FTS Radar Stage Sensor User manual

EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS. EXTREMELY RELIABLE.
Radar Stage Sensor (RSS) Operating Manual
Continuous Level Measurement
For all variants of SDI-RADAR/SDI-RADAR-64
1.800.548.4264 | www.ftsinc.com
700-RSS-Man Rev 13 15 Jun 2021

Contact Information
Canadian Headquarters:
1065 Henry Eng Place
Victoria, BC | V9B 6B2 | Canada
www.ftsinc.com
Toll-free: 1.800.548.4264
Local: 250.478.5561
Technical support portal: http://support.ftsinc.com
Email: [e-mail]

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Contents
1.1 FUNCTION................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 TARGET GROUP.......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................... 1
2.1 AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL........................................................................................................................ 2
2.2 APPROPRIATE USE ..................................................................................................................................... 2
2.3 GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS............................................................................................................ 2
2.3.1 ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATABILITY............................................................................................ 3
2.4 RADIO LICENSE FOR U.S./CANADA .......................................................................................................... 3
2.5 INSTALLATION LIMITATIONS-CANADA.................................................................................................... 3
2.5.1 OPERATING NEAR PENTICTON OR IN THE OKANAGON VALLEY, B.C......................................... 4
3.1 FUNCTIONAL PRINCIPLE ........................................................................................................................... 6
3.1.1 DEFAULT SETTINGS .......................................................................................................................... 6
3.1.2 IMPORTANT: ABOUT THE DEFAULT HART OPERATION MODE.................................................. 6
3.1.3 POWER MODES................................................................................................................................. 7
3.1.4 SCOPE OF DELIVERY......................................................................................................................... 7
4.1 SDI-12 MILITARY BAYONET CONNECTOR ............................................................................................... 8
4.2 SDI-12 CONNECTION................................................................................................................................. 9
4.3 4-20 mA OUTPUT OPTION CONNECTIONS........................................................................................... 10
5.1 GENERAL................................................................................................................................................... 12
5.1.1 PROTECTION AGAINST MOISTURE............................................................................................... 12
5.2 INSTALLATION POSITION........................................................................................................................ 12
5.2.1 MOUNTING DISTANCE................................................................................................................... 12
5.2.2 POLARIZATION AND SENSOR ORIENTATION.............................................................................. 12
5.2.3 INSTALLATION OBSTRUCTIONS.................................................................................................... 14
5.3 ATTACHING THE MOUNTING STRAP ..................................................................................................... 14
5.4 MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................................................... 15

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6.1 SETTING UP WITH THE FTS AXIOM DATALOGGERS............................................................................. 16
6.1.1 SETTING UP USING THE RADAR EXTENSION............................................................................... 17
6.1.2 SETTING UP USING THE SDI GENERIC EXTENSION .................................................................... 20
MAPPING THE RADAR SENSOR TO THE DATALOGGER.............................................................. 22
6.2 SETTING UP WITH NON–FTS DATA LOGGERS ...................................................................................... 23
8.1 USING SDI-12 COMMANDS WITH AXIOM DATALOGGERS.................................................................. 25
8.2 SDI-12 notation ........................................................................................................................................ 26
8.3 GENERAL SDI-12 COMMANDS................................................................................................................ 26
8.4 STANDARD MEASUREMENT COMMANDS ............................................................................................ 27
8.4.1 COMPARISON OF THE M AND M1 COMMANDS......................................................................... 29
8.4.2 COMPARISON OF POWER MODES WITH NOAA COMMANDS (M3, M4, M5)........................... 29
8.5 X COMMANDS .......................................................................................................................................... 30
8.5.1 REQUIRED FORMATTING ELEMENTS ........................................................................................... 30
8.5.2 X COMMANDS LIST......................................................................................................................... 31
9.1 GENERAL................................................................................................................................................... 34
9.2 ATTACHING THE MODULE...................................................................................................................... 34
9.3 KEY FUNCTIONS ....................................................................................................................................... 35
9.4 MAIN MENU.............................................................................................................................................. 36
9.5 FALSE SIGNAL SUPPRESSION ................................................................................................................. 36
9.6 FALSE ECHO STORAGE ............................................................................................................................ 38
9.6.1 ECHO CURVE MEMORY.................................................................................................................. 38
9.7 CONFIGURING FOR MEASURING WATER LEVELS ................................................................................ 39
9.8 SAVING THE INSTRUMENT SETTINGS.................................................................................................... 40
10.1 REMOVAL .................................................................................................................................................. 41
10.2 DISPOSAL.................................................................................................................................................. 41
11.1 TECHNICAL DATA..................................................................................................................................... 42
11.2 DEVIATION................................................................................................................................................ 43

