BEKA Advisor A75 User manual

Page 1 of 9
Instruction Manual A75 Version 6 19th April 2004
BEKA associates Ltd, Old Charlton Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire. SG5 2DA. UK. Tel: [phone]
Features
•Wide Choice of Input Ranges, User
Selectable (8 Voltage and 4 Current Inputs)
•4 Digit Display
•Adjustable Brightness
•24Vdc, 115Vac & 230Vac Models
•High Accuracy (0.05%)
•Reliable
•Maximum and Minimum Hold
•IP65 Front
•Easy Clean Membrane Buttons
•Button Disable Function (Anti-tamper)
•Password Protection
•Plain Language Programming Menus
•Optional Transducer Power Supply (User
Selectable 5,10,12 or 15Vdc)
•Optional Transmitter Power Supply (24Vdc)
•Optional Dual Alarm Relays, Latching or Non-
Latching, High or Low, Delays and
Acknowledgement (Changeover 5A rated)
•Optional 4-20mA Analogue Output
•Optional Tare Function (Weighing
Applications)
Contents
1) Unpacking
2) Safety and Warnings
3) Introduction
4) Electrical Specification
5) Dimensions
6) Installation
7) Electrical Connections
8) Setting Up
8.1) General
8.2) Button Functions – In Programming Mode
8.3) General Programming Structure
8.4) Main Programming Menu Flowchart
8.5) Sub Menu Programming
8.5.1) Square Root Extractor
8.5.2) Display Resolution
8.5.3) Decimal Point
8.5.4) Max and Min Hold
8.5.5) Display Units or Percentage
8.5.6) Calibration – Internal or External
Source
8.5.7) Setting Internal References
8.5.8) 4-20mA Analogue Output
8.5.9) Front Panel Controls, Password
and Pushbutton Disable (anti-tamper
function)
8.5.10) Alarm Setpoint Programming
8.6) The Alarm Parameters
8.6.1) Hysteresis
8.6.2) Enable
8.6.3) Setpoint 1( or Setpoint 2)
8.6.4) High/Low
8.6.5) Normally Energised
8.6.6) Delay
8.6.7) Silence
8.6.8) Latch
8.6.9) Access Setpoints
8.7) Pushbutton Re-enable
8.8) Transducer Supply Output
8.9) Transmitter Supply
9) General Operation
9.1) Button Functions – In Normal Display
Mode
9.1.1) Gaining Access to the Alarm
Setpoints
9.1.2) Resetting the Max/Min Register
9.1.3) Display Brightness
9.1.4) Unlatching Alarms and Alarm
Silencing
9.1.5) Tare Function
10) Troubleshooting
11) Typical Applications
Instruction Manual
For Advisor A75
Multirange
Digital Panel Meter (mV,V,mA and A input)

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Instruction Manual A75 Version 6 19th April 2004
BEKA associates Ltd, Old Charlton Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire. SG5 2DA. UK. Tel: [phone]
1) Unpacking
The packaging for your Advisor A75 includes:
1) An Advisor A75 digital panel meter
2) A pair of panel mounting clips
3) A neoprene sealing gasket
4) Full set of connector blocks
5) A set of self-adhesive engineering unit labels
6) This instruction manual
Check your unit against the above parts list to make sure
that nothing has been lost or damaged in transit. Keep the
packing box as this will be useful if in the unlikely event you
need to return the Advisor. If any parts are missing or
damaged, please contact your supplier.
2) Safety and Warnings
The Advisor A75 has been designed and tested in
accordance with the EU directive (73/23/EEC) for Low
Voltage (LVD) apparatus and the EU Directive
(89/336/EEC) for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC).
Copies of the certificate of compliance and test reports are
available on request.
It should be noted that the instrument is a panel mounted
meter and after installation only the front panel is intended
for general operator access. Installation must be completed
by authorised and qualified personnel.
To ensure safe operation/installation the following warnings
must be observed.
•Before installing the meter, ensure the marked
rated voltage agrees with the actual power supply
voltage.
