Dynisco SC170 Owner's manual

MODEL SC170MODEL SC170
MODEL SC170MODEL SC170
MODEL SC170
TWO-WIRE “SMART”TWO-WIRE “SMART”
TWO-WIRE “SMART”TWO-WIRE “SMART”
TWO-WIRE “SMART”
SIGNAL CONDITIONERSIGNAL CONDITIONER
SIGNAL CONDITIONERSIGNAL CONDITIONER
SIGNAL CONDITIONER
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUALINSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUALINSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

Contents
PREFACE 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................ 1
2.0 UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION ............. 2
2.1 Unpacking .............................................. 2
2.2 Mechanical Installation ............................ 3
2.2.1 Weather Proof Housing......................... 3
2.2.2 Thermowell Mounting ............................ 3
2.2.3 Pipe Mounting ........................................ 5
2.2.4 Surface Mounting .................................. 6
2.3 Electrical Installation ............................... 6
2.3.1 Output Terminals ................................... 7
2.3.2 Case Ground .......................................... 7
2.3.3 Input Terminals ...................................... 8
3.0 SIGNAL CONDITIONER OPERATION .......... 9
3.1 In a Hurry? ............................................. 9
3.1.1 Factory Configuration ............................ 10
3.1.2 Analog Operating Mode......................... 10
3.1.3 Operation With a Display ...................... 11
4.0 CONFIGURATION USING
THE TWO-LINE DISPLAY............................... 12
4.1 Entering the Display Mode ..................... 12
4.2 Display Mode Operation ........................ 13
4.3 Select Sensor Input................................. 14
4.4 Change Zero .......................................... 15
4.5 Change Full Scale.................................... 17
4.6 Select Fail Safe Reporting ....................... 17
4.7 Transmitter Fail Safe .............................. 17
4.8 Trim 4.0mA ........................................... 18
4.9 Trim 20.mA ........................................... 19
5.0 ACCESSORIES & INFORMATION .................. 21
6.0 SPECIFICATIONS ............................................ 22

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The SC170 is a programmable, two-wire, isolated signal conditioner
that accommodates DC milliamperes, DC millivolts, DC volts,
Potentiometer (slidewire), two and three wire resistance as inputs.
This instrument is exceptionally versatile and can be used when any
one or all of the following requirements exist:
• Signal isolation
• Conversion of signal types (e.g., Millivolt input to 4 to 20mA
output)
• User-tailored noise filter to eliminate noise without damping
• Local digital display in engineering units
• Bar graph display indicating percent of span
• Local configuration without external calibration sources
• NIST traceable calibration warranted for 24 months.
The SC170 achieves its performance through the use of digital signal
processing and microcontroller technologies. Many of the features,
such as the automatic self diagnostics and the exceptional temperature
stability, are transparent to the user.
It is simple to setup and operate the SC170 signal conditioner. It can
be set up, with a smart local display, the LD-2, and a two-key
keyboard, the KB-2. These accessories facilitate local configuration
and ranging of the signal conditioner. In operation, the local LCD
display indicates the measured signal and units of measurement to six
digit resolution, an analog percent of range indication and also
provides a seven-character alphanumeric label or message indication.
The SC170 signal conditioner does not have any potentiometers or
switches to set, and there are no user-serviceable components inside
the enclosure. It has a two-year NIST traceable calibration warranty.
Opening the enclosure will void the manufacturer’s warranty.
This manual is divided into several main sections. Section One,
INTRODUCTION, describes briefly the signal conditioner and the
organization of this manual. Section Two, UNPACKING AND
INSTALLATION, contains much useful information for the first time
installer. Section Three, SIGNAL CONDITIONER OPERATION,
contains analog mode of operation. Section Four, CONFIGURATION,
THE DISPLAY MODE, explains display mode. Section Five,
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION, contains additional applications
information. Section Six, SPECIFICATIONS, deals with the signal
conditioner specification.

