Cooper Instruments DFI 9000 User manual

DFI 9000
PORTABLE DIGITAL INDICATOR
USER’S GUIDE
www.cooperinstruments.com
PH: 540-349-4746 • FAX: [phone]

CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................1
2.0 SETUP AND USE...................................................................................................................1
2.1 Your DFI 9000 ..................................................................................................................................1
2.2 Additional Tools..............................................................................................................................1
2.3 Setup Overview ...............................................................................................................................1
2.4 Connect the Transducer.................................................................................................................2
2.4.1 Cable Type ................................................................................................................................2
2.4.2 Connection................................................................................................................................2
2.5 Turn On the Unit..............................................................................................................................2
2.6 Set the Decimal Point Location .....................................................................................................3
2.7 Verify Calibration ............................................................................................................................3
2.8 Fine Tune .........................................................................................................................................4
2.9 Using the DFI 9000..........................................................................................................................4
3.0 CALIBRATION .......................................................................................................................4
3.1 When to Calibrate ...........................................................................................................................4
3.2 Methods of Calibration ...................................................................................................................4
3.3 Calibration Overview ......................................................................................................................4
3.4 Center the Fine Tuning...................................................................................................................4
3.5 Disable Scaling ...............................................................................................................................4
3.6 Adjust for No Load..........................................................................................................................5
3.7 Adjust for a Known Load................................................................................................................5
3.7.1 Standard Calibration................................................................................................................5
3.7.2 Shunt Calibration .....................................................................................................................5
4.0 OPTIONS ...............................................................................................................................6
4.1 Peak Detector ..................................................................................................................................7
4.2 Analog Voltage Output ...................................................................................................................7
4.3 High Input ........................................................................................................................................7
5.0 MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR ..............................................................................................7
5.1 General Care....................................................................................................................................7
5.1.1 Cleaning ....................................................................................................................................7
5.1.2 Storing.......................................................................................................................................7
5.2 Troubleshooting..............................................................................................................................7
5.2.1 Low Battery...............................................................................................................................7
5.2.2 Overrange indications .............................................................................................................7
5.2.3 Erratic Readings.......................................................................................................................8
6.0 SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................................................................8
6.1 Physical Characteristics ................................................................................................................8
6.2 Environmental .................................................................................................................................8
6.3 Power Supply ..................................................................................................................................8
6.4 Transducer Interface ......................................................................................................................8
6.5 Amplifier ..........................................................................................................................................8
6.6 Digital Display .................................................................................................................................9
6.7 Options ............................................................................................................................................9
7.0 WARRANTY REPAIR POLICY ..............................................................................................9
CF12 DFI 9000 ii Rev. C May 2004

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The DFI 9000 Portable Indicator is a battery-powered signal conditioner and readout device. The DFI provides
precise electrical drive to a transducer and converts the transducer output into a digital of engineering units.
The signal conditioner supports transducer outputs between 1 and 4 millivolts/volt (mV/V); a high input option
supports outputs up to 40 mV/V. The readout device is a 4-1/2 digit, liquid-crystal display.
Enclosed in a rugged, weatherproof aluminum case, the DFI 9000 is specially designed for remote field operations.
Quick field setup allows the DFI 9000 to be used for a variety of applications, from checking the load on an oil well
drilling bit to determining natural gas line pressure.
Coarse zero and Course span controls allow broad adjustment for a wide variety of transducer outputs. To prevent
accidental misadjustment, these controls are located on the edge of the circuit board inside the unit, easily
accessible when the panel is removed from the case. Fine zero and fine span controls on the front panel allow
precise adjustment for offsets and gain variations up to +/-15 percent of full scale.
An optional peak detector toggles between peak mode and track mode via a front-panel switch. In both modes, the
unit monitors the input signal. In peak mode, the DFI 9000 stores, digitizes, and displays the highest signal level.
2.0 SETUP AND USE
2.1 Your DFI 9000
The DFI 9000 can be purchased in one of two ways:
• As a stand-alone unit with a mating connector for the input connector
• As a set with a transducer and a mating connector for the input connector
Some transducers are equipped with internal cables that are used to connect the transducer to the DFI 9000.
Cooper offers separate cables for transducers without integral cables.
If you purchased Assembly /Calibration with the DFI 9000 and a Cooper transducer, as a system, they are
calibrated together as a system. If Assembly/Calibration was not purchased, follow the setup procedures in this
section before using the unit.
If you purchased the DFI 9000 as a stand-alone unit or if you replace the original transducer, follow the setup and
calibration procedures before using the unit for the first time.
