Massa MassaSonic PulStar/150 V Original operating instructions

MASSA PRODUCTS CORPORATION May 23, 2017
Installation and Operation Guide MassaSonic® PulStar® Ultrasonic Sensors
PulStar®
Ultrasonic Sensors
Installation & Operation Guide
May 23, 2017
The PulStar Sensor product line listed in the introduction of this manual
complies with the European Council EMC Directive 2004/108/EC (EMC) and Low
Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC (LVD).
Copyright © 2016 by Massa Products Corporation. All rights reserved.

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Installation and Operation Guide MassaSonic™PulStar™Ultrasonic Sensors
i
Table of Contents
Section Page
1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 1
2 Quick Guide on Getting Started ..................................................................... 2
Mounting PulStar Sensors ................................................................................................................. 2
Operating a PulStar Sensor without a Computer .......................................................................... 2
Operating a PulStar Sensor Connected to a Computer ............................................................... 3
Operating Up to 32 Sensors Simultaneously Using a Multi-Drop Configuration ............................ 5
3Product Description ......................................................................................... 6
DC Power Requirements ................................................................................................................... 6
Voltage Output Models and Current Output Models .................................................................. 6
RS-485 Port ............................................................................................................................................ 8
4 Installing MassaSonic Software ....................................................................... 9
5 Status and Setup Screen .................................................................................. 10
Establishing Communication between a PC and a Sensor ........................................................... 10
Status Box of the Status and Setup Screen ...................................................................................... 11
Editing a Sensor’s Parameters ............................................................................................................ 12
Sensor Selection Box of the Status and Setup Screen .................................................................. 13
Mode Selection for Output Voltage (or Current Out) Box of the Status and Setup Screen . 14
Sampling Settings Box of the Status and Setup Screen ................................................................ 16
Miscellaneous Box of the Status and Setup Screen ....................................................................... 17
Messages Box of the Status and Setup Screen ............................................................................... 18
Self-Heating Correction ...................................................................................................................... 18
File Tab (Saving & Recalling Sensor Settings) .................................................................................. 19
Tools Tab (Calibration of the Voltage or Current Output) ........................................................... 20
Tools Tab (Firmware Update) ............................................................................................................. 21
Tools Tab (Ultrasonic Waveforms) .................................................................................................... 21
Setting Tab ............................................................................................................................................. 23
Getting Started Tab .............................................................................................................................. 24
6 Factory Default Programmed Settings ........................................................... 25
7 Specifications....................................................................................................... 25
8 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 26
9 Terminology ........................................................................................................ 26
10 Wire Color Code ................................................................................................ 28
11 Customer Support ............................................................................................. 28
12 Warranty ............................................................................................................... 28
Appendix A – Sensor Start Up Timing ....................................................................... 29
Appendix B – RS-458 Converters .............................................................................. 29

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Installation and Operation Guide MassaSonic® PulStar® Ultrasonic Sensors
1
1 Introduction
The MassaSonic® PulStar® Ultrasonic Sensors combines Massa’s 70 plus years of experience in
electroacoustics with state-of-the-art analog and microprocessor hardware and software design. The
result is the most versatile, easiest to use ultrasonic sensor on the market. The PulStar Family of Sensors,
listed in the following table, consist of sensors that operate at different frequencies which determine
sensing range. For detailed ordering information, see website which includes options of various cable
lengths and PVC or PVDF housing materials.
Family of PulStar™ Ultrasonic Sensors
Model
Nominal
Ultrasonic
Frequency
System
Beam
Angle
Output Type Sensing
Range
PulStar/150 V 150 kHz 8 º 0-10 V 4” to 7’
PulStar/150 PLUS V 150 kHz 8 º 0-10 V 4” to 9’
PulStar/150 I 150 kHz 8 º 0-20 mA 4” to 7’
PulStar/150 PLUS I 150 kHz 8 º 0-20 mA 4” to 9’
PulStar/95 V 95 kHz 8 º 0-10 V 12” to 13’
PulStar/95 PLUS V 95 kHz 8 º 0-10 V 8” to 20’
PulStar/95 I 95 kHz 8 º 0-20 mA 12” to 13’
PulStar/95 PLUS I 95 kHz 8 º 0-20 mA 8” to 20’
In operation, PulStar Sensors generate a high frequency ultrasonic pulse, measures the time it takes for
the reflected echo to return from a target, and then calculates the target distance using the speed of
sound. The value of the speed of sound, which is a function of temperature, is determined by the sensor
using its internal temperature probe. The distance to a target can be obtained from a sensor in a variety
of ways. For example, the sensor output can be a DC voltage (or current), the value of which is
proportional to the target distance, or the sensor can be programmed to produce a switched voltage
output at a user-determined target distance. Information regarding the target can be sent by an RS-485
communication link to a computer and displayed using the MassaSonic Software or from another host
device. See the
PulStar® and FlatPack® Serial Communications Guide for developing a custom host
device.
Key Features of PulStar Sensors include:
• Analog or Setpoint Switched Output
• Plug & Play Setup -
No Targets Needed
• Software Set Span and Zero -
No Pots or Pushbuttons
• Easy to use Setup Software Using Windows®10, 8, 7, and XP Systems
• Built-in Temperature/Sound Speed Compensation
• Up to 32 Sensors on RS-485 Multi-drop Loop
• Ultrasonic Waveforms Allowing Diagnosis of Measurement Issues
• Fault Detection and Reporting

