MTS Systems Level Plus STI User manual

lSensors Division
Level Plus®
Tank Gauging Systems
Side Tank Indicator (STI)
Installation & Operation Manual
0796 550436 Revision A

GENERAL INFORMATION
MTS PHONE NUMBERS
To place orders: 800-457-6620
Application questions: 800-457-6620
Service: 800-457-6620
Fax: [phone]
SHIPPING ADDRESS
MTS Systems Corporation
Sensors Division
3001 Sheldon Drive
Cary, North Carolina 27513
HOURS
Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST/EDT

Section TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Specifications 3
2.0 INSTALLATION 4
2.1 Mounting The Enclosure 5
2.2 Cable Requirements 7
2.3 Recommended Cable Types 17
2.4 How To Select Cables 21
2.5 Field Wiring Installation 30
2.6 Power Supply Requirements 34
2.7 Switch Settings 35
2.7.1 Default Setting 35
2.7.2 DIP Switch #1 36
2.7.3 DIP Switch #2 (Stand-Alone Mode — Commands/# of Gauges) 38
2.7.4 DIP Switch #2 (Network Mode — Address) 40
2.7.5 Push Button Switch #3 41
2.8 Initial Power Up 41
2.9 Display Contrast Adjustment 43
3.0 OPERATION 44
3.1 Stand-alone Mode 44
3.2 Network Mode 47
3.3 General Network Mode Protocol Information 49
3.4 Network Mode Timing Considerations 55
3.5 Command Protocol 60
3.6 LCD Display and Optional Back Light 82
3.7 Programming The STI 83
3.7.1 Programming Control Code and Mode Switch 84
3.7.2 Programming Alarm Set Points 86
3.7.3 Programming Custom Command Table 86
3.8 Error Codes 87
4.0 TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE 89
4.1 Cable Isolation and Connectivity Tests 91
4.2 Current Tests 91
4.3 Using Built-in Diagnostics 93
4.4 Replacing Printed Circuit Boards 95
4.5 Upgrading Firmware 96
APPENDIX A - References 97

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Side Tank Indicator (STI) is part of the MTS Level Plus®product
line. It it offers a liquid crystal display (LCD) to indicate tank condi-
tions, an EIA-485 serial interface and a NEMA 4 type enclosure. The
LCD consists of sixteen seven-segment characters and thirty-one special
icons that indicate various tank conditions. The STI is compatible with
other MTS Level Plus digital EIA-485 devices including:
• Direct Digital Access (DDA) tank gauges
• Level Plus Tank Gauge Monitor
• Level Plus System80 (LPS80)
• HT-100 Hand Held Terminal
The STI has two modes of operation.
1. Network Mode: In this mode, the STI represents one slave device on
the multi-drop network controlled by a host device such as the Level
Plus Tank Gauge Monitor or LPS80.
2. Stand-Alone Mode: In this mode the STI assumes the role of host and
it is in control of the network. A single STI module can interrogate up
to eight DDA tank gauges and display level and temperature data
received from them.
The STI electronics include three printed circuit boards: the base board,
the microprocessor board, and the display board. The standard STI
housing is a NEMA 7 type enclosure. The cover has heat-treated glass,
wrenching lugs and a neoprene gasket seal. The base board mounts to
the bottom of the enclosure with four screws. The microprocessor and
display PCBs form an “electronics module” (hereafter referred to as the
module), which plugs into the base board mounted at the bottom of
the enclosure. No screws or spacers are required to attach the module
to the base board. The module is contained in a plastic shroud, and
can be easily be removed so that field wiring can be installed. Field
wiring is made to the P1 and P2 terminal blocks which are located on
the base board, under the module.
The STI display and the DDA gauge when combined with a Level Plus
Monitor (or with a PC that is running LPS80™ software) can be config-
ured for various applications. This manual covers only the STI display.
When necessary, you may need to consult manuals for the other
devices when designing your tank gauging system.
1

Other manuals:
• Level PlusTank GaugeMonitor Installationand OperationManual (P/N550421)
• DDA Tank Gauge Installation and Operation Manual (P/N 550164)
• Hand-Held Terminal (HT100) Operation Manual (P/N 550424)
• LPS80 Installation and Operation Manual (P/N 550429)
2

