Process setup menu................................................................. 6
7. I/O channels: Analog inputs.......................................................................... 10
8. I/O channels: Relay........................................................................................ 10
9. I/O channels: Digital inputs........................................................................... 12
10. I/O channels: Analog outputs...................................................................... 12
11. Logging, power and communications........................................................ 14
12. Calibration..................................................................................................... 15
13. Tuning ........................................................................................................... 16
14. Language selection...................................................................................... 19
15. Change password ........................................................................................ 19
16. Special function setup................................................................................. 19
17. Total menu system....................................................................................... 22

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1. Introduction
The user-interface for the iSonic consists of a graphic LCD and a 6-key keyboard. With
this interface, the user can configure the entire set-up of the instrument and select
different information screens whilst the unit is in measurement mode.
After a power-up, the iSonic will always start the measuring process, this is called RUN
mode. When a user presses the “M” key on the keyboard, the unit will enter a
configuration mode, this is called MENU mode.
The interface for the user has been made to consistently work as follows:
The ‘M’ button either, when in RUN mode, calls up the menu, or, when in MENU
mode, takes the user a menu level up.
The ‘OK’ button either starts the editing of a value or confirms a value. When editing
a value, the ‘M’ key acts as a abort key, the value remains unchanged.
When editing a value, the Up and Down arrows (▲▼) either select options for that
value (eg. ON/OFF), or for numeric values selects the next digit value.
When in menu selection mode the Up and Down arrows (▲▼) select the next menu
entry.
When editing a value, the Left and Right arrows (◄►) either select options for that
value (for instance: ON/OFF), or for numeric values select the digit next to the one
currently selected.
When in MENU mode, the Left and Right arrows (◄►) select the next menu entry.
The entire menu system is shown in the attached, “Appendix 2 – Total Menu System”
Please note that the RUN mode is not always entered after a power-up; if unit has
detected a faulty configuration, the MENU mode is automatically entered, requiring a user
to configure the unit again.
Not all configuration data is available through this interface, certain settings such as
modem configuration, telephone numbers and the likes are only accessible through the
PC configuration program. The LCD/Keyboard interface is mainly provided for quick field
configuration changes and it is recommended to use the PC interface for initial
configuration of a unit. The reasons for this is two fold:
1. The PC configuration program is easier to work with and gives a more
comprehensive overview of a configuration.
2. The PC configuration program performs numerous checks and does not allow invalid
configurations. This is contrary to the menu system where a user is able to enter an
invalid configuration. The iSonic does perform certain checks on the configuration but
not all situations are tested.

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2. Run screens
The first screen that is brought up by the unit combines most of the measurements that
are being taken. It typically looks as follows:
Other RUN screens can be selected by using the Up/Down and Left/Right keys. Available
screens are:
Either TRD 1 or TRD2 screen:
All relevant information for the selected transducer, measured level, calculated units and
a min - max bar graph:
In the above screen, head is indicated in mm, also the process value is expressed in a
percentage value. The application is a flow measurement, indicated in cubic feet per
second. The minimum & maximum flow points (0% and 100%) are also indicated. The
bottom of the screen shows the totaliser value for this channel.
System
Time
Data Logging,
On or Off
TRD1,
Temperature &
Measured Units
TRD1, 4-20mA
Bar graph.
Analog Inputs 1&2.
Currently not
enabled.
Relay Status.
All relays are off,
Relay 3 is not
configured.
TRD2,
Temperature &
Measured Units.
N/A means no
TRD configured.
Digital Inputs, All
Inputs are low.
Analog Outputs 1&2.
Currently on Error
Current.

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Relay and Analogue Inputs screen:
This screen shows the analogue inputs in mA and in percentage value. It also shows the
complete status of each relay, whether it is ON (1) or OFF (0), the ON switch point and
the OFF switch point, and what the current process value is. On the above screen, Relay
4 is configured as a periodic timer and the ON and OFF time is shown in minutes.
Bigger sized readout screen:
Calculated measurement information only.
This screen can be selected by pressing a “Right” or “Left” button.
3. Main menu
Any editing of the instrument’s settings can only be performed when the correct password
is entered. To enter the MENU mode from the Run mode, press the ‘M’ button on the
instrument. The following password screen will appear:
At time of shipping, the password is set for “0000”. When the password screen is shown,
the unit also displays the version number of the software and its serial number.
If an incorrect password is entered at this stage the software will simply return to Run
mode. Also, if nothing is entered for 15 seconds, the unit will automatically return to Run
mode.