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2Quick Guide on Getting Started
Mounting the PulStar Sensor
The PulStar Sensor Family is designed to be easily mounted by using the 1” NPT threaded shaft that is
part of the housing of each sensor. It can either be screwed into a 1” NPT tapped hole or it can be
mounted onto a flat plate and secured with a supplied locknut. An optional Mounting Bracket can also
be purchased, as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1
Photograph of a Massa PulStar/150 Sensor Attached to an Optional Mounting Bracket
Operating a PulStar Sensor without a Computer
•Provide a 12 to 24 V DC Power Supply and keep it turned off at this time.
•Connect the sensor’s leads as shown in Figure 2. Sensors are programmed for factory default
setting. Applications may need setting adjustments which will require connection to the
RS-485 port (green and brown wires) and the MassaSonic Software (see Figure 3). Once
configured, the RS-485 wires can be removed.
•Turn the Power Supply ON.
•The DC voltage (or current) on the white lead will be proportional to the distance to the target
(sensor configured zero and span settings).
Figure 2
Wiring Diagram for a PulStar Sensor Used Without a Computer

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2Quick Guide on Getting Started (continued)
Operating a PulStar Sensor Connected to a Computer
•Download the MassaSonic Software from Massa’s website and install it into your laptop. See
Section 4 in this guide for details.
•Provide a 12 to 24 V DC Power Supply and keep it turned off at this time.
•Connect the sensor’s power leads as shown in Figure 3.If wiring the sensor’s Vout or Iout
lead, connect it as well.
•Obtain a USB/RS-485 converter (see Massa’s website for purchase) and follow instructions to
properly configure it to a laptop. Only plug it into your laptop’s USB port when indicated.
•Wire the sensor’s RS-485 green and brown wires as shown in Figure 3.
•Turn the Power Supply ON.
•Execute the
MassaSonic Software program. See instructions in Section 5 to find the USB port
if not found.
•The main page will appear as shown in Figures 4 (standard) & Figure 5 (Plus) when the sensor
is found. If the sensor was not found, you may have to select another communications port.
Use the drop-down menu ‘Settings’ then ‘Communications Port’ to select another port. Use
the ‘Tools’ drop-down menu and then ‘Search for Sensors’ to establish communications on
the new port.
•Point the sensor towards a target, such as a wall, to obtain a distance measurement.
•To change any of the sensor’s settings, move the mouse pointer and click on the field to be
modified. After all changes have been made, click on the ‘Program’ button. There is no limit
to the number of times the sensor can be reprogrammed. The sensor’s settings are non-
volatile and the programmed values will be retained even if power is lost.
•The PulStar Sensor can be adjusted for optimum performance in each application by adjusting
its settings. (See Section 5 for detailed information regarding utilization of these adjustment
features.)
NOTE: A termination resistor on the RS-485 network is not required.
Figure 3
Wiring Diagram for a PulStar Sensor Used with a Computer

