HyQuest Solutions TB340A User manual

TB340A
User Manual
04-2023 – 01-02-000

© 2023 HyQuest Solutions 2
Table of Contents
I Disclaimer 4
II Safety Instructions 5
Part I Introduction 6
Part II Installation 7
2.1 Setting up the TBRG Calibrator Rig ............................................................................................................ 7
2.1.1 Turning the TBRG Calibrator On ......................................................................................................... 10
2.2 Preparing a TBRG on a station ................................................................................................................. 10
2.2.1 Connecting the Reed Switch Inputs .................................................................................................. 11
Part III Configuration 13
3.1 Setting up the PC .......................................................................................................................................... 13
3.1.1 Install the Software ................................................................................................................................ 13
3.1.2 Connecting the PC to the TBRG Calibrator ...................................................................................... 13
3.1.3 Running the Software for the First Time ........................................................................................ 14
Part IV Operation 15
4.1 Preparing a Test Series ............................................................................................................................... 15
4.1.1 Opening the Setup Window ................................................................................................................. 15
4.1.2 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge .................................................................................................................. 16
4.1.3 Test Options ............................................................................................................................................. 17
4.1.4 Nozzles ....................................................................................................................................................... 18
4.1.5 Tests ............................................................................................................................................................ 18
4.2 Performing a Wetting Cycle ...................................................................................................................... 19
4.3 Starting a Test ............................................................................................................................................... 20
4.4 Monitoring a Test Series ............................................................................................................................ 20
4.4.1 Units List ................................................................................................................................................... 21
4.4.2 Unit Details ............................................................................................................................................... 21
4.4.3 Test Overview and Control .................................................................................................................. 22
4.4.4 Current Test .............................................................................................................................................. 23
4.4.5 Test History .............................................................................................................................................. 24
4.5 Reporting ......................................................................................................................................................... 24
4.5.1 Unit List ..................................................................................................................................................... 25
4.5.2 Test Data Table ....................................................................................................................................... 26
4.5.3 Staged Test Data for Report ............................................................................................................... 27
4.5.4 Test Details ............................................................................................................................................... 29
4.6 Program Options ........................................................................................................................................... 30
4.6.1 Reports ....................................................................................................................................................... 31
4.6.2 Communications ...................................................................................................................................... 32

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4.6.3 PDF & Printing ......................................................................................................................................... 33
4.6.4 Configure PLC ........................................................................................................................................... 34
4.7 Model Management ...................................................................................................................................... 35
4.7.1 Model .......................................................................................................................................................... 36
4.7.2 Bucket ......................................................................................................................................................... 37
4.7.3 Catch Size .................................................................................................................................................. 37
4.7.4 Theoretical and Practical Values ........................................................................................................ 38
4.7.5 Tolerances ................................................................................................................................................. 38
4.8 Calibrating a Load Cell ................................................................................................................................. 40
Part V Troubleshooting 45
Part VI Repair 47
Part VII Technical Data 48
Part VIII Obligations of the Operator and Disposal 49
8.1 Obligations of the Operator ....................................................................................................................... 49
8.2 Dismantling / Disposal ................................................................................................................................ 49

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.
4© 2023 HyQuest Solutions
I Disclaimer

§ Read the user manual including all operating instructions prior to installing, connecting and powering up the HyQuest
Solutions TB340A. 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 TB340A 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 TB340A, 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 TB340A 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 TB340A 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 TB340A out of service, it must be disposed of in
compliance with local waste and environmental regulations. The HyQuest Solutions TB340A 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 5

