PMI 2SX Series User manual

2SX-Series Scanner User’s Manual
Power Monitors, Inc.
January 2002
1 Introduction
We founded Power Monitors Incorporated (PMI) to provide state-of-the-art,
easy-to-use, and affordable electronic test equipment to the power industry.
Our products have been developed by working directly with electric utilities to
determine their specific needs. The 2SX-Series Voltage Scanners have also been
developed by following these same principles. The 2SX-Series Scanner combines
the powerful, high technology voltage analysis capabilities of our larger Voltage
Scanners with precisely targeted end use specifically by plugging directly in to the
meterbase at a service entrance.
The 2SX-Series Voltage Scanner was developed for diagnosing electric
power problems at the revenue meter. The unit plugs into any standard 2S meter
socket, to detect outages, sags, swells, and flicker. Detectable voltage range is 0 to
290 volts, allowing the measurement and recording of severe voltage variations on
120VAC single-phase lines. Inside its lightweight, rugged enclosure, state-of-the-art
electronics measure and record true RMS line to neutral voltage and load currents.
Each unit has been individually calibrated to ensure high accuracy and
stability. With its voltage and current measurement and digital processing
circuitry based on the established Voltage Scanner line, the 2SX-Series Scanner
provides a voltage measurement, processing, and reporting system with a proven
performance history.
In summary, the 2SX-Series Scanner Voltage was created with your needs
in mind. It is perfect for analyzing voltage disturbances at the consumer level. After
looking through this manual and using the 2SX-Series Scanner Voltage, please
contact us if you have any questions about its operation, ideas for new features, or
ideas for additional products. We want you to be happy with this product, and
would appreciate any input that could help us develop products to meet your future
needs.

2 SAFETY ISSUES
2Safety Issues
Please read before installing the 2SX-Series Scanner.
The 2SX-Series Scanner Voltage contains dangerous voltage levels during
operation. Do not disassemble the Scanner. THERE ARE NO USER
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
Do not install or operate near open bodies of water.
The 2SX-Series Scanner is intended for use with a standard 2S meterbase, with an
appropriate revenue meter plugged into it.
Wear protective gloves and safety glasses at all times during installation and
operation of the Voltage Scanner.
If possible, disconnect power during installation.
If the green ground clip is damaged or detached, call PMI for a replacement.
Do not install the 2SX-Series Scanner if the ground clip cannot be attached to earth
ground.
When removing an installed Scanner, always completely remove the revenue meter
before attempting to remove the Scanner from the meter socket.
The RJ-11 serial port is optically isolated from the 120VAC line. However, to
insure user safety and prevent damage to the unit, only the supplied 2SX-Series
Scanner serial cable should be plugged into this jack. The other end of the serial
cable should only be plugged into an RS-232 serial port.
The 2SX-Series Scanner contains a lithium battery. This battery is not user
replaceable. If the battery ride-through option is present, the Scanner also
contains a nickel metal-hydride battery. This battery is not user replaceable.
Follow all applicable regulations concerning disposal of batteries if the 2SX-Series
Scanner is discarded, or return the unit to the factory for disposal.
Although the 2SX-Series Scanner Voltage has been designed and built to be as safe
as possible, great care should be exercised at all times during operation and
installation. The National Electric Code should be followed at all times.