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Once the password is correctly entered, the main menu navigation screen will appear:
During menu navigating, a ‘>’ character on the left hand side of the screen will indicate at
which menu entry the user is busy. Pressing the Up & Down arrow keys moves the
selection indicator. To select a menu entry, press the ‘OK’ button.
At an editable entry, when pressing the ‘OK” button, the indicator will change to a ‘’
character, showing that this entry is now being edited.
The main menu entries perform the following functions:
Run; will start the measurement process again.
Configure; allows the user to configure the settings of the instrument (password
protected)
Calibrate; allows the user to calibrate the measurements of the instrument
(password protected).
Reset Output; allows the user to reset all the outputs.
Tune; is intended for measuring the echo manually, it is typically intended for use
during an installation or during trouble shooting.
Language; allows the user to select a preferred interface language.
Change Password; here the user can configure a unique password setting.
4. Configuration menu
The configuration menu is displayed as follows:
Where:
I/O channels; allows the user to enter the configuration for all the I/O signals.
Units; allows the user to configure the measurement units for the unit. Under this
sub-menu one can set the temperature, level, flow and volume units. Also, it is
possible to configure the date & time format.

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The iSonic supports:
oTemperature: C°, F°
oLevel: mm, m, inch, ft
oVolume: m3, l, acft (Acre Feet), gal(USA), gal(UK), bbl (Barrel)
oFlow: m3/s, m3/d, l/s, cfs, Mgd(USA), gpm(USA), Mgd(UK), gpm(UK)
One special note on gallons; regardless of whether the user has selected US or UK
gallons, the iSonic will display “gal” in its measurements, whilst using the correct
conversion factor in its calculations.
Set Date/Time; configures the instrument’s internal clock. The screen shows the
actual time and allows the user to change the settings.
Error delay; this factor determines how long the “last known good value” is held.
Log/Power/Comms; enters a sub-menu where the user can set Logging
parameters, Low Power operation and communication parameters.
Factory Default; selecting this option resets all the parameters back to a factory
default setting.
When “drilling” one level down from I/O channels, the user is presented with the following
screen:
From this point onward, any I/O channel of the unit can be configured, using the
appropriate type selection and index.
5. I/O channels: Transducer menu
The configuration for a transducer is reached through the selection, “Configuration I/O
channels Transducer”. Once the “Transducer” entry is reached, the screen will show “
Transducer 1”, at that stage the user can select transducer 1 or 2 by pressing the Up
Down arrows and then confirming by pressing “OK”.
When selecting “Configuration I/O channels Transducer 1”, the user is presented
with the following screen:

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Using this menu, the user can edit all the parameters for Transducer 1:
Whether it is active (On / Off)
The transducer’s active frequency, settable in kHz
Which type of measurement is being performed, this can be Level, Volume, Flow,
Function or Sound. The “Function” entry indicates that a combination of 2
transducers is used where both their values are added, subtracted, averaged or used
to calculate a differential flow. The “Sound” type can only be used on TRD2. Making
this selection indicates that a special “Speed of Sound” transducer is connected on
TRD2.
The filtering to be applied on the measurement, this can be; None, 16, 32, 64 and
128. This value describes the number of samples that are taken to reach the
measured value, “None” means that the directly measured value is used.
Deadband tells the instrument from which distance to start measuring.
Rate allows the configuration of the firing rate of the instrument. This can be fast,
medium and slow. When a slow varying measurement is sought, select 128
averaging together with a “slow” repeat rate.
Process setup takes the user into the configuration for the actual process; this is
where the measurement process can be described in detail.
6. I/O channels: Process setup menu
The process setup menu is reached through the Transducer Menu. The sequence
“Configuration I/O channels Transducer 1 Process Menu”, produces the following
display:
The next screens from here on out are:
The two limits for the level measurement are set here. The bar graphs, which are
available in several RUN screens, are also configured with these limits. The units used in
0% and 100% are as selected in the “Units” set-up. If values are entered in ‘mm’ and at a
later stage ‘inches’ are chosen the instrument will automatically perform the correct
conversion.
Level setup

