Brainchild VR18 User manual

User Manual
Paperless Recorder VR18
UMVR181T
Brainchild Electronic Co., Ltd. 19th Edition, 0 /2018

2
Contents Page
Safety ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4
Safety Symbols --------------------------------------------------------------------------
4
Safety Notes and Precautions ----------------------------------------------------------
4
Static Electricity -----------------------------------------------------------------------
5
1. General Description --------------------------------------------------------------------
6
1.1 Unique Features of ecorder -------------------------------------------------------
6
1.2 Expandable Input and Output cards ------------------------------------------------
6
1.3 Communication ---------------------------------------------------------------------
--- 6
1.4 Storage Media CF card -----------------------------------------------------------------
7
1.5 Data Security --------------------------------------------------------------------------
7
1.6 Infrared Detector ---------------------------------------------------------------------
7
1.7 Ordering Codes and Accessories --------------------------------------------------
8
1.8 Specifications ------------------------------------------------------------------------
- 11
2. Installation and wiring
-------------------------------------------------------------------
14
2.1 Unpacking -------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------
14
2.2 Installation ------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------
14
2.3 Setup Input, Output & 24VDC power supply cards ----------------
----------------------
16
2.4 Wiring of the cards ------------------------------------------------
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18
2.5 S-232, S-422, S-485 wiring --------------------------------------
--------------------
21
2.6 Installation of Compact Flash CF Card -----------------------------------
--------------------
23
3. Basic Operation
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24
3.1 Page --------------------------------------------
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24
3.2 Mode ---------------------------------
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25
3.3 History --------------------------------------------------
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26
3.4 Event ----------------------------------------------
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27
3.5 Status ---------------------------------------------
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28
3.6 Exit --------------------------------------------------
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28
3.7 Dump ---------------------------------------------
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29
3.8 Clear -----------------------------------------
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29
3.9 Operate --------------------------------------
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29
3.10
Shutdown -----------------------------------
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29
3.11 Logout ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 29
3.12 Small Icons ---------------------------------
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30
4.
Configuration
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31
4.1 Channel ( Analog input, Digital input, Analog output, Math input )
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32
4.2 Display
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
38
4.3 Tools ( Timer, Counter & Totalizer ) -------------------------
-------------------------------
40
4.4 Instrument ---------------------
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45
4.5 Clock -----------------------------------------
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48
4.6 Security & FDA 21 CF part 11 compliance
---------------------------------------
49
4.7 Demo -------------------------------
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50

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4.8 System Info ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50
4.9 A Configuration Example ----------------------------
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51
. PC software and Communication configuration ----------------------------
52
5.1 Observer I & Observer II PC software guide ----------------------
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52
5.2 Ethernet Configuration --------------------------
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56
5.3 S 232, S485, S422 Configuration ---------------------
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60
5.4 CF card Configuration
---------------------------------------------------------------
65
5.5 Configuration in eal-Time Viewer -----------------------
------------------------------
68
5.6 DDE dynamic data exchange
-----------------------------------------------------
72
6. Application examples
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
78
7. Trouble shooting --------------------------------------------------------------------------
81
8. FAQs frequently asked questions --------------------------------------------------
84

4
Safety
This recorder is compliant with the requirements of EN61010-1, UL 61010C-1 & CSA C22.2 No. 24-93.
The protection provided by the recorder may be impaired if it is used in a manner inconsistent with its
intended purpose, or in an environment that exceeds the specifications of the recorder. Brainchild
Electronic Co., Ltd. is not liable for customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.
Safety Symbols
The following symbols may be seen on the user manual or recorder labeling.
Caution
Protective Earth
DC Supply
Safety Notes and Precautions
1. The protective earth terminal should be connected first before any other connection is made. To avoid
making the recorder dangerous under fault conditions, any interruption of the protective Earth conductor
inside or outside the recorder is prohibited.
2. Keep signal and supply voltage wiring separated from one another. If this is impractical, use shielded
cables for signal wiring. Double insulation should be used for signal wiring when the recorder is being
used with hazardous voltage.
3. Do not use the recorder where there is high vibration, or high magnetic field, this could cause damage or
error of measurement.
4. All maintenance or repairs should be carried out with power disconnected, to avoid personal injury, or
damage to the unit.
5. In areas with conductive pollution, adequate ventilation, filtering and sealing need to be installed.

