HyQuest Solutions iRIS 150FX User manual

iRIS 150FX
User Manual
04-2023 – 01-01-000

© 2023 HyQuest Solutions 2
Table of Contents
I Disclaimer 5
II Safety Instructions 6
Part I Introduction 7
1.1 About this Manual ............................................................................................................................................ 8
1.2 Key Features ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.2.1 Data Logging ............................................................................................................................................... 8
1.2.2 Logged Data Array Identification ........................................................................................................ 9
1.2.3 Alarm Processing ....................................................................................................................................... 9
1.2.4 Real Time Clock & Calendar .................................................................................................................... 9
1.2.5 Security ......................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.3 iRIS 150 and iRIS 150FX Comparison ...................................................................................................... 9
1.4 Support ............................................................................................................................................................. 10
Part II Installation 11
2.1 Recommended Deployment Procedure .................................................................................................. 11
2.1.1 Prior to site visit .................................................................................................................................... 11
2.1.2 Installation on site .................................................................................................................................. 11
2.2 Mounting .......................................................................................................................................................... 11
2.3 External I/O Connector (iRIS 150FXC) .................................................................................................... 11
2.4 Internal I/O Connector (iRIS 150FXG) ..................................................................................................... 12
2.4.1 Internal Lithium Battery ....................................................................................................................... 13
2.4.2 External Power Supply .......................................................................................................................... 14
2.4.3 Analogue Inputs ....................................................................................................................................... 14
2.4.4 Digital Inputs ............................................................................................................................................ 15
2.4.5 Digital Output .......................................................................................................................................... 15
2.5 Sensor Connection Examples ..................................................................................................................... 16
2.5.1 Connecting a Flow Meter or Rain Gauge ......................................................................................... 16
2.5.2 Simulating a Flow Meter using Auto-Pulse mode ........................................................................ 19
2.5.3 Connecting a 0 - 5 V Pressure Transducer ..................................................................................... 19
2.5.4 Connecting a 2-Wire Loop-Powered 4-20mA Sensor ................................................................. 20
2.5.5 Measuring the External Supply Voltage ........................................................................................... 21
2.5.6 Connecting SDI-12 Instruments ......................................................................................................... 23
2.5.7 Connecting an Up/Down Water Level Instrument ........................................................................ 23
2.5.8 Connecting Analogue Wind Instruments .......................................................................................... 24
Part III Configuration 26
3.1 Terminal Connection ..................................................................................................................................... 26
3.2 Configuration Menus .................................................................................................................................... 27
3.2.1 General ....................................................................................................................................................... 27

© 2023 HyQuest Solutions 3
3.2.2 Power .......................................................................................................................................................... 28
3.2.3 Comms ........................................................................................................................................................ 29
3.2.4 Digital Output .......................................................................................................................................... 30
3.2.5 SDI-12 Devices ........................................................................................................................................ 31
3.2.6 Sensors ....................................................................................................................................................... 32
3.2.7 Alarms ......................................................................................................................................................... 37
3.3 Terminal Menus ............................................................................................................................................. 37
3.4 Using iLink 2012’s Sensor Configuration Tool .................................................................................... 39
3.4.1 iRIS Sensor Configuration Example ................................................................................................... 40
3.5 Upgrading Firmware/Software ................................................................................................................. 42
3.5.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................................... 42
3.5.2 File Naming Conventions ...................................................................................................................... 42
3.5.3 iRIS Automated Upgrade Procedure ................................................................................................. 43
3.5.4 iRIS Manual Upgrade Procedure ........................................................................................................ 44
Part IV Operation 46
4.1 General Hints .................................................................................................................................................. 46
4.2 LED Status Indicators .................................................................................................................................. 46
4.2.1 Blue Status LED ....................................................................................................................................... 46