© 2023 HyQuest Solutions 6
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!
HyQuest Solutions’ TB340A is a fully automated laboratory calibration and test bench for a wide selection of tipping
bucket rain gauges differing in type, make, shape and size. Thoughtful system design, quality hardware components and
professional software development ensure the reliability and overall quality of the TB340A. The autonomous calibration
bench is software controlled and thereby allows for fast, well documented and repeatable testing, and does not require
particular user attendance.
The hardware element consists of a stand that can support simultaneous testing of two tipping bucket rain gauges. All the
elements required for testing are managed by a central controller mounted in the cabinet of the stand. 5 solenoid valves
can be used interchangeably to provide up to 31 different dispense rates for testing. Through the use of MODBUS over
RS-485, multiple stands can be daisy chained together and connected to software running on a PC, which manages the
test procedure.
The software element is a PC application that has been developed to support the automation of the TBRG testing process.
A high level of flexibility allows for the testing of third party TBRGs and is not limited to HyQuest Solutions products. The
application will run a planned test series, collecting and storing the TBRG tip count as it progresses. It will then compare
the test data to the specified performance of the TBRG before generating a report on successful completion of a test.
Figure 1 - TBRG Calibrator overview

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Installation
2Installation
This chapter contains the following subsection:
§ Setting up the TBRG Calibrator Rig
§ Preparing a TBRG on a station
2.1 Setting up the TBRG Calibrator Rig
Unpacking
Your Rain Gauge Calibrator has been shipped in a wooden crate for protection during transit, please take extreme care
when opening the crate so as not to damage the unit.
Once the Calibrator has been removed from the crate, place upright on a flat level surface, preferably at the final location
where the Calibrator will be used.
The Calibrator has been fitted with two transit brackets to help protect the load cells during transit. These can now be
moved by undoing the 2 x Philips head screws and 10mm bolt as shown. (Slide the transit bracket up and re-secure for
future use.)
Important: Do not apply too much downward pressure to Philips head screws as this may damage the load cells.
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Installation
Setup and levelling
Select a site to install the TB340A taking the following points into consideration.
A. 110V - 240V AC mains power supply.
B. Access to a clean filtered water source.
C. Close to an appropriate water drain.
D. A flat level surface.
After selecting an appropriate area place the TB340 in position and level using the 6 Adjustable feet to ensure the
mounting plates are level in both planes.
Connect a clean and filtered water supply to the manifold using 1/4’’ nylon tube

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Installation
Connect to appropriate drain outlets.
Pour a small amount of water down the drain holes located in the mounting plates to ensure the water is making its way
into the drain before running the system in automatic mode.
For more information, see the following subsection:
§ Turning the TBRG Calibrator On
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Installation
2.1.1 Turning the TBRG Calibrator On
In addition to plugging power into the device, there is a switch in the cabinet of the TBRG Calibrator. Switch this to the ON
(I) position after the rig is plugged in and power will be applied to the rest of the board.
Figure 2 – Power switch in cabinet of TBRG Calibrator
When power is applied, the LED on the CR-800 main controller will come on for a short period (about 30 secs) before
changing to a flash once every 15 seconds. (Relay #8 will also click on and off the same number of times as the Modbus
(front of cabinet, left side) to the ON position. The LED should come on and a clicking sound should be heard. Return the
switch to the AUTO position once testing is complete. Only do this while water is switched off to the system.
2.2 Preparing a TBRG on a station
Place your Rain Gauge base on the supplied PVC mounting plate. (Please note this calibration rig has been designed to suit
HyQuest Solutions model TB3 TB4 TB6 Rain Gauges. A custom adaptor may be necessary to suit other manufacturer’s Rain
Gauges)
Insert the syphon body into the collector funnel. (Please note this calibration rig has been designed to suit HyQuest
Solutions model TB3 TB4 TB6 Rain Gauges. A custom Syphon adaptor may be necessary to suit other manufacturer’s Rain
Gauges)

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Installation
2.2.1 Connecting the Reed Switch Inputs
The connection to the tip counter inputs is made up of 4 separate wires. Each pair of wires is identified by colour (blue
and white)
One pair of wires is designed to connect to one reed switch so two reed switches can be monitored with two pairs of
wires. If only testing one reed switch, only one pair of wires is used, the other pair can be left disconnected. It does not
matter which pair is used.
Please refer to the manual of the tipping bucket rain gauge (TBRG) on test to the wiring connections for each reed switch.
Connect the alligator clips either directly to the terminal or with the use of extensions if the terminal is not accessible.
Ensure that the clips are not in contact with each other.

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Installation
Figure 3 – Reed switch connections

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Configuration
3Configuration
This chapter contains the following subsection:
§ Setting up the PC
3.1 Setting up the PC
This chapter contains the following subsection:
§ Install the Software
§ Connecting the PC to the TBRG Calibrator
§ Running the Software for the First Time
3.1.1 Install the Software
The software application will be provided either on a medium (CD or USB) supplied with the rig or is available for digital
download. If the application has not been provided, please contact HyQuest Solutions to receive a copy.
Installation of the software application will require administrator rights on the PC it will run on. If you do not have
administrator rights, please contact your IT administrator for help with installation.
Run the application installer and follow the on-screen prompts. The installer will copy the necessary files to disk to allow it
to run. The application does not require administrator rights to run normally.
3.1.2 Connecting the PC to the TBRG Calibrator
A USB to RS-485 adapter is used to connect the PC to the TBRG Calibrators. Only one is required to connect multiple
calibrators.
To install the USB to RS-485 adapter, simply plug the USB connector into any available USB port. The device should be
automatically detected and the drivers will be installed. (If the drivers cannot be found automatically, we have provided a
copy on the HyQuest Solutions website on the TB340A Calibrator page in the Software Upgrades tab.)
To check that it has installed correctly, open the Device Manager from Control Panel on the PC.
Figure 4 – Device Manager in Control Panel (Windows 7)
Under Ports (COM & LPT), a device named USB Serial Port should be visible in the list. This can be double checked by
removing the adapter while the Device Manager is displayed. When disconnected, the list will update and the device
should be missing.
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Configuration
Figure 5 – USB to RS-485 adapter in Device Manger
Make note of the COM port for the USB adapter (COM5 in Figure USB to RS-485 adapter in Device Manger ). This will be
needed to tell the software where the TBRG Calibrator is connected.
If you do not see a device for the USB adapter, please contact your IT administrator for assistance.
3.1.3 Running the Software for the First Time
The first time the application is run, the Program Options (see Program Options ) will be displayed automatically. It is
recommended that options for reporting (see Reports ), printing and PDFs (see PDF & Printing ) are set up at this
time if the details are known.
Select the Communications tab (see Communications ) and set the COM port to that identified in Connecting the PC to
the TBRG Calibrator . The port status should change to Open.
With the Program Options closed, the marker next to the address on the main testing screen (see Monitoring a Test
Series , Units List ) should be green to indicate successful communication to the TBRG Calibrator/s.
Before testing can begin, the load cells need to be calibrated to ensure the required accuracy is delivered. See Calibrating
a Load Cell for details on calibrating .
Once calibration is complete, the system is ready to begin testing. See Preparing a Test Series , Starting a Test and
Monitoring a Test Series for details on how to run a test.
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Operation
4Operation
This chapter contains the following subsections:
§ Preparing a Test Series
§ Performing a Wetting Cycle
§ Starting a Test
§ Monitoring a Test Series
§ Reporting
§ Program Options
§ Model Management
§ Calibrating a Load Cell
4.1 Preparing a Test Series
Before a test series can begin, it needs to be set up to match the requirements of the tipping bucket rain gauge (TBRG)
being tested. The setup is performed in the software to allow for reporting and traceability.
For more information, see the following subsections:
§ Opening the Setup Window
§ Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge
§ Test Options
§ Nozzles
§ Tests
4.1.1 Opening the Setup Window
To begin, when presented with the main testing screen (see Monitoring a Test Series ), select Setup to open the setup
page for that station. A window will be displayed and will have the station address at the top of the window. In this
example, “01 Left”. The following sections will describe how each of the settings affects the test.
Once these setting have been set by the user, they will be remembered from test to test and when the application is
closed. Only when a new test has different settings to previous one will a change need to be made. For example, only the
serial number would need to be changed when testing two rain gauges of the same model and bucket size.
OK
When pressed, the changes that were made in the window are applied to the station and the
main screen is updated with the new information.
Cancel
When Cancel or the cross in the top right is pressed, the dialog is closed and the changes made
are not remembered. The main testing screen will have the setup as it was when the Setup
window was opened.
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Operation
Figure 6 – Test setup selection
4.1.2 Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge
Correctly selecting the model and bucket size for the TBRG that is going to be tested is critical for the test process to be
completed successfully. These two items are used to determine the pass / fail conditions of a test as set up in the model
management page (see Model Management ). These items, as well as the serial number, are used for result storage and
traceability. It is up to the user to ensure these items are correctly entered before the test begins.
Figure 7 - Tipping bucket rain gauge options in test setup
Model
The manufacturing model of the TBRG that is going to be tested. If the model of the TBRG isn’t
in the list, it can be added through the model management page (see Model Management ,
Model ). This must be selected before the bucket size, the list of appropriate bucket sizes
will be loaded for that model.
Bucket Size
The bucket size of the TBRG that is going to be tested. If the bucket size for the selected model
is not in the list, it can be added through the model management page (see Model
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Operation
Management , Bucket ).
Serial #
The serial number of the TBRG that is going to be tested. This is used, with the model, for
reporting (see Calibrating a Load Cell ).
4.1.3 Test Options
The test options allow the user to customise the test depending on their requirements. Some of these options can be used
together while others can only be used independently.
Figure 8 – Test options in test setup
Test both reed
switches
In all tests, two reed switch inputs are monitored for tip counts and both values are logged.
When checked, a comparison of the two tip counts is made at the end of the test and if they
are found to be more than 2 tips apart, the test will fail. When unchecked, no comparison is
made between the two tip counts; the count with the highest value is used for determining
pass / fail specifications.
Run In
When checked, the system will continue to cycle through the test list (see Test Overview and
Control ) until the tip count entered in the corresponding Tips box is exceeded. The current
test will complete before finishing. While the test count data is displayed in the test history on
the main page (see Test History ), none of the test data is logged into the database, it is for
indication only. The run in feature is an independent feature, and items that can’t be used at
the same time will be disabled when the run in feature is selected.
Tips (Run In)
This becomes available when the Run In feature is selected. The user can then enter the
number of tips that need to be counted before the run in test is complete.
Wetting Cycle
When checked, a wetting cycle is performed before a test series is started. A wetting cycle is
performed by briefly opening each nozzle to remove any air that may be trapped in the
nozzle and then running for a random time between 30 and 60 seconds to wet the surfaces of
the funnel and bucket. (See also, Performing a Wetting Cycle .)
Auto-Print
When checked, a report will be printed upon a completion of a test. The printer that the report
will be sent to can be selected in the options page (see Program Options , PDF & Printing
) and is separate to the operating system default printer. If a test fails, no report will be
generated unless the option is selected in the Tools-Options-PDF & Printing section.
Auto-PDF
When checked, a PDF report will be generated and saved to a default location as specified in
the options page (see Program Options , PDF & Printing ) upon completion of a test. If a
test fails, no report will be generated unless the option is selected in the Tools-Options-PDF &
Printing section.
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Operation
4.1.4 Nozzles
The nozzles table is a representation of the nozzles that are or will be installed into the vessel for the upcoming tests. This
information is used primarily in reporting but is also used by the Tests (see Tests ) below for defining rates.
Figure 9 – Nozzle setup in test setup
#
The nozzle number is the position of the nozzles as indicated in the image to the right. As
changes are made to each nozzle, the image to the right will highlight the nozzle that the
changes affect. This field cannot be edited.
Important: The highest rate nozzle being used, should always be fitted into the Nozzle #5
position (at the right rear) – this position has a larger valve which is capable of handing the
higher rates!
Rate (mm/hr)
Enter the rate of the nozzle that is installed or is going to be installed at the highlighted
location. It may be helpful to enter the data first then install the nozzle as the image will
highlight where it needs to be installed.
Serial #
Enter the serial number of the nozzle that is installed or is going to be installed at the
highlighted location. If no serial number is entered and the nozzle is used in a test, it will be
highlighted orange. This does not prevent a test from running but provides an indicator in
case it has been forgotten. If no serial number is provided, no serial number will be placed on
any reports generated for tests that use that nozzle.
4.1.5 Tests
The tests table represents what nozzles will be used and the number of cycles (iterations) that will be completed to form a
test. Each row in the table is an individual test and the table is considered a test series.
Test series can be saved and loaded to disk. This is helpful when a series is used often and can be loaded on to many
stations, saving time from entering the list into each station.
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Operation
Figure 10 – Test process setup in test setup
#1, #2, #3, #4, #5
Each column corresponds to the nozzle number in the nozzle table above (see Nozzles ).
For an individual test, a checked box indicates that nozzle will be used in that test (for example,
test 1 will use nozzle 2, test 2 will use nozzle 1 and test 3 will use nozzle 5).
More than one nozzle can be used in an individual test. The effect is the rates of all the checked
nozzles are added together (for example, if test 1 had nozzle 2 and nozzle 5 checked, it would
have a rate of 400 mm/hr). In reporting, all the nozzles used in a test are listed.
Rate
The rate is calculated from the nozzle table above (see Nozzles ) and adds all the nozzles
used from the boxes that were checked. This field cannot be edited.
Iterations
This is the number of times the vessel will complete fill / drain cycle on that test. The iterations
of the test are performed consecutively before moving to the next test.
These arrows allow the order of the tests to be changed. A test series will start at the top of the
test list and process each test down the list. If a test is in the wrong location, the arrows can be
used to move the selected test up or down.
Add/Remove
This will add a new test to the bottom of the test list or remove the selected test from the test
list.
These will allow the user to save / load a test series to disk. When pressed, a window will open
for the user to specify the file they want to save / load.
4.2 Performing a Wetting Cycle
Before a test has begun, or at any time a test is not running, a manual wetting cycle can be run. To do so, press the WET
ONLY button and the system will begin a wetting cycle. You can then abort a cycle by pressing the ABORT button. Once
aborted, starting the cycle will start it from the beginning.
A wetting cycle is performed by briefly opening each nozzle to remove any air that may be trapped in the nozzle and
then running for a random time between 30 and 60 seconds to wet the surfaces of the funnel and bucket.
This is also a test option that is run at the start of a test procedure. See Test Options .
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4.3 Starting a Test
When a test has been set up, the information will be displayed in the main testing screen (see Monitoring a Test Series
). Here it can be checked for correctness before the test begins. The user can then press the Start button to begin the test
series.
Once the test is started, the button will then become an Abort button. When pressed, the whole test series will be aborted
and will need to be started again.
Note that if a test series is manually aborted before all of the tests in a run have completed, the results of the those tests
are lost and ARE NOT stored in the database.
4.4 Monitoring a Test Series
The main testing screen is where the current state of the test can be viewed. It provides a comprehensive view of the
TBRG being tested, the tests that will be carried out, state of the current test and the history of previously run tests. It also
provides a status of all the stations that are connected to the software, even when they are not the active station.
The main testing screen is comprised of two main components. The unit list on the left is a list of all the stations that have
been setup to be used with the software. On the right is the active station where details of the station can be viewed.
If the current view is not the main testing screen as seen below (Figure Main testing screen), it can be access by selecting
Testing from the menu bar at the top of the screen.
Figure 11 – Main testing screen
For more information, see the following subsections:
§ Units List
§ Unit Details
§ Test Overview and Control
§ Current Test
§ Test History
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