Campbell VWIRE 305 User manual

Revision: 11/2020
Copyright © 2019 – 2020
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Table of contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Precautions 1
3. Initial inspection 1
4. Quickstart 2
4.1 Equipment 2
4.2 Procedure 3
5. Programming quickstart using DVWToolbox 6
6. Overview 7
6.1 Input channels 7
6.2 Dynamic sample rates 8
6.3 Static measurement 8
6.4 Embedded thermistor or RTD 8
6.5 Rainflow histograms 9
6.6 Diagnostics 9
6.7 Data use 9
7. Specifications 9
7.1 Vibrating wire – specifications 9
7.2 Temperature – specifications 10
7.3 Module 10
7.3.1 Communications 10
7.3.2 System 11
7.3.3 Power requirements 11
7.3.4 Compliance 11
7.3.5 Physical attributes 11
8. Installation 11
8.1 Install driver for computer connection 12
8.2 Operating systems 12
8.3 Configuring VWIRE 305 12
8.3.1 Configuring using DVWToolbox and LoggerNet 13
8.3.2 Configuring with the CPIAddModule() instruction 13
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8.3.3 Configuring with Device Configuration Utility 13
8.3.4 Configuring with CPIStatus table 14
8.4 Data logger connection 14
8.5 Connecting multiple GRANITE Measurement Modules 15
8.5.1 Daisy-chain topology 15
8.5.2 Star topology 16
8.6 Power connection 16
8.6.1 Power-up sequence 17
8.7 Earth ground connection 17
8.8 Mounting in an enclosure 17
8.9 Field installation 19
8.9.1 Field installation equipment 19
8.9.2 Field installation procedure 20
9. Operation 22
9.1 VWIRE 305 sample rate 22
9.2 VWIRE 305 settings 23
9.3 VWIRE 305 outputs 28
9.4 Connections 31
9.4.1 Sensor connections 31
9.4.2 CPI network bit rate 32
9.5 Analyzers and channel numbers 33
9.6 Data logger program 33
9.6.1 Program code 34
9.6.1.1 Pipeline mode 34
9.6.1.2 VWIRE 305 programming 34
CDM_VW300Config() 34
CDM_VW300Dynamic() 34
CDM_VW300Static() 34
CDM_VW300RainFlow() 35
RainFlowSample() 35
CPISpeed() 35
CPIAddModule() 35
9.7 Data quality 35
9.7.1 Amplitude warning flags 36
9.7.2 Diagnostic codes 36
9.7.3 DVWToolbox errors 37
9.7.4 Excitation strength 38
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9.7.5 Frequency filters 38
9.7.5.1 Harmonics 39
9.7.5.2 Estimated frequency range 39
9.7.5.3 Actual frequency range 39
Matching estimated and actual frequency ranges 40
9.7.6 Frequency warning flags 41
9.7.7 Sample rate and noise performance 41
9.7.8 Standard deviation 41
9.8 Sensors 42
9.8.1 Sensor basic design features 42
9.8.2 Basic measurement of the sensor 42
9.8.3 Vibrating wire length and tension 42
9.8.4 Sensor output frequency range and maximum sample rate 43
9.8.5 Temperature sensor 43
9.9 Status of input channels and sensors 45
10. Troubleshooting 45
10.1 CPIStatus table 46
10.2 COMM status LED 47
10.3 CPI port LEDs 47
10.4 Replacing a GRANITE measurement module 47
11. References and attributions 48
Appendix A. VSPECT measurement theory 49
Appendix B. Vibrating wire digits conversion 50
Appendix C. Calculating vibrating wire measurement error 52
C.1 Error example: Geokon strain gage 52
C.2 Error example: DGSI embedment strain gage 53
C.3 Error example: DGSI spot-welded strain gage 53
C.4 Error example: Geokon 4420 crack meter 54
C.5 Error example: DGSI piezometer 52611099 54
Appendix D. Measuring thermistors and PRTs 55
D.1 Converting PRT resistance to temperature 55
D.2 Converting thermistor resistance to temperature 55
D.2.1 Thermistor measurement accuracy and resolution 56
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1. Introduction
Designed around Campbell Scientific’s VSPECT™ measurement technology, the VWIRE 305
Dynamic Vibrating Wire VSPECT Analyzers measure vibrating wire sensors at rates up to 333.3 Hz
with high accuracy. You can use an analyzer without a data logger in a bench test, or one or
more analyzers with a Campbell Scientific data logger in a field installation.
This manual discusses the use of the VWIRE 305 with the following products, which are sold
separately:
lWall Charger 12 VDC 800 mA Output, 100-240 VAC
lCPI Network Kit
lGRANITE data logger
lLoggerNet data logger support software
2. Precautions
lREAD AND UNDERSTAND the Safety (p. 1) section at the front of this manual.
lWARNING:
oProtect from over-voltage
oProtect from water
oProtect from ESD (electrostatic discharge)
lIMPORTANT: Maintain a level of calibration appropriate to the application. Campbell
Scientific recommends factory recalibration of the VWIRE 305 every three years.
3. Initial inspection
lThe VWIRE 305 ships with the following:
oGRANITE Parts Kit (1)
lInspect the packaging and contents for damage immediately. File damage claims with the
shipping company.
VWIRE 305 1

lCheck packaging materials for all products. Check model numbers, part numbers, product
descriptions, and cable lengths against shipping documents. Model or part numbers are
found on each product. Cable numbers are normally found at the end of the cable that
connects to the measurement device. Check that expected cable lengths were received.
Contact Campbell Scientific immediately if you find any discrepancies.
lCheck the operating system version in the VWIRE 305, and the data logger. Update as
needed. See Operating systems (p. 12).
4. Quickstart
This procedure will get the VWIRE 305 set up to make measurements before connecting it to a
GRANITE data logger. This procedure, makes real-time measurements of vibrating wire sensors. It
does not store data (storing data requires an attached data logger).
4.1 Equipment
lVibrating wire sensor
lVWIRE 305 analyzer
lPower supply (Wall Charger 12VDC 800mA Output, 100-240VAC 50 60Hz, 6ft Cable is used
in this procedure)
lUSB cable
lComputer
lDVWToolbox software
VWIRE 305 2

The following figure shows a general schematic of connections:
FIGURE 4-1. General schematic
4.2 Procedure
1. Install DVWToolbox software on the computer. The DVWToolbox installation also installs
USB drivers for the VWIRE 305.
2. Connect the sensors to the VWIRE 305 (FIGURE 4-2 (p. 3) and FIGURE 4-3 (p. 4)). For
further guidance on connecting sensors, see Sensor connections (p. 31).
FIGURE 4-2. Three-wire sensor connection schematic (no embedded thermistor)
VWIRE 305 3

FIGURE 4-3. Five-wire sensor connection schematic
3. Connect the power supply to the VWIRE 305 power connector as shown.
FIGURE 4-4. Opening the power connector terminals
4. Plug in the power supply. The VWIRE 305 COMM Status light flashes yellow. Channel
Status lights may flash or remain dark.
5. Connect the USB cable between a standard computer USB port and the VWIRE 305USB
port.
VWIRE 305 4

6. Open DVWToolbox. A window similar to the following figure appears:
7. In the Com Port list, select CDM-VW300 (COMn).
The Com Port box displays CDM-VW300 (COMn). Your COMn number may differ from
that shown.
8. Connect
DVWToolbox and the VWIRE 305 connect and the button at lower left will show
Disconnect.Device Type,Serial Number,Device Name, and CPI address at lower center are
active. Depending on the state in which the VWIRE 305 was last used, channels may or may
not be enabled.
9. Check the Enable box for channels to which sensors are connected. If the correct channels
are selected, a green Channel Status flash indicates the sensor attached to that channel is
working. Lights of disabled channels are dark. For other flash combinations, see Status of
input channels and sensors (p. 45).
VWIRE 305 5

The main DVWToolbox window will look similar to the following figure:
lIf a sensor does not have a temperature sensing element, the value in the Static
Thermistor column will be negative (Channel 1).
lReasonable values in the Dynamic Frequency and Static Frequency columns indicate
the sensor outputs a vibrating wire signal. Check the values against the manufacturer
provided documentation to see if sensor output is within the correct frequency
output range.
lThe absence of information icons indicates the VWIRE 305 detects no
measurement faults. If you see an information icon, see DVWToolbox errors (p. 37).
10. For more information on adjusting Sample Rate, enabled channels, and Frequency
Boundaries see VWIRE 305 settings (p. 23), and VWIRE 305 outputs (p. 28).
5. Programming quickstart
using DVWToolbox
Campbell Scientific DVWToolbox is an easy way to generate a simple CRBasic program for your
Campbell Scientific data acquisition system.
VWIRE 305 6