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2.0 UNPACKING AND
INSTALLATION
2.1 UNPACKING
Remove the Packing List to check off the actual equipment received.
If you have any questions on your shipment, please call DYNISCO
INSTRUMENTS Customer Service Department at [phone].
Upon receipt of shipment, inspect the container for any signs of
damage in transit. Especially take note of any evidence of rough
handling. Report any apparent damage immediately to the shipping
agent.
NOTE: The carrier will not honor any claims unless all shipping
material is saved for their examination. After examining and
removing the contents, save the packing material and carton in the
event reshipment is necessary.

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2.2 MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
2.2.1 Weather Proof Housing
Optional weather-proof and explosion-proof housings are available.
The XP-HDC2-L accommodates a signal conditioner when the display
option is not required. The XP-HDGC2-L, with its glass window,
may be used when the display option is desired. These housings have
appropriate mounting plates in the bottom to attach the SC170 in any
of four orientations 90°apart. In addition special captive 6-32
machine screws are installed on the signal conditioner to facilitate
installation and removal. These captive screws are installed only if the
signal conditioner and housing are ordered at the same time. Figure
2-1 indicates the dimensions of these housings.
2.2.2 Conduit Mounting
The weather-proof housing has two 1/2” female NPT conduit entries.
These can be used to mount the housing directly onto the 1/2” male
NPT ends of conduits. Alternatively, a 1/2” union coupling can be
placed between the weatherproof housing and the wiring from the
signal source.
Fig. 2-1 Optional Weather Proof Housing

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Fig. 2-4 Din-Rail Kit
Fig. 2-2 XP-HDGC2-L
Fig. 2-3 XP-HDC2-L

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2.2.3 Pipe Mounting
A stainless steel bracket, the PB-2, is available for mounting the
weatherproof housing onto any 2" pipe in any of four operations.
The housing is attached to the bracket as shown in Figure 2-5.
Fig. 2-6 Pipe Mounting Bracket with XP-HDC2-L
Fig. 2-5

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2.2.4 Surface Mounting
The weatherproof housings, type XP-HDC2-L and the XP-HDGC2L,
have two mounting ears allowing them to be attached to any flat
surface by means of two bolts. If the additional weather resistance is
not required, the SC170 can be mounted directly on a flat surface by
the two mounting ears found on these units. In applications requiring
several signal conditioners, these can be mounted on the plate
normally found inside of NEMA-4 rated rectangular metal enclosures.
2.3 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
The SC170 has two groups of terminals.
Terminals 1 and 2 also serve as the mounting screw locations for the
LCD display. These terminals, designated as SET 1 and SET 2, in
conjunction with terminal 7 as common, are used for setup,
configuration and trim purposes. The SET 1 and the SET 2 terminals
are marked as such and are located near the upper left and upper
right areas of the signal conditioner cover. There is a slanted line
pointing directly from the word SET 1 towards the corresponding
terminal inside of a round black insulating area. The SET 2 terminal
can be found similarly on the right-hand side of the signal conditioner.
Terminals labeled 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are used in various connections to
accommodate the different input signals. Terminal 8 is used to ground
the enclosure.
Terminals 9 and 10 are the 4 to 20mA output terminals. These are
normally connected to the corresponding polarity terminals of the
power supply of the current loop. Refer to Figure 2-7 for the
terminal connections arrangement.
Fig. 2-7 Terminal Connections

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2.3.1 Output Terminals
The output terminals 9 and 10 are connected to a power supply
having a nominal 24 Volt DC voltage and capable of supplying 100mA
for the SC170. In the analog mode, these signal conditioners require a
maximum of 23mA. The + OUT and - OUT terminals of the power
supply. The maximum series resistance in the circuit (including wiring
lead resistance) can be calculated using the formula:
Vs - 12
Rs = ————————
0.023
The following chart gives maximum series resistance:
2.3.2 Case Ground
Terminal 8 provides a connection to the metal enclosure of the signal
conditioner. For safety, optimum performance and EMI immunity the
case of the instrument should be connected to a good local earth
ground. When using grounded sensors that are connected to the
local electrical ground, then the signal conditioner case should be
connected to that same ground point.
Max. Series Resistance Rs Supply Voltage Vs
1300 ohms 42.0 Volts
520 ohms 24.0 Volts
417 ohms 21.6 Volts
250 ohms 18.0 Volts
0 ohms 12.0 Volts

