BEKA BA368E User manual

Issue: 5
9th July 2019
BA368E
Two Input
Intrinsically safe
Counter
Issue 5

1. Description
2. Operation
2.1 Initialisation
2.2 Controls
2.3 Displays
3. Intrinsic Safety Certification
3.1 ATEX gas certification
3.2 Zones, gas groups & T rating
3.3 Special conditions for safe use
3.4 Power supply
3.5 Pulse input terminals
3.5.1 sensors that do not require
energising.
3.5.2 sensors that do require
energising.
3.6 Remote reset terminals
3.7 Certification label information
4. System Design for Hazardous Areas
4.1 Use with Zener barriers
4.1.1 Power supply
4.1.2 Pulse input
4.1.3 Switch contact input
4.1.4 2-wire proximity detector input
4.1.5 Open collector
4.1.6 Magnetic pick-off input
4.1.7 Voltage pulse input
4.1.8 Remote reset
4.2 Use with galvanic isolators
4.2.1 Power supply
4.2.2 Pulse input
4.2.3 Switch contact input
4.2.4 2-wire proximity detector input
4.2.5 Open collector
4.2.6 Magnetic pick-off input
4.2.7 Voltage pulse input
4.2.8 Remote reset
5. Installation
5.1 Location
5.2 EMC
5.3 Installation procedure
5.4 Scale card
6. Configuration and Calibration
6.1 Calibration structure
6.2 Accessing configuration functions
6.3 Summary of configuration functions
6.4 Input A
6.5 Input A type
6.6 Input A debounce
6.7 Input b
6.8 Input b type
6.9 Input b debounce
6.10 Input A pulse counting edge
6.11 Input b pulse counting edge
6.12 Display update interval
6.13 Counting function
6.14 Upper display
6.15 Lower display
6.16 Position of decimal points
6.17 Total scale factor
6.18 Rate scale factor
6.19 Timebase
6.20 Display filter
6.21 Direction of count
6.22 Reset value
6.23 Local reset
6.24 Local total reset
6.25 Local grand total reset
6.26 Reset grand total from configuration
menu.
6.27 Security code
6.28 Reset configuration to factory defaults
6.29 Display overflow
7. Pulse Output
7.1 Intrinsic safety
7.2 System design
7.3 Configuration
7.4 Access pulse output sub-menu
7.5 Enable pulse output
7.6 Source of output pulse
7.7 Divide output pulse frequency
7.8 Output pulse width
8. Configuration example
2222222222222222222222222
CONTENTS
The BA368E is CE marked to show compliance with the European Explosive Atmospheres Directive
2014/34/EU and the European EMC Directive 2014/30/EU

9. Maintenance
9.1 Fault finding during commissioning
9.2 Fault finding after commissioning
9.3 Servicing
9.4 Routine maintenance
9.5 Guarantee
9.6 Customer comments
10. Accessories
10.1 Scale card
10.2 Tag information
10.3 Alarms
10.3.1 Solid state output
10.3.2 Intrinsic safety
10.3.3 Summary of configuration
functions.
10.3.4 Alarm enable
10.3.5 Type of alarm
10.3.6 Setpoint adjustment
10.3.7 Alarm function
10.3.8 Alarm output status
10.3.9 Hysteresis
10.3.10 Alarm delay
10.3.11 Alarm silence time
10.3.12 Flash display when alarm
occurs.
10.3.13 Access setpoint
10.3.14 Adjusting alarm setpoints
from display mode.
10.4 Display backlight
10.5 4/20mA output
10.5.1 Intrinsic safety
10,5.2 System design
10.5.3 Configuration and calibration
10.5.4 Access 4/20mA output sub-menu
10.5.5 Enable 4/20mA output
10.5.6 Select rate or total source
10.5.7 Define display for 4mA output
10.5.8 Define display for 20mA output
Appendix 1 IECEx certification
Appendix 2 ETL & cETL certification
3

1. DESCRIPTION
This intrinsically safe, two input pulse counter will
accept pulses on one or both inputs and may be
configured to show one of the following in
engineering units on an eight digit display:
Input A + Input b
Input A - Input b
Input A direction controlled by Input b
Quadrature input
(Input A and Input b electrically 90oapart)
A smaller six digit display may be activated to show
the composite pulse rate in engineering units per
second, minute or per hour.
In addition to simple counting applications, the
quadrature input allows direction of movement and
position to be displayed.
The optically-isolated pulse output may be
configured to synchronously retransmit either of the
two inputs or a scaled composite output.
This instruction manual supplements the abbreviated
instruction sheet supplied with each instrument.
The BA368E has been certified intrinsically safe for
use in gas hazardous areas by Notified Body
Intertek Testing and Certification Ltd and complies
with the European ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU.
For international applications the BA368E also has
IECEx certification which is described in
Appendix 1.
For applications in the USA and Canada the BA368E
has ETL and cETL certification which is described in
Appendix 2.
2. OPERATION
Fig 1 shows a simplified block diagram of the
BA368E Counter. The instrument has two inputs, A
and b, which can be configured to accept pulses
from most types of sensor and display the total
number of pulses received and their combined rate
on separate displays.
Each input can be individually configured to accept
pulses from a wide variety of sensors. When the
sensor requires energising, such as a switch
contact, open collector or a two wire proximity
detector, an external link supplies power to the input
terminals.
The BA368E may be supplied with any of the
following factory fitted accessories:
Internally powered display backlight
Dual isolated alarms
Isolated 4/20mA output
Fig 1 BA368E block diagram
2.1 Initialisation
Each time power is applied to a BA368E Counter
initialisation is performed. After a short delay the
following display sequence occurs:
All segments of the display are activated
Counter starts functioning, using the
configuration information stored in the
instrument’s permanent memory. Unless total
and grand total displays have been reset to
zero, new pulses will be added to the existing
totals.
4