5
6. When cleaning the recorder, handle carefully and use soft dry cloth. Avoid the use of abrasives or any
sharp and hard objects, which would damage the display.
7. Do not operate the recorder if any part has been removed or disassembled. Consult your nearest dealer
at once.
Static Electricity
Appropriate precautions must be taken when handling the recorder. The circuit board, components are
susceptible to damage caused by electrostatic discharge. Take static electricity precautions whilst handling
and inserting Compact Flash Card into the recorder.
To replace the power-line fuse
The power-line fuse is located within the fuse-holder on the power board. For 90-250 VAC line voltages,
the user must use a 2.5A/250VAC time-lag fuse, and for both 11-18 VDC and 18-36 VDC line voltages, a
5.0A/250VAC time-lag fuse must be used.

6
1. General Description
1.1 Unique features of recorder
The V 18 is a well-designed paperless recorder with many outstanding features including:
• 6.5〞TFT Color LCD with VGA Display in 640x480 pixels.
• 18 isolated Analog Inputs
• Plug & play I/O cards for easy expansion
• Simple and friendly operation
• Infrared detector to prolong lifetime of LCD
• Solid storage media CF card in high capacity
• 169 mm short depth
• Ethernet as standard and optional S-232/422/485 communication
• High accuracy 18-bit A-D Analog Input
• 15-bit D-A Analog Output.
• 200 millisecond sample rate.
1.2 Expandable Input and Output Cards
The recorder is equipped with six-rear expansion slots, which work flexibly with the following plug & play
I/O cards.
Analog Input cards (part number AI181, AI182, AI183) : These three cards are used for 1, 2, & 3-
channel analog input. Each input is isolated from each other to avoid noise and to ensure stable
measurement. Analog input is configured by DIP switches and jumpers on the card before plugging into
rear expansion slot. Refer 2.3 etting Input and Output Cards.
Digital Output card (DO181): Each card includes 6 alarm relays. Contacts are rated 5 Amp/240 VAC
Digital Input card (DI181): Each card includes 6 channels. Logic Low: -5V minimum, 0.8V maximum,
Logic High: -2V minimum, 5V maximum
Analog Output cards (AO183I, AO183V): Each card includes 3 channels. AO183I is used for 4-20mA,
0-20mA current output, and AO183V is used for 0-5V, 1-5V, 0-10V voltage output.
1.3 Communication
The standard communication interface is Ethernet with protocol IEEE 802.3 - 10 Base T. Other options are
S-232 / S-422 / S-485.

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1.4 Storage Media CF Card
The Solid Compact Flash Memory Card (CF card) 2GB capacity is a free standard storage media used for
this instrument. Its compact size, anti-dust and anti-vibration features increase its reliability. To read
measured data on CF Card, add a CF reader on USB port of PC. If the recorder is used with 6-channel
inputs, an easy chart to show the maximum days CF can store the data.
CF card 2GB
Log speed
1 second 1975 days
10 seconds 19750 days
120 seconds 237030 days
Each record of data uses 2 bytes of CF card memory.. If the Log Speed ( the recording speed of measured
data ) is set to the fastest speed at 1 second per data, then for a single channel, 2GB CF card will last
approximately 11850 days [= 2048MB / ( 2 bytes x 24 hours x 60 minutes x 60 seconds ).
The following formula is to calculate how many days the CF card could do saving before it is full.
The ? days = The capacity of CF Card / ( 2 bytes / the Log peed x the working hours per day x 3600
seconds )
To avoid loosing recorded data while storing on PC, it is necessary to insert CF card back again into the
recorder soon after loading recorded data onto PC.
1. Data Security
The recorded data is stored in the manufacturer’s special binary format. It is not possible to manipulate
or modify the recorded data. This feature fully guarantees the security of the data.
1.6 Infrared Detector ( IR Detector )
The use of Passive Infrared technology on the recorder is an innovative idea to prolong the lifetime of the
LCD display. The detector senses the movement of body heat from a distance of approximately 2 meters.
This feature works together with the Screensaver. For example, if the I Sensor is turned on and
Screensaver set to 10 Min, then the display will turn off 10 minutes after the user walks away from the
recorder. The Passive Infra ed detects when the user returns to the recorder and the display turns on
straight away, no need to press any key on the recorder. If the user does not prefer using this function, it
can be disabled.