•A safety earth must be connected to a conductive
panel into which the meter will be installed. A
safety earth must be connected with the AC mains
supply to the instrument. (If applicable)
•Do not expose the rear of the meter to rain or
condensing humidity.
•Do not use the meter in a flammable or explosive
atmosphere.
3) Introduction
The Advisor A75 digital panel meter is one of a family of
Advisor panel meters. The A75 has been designed
specifically to display voltage or current process signals in
engineering units. It is a microprocessor based instrument
and consequently simple to use. The Advisor A75 has a
user selectable input range. The power supply is selected
at the time of ordering. Each Advisor has a display
brightness control and max & min hold already included in
the internal software.
There are also several other options that can be included
with an Advisor including;
•Dual Alarms
•Analogue Output (4-20mA)
•Transducer Power Supply (user selectable, 5,10,12 or
15Vdc)
•Transmitter Power Supply (24Vdc @22mA)
•Internal Calibrator
•Root Extractor
•Tare Function (for weighing applications)
Advisors have been designed to be reliable in harsh
environments. The front is rated with an ingress protection of IP65
and rear of IP20. The programming buttons on the front of the
Advisors are sealed membrane type, thereby allowing the unit to
be kept clean by hosing or wiping down.
4) Electrical Specification
Power Supply
10 to 35Vdc
99 to 132Vac 50/60Hz or
198 to 264Vac 50/60Hz
Power Consumption
4W Max.
Input Range (user selectable)
0-100mV, 0-200mV, 0-500mV, 0-1V, 0-2V, 0-5V, 1-5V,
0-10V, 0-20mA, 4-20mA, 0-50mA or 10-50mA
Input Impedance
Voltage input > 1 MOhms (>10 Mohms for 0-100mV
and 0-200mV inputs)
Current input < 10 ohms
Isolation
500Vrms between input, power supply and any optional
accessory outputs.
Accessories (factory fitted)
Alarms (Dual)
Single pole changeover relay contact, 250V @ 5A ac
and 30V @ 5A dc.
Transmitter Power Supply
24Vdc @ 22mA short circuit protected
Transducer Supply Output
Selectable output 5,10,12 or 15Vdc @ 22mA, short
circuit protected. Drift < 100ppm/oC
Analogue Output (4-20mA)
500 Ohms maximum load.
5) Dimensions
Recommended panel cut-out: (dimensions in mm)
DIN43 700. 92.0+0.8/-0.0 x 45+0.6/-0.0
To achieve an IP65 seal between the instrument and the panel
90.0+0.5/-0.0 x 43.5+0.5/-0.0
CAUTION:
Read instructions prior to
installation and operation.
CAUTION:
Risk of electric shock

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Instruction Manual A75 Version 6 19th April 2004
BEKA associates Ltd, Old Charlton Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire. SG5 2DA. UK. Tel: [phone]
6) Installation
To install your Advisor, follow the installation procedure as
outlined below.
a) Insert the instrument into the panel opening from the
front.
b) Fix the two panel mounting clips to opposite sides of
the instrument and tighten until the instrument is
secure.
c) Connect the panel wiring to the rear terminal blocks.
7) Electrical Connections
All connections to the instrument are made using high
quality two part PCB connectors with screw clamp terminals
(which accept cables between 0.5 and 1.5mm2in diameter).
Power Supply Connections
Signal Input and Optional Alarm Connections
NOTE: Alarm terminals may carry
up to 240Vac !
Optional Output Connections
8) Setting Up
8.1 General
The Advisor panel meters are set up using the four front panel
pushbuttons. Parameters are accessed using a plain language
menu which can be protected by a user programmable password.
It is possible to disable the pushbuttons to stop any tampering by
unauthorized personnel. If the anti-tamper pushbutton disable
function has been switched on, you will need to regain “local”
control by following the key press sequence as outlined in section
8.7
8.2 Button Functions – In Programming Mode
To enter Programming Mode, press the scroll and return buttons
together.