2.2 Additional Tools
Use the following tools to set up and calibrate your DFI 9000:
• Two inches of #20 AWG wire (if needed)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Small, standard screwdriver
• Calculator
• Solder and soldering iron (if needed)
2.3 Setup Overview
1. Connect the transducer to the unit
2. Turn on the unit
3. Set the decimal point location
4. Verify the calibration
5. Fine tune
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2.4 Connect the Transducer
2.4.1 Cable Type
Determine the distance between the transducer’s installed location and the DFI 9000. If the distance is less than
30 feet, use a four-wire hookup. If it is greater than 30 feet, use a six-wire hookup and the ”sense” feature.
Transducers with integral cables generally have four wires, designated:
+ Excitation
- Excitation
+ Signal (or + Output)
- Signal (or – Output)
For long six-wire cables, the additional two wires are used for ”sense” feature and are designated:
+ Sense
- Sense
The “sense” feature reduces the effect of signal voltage loss over a long cable, increasing display accuracy. The
“sense” feature is only needed for cables longer than 30 feet.
2.4.2 Connection
Use the transducer’s integral cable if available. If the transducer is not equipped with an integral cable, wire your
own cable as follows:
• Four –wire hookup (Figure 1)-Disable the “sense” feature by soldering two small wires inside the mating
connector to jumper:
+ Excitation (pin A) to + Sense (pin B)
- Excitation (pin C) to – Sense (pin D)
DFI 9000 MATING
CONNECTOR
Six-wire hookup (Figure 2)- Jumpers are not needed in this configuration.
DFI 9000 MATING
CONNECTOR
2.5 Turn On the Unit
Flip the on/off toggle switch on the front panel to on and allow the DFI 9000 to stabilize for a few seconds.
1. Make sure that no load is applied to the transducer, then press and hold the shunt cal button.
2. If the number on the display drifts, the unit is not yet stable.
3. Release the shunt cal button and try again in a few seconds.
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2.6 Set the Decimal Point Location
The DFI 9000 is factory set to the correct decimal point location for its original Cooper transducer. As a stand-
alone product, it is factory set to xxx.xx. You can easily change the decimal point location to match your load and
desired display.
Each decimal point has two terminals that must be connected. For example, to set the decimal point to xxxx.x for a
1000 psig load, jumper the first and second terminals (from the front of the board).
For smaller loads (such as 200 psig), setting the decimal point to xxx.xx may provide higher resolution, but may
also result in an unstable last digit. For stable last digit, set the decimal point to xxxx.x.
To set the decimal point location:
1. Remove the unit from the case by loosening all four captive fasteners on the front panel and lifting the panel out
of the case.
2. Find the decimal point jumper locations
3. Use needle-nose pliers to remove the existing jumper and place it in the desired terminals.
TOP OF FRONT PANEL
FIGURE 3: DECIMAL POINT JUMPER LOCATIONS
2.7 Verify Calibration
For best results, verify the calibration daily.
Note: When not using the original Cooper transducer, calibrate the DFI 9000 before use.
1. Obtain the following values from the transducer calibration data sheet:
- Shunt-cal output (or ”shunt-cal factor”) in mV/V
- Calibration factor (or “full-scale output”) in mV/V
- Full-scale engineering units (or “capacity”) in psig, lbs, etc.
2. Perform this calculation and record the value.
Shunt-cal output X full-scale engineering units = shunt-cal engineering units
Calibration factor
Note: Place a decimal point in the full-scale engineering units value in the equation in the same place as set in the
display.
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3. With no load on the transducer, press and hold the shunt cal button. Compare the displayed value with
the result of step 2. If the values are not equal, adjust the fine span potentiometer according to the
procedure below.
2.8 Fine Tune
Fine tune the DFI 9000 (the controls for both zero and span are on the front panel):
1. Fine zero- With no load on the transducer, use a small screwdriver to turn the zero potentiometer until the
display reads 0000.
2. Fine span- With the known load on the transducer, use a small screwdriver to adjust the span potentiometer
until the display matches your known load.
OR
3. With no load on the transducer, press and hold the shunt cal button. Use a small screwdriver to adjust the
span potentiometer until the display matches the value calculated in Section 2.7.
Note: Turn the potentiometer clockwise to increase the displayed value.
Turn it counterclockwise to decrease the displayed value.