2.2 Controls
The BA368E Counter is controlled and configured
via four front panel push buttons. In the display
mode i.e. when the instrument is counting the push
button functions are:
Push Button Functions
) + &Grand total - shows Lo followed by least
significant 8 digits of the 16 digit grand
total.
) + * Grand total - shows Hi followed by the
most significant 8 digits of the 16 digit
grand total.
If Local Grand Total Reset CLr Gtot in
the instrument configuration menu has
been activated, operating the ) and
*buttons simultaneously for ten
seconds will result in Clr .no being
displayed with the no flashing.
Operating the *or &button will
change the display to Clr .YE5, the )
button will then reset the grand total to
zero which will be confirmed by a brief
display of Gt Clrd. See 6.25
& + *If Local Total Reset CLr tot in the
instrument configuration menu has
been activated, operating the & and
*buttons simultaneously for three
seconds will reset the total display to
zero and clear any pulses stored in the
pulse output.
See 6.24
(+ &Shows firmware version
( + )Access to configuration menu
Note: When optional alarms are fitted, the BA368E
Counter may be configured to provide direct access
to the alarm setpoints from the display mode when
the (and *buttons are operated simultaneously.
See 10.3.13 and 10.3.14
2.3 Displays
The BA368E Counter has two digital displays and
associated annunciators, plus a pulse input indicator
as shown on the front cover of this manual.
Total Shows the total pulse count on the
display upper eight digit display. May be
reset to zero via front panel push
buttons or by a remote reset switch.
Rate Shows the pulse rate on the lower six
Display digit display. Total and rate displays
may be reversed.
Pulse input This disc in the lower left hand corner
indicator of the display 'rotates' for two
seconds each time an input pulse is
received on either input. Appears to
rotate continuously when combined
input frequency on both inputs
exceeds 0.5Hz.
Reset Activated while the total display
annunciator is being reset via the front panel
push buttons, or the external reset
terminals.
Rate Identifies rate display
annunciator
Total Identifies total display
annunciator
RTx Retransmitted pulse
annunciator annunciator.
Depends upon the setting of 5ource
in the pulse output configuration
menu.
5caled:
Annunciator activated each time
pulse output open collector is on,
i.e. Ron is less than 60+ 3V.
direct:
Annunciator continuously
activated.
5

3. INTRINSIC SAFETY CERTIFICATION
The BA368E Counter has ATEX and IECEx gas
certification. This section of the instruction manual
describes ATEX gas certification. IECEx and other
approvals are each described in separate
appendixes to this manual.
3.1 ATEX gas certification
Notified Body Intertek Testing and Certification Ltd
have issued the BA368E with an EC-Type
Examination Certificate number ITS16ATEX28408X.
This confirms compliance with harmonised
European standards and it has been used to confirm
compliance with the European ATEX Directive for
Group II, Category 1G equipment. The Counter
carries the community mark and subject to local
codes of practice may be installed in any of the
European Economic Area (EEA) member countries.
ATEX certificates are also acceptable for
installations in Switzerland.
This section of the instruction manual describes
ATEX installations in explosive gas atmospheres
conforming with EN60079-14 Electrical Installations
in Hazardous Areas. When designing systems for
installation outside the UK the local Code of Practice
should be consulted.
3.2 Zones, gas groups and T rating
The BA368E Counter has been certified
Ex ia IIC T5 Ga -40ºC Ta +70ºC. When
connected to a suitable system it may be installed in:
Zone 0 explosive gas air mixture
continuously present.
Zone 1 explosive gas air mixture likely
to occur in normal operation.
Zone 2 explosive gas air mixture not
likely to occur, and if it does will
only exist for a short time.
Be used with gases in groups:
Group A propane
Group B ethylene
Group C hydrogen
Having a temperature classification of:
T1 450°C
T2 300°C
T3 200°C
T4 135°C
T5 100°C
At ambient temperatures between -40 and +70°C.
The specified operating temperature of the BA368E
Counter is -40 to +70°C. At temperatures below -
20°C the instrument will continue to count, but the
display digits will change increasingly slowly and the
contrast will be reduced.
This allows the BA368E Counter to be installed in all
gas Zones and to be used with most common
industrial gases except carbon disulphide and ethyl
nitrite which have an ignition temperature of 95°C.
3.3 Special conditions for safe use
The ATEX certificate has an ‘X’ suffix indicating that
special conditions apply to prevent an electrostatic
charge developing on the outside of the instrument
enclosure.
WARNING
To avoid an electrostatic charge being
generated instrument enclosure should
only be cleaned with a damp cloth.
3.4 Power supply
When installed in a hazardous area the BA368E
Counter should be powered via a certified Zener
barrier or galvanic isolator from a dc supply located
in the safe area, or from associated apparatus with
an intrinsically safe output.
The input safety parameters of terminals 1 and 2
are:
Ui = 28V dc
Ii = 200mA dc
Pi = 0.84W
Any certified Zener barrier or galvanic isolator with
output safety parameters equal to or less than these
limits may be used.
The maximum equivalent capacitance and
inductance between terminals 1 and 2 is:
Ci = 2nF
Li = 4µH
To determine the maximum permissible cable
parameters the above figures, which are small and
may be ignored in many applications, should be
subtracted from the maximum permitted cable
parameters specified for the Zener barrier or
galvanic isolator powering the BA368E Counter.
6