When the instrument is supplied, the security access password is
set to “0000”. If this password has not been changed, then the
operator is given immediate access to the programming mode. If
the password has been changed, then the operator will need to
enter the new password before being able to access programming
mode. If the password has been forgotten – see section 8.5.9)
In Programming Mode, the pushbuttons have the following
functions;
Decreases a setting/variable or moves to the previous
menu option. This button is referred to as the “down
button”
Increases a setting/variable or moves to the next menu
option. This button is referred to as the “up button”
Select a menu option or “scroll into” next menu option.
This button is referred to as the “scroll button”.
Confirm variable selection or return to previous menu
option or exit programming mode. This button is referred
to as the “return button”.
8.3) General Programming Structure
The above flow chart gives a general overview of the
programming structure for an Advisor. The key point to remember
is that if you ever get lost or unsure of what function you are
programming, keep pressing the return button and eventually you
will get back to the Normal Display Mode.

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Instruction Manual A75 Version 6 19th April 2004
BEKA associates Ltd, Old Charlton Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire. SG5 2DA. UK. Tel: [phone]
8.4) Main Programming Menu Flowchart

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Instruction Manual A75 Version 6 19th April 2004
BEKA associates Ltd, Old Charlton Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire. SG5 2DA. UK. Tel: [phone]
8.5) Sub Menu Programming
Sub-Menu Programming allows the entry of variables and
enabling/disabling of various functions.
8.5.1) “root” – Square Root Extractor. This
parameter enables or disables the square root
linearising function. When enabled, an exponential
input signal is displayed in linearised form. (For
example, a differential flowmeter may have an
exponential output).
8.5.2) “rESn” - Display Resolution. This parameter
sets the resolution of the least significant display
digit. It may be set to 1,2,5 or 10. This can be useful
if the source signal is noisy. For example, setting a
display resolution to 5 would mean the display only
increases or decreases in steps of 5 digits, thus
“smoothing” the display.
8.5.3) “dP” - Decimal Point. This function allows the
position of the decimal point to be selected.
8.5.4) – “hLd” Max and Min Hold. Whether this
function is “On” or “OFF”, the maximum and
minimum values displayed are being stored in the
max/min hold register. In Normal Display Mode,
with this parameter “On”, the max and min values
stored can displayed (by pressing the up and down
buttons) and reset (by pressing the up and down
buttons together). The maximum and minimum
values will be lost on power failure.
8.5.5) “U--P” - Display Units or Percentage. In
Normal Display Mode, the scroll button can be
programmed to give one of two readings, either the
actual signal input in its own units or the percentage
of span reading. The “units” function will be
incorrect if the internal references have not been
set. (See section 8.5.7)
8.5.6) “CAL” - Calibration - internal or external
source. The “int” (internal) calibration function
allows a quick calibration. The display range (“zero”
and “span”) can be set within this menu option. The
accuracy of this method is dependent on the
accuracy of the internal references set under the
“rEF” menu. (See section 8.5.7). The preferred
method of calibration is to use an accurate,
traceable external source. To calibrate using this
method, select “uSEr” followed by “ZEro” and apply
a zero signal to the input terminals. Enter the
reading desired for this input and sample the signal
by pressing the return button. Next, select "SPAn”,
set the appropriate input signal and enter the
corresponding reading. Increase the signal source
to the span (upper) value and sample the input by
pressing the return button.

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Instruction Manual A75 Version 6 19th April 2004
BEKA associates Ltd, Old Charlton Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire. SG5 2DA. UK. Tel: [phone]
8.5.7) “rEF” – Setting Internal References. Do NOT enter this program parameter unless you have an accurate and
traceable signal source. The internal references are used by the meter to calculate readings for the internal calibrator
(“cAL”), the units/percentage function (“U--P”) and the analogue output option. The internal references are protected against
accidental erasure or alteration by the operator having to enter the access word “SurE”.
The A75 can accept any one of twelve different input signal ranges. The input range is selected under the sub-menu option
“rAng”. See table 1 below for the choice of inputs. After selecting the input range, using an accurate signal source sample
signals associated with the “zero” and “span”. For example if the signal input range was 1-5V, 1V would need to be sampled
for the “zero” and 5V would need to be sampled for the “span”.