2.9 Using the DFI 9000
Verify the calibration daily for best results. To use the DFI 9000, simply apply the load on the device to be
measured and read the display. Recalibrate the DFI 9000 each time you use it with a different transducer. For
details about using the peak detector and other options, see Section 4.
3.0 CALIBRATION
3.1 When to Calibrate
Calibrate the DFI 9000 if you are not using the original Cooper transducer and each time you change transducers.
3.2 Methods of Calibration
Two methods of calibration are available: standard and shunt. Use standard calibration when you can place a
known load on the transducer. Use shunt calibration to stimulate the load when you cannot apply a known load or
foe quick field setup.
3.3 Calibration Overview
Remove the unit from the case by loosening all four captive fasteners on the front panel and lifting the panel out of
the case, then do the following:
1. Center the fine tuning
2. Turn off the scaling
3. Adjust for no load
4. Adjust for a known or calibrated load
5. Adjust the scaling
3.4 Center the Fine Tuning
Center the zero and span fine-tuning potentiometers to allow precise adjustment in either direction. Use a small
screwdriver to turn each potentiometer up to 15 turns clockwise until it clicks. Then, turn it back halfway, 7-1/2
turns counterclockwise (Figure 4).
3.5 Disable Scaling
Scaling is the ratio of the output voltage to the displayed reading. Disable scaling so it does not interfere with
calibration. Use a small screwdriver to turn the scaling potentiometer up to 15 turns clockwise until it clicks (Figure
4).
CF12 DFI 9000 4 Rev. C May 2004

SHUNT CAL
RESISTOR
COARSE ZERO SCALING
CIRCUIT BOARD
FRONT PANEL
COARSE SPAN
DECIMAL PT.
TERMINAL STRIP
FIGURE 4: POTENTIOMETER LOCATIONS
3.6 Adjust for No Load
1. Remove any load from the transducer.
2. Coarse zero-This control zeroes the display when the fine zero is out of range or the transducer has a
preload, offset, or tare.
3. Fine zero-Use a small screwdriver to turn the fine zero potentiometer on the front panel until the display reads
exactly 0000.
Note: Turn the potentiometer clockwise to increase the displayed value. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease the
displayed value.
3.7 Adjust for a Known Load
If you can apply a known load to the transducer, use the standard calibration method. If you cannot apply a known
load, use the shunt calibration method.
3.7.1 Standard Calibration
1. Coarse span-This control adjusts the span for each different transducer.
(a) Apply a known load (near full scale) to the transducer.
(b) Use a small screwdriver to turn the coarse span potentiometer counterclockwise until the display reads
approximately 19999.
(c) If the known load is not full scale, scale down this value proportionately. For example, if you apply an 80-lb
load to a 100-lb transducer, scale down 19999 as shown:
80 x 19999 = 15999
100
2. Fine span-With the known load applied, use a small screwdriver to turn the fine span potentiometer until the
display reads exactly 19999 (or the scaled-down value).
3. Scaling-This control scales the display to the desired units. With the known load applied, use a small
screwdriver to turn the scaling potentiometer until the display reads the desired full-scale engineering units
(found on the transducer’s calibration sheet or the result of step 1c).
After scaling, return the panel to the case and tighten the four captive fasteners. If the display does not read 0000,
fine tune the unit again according to the procedure in Section 3.4.
3.7.2 Shunt Calibration
Use shunt calibration when you cannot apply a known load to the transducer. When the shunt cal button is
pressed (with no load on the transducer), a precise resistor of known value is shunted across one leg of the
transducer. This resistor simulates a known load or pressure.
The internal shunt cal resistor is installed on two pin jacks on the bottom of the circuit board.
Note: The internal shunt cal resistor is normally 59 kOhm when used with Cooper transducers. To install a
different calibration resistor, remove the present resistor from the jack and plug in a new one. See the information
sheet supplied with the transducer for the recommended value for the shunt cal resistor and other relevant
information.
CF12 DFI 9000 5 Rev. C May 2004

1. From the transducer calibration data sheet, obtain the following values:
- Shunt-cal output (or “shunt-cal factor”) in mV/V
- Calibration factor (or “full-scale output”) in mV/V
- Full-scale engineering units (or “capacity”) in psig, lbs, etc.
2. Coarse span-This control alters the gain of the amplifier or readjusts the span when calibrating to a different
transducer. Determine the unscaled shunt-cal display value using the following formula:
Shunt-cal output x 19999 = unscaled shunt-cal display
Calibration factor
With no load on the transducer, press and hold the shunt cal button.