4.2.2 Red I/O Status LEDs ............................................................................................................................... 47
4.2.3 Red Comms Status LED ......................................................................................................................... 47
4.3 LCD & Keypad ................................................................................................................................................. 47
4.3.1 LCD Operation .......................................................................................................................................... 47
4.3.2 Status Icons .............................................................................................................................................. 48
4.3.3 Keypad ........................................................................................................................................................ 48
4.3.4 Display Menu Structure ........................................................................................................................ 48
4.4 Scan Mode / Scan Rate ................................................................................................................................ 53
4.4.1 Continuous Mode ..................................................................................................................................... 53
4.4.2 Event Mode ............................................................................................................................................... 53
4.4.3 Timed Mode .............................................................................................................................................. 53
4.4.4 Telemetered Mode .................................................................................................................................. 53
4.5 Analog Input Scaling ..................................................................................................................................... 53
4.5.1 Example: A 4 - 20 mA Flow Meter .................................................................................................... 54
4.6 iRIS 150FX Metering Mode ....................................................................................................................... 55
Part V Repair 57
Part VI Technical Data 58
Part VII Obligations of the Operator and Disposal 59
7.1 Obligations of the Operator ....................................................................................................................... 59
7.2 Dismantling / Disposal ................................................................................................................................ 59
Part VIII Appendices 61
8.1 Declaration of Conformity .......................................................................................................................... 61
8.2 SDI-12 ............................................................................................................................................................... 62
8.2.1 What is SDI-12? ...................................................................................................................................... 62

© 2023 HyQuest Solutions 4
8.2.2 Advantages of SDI-12 ........................................................................................................................... 62
8.2.3 SDI-12 Electrical Interface .................................................................................................................. 62

Copyright Notice: No parts of this work may be
reproduced in any form or by any means without the
written permission of the publisher. HyQuest
Solutions waives copyright for users to print out
parts of the documentation in hard copy for their
own use only.
Trademark Notice: HyQuest Solutions (HS) and
KISTERS products and services referred to in this
document are trademarks or registered trademarks
of HyQuest Solutions or KISTERS AG. Other product
names used may or may not be the trademarks of
their respective owners.
© 2020 HyQuest Solutions, a KISTERS Group
Company. Any rights not expressly granted herein
are reserved.
The information provided in this manual was deemed
accurate as of the publication date. However, updates
to this information may have occurred.
This manual does not include all of the details of
design, production, or variation of the equipment
nor does it cover every possible situation which may
arise during installation, operation or maintenance.
HyQuest Solutions shall not be liable for any
incidental, indirect, special or consequential damages
whatsoever arising out of or related to this
documentation and the information contained in it,
even if HyQuest Solutions has been advised of the
possibility of such damages.
Any errors found in any HyQuest Solutions product
should be reported to HyQuest Solutions where
every effort will be made to quickly resolve the
problem.
This document is public.
5© 2023 HyQuest Solutions
I Disclaimer

§ Read the user manual including all operating instructions prior to installing, connecting and powering up the HyQuest
Solutions iRIS 150FX. The manual provides information on how to operate the product. The manual is intended to be
used by qualified personnel, i.e. personnel that have been adequately trained, are sufficiently familiar with
installation, mounting, wiring, powering up and operation of the product.
§ Keep the user manual on hand for later reference!
§ If you encounter problems understanding the information in the manual (or part thereof), please consult the
manufacturer or its appointed reseller for further support.
§ HyQuest Solutions iRIS 150FX is intended to be used in hydrometeorological or environmental monitoring
applications.
§ Before starting to work, you have to check the functioning and integrity of the system.
§ Check for visible defects on the iRIS 150FX, this may or may not include any or all of the following mounting
facilities, connectors and connections, mechanical parts, internal or external communication devices, power
supplies or power supply lines, etc.
§ If defects are found that jeopardize the operational safety, work must be stopped. This is true for defects found
before starting to work as well as for defects found while working.
§ Do not use the HyQuest Solutions iRIS 150FX in areas where there is a danger of explosion.
§ The present user manual specifies environmental/climatic operating conditions as well as mechanical and electrical
conditions. Installation, wiring, powering up and operating the HyQuest Solutions iRIS 150FX must strictly comply with
these specifications.
§ Perform maintenance only when tools or machinery are not in operation.
§ If guards are removed to perform maintenance, replace them immediately after servicing.
§ Never make any electrical or mechanical diagnostics, inspections or repairs under any circumstances. Return the
product to the manufacturer’s named repair centre. You can find information on how to return items for repair in the
relevant section of the HyQuest Solutions website.
§ Disposal instructions: After taking the HyQuest Solutions iRIS 150FX out of service, it must be disposed of in
compliance with local waste and environmental regulations. The HyQuest Solutions iRIS 150FX is never to be disposed
in household waste!