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ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
1.1 FUNCTION
This operating manual provides all the information needed for mounting, connection and setup as
well as important instructions for maintenance and fault rectification. Please read this information
before putting the instrument into operation and keep this manual accessible in the immediate
vicinity of the device.
This manual can be used with the following variants of the Radar Stage Sensor:
SDI-RADAR VARIANTS
Part Number
Description
SDI-RADAR
SDI-RADAR-420
SDI-RADAR-DISP
SDI-RADAR-DISP-MC
SDI-RADAR-MC
SDI-RADAR-MC-50
SDI-RADAR-MC-DISP-50
Base model, 1.8m (6ft) cable, 35m range
4-20mA output
SDI-RADAR with OEM display
SDI-RADAR with OEM display and military connector
SDI-RADAR with military connector
SDI-RADAR with military connector and 50ft cable
SDI-RADAR with OEM display, military connector, and 50ft cable
SDI-RADAR-64 VARIANTS
Part Number
Description
SDI-RADAR-64
SDI-RADAR-64-DISP
Base model, 1.8m (6ft) cable
SDI-RADAR-64 with OEM display
•Cable ends are flying leads unless specified as MC (military connector). Radars with a
military connector are for use with FTS Axiom Dataloggers.
•SDI-RADAR-420 an be used to connect to a 4-20mA input on a SCADA system, PLC or chart
plotter.
•The OEM display permits direct interface with the radar and must be used for false echo
suppression. It can be used for the initial setup and then removed.
1.2 TARGET GROUP
This operating manual is directed to trained specialist personnel. The contents of this manual
should be made available to these personnel and put into practice by them.
1.3 REFERENCES
SDI-RADAR information contained in this document references the Vega Puls 61 Operating
Instructions (Vega Document ID: 36499-EN-140922). SDI-RADAR-64 information contained in this
document references the Vega Puls 64 Operating Instructions (Vega Document ID: 5114-EN-190321)
Detailed explanations of Axiom Datalogger operations can be found in the FTS documents Axiom
Operator’s Manual (700-Axiom Man) and the Axiom Telemetry Reference (700-G6-Telem).

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FOR YOUR SAFETY
2.1 AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL
All operations described in these operating instructions manual must be carried out only by trained
specialist personnel.
During work on and with the device the required personal protective equipment must always be
worn.
2.2 APPROPRIATE USE
The FTS Radar Range Sensor is a sensor for continuous level measurement.
You can find detailed information about the area of application in Chapter 3: Product Description.
Operational reliability is ensured only if the instrument is properly used according to the
specifications in the operating instructions manual as well as possible supplementary instructions.
WARNING: Inappropriate or incorrect use of the instrument can give rise to
application specific hazards, e.g. damage to system components through
incorrect mounting or adjustment.
2.3 GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This is a state-of-the-art instrument complying with all prevailing regulations and guidelines. The
instrument must only be operated in a technically flawless and reliable condition. The operator is
responsible for the trouble-free operation of the instrument.
During the entire duration of use, the user is obliged to determine the compliance of the necessary
occupational safety measures with the current valid rules and regulations, and take note of new
regulations.
The safety instructions in these operating instructions manual, the national installation standards as
well as the valid safety regulations and accident prevention rules must be observed by the user.
For safety and warranty reasons, any invasive work on the device beyond that described in the
operating instructions manual may be carried out only by personnel authorized by the
manufacturer. Arbitrary conversions or modifications are explicitly forbidden.
The safety approval markings and safety tips on the device must also be observed.