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1.7 Ordering codes and accessories
Ordering codes
VR18 – □□□□ – □□□ – □□□
1 2 3 4 – 5 6 7 – 8 9 10
1 Power
4: 90-250 VAC, 47-63 Hz
5: 20-28 VAC, 47-63 Hz
6: 11-18 VDC
7: 18-36 VDC
8. 36-72 VDC
2 Analog Input Card
0: none
1: 1 channel withAI181 G: 3 channels with AI183V
2: 2 channels with AI182 H: 6 channels with AI183V
3: 3 channels with AI183 J: 9 channels with AI183V
4: 4 channels with AI181 & AI183 K: 12 channels with AI183V
5: 5 channels with AI182 & AI183 L: 15 channels with AI183V
6: 6 channels with AI183 M: 18 channels with AI183V
A: 9 channels with AI183
B: 12 channels with AI183
C: 15 channels with AI183
D: 18 channels with AI183 *See AI181/2/3(V) in Accessories below.
3 Digital Input Card
0: none
1: 6 channels 4: 24 channels
2: 12 channels 5: 30 channels
3: 18 channels 6: 36 channels
4 Digital Output Card
0: none
1: 6 relays 3: 18 relays
2: 12 relays 4: 24 relays
5 Communication
0: standard Ethernet interface
1: S-232/422/485 ( three in one ) + Ethernet interface
6 PC software
1: Free basic software Observer I for non-communication application
2: Extensive software Observer II for communication of S-232/422/485 or Ethernet

9
7 Firmware
1: with Mathematics, Counter & Totalizer & FDA 21 CF part 11 compliance
8 Storage Media
6: 2 GB CF card
9 Case/Mounting
1: standard panel mounting, gray case
10 Special Option:
0: none
1: 24VDC auxiliary power supply (for transmitter, 6 channels)
2: 3-channel current output
3: 6-channel current output
4: 9-channel current output
D: 3-channel voltage output
E: 6-channel voltage output
F: 9-channel voltage output
5. panel mounting with rear power plug
6. panel mounting with front power switch
7. 7=1+5
8. 8=1+6
9. 9=1+5+6
A. A=6+5
B. B=6+G
G: panel mounting with rear power plug and Europe power cable
H: H=1+G
I: I=1+G+6

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Accessories:
Part no. Descriptions
AI181, AI182, AI183 1, 2, 3-channel analog input card (TC, TD, + mA, + V, + mV)
AI183V 3-channel voltage input card (± mA, ± V, ± mV only)
DI181 6-channel digital input card
DO181 6-channel relay output card (AC/DC)
AP181 24 VDC auxiliary power supply card for 6 transmitters
CM181 S-232/422/485 + Ethernet communication module
CM182 Standard Ethernet communication module
PM181 90-250 VAC, 47-63 Hz power supply
PM182 11-18 VDC power supply module
PM183 18-36 VDC power supply module
PM184A 90-250 VAC, 47-63 Hz power supply with power plug and USA power cable
PM184E 90-250 VAC, 47-63 Hz power supply with power plug and European power cable
PM185 36-72 VDC 47-63 Hz power supply
PM186 20-28 VAC power supply
MK181 panel mount assembly kit
CF204 2 GB compact flash card
AS181 Basic PC software Observer I
AS182 Extensive PC software Observer II
AO183I 3-channel current output card
AO183V 3-channel voltage output card
BT182 Boot OM with Math, Counter & Totalizer & FDA 21 CF part 11
SC181 The Slot cover of an empty slot
SNA10A S-485 to S-232 converter
UMV 181 User Manual
Notes:
 The rear Slots of the recorder will only accept up to 6 optional cards of input, output or 24 VDC
power supply in any combination. For example, 12-channel analog input needs 4 pieces of 3-channel
analog input card AI183. Now it is left 2 empty Slots for other cards.
 The basic PC software Observer I is supplied free together with recorder. There is an additional
charge for the extensive PC software Observer II supplied with communication of S-232/422/485
or Ethernet.
◆ The Ordering Code of standard model without any option is V 18-4X00-011-610