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Again, the 0% and 100% points can be programmed here, but in addition, the tank can be
described as:
Vertical Cylinder (“Vert Cyl”)
Vertical Cylinder with a Bottom Cone (“V-Cyl +Cone”). The “X Dim:” value is used to
describe the height of the cone.
Horizontal Cylinder (“Hor Cyl”). This would typically be a vesel lying on its side, the “X
Dim:” value is used to indicate the horizontal length.
Sphere (“Sphere”) for a round tank.
Scaled (“Scaled”), where the vessel is calibrated in volume per head. Use the
“Scale:” value to calibrate the reading.
Other (“Other”), selects the custom table values.
After having made the proper tank type selection, the distance to Bottom, the Diameter,
and other parameters can be filled.
In addition to the 0% and 100% points, the user can select the following Weir & Flume
types:
V-Notch weirs
Rectangular weirs with end contractions (“Contr. Rect.”)
Rectangular weirs without end contractions (“Suppr. Rect.”)
Trapezoidal weirs (“Cipolletti”)
Parshall flumes (“Parshall”)
Leopold-Lagco flumes (“Leopold-Lagco”)
Other, select this option to describe a non-standard weir or flume in the “Custom
Table” which can be found under the “Process Setup” screen. This is a 15 segment
user entered discharge table (flow vs. head)
The “Weir size”, “Zero level” and “V-notch” parameters are used to describe the weir or
flume in further detail.
The “Units/tic” parameter is used in applications where an external totalising instrument is
connected to one of the iSonic’s digital outputs. In the above example, the tick rate is 1
tick for every 1 cubic meter.
Flow setup
Volume setup

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Alarm setup
If an alarm is required for the relevant transducer (‘1’ in this screen), this is where to
configure that alarm. Typically, the Alarm indicates an out-of-process value hence the
“Alarm above” and “Alarm below” values. The setting is in percentages of the entire
measurement range. The “Hysteresis” value avoids a jittery boundary effect, in this
example the alarm will trip at 95% but will only reset once the process value reaches
93%. Similarly on the bottom value, the alarm trips at 5% but will only reset at 7%.
The “Function” entry of the “Process Menu” can be a complex application to setup, please
refer to the “Special Function Setup” appendix of this document for a more detailed
description of the do’s and don’ts of this setting.
This entry is only used if “Function” was chosen under “Transducer Menu Type”. Once
this is done, iSonic is configured to make use of both transducers and perform one of the
following functions:
Add, the values of both measurements are added together.
Subtract, the values of both measurements are subtracted as follows:
“Measurement Value = Transducer1 – Transducer2”.
Average, the values of both measurements are averaged.
Differential Flow (“Diff Flow”). This is an application where 2 transducers are used
to measure differential flow. Please refer to Appendix 1 for a more detailed
description.
Gain Setup
This screen allows the adjustment of gain over the total range of the returned echo signal.
For each distance range a selection of gain can be made; None, Low, Medium or High.
This is used when measuring difficult applications or tank environments where the default
gain settings have to be adjusted in order to get proper signals.
The last entry of the “Process Menu” is marked “Custom table”. This is used in certain
instances of Volume & Flow applications. It is typically used in non-standard installations
where the user describes a few known points and the system must interpolate between
these points. Note that the custom table must be filled with consecutive values, starting
from smallest head to biggest head. Please note that each transducer has its own table
and not all table entries have to be filled.
The first entry where the ‘Head’ value is zero, terminates the table.

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Configuration of sensor distance

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7. I/O channels: Analog inputs
Selecting the A/D inputs under “I/O Channels” presents the user with the following screen:
The Analogue inputs can be:
Logged only
Used as an alarm input
Used as a control for a relays
Used as a control for the Analogue Outputs
The user can activate the input by selecting “Active: ON”. The type entry describes the
nature of the external input, this can be either: a 4–20mA or a 0-5V signal.
The “Alarm setup” is identical to the one that can be found under the transducer
configuration screens. Please refer to that description for more details.
8. I/O channels: Relay
Selecting “Relay” under “I/O Channels” presents the user with:
The user has full control over the behaviour of four of the five relays on the iSonic.
The entries available are:
“In use:”, this is where the relay can be enabled and disabled
“Channel:”, this describes which measured value actually controls the selected
relay. Options are:
oTRD 1 for transducer 1
oTRD 2 for transducer 2
oA/D 1 for Analogue Input 1
oA/D 2 for Analogue Input 2
oNone indicates that the relay is controlled only by a time value.
“On perc:”, indicates the percentage at which the relay should switch ON
“Off perc:”, indicates the percentage at which the relay should switch OFF.
On and Off percentages can be programed in 0.1% units