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The SDI-RADAR emits in the K band range. The low emitting frequencies are far below the
internationally approved limit values for exposure restrictions1. When used correctly, there is no
danger to health.
The SDI-RADAR-64 emits a continuous, high frequency signal in the W band. The low emission
power is far below the internationally approved limit values for exposure restrictions. When used
correctly, there is no danger to health.
2.3.1 ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATABILITY
Electromagnetic interference from electrical conductors and radiated emissions must be taken into
account, as is usual with class A instruments. If the instrument is used in a different environment,
the electromagnetic compatibility to other instruments must be ensured by suitable measures.
2.4 RADIO LICENSE FOR U.S./CANADA
The instrument is in conformity with part 15 of the FCC regulations. Take note of the following two
regulations:
•The instrument must not cause any interfering emissions
•The device must be insensitive to interfering emissions, including those that may cause
undesirable operating conditions
Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer will lead to expiry of the operating
license according to FCC/IC.
2.5 INSTALLATION LIMITATIONS-CANADA
This device has been approved for both closed containers and open-air environments with the
following limitations:
• Closed Containers: For installations utilizing a tilt during installation: This device is limited to
installation in a completely enclosed container made of metal, reinforced fiberglass or
concrete to prevent RF emissions, which can otherwise interfere with aeronautical navigation,
the maximum approved tilt angel is 10°.
• Open Air Environment: For operation outside of closed vessels, the following condition must
be fulfilled: This device shall be installed and maintained to ensure a vertically downward
orientation of the transmit antenna's main beam. Furthermore, the use of any mechanism
that does not allow the main beam of the transmitter to be mounted vertically downward is
prohibited.
• The installation of the device shall be done by trained installers, in strict compliance with the
manufacturer's instructions.
1The International limit value for radiation of persons is < 10 mW/m² for a continuous emission. The FTS Radar Stage
Sensor operates emits <10μW/m² in pulsed emissions.

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• This device shall be installed only at fixed locations. The device shall not operate while being
moved or while inside a moving container.
• Hand-held applications are prohibited.
• Marketing to residential consumers is prohibited.
• The use of this device is on a "no-interference, no-protection" basis. That is, the user shall
accept operations of high-powered radar in the same frequency band which may interfere
with or damage this device. • However, devices found to interfere with primary licensing
operations will be required to be removed at the user's expense.
2.5.1 OPERATING NEAR PENTICTON OR IN THE OKANAGON VALLEY, B.C.
The installer/user of this device shall ensure that it is at least 10 km from the Dominion
Astrophysical Radio Observatory (DRAO) near Penticton, British Columbia. The coordinates of
the DRAO are latitude 49°19′15″ N and longitude 119°37′12″W. For devices not meeting this 10
km separation (e.g., those in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia,) the installer/user must
coordinate with, and obtain the written concurrence of, the Director of the DRAO before the
equipment can be installed or operated. The Director of the DRAO may be contacted at 250-
497-2300 (tel.) or 250-497-2355 (fax). (Alternatively, the Manager, Regulatory Standards,
Industry Canada, may be contacted.)

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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The FTS Radar Range Sensor is a radar sensor for continuous level measurement of liquids under
simple process conditions. It is capable of being mounted using the supplied mounting strap or
optional adaptor flange. Mounting instructions are contained in Chapter 5.
Figure 3-1: Parts of the FTS Radar Range Sensor
Mounting Strap
Electronics Housing
Datalogger Interface
Electronics Housing
Antenna Housing
Mounting Strap
Attachment Points
Reference plane
Cable Ports
Start of measuring range

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3.1 FUNCTIONAL PRINCIPLE
SDI-RADAR: The antenna of the radar sensor emits short radar pulses with a duration of
approximately 1 ns. These pulses are reflected by the target and received by the antenna as echoes.
The transit time of the radar pulses from emission to reception is proportional to the distance and
hence to the level. The determined level is converted into an appropriate output signal and output
as a measured value.
SDI-RADAR-64: The instrument emits a continuous radar signal through its antenna. This signal is
frequency modulated in the form of a sawtooth wave. The emitted signal is reflected by the medium
and received by the antenna as an echo with modified frequency. The frequency change is
proportional to the distance and is converted into the level.
The measuring range begins physically at the end of the antenna. The min./max. adjustment,
however, begins at the reference plane.
3.1.1 DEFAULT SETTINGS
The radar sensor will arrive with the following factory default settings:
1. SDI address - 0
2. Measuring Units – feet
3. Number of samples to average – 20
4. Power mode – high
5. HART operation mode: multidrop 01 (see section 3.1.2 for important information on this
setting)
3.1.2 IMPORTANT: ABOUT THE DEFAULT HART OPERATION MODE
If using the display and adjustment module to set up the radar two scenarios should be avoided
(explanations follow):
DO NOT:
1) Change the HART Operation mode to Standard
2) Reset the unit to factory defaults
1) The HART Operation Mode: multidrop 01 is the default setting as that requires 12V to
operate. If the HART Operation mode is changed to Standard, the radar will require 15V to
operate. If the on-site power supply cannot provide 15V, the radar will constantly restart
and be unusable, including reverting the unit to HART operation mode: multidrop 01, until a
15V power supply can be provided.
2) If the Vega display and adjustment module is used to reset the sensor to factory default
settings, the unit is returned to the VEGA factory defaults, not those set by the FTS factory,
which may also place the unit into the unusable condition described in (1) until 15V can be
supplied.