FRC DATATRON FTC200 User manual

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Document Number:
XE-FTC2PM-R0A
PORTABLE SAMPLING
FLOW & PRESSURE METER
MODEL FTC200
FIRE RESEARCH CORPORATION
www.reresearch.com
26 Southern Blvd., Nesconset, NY 11767
TEL [phone] FAX [phone] TOLL FREE 1.800.645.0074

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CONTENTS
Table of Contents
CONTENTS................................................................................................................ 2
List of Tables.......................................................................................................... 3
List of Figures........................................................................................................ 3
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 4
Overview................................................................................................................ 4
Features.................................................................................................................. 4
SYSTEM COMPONENTS......................................................................................... 5
Panel Diagram (Display Module).......................................................................... 5
Panel Controls and Ports Summary: ...................................................................... 6
FIELD OPERATION .................................................................................................. 9
Battery Management System ................................................................................ 9
Making Connections............................................................................................ 10
Channels .............................................................................................................. 10
Recording............................................................................................................. 11
Data Management................................................................................................ 12
PROGRAMMING .................................................................................................... 14
Enter Password for Program Access.................................................................... 14
Operator P-100 Codes.......................................................................................... 16
Set Date and Time (codes P107 and P108).......................................................... 17
Firmware Update (code P109)............................................................................. 18
Flow Calibration (code P111) .............................................................................. 19
Pressure Calibration (code P112)......................................................................... 21
Error Codes and Fault Warnings Troubleshooting Table..................................... 22
PARTS LIST ............................................................................................................. 23
Specications....................................................................................................... 24
Flow Sensor ......................................................................................................... 25
Pressure Sensor.................................................................................................... 26
FLOW SENSOR MAINTENANCE......................................................................... 28

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List of Tables
Table 1. Program Functions P-Codes Quick Reference........................................... 16
Table 2. Error Codes and Fault Warnings Troubleshooting..................................... 22
Table 3. Parts List .................................................................................................... 23
Table 4. Pressure Sensor Output Voltage ................................................................. 26
List of Figures
Figure 1. Controls and Indicators............................................................................... 5
Figure 2. Sample File Format .................................................................................. 12
Figure 3. Flow Sensor Wiring.................................................................................. 25
Figure 4. Pressure Sensor Wiring............................................................................. 27
Figure 5. Flow Sensor Maintenance ........................................................................ 28

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INTRODUCTION
Overview
The DataTron FTC200 Portable Flow Meter is an easy-to-use 4-channel portable sampling ow and pressure meter.
It can record these values over time internally to automate the process of testing ow and pressure. This enables the
operator to press a button and use the same portable tester with different size ow tubes. It provides connections for up
to four ow tubes, displays pressure and ow readings for any or all four of the tubes simultaneously. Up to four tubes
of different pipe sizes can be used at the same time. This device can be operated in either a Manual mode or Automatic
mode. Using the Automatic mode will automate the process of testing ow and pressure.
The FTC200 Portable Flow Meter uses paddlewheel type ow sensors, and pressure sensors that are mounted in
each of the four ow tubes. The paddlewheels contain a unique ID chip with memory storage to hold the calibration data
for each of the four ow tubes. Flow rate information is provided from the paddlewheel ow sensors mounted in the ow
tubes. This information is processed and shown on the digital display as ow rate. The user can retrieve sampled data
with either a USB ash drive or from a computer with a USB cable.
The FTC200 has a 4-digit Red LED display with daylight bright digits 0.39 inch (10 mm) high for PRESSURE
readings, a 5-digit Blue LED display for FLOW, and a 2-digit LED display for both TIME and COUNTS. The owmeter
electronics are self contained; program features are accessed via push buttons on the front of the module. Input connections
and cables are also accessible on the front panel.
The FTC200 can be powered by an external power supply (provided), or an external 10-30V DC source (with
supplied battery jumper cable or cigarette lighter plug). To charge the internal battery, plug the cable into the POWER
input on the front panel , connect the POWER SUPPLY to a 120/240 VAC electrical outlet and place the power switch
in the ON/CHARGE position. If the batteries are depleted, the unit can be used while the batteries are being charged.
Features
Measures Flow in GPM/LPM using paddlewheel sensors
Measures Pressure in PSI/kPa/BAR using calibrated sensors
Monitors up to 4 channels individually for ow and pressure
Manual snap-shot recording of data for all 4 channels
Automatic Mode records a maximum of 99 events
Multiple Flow Rate Calibration Points
Uses Multiple Diameter Flow Tubes (Please see Specications on page 24.)
Summing Flow Function
Paddlewheels connected to each of the four ow tubes store the calibration memory data
Data Captured can be retrieved through a USB ash drive (via USB port “A”) or via USB Cable connected to a
computer (mini “B” port)