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2.3.3 Input Terminals
2.3.3.1 DC Milliampere Input
Apply signal to 6(+) and 7(-).
Fig. 2-8 Typical Connection for Milliampere Input
2.3.3.2 DC Millivolt Input
Apply signal to 5(+) and 7(-).
Fig. 2-9 Typical Connection for Millivolt Input
2.3.3.3 DC Volt Input
Apply signal to 3(+) and 7(-).
Fig. 2-10 Typical Connection for Voltage Input
–
+

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2.3.3.4 Potentiometer
Connect high side to 4, center wiper to 5 and low side to 7.
Fig. 2-11 Typical Connectionfor Slideware/Resistance
2.3.3.5 Three wire Ohms
Connect high side of the resistor to 4, one wire from the low side to
5, and the second wire from the low side to 7.
Fig. 2-12 Typical Connection for Slidewire/Resistance
2.3.3.6 Two wire Rheostat (Ohms)
Connect high side to 4 and low side to 7.
3.0 SIGNAL CONDITIONER
OPERATION
3.1 IN A HURRY?
When in a hurry, this short set of instructions and references will help
get the signal conditioner running.

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3.1.1 Factory Configuration
Milliampere mode, Analog Output
4.00mA Input = 4.00mA Output
20.00mA Input = 20.00mA Output
Sensor Fail-safe = 21.00mA
On special request the factory will set the signal conditioner to any
desired configuration. Special configurations are identified on a tag
attached to the unit.
3.1.2 Analog Operating Mode
If the unit was ordered with the standard factory configuration, the
input required is a 4 to 20mA current loop. The packing slip should
indicate if the unit was set up to any other customer requested special
configuration. If there is a need to change the configuration of the
signal conditioner, or to re-range it, refer to the procedures described
in SECTION 4.
NOTE: Even when “In a Hurry”, the use of an appropriate power
supply is important. A 24V DC supply having a current handling
capacity of at least 0.1A is commonly used. Do not use a power
supply whose output voltage drops to 20 volts or below when a
0.1 ampere load is connected to it. Always use a DC (direct
current) supply, or suitable size battery. Never connect the signal
conditioner directly to 115VAC.
With the power supply off, connect the + side of the power supply to
the +OUT terminal of the signal conditioner. Connect the - side of the
power supply through an optional 250 ohm resistor to the -OUT (9)
terminal of the signal conditioner. Connect the input terminals 6 and
7 in series with the current loop to be measured. Terminal 6 should
be more positive than 7.
Current Input High (+MA) (6)
Current Input Low (-COM) (7)
To connect other sensors to the input refer to Section 2.3.32 for the
proper sensor connections.
The output can be monitored by connecting a milliammeter in series
with either of the two output terminals, or by connecting a high
impedance voltmeter across the optional 250 ohm resistor. Now
turn on the power supply. In about 5 seconds the SC170 loop current
will settle to its normal value in the range of 4 to 20mA. In this
configuration the SC170 is a loop-powered isolator. The output
current will duplicate the current applied to the input terminals.