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2 Quick Guide on Getting Started (continued) `
Figure 4
Example of the Status and
Setup Screen for a Standard
PulStar Sensor
Figure 5
Example of the Status and Setup Screen for a PulStar PLUS Sensor

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2 Quick Guide on Getting Started (continued)
Operating Up to 32 PulStar Sensors Simultaneously in a Multi-Drop Configuration
Sensors that will be wired together on the same RS-485 bus will first require that each sensor be
programmed with its own unique ID Tag. This must be done one at a time before all sensors can be
wired together. Follow the steps below:
•Connect the each PulStar Sensor one at a time to a computer using the steps shown in the
previous section entitled “Operating a PulStar Sensor Connected to a Computer”. Use the
Change ID Tag button to program a unique ID Tag from 1 to 32 into each sensor.
•Once all sensors have been programmed, wire all sensors to the power and RS-485 bus as
shown in Figure 6.
•Restart the MassaSonic Software program to find all the sensors. Each sensor can be viewed
one at a time by selecting it the
ID Tag drop down list. Status will be displayed along with its
settings that may be reprogrammed. Diagnostic waveforms can be obtained using the drop
down menu.
Figure 6
Wiring Diagram for PulStar Sensors Using a Multi-Drop Configuration

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3Product Description
This section contains a general overview of the PulStar™ Family of Ultrasonic Sensors. For detailed
information on any specific sensor model, please refer to the datasheet located on the Massa website
(www.massa.com).
DC Power Requirements
PulStar Sensors are powered from 12 to 24 V DC sources, either batteries or power supplies, that are
capable of supplying currents of approximately 30 mA (Vout models) and up to 50 mA (Iout models).
The red and black wires of a sensor must be connected to the DC power, as shown above in Figures 2,
3, and 6.
Voltage Output Models and Current Output Models
The sensor’s white lead produces 0-10 V DC (Vout) for the voltage output models, and 4 to 20 mA (or 0
to 20 mA) DC (Iout) for the current output models. The value of the voltage or current output relates
to the measured distance to the target. Each type of sensor has two modes of operation. In the
Proportional Voltage or Current Output Modes, Vout or Iout are directly proportional to the Target
Distance. In the Switched Setpoint Voltage or Current Output Modes, Vout or Iout switches between
0 and 10 V or 0 and 20 mA based on the Target Distance falling within specific distance zones that are
programmed into the sensor as Setpoints. More detailed information regarding the use of these
operational modes is contained in Section 5.
Proportional Voltage Output Mode or Current Output Mode (‘Linear Mode’)
Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of the Proportional Voltage Output Mode or Current Output when
sensor is operating in the Linear Mode. A Zero distance and a Span distance that are anywhere within
the Minimum Sensing Range and Maximum Sensing Range of the sensor can be programmed into the
sensor. The values of Vout will then be proportional to the Target Distance in the zone between the
distances set for Zero and Span. If a target is any closer than the Zero distance, Vout (or Iout) will be
the voltage value that was programmed into sensor for the Zero distance. If the target is further away
than the Span distance, Vout (Iout) will be the voltage value (or current) that was programmed into the
sensor for the Span distance. If target is not detected, than Vout (or Iout) will be a third voltage setting
named “Loss of Echo Voltage” (or Current).
Figure 7
Schematic Illustration of the Proportional Voltage Output Mode of Vout or Iout