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1.8 Specifications
Power
90-250VAC, 47-63Hz, 60VA, 30W maximum
11-18VDC or 18-36 VDC, 60VA, 30W maximum
Display
6.5〞TFT LCD, 640X480 pixel resolution, 256 colors
Memory
16MB storage memory on board
Storage media: 2GB CF (Compact Flash) cards
Analog Input Cards (AI181, AI182, AI183)
Channels: AI181 ~ 1 channel, AI182 ~ 2 channels, AI183 ~ 3 channels
esolution: 18 bits
Sampling ate: 5 times/ second
Maximum ating: -2 VDC minimum, 12 VDC maximum (1 minute for mA input)
Temperature Effect: ±1.5 µV/ ˚C for all inputs except mA
±3.0 µV/ ˚C for mA input
Sensor Lead esistance Effect:
T/C: 0.2 µV/ohm 3-wire TD: 2.6 ˚C /ohm of resistance difference of two leads
2-wire TD: 2.6 ˚C /ohm of resistance sum of two leads
Burn-out Current: 200nA
Common Mode ejection atio (CM ): 120dB
Normal Mode ejection atio (NM ): 55dB
Isolation Breakdown Voltage between channels: 430VAC min.
Sensor Break Detection: Sensor opened for TC, TD and mV inputs, below 1 mA for 4-20mA input,
below 0.25V for 1-5V inputs, unavailable for other inputs
Sensor Break esponding Time: Within 10 seconds for TC, TD and mV inputs, 0.1 second for 4-20 mA
and 1-5V inputs
Characteristics:
Type ange Accuracy Input
at 25 ˚C Impedance
J -120 ~ 1000 ˚C ±1 ˚C 2.2MΩ
(-184 ~ 1832 ˚F)
K -200 ~ 1370 ˚C ±1 ˚C ˚ 2.2MΩ
(-328 ~ 2498 ˚F)
T -250 ~ 400˚˚C ±1 ˚C 2.2MΩ
(-418 ~ 752˚F)
E -100 ~ 900 ˚C ±1 ˚C 2.2MΩ
(-148 ~ 1652 ˚F)
B 0 ~ 1820 ˚C ±2 ˚C 2.2MΩ
(32 ~ 3308 ˚F) (200 ~ 1820 ˚C)
0 ~ 1768 ˚C ±2 ˚C 2.2MΩ
(32 ~ 3214 ˚F)
S 0 ~ 1768 ˚C ±2 ˚C 2.2MΩ
(32 ~ 3214 ˚F)
N -250 ~ 1300 ˚C ±1 ˚C 2.2MΩ
(-418 ~ 2372 ˚F)
L -200 ~ 900 ˚C ±1 ˚C 2.2MΩ