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3.1.3 Analog Operating Mode With Display
If the signal conditioner was ordered with the display option, it will
have a small local LCD display module plugged in and attached to the
top of the unit. The display option can be ordered already installed
on the SC170 signal conditioner. Having the display option as part of
the signal conditioner does not affect its operation in the analog mode
and the description of the previous section applies.
However, the display option does provide some very useful local
indication of the measured temperature and other diagnostic
functions. The Figure 3.1 below indicates the arrangement of the
display screen and some of the symbols that are available.
Fig. 3-1 Appearance of the Local Displays (LD-2)
In operation, the top row displays the measured variable and a minus
sign if applicable. The number of decimal places displayed changes to
be appropriate for the input selected.
The mid portion is an analog bar graph display showing the % of range
based on the ZERO and FULL SCALE setting of the signal conditioner.
When power is applied the leftmost segment of the bar graph, the 0%
and the 100% become energized. If the input signal is below what the
ZERO is set to, then the left arrow is energized. If the input signal is
above the FULL SCALE setting, then the right arrow becomes
energized.
The bottom portion of the LCD is capable of displaying alphanumeric
messages. In normal operation this row shows a label, which is factory
set to display SC170. Seven characters are available. The user may
order a desired label in place of SC170.

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In the event of certain signal conditioner failure modes, the indication
changes to
S FAULT
In the event of certain signal conditioner failure modes the indication
changes to
X FAULT
This LCD display takes full advantage of the precision of these signal
conditioners. The digital display of measurement does not include the
small D/A error otherwise present in the analog output. It provides
highly accurate local indication of the measurement, local fault
diagnostics, and signal conditioner identification. The LCD continues
to display the measured variable even if it is beyond the zero and span
limits set for the analog output. The value of this display as a set-up,
calibration and reconfiguration tool may even be greater, as will be
seen in later chapters.
4.0 CONFIGURATION USING THE
TWO-LINE DISPLAY
To configure a transmitter using the DISPLAY MODE, LD-2
local LCD display and the KB-2 two key keyboard are required. The
transmitter can also be purchased with these options already installed.
These inexpensive options make the reconfiguration, or re-ranging of
the transmitter very simple and easy to follow. Without the use of a
calibrator, or any other tools, the transmitter can be set up for a
different sensor, or the new range limits can be set much like one
would set the time on a digital watch.
In the event that the KB-2 or LD-2 keyboard and display are not
purchased at the same time as the transmitter, follow carefully the
field installation instructions supplied with the display to avoid damage
to the transmitter or the display.
4.1 ENTERING THE DISPLAY MODE
To start the DISPLAY MODE, first connect the transmitter to
an appropriate DC power supply. Typically a 24VDC supply is
connected with the + side to signal conditioner terminal (10) and -
side to terminal (9). A series resistor in the loop is optional, but not
required. A sensor may be connected to the transmitter’s input
terminals, but this is not required for setting up the transmitter.
DISPLAY MODE,
DISPLAY MODE,

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Once the transmitter is powered up, it comes on in the normal
operating mode that it was previously set to. The standard factory
set-up puts the transmitter in the analog operating mode. With the
standard factory set-up and no sensor connected, the LD-2 display will
give the following indication:
The transmitter is indicating SENSOR FAULT, since no sensor is
connected, and the analog output is indicating greater than 100%,
loop current at 21.00mA, which is the standard over range condition.
Please note that if you plug the display in to the transmitter while the
transmitter is powered up, you may not start the menu sequence at
the beginning. You should power down the transmitter without
disconnecting the display or simply wait about two minutes for the
transmitter to reset itself.
Press the key marked NEXT. The display starts to alternate
asking if the user wishes to enter the DISPLAY MODE,
Display Mode
The answer would be yes, therefore, press the Enter key. This will
allow you to configure the transmitter using the DISPLAY MODE. A
flow chart summarizing the operation of the DISPLAY MODE appears
at the end of this manual.
Note that when more than seven characters are required to describe
a function, the display keeps sequencing through two or more screens.
In this manual, the sequencing of the display is indicated by placing the
two or more parts of the message adjacently. With some functions,
the LD-2 display indicates a numeric value and unit of measurement
on the top line of the display in addition to the message on the lower
display line.
4.2 DISPLAY MODE OPERATION
The DISPLAY MODE will allow the user to do the following:
• Select a Sensor Input
• Change the 4mA Lower Range Value (CHANGE ZERO)
< 0% 100%>
S FAULT
DISPLAY MODE ?
DISPLAY MODE,
NEXT.
SENSOR FAULT,
DISPLAY MODE