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3Product Description (continued)
In the ‘Linear Mode’, the user can set the values for the following programming options using the Status
and Setup Screen shown in Figure 4.
1) Set any Output Voltage value from 0 V DC to 10.25 V DC (or current from 0mA to 20.5 mA) for the
Zero Distance.
2) Set any Output Voltage value from 0 V DC to 10.25 V DC (or current from 0mA to 20.5 mA) for the
Span Distance.
3) Set any Output Voltage value from 0 V DC to 10.25 V DC (or current from 0mA to 20.5 mA) for the
No Echo Time Out to indicate that the target is “lost”, which occurs after the preset number of
samples that were programmed into the ‘No Echo Time Out’ in the ‘Sampling Settings’.
With this flexibility, positive or negative slopes can be established, along with any start and end voltage
value (or current). Targets within the detection zone, established by the Zero and Span distances, will
produce an output voltage (or current) that is proportional to the Target Distance between the Zero
Output Voltage and the Span Output Voltage.Targets detected beyond the endpoints of the selected
distance zone will produce output voltage (or current) equal to the nearer endpoint.Targets detected
closer than the minimum specified Sensing Range will produce a voltage (or current) equal to the
Outpoint Voltage programmed for the Zero distance. Targets detected at distances greater than the
programmed Span distance will produce a voltage (or current) equal to the Output Voltage (or current)
programmed for the Span distance. If no target is detected, a voltage (or current) will be the Output
Voltage (or current) programmed for ‘No Echo Time Out’.
Switched Setpoint Output Mode (‘Switch Mode’)
Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of the Switched Setpoint Output Mode (‘Switch Mode’) for the
sensor’s Voltage Output (or current). In this Switch Mode, a Close Setpoint Distance and a Far Setpoint
Distance, that are anywhere within the Minimum and Maximum Sensing Range, can be programmed
into a sensor. These two setpoint distances will then establish three distance zones, which are the CIose
Zone for Target Distances less than the Close Setpoint Distance, the Mid Zone for target distances
between the Close Setpoint Distance and the Far Setpoint Distance, and the Far Zone for Target
Distances greater than the Far Setpoint Distance. Voltage value of 0 V or 10 V (or 0 mA or 20 mA) can
be selected to be outputted when the target is located in each of the three zones.
Figure 8
Schematic Illustration of the Switched Setpoint Output Mode

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3Product Description (continued)
In the SWITCH MODE SETTINGS section, program values to set up distance zones and output values
sensor will produce when target is in any specific zone. Follow these steps.
1) Enter a value for a Close Setpoint Distance.
2) Enter a value for a Far Setpoint Distance.
3) Select a value of voltage output 0 V or 10.25 V (or current output 0 mA or 2 0mA) when the target is
in the Close Zone (<Close Setpoint Distance).
4) Select a value of voltage output 0 V or 10.25 V (or current output 0 mA or 20 mA) when the target is
in the Mid Zone (>Close Setpoint Distance and <Far Setpoint Distance).
5) Select a value of voltage output 0 V or 10.25 V (or current output 0 mA or 20 mA) when the target is
in the Far Zone (>Far Setpoint Distance).
6) Select a value of voltage output 0V or 10.25 V (or current output 0 mA or 20 mA) if no target is
detected after set timeout (see setting “No Echo Timeout”).
7) The Mid Zone also has a ‘No Change’ programmable option where the value of Vout (or Iout) will
not charge when a target enters this zone from another zone.
8) Hysteresis around the setpoints can be programmed from 0% to 75%.
9) Output for target detected closer than the minimum specified Sensing Range will be the same as
the Close Zone.
RS-485 Port
Communicating with PulStar Ultrasonic Sensorsis done through the RS-485 serial communications
port. The advantages of an RS-485 based system include the ability to have long cable lengths and up
to 32 sensors on one pair of wires (multi-drop). This method allows for access to all sensors from any
convenient location. When communicating with a PC, a communications converter will be required to
convert the signals from the PC’s USB or RS-232 port to the sensor’s RS-485 port. Wire the PulStar
Sensor to the RS-485 Communication Converter as shown in Figure 3.
To learn more about the specific operational details of this communication port, see the
PulStar Sensors
Serial Communications Guide
located on the Massa website (www.massa.com).
Multi-drop Operation
If planning to connect more than one PulStar Sensor on the same communications bus, each must be
programmed with its own unique ‘ID Tag’ from 1 to 32. To do this, power and program each sensor
with its own unique ID Tag before wiring them together. The available ‘ID Tag’ numbers are 1 to 32.
The software will now allow the monitoring and editing of any sensor on-line. To monitor any sensor,
simply go to the ‘ID Tag’ field in the ‘Sensor Selection’ box and select a sensor by using the ‘ID Tag’
drop down menu and highlighting the numbering of the sensor that is to be monitored (Figure 16).