Use a small screwdriver to adjust the fine span potentiometer until the display reads the exact unscaled shunt-
cal display value from step 2.
3. Fine span-With no load on the transducer. Press and hold the shunt cal button. Use a small screwdriver to
adjust the fine span potentiometer on the front panel until the display reads the exact unscaled shunt-cal
display from step 2.
4. Scaling-This control scales the display to the desired units. Determine the scaled shunt-cal value using the
following formula:
Shunt-cal output x full-scale units = scaled shunt-cal engineering units
Calibration factor
With no load on the transducer, press and hold the shunt cal button. Use a small screwdriver to adjust the scaling
potentiometer until the display reads the scaled shunt-cal engineering units.
After scaling, return the panel to the case and tighten the four captive fasteners. If the display does not read 0000,
fine tune the unit again according to the procedure on page 5.
Shunt Calibration Example:
The following values are taken from a typical transducer calibration data sheet:
• shunt-cal output = 1.4683 mV/V
• calibration factor = 2.9999 mV/V
• full-scale units = 25 psig
To calculate the unscaled shunt-cal display value:
unscaled shunt-cal display= shunt-cal output x 19999 = 1.4683 mv/v x 19999 = 9788
calibration factor 2.9999 mv/v
To calculate the scaled shunt-cal value:
Scaled shunt-cal value = shunt-cal output x full-scale units = 1.4683 mv/v x 25 psig = 12.236
calibration factor 2.9999 mv/v
4.0 OPTIONS
The DFI 9000 has three options:
• Peak detector
• Analog voltage output
• High input
See below for brief descriptions of the DFI 9000 options. For more information about the options, contacts
Cooper’s Sales Department at 1-800-344-3921.
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4.1 Peak Detector
The peak detector operates in two modes: peak and track. In both modes, the unit monitors the input signal. Use
the toggle switch on the front panel to select the desired mode. The peak detector always operates in either peak
or track mode.
In peak mode, the DFI 9000 detects and displays the highest positive peak signal level. After two conversions of
the analog-to-digital converter (at 1.5 conversions per second), the unit stores the highest value. If the DFI 9000
identifies a higher peak, the peak detector reactivates to record and display the new value. To cancel a displayed
peak value, flip the peak/track switch to track.
In track mode, the peak detector continuously follows the input signal but does not store the highest value.
4.2 Analog Voltage Output
Cooper offers an optional 0-1 volt analog output (for example, to connect to a chart recorder). For this option, a
double banana-plug jack (positive red terminal) is mounted on the front panel. Loading current must not exceed 2
milliamps.
4.3 High Input
Cooper makes a low-gain version of the DFI 9000 to support transducer outputs between 10 and 40 mV/V. The
DFI 9000 can also be field-converted for high input. For more information, contact Cooper Instruments at 1-800-
344-3921.
5.0 MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
5.1 General Care
5.1.1 Cleaning
Clean the exterior and front panel of the DFI 9000 with a damp (not wet) soft cloth.
5.1.2 Storing
Store the DFI 9000 at temperature of -20°F to 150°F.
5.2 Troubleshooting
5.2.1 Low Battery
The red low battery light on the front panel indicated battery voltage below 4.6 volts or an incorrectly installed
battery. Although the unit can be operated with weak batteries, it may produce inaccurate readings
Replace the batteries according to the following procedure:
1. Flip the on/off toggle switch on the front panel to off.
2. Loosen all four captive fasteners and remove the panel from the case.
3. Replace all four “D” batteries, matching polarities to the indications on the battery holder.
4. Replace the front panel and tighten the fasteners.
Note: We recommend alkaline batteries. To safeguard the circuitry, remove the batteries when not using the unit
for a long period of time.
5.2.2 Overrange indications
Note: The DFI 9000 indicates an ovverange condition by a flashing left arrow on the display.
An overrange indication often results from faulty “sense” pin wiring (such as a missing or broken wire). Determine
the source of the problem using the following procedure:
1. Check all electrical connections for continuity.
2. Check the wiring code for pin layout.
3. Verify that the unit was set up according to the instructions in this manual.
CF12 DFI 9000 7 Rev. C May 2004

4. Determine if the problem is with the transducer or the DFI 9000:
a. Remove the transducer from the DFI 9000
b. Jumper –output (pin E) and +output (pin F).
c. If the display reads close to 0000, the transducer may be faulty. Try using another transducer with the DFI
9000, calibrating first.
5. If an ovverange indication is still present, the problem may be with the DFI 9000. Return the DFI 9000 to
Cooper, following our Warranty and Repair policy.