3.5 Pulse input terminals
The BA368E Counter has two pulse inputs, A and b,
that may be individually configured for use with most
types of sensor. Each input is a separate
intrinsically safe circuit, although the negative side of
each input is internally connected to the negative
side of the power supply and reset terminal RS2.
See Fig 1. The two inputs should not be connected
in parallel.
Some types of sensor that may be connected to the
BA368E inputs, such as a switch contact or a 2-wire
proximity detector, require energising to determine
their state. For sensors requiring energising fitting
an external link between terminals 3 & 4 of the
BA368E for input A and between terminals 7 & 8 for
input b, connects an internal 7V, 6mA supply to the
respective input. Energising is not required when a
BA368E input is connected to a voltage source.
Fitting an energising link changes the output safety
parameters of each BA368E input as shown in the
following table which also shows the types of sensor
requiring energising (link fitting).
Output safety
parameters of each
input.
Type of input Link* Uo Io Po
Switch contact Yes 10.5V 9.2mA 24mW
Proximity detector Yes 10.5V 9.2mA 24mW
Open collector Yes 10.5V 9.2mA 24mW
Magnetic pick-off No 1.1V 0.5mA 0.2mW
Voltage input (low) No 1.1V 0.5mA 0.2mW
Voltage input (high) No 1.1V 0.5mA 0.2mW
*For input A link terminals 3 and 4
*For input b link terminals 7 and 8
3.5.1 sensors that do not require energising
Magnetic pick-offs and voltage pulse inputs do not
require energising, see section 3.5. For intrinsic
safety purposes, sources of energy with output
parameters less than 1.5V; 100mA and 25mW are
considered to be simple apparatus (Clause 5.7 of
EN60079-11), which allows them to be ignored and
not documented when assessing an intrinsic safe
system.
When terminals 3 & 4 and terminals 7 & 8 are not
linked, the associated BA368E Counter input
complies with the requirements for simple
apparatus. This allows the output parameters of the
pulse input to be ignored when assessing the safety
of the sensor connected to a Counter.
This allows almost any certified intrinsically safe
voltage pulse or certified magnetic pick-off to be
directly connected to one of the BA368E Counter
inputs.
The BA368E EC-Type Examination Certificate
specifies that the equivalent capacitance and
inductance of each BA368E Counter input are:
Ci = 2nF
Li = 4H
To determine the maximum permissible cable
parameters these figures should be subtracted from
the maximum permitted cable parameters specified
for the sensor connected to the input terminals of the
Counter. However, the Counter input parameters
are very small and they are unlikely to make any
significant difference to the allowable cable
parameters.
3.5.2 sensors that require energising
Switch contacts, proximity detectors and open
collector inputs require energising as described in
section 3.5. When energised, the output parameters
of each BA368E Counter input are:
Uo = 10.5V
Io = 9.2mA
Po = 24mW
These parameters do not comply with the
requirements for simple apparatus and should be
included when assessing the safety of the circuits
connected to the inputs of the BA368E Counter.
Any certified intrinsically safe sensor or simple
apparatus may be connected to an energised
BA368E Counter input providing that the sensor's
input parameters are equal to, or greater than, the
output safety parameters of the BA368E Counter
input which are shown above. This is not restrictive
and most sensors will comply.
This allows most mechanically operated switch
contacts, open collector transistors and certified
intrinsically safe NAMUR proximity detectors to be
directly connected to a BA368E Counter input
providing the sensor and associated wiring can
withstand a 500V rms insulation test to earth and
both are located within the same hazardous area as
the Counter.
The maximum capacitance and inductance that may
be safely connected to each Counter input when
energised (link connected) is:
Co = 2.4µF
Lo = 200mH
Again this is not restrictive and most sensors will
comply.
7

3.6 Remote reset terminals
The BA368E Counter may be reset to zero by
connecting the reset terminals RS1 and RS2
together for more than one second. These two
terminals have the following input and output safety
parameters:
Uo = 3.8V
Io = 1mA
Po = 1mW
Ui = 28V dc
Ii = 200mA dc
Pi = 0.84W
The equivalent capacitance and inductance between
them is:
Ci = 0nF
Li = 0H
The maximum capacitance and inductance that may
be safely connected between the reset terminals
RS1 and RS2 is:
Co = 40µF
Lo = 1H
The total Counter display may be reset to zero from
within the hazardous area by any mechanically
operated switch contact connected directly to
terminals RS1 and RS2. To reset the total display
from the safe area a Zener barrier or intrinsically
safe relay is required to transfer the contact closure
into the hazardous area. Almost any intrinsically
safe relay with certification permitting the contacts to
be connected to equipment in the hazardous area
may be used. A positive polarity Zener barrier may
also be used as shown in Fig 2.
Alternatively, the BA368E Counter may be
configured so that the total display is reset to zero
when the &and *push buttons are operated
simultaneously for more than three seconds.
See 6.24.
3.7 Certification label information
The certification information label is fitted in a recess
on the top outer surface of the enclosure. It shows
the ATEX and IECEx certification information, plus
BEKA associates name and location and the
instrument serial number. Non European
certification information may also be included.
BA368E Certification information label
8

