Pulsar FarSight User manual

FarSight
Instruction Manual

2
FarSight (FIRST EDITION)
November 2023
Part Number M-FS01-001-1P
COPYRIGHT
© Pulsar Measurement, 2023. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any
language in any form without the written permission of Pulsar Measurement.
WARRANTY AND LIABILITY
Pulsar Measurement guarantee for a period of 2 years from the date of delivery that it will
either exchange or repair any part of this product returned to Pulsar Measurement if it is found
to be defective in material or workmanship, subject to the defect not being due to unfair wear
and tear, misuse, modification or alteration, accident, misapplication, or negligence.
DISCLAIMER
Pulsar Measurement neither gives nor implies any process guarantee for this product and shall
have no liability in respect of any loss, injury or damage whatsoever arising out of the
application or use of any product or circuit described herein.
Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of this documentation, but Pulsar Measurement
cannot be held liable for any errors.
Pulsar Measurement operates a policy of constant development and improvement and reserves
the right to amend technical details, as necessary.
The FarSight shown on the cover of this manual is used for illustrative purposes only and may
not be representative of the actual device supplied.
CONTACT
For technical support, please contact:
Europe: [e-mail]
Outside Europe: [e-mail]
If you have any comments or suggestions about this product, please contact:
Europe: [e-mail]
Outside Europe: [e-mail]
Pulsar Measurement website: www.pulsarmeasurement.com
United States
11451 Belcher Road South
Largo,
FL 33773
888-473-9546
Canada
16456 Sixsmith Drive
Long Sault, Ont.
K0C 1P0
855-300-9151
United Kingdom
Cardinal Building, Enigma
Commercial Centre
Sandy’s Road, Malvern
WR14 1JJ
00 44 (0)1684 891371

3
CONTENTS
Chapter 1: Start Here… .......................................................................................................... 5
About this Manual .............................................................................................................. 5
About the FarSight ............................................................................................................. 6
Benefits.................................................................................................................................... 7
Functional Description ...................................................................................................... 8
Product Specification......................................................................................................... 9
EU Certificate of Conformity.........................................................................