5.2.3 Erratic Readings
Erratic readings could indicate that the batteries are weak.
1. Check the batteries for low voltage or mismatched polarities. Replace weak batteries.
2. If the batteries are strong and installed properly but erratic readings are still present, return the DFI 9000 to
Cooper following our Warranty and Repair Policy.
Caution: Any attempt to repair the unit by anyone other than the Cooper Customer Service Department voids the
product warranty.
6.0 SPECIFICATIONS
6.1 Physical Characteristics
Size 7in. wide x 5 in. deep x 5 in. high
Number of channels 1
Material Deep-drawn, weatherproof aluminum case
Weight 3.5 lbs.
6.2 Environmental
Temperature, storage -20°F to 150°F
Temperature, operating 32°F to 130°F
6.3 Power Supply
Battery type 4 D cells (alkaline recommended)
Battery life 250 hours (for alkaline)
Note: To safeguard the circuitry, remove the batteries when not using the unit for a long period of time.
6.4 Transducer Interface
Transducer excitation 4 Vdc (constant voltage)
Transducer output range 1 to 4 mV/V
10 to 40 mV/V (high input option)
Transducer bridge range 250 ohms minimum
Electrical connection type PT02A-10-6S (mating connector)
Zero balance +/-15% full scale (minimum)
Noise and Ripple 30 µV
6.5 Amplifier
Full-scale output (optional) 0-1V (output impendence < 1 ohm)
Non-linearity (% F.S.) (max) +/-0.02%
Drift (max. zero and span) +/-5mV
Zero stability (% F.S./yr.) 0.1%
Span stability (% F.S./yr.) 0.1%
Fine span adj. (% range) +/-15%
Coarse span adj. (% range) 100%
Fine zero adj. (% range) +/-15%
Coarse zero adj. (% range) 100%
CF12 DFI 9000 8 Rev. C May 2004

CF12 DFI 9000 9 Rev. C May 2004
6.6 Digital Display
Type Liquid-crystal display (LCD)
Number of Display characters 4-1/2 digits
Character size 0.4 in.
Conversion rate 1.5/second
Scaling 0.19,999
Scaling method Potentiometer
Maximum display count 19,999
Polarity indications? Yes
Programmable decimal points? Yes
Overrange indicator Flashing left arrow
Resolution 1/20,000
Maximum sensitivity 0.1µV/count
6.7 Options
High Input 0-40 mV/V
Analog voltage output 0-1Vdc (2mA maximum)
Peak/hold detector Bleed rate of 0.01% second or less
7.0 WARRANTY REPAIR POLICY
Limited Warranty On Products
Any Cooper Instruments product which, under normal operating conditions, proves defective in material or in
workmanship within one year of the date of shipment by Cooper will be repaired or replaced free of charge provided
that a return material authorization is obtained from Cooper and the defective product is sent, transportation
charges prepaid, with notice of the defect, and it is established that the product has been properly installed,
maintained, and operated within the limits of rated and normal usage. Replacement or repaired product will be
shipped F.O.B. from our plant. The terms of this warranty do not extend to any product or part thereof which, under
normal usage, has an inherently shorter useful life than one year. The replacement warranty detailed here is the
buyer’s exclusive remedy, and will satisfy all obligations of Cooper whether based on contract, negligence, or
otherwise. Cooper is not responsible for any incidental or consequential loss or damage which might result from a
failure of any and all other warranties, express or implied, including implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for
particular purpose. Any unauthorized disassembly or attempt to repair voids this warranty.
Obtaining Service Under Warranty
Advance authorization is required prior to the return to Cooper Instruments. Before returning the item, contact the
Repair Department c/o Cooper Instruments at [phone] for a Return Material Authorization number.
Shipment to Cooper shall be at buyer’s expense and repaired or replacement items will be shipped F.O.B. from our
plant in Warrenton, Virginia. Non-verified problems or defects may be subject to a $100 evaluation charge. Please
return the original calibration data with the unit.
Repair Warranty
All repairs of Cooper products are warranted for a period of 90 days from date of shipment. This warranty applies
only to those items that were found defective and repaired; it does not apply to products in which no defect was
found and returned as is or merely recalibrated. It may be possible for out-of-warranty products to be returned to
the exact original specifications or dimensions.
* Technical description of the defect: In order to properly repair a product, it is absolutely necessary for Cooper to
receive information specifying the reason the product is being returned. Specific test data, written observations on
the failure and the specific corrective action you require are needed.