4. SYSTEM DESIGN FOR HAZARDOUS AREAS
4.1 Use with Zener barriers
Zener barriers are the least expensive intrinsically
safe interface between a safe and hazardous area.
However they require a high integrity earth
connection that may be expensive to install and they
do not provide isolation. When a high integrity earth
connection is not already available, it may be less
expensive and complicated to use galvanic isolators
for the installation of a single BA368E Counter.
Terminals 2, 6, 10 and RS2 of the BA368E Counter
are internally connected together. If any of these
terminals are earthed, as shown in Figs 2 & 3, the
other terminals should only be connected to the
same earth, i.e. the barrier busbar, or to circuits that
have 500V insulation to earth.
Any certified Zener barriers may be used with the
BA368E Counter providing their output parameters
do not exceed the input parameters of the terminals
to which they are connected. Only one polarity of
Zener barrier i.e. positive or negative, may be used
in each Counter system.
Fig 2 illustrates the basic circuit that is used for all
BA368E Counter installations protected by Zener
barriers. For simplicity, connections for the pulse
output and the optional alarms and 4/20mA output
are shown separately in sections 7 and 10 of this
manual.
Fig 2 BA368E used with Zener barriers
Alternatively the pulse source may be located in the
safe area. Fig 3 shows how an additional Zener
barrier is used to transfer the signal to the Counter in
the hazardous area. When more than one Zener
barrier is used in a system all must have the same
polarity. i.e. all positive or all negative barriers.
When designing a system it is important to
remember that terminals 2, 6, 10 and RS2 are
interconnected within the BA368E See Fig 1.
Fig 3 BA368E used with Zener barriers
pulse source in safe area.
4.1.1 Power supply
The BA368E Counter requires a minimum of 10V
between terminal 1 & 2 and consumes:
10mA without optional backlight
plus 16mA for optional backlight
plus 6mA when terminals 3 & 4 are linked
plus 6mA when terminals 7 & 8 are linked
Any certified Zener barrier may be used to power a
BA368E Counter providing the output safety
parameters of the barrier are equal to or less than
the input safety parameters of terminals 1 & 2 of the
BA368E Counter.
Although this allows a wide variety of barriers to be
used, a positive polarity 28V; 93mA; 300Zener
barrier, which has an end-to-end resistance of about
340, is an industry standard device which is
frequently used. With this barrier the supply voltage
in the safe area, with both counter inputs energised,
must be between 17.5V and the maximum working
voltage of the Zener barrier which, depending upon
manufacturer, will be approximately 26V. The
minimum voltage increases to 23V if a display
backlight is fitted.
9

4.1.2 Pulse input
As shown in Fig 2 the BA368E can count pulses
from a wide variety of sensors in the hazardous
area, or from the safe area as shown in Fig 3.
No Zener barrier is required in series with each input
if the intrinsically safe pulse source is located within
the same hazardous area as the BA368E Counter.
The following table shows the switching thresholds
for the various types of sensor. For reliable
counting the pulse input must fall below the lower
threshold and rise above the upper threshold.
Input sensor
Switching thresholds
Lower Upper
Switch 1001000
Proximity detector 1.2mA 2.1mA
Open collector 2k10k
Magnetic pick-off 0mV 40mV peak
Voltage pulse low 1.0V 3.0V
Voltage pulse high 3.0V 10.0V
4.1.3 Switch contact input
Any mechanically activated switch contact located in
the same hazardous area as the BA368E Counter
may be directly connected to the pulse input
terminals 5 & 6 and 9 & 10 providing the switch and
associated wiring can withstand a 500V rms
insulation test to earth. Most magnetically activated
reed relays comply with these requirements. The
BA368E contains a configurable debounce circuit to
prevent contact bounce being counted.
See section 6.6 for details of the maximum counting
frequency.
4.1.4 2-wire proximity detector input
Most certified intrinsically safe 2-wire proximity
detectors complying with NAMUR switching
thresholds may be connected to the BA368E
Counter inputs, providing the input safety
parameters of the proximity detector are equal to or
greater than the output safety parameters of the
Counter inputs i.e.
Ui ≥10.5V dc
Ii ≥9.2mA dc
Pi ≥24mW
and the minimum operating voltage of the proximity
detector is less than 7.5V.
See section 6.6 for details of the maximum counting
frequency.
4.1.5 Open collector input
Most open collector sensors located in the same
hazardous area as the BA368E Counter may be
directly connected to pulse input terminals 5 & 6 and
9 & 10 providing the sensor and associated wiring
can withstand a 500V rms insulation test to earth.
The open collector device must comply with the
requirements for simple apparatus or have input
safety parameters equal to or greater than:
Ui ≥10.5V dc
Ii ≥9.2mA dc
Pi ≥24mW
See section 6.6 for details of the maximum counting
frequency.
4.1.6 Magnetic pick-off input
CoiL in the input configuration menu is a low level
voltage pulse input intended for use with magnetic
pick-off sensors producing an ac output. For a CoiL
input the pulse input terminals 5 & 6 and 9 & 10 of
the BA368E Counter comply with the requirements
of simple apparatus allowing connection to any
certified intrinsically safe magnetic pick-off within the
hazardous area having output parameters equal to
or less than:
Uo 28V dc
Io 200mA dc
Po 0.84W
The maximum permitted cable parameters will be
defined by the magnetic pick-off’s intrinsic safety
certificate less the Counters input parameters Ci & Li
which are small and can often be ignored,
See section 6.6 for details of the maximum counting
frequency.
4.1.7 Voltage pulse input
Two voltage pulse input ranges are selectable in the
configuration menu, VoLt5 L and VoLt5 H. When
configured for either of the voltage pulse ranges, the
pulse input terminals 5 & 6 and 9 & 10 of the
BA368E Counter comply with the requirements of
simple apparatus allowing connection to any
intrinsically safe voltage source within the hazardous
area having output parameters equal to or less than:
Uo 28V dc
Io 200mA dc
Po 0.84W
The maximum permitted cable parameters will be
defined by the voltage source intrinsic safety
certificate less the BA368E Counter input
parameters which are small and can often be
ignored.
See section 6.6 for details of the maximum counting
frequency.
10