3Getting Started with the 2SX-Series Scanner
The 2SX-Series Scanner is an electronic recording device which plugs into a
standard single-phase 2S meter base. The unit measures and records voltages
from line to neutral on each single-phase line. The 2SX-Series Scanner powers
itself from the 120V line. After data has been recorded, the unit is connected
to a PC with a special serial cable. Winscan, the PC data analysis software,
is used to extract the data from the 2SX-Series Scanner. With Winscan, data
may be graphed, turned into reports, and exported to spreadsheets.
3.1 Contents of the 2SX-Series Scanner Package
The 2SX-Series Scanner is packaged with the following items:
•The 2SX-Series Scanner
•CD-ROM containing Winscan and all documentation
•Serial communications cable
•Wall adapter to power the unit in the office
•Locking ring to attach the Scanner to a meterbase.
If any of these items are missing, please call PMI immediately. The CD-
ROM includes the latest version of Winscan, example data files, and documentation
for Winscan and all Scanners in Adobe Acrobat format, Acrobat reader,
and the latest firmware for all Voltage Scanners.
3.2 Installing the PC software (Winscan)
Insert the CD-ROM into your CD drive. If the installation program doesn’t
start automatically, run setup.exe from the CD. The installation program will
guide you through the rest of the process.
3.3 2SX-Series Scanner Operation
Using the 2SX-Series Scanner consists of initialization, installation, recording,
downloading, and analyzing. First, the 2SX-Series Scanner is initialized with
parameters appropriate for the recording session. These parameters include
voltage thresholds, flicker limits, and a stripchart time interval, among others.
These parameters are set using Winscan. After sending the initialization to the
2SX-Series Scanner, it is ready for installation in a meterbase. When plugged in, the
2SX-Series Scanner begins a 60-second countdown. After the countdown, the 2SX-
Series Scanner starts recording. Later, after the desired data is recorded, the data
from the 2SX-Series Scanner is downloaded into Winscan. Winscan is then used to
analyze and save the data. The 2SX-Series Scanner may be reinitialized

4 4 USING THE 2SX-SERIES SCANNER
for the next recording session at this time, or it may be initialized later. The
following sections describe these processes in detail.
4Using the 2SX-Series Scanner
4.1 Initialization
The 2SX-Series Scanner must be initialized before recording data. This is done
by connecting the 2SX-Series Scanner to your PC with the 2SX-Series Scanner
serial cable, and running Winscan. See the section “PC Communications with the
2SX-Series Scanner” for information on how to connect the 2SX-Series Scanner to
the PC. See the Winscan documentation for details on how to initialize a Voltage
Scanner.
4.2 Installation
Please read the safety section before installation. Always exercise extreme
caution when installing an 2SX-Series Scanner. Interrupt the electrical service
to the point of connection whenever possible. Always wear gloves and safety
goggles. Do not install the Scanner unless you are qualified by your utility to
install and remove revenue meters.
Remove the revenue meter at the installation site using normal safety pre-
cautions. Make whatever notations your procedures require about the status
and identification of the meter at the time of removal.
Attach the ground clip (exiting the rear of the Scanner) to earth ground,
or the ground from the service drop. Install the 2SX-Series Scanner in the meter
socket by sliding the blades of the Scanner into the receptacles in the socket.
The top of the unit is marked with a sticker inside the front face.
If the ground clip is damaged, call PMI for a replacement cable. The ground clip
MUST be connected for proper Scanner operation.
Use the locking ring supplied with the Scanner to secure the revenue meter
to the Scanner. The L-shaped brackets on the locking ring should slide into
locking position inside the meter socket as the bolts are tightened (rotated
clockwise).
Reinstall the revenue meter using the front of the Scanner as the meter
socket. Attach the clamp or locking ring you would normally use to install
a meter. The Scanner socket should accommodate the existing hardware.
Attach your utility’s standard meter seal and make any notations your procedures
require about the status and identification of the meter at the time of
installation.