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4Installing MassaSonic™ Software _
The minimum requirements to run MassaSonic Ultrasonic Sensor Software program is a PC operating
under Windows®10, 8, 7, or XP operating systems. This software can be downloaded from the Massa’s
website (www.massa.com).
Start by running ‘setup.exe’, and the screen shown in Figure 9 will be displayed.
Figure 9
First Screen that is Displayed to Load MassaSonic Ultrasonic Sensor Software
Click on ‘OK’ and the screen shown in Figure 10 will be displayed.Continue with the installation by
clicking the ‘Install MassaSonic Software’ button and proceed with the rest of the installation.
Figure 10
Screen that Is Displayed After the ‘OK’ Button in Figure 9 is Clicked
Once the software has been installed, connect the sensor to the computer, as shown in Figure 4 or 5.

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5 Status and Setup Screen
Establishing Communication between a PC and the PulStar Sensor
Once the MassaSonic Software
has been installed and program
executed, the PC’s comm port
assigned for the USB to RS-485
Converter must be determined.
Use the drop down menu item
Getting Started and follow
instructions on this page. The
USB/RS-485 Converter must be
first unplugged from your PC’s
USB port followed by plugging
it back in when requested to
determine port assignment.
See Figures 11 and 12 below.
Figure 11
Getting Started Instructions to
Find the Assigned Comm Port
Figure 12
Main page of Plus Sensor version after the Getting Started Page is closed,
this Includes the Sensor Status and Register Setting

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5Status and Setup Screen (continued)
Status Box of the Status and Setup Screen
The ‘Status’ box displays the various parameters for the particular PulStar Sensor whose ‘ID Tag’ is
displayed in the ‘Sensor Selection’ box of the Status and Setup Screen. This field is updated
approximately every ¼ of a second. An example is shown in Figure 13.
Figure 13
Example of the Status Box of the Status and Setup Screen
‘Average Distance’: Measured average Target Distance to target. Number of samples in the average
and the average type is programmable by using the ‘Sampling Settings’ box.
‘Target Detected’: Indicates that a target is detected. If the sensor is in the ‘Switch Mode’ and if the
target is beyond the programmed ‘Maximum Sensing Range’ for ‘Switch Mode’, the ‘Target Detected’
indication will be ‘NO’.
‘Linear Output’ or ‘Switch Output’: Indicates the value of Vout, which is proportional to the Target
Distance if the sensor’s voltage output (or current) is programmed in the ‘Linear Mode. If the sensor’s
voltage output (or current) is programmed for ‘Switch Mode’ operation, it will indicate either 0 V or 10 V
(0 mA or 20 mA for Iout model sensors).
‘Target Strength’: Measure of the relative strength of the received ultrasonic echo signal and can be
used to align either the target or the sensor to produce the optimum echo.
‘Temperature’: Temperature reading of the internal probe in the sensor when ‘Automatic’ is selected
in the ‘Temperature Compensation’ box. If ‘Preset’ is selected in the ‘Temperature Compensation’ box,
then the preset temperature that was entered will be displayed.
‘Serial Number’: The serial number of the sensor assigned at the factory.
The last line in the ‘Status’ box is the sensor description including its firmware version number.

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5Status and Setup Screen (continued)
Editing the PulStar Sensor Parameters
The Status and Setup Screen provides status information and all the operating parameters for the sensor
as shown in Figure 12. Editing is performed using standard Windows®text editing or by drop down
menus. When a field is changed, the ‘Editing’ box shown in Figure 14 will replace the ‘Status’ box in the
Status and Setup Screen.
Figure 14
‘Editing’ Box
Make the desired changes to the various sensor settings and then click the ‘Program Sensor’ button. It
is possible to recall previously saved settings by using the drop down menu item ‘File’ then ‘Recall
Settings…’. If it is preferred to defer to the sensors default settings, use the drop down menu item
‘Settings’ followed by ‘Display Default Settings’ and then click ‘Program Sensor’ to apply the defaults to
the sensor.
If an invalid setting is entered and tried to be programmed, the MassaSonic Software will highlight the
invalid value in red and will display a red error message in the ‘Messages’ box, as illustrated in Figure 15.
Enter a valid setting and program the sensor.
Figure 15
MassaSonic Software Status and Setup Screen When an Invalid Parameter Has Been Entered