4.1.8 Remote reset
The BA368E Counter total display may be remotely
reset to zero by connecting terminals RS1 & RS2
together for more than one second. Permanent
interconnection inhibits counting. Remote resetting
may be accomplished by any mechanically operated
switch located in the same hazardous area as the
Counter providing it and the associated wiring can
withstand a 500V rms insulation test to earth. No
Zener barrier is required.
A BA368E may also be remotely reset to zero from
the safe area. Any switch may be used but a Zener
barrier is required to transfer the contact closure into
the hazardous area which may be combined with the
supply barrier so that only one package is required.
A diode return barrier is not suitable for this
application. Fig 2 illustrates how the BA368E total
display may be reset from both the safe and the
hazardous area.
Note: The BA368E can be configured to reset the
total display to zero when the &and *push
buttons are operated simultaneously for more than
three seconds - see 6.24.
4.2 Use with Galvanic Isolators
Galvanic isolators are probably the simplest
intrinsically safe interface to install as they provide
isolation and do not require a high integrity earth
connection.
Any certified galvanic isolator with output parameters
less than the input parameters of the BA368E having
the correct function may be used.
Fig 4 BA368E protected by galvanic isolators.
Fig 4 illustrates the basic circuit that is used for all
BA368E Counter installations protected by galvanic
isolators. For simplicity, connections for the pulse
output and the optional factory fitted alarms and
4/20mA output are shown separately in section 7
and 10 of this manual.
Alternatively the pulse source may be located in the
safe area. Fig 5 shows how an additional galvanic
isolator is used to transfer the signal to the BA368E
Counter in the hazardous area, although it may be
difficult to find isolators for some sensors.
11

Fig 5 Pulse source in safe area
4.2.1 Power supply
The BA368E Counter requires a minimum of 10V
between terminal 1 & 2 and consumes 10mA plus
6mA for each input that is energised, a maximum
total of 22mA if both inputs are energised. Any
certified galvanic isolator may be used to power a
BA368E Counter providing the output safety
parameters of the isolator are equal to or less than
the input safety parameters of terminals 1 & 2 of the
BA368E Counter. These requirements are not
restrictive and allow a wide range of galvanic
isolators, such as solenoid drivers, to be used.
4.2.2 Pulse input
As shown in Fig 4 the BA368E can count pulses
from a wide variety of sensors in the hazardous
area, or from the safe area as shown in Fig 5.
No galvanic isolator is required in series with the
input if the intrinsically safe pulse source is located
within the same hazardous area as the BA368E
Counter.
The following table shows the switching thresholds
for the various types of sensor. For reliable
counting the pulse input must fall below the lower
threshold and rise above the upper threshold.
Input sensor
Switching thresholds
Lower Upper
Switch 1001000
Proximity detector 1.2mA 2.1mA
Open collector 2k10k
Magnetic pick-off 0mV 40mV peak
Voltage pulse low 1.0V 3.0V
Voltage pulse high 3.0V 10.0V
4.2.3 Switch contact input
Any mechanically activated switch contact located in
the same hazardous area as the BA368E Counter
may be directly connected to pulse input terminals 5
& 6 and 9 & 10 providing the switch and associated
wiring can withstand a 500V rms insulation test to
earth. Most magnetically activated reed relays
comply with these requirements. The BA368E
contains a configurable debounce circuit to prevent
contact bounce being counted.
See section 6.6 for details of the maximum counting
frequency.
4.2.4 2-wire proximity detector input
Most certified intrinsically safe 2-wire proximity
detectors complying with NAMUR switching
thresholds may be connected to the BA368E
Counter inputs, providing the input safety
parameters of the proximity detector are equal to or
greater than the output safety parameters of the
Counter inputs i.e.
Ui ≥10.5V dc
Ii ≥9.2mA dc
Pi ≥24mW
and the minimum operating voltage of the proximity
detector is less than 7.5V.
See section 6.6 for details of the maximum counting
frequency.
12