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“Rotate:”, enters this particular relay into the rotation list. This feature is used for
pump control where several pumps need to be operated in an even wear mode.
“Timer:”, allows the user to select a number of options:
o“Inactive”, the timer is not running
o“Daily”, the relay is switched ON at a certain time of the day and switched
OFF again at another time.
o“+Periodic”, in addition to the previous rule the relay is also switched at
certain intervals.
“Setup Timer”, results in:
These timer values are the parameters which are used for the behaviour as selected
under “Timer:”. The periodic timer is programmable with a resolution of 0.01 minutes.
Notes:
A relay can be controlled simultaneously by a measured value as well as a timer
event. Note that the timer has higher priority.
If one wishes Periodic behaviour but no Daily event, simply make the “On time: and
“Off time:” values zero.
If both daily timer and periodic timer have been enabled, the daily timer will have
higher priority.
More than one relay can be controlled by the same transducer or analogue input. For
instance one relay can be controlled in the range of 30 to 50% and another in the
range of 10 to 70%.
A few examples for relay set-ups follow:
A tank is filled with water from a borehole, and is discharged into a household. The
rule is that the borehole pump should only run when the tank is emptied below 50%
and also that the tank should never fill above 95%. In this case, set the ON
percentage to 50% and the OFF percentage to 95%. As soon as the tank empties
below 50%, the relay (pump) will activate and will only de-activate when the
measured level/volume is above 95%.
A stream empties into a holding tank for further distribution into a network, the
network is only allowed to take water when enough supply is available (Tank above
50%), when the tank reaches a critical level (10%) a valve shuts off the outflow. In
this case, set the ON percentage to 50% and the OFF percentage to 10%. The valve
will open once the measured level/volume is above 50% and will only close once the
process reaches 10% or less.
Other combinations of the above are also possible. With the Normally Open and Normally
Closed contacts being available, other logical combinations can be made.

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9. I/O channels: Digital inputs
Selecting “Digital In” under “I/O Channels” presents the user with:
The “Type” tells the iSonic what the usage of this particular input is, it can be either a
control input or a pulse output from, say, a water meter.
When configured as a control type, the input functions as a trip alarm. Digital Inputs can
only be used to de-activate a condition. If a relay is activated by a measurement or timer it
can be “tripped” (deactivated) by the digital input.
One application could be a safety switch, which measures near the top of a tank. Even if
the transducer measurement fails, overfilling is avoided because of the digital input. The
“Scale” and “Window” parameters are used in a situation where the digital input is
configured as a counter. The scale selects the unit increment per pulse and window
selects the length of the logging window. At the start of a window period the count value is
zeroed automatically.
As an example:
The iSonic has been set up to perform cubic meter measurements. An external water
meter generates a pulse for every 10 litres of water (0.01m3). The user wants a data log
of cubic meters per minute.
In this case, configure the “Scale” as 0.01 and the “Window” as 60 seconds. The data-log
will reflect a cubic meter reading every one minute.
10. I/O channels: Analog outputs
Selecting “Analog Out” under “I/O Channels” presents the user with:
Here the two analogue outputs of the unit can be programmed.
“Channel” selects which input process value controls the behaviour of this particular
analogue output. The user can select the following channels; Transducer 1 & 2 and
Analogue Inputs 1 & 2.
The “Type” option selects whether the unit should re-transmit the current as measured
by either transducers or analogue inputs, or whether a “Control” type action should be
performed.