5 4.3 Battery Ride-Through
When the revenue meter is re-installed on the Scanner, the LED on the
side of the Scanner will start blinking. This indicates that the one-minute
countdown to recording is in progress.
In addition to the blinking LED, the countdown will be displayed on the
LDU, if one is connected. The display will indicate one minute (1:00) and
count down to zero. Some Scanner options can be changed during the count-
down period. See the section on the Local Display Unit, or Palm PDA for
instructions on making these changes.
At the end of the countdown, the Scanner will begin recording information.
The LED will blink once every six seconds to indicate that the countdown is
complete and the unit is recording.
Note: If you have interrupted power to the meter socket during installation,
the countdown will not begin until the power is reapplied.
4.3 Battery Ride-Through
If the 2SX-Series Scanner has the Battery option installed, it will continue to
record during an outage for about 30 minutes. If the battery is full discharged,
it will take about 14 hours for the battery to be fully charged. Charging is
automatically performed by the 2SX-Series Scanner when it is plugged in. The
2SX-Series Scanner can detect that it has been unplugged from a meter base,
and will not continue to record under battery power if it is removed from
service (as opposed to an outage where it is still connected). No special setup
is needed for the battery option to function.
4.4 Downloading Data
After the 2SX-Series Scanner has recorded the desired data, it is downloaded into
Winscan or a Palm PDA. The 2SX-Series Scanner may be downloaded in the field
by connecting the serial cable into a laptop (see PC Communications with the2SX-
Series Scanner) or Palm PDA (see PDA Communications with the 2SX-
SeriesScanner). The 2SX-Series Scanner stops recording when a PC is connected to
the serial port and “Identify” is selected in WinScan. The data is then downloaded
into Winscan or the PDA. If the serial cable is unplugged from the 2SX-Series
Scanner, the 2SX-Series Scanner will continue recording, appending data to the
existing recording session. If the 2SX-Series Scanner is re-initialized, it will start a
60-second countdown. The Palm PDA can also download a 2SX-Series Scanner via
the infrared port–no cable is needed. PDA operation is the same regardless of the
connection type. The 2SX-Series Scanner also may be downloaded later. Simply
remove the unit from the meter base and take it back to the office. The 2SX-Series
Scanner

64 USING THE 2SX-SERIES SCANNER
automatically stops recording (even if the battery ride-through option is in-
stalled) when it is disconnected from a meter base. The recorded data is held
in non-volatile memory so no data is lost.
When the 2SX-Series Scanner is back in the office, connect it to a PC with
the serial cable, then plug the wall adapter into the power port in the face of
the Scanner. The red LED lights up steadily in this mode to indicate that it
is in communications mode, and ready for downloading.
The recorded data is still in the 2SX-Series Scanner and can be downloaded
again even after it has been re-initialized. The old data is not erased until the
end of the 60 second countdown of the next recording session.
4.5 Analyzing Data
See the Winscan documentation to learn about using Winscan to analyze
Voltage Scanner data. The documentation is located in the “Manuals” folder on the
WinScan CD-ROM.
4.6 PC Communications with the 2SX-Series Scanner
The 2SX-Series Scanner may communicate with Winscan running on a PC or
laptop to receive its initialization and to download data. Use the supplied S-
Series Scanner serial cable to connect the 2SX-Series Scanner to a PC. Plug the
DB9 connector into an available serial port (usually COM1 or COM2) on the
PC. Plug the other end of the serial cable (a 6-pin male connector)
into the jack on the side of the 2SX-Series Scanner. Then plug the wall adapter
into the 2SX-Series Scanner power jack in the face of the unit. The red LED
lights up steadily in this mode to indicate that it is in communications mode,
and ready for communications.
In Winscan, select the appropriate communications port (usually COM1
or COM2). The 2SX-Series Scanner and Winscan are now ready for
communications. For details on how to use Winscan to initialize and download a
Voltage Scanner, see the Winscan documentation located on the CD-ROM.
The 2SX-Series Scanner does not have a modem. References to modem
communications in the Winscan documentation do not apply to the 2SX-Series
Scanner.
4.6.1 Communications Troubleshooting
Failure to establish serial communications is usually a result of a faulty PC
setup. Follow these steps to isolate and correct the problem.