§ Inputs and outputs of the device are protected against electric discharges and surges (so-called ESD). Do not
touch any part of the electronic components! If you need to touch any part, please discharge yourself, i.e. by touching
grounded metal parts.
II Safety Instructions
© 2023 HyQuest Solutions 6

© 2023 HyQuest Solutions 7
Introduction
1Introduction
Thank you for choosing our product. We hope you will enjoy using the device.
HyQuest Solutions manufactures, sells, installs and operates quality instrumentation, data loggers and communication
technology. Products are designed with passion for environmental monitoring and with a deep understanding of the
quality, accuracy and robustness needed to fulfil the requirements of measurement practitioners in the field.
The present User Manual will help you understand, install and deploy the device. If, however, you feel that a particular
information is missing, incomplete or confusing, please do not hesitate to contact us for further support!
The iRIS 150FX is a small, compact datalogger featuring an LCD display and keypad. It can be connected to a wide variety
of sensors, and features two analogue (0 - 5 V, 0 - 20 mA) inputs, two digital inputs, SDI-12 serial instrument support and
a single digital output for alarm or control purposes.
The iRIS 150FX is supplied in a powder-coated die-cast aluminium enclosure. Power supply and I/O connections are
provided by a small screw terminal block within the unit. Cable access is via two NG12 glands on the bottom edge of the
enclosure. A small text/graphics LCD provides the user display and user input is via a four key keypad in the same style as
other iRIS dataloggers.
The iRIS 150FX supports a maximum of six virtual sensors, the sources of which can be chosen from a range of physical
digital or analogue types. Each sensor can be checked for up to six separate alarm conditions, each with separate trigger
and reset levels. Each alarm also has an optional duration, which is used to delay the alarm trigger for analogue inputs
and to determine the time over which pulse input counters should be totalised (rainfall, flow meter pulse etc.). Data is
logged in a four word (8 byte) compressed format which includes full date and time to fractions of a second.
The alarm(s) can be linked to the digital output to activate external equipment when one or more alarms are activated in
the event of alarm activation.
Feature Summary
The iRIS 150FX has the following features:
§ IP65 rating
§ LCD and keypad
§ RS-232 interface
§ 6 simultaneous logging channels (virtual sensors)
§ 3 auxiliary logging channels for internal measurements
§ 2 digital inputs (pulse, frequency, counter)
§ 2 analogue inputs (0 - 5 V fixed span – current e.g: 0 - 20 mA with internal resistor enabled)
§ 1 digital output (open drain pull-down). A switched supply voltage output is available on iRIS 150FXC.
§ 6 alarms. Can be associated with any of the main six logging channels. Can activate the digital output if any alarm is
activated.
§ Internal, replaceable 3.6 V AA size lithium battery backup. Or D size battery option is available.
Typical Applications
The iRIS can be used for a wide range of diverse applications, including but not limited to:
§ Rainfall measurement
§ Water / power / gas metering
§ River level monitoring
§ Wind measurement
§ Mobile temperature monitoring
§ Irrigation monitoring / control

© 2023 HyQuest Solutions 8
Introduction
1.1 About this Manual
This manual is intended as a detailed guide for iRIS 150FX installation, configuration and operation.
This manual is also available online in Adobe Acrobat® pdf format for registered users at www.hyquestsolutions.co.nz
Throughout this document, small icons are used to identify additional information. These are as follows:
Note Indicates extra detail to expand the current discussion.
Warning Describes something that may cause problems if not heeded.
Note: The term “iRIS” is used throughout this manual in all references to the iRIS 150FX.
1.2 Key Features
This chapter contains the following subsections:
§ Data Logging
§ Logged Data Array Identification
§ Alarm Processing
§ Real Time Clock & Calendar
§ Security
1.2.1 Data Logging
The iRIS supports the logging of data from six virtual sensors. Each of the six virtual sensors can obtain information from
one of the following twenty data sources:
§ Analogue Input 1
§ Analogue Input 2
§ Pulse Counter attached to Digital Input 1
§ Pulse Counter attached to Digital Input 2
§ Simulated Pulse Counter enabled by Digital Input 1
§ Simulated Pulse Counter enabled by Digital Input 2
§ Frequency Counter attached to Digital Input 1
§ Frequency Counter attached to Digital Input 2
§ Up/Down Counter attached to Digital Inputs 1 & 2
§ Database location (data obtained from special script)
§ Floating Point Database location
§ External DC power supply input – on change of state basis only
§ SDI-12
§ External supply value
§ Temperature
§ Change of State attached to Digital Input 1
§ Change of State attached to Digital Input 2
§ Day To Now Total attached to Digital Input 1
§ Day To Now Total attached to Digital Input 2
§ Year To Date Total attached to Digital Input 1
§ Year To Date Total attached to Digital Input 2
Each sensor can be set up to scale the raw data source into engineering units through the application of a multiplier and
offset (slope and constant). The scaled value can be logged to non-volatile memory up to once per minute or immediately
in event mode for pulse inputs.
It is also possible to configure a sensor to also log minimum, maximum or a calculated flow rate (pulse source only) values.
Refer to the following descriptions in Section Sensors for further detail on configuring these extended logging features
as part of the Sensor Cfg menus.
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Introduction
1.2.2 Logged Data Array Identification
Each sensor’s logged data is identified by an array ID number. For the primary logged data, the ID is the sensor number
itself. For the optional supplementary data (min/max/deviation/flow or total), the array ID has an offset added to the
sensor number that it is derived from. These ID offsets are as follows:
Minimum:
+20
Maximum:
+40
Standard Deviation:
+60 (Not currently supported)
Flow Rate or Total:
+80
For example, Sensor 4 has been configured to log the average value, plus the maximum. Two data arrays will be logged
for this sensor at each log interval with IDs of 4 and 44 respectively. In HydroTel™ these will then relate to point
identifiers of 4 and 44.
1.2.3 Alarm Processing
Each virtual sensor can be checked for two separate alarm conditions. Each alarm has separate trigger and reset levels, as
well as an activation delay or accumulation period depending upon the data type. The alarms can also be used to control
the digital output or to generate a call-back to a base station when the logger is operating in telemetered mode. See
Sections Digital Output for further details on digital outputs or Section Telemetered Mode for details on using
Telemetry mode.
1.2.4 Real Time Clock & Calendar
The iRIS 150FX has a non-volatile real time clock that can be set by the user via iLink 2012 or HydroTel™.
If the clock is invalid (year < 2011), logging is inhibited. To draw attention to this situation, the LCD will flash
once per second until the clock is set correctly.
1.2.5 Security
The iRIS 150FX can be configured with a PIN code to prevent unauthorised access to restricted information through the
LCD and keypad. When a user is logged on, the totalisers can be reset via the keypad or a terminal session. When the unit
is locked, the totalisers can only be reset via a terminal session.
The PIN code is configured via the General Configuration section in iLink 2012. See Section General for more details.
1.3 iRIS 150 and iRIS 150FX Comparison
§ Standard IEEE-754-2008 compliant Floating Point library.
§ Datalogging sample values are floating-point with support for invalid values (NaN) if over-range analogue inputs or
failed SDI-12 communication. Logging multiplier completely removed!
§ All timestamping is in UTC for internationally diverse markets.
§ Default RS232 port speed increased from 38,400 to 115,200 bps.
§ Configuration via text terminal removed and only basic terminal diagnostics supported.
§ SDI-12 firmware engine re-engineered and now V1.3 compliant.
§ Supports an optional custom SDI-12 command with a separate schedule from measurements.
§ Alarm processing completely rebuilt. No longer 2 fixed alarms per sensor. Now a pool of 6 general alarms. Each can be
assigned to a sensor as required.
§ Sensor logging rate can be different when alarm(s) on that sensors are active.
§ All schedules have separate on/off/alarm intervals.
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Introduction
§ Totalisers: YTD (Year To Date) and Last Year. Settable roll-over time (daily) or date (yearly).
§ Sensor display format is settable (number of decimal places).
§ Multi-language support for internal date/times etc. Five supported (EN, DE, FR, ES, PO).
§ Secure and reliable OTA (Over The Air) firmware and software upgrades now possible. (Requires compatible
communications device)
1.4 Support
Technical support for the iRIS 150FX is available by contacting:
HyQuest Solutions (NZ) Ltd
P.O Box 9466
Hamilton
NEW ZEALAND
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
For latest information and software updates, visit the HyQuest Solutions (NZ) Ltd web site at www.hyquestsolutions.co.nz

© 2023 HyQuest Solutions 11
Installation
2Installation
This chapter contains the following subsections:
§ Recommended Deployment Procedure
§ Mounting
§ External I/O Connector (iRIS 150FXC)
§ Internal I/O Connector (iRIS 150FXG)
§ Sensor Connection Examples
2.1 Recommended Deployment Procedure
This chapter contains the following subsections:
§ Prior to site visit
§ Installation on site
2.1.1 Prior to site visit
If possible, configure the iRIS 150FX completely before taking it into the field for installation. Use the typical configuration
examples below as a guide. After configuration, when the battery is removed again prior to installation, all configuration
settings will be retained with the exception of the date and time and data logging pointers. These are set as part of final
commissioning.
2.1.2 Installation on site
§ Remove the enclosure lid by removing the four screws from the corners.
§ Mount the enclosure base in the desired location using suitable screws through the two mounting holes in the base
side walls.
§ Remove the rubber sealing plug from one or both glands. Feed the connection cable(s) through the glands, but do not
tighten the glands yet.
§ Terminate any instrumentation first (water meter reed switches, level sensors etc) before connecting the datalogger.
Do not liven any power supplies yet.
§ Strip the cable ends and trim the wire ends for connection into the terminals. If the cable is shielded, ensure that loose
shield wire ends are covered with heat shrink tube to prevent short circuits.
§ Terminate the wire ends into the appropriate connectors. Note that the terminals are small and care should be taken
to avoid excessive bare wire lengths or loose strands being exposed.
§ Check the settings of the analogue input and digital input jumpers and set them appropriately. Refer to Sections
Analogue Inputs and Digital Inputs for details on these.
§ Adjust the amount of cable inside the enclosure to enable the lid to be fitted easily without jamming. Tighten the
glands.
§ Install the lithium battery, ensuring it is installed the correct way round. The logger should start.
§ Secure the lid with the four screws. Apply external power if used (battery or d.c supply)
§ With a laptop, set the time and date and also test that all sensor values are correctly scaled and working.
§ Initialise the logger which will reset pointers and totalisers. See Option 3 in Section Terminal Menus .
§ Allow the logger to log at least a few samples. Unload the data and check it is correct.
2.2 Mounting
The iRIS 150FX can be mounted to almost any surface by using suitable screws through the two internal mounting pillars.
These are exposed by removing the lid.
2.3 External I/O Connector (iRIS 150FXC)
All I/O and power supply terminations are via a small 14-way pluggable screw terminal block mounted on the bottom
edge of the enclosure. This connector block is wired internally to the PCB in the factory. The functions of the connector
terminals are shown in the table below.
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Installation
Abbreviation
Description
GND
Ground (Digital)
SWV
Switched +Vin External Power Supply. Controlled by Digital Output
AI2
Analogue Input #2
GND
Ground (Analogue)
AI1
Analogue Input #1
GND
Ground (Analogue)
DI2
Digital Input #2
GND
Ground (Digital)
DI1
Digital Input #1
GND
Ground (Digital)
DO1
Digital Output (open drain pull-down)
SDI
SDI-12 data connection
+Vin
5 - 15 V DC External Power Supply
GND
0 V DC External Power Supply / Ground
Table 1 – Internal I/O Terminal Designations
2.4 Internal I/O Connector (iRIS 150FXG)
All I/O and power supply terminations are via a small 12-way screw terminal block on the internal PCB. Cables enter the
enclosure via small compression glands to maintain water resistance. The functions of the internal connector terminals are
shown in the table below.

© 2023 HyQuest Solutions 13
Installation
Abbreviation
Description
AI2
Analogue Input #2
GND
Ground (Analogue)
AI1
Analogue Input #1
GND
Ground (Analogue)
DI2
Digital Input #2
GND
Ground (Digital)
DI1
Digital Input #1
GND
Ground (Digital)
DO1
Digital Output (open drain pull-down)
SDI
SDI-12 data connection
+Vin
5 - 15 V DC External Power Supply
GND
0 V DC External Power Supply / Ground
Table 2 – External I/O Terminal Designations
This chapter contains the following subsections:
§ Internal Lithium Battery
§ External Power Supply
§ Analogue Inputs
§ Digital Inputs
§ Digital Output
2.4.1 Internal Lithium Battery
The iRIS 150FX has an internal AA size 3.6 V, 2400 mA/Hr lithium battery, which provides the power supply when no
external dc power supply is available. When external power is connected, the internal battery is completely disconnected.
The battery may be replaced by the user.
The internal AA battery is not intended for long-term use, rather as a back-up in the event of loss of external
power. Standard AA cells such as Alkaline, NiCad, NiMH, etc, cannot be used in the iRIS as they do not supply
sufficient voltage.
A variant is available that has a D-size lithium battery installed and this can be used for self-powered
installations connected to a rain gauge or water meter.
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Installation
2.4.2 External Power Supply
The iRIS 150FX is designed to operate with an external supply so that the internal backup battery is disconnected. Any
external DC power source ranging from 6 – 15 V DC can be used. A solar panel may also be connected but will require a
regulator and external battery to limit the supply voltage to the iRIS. A typical solar panel without regulation can generate
up to 21 V, which exceeds the iRIS 150FX external DC input range.
The external power supply is protected against reverse connection or over-voltage by ultra-fast acting protection devices
and a self-resetting semiconductor fuse.
2.4.3 Analogue Inputs
Analogue inputs are uni-polar 0 - 5 V DC with 12 bit resolution. They present a load impedance of approximately 100 kΩ.
Suitable scaling factors should be chosen to convert from a raw value of 0 - 5000, which reflects the input signal range of
0 - 5 V (0 - 5000 mV). When current sources are used, an internal sink resistor (250 Ω) is connected between the analogue
input and AGND. The diagram below shows the position of the two analogue links. Fit the link to set the analogue input to
current mode, or remove the link to set it to voltage input mode (default).
Hint: If removing a jumper, simply fit it to one pin only of the connector to avoid it being lost.
Figure 1 – Analogue Selection Jumpers

© 2023 HyQuest Solutions 15
Installation
2.4.4 Digital Inputs
The two digital inputs are jumper selectable for either mechanical or electronic operation. In either case it is necessary to
pull the input down to 0 V DC to activate it. Inputs will handle up to 30 V DC in the off state for parallel connection across
existing equipment. Jumpers are positioned to the left hand side of the I/O connector. The top jumper is for Digital Input
#1 and the middle jumper is for Digital Input #2.
Fit the jumper for mechanical switching at up to 20 Hz. In this mode a 100 nF capacitor is fitted across the input to
provide limited hardware debounce, preventing false triggering due to contact bounce. Remove the appropriate jumper
for electronic switching at up to 5 kHz.
Hint: If removing a jumper, simply fit it to one pin only of the connector to avoid it being lost.
Important Note:
In almost all installations where an iRIS is connected in
parallel with other equipment to share a common pulse
input (e.g. from a flow meter), there has not been a
detrimental effect, as the iRIS inputs present a relatively
high impedance to the circuit. However, in the event that
connecting an iRIS does cause pulse failure, HyQuest
Solutions recommend removing the debounce selection
link for the appropriate input. This sets the input to
electronic switching mode, even if the actual pulse source
is a clean contact (reed switch or similar).
Figure 2 – Digital Input Debounce Jumpers
2.4.5 Digital Output
The Digital Output is open drain pull-down and is capable of sinking up to 300 mA at 30 V DC. Typically this could be used
to drive a relay powered by an auxiliary DC supply (e.g. 12 V). In this mode, the negative of the relay supply must be
connected to one of the iRIS GND terminals.
The output can be programmed to follow a schedule for use in powering external sensors / circuits, or operate in
response to alarm activation from any of the sensors.
On the iRIS 150FXC variant, the digital output also controls the switched +Vin supply voltage. When the digital
output is activated, the supply voltage on +Vin is switched to the SWV terminal and can be used to power
external loads without the need for a separate transistor switch.
See Section Digital Output for details on the digital output modes.
Figure 3 – Digital Output Circuit
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Installation
2.5 Sensor Connection Examples
This chapter contains the following subsections:
§ Connecting a Flow Meter or Rain Gauge
§ Simulating a Flow Meter using Auto-Pulse mode
§ Connecting a 0 - 5 V Pressure Transducer
§ Connecting a 2-Wire Loop-Powered 4-20mA Sensor
§ Measuring the External Supply Voltage
§ Connecting SDI-12 Instruments
§ Connecting an Up/Down Water Level Instrument
§ Connecting Analogue Wind Instruments
2.5.1 Connecting a Flow Meter or Rain Gauge
One of the most common uses for the iRIS is logging data from pulse sources such as flow meters or rain gauges.
Connecting such devices to the iRIS is very simple – wire the switch between the appropriate digital input (DI1 or DI2) and
a ground (GND) terminal. Both of the digital inputs provide a “wetting current” for clean contact sources, but transistor
switches and active signals (ones that supply a voltage) can also be used. If a transistor switch is used, connect the
collector (+) to the digital input and the emitter (-) to the GND. See Section Digital Inputs for details on the digital inputs
and using the debounce link.
Both inputs can be used simultaneously and each input has three associated totalisers, which are viewable from the LCD.
See Section Totals Screens (DI1 and DI2) . These totalisers operate even if the input is not configured as a source to one
of the six virtual sensors.
The diagram below shows the typical connection diagram for such an installation. It assumes the use of DI1 as the pulse
input channel. The external power source can be any DC supply from 6 V to 15 V.
The sensor should be configured for the correct channel, scaling and logging regime as described in Section Sensors .
Event mode (Sensor Mode = 2) can be used to reduce the quantity of data logged, especially for rainfall where the actual
data density is low.
Three typical sensor configuration examples for this type of instrument are shown below. The instrument is a 0.5 mm
tipping bucket rain gauge (TBRG) and is logged every 15 minutes for examples 1 and 2.
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Installation
Name: Rainfall
Source: 3. Pulse In 1
Process Mode: Instant
Multiplier: 0.500
Offset: 0.0000
Log Rate: 15 mins
Name: Rainfall
Source: 3. Pulse In 1
Process Mode: Event
Multiplier: 0.500
Offset: 0.0000
Log Rate: 15 mins
Name: Rainfall
Source: 3. Pulse In 1
Process Mode: Event
Multiplier: 0.500
Offset: 0.0000
Log Rate: 0 mins
Example 1: Normal Timed
This logs the total every 15 minutes,
even if it is zero. This produces the
most data as every “time slot” has an
associated sample.
Example 2: Timed Event
This logs the total every 15 minutes
only if it is non-zero. It also inserts a
zero record, one log interval earlier, if
required.
Example 3: True Event
This logs every event to a one second
resolution. If there is more than one
count in a second, the total is logged.
No zero samples are logged.
This chapter contains the following subsections:
§ Connecting a Burkert 8045 Flow Meter
§ Connecting a Seametrics EX Flow Meter
§ Connecting a Mace RotoFlo® Flow Meter
2.5.1.1 Connecting a Burkert 8045 Flow Meter
Configure the 8045 pulse value to suit. Please refer to Section 4.4.5 in the
8045 instruction manual available on the Burkert website.
http://www.burkert.com/COM/search.php?type=8045
The example configuration shown assumes the flow meter has been configured
for one pulse = 100 litres. The basic unit of measurement is a cubic metre so
each pulse is 0.1 m3, hence the multiplier of 0.1. The logging is configured for
timed event mode with an interval of 15 minutes.
Name: Pump Vol
Source: 3. Pulse In 1
Process Mode: Event
Multiplier: 0.1
Offset: 0.0000
Log Rate: 15mins
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2.5.1.2 Connecting a Seametrics EX Flow Meter
The example configuration shown uses a multiplier of 0.3528 (reciprocal of K-
factor of 2.834). The logging is configured for average mode with an interval of
15 minutes.
Name: Flow Rate
Source: 7. Frequency 1
Process Mode: Period
Average
Multiplier: 0.3528
Offset: 0.0000
Log Rate: 15 mins
2.5.1.3 Connecting a Mace RotoFlo® Flow Meter
The example configuration shown assumes a 150 mm ID pipe with the meter
installed 150 mm from the elbow. Based on the Mace K-factor chart, a factor of
776678 per megalitre is used. Because of numeric entry limitations, this is
translated to a multiplier of 0.0012785 to give the basic unit of measurement
as a cubic metre (0.001 megalitre). The logging is configured for timed event
mode with an interval of 15 minutes.
Name: Pump Vol
Source: 3. Pulse In 1
Process Mode: Event
Multiplier: 0.00129
Offset: 0.0000
Log Rate: 15 mins

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Installation
2.5.2 Simulating a Flow Meter using Auto-Pulse mode
Occasionally a flow measurement is required and there is no flow meter available. If the flow rate is relatively constant
and/or accuracy is not critical, it is possible to simulate a flow rate by using the “Auto-Pulse” sensor source type.
When this source type is used, the iRIS will simulate a pulse rate of once-per-second (1 Hz) while the associated digital
input is on (active). By setting the multiplier to define the rate in units per second, the iRIS will accumulate and log the
value just as if it were obtained from real pulses from a physical flow meter.
The diagram below shows the typical connection diagram for such an installation. It assumes the use of DI1 as the device
(pump etc) run status input. Typically this would be from a volt-free contact on an auxiliary relay that is enabled when the
pump is running. The external power source can be any DC supply from 6 V to 15 V.
The sensor should be configured for the correct channel, scaling and logging regime as described in Section Sensors .
Event mode (Sensor Mode = 2) can be used to reduce the quantity of data logged, especially for intermittent operation
where the actual data density is low.
This mode is also useful for other applications such as accruing run-times of machinery or active time on
radio channels by monitoring the busy status on a radio. In either of these cases, the multiplier is typically 1,
giving an accumulated value in seconds.
This example accrues pumped volume in m3at a simulated pumping rate of 17
l/s (0.017 m3/s) while DI1 is active.
It logs the accumulated volume total every 15 minutes to two significant places,
even if it is zero. This produces the most data as every “time slot” has an
associated sample.
Name: Volume
Source: 5. Auto Pulse
1
Process Mode: Instant
Multiplier: 0.017
Offset: 0.0000
Log Rate: 15 mins
2.5.3 Connecting a 0 - 5 V Pressure Transducer
Connecting a standard sensor (such as a pressure transducer that provides a 0 - 5 V signal) to an iRIS is relatively
straightforward. An external 12 V battery (7 A/Hr or larger) is required to power the sensor but this can optionally be
controlled by the iRIS’ digital output to save power.
The diagram below shows the typical connection diagram for such an installation. It assumes the use of AI1 as the desired
input channel. It also shows the connection of a transistor switch module with control from DO1.
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The sensor should be configured for the correct channel, scaling and logging
regime as described in Section Sensors . A typical sensor configuration
example for this type of instrument is shown below. The instrument is a 10
metre, 0 - 5 V output pressure transducer. The level is averaged and the result
logged every 15 minutes.
Name: Water Lvl
Source 1: Analog In 1
Process Mode: Period
Average
Multiplier: 2.000
Offset: 0.0000
Log Rate: 15 mins
Note: The iRIS supports activation of the digital output with a schedule. Therefore, if further power reduction is to be
achieved by controlling the transducer power, follow this procedure:
1. Install a transistor switch module in series with the transducer power lead and control it from the digital output.
2. Configure the digital output’s mode to be Schedule (Mode = 0).
3. Set up the digital output’s schedule to match the sensor’s logging period, but with the digital output being set to
activate the desired amount of time before the sensor is to log and with sufficient “on” time to ensure an overlap with
the logging time.
4. Ensure the sensor mode is set to 0 (Instant).
2.5.4 Connecting a 2-Wire Loop-Powered 4-20mA Sensor
The iRIS also supports the connection of many types of industry standard 4 - 20 mA current loop instruments such as
ultrasonic or radar level sensors. A very common configuration used with these devices is known as two-wire or loop-
powered mode. This requires only two wires to the sensor and the 4 - 20 mA loop current provides power for the sensor
as well as being the proportional analogue sensor signal.
These sensors often require a minimum voltage across them that may not be reliably achieved with a 12 V supply, taking
into account the voltage drop across the sense resistor. In such cases, a separate 12 - 24 V boosted sensor supply is
recommended.
The diagram below shows the recommended connection diagram for such an installation. It assumes the use of AI1 as the
desired input channel.
The iRIS has an internal 250 Ω sense resistor that can be enabled by the use of jumpers J3 (AI1) and J4 (AI2), see section
Analogue Inputs for more information. The internal sense resistor generates a 1 - 5 V signal (from the 4 - 20 mA
current), which is then measured by the analogue input.
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