The 4-20mA analogue output (if fitted) can be adjusted (to a minimum of 3.8mA and a maximum of 22mA) using the up or
down buttons within the “SEt” options.
Please note to ensure maximum accuracy, whenever the input signal range of the indicator is changed as outlined in section
8.5.7, (for example, change the input from 0-10V to 4-20mA), the display should also be re-calibrated as outlined in section
8.5.6.
Table 1: Choice of input range and
the corresponding “rAng” settings
Input Range "rAng" Setting
0-100mV 0.1u
0-200mV 0.2u
0-500mV 0.5u
0-1V 1u
0-2V 2u
0-5V 5u
0-10V 10u
0-20mA 0.02A
0-50mA 0.05A
1-5V 1-5u
4-20mA 4-20
10-50mA 10.50
8.5.8) “Iout” – 4-20mA Analogue Output. (If
fitted) This parameter allows the 4-20mA analogue output to
be programmed to correspond to any part of the display
range. For example, the display range could be 0-500 Litres,
and the 4-20mA analogue output could be from 100-150
Litres. To set the actual mA output refer to section 8.5.7.
8.5.9) “F.Pan” - Front Panel Controls,
Password and Pushbutton Disable (anti-
tamper function).
The front panel controls (“F.PAn” parameters) allow a security
access password to be set or altered and allow the
pushbuttons to be enabled or disabled. If the “bttn” parameter
is “on”, then the pushbuttons will function normally, if the “bttn”
parameter is set to “off” then the pushbuttons will be disabled
(to re-enable see section 8.7). The security password set in
“CodE” will be the password required for anyone to gain
access to the Programming Mode. If password controlled
access is not needed, the code should be set to “0000” (four
zeroes).
If a password is forgotten, then the emergency access
code “FPAc” (“Forgotten Panel Access Code”) will
provide access.
8.5.10) “ALr1” & “ALr2” –Alarm Setpoint
Programming (If Fitted).
Section 8.6) outlines the alarm parameters than can
be set.
8.6) The Alarm Parameters.

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Instruction Manual A75 Version 6 19th April 2004
BEKA associates Ltd, Old Charlton Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire. SG5 2DA. UK. Tel: [phone]
Alarms (1 & 2) have the same set-up parameters, but operate
independently of each other. Each can be set as a high or low
alarm.
8.6.1) “hStr” - Hysteresis. On an Advisor, hystersis is
set in engineering units not percentage and can be
set to any value. Hysteresis can be used to stop
alarm “chatter” as the diagram shows.
8.6.2) “EnbL” – Enable. This parameter enables an
alarm to be easily switched on or off without having
to change all the other alarm parameters. NOTE: If
the alarms are not enabled, the alarm relays will
stay in the position determined by the “nE”
(normally energized) parameter.
8.6.3) “SP1” - Setpoint 1. (or setpoint 2). This is the
alarm setpoint value and is entered in the same units
as the display.
8.6.4) “hILO” - High/Low. Each alarm can be set as
either active high or active low.
8.6.5) “nE” - Normally Energised. This
parameter determines the state of the changeover
relay. If “nE” is “on” then the alarm relay is normally
energised i.e. an alarm state will cause the relay to
be de-energized. If the alarm is normally energised,
this will also produce a “failsafe” condition should
there be a power failure.
8.6.6) “dELA” - Delay. This function can be
programmed to delay an alarm by up to 3600
seconds. If set to “0000” then the alarm delay is off.
8.6.7) “SIL” – Silence. This function allows
the relay outputs to be de-activated (or silenced) for
up to 3600 seconds. Hence, an alarm sounder
connected to the output relays could be momentarily
“silenced” by the operator pressing the scroll button.
If the input signal is still in the alarm range after the
silence time had elapsed, the alarm is automatically
re-activated.
8.6.8) “Ltch” - Latch. This function allows the
alarms to be latched on. If the input signal causes
the alarm to trip and this function is “on”, the relay
output(s) will be held in the alarm state even if the
input signal falls back into the normal operating
range. In Normal Display Mode, a latched alarm is
acknowledged (released) by pressing the scroll
button.