12
(-328 ~ 1652 ˚F)
PT100 -210 ~ 700 ˚C ±0.4 ˚C 1.3KΩ
(DIN) (-346 ~ 1292 ˚F)
PT100 -200 ~ 600 ˚C ±0.4 ˚C 1.3KΩ
(JIS) (-328 ~ 1112 ˚F)
mV -8 ~ 70mV ±0.05% 2.2MΩ
mA -3 ~ 27mA ±0.05% 70.5Ω
0~1V -0.12 ~ 1.15V ±0.05% 332KΩ
0~5V -1.3 ~ 11.5V ±0.05% 332KΩ
1~5V -1.3 ~ 11.5V ±0.05% 332KΩ
0~10V -1.3 ~ 11.5V ±0.05% 332KΩ
Analog Input Cards (AI183V)
Characteristics:
Type ange Accuracy Input
at 25 ˚C Impedance
-60~60mV -62~62mV ±0.1% 2.2 MΩ
-2~2V -2.2~2.2V ±0.3% 332KΩ
-20~20 V -22~22 V ±0.1% 332KΩ
-20~20 mA -22~22 mA ±0.1% 70.5Ω
Digital Input Card (DI181)
Channels: 6 per card
Logic Low: -5V minimum, 0.8V maximum
Logic High: 2V minimum, 5V maximum
External pull-down esistance: 1KΩ maximum
External pull-up esistance: 1.5MΩ minimum
Digital Output Card (DO181)
Channels: 6 per card
Contact Form: N.O. (form A)
elay ating: 5A/240 VAC, life cycles 200,000 for resistive load
Analog Output Card (AO183I, AO183V)
Channels: 3 per card
Output signal: AO183I: 4-20mA, 0-20mA, AO183V: 0-5V, 1-5V, 0-10V
esolution: 15 bits
Accuracy: ±0.05% of Span ±0.0025% /˚C
Load esistance: 0-500 ohms (current), 10K ohms minimum (voltage)
Output egulation: 0.01% for full load change
Output Setting Time: 0.1 second (stable to 99.9%)
Isolation Breakdown Voltage: 1000VAC min.
Integral Linearity Error: ±0.005% of Span
Temperature Effect: ±0.0025% of Span /˚C
24VDC Auxiliary Power Supply Card (AP181)
Channels: to be used for 6 transmitters
Output ating: 24 ± 1 VDC, 180mA in maximum, 30mA / each channel

13
COMM Module (CM181)
Interface: S-232 (1 unit), S-485 or S-422 (up to 247 units)
Protocol: Modbus Protocol TU mode
Address: 1-247
Baud ate: 0.3~38.4 Kbits/sec.
Measured data Bits: 7 or 8 bits
Parity Bit: None, Even or Odd
Stop Bit: 1 or 2 bits
Standard Ethernet Communication (CM182)
Protocol: Modbus TCP/IP, 10 Base T
Ports: AUI (Attachment Unit Interface) and J-45, Auto- detect capability
Infrared Detector
Distance: Detect moving human body in distance around 2 meters
Time delayed: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 minutes to be defined
Real time clock accuracy vs. temperature inside of housing
Temperature inside housing typical error per month
10 ~ 40 ˚C 18 seconds
0 ˚C or 50 ˚C 52 seconds
-10˚C or 60 ˚C 107 seconds
Environmental & Physical
Operating Temperature: 5 ~ 50 ˚C
Storage Temperature: -25 ~ 60 ˚C
Humidity: 20 to 80% H (non-condensing), maximum relative humidity 80% for temperature up to 31˚C
decreasing linearly to 50% relative humidity at 40˚C
Altitude: 2000 M maximum
Insulation esistance: 20 M ohms min. (at 500 VDC)
Dielectric Strength: 1350 VAC, 50/60 Hz for 1 minute
Vibration esistance: 10-55 Hz, 10m/ s² for 2 hours
Shock esistance: 30m/ s² (3g) for operation, 100g for transportation
Operation Position: no inclined restriction
Dimensions: Panel Mount style: 173(W) x 152(H) x 169mm(D)
Standard Panel Cutout: DIN size in 138 x 138mm
Approval Standards
Safety: UL61010C-1, CSA C22.2 No. 24-93
CE: EN61010-1 (IEC1010-1) over voltage category II, Pollution degree 2
Protective Class: IP 30 front panel for indoor use,
IP 20 housing and terminals
EMC:
Emission: EN61326 (EN55022 class A, EN61000-3-2, EN61000-3-3)
Immunity: EN61326 (EN61000-4-2, EN61000-4-3, EN61000-4-4,
EN61000-4-5, EN61000-4-6, EN61000-4-8, EN61000-4-11)