7 4.7 Using the LDU 7
Make sure the 2SX-Series Scanner is in communications mode. If the 2SX-Series
Scanner red LED is not lit steadily, the unit is not in communications mode,
and will not communicate through the serial port. Make sure the cable is
plugged firmly into the 6-pin female connector on the 2SX-Series Scanner. Also
check that the DB9 connector is plugged securely into the PC serial port. If the PC
is a laptop, the serial port may be disabled to save power. A disabled serial
port will often not appear as a valid serial port to the 2SX-Series Scanner.
If the 2SX-Series Scanner is in communications mode, the problem is probably
on the PC side. Make sure the comm port is operating properly by checking
the Device Manager (right click on “My Computer”, then select “Properties”).
Check the “Ports” category and make sure the desired communications port
doesn’t have any conflicts (indicated by a red X on the comm port icon). Also
check to see if a mouse or modem is using that comm port. The 2SX-Series
Scanner cannot share a comm port with a modem or mouse.
On some laptops, a comm port may be directed to an infrared port instead
of the regular DB9 connection. This must be re-directed to the standard
external DB9 connection. Due to changes in Windows 98, the infrared port
on laptops is not compatible with the infrared port on the 2SX-Series Scanner.
A serial cable must be used to communicate directly with a laptop.
4.7 Using the LDU
The LDU has an infrared port on the top for communications with newer S
Series Scanners, and an RJ-11 connector on the bottom for serial communications
with a computer or for communications with legacy S Series Scanners.
To use the infrared LDU, point the rectangular infrared window on the top
of the LDU at the infrared ports on the Scanner. The ports on the Scanner
are beside the red LED on the bottom of the Scanner. Turn on the LDU
using the push-button switch at the lower left of the keypad. Make sure the
LDU remains pointing at the Scanner to maintain communications. The LDU
will communicate with the Scanner from up to three feet away. The liquid
crystal display (LCD) on the LDU will open with the words “Power Monitors
Inc.” and will then say “Searching for a Scanner.” The LDU looks first for
a PC on the RJ-11 port, then for a Scanner through the infrared port, then
for a legacy Scanner on the RJ-11 port. The LCD will read, “Communicating
with Scanner” when it makes a link. If a PC is connected to the LDU, the
LCD will read, “PC is connected to LDU.” If you move the LDU too far from
the Scanner or point it away you will receive a message saying you have lost
communications with the Scanner. Turn the LDU off, point it at the Scanner,
and turn it back on.

84 USING THE 2SX-SERIES SCANNER
When the LDU finds a Scanner, it will display the RMS voltage and current
for Channel 1 on the LCD. You may then use the keys on the pad to view
data in various ways. Push the Ch2 key to read the voltage and current for
Channel 2, then Ch1 to return to the Channel 1 information. Hold down the
SET key and push the left arrow to make the LCD screen lighter. Hold down
the SET key and push the right arrow to make the LCD screen darker. The
blank BLUE key will take you to the menu screen, or will move you back one
step once you are in a menu. The first time you press the BLUE key you will
see four options on the LCD screen. Only the first, 4CH, and the fourth, SET,
are used at this point. The others are for future functions. Move among the
options using the left and right arrow keys. Move to the 4CH option, then
the RMS option, then press SET to bring up the default Channel 1 display.
Press the BLUE key to move back to the previous menu, or the CH2 key to
move to the Channel 2 display.
From the main menu, choose the SET option using the arrows, then press
the SET key. Of the options that appear, only the PAR for parameters and
DIA for diagnostics are used at this point. Move to the PAR option using
the arrow keys, then press the SET key to select it. The LCD will show you
the type of hookup (wye or delta), the recording interval, and the threshold
settings. Press the BLUE key to go back. Move to the DIA option using the
arrow keys and press SET to select it. The LCD will show you the type of
Scanner, an S Series, and the serial number of the Scanner. Press the right
arrow to bring up the next DIA screen. This one will show you the Scanner
firmware version and the Scanner battery voltage. Press the right arrow again
to bring up the next DIA screen. This one will show you the LDU firmware
version and the LDU battery voltage.
4.7.1 Using the LDU as an Infrared Interface to a PC
When the 2SX-Series Scanner has been recording long enough to measure the
condition you want to monitor, you can download the information for analysis
by hooking the Scanner and LDU to the serial port of a personal computer.
First, power on the LDU. Then press the DNL key for transparent mode.
The LCD will read, “Transparent mode PC to Scanner.” Now connect the
RJ-11 connector of your serial communication cable to the bottom of the
LDU and the other end to the serial port of your computer. Then point the
infrared window of the LDU at the infrared ports on the Scanner to establish
communications. The LDU transparently passes information from the Scanner
to the PC, as if the PC were connected directly to the Scanner. Winscan
must be set to 38400 baud in this mode! Run WinScan on the PC and follow
the instructions in the WinScan documentation. Download the information