4.2.5 Open collector input
Most open collector sensors located in the same
hazardous area as the BA368E Counter may be
directly connected to pulse input terminals 5 & 6 and
9 & 10 providing the sensor and associated wiring
can withstand a 500V rms insulation test to earth.
The open collector device must comply with the
requirements for simple apparatus or have input
safety parameters equal to or greater than:
Ui > 10.5V dc
Ii > 9.2mA dc
Pi > 24mW
See section 6.6 for details of the maximum counting
frequency.
4.2.6 Magnetic pick-off input
CoiL in the input configuration menu is a low level
voltage pulse input intended for use with magnetic
pick-off sensors producing an ac output. For a CoiL
input the pulse input terminals 5 & 6 and 9 & 10 of
the BA368E Counter comply with the requirements
of simple apparatus allowing connection to any
certified intrinsically safe magnetic pick-off within the
hazardous area having output parameters equal to
or less than:
Uo 28V dc
Io 200mA dc
Po 0.84W
The maximum permitted cable parameters will be
defined by the magnetic pick-off’s intrinsic safety
certificate less the Counters input parameters Ci & Li
which are small and can often be ignored.
See section 6.6 for details of the maximum counting
frequency.
4.2.7 Voltage pulse input
Two voltage pulse input ranges are selectable in the
configuration menu, VoLt5 L and VoLt5 H. When
configured for either of the voltage pulse ranges, the
pulse input terminals 5 & 6 and 9 & 10 of the
BA368E Counter comply with the requirements of
simple apparatus allowing connection to any
intrinsically safe voltage source within the hazardous
area having output parameters equal to or less than:
Uo 28V dc
Io 200mA dc
Po 0.84W
The maximum permitted cable parameters will be
defined by the voltage source intrinsic safety
certificate less the BA368E Counter input
parameters which are small and can usually be
ignored.
See section 6.6 for details of the maximum counting
frequency.
4.2.8 Remote reset
The BA368E Counter total display may be remotely
reset to zero by connecting terminals RS1 & RS2
together for more than one second. Permanent
interconnection inhibits totalisation. Remote
resetting may be accomplished by any mechanically
operated switch located in the same hazardous area
as the Counter providing it and the associated wiring
can withstand a 500V rms insulation test to earth.
No galvanic isolator is required.
A BA368E Counter may also be remotely reset to
zero from the safe area. Any switch may be used
but a galvanic isolator or IS relay is required to
transfer the contact closure into the hazardous area.
Almost any device with a contact that may be
connected to equipment in the hazardous area may
be used for this application. Fig 4 illustrates how a
BA368E Counter may be reset from both the safe
and the hazardous area.
Note: The BA368E can be configured to reset the
total display to zero when the &and *push
buttons are operated simultaneously for more than
three seconds - see 6.24.
13

5. INSTALLATION
5.1 Location
The BA368E Counter has a robust glass reinforced
Noryl enclosure with a toughened glass window.
The front of the instrument has IP66 ingress
protection and a gasket seals the joint between the
instrument enclosure and the panel. The rear of the
instrument has IP20 ingress protection.
The BA368E may be installed in any panel providing
that the operating temperature is between -40°C and
+70°C and the intrinsic safety requirements are
complied with. At temperatures below -20°C the
instrument will continue to count but the display will
become increasingly slow and the contrast will be
reduced.
Figs 6 shows the overall dimensions together with
the recommended panel cut-out dimensions. To
achieve an IP66 seal between the instrument
enclosure and the instrument panel, the smaller cut-
out dimensions should be used and the instrument
should be secured with four panel mounting clamps.
5.2 EMC
The BA368E Counter complies with the
requirements of the European EMC Directive
2014/30/EU. For specified immunity all wiring
should be in screened twisted pairs, with the screens
earthed at one point within the safe area.
Recommended panel cut-out
dimensions for all installations
Mandatory to achieve an IP66 seal
between instrument and panel
136 +0.5/-0.0 x 66.2 +0.5/-0.0
DIN 43700
138.0 +1.0/ -0.0 x 68 +0.7 -0.0
Note: Optional backlight is internally powered
Fig 6 BA368E dimensions & terminals
14

5.3 Installation Procedure
a. Cut the specified aperture in the panel. To
achieve an IP66 seal between the instrument
enclosure and the instrument panel the
aperture must have the tighter tolerances
specified in Fig 6.
b. Slide the gasket over the body of the BA368E
Counter before inserting the instrument into
the panel aperture.
c. Firstly ensure that all the panel mounting
clamps are closed by turning the knurled
screws fully anti clockwise until the two pips in
the clamp foot align with holes in the clamp
body.
d. Place a clamp in the recess on each side of
the Counter, pulling gently to slide it onto the
dovetail as shown in Fig 7. Push the knurled
screw slightly forward to engage the thread
and tighten by turning clockwise until it is just
finger tight. When all clamps are fitted ensure
that the gasket behind the front panel bezel is
correctly positioned before fully tightening the
clamps to secure the instrument. The
maximum recommended clamp tightening
torque is 22cNm (1.95 lbf in) which is
approximately equivalent to finger-tight plus
one half turn. Do not over tighten.
e. Four panel mounting clamps are required to
achieve an IP66 seal between a BA368E
Counter and the instrument panel.
f. Connect the panel wiring to the rear terminal
block(s) as shown in Fig 6. To simplify
installation, the terminals are removable so
that the panel wiring can be completed before
the instrument is installed. To prevent vibration
damage ensure panel wiring is supported.
Fig 7 Fitting panel mounting clamps
5.4 Scale card
The Counter’s units of measurement may be shown
on a printed scale card in a window at the right hand
side of the display. The scale card is mounted on a
flexible strip that is inserted into a slot at the rear of
the instrument as shown in Fig 8. Thus the scale
card can easily be changed without removing the
Counter from the panel or opening the instrument
enclosure.
New BA368E Counters are supplied with a printed
scale card showing the requested units of
measurement, if this information is not supplied
when the instrument is ordered a blank card will be
fitted.
A pack of self-adhesive scale cards printed with
common units is available as an accessory from
BEKA associates. Custom printed scale cards can
also be supplied.
To change a scale card, unclip the tapered end of
the flexible strip at the rear of the instrument by
gently pushing it upwards and pulling it out of the
enclosure. Peel the existing scale card from the
flexible strip and replace it with a new printed card,
which should be aligned as shown below. Do not fit
a new scale card on top of an existing card.
Install the new scale card by gently pushing the
flexible strip into the slot at the rear of the Counter,
when it reaches the internal end-stop secure it by
pushing the end of the flexible strip downwards so
that the tapered section is held by the rear panel.
Align the self-adhesive printed
scale card onto the flexible strip
and insert the strip into the
Counter as shown below.
Fig 8 Inserting the flexible strip carrying the scale
card into slot at the rear of the BA368E Counter.
15