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5Status and Setup Screen (continued)
Sensor Selection Box of the Status and Setup Screen
‘ID TAG’’
The ID Tag is a programmable sensor address that allows multiple sensors to be connected to the same
pair of wires of a communications bus. Figure 16 shows the ‘Sensor Selection’ box of the Status and
Setup Screen. The sensor being monitored is identified by the number displayed in the ‘ID Tag’. There
are two methods of programming multiple sensors placed on the same network. The first method is to
program each sensor by itself on the bus with its own unique ‘ID Tag’. Once this has been completed,
place all the sensors on the bus in parallel. To change the ‘ID Tag’ of a sensor, click the ‘Change ID Tag’
button and the ‘Change ID Tag’ box shown in Figure 17 will appear. Select a new ‘ID Tag’ from the drop
down menu and then click the ‘OK’ button.
Figure 16
Sensor Selection Box of the Status and Setup Screen
Figure 17
Change ID Tag Box
The second method of placing multiple sensors on the same network is to place only the 1st sensor on
the network and assign 2 or greater for its ‘ID Tag’. Disconnect power and connect another sensor on
the network. Reconnect power to the sensors and restart the MassaSonic Software Program or re-
establish communications. The new sensor will have 1 for its ‘ID Tag 1’. Using the ‘Change ID Tag’
button, select the next available ‘ID Tag’ from the drop down list. Repeat this procedure until all the
sensors are placed on the network. This method should only be used with new sensors that have been
assigned 1 for their ‘ID Tag‘ at the factory.
User Description
Each sensor can be identified with up to 32 ACSII characters of descriptive information, such as “Process
Tank #3”, that can be entered into the ‘User Description’ box. Once editing of the User Description
box has begun, then the ‘Editing’ box shown in Figure 14 will replace the “Status” box. To save the
information, click the ‘Program Sensor’ button in the ‘Editing’ box.

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5 Status and Setup Screen (continued)
Mode Selection for Output Voltage Box of the Status and Setup Screen
The ‘MODE SELECTION for OUTPUT VOLTAGE’ box of the Status and Setup Screen allows
programming the sensor to operate in either the ’Linear Mode’ or the ‘Switch Mode’. For current output
models, the display will indicate ’MODE SELECTION for OUTPUT CURRENT’.
‘Linear Mode Settings’ Box of the Status and Setup Screen
When a sensor is programmed to operate in the Proportional Voltage Output Mode (‘Linear Mode’),
Vout is an analog voltage that is proportional to the Target Distance. To enable this mode of operation,
click on the ‘Linear Mode’ button in the ‘Mode Selection for Output Voltage’ box of the Status and
Setup Screen, as shown in Figure 18. ‘Switch Mode Settings’ parameters are disabled when the sensor
is in the Linear Output Mode.For current output model sensors, the output represents Proportional
Current Output Mode.
Figure 18
Sensor Mode Selection for Output Voltage Box of the Status and Setup Screen
Programming options in the ‘Linear Mode’ allow any voltage to be entered into the ‘Output’ box from
0 to 10.25 V DC for the 1st programmed distance (Zero), and any voltage from 0 V DC to 10.25 V DC for
the 2nd programmed distance (Span). With this flexibility, positive or negative slopes can be realized
along with any start and end voltage (see Figure 7 for an explanation of Zero and Span Distance.)
In the example shown in Figure 18, the ‘Output’ is programmed for 1.00 V DC for a ‘Zero Distance’ of
10.00 inches. The Span is programmed for an ‘Output’ of 10.00 V DC at a ‘Distance of’ 30.00 inches.
Targets detected between the Zero and Span distances will produce a linear value of Vout between the
programmed Zero and Span Voltage values. Targets detected closer than the Zero distance will
produce a value for Vout equal to the Zero distance voltage (1.00 V DC in this example).
Targets detected greater than the Span distance will produce a value for Vout equal to the Span distance
voltage (10.00 V DC in this example). If targets are not detected, Vout will be equal to the
‘ “No Echo” Time Out ’ voltage (10.25 V DC in this example).
For model Current Output model sensors, the linear mode selection is 0 to 20.5 mA.