9 4.8 Using a Palm PDA
by disconnecting the Scanner and returning it to your office or by taking a
portable or laptop computer to the site where the Scanner is operating.
4.8 Using a Palm PDA
Initialization: In order to initialize the scanner it must have power, either from
the line if the scanner is installed or from a 12-volt power adapter wall transformer.
Also, the PDA must be able to communicate with the scanner, either
through a serial cable or an infrared connection. Older scanners employed only the
serial cable, while newer VS-2SX scanners employ IR. An IR transmitter must
have a line-of-sight view of the receiver at a range of 12 inches or less. The
PDA emits a slight beep as long as communication is successful. To implement
a command in the Palm, touch or tap the screen surface with either a finger
or the supplied pointer. Tap Done at any point to return to the main menu.
Once the scanner is powered and the PDA is communicating with the
scanner, tap the PalmScan icon to reach the Main Menu, consisting of 3
commands: LDU, Comm, and Files.
4.8.1 LDU
This mode allows the user to scroll though a series of screens showing real-time
display of the measurements that have been enabled: voltage, current, power,
phase angle, power factor, displacement power factor, and harmonics are possible.
The “1 Chan” display option shows the measurements on fewer screens
than the “4 Chan” option, but both sequences show the same information.
•Tap More to scroll through the measurements.
•Tap Next to view other channels.
4.8.2 Comm
This mode allows the user to perform 6 functions, most importantly Download
and Initialize:
1) “Download” identifies the scanner in the heading, allows editing of the
identification, and leads to a download.
•Tap Done and OK to initiate the download. See “Downloading Data”
below.
2) “Identify” lists information about the individual scanner.
3) “Date/Time” allows the user to synchronize the scanner with the PDA.
•Tap Set Time to change the Date/Time of the PDA.

10 4 USING THE 2SX-SERIES SCANNER
4) “Initialize” allows the user to set parameters and choose options from a
series of screens similar to those in WinScan. By default, “Scanner Settings”
shows the recommended or usual quantities.
•Tap Edit to change the settings.
•Tap Previous or Next to scroll through the numbered screens.
•Tap Done and OK to accept the defaults or the user-selected settings.
5) “Retrieve Set” uploads the prior group of settings.
6) “Done” leads back to the Main Menu and accepts the chosen settings.
4.8.3 Downloading Data
When the Technician wishes to collect data from the scanners in the field, the
PDA serves as a storage medium to convey the data to the office PC. Depend-
ing on what records are enabled, the memory of the PDA holds downloads
from several scanners.
Connect the PDA to the scanner with the serial cable or position the PDA
fr infrared connection. To implement the download:
•Tap Comm, Download, and OK to initiate the transfer.
Depending on the size of the file, the process could take several minutes.
The download is complete when the Main Menu appears. Back at the office,
the PDA may be connected to the PC through the HotSync docking cradle:
•Connect the cradle to the PC according to the instructions for the Palm.
•Place the Palm in the cradle.
•Press the HotSync button, and the HotSync Progress screen
appears. HotSync places the .isf file in the folder you specify during the
installation program. The .isf file can now be opened and viewed as usual
with the WinScan software:
•Click on File, Open, and choose the file from the Open dialog box.
4.9 2SX-Series Scanner Options
The 2SX-Series Scanner is available with a number of options. All options are
installed internally inside the 2SX-Series Scanner housing. The most common
option is current. This allows the 2SX-Series Scanner to monitor two channels
of current. The measured current is the current flowing through each leg of
the single phase service. Load current is measured in the same manner as
voltage, with stripcharts, histograms, and daily profiles generated. Further