6.0 CONFIGURATION & CALIBRATION
The BA368E Counter is configured and calibrated
via four front panel push buttons. All the
configuration functions are contained in an easy to
use intuitive menu that is shown diagrammatically in
Fig 10.
Each menu function is summarised in section 6.3 of
this manual and each summary includes a reference
to more detailed information.
The isolated pulse output, including configuration, is
described in section 7 of this manual. When factory
fitted optional alarms and the optional 4/20mA output
are included, additional functions appear in the
configuration menu which are described in section
10 of this manual.
All new BA368E Counters are supplied calibrated as
requested at the time of ordering. If calibration is not
requested, Counters will have default configuration
as shown in the following table, but can easily be re-
configured on-site.
Function Display Default
Input A inP .tYPE oP .CoL
Debounce dEbounCE dEFAuLt
Input b inP .tYPE oP .CoL
Debounce dEbounCE dEFAuLt
Counting edge A CntEdG-A EdGE 1
Counting edge b CntEdG-b EdGE 1
Update uPdAtE 0.5
Count Count A:b
Upper display di5p-1 totAL
Lower display di5P-2 on
Decimal point dP Rate 00000 .0
Total 00000000
Total scale factor 5CALE .t 001 .00
Rate scale factor 5CALE .r 001 .00
Timebase t-bA5E tb-01
Filter FiLter 24
Counter direction uP or dn uP
Clear value clr val 00000000
Local clear loc clr
Local total reset Clr tot oFF
Local grand total reset Clr Gtot oFF
Security code CodE 0000
Note: While the instrument is being configured
counting continues so that any input pulses
occurring during this time are recorded.
6.1 Calibration structure
Fig 9 shows the calibration structure of the BA368E
Counter. The two pulse inputs are processed by the
count function to produce a single output having the
selected arithmetic function, such as the sum of
pulse input A and pulse input b. This output is
passed to the 5cALE .rand 5CALE .T functions
allowing the rate and total displays to have different
engineering units.
5CALE .tis a dividing factor that converts the output
from the Counter function into the required total
display in engineering units. e.g. if the output from
the Counter function is two pulses per pump stroke
and a total display of thousands of pump strokes is
required, 5CALE .tshould be set to 2000.
5CALE .ris a dividing factor that converts the output
from the Counter function into a rate display with the
required engineering units. e.g. if the output from
the Counter function is two pulses per pump stroke
and it is required to display the pump stroke rate,
5CALE .rshould be set to 2.
The timebase t-bA5E is a multiplying factor that
determines if the instrument displays rate per
second, per minute or per hour.
The BA368E uses ‘real’ decimal points. Moving the
position of a decimal point in a scale factor will affect
the instrument calibration.
Fig 9 Calibration structure
16

6.2 Accessing configuration functions
Throughout this manual the instrument front panel
push buttons are shown as &, *, (and )and
legends displayed by the instrument are shown in a
seven segment font as displayed by the Counter
e.g. FiLtEr and 5CALE .r.
Access to the configuration menu is obtained by
operating the (and )push buttons
simultaneously. If the instrument is not protected by
a security code the first parameter inPut-A will be
displayed. If a security code other than the default
code 0000 has already been entered, the instrument
will display CodE. Press (to clear this prompt and
enter the security code for the instrument using the
&or *push button to adjust the flashing digit,
and the (push button to transfer control to the
next digit. If the correct code has been entered
pressing )will cause the first parameter inPut-A
to be displayed. If an incorrect code is entered, or a
push button is not operated within ten seconds, the
instrument will automatically return to the display
mode.
All configuration functions and prompts are shown
on the upper eight digit display.
Once within the configuration menu the required
function can be selected by scrolling through the
menu using the &and *push buttons. The
configuration menu is shown diagrammatically in
Fig 10.
When returning to the display mode following
reconfiguration, the BA368E Counter will display
dAtA followed by 5AVE while the new information is
stored in permanent memory.
If after accessing the configuration menu the interval
between operating any front panel push button
exceeds one minute, the BA368E will automatically
return to the display mode and any configuration
changes will not be stored in permanent memory.
When making changes to multiple configuration
functions, it is therefore sensible to occasionally
return to the display mode to save the changes that
have already been made.
6.3 Summary of configuration functions
This section summarises all the configuration
functions. When read in conjunction with Fig 10 it
provides a quick aid for configuring the Counter. If
more detail is required, each summary contains a
reference to a full description of the function.
Display Summary of function
inPut-A Contains sub-menu with two
functions:
inP .tYPE Select Input type
dEbounCE Set debounce
See section 6.4
inP .tYPE [for Input-A]
Configures input-A to accept one of
six types of input:
oP .CoL Open collector *
VoLt5 L Voltage pulse <1 >3V
VoLt5 H Voltage pulse <3 >10V
CoiL Magnetic pick-off
Pr .dEt Proximity detector *
ContACt Switch contact *
*Link terminals 3 & 4
See section 6.5
dEbounCE [[[for Input-A]
Defines level of input debounce
applied to the pulse input A to
prevent false counting:
dEFAuLt
HEAVY
LiGHt
See section 6.6
inPut-b Contains sub-menu with two
functions:
inP .tYPE Select Input type
dEbounCE Set debounce
See section 6.7
inP .tYPE [for Input-b]
Configures input-b to accept one of
six types of input:
oP .CoL Open collector *
VoLt5 L Voltage pulse <1 >3V
VoLt5 H Voltage pulse <3 >10V
CoiL Magnetic pick-off
Pr .dEt Proximity detector *
ContACt Switch contact *
*Link terminals 7 & 8
See section 6.8
17