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• Change the 20mA Full Scale Value (CHANGE FULL SCALE)
• Change the Sensor Fail Safe detection (SELECT SENSOR
FAIL SAFE)
• Change the Transmitter Fail-Safe detection (SELECT XMITTER
FAIL SAFE )
• Trim the 4.0mA output current (TRIM 4 MA)
• Trim the 20.0mA output current (TRIM 20 MA)
Each of these functions is presented in sequence on the LCD display.
If the indicated function need not be performed, press NEXT,
and the next function is displayed on the screen. To perform any
function, press the ENTER key. This will cause additional
screens to be displayed which enable you to perform the function.
These are described in detail below and summarized on the LD-2
flowsheet found in the rear of this booklet.
4.3 SELECT A SENSOR INPUT
The SELECT INPUT is the first function in the sequence. The
display will read as follows to indicate this position on the menu:
If the sensor does not require changing, then press NEXT and
skip to Section 4.4 of this manual; otherwise press ENTER.
After pressing the ENTER key, the display will change to:
Indicating that the transmitter is set to a milliampere input. If this is
the desired sensor, then press ENTER, otherwise press
NEXT repeatedly to sequence through the available sensors.
Each time NEXT is pressed, the next available sensor selection
is displayed.
(Millivolts)
Press the NEXT key to go the next sensor
(Volts)
(Rheostat, or 2 wire ohms)
NEXT,
ENTER
SELECT INPUT ?
SELECT INPUT
NEXT
ENTER
ENTER.
MAMPS
ENTER.
NEXT
NEXT
MVOLTS
NEXT
VOLTS
RHEOST

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(three wire ohms)
(Slidewire or Potentiometer)
One can stop at any one of the input type selections and pressing of
the ENTER key changes the signal conditioner mode to that
input type. If no input change is desired, then without sequencing
through the various inputs options, but just pressing the ENTER
key will allow one to confirm the input selection and leave it
unchanged. We will assume that the input is left as MAMPS.
After pressing ENTER, the display returns to:
4.4 CHANGE ZERO
The display will then alternate between the following screens to
indicate that one may now change the zero, or 4mA output point.
The numeric value seen on the upper portion of the screen is the
current ZERO value of the transmitter. One can now change this
ZERO, or LOWER RANGE VALUE, (LRV), totally independent of the
FULL SCALE, or UPPER RANGE VALUE, (URV), without the use of
any calibrators or external sensor inputs. To change the ZERO, press
ENTER. The display changes to
indicating that the existing zero is set to “plus” 004.00. The question
mark (?) indicates a question asking if this value is to remain positive
(PLUS ?). By repeatedly pressing the NEXT key the display will
alternate
After deciding whether the zero value, LRV, is to remain positive
(PLUS), press the ENTER key. In this example assume it is to
remain positive. The display changes to
OHMS 3W
SLIDEW
ENTER
ENTER,
ENTER
MAMPS.
SELECT INPUT ?
ENTER.
NEXT
ENTER
04.000
PLUS ?
4.00
CHANGE
4.00
ZERO ?
-04.000
MINUS ?
04.000
PLUS ?
Press next to go to the next menu option.

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and the leftmost digit position will start blinking (shown here in italics)
asking if the tens position needs to be changed. To change the
thousands position, start pressing the NEXT key and the
leftmost digit will increment through 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0. Stop
pressing the NEXT key at any of the numerals desired, then
press ENTER to accept the selection. If the numeral selected
before pressing ENTER was 0, then the display would change to
and the second digit from the left will start blinking (shown here in
italics) asking if the hundreds position needs to be changed. As
before, to change the number in this digit position repeatedly press
the NEXT key until the desired numeral is reached. Then press
ENTER to go to the next lower significant digit position. Each
time the NEXT key cycles through the ten choices for that digit
position and the ENTER key enters the selected number. The
digit position being changed is the one that is blinking. The legend on
the display will change successively to
After the hundreth’s digit position has also been changed to the desired
value, the next pressing of the ENTER key returns the transmitter
to the alternating display of CHANGE ZERO. Since changing of
the zero has just been completed, press the NEXT key to
proceed to the next menu selection, CHANGE FULL SCALE.
NEXT
ENTER
NEXT
ENTER
NEXT
ENTER
NEXT
ENTER
4000.00
TENS ?
400.00
ONES ?
040.00
TENS ?
004.00
ONES ?
000.40
TENTHS ?
00.040
HUNDTH ?
ENTER
CHANGE ZERO.
NEXT
CHANGE FULL SCALE.