8.6.9) “AcSP” - Access Setpoints.This
option allows an operator direct access to the alarm
setpoints without having to go through all the other
programming menus. When this function has been
enabled, pressing the scroll and up button together
will give the operator access to the setpoints. Access
can be limited by setting a password under the
“Access Code” (“Ac.cd”) parameter. The same
password can be used gain access to both the
alarms and main programming menus.
8.7) Pushbutton Re-enable
The pushbutton disable function or anti-tamper function (see
section 8.5.9) allows the pushbuttons to be disabled - ideal if
the Advisor could be open to tampering from unauthorized
personnel. Once this function has been switched on, the only
way to regain control of the pushbuttons is to push the buttons
in the following sequence.
Once this sequence has been followed, the display will briefly
show “good” and the buttons will be re-enabled.

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Instruction Manual A75 Version 6 19th April 2004
BEKA associates Ltd, Old Charlton Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire. SG5 2DA. UK. Tel: [phone]
8.8) Transducer Supply Output (if fitted).
To change a transducer supply output voltage, internal jumper
links must be adjusted. Switch off the power and
disconnect all the connectors. Remove the four retaining
screws at the back of the instrument and carefully slide the
electronic board sets out of the case until the top sub-board
with the jumper links is revealed (as per diagram).
NOTE: The electronic circuit board sets are not designed
to be completely removed from the case !! Position the
links in the appropriate places (e.g. 12Vdc supply requires
links to be in position b and e) and carefully re-assemble. The
transducer supply is short circuit protected.
The transducer supply is a 4 wire output – this eliminates
cable resistance. The two sense terminals (15 and 16) must
be connected to either the sensor (best practice) or the
transducer supply outputs i.e. link terminals 14 to 15 and 16 to
17.
8.9) Transmitter Supply Output (if fitted)
The transmitter supply output voltage is 24Vdc and is not
adjustable. It supplies up to 22mA (short circuit protected) –
ideal for loop-powered transmitters.
9) General Operation
9.1 Button Functions – In Normal Display
Mode
Pressing this button causes the display to show one
of the following variables. Listed in order of priority.
i) The minimum value held in the max/min hold
register (if enabled)
ii) The display at which 4mA is re-transmitted on the
analogue output (if fitted)
iii) The display reading corresponding to the lower end
of the calibrated range.
After 5 seconds of pressing and holding this button, the
display brightness will be reduced.
Pressing this button causes the display to show one
of the following variables. Listed in order of priority.
i) The maximum value held in the max/min hold
register (if enabled)
ii) The display at which 20mA is re-transmitted on the
analogue output (if fitted)
iii) The display corresponding to the upper end of the
calibrated input range.
After 5 seconds of pressing and holding this button, the
display brightness will be increased.
Pressing this button has several effects depending
on what parameters have been programmed. It can
be programmed to display the input signal in actual units or as
a percentage of the input range. It can also be used to silence
alarm outputs, acknowledge latched alarms and to activate
the tare function.
This button has no effect during Normal Display
Mode.
Certain combinations of simultaneous button presses also
cause the meter to perform other functions.
9.1.1) Gaining access to the alarm setpoints.
It may be necessary for an operator to
regularly change alarm setpoints
without having to go through all the
programming menus. To access the
alarm setpoints (if the function has been switched on in
program mode – see section 8.6.9) the up and scroll buttons
should be pressed simultaneously. The operator will then be
able to access setpoints (SP1 and SP2) by pressing the up
button. New setpoints can then be entered with the up, down
and scroll buttons followed by the return button.
A security access code can be programmed (see section
8.6.9) to verify authorized access to the setpoints. If this is the
case, the operator must enter the security access code using
the up, down and scroll buttons, followed by the return button.
9.1.2) Resetting the Max/Min Register.
By pressing the up and down buttons
simultaneously, the max/min hold register
is reset to store the present display
reading.
9.1.3) Display brightness
It is possible to adjust the brightness of an Advisor at any time
during Normal Display Mode.
To increase the display brightness, press and hold the up
button. After 5 seconds, all the segments on the display will
light up and the brightness with steadily increase to its
maximum. Release the button when the desired brightness is
reached. The same method is used to lower the brightness,
by using the down button. The display brightness is
“remembered” if there is a power failure.