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Figure 1. Controls and Indicators
Panel Diagram (Display Module)
SYSTEM COMPONENTS

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Panel Controls and Ports Summary:
• CHANNEL CONNECTORS 1 THROUGH 4
• BUTTONS 1 THROUGH 4 – CHANNEL SELECT
• LED 1 THROUGH 4, GREEN – CHANNEL SELECTED INDICATORS
◦ Press a button to read the channel’s Flow & Pressure.
• DISPLAY- 4-DIGIT RED–PRESSURE
◦ The selected channel’s pressure reading.
• DISPLAY 5-DIGIT BLUE–FLOW
• BUTTON–SUM
• LED, RED–SUM INDICATOR
◦ The selected channel’s ow reading.
◦ Press to sum the ow of all 4 channels together.
• BUTTON–MENU
• BUTTON–SELECT
• BUTTON - UP
• BUTTON - DOWN
◦ Use these to edit various setups and modes.
• DISPLAY 2-DIGIT–TIME
• DISPLAY 2-DIGIT–COUNTS
◦ Set recording parameters quickly & easily
• BUTTON–AUTO
◦ Press to automatically sample all parameters on a regular basis.
• BUTTON–MANUAL
◦ Press to take a single snap-shot.
• LED RED–RECORDING
◦ Unit is in a recording session.
• CONNECTOR – MEMORY (USB-A, HOST)
• LED RED – “BUSY” (MEMORY)
◦ Insert a USB ash drive compliant with USB 2.0 and formatted to the standard FAT32 le system to
obtain your recorded data.
• CONNECTOR - TO COMPUTER
• LED RED – “BUSY” (COMPUTER MINI_AB DEVICE)
◦ Connect a USB cable to your computer to easily transfer data, just like a memory stick would work.
• LEDs – % STATE OF CHARGE (SOC)
• BUTTON PWR (POWER ON/CHARGE/OFF)
• CONNECTOR – PWR IN (POWER INPUT)
◦ Monitor and control the unit’s power easily – everything is automatic.

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Case
The DataTron FTC200 4-channel portable sampling ow and pressure meter is mounted inside of a resilient,
high impact, structural copolymer case. The case is watertight, airtight, dustproof, chemical resistant and corrosion-
proof , and has an automatic purge valve for quick equalization after changes in atmospheric pressure. All controls
and indicators are located on the front panel. (Refer to Controls and Indicators.)
Internal Battery
The DataTron is powered by a rechargeable battery and must be charged regularly. A fully charged battery
will provide approximately 8 hours of operating time. When the tester is not in use, the ON/OFF switch should
be left in the OFF position. The 0% RED LED indicator will illuminate when the battery needs to be charged.
External Power Supply
A 120/240 VAC power supply is provided to power the DataTron. To charge the internal battery, switch the
power off, then plug the cable into the POWER input on the front panel and connect the other end to a standard AC
electrical outlet. The power supply can be used internationally and the wall adapter can be changed as necessary.
The battery must be charged with the ON/OFF switch in the ON position.
Accessory Adapter
A 12/24 VDC power source (car or truck battery) can also be used to power and charge the DataTron. Plug
the provided DC Power Cable into the POWER input on the front panel and connect the other end to a DC source.
Jumper Cable
The jumper cable is provided to connect with any external 12/24 VDC power source. This cable allows for
charging with a standard vehicle battery and ends with red and black alligator clips, which are attached to the
vehicle battery.
NOTE: When external power sources are not in use, protect the 2-pin POWER port with seal plug.
Sensor Cable
Cables for each of the Four Flow Tubes with 6-pin Deutsch Connectors are available for the four ow pressure
channels on the DataTron. Use the 3-pin connector on the cable marked for the ow sensor to plug into the ow
sensor, and use the other 3-pin connector on the cable marked for the pressure sensor to plug into the pressure
sensor. When not in use, the connectors should be covered with the seal plugs, which are provided as a standard part.
Flow Sensor
The ow sensor is provided as a paddlewheel type of device, which should be properly mounted inside of
the ow tube. (See specications section for more details for installation.) This sensor converts the rotations from
the paddlewheel into electrical pulses of a proportional frequency. This data is processed and shown on the FLOW
display.
Pressure Sensor
The pressure sensor is provided and converts pressure for each channel into DC voltage, which is then
processed and shown on the PRESSURE display.