Display Summary of function
dEbounCE [for Input-b]
Defines level of input debounce
applied to the pulse input b to
prevent false counting:
dEFAuLt
HEAVY
LiGHt
See section 6.9
CntEdG-A Input A pulse counting edge
Defines whether the Counter is
incremented/decremented on the
leading or trailing edge of a pulse on
input A.
See section 6.10
CntEdG-b Input b pulse counting edge
Defines whether the Counter is
incremented/decremented on the
leading or trailing edge of a pulse on
input b.
See section 6.11
updAtE Display update interval
Defines the interval between display
updates between 0.5 and 5
seconds.
See section 6.12
Count Counting function
Defines the arithmetic relationship of
the two pulse inputs. The total
display can be derived from:
A:b Input A + Input b
A:-b Input A - Input b
A con b Input A controlled by
Input b.
a rel b Quadrature input
(for position display)
See section 6.13
di5P-1 Upper display
Defines whether rAtE or totAL is
shown on the upper display. The
other variable will be shown on the
lower display, providing the lower
display is on in function dI5P-2.
See section 6.14
Display Summary of function
di5P-2 Lower display
Turns the lower display, which
normally shows rate, on or oFF.
See section 6.15
dP Position of decimal points
Defines the position of the decimal
point in both the total and rate
displays.
See section 6.16
5CALE .tTotal Scale Factor
5CALE .tis a dividing factor that
converts the pulse output from
arithmetic Count function into the
required total display in engineering
units. 5CALE .tmay be adjusted
between. 0.0001 and 99999. e.g. if
one pulse represents 1 centimetre of
dispensed cable and the total
display is required in metres,
5CALE .tshould be set to 100.0
which is the number of centimetres
in a metre.
The total display is independent of
the rate display.
See section 6.17
5CALE .rRate scale factor
5CALE .ris a dividing factor that
converts the pulse output from the
arithmetic Count function into the
required rate display in engineering
units. 5CALE .rmay be adjusted
between 0.0001 and 99999. e.g. if
one pulse represents 2 pump
strokes and the rate display is
required in pump strokes, 5CALE .r
should be set to 0.5.
The rate display is independent of
the total display.
See section 6.18
t-bA5E Timebase
Selectable multiplier allowing rate to
be displayed in units per second, per
minute or per hour.
Select:
tb-01 for rate / second
tb-60 for rate / minute
tb-3600 for rate / hour
See section 6.19
18

Display Summary of function
FiLtEr Display filter
Is an adjustable digital filter to
reduce the noise on the rate display.
The filter has two parameters each
represented by a digit adjustable
between 0 and 9. The first digit
defines the amount of filtering
applied to the display, the second
digit the deviation from the displayed
rate at which the filter will be
overridden and the rate display will
move rapidly to the new value.
See section 6.20
&or *Direction of count
Determines whether pulses at inputs
A and b increment or decrement the
total display.
See section 6.21
CLr VAL Reset value
Defines a preset number to which
the total display will be set when the
BA368E Counter is locally or
remotely reset. Enables the
instrument to count down from a
preset number.
See section 6.22
LoC CLr Local clear
Contains sub-menu with two
functions enabling the total and the
grand total to be reset via the front
panel push buttons while the
Counter is in the display mode.
See section 6.23
Clr tot
When on is selected total display is
reset when &and *buttons are
operated simultaneously for more
than 3 seconds in the display mode.
See section 6.24
Clr Gtot
When on is selected the grand total
may be reset when )and *
buttons are operated simultaneously
for more than 10 seconds in the
display mode - see section 2.2 for
details.
Note: Once reset, the grand total
can not be restored.
See section 6.25
Display Summary of function
Clr Gtot Resets grand total to zero from
within configuration menu.
This function resets the grand total
to zero from within the configuration
menu when CLr YE5 is selected.
Note: Once reset, the grand total
can not be recovered.
See section 6.26
CodE Access code
Defines a four digit alphanumeric
code that must be entered to gain
access to the configuration menu.
Default code 0000 disables the
security function and allows
unrestricted access to all
configuration functions.
See section 6.27
r5Et dEF Reset to factory defaults
Returns the BA368E Counter to the
factory defaults shown in section 6.0
To prevent accidental use the
request must be confirmed by
entering 5urE before the reset will
be executed.
See section 6.28
19

20