9.1.4) Unlatching alarms and alarm silencing
(if fitted)
A latched alarm is unlatched by pressing the scroll button. (To
set a latch on an alarm – see section 8.6.8). The alarm
changes state and the alarm LED annunciator is extinguished.
An alarm is also silenced (or acknowledged) with the same
button press (to enable alarm silencing see section 8.6.7).
With a silenced alarm, the contacts will change state but the
alarm LED annunciator will remain lit if the input signal is still
within the alarm band.
9.1.5) Tare Function (if fitted)
The tare function is designed primarily for use in weighing
applications and is a factory fitted accessory. A tare function
allows the instrument display to be zeroed at any stage so
that any further change in input signal can easily be
measured. For example, if the Advisor was showing the
weight of a container as 25kg and an operator wanted to add
18kg of fluid, the display could be tared and the operator
would easily see when 18kg of fluid had been added. W ithout
the tare function, the operator would have to calculate the
combined weight.
The tare is initiated by pressing and holding the scroll button
for 4 seconds, the word “tArE” is then briefly displayed. The
asterisk LED annunciator will also light up to show that the
display is tared. Brief pressing of the scroll button allows the
operator to toggle between the tared (net) display and the
untared (gross) display. The asterisk LED annunciator
switches on and off accordingly. The display can be re-tared
again at any time by pressing and holding the scroll button for

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Instruction Manual A75 Version 6 19th April 2004
BEKA associates Ltd, Old Charlton Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire. SG5 2DA. UK. Tel: [phone]
4 seconds. The tare value is stored even if there is a power
failure.
10) - Troubleshooting
There is no display. Check all the connections are correctly
made and check the power supply for the correct rating.
I have changed the input type, and no longer have a
sensible reading. Make sure you have changed over the
input connectors for example, changing an input from 4-20mA
to 0-10V will require the input to be changed from terminals
3&4 to 1&4.
The display is not very bright/too bright. Adjust the
brightness by pressing and holding the up or down button.
(Section 9.1.3)
Display doesn’t seem to be responding to a change of
input signal. Check the input signal. It may also be possible
that someone has accidentally re-calibrated the unit to display
the same value over the full input range – check the span and
zero settings in the “cAL” parameters (Section 8.5.6) – if
necessary re-calibrate with the “Int” (internal) settings.
Alternatively, the internal references may have been
accidentally reset – re-program them. (Section 8.5.7)
None of the pushbuttons seem to be working. It may be
that the pushbuttons have been disabled (i.e. anti-tamper
function has been switched on). Enter the button re-enable
sequence. (Section 8.7)
The display is too “jumpy”. Check the signal source, it may
be noisy. If the signal source cannot be “damped” down,
change the resolution of the Advisor. (Section 8.5.2)
I’ve forgotten my password – how do I get access ? Enter
“FPAc” (the emergency code – mnemonic “Forgotten Panel
Access Code”) and re-enter a new password in “F.PAn” menu
option. (Section 8.5.9)
The alarms are on when they should be off and vice
versa. Check the high and low alarm settings (Section 8.6.4)
and/or check you have the normally energized (“nE”)
parameter correctly programmed (Section 8.6.5)
The analogue output current doesn’t seem to be correct.
The analogue output can be adjusted. (Section 8.5.8)
The transducer supply output is higher than expected.
Remember, the transducer supply output is a 4 wire output
i.e. 2 supply lines and 2 sense lines. The sense lines must be
connected either directly to the sensor or to the supply
outputs otherwise the Advisor will “hunt” for a sensor and the
output voltage will seem to be excessive. (See section 8.8)
11) Typical Applications
A Position Sensor (0-10V input signal)
Tank Level Display (4/20mA Active Sensor)
Transmitter has its own power supply
Temperature Display (4/20mA Passive – Loop-
powered Transmitter)
24Vdc transmitter power supply option fitted
Weight Display (15Vdc Transducer supply
output, 0-100mV input range)
Transducer power supply fitted.