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4.5 CHANGE FULL SCALE
To change the full scale value press ENTER. The procedure for
selecting Plus or Minus is identical to that described for changing the
ZERO. Similarly, the procedure for changing each of the digit
positions is identical to that described for changing the ZERO.
Once the steps of changing the FULL SCALE have been
completed and the ENTER key is pressed at the end of the
procedure, the display returns to CHANGE FULL SCALE.
Press NEXT for the next function SELECT SENSOR
FAIL SAFE DE
When the desired fail-safe condition is displayed, pressing the
ENTER key will change to the new setting and the screen returns
to the SELECT SENSOR FAIL SAFE display. Pressing the
NEXT key will bring up the TRANSMITTER FAIL
selection screen.
4.6 SELECT FAIL-SAFE
Fail-safe allows the transmitter to change the 4-20mA loop to indicate
a failure condition. This failure may be a sensor failure or a
transmitter. In any event, the user may select to drive the loop to
22.0mA, corresponding to the “HI” selection; to 3.6mA,
corresponding to the “LO” selection or to turn the function “OFF”
4.7 TRANSMITTER FAIL SAFE
Using a similar procedure as above (4.6) the signal conditioner fail safe
condition can be changed to High, Off or Low. When a selection is
completed and the screen is back to the main menu item: press the
next key to bring up the next selection.
200.00
CHANGE
200.00
FULL
200.00
SCALE ?
ENTER.
NEXT
ENTER
ZERO.
ZERO.
CHANGE FULL SCALE.
FULL SCALE
SELECT SENSOR
FAIL SAFE.
ENTER
NEXT
SELECT SENSOR FAIL SAFE
XMITTER FAIL SAFE
SELECT FAIL SAFE
LOW
HIGH
OFF
NEXT

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4.8 TRIM 4.0MA
This allows trimming of the 4.00mA output current.
NOTE: This function is only for the purpose of adjusting the
4.00mA limit of the transmitter loop current to be exactly 4.00mA
according to the plant’s local standard. This is NOT for the purpose
of ranging the transmitter!
If trimming the 4.00mA limit is still desired then press ENTER.
The transmitter will now output a milliamp current equal to its
internally set 4mA. This 4 mA value should be read on an external
meter and compared to a local standard. It is advisable to use a very
good voltmeter to make these comparisons. It is very possible that
the transmitter will be more accurate than a great many voltmeters.
In this case, trimming will make the transmitter less accurate rather
than more accurate!
Once trimming the 4.00mA value has been selected, the display will
alternate as follows:
By pressing the NEXT key the display then alternates as
When it is decided whether to raise or lower the output current, then
press ENTER and the display changes to one of the following
depending on whether the raise or lower function has been selected.
Now every time the NEXT key is pressed, the display blinks,
and the 4.0mA output limit decreases (-), or increases (+). The
decrease or increase is in approximately 2.0 microampere increments.
NOTE: The 4.0mA limit is factory calibrated to a precision standard.
Do not arbitrarily trim the output unless a qualified and accurate local
standard is available to measure the adjusted 4.0mA output! Also
note that the 4.0mA limit should not be trimmed by more than about
⫾50uA, or transmitter operation may be impaired.
LOWER MA OUT ?
ENTER.
ENTER
NEXT
RAISE MA OUT ?
NEXT = + NEXT = -
TRIM 4 MA ?
NEXT