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5 Status and Setup Screen (continued)
‘Switch Mode Settings’ Box of the Status and Setup Screen
The Switched Setpoint Output Mode (‘Switch Mode’) allows the state of Vout to switch between
0 and 10.25 V DC based on the relationship of the measured Target Distance to the ‘Close Setpoint
Distance’ and the ‘Far Setpoint Distance’. Figure 8 shows how three zones are created; the Close Zone
where the Target Distance is < the ‘Close Setpoint Distance’, the Mid Zone where the Target Distance
is between the ‘Close and the Far Setpoint Distances’, and the Far Zone where the Target Distance is
greater than the ‘Far Setpoint Distance’.
To enable this mode, click on the ‘Switch Mode’ radio button in the ‘Mode Selection for Output Voltage’
box of the Status and Setup Screen, as shown in Figure 19. Enter values for the ‘Close Setpoint Distance’
and the ‘Far Setpoint Distance’ within the allowable distances specified in the datasheet for sensor
model. Use the drop down menu to set the values of Vout for when the Target Distance is within each
of the three zones. These values can be 0 V DC or 10 V DC. (In the 10 V DC settings, the actual value of
Vout is 10.25 V DC). A value for Vout of 0 V DC or 10 V DC can also be set for a ‘No Echo’ condition.
Figure 19
Switch Mode Setting Box
A ‘No Change’ condition can also be chosen for the voltage setting for the Mid Zone. In this state, Vout
would not change as a target transitioned into the Mid Zone. For example, if the ‘<Close Setpoint’
voltage was set at 0 V and the ‘>Far Setpoint’ voltage was set at 10 V, Vout would stay at 0 V when the
target moved from the Close Zone into the Mid Zone, and would change to 10 V when it moved into
the Far Zone. If the target started moving closer, Vout would stay at 10 V as it moved from the Far Zone
into the Mid Zone, and would change to 0 V as it moved into the Close Zone.
A percentage between 0 and 75% can also be entered in the ‘Hysteresis’ section of the ‘Switch Mode
Settings’ box. This creates a guard zone around each Setpoint Distance to keep Vout from switching
back and forth between two states when the Target Distance equals the Setpoint distance. This is
explained in more detail in the terminology section.
A Maximum Sensing Range for ‘Switch Mode’ can also be entered into the ‘Switch Mode Settings’ box.
If the Target Distance is greater than the maximum range entered, the sensor will consider it to be a ‘No
Echo’ condition and Vout will be the programmed ‘No Echo’ voltage.
For Current Output model sensors, the Switch Mode will be displayed in current of 0mA and 20.5 mA.

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5Status and Setup Screen (continued)
Sampling Settings Box of the Status and Setup Screen
The ‘Sampling Setting’ box shown, in Figure 20, allows adjustment of the sensor’s filter parameters to
optimize operation.
Figure 20
Sampling Settings Box of the Status and Setup Screen
‘Trigger Mode’: Use the pull down menu to select the ‘Trigger Mode’. Options are ‘Internal’ (self
trigger) or ‘Manual’. If ‘Internal’ is selected, the sensor will measure the Target Distance as many times
per second as is entered for the ‘Sample Rate’. If ‘Manual’ is selected, the sensor will wait for serial
communications to send a software trigger signal before the sensor transmits an acoustic pulse. The
screen will display a ‘Manual Trigger’ button that causes the sensor to transmit an acoustic pulse each
time it is clicked.
‘Average Type’: The Target Distance displayed, and the value of Vout, are determined by averaging a
number of measured Target Distances. The pull down menu allows the selection of either ‘Rolling’ or
‘Boxcar’ for the type of averaging to be used by the sensor. If ‘Rolling’ is selected, the sensor stores the
number of sequential Target Distance measurement entered for ‘Average’, and then computes the
average. Each new sample then replaces the oldest sample in memory, and the average is recomputed
and displayed. If ‘Boxcar’ is selected, the number of measurements entered for ‘average’ are stored
with the average computed and displayed. These samples are then discarded and the process starts
over again.
‘Average’: This drop down menu selects the number of samples to be used to obtain the average Target
Distance. If ‘Rolling’ is selected for the ‘Average Type’, ‘Average’ is limited to 32 samples. For ‘Boxcar’,
the maximum number of samples is 1024.
‘Sample Rate’: When ‘Internal’ is selected for the ‘Trigger Mode’, the number of times per second the
sensor will measure the Target Distance can be entered for the ‘Sample Rate’. This rate can be between
0.1 samples/sec. up to the sensor’s maximum specified sampling rate. (This is model dependent. Refer
to the datasheet located on the Massa website at www.massa.com for the particular sensor being used.)
In general, the faster the target is moving, the higher the sample rate required.
‘No Echo Time Out’: The number entered is the number of consecutive samples for which an echo is
not detected that must occur before the sensor enters the ‘No Echo’ state. The displayed ‘Target
Distance’ and Vout will hold these last values until the ‘Time Out’ occurs.
‘Sensitivity’: This parameter, which is set by a drop down menu, allows the sensor’s target detection
ability to be adjusted. Most applications should be set to ‘Normal’. Applications with poor reflecting
targets may require a ‘High’ setting. If unwanted reflections are detected by the sensor a ‘Low’ setting
may be required.

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17
( ) 13,044 1 273
T
cT = +
5Status and Setup Screen (continued)
Miscellaneous Box of the Status and Setup Screen
The ‘Miscellaneous’ box, shown in Figures 21 and 22, is used to select different methods of
‘Temperature Compensation’ to be used by the sensor to calculate the speed of sound in order to
obtain an accurate Target Distance measurement. This box is also used to display error messages.
The radio buttons under ‘Temperature Compensation’ can be used to select either ‘Automatic’ or
‘Preset’. If ‘Automatic’ is selected, the sensor uses its internal temperature probe to calculate the speed
of sound. This calculation assumes that the Target Distance measurement is being conducted in air.
The factory default setting is ‘Automatic’, and it is recommended that this setting is used for most
applications. If a specific speed of sound is desired to be used for the Target Distance measurement,
‘Preset’ can be selected, which overrides the internal temperature probe.The desired speed of sound
to be used by the sensor is set by entering the temperature that produce this sound speed based on
the following:
Where:
c(T) is the Speed of Sound in Inches per Second
T is the Temperature in ºC
Certain error conditions will be displayed in the lower portion of the ‘Miscellaneous’ box as shown in
Figure 22. They include invalid operating parameters that may have been programmed outside the
acceptable range of the MassaSonic™ Setup Software, internal temperature sensor faults, low supply
voltage, and the echo detector fault.
The ‘Invalid Operating Parameter’ error is considered a fatal error since it could affect the operational
settings of the sensor. After entering new settings, the values should be validated by clicking ‘Reset
Error(s)’. The sensor will not operate (transmit ultrasonic pulses) while in this error mode.
The ‘Low Supply Voltage Occurred’ error is non-fatal and simply indicates that the sensor went into
reset at some point due to a low power supply or glitch. The sensor will continue to transmit ultrasonic
pulses.
The ’Temperature Sensor’ and ‘Echo Detector’ error messages cannot be cleared. If these errors occur,
the sensor will attempt to fix the problem and will self-clear once they have been corrected. If the
errors do not clear after a period of time, the sensor may have a serious fault. While in these error
modes, the sensor will not transmit ultrasonic pulses and the output voltage will default to the
programmed ‘No Echo’ voltage.
Figure 21 Figure 22
Miscellaneous Box of the Miscellaneous Box
Status and Setup Screen Showing Error Message

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18
5Status and Setup Screen (continued)
Messages Box of the Status and Setup Screen
Messages will be displayed in this box, such as “Searching for Sensors on Port 1…” as shown in
Figure 23, errors, such as user inputs that are out of parameter limits, are also displayed, as shown in
Figure 15.
Figure 23
Example of Messages in the Messages Box of the Status Setup Screen
Self Heating Correction
When in operation, the temperature of the PulStar Sensor becomes slightly higher than the ambient
temperature of the air. The sensor firmware corrects the reading of the temperature probe to obtain
the actual temperature of the air outside of the sensor. The adjustment if found in the MISCELLANEOUS
box. It is recommended that if sensor is continuously powered, then check the Self Heating Correction
box. If the sensor is briefly being turned on then off for long periods, then uncheck the Self Heating
Correction box as sensor self-heating does not occur. See Figure 24.
Figure 24
Example Showing ‘Self Heating Correction’ in the ‘MISCELLANEOUS’ box