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The 4 and 20mA points can be programmed for any percentage of the process value of
the relevant channel. The unit will linearly interpolate the output current between the two
set points. If for example the percentages are set for 90% and 10% then for any PV
value >90% the unit will maintain 4mA and for any PV value <10% the unit will maintain
20mA.
The “Error mA” setting allows for the programming of an error current to be output when
the input values are improper or out of range.
When selecting “Setup Control”, the following screen appears:
Please note that this screen is only valid when the “Type” selection was “Control”.
In this section the PID parameters can be set , using these settings a PID regulation
process kicks in action where the channel’s output current is set in response to changes
in the process value. The instrument will attempt to control the process in such a way
that the required setpoint is always correct. The controlling “Action” can be set to be
“Direct” or “Reverse” indicating whether the response should be normal or inverse to the
measured error. The PID values can all be individually set by the user to tune the
process to the required response speed and stability. For more details on PID refer to a
PID handbook or access the Internet, many useful tutorials are freely available.
The "Deadband" setting defines the area around the Setpoint where the output is kept
constant. When regulating from outside the deadband the output is only made constant
after the input has crossed the Setpoint. (Known as zero-crossing).
For instance, if the “Setpoint” is set for 30% and the “Deadband” is set for 1%, then the
output will not change for process values between 31% - 29%. This deadband value can
be made as small or as big as the process demands, it entirely depends on the required
activity of the controlled device.
The above described control section allows each output channel to control an individual
output based on an individual input. In addition to this mode it is also possible to link
both outputs to a single measured process. This is done by setting the “Linked” option to
“Yes”. In this case the PID settings are taken from “DAC1”.
This will result in both outputs being used to control a process, where the outputs mirror
at the 4mA point. The entire regulation range can be graphically represented as follows:
20mA
20mA
4mA
4mA
Output 1
Output 2
Regulation Range:
100%
0%
50%

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Meaning that Output 1 and Output 2 are mutually exclusive, if the PID response is in the
100% to 50% domain, then Output 1 is active and Output 2 is 4mA, if the response is in
the 50% to 0% domain, then Output 1 is 4mA and Output2 is active.
As an example, if a flow has to be controlled by either taking away some water (Valve1)
or by adding some water (Valve2) then this can be done by connecting each valve to an
analogue output and by setting the “Interlocked” mode.
Assuming a start condition where both valves are closed (4mA), then the following will
occur:
If the process value is set for 30% but is measured as 35% (flow rises) then in response
the Output1 current will increase. The Output2 current will remain 4mA. In process
terms this means that Valve1 opens and Valve2 remains closed. If the flow returns to
30% then the valve openings will remain as they are. For a decreasing flow, Valve1 /
Output1 will initially close, if the flow continues to be too low, then Valve2 / Output 2 will
start to open whilst Valve1 remains closed.
11. Logging, power and communications
The following screen is selected from “Configuration Log/Power/Comms”:
Here the iSonic data-logging operation is either enabled or disabled.
The “Interval” determines at what rate logging should take place; this is configurable
from 1 to 255 minutes per data log.
Please note that the event logging occurs asynchronously from this interval, entries into
the event log are made whenever a relevant event occurs. The instrument has provision
for 1000 event entries and 46080 data log entries. When the data log interval is set for 1
minute, enough space is available for 32 days worth of data. Setting the interval to a
higher value, results in a longer duration data log. For instance when setting the interval
to 5 minutes, there will be space for roughly 5 months worth of data.
“Power Save” selects low power operation, a unit can go into sleep mode and wake up
every interval to perform measurements and put them into the data-log. The number of
measurements taken is determined by the “Filter” setting under the transducer set-up.
To clear the “Events” log, select “Clear Events” (Password will be required)
To clear the “Data” log, select “Clear DATA log” (Password will be required)
The “Address” parameter is only used in RS485 networks or MODBUS communications;
it can be configured from ’01’ to ‘99’. Setting the address to ‘01’ means a MODBUS
address of 49 (decimal), since this is code for an ASCII ‘1’.

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Entering the “Port 2” menu, results in:
The “Mode” parameter is used to configure the communications mode of iSonic’s second
data port. The available selection options are:
STALK, use the proprietary protocol
TEXT, all measurements are dumped out of the port at 1 second intervals.
MODBUS, use the MODBUS RTU protocol
Tel-STALK, a MODEM is connected, once the unit is dialled and a connection exists,
use the STALK protocol.
Tel-Text. a MODEM is connected, once the unit is dialled and a connection exists,
use the STALK protocol.
MODBUS, communicate using the MODBUS RTU protocol.
Please note that the selected protocol does not automatically select the hardware
interface type. The hardware jumpers inside the box will determine whether RS232 or
RS485 is used.
As an example, if “Tel-STALK” is selected, then this will only work when RS232 is
selected on the hardware. The reason for this is that most modems only talk RS232.
12. Calibration
This entry is directly accessible from the main menu, calibration should only be
necessary in the factory but it is possible to re-calibrate a unit at a later stage.
Please note that:
calibration changes affect measurement accuracy
only attempt calibration when it is really necessary
ensure the procedure is understood, BEFORE calibration is attempted.
The calibration screen is structured as follows:

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It is possible to calibrate:
the 4mA to 20mA outputs, once for each current output
the internal calibration for measurement of the external thermistors
current input calibration of both analogue inputs
voltage input calibration of both analogue inputs
At any stage, abort of the calibration process can be achieved by pressing the ‘M’
button. But please note that already calibrated values during this process are not
discarded and will remain.
If a new value is entered (OK is pressed) during the calibration process, the instrument
will display the following:
Press ‘M’ to discard the new calibration and retain the old value, press ‘OK’ to accept
the new calibration.
13. Tuning
This feature is accessible directly from the Main Menu, by selecting the “Tune” option. It
allows the user/installer to look at echo patterns as seen by a particular transducer.
Usage is typically for installation trouble shooting only.
The “Tune” screen appears as follows:
Where:
“Transducer:”, can be 1 or 2
“Freq:”, is the frequency for that particular transducer
“Burst length:”, is the number of cycles used to “fire” an echo signal at the selected
frequency.
“Gain:”, enables a gain stage in the receiver. Available selections are “None”,
“Low”, “Medium”, “High”.
“Capture:”, allows capture and inspection of an echo signal.
“Rate:”, sets the repeat rate of the transmit pulses, higher numbers indicate quicker
repeat rate.

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The initial settings for this process are as per current configuration and running
conditions. Please note that key usage in this section is slightly different from normal, it
is no longer necessary to press the ‘OK’ button to enter a value, simply use the Left &
Right buttons (◄►) to change values for a selection, the Up and Down buttons (▲▼)
work normally.
To capture a signal, select “Capture” and press “OK”, at this stage a picture appears on
the screen, looking somewhat as follows:
This indicates an echo pattern as seen by the instrument. From left to right, the first
“column” indicates the transmit pulse and the second “column” indicates the return echo.
The distance displayed in the top right corner of the display indicates the distance for
the end of the screen. The user can calculate from this displayed distance where the
echo signals are positioned.
Whilst this picture is on the screen, it is possible to “zoom-in” the data by pressing the
right-hand arrow key, the left-hand arrow key performs a “zoom-out” function. In total, 5
different levels of viewing are possible. The following picture shows the same signal
after it has been zoomed two levels up.
The echo information is clearer in this picture.
When pressing “OK”, the “Tune” screen re-appears and the user can start changing
parameters. The editing of parameters is done by pressing left and right buttons
whenever the item is selected. When a parameter has been changed, by simply
pressing “OK” the user can inspect the effect of the change. The display that appears
each time will remain at the last selected zoom level.
As stated before, primary use is trouble shooting in the environment. Things the user /
installer can check for:
1. Does the mounting of the transducer do an adequate job of isolating vibrations /
ringing
2. Is there an obstruction in the echo path
3. Is the transducer seeing a proper echo from the level.

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UF_iSonic2000_BA_02_1310
Number 1 can be checked by looking at the ring down slope of the transmission pulse.
When zooming to the highest magnification, the ring down slope of the transducer
should look somewhat like the following picture:
The downward slope is smooth showing that the installation was properly done. The
assumption here is that the level is at least 600mm/2 ft away. Closer targets will show
up in the ring-down, and the issue of whether the mounting was done properly, will be
confused.
When the mounting of the transducer is not isolated properly from the environment (for
instance a steel tank), this will show up in extra “waves” during or in the end of the ring-
down phase of the transducer.
An example of a faulty or “ringing” mounting would look somewhat as follows:
Obstructions in the path should also be checked; if no extra echoes appear between the
transmit signal and the return echo, this shows that the echo path is clear from
obstructions. Obstructions could be pipes, ladders, stirrers and the like. An example of a
“non-clean” echo path would be as follows:
The small echo that shows in the above picture between the transmission and the
proper return echo might at some stage start to confuse the instrument and cause false
readings.
Lastly, check that the return echo has a proper size, a small echo, or no echo at all
might indicate an skewed mounting; check that the target is perpendicular to the
transducer. The echoes as shown in the previous examples are of correct height;
considerably smaller echoes could indicate installation troubles.