14
2. Installation and wiring
2.1 Unpacking
If any damage is found while unpacking, the user should contact the local representative at once. It is
suggested that the special packaging is retained for possible future requirement.
2.2 Installation
Remove stains from this equipment using a soft, dry cloth. Don’t use harsh chemicals, volatile
solvent such as thinner or strong detergents to clean the equipment in order to avoid deformation.
The recorder is designed for indoor use and not in any hazardous area. It should be kept away from shock,
vibration, and electromagnetic fields such as variable frequency drives, motors and transformers.
It is intended to operate under the following environment:
Pollution Degree Level II IEC1010-1( EN61010-1 )
Temperature 5 ~ 50 ˚C
Humidity 20 ~ 80 % H ( non-condensing )
Power 90 ~ 250 VAC, 50/60 Hz
11-18 VDC or 18 - 36 VDC
Panel mounting style
The front side
Figure 2 - 1

15
The right side
Figure 2 - 2
Panel Cutout ( standard DIN size 138 mm x 138 mm )
Figure 2 - 3
Note:
 Do not over tighten mounting clamp screws that could result in distortion of the case.
 There is no mounting angle restriction.

16
2.3 Setup input, output & 24VDC power supply cards
Analog input cards ( part numbers AI181, AI182, AI183 )
AI181, AI182, AI183 are analog input cards in 1, 2, 3 channels respectively. Each card includes universal
input of TC ( J, K, T, E, B, , S, N, L ), PT100, mV, mA, V. To select a specific input, first set jumpers
and switches according to the sticker information on the card as Figure 2–1 , and plug it into the rear slot
then power on. The recorder will automatically detect the card and display the specific input type, then
show its source of a specific slot in Configuration Mode. All inputs were initially set for 4-20mA from the
factory.
Figure 2 – 1

17
Analog input card ( part number AI183V )
AI183V are analog input cards in 1, 2, 3 channels respectively. Each card includes linear input of ± 60mV,
± 20mA, ± 2V, and ± 20V only. To select a specific input, first set jumpers and switches according to the
sticker information on the card as Figure 2–16, and plug it into the rear slot then power on. The recorder
will automatically detect the card and display the specific input type, then show its source of a specific slot
in Configuration Mode. All inputs were initially set for -20mA~20mA from the factory.
Figure 2 – 16
Digital Output card ( DO181 ) / 6 relay alarm card
The digital output card includes 6 relays rated 5 Amp/240 VAC. Plug the card into rear slot and power on.
The recorder will automatically detect the card and then display the output type and its source of a specific
slot in System Info mode whilst doing the configuration. To set up the digital output card, please refer to
Event, Job of 4.1 Channel.
Digital Input card ( DI181 )
This card includes 6 channels of event 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6. As above, plug the card into rear slot and power on.
The recorder will automatically detect it, and then display the input type and its source of a specific slot in
System Info mode whilst doing the configuration.
Analog output cards ( AO183I, AO183V )
These two cards are 3-channel current output card AO183I, and 3-channel voltage output card AO183V.
They are used to retransmit process value to another device.
24 VDC auxiliary power supply card ( AP181 )
This card can supply the power to 6 transmitters. The output rating is 24 ± 1 VDC, 180 mA in maximum,
30mA / transmitter.

18
2.4 Wiring of the cards
Wiring Precautions
1. Care must be taken to ensure that maximum voltage rating specified on the label is not exceeded.
2. For the panel-mount version, it is recommended that near the equipment an external fuse and an
external switch rated at 2A/2 0 VAC should be equipped.
3. Beware not to over tighten the terminals screws. The torque should not exceed 0.7 N-m ( 6.3
Lb-in or 7.1 Kg F-cm ).
4. Except the thermocouple wirings, all wirings should be stranded copper conductor with
maximum gauge 18 AWG.
. Connect a grounding conductor with 1.6mm diameter minimum to provide protective grounding
prior to turning on the equipment.
Rear terminals
Figure 2 –17
Note:
▲ The six rear slots can be inserted only by six cards in maximum. It can be either
input card, output card or 24 VDC auxiliary power supply card.

19
Analog input cards ( AI181, AI182, AI183 )
Figure 2 – 18
Analog input cards ( AI183V )
Figure 2 – 19
Digital output card ( DO181 )
Figure 2 – 20

20
Digital input card ( DI181 )
Figure 2 – 21
Analog output card ( AO183I & AO183V )
Figure 2 – 22