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Flow Tubes
Each ow tube will have a mount for a paddlewheel ow sensor and pressure sensor. They must meet all specications
required to ensure proper operation with the ow channels. Refer to the Specications section for details. Caution: Care
should be taken not to drop the ow tubes. Dropping the ow tubes could result in damage the exterior of the tubes or the
ow and pressure sensors.
USB Flash Drive
Use a USB ash drive compliant with USB 2.0 and formatted to the standard FAT32 le system for data
retrieval by inserting into the MEMORY input on the right side of the front panel of the DataTron. Press the
MEMORY button to transfer the data. (See the Data Management section for further information.)
USB Cable
A USB cable is provided and connects into the TO COMPUTER input on the front of the right side of
the DataTron, which then connects also into the USB port on your computer. Once the USB cable is plugged
into the port on the DataTron and connected to the computer, and the COMPUTER button is pressed, the
DataTron will appear as an external drive.

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FIELD OPERATION
Battery Management System
Note: The DataTron may be used while it is charging, and the length of time for the battery to fully
charge will not be affected. The charge time is the same when it is in stand-by, or not being used.
Note: Please be certain to turn the power to the off position before changing power sources.
Note: If the device is left on and not being used for certain period of time, it will go into ship and
store mode (powers down to preserve battery life).
ON/CHARGE
Turning on the unit:
1. Move the toggle ON/OFF switch to the ON/CHARGE position.
2. The PRESSURE display shows the time and date briey, while FLOW displays the current rmware revision.
3. Switch to the ON/CHARGE position to charge the DataTron.
4. Keep the switch in the OFF position to fully disconnect the DataTron for shipment.
5. Always keep the switch in the OFF position when not in use to prevent the internal battery from draining,
or to help preserve the life of the battery. When switched to the OFF position, the battery is disconnected.
Internal Battery
The battery used in the DataTron is a maintenance free, LiFe PO4 (non-toxic, recyclable, lead-free). When
the battery is almost depleted, use either the external power supply (for a wall outlet), accessory adapter or jumper
cable to charge the DataTron. The unit must be in the ON/CHARGE position to charge.
State of Charge Indicator
Battery charge level is displayed as either 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% or 100%, and the corresponding LED next to
the battery level percentage will light up.
External Power Supply
The universal external power supply with input voltage range of 100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz is provided with a
removable plug, and can be replaced with the type needed for the country where the product will be used. Press
the button on the back to release the clip and slide the connector on for your country. The power supply can be
plugged into the wall and plug the other end into the POWER input on the DataTron. The power switch must
be in the ON/CHARGE position to charge.
Accessory Adapter
Plug the provided DC Power Cable into the POWER input on the front panel and connect the other end to
a DC source.
Jumper Cable
Plug the jumper cable into the POWER input on the front panel of the DataTron. The jumper cable is provided
to connect to any external 12/24 VDC power source (such as a vehicle battery).

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Making Connections
Before taking measurements, make sure the 6-pin Deutsch connector is connected to the ow and pressure
channel that will be measured.
1. Plug the pressure sensor cable ending in a 6-pin Deutsch connector (part no. XE- FTIPFPM-C20A) into the
ow and pressure channel until the tab rmly locks into position in the port on the DataTron for the selected
channel (1 through 4). (An audible "click" will be heard once it is plugged in completely.)
2. Plug the other end of the IPF-PM pressure sensor cable (shaped like the letter "Y") into the pressure transducer
and ow sensor.
3. One part of the cable will be labeled as "Flow Sensor" (with a blue heat shrink); plug this 3-pin connector into
the ow sensor. This will lock into position with the tab on the connector.
4. The other half of the cable with the other 3-pin connector (with a red heat shrink) is labeled as "Discharge Sensor";
this 3-pin connector plugs into the pressure sensor. This also locks into position with the tab on the connector.
Channels
Reading Flow (Flow Tube Control)
1. To verify pipe size, press and hold any ow channel button (1,2, 3 or 4), and before the button is released the
FLOW display shows the pipe size for that channel in either millimeters or inches. After letting go of the button,
the pressure and ow value readings for that channel are shown in the corresponding PRESSURE and FLOW
displays.
2. This action can be repeated for channels 1 through 4 to conrm the pipe size for each of the pipes connected to
their respective channel.
Flow Sum Mode
1. SUM button—Use to display the sum of all 4 ow channels. Press and release the SUM button (labeled
as " FLOW/SUM" ); the sum LED light turns on. In the FLOW display, the sum of the ow for all
4 channels will be shown.
2. To exit sum mode, press the SUM button again, or press one of the ow channel buttons. The LED shuts
off , the device goes back to the selected channel or the one that was previously in use prior to activating
SUM mode. FLOW and PRESSURE values are displayed for that channel.
NOTE: The PRESSURE display will be blank during the sum mode.
Reading Pressure
To read pressure, press and release any of the four channel buttons. Pressure for the selected channel
will show in the PRESSURE display (as stated above in "Reading Flow").