1.1 Specifications
Environmental:
Operating Temperature: Electronics: -40 to 176°F (-40 to 80°C)
LCD: 14 to 158°F (-10 to 70°C)
Storage Temperature -40 to 185°F
(-40 to 85°C)
Humidity: 0% to 100% R.H.*
Vibration: TBD
Shock: TBD
Mechanical:
Enclosure: NEMA 4 (outdoor)*
Mounting: Supported by rigid conduit or by cus-
tomer provided bracket
Entry Points: (2) - 3/4” NPT
Electrical:
Input Voltage: 24 to 26 Vdc
Sleep Mode Current: 1.5 mA maximum
Operating Current: 15 mA maximum
Back Light Current: 50 mA maximum (optional)
Display: Custom Liquid Crystal Display
Display Precision: ±0.01” (decimal mode)
±1/16” (fractional mode)
Display Contrast: User adjustable
Serial Interface: EIA-485
8 - Bit ASCII MTS Protocol
Communications:
Baud Rate: 4800
Parity: Even
Data Bits: 8
Stop Bits: 1
Safety Approvals (pending):
• Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FMRC) intrinsic safety approval
for Class I, II, III, Division 1, Groups C, D, E, F, and G hazardous areas.
• FMRC dust ignition-proof for Class II and III, Division 1, Groups E, F,
and G hazardous areas.
• FMRC approval for outdoor NEMA 4 locations*.
* With proper installation and conduit seals
3

2.0 INSTALLATION
STI installation has three phases: (1) mounting the enclosure,
(2) wiring, (3) and setup. Each phase of installation will be discussed in
detail. Guidelines will be presented for each phase. Before proceeding
with the installation, identify the mode that you want the STI to operate
in (i.e., Stand-alone or Network). If the STI is going to be operated in a
hazardous environment, the system must be installed according to MTS
drawing #650591. Special precautions are necessary when installing and
operating the STI in an intrinsically safe environment. Throughout this
manual, the appropriate instructions are dependent upon the mode of
operation selected. Special instructions or recommendations are given
when intrinsic safety is required. Pay special attention to the setup
phase. In the setup phase, the user must set switch configurations
defined by the mode of operation selected.
Figure 2.1 STI Enclosure Dimensions
lLEVEL PLUS
SIDE TANK INDICATOR
l
Prod. Type
Model No.
Serial No.
Mfg. Date
Side Tank Indicator
5.00 in.
(127 mm)
2.25 in.
(57.15 mm)
5.00 in.
(127 mm)
4.25 in dia.
(107.95 mm)
3.75 in.
(95.25 mm)
1.00 in. (25.4 mm)
3/4 NPT
(2 places)
CAUTION:
Always verify that the power is OFF
before installing or removing the
Microprocessor / Display “module”. Use
caution when handling this assembly.
Use static sensitive device handling pro-
cedures. Do not allow contaminants to
enter the assembly when it is removed
from the housing. Place the module in a
safe, clean environment until installed.
4

2.1 Mounting The Enclosure
Mount the STI on a flat, vertical surface. Choose a surface that
is free from obstructions that would make viewing the display
or removing the cover difficult. Also, take into account the
location of the sun or other light sources and how it might
affect the ability to view the LCD display clearly (without
glare). The STI enclosure should have plenty of clearance for
protective conduits. The STI base board can be removed and
rotated 90 degrees to allow the enclosure to be mounted in a
vertical or horizontal position. Conduits should also be sealed
and routed in a fashion to keep liquids from entering the
enclosure. See figure 2.2.
Figure 2.2 Mounting Orientation
lLEVEL PLUS
SIDE TANK INDICATOR
Seal unused entry
Cable Gland or
Chico Seal Here
Vertical mounting orientation
(thisviewshownwith electronicmodule removed)
One of four screws.
Remove all four screws
to rotate baseboard
Cable Gland or
Chico Seal Here
Horizontal mounting orientation
5

Before mounting, consult the National Electrical Code (NEC)
and local electrical codes as necessary in reference to mount-
ing NEMA 4 style enclosures. The enclosure is supported by
protective conduit on one or two sides (3/4” NPT fittings). If
the conduit is going to be connected on one side only, the
other entry point on the opposite side must have a protective
seal installed. Support the conduit as close as possible to the
enclosure. If conduits are going to connect to both sides of the
enclosure, then both conduits should be supported close to the
STI unit.
Remove the cover from the enclosure by rotating it counter
clockwise. Remove the electronics module from the enclosure
by putting your thumb and index finger on the outer groove of
the plastic shroud and pulling the module toward you. It is not
necessary to remove any of the screws from the front bezel to
remove the electronics module. Place the module in a safe
place where it will be protected from dirt and other contami-
nants. It is recommended that the module be placed into the
box that the STI was received in until it is needed. The base
board should remain mounted in the enclosure. See MTS draw-
ing 650597 in section 2.5 for wiring termination information.
Be careful when working with the enclosure to avoid damage
to the base board inside the enclosure. After the enclosure has
been mounted and the wiring completed, be sure to remove all
metal shavings and/or wire strands that may cause damage to
the STI electronics (use of a vacuum is recommended).
Reinstall the electronics module, then replace the enclosure
cover and tighten for proper seal.
CAUTION:
Chico seals or cable glands are recom-
mended to keep moisture that may be
present in the wiring conduits from
entering the STI enclosure.
6