Campbell CS451 User manual

Revision: 10/2020
Copyright © 2009 – 2020
Campbell Scientific, Inc.

Table of contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Precautions 1
3. Initial inspection 2
4. QuickStart 2
5. Overview 5
6. Specifications 7
7. Installation 9
7.1 Installation considerations 9
7.1.1 Vent tube 9
7.1.2 Appropriate water depth 10
7.1.3 Dislodge bubbles 10
7.2 Installing and securing the transducer 11
7.2.1 Split mesh cable grip 11
7.2.2 Heyco cable grip 12
7.3 Wiring 12
7.3.1 SDI-12 data logger connections 13
7.3.2 RS-232 connections 13
7.4 Programming 13
7.4.1 SDI-12 programming 14
7.4.2 Offset calculation 14
7.5 Changing nose cones 15
8. Operation 16
8.1 Configuration 16
8.1.1 Computer connection using the A200 16
8.1.1.1 Driver installation 16
8.1.1.2 A200 wiring 17
8.1.1.3 Powering the sensor 17
8.1.1.4 Determining which COM port the A200 has been assigned 18
8.1.2 Device Configuration Utility (version 2.03 or higher) 18
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8.2 SDI-12 commands 19
8.3 Measuring multiple SDI-12 sensors 22
8.4 Unit command 22
8.5 Sample number command 23
9. Maintenance 23
9.1 Every visit 24
9.2 Every two years 24
10. Troubleshooting 25
Appendix A. Importing Short Cut code into CRBasic Editor 26
Appendix B. Example program 27
Appendix C. Calibration certificate 29
Appendix D. SDI-12 sensor support 30
D.1 SDI-12 command basics 30
D.1.1 Acknowledge active command (a!) 31
D.1.2 Send identification command (al!) 31
D.1.3 Start verification command (aV!) 32
D.1.4 Address query command (?!) 32
D.1.5 Change address command (aAb!) 32
D.1.6 Start measurement commands (aM!) 33
D.1.7 Start concurrent measurement commands (aC!) 33
D.1.8 Start measurement commands with cyclic redundancy check (aMC! and aCC!) 35
D.1.9 Stopping a measurement command 35
D.1.10 Send data command (aD0! … aD9!) 35
D.1.11 Extended commands 36
D.2 SDI-12 transparent mode 36
D.2.1 Changing an SDI-12 address 37
D.2.2 Changing an SDI-12 address — CR200(X) Series 38
D.3 References 39
Appendix E. RS-232 connection via computer terminal software 40
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1. Introduction
The CS451/CS456 Submersible Pressure Transducer provides pressure and temperature
measurements. It uses the SDI-12 or RS-232 communications protocols to communicate with an
SDI-12 or RS-232 recorder simplifying installation and programming.
NOTE:
This manual provides information only for CRBasic data loggers. For retired Edlog data logger
support, access a retired manual at www.campbellsci.com/old-manuals.
2. Precautions
lREAD AND UNDERSTAND the Safety section at the back of this manual.
lSensor will be damaged if it is encased in frozen liquid.
lAlthough the CS451/CS456 is rugged, it is also a highly precise scientific instrument and
should be handled as such. There are no user-serviceable parts and any attempt to
disassemble the device will void the warranty.
lDropping the instrument or allowing it to “free fall” down a well may damage the
transducer.
lNever suspend the CS451/CS456 from the connections at the top end of the cable. Sharp
bends or excessive pinching of the cable can cause damage and may pinch off the vent
tube causing measurement errors.
lConfirm the compatibility of the sensor and cable to non-water environments before
installation.
lThe CS456, instead of the CS451, should be used in harsh water applications, including salt
water.
CS451/CS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor 1

3. Initial inspection
lUpon receipt of the CS451/CS456, inspect the packaging for any signs of shipping damage
and, if found, report the damage to the carrier in accordance with policy. Also inspect the
contents of the package and file a claim if shipping related damage is discovered.
lThe model number and pressure range is etched on the housing, and the cable length is
printed on the label near the connection end of the cable. Check this information against
the shipping documentation to ensure that the expected product was received.
lEnsure the desiccant tube is attached to the vent tube on the cable. Desiccant should be
orange or blue. Replace it if the desiccant is green or pale pink.
4. QuickStart
A video that describes data logger programming using Short Cut is available at:
www.campbellsci.com/videos/cr1000x-datalogger-getting-started-program-part-3. Short Cut is
an easy way to program your data logger to measure the sensor and assign data logger wiring
terminals. Short Cut is available as a download on www.campbellsci.com. It is included in
installations of LoggerNet, RTDAQ, PC400, or PC200W.
The following procedure also describes programming with Short Cut.
1. Open Short Cut and click Create New Program.
2. Double-click the data logger model.
CS451/CS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor 2

3. In the Available Sensors and Devices box, type CS451 or locate the sensor in the Sensors >
Water >Level & Flow folder. Double-click CS450/CS451/CS455/CS456 Pressure
Transducer. Water level defaults to feet and temperature defaults to degrees Celsius. These
can be changed by clicking the Water Level or Temperature box and selecting a different
option. Type the correct SDI-12 Address for the CS451.
4. Click on the Wiring tab to see how the sensor is to be wired to the data logger. Click OK
after wiring the sensor.
CS451/CS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor 3

5. In the Available Sensors and Devices box, type Offset and double-click the Offset
Calculation under the Sensors >Water >Level & Flow folder. For the Linked Level
parameter, select the variable that stores the level measurement (typically Lvl_ft or Lvl_m).
Type the initial water level in the Observed Level Reading box.
6. Repeat steps three and four for other sensors being measured. Click Next.
7. In Output Setup, type the scan rate, Data Output Storage Intervals, and meaningful table
names.
CS451/CS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor 4

8. Select the measurement and its associated output options.
9. Click Finish and save the program. Send the program to the data logger if the data logger
is connected to the computer.
10. If the sensor is connected to the data logger, check the output of the sensor in the data
logger support software data display in LoggerNet, RTDAQ, PC400, or PC200W to make
sure it is making reasonable measurements.
5. Overview
The CS451/CS456 pressure transducer provides a reliable, accurate pressure/level measurement
that is fully temperature compensated. Its 24-bit A/D has simultaneous 50/60 Hz rejection and
automatic calibration for each measurement.
A number of additional advanced measurement techniques are employed to harness the best
possible performance available from today’s state-of-the-art pressure transducer technology. The
transducer reverts to a low power sleep state between measurements. A series of measurements
are performed yielding a temperature and pressure value. This measurement cycle takes less than
1.5 s. The transducer can also be configured to output pressure only in less than 1 s. The
measurement cycle is activated using SDI-12 or RS-232 commands.
The transducer consists of a piezoresistive sensor housed in a 316L stainless-steel (CS451) or
titanium (CS456) package to enhance reliability. The rugged construction makes the
CS451/CS456 suitable for water level measurement in irrigation applications, water wells, lakes,
CS451/CS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor 5

streams, and tanks. The titanium package of the CS456 makes it ideal for salt water or other
harsh environments. The cable incorporates a vent tube to compensate for atmospheric pressure
fluctuations and the jacket is made of rugged Hytrel®, designed to remain flexible and tough,
even under harsh environmental conditions.
The CS451/CS456 has two communication options: SDI-12 and RS-232. The CS451/CS456 is
shipped from the factory with both communications options enabled. As an SDI-12 sensor, the
CS451/CS456 is shipped with an address of 0.
Two values are output by the CS451/CS456—pressure/level and temperature. By default, the
sensor outputs pressure in pounds per square inch gage (psig), which is the pressure relative to
atmospheric pressure. By default, the sensor outputs temperature in degrees Celsius.
The CS451/CS456 has three nose cone options. FIGURE 5-1 (p. 6) shows the nose cone options.
The weighted nose cone makes the transducer easier to submerge to depth. The 1/4-inch NPT
nose cone allows the transducer to be used in closed-pipe applications. Nose cones can be
switched out later. The nose cones are available separately from Campbell Scientific, allowing the
nose cone to be changed to a different style at a later date, if desired.
FIGURE 5-1. CS451 nose cone options
Features:
lOutput acceptable for recording devices with SDI-12 or RS-232 capability including
Campbell Scientific data loggers
lQuality construction ensures product reliability
CS451/CS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor 6

lRugged stainless steel or titanium case protects piezoresistive sensor
lFully temperature compensated
lLow power sleep state between measurements reduces power consumption
lWeighted nose cone offered adds 0.2 kg (7.4 oz) to the transducer weight. Additional
weight makes submersion of the transducer easier
lCompatible with Campbell Scientific CRBasic data loggers: CR6, CR3000, CR1000X, CR800
series, CR300 series, CR1000
6. Specifications
Power requirements: 5 to 18 VDC
Power consumption
Idle current: < 50 µA
Measurement/communication current: 8 mA for 1-s measurement
Maximum peak current: 40 mA
Measurement time: Less than 1.5 s
Outputs: SDI-12 (version 1.3) 1200 bps
RS-232 9600 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, no
flow control
Measurement ranges:
Pressure (psig) Pressure (kPa) Depth of fresh water
0 to 2.9 0 to 20 0 to 2 m (6.7 ft)
0 to 7.25 0 to 50 0 to 5.1 m (16.7 ft)
0 to 14.5 0 to 100 0 to 10.2 m (33.4 ft)
0 to 29 0 to 200 0 to 20.4 m (67 ft)
0 to 72.5 0 to 500 0 to 50.9 m (167 ft)
0 to 145 0 to 1000 0 to 102 m (334.5 ft)
Accuracy: ±0.1% full scale range TEB1or
±0.05% full scale range TEB2
Water-level resolution: 0.0035% full scale range
CS451/CS456 Submersible Water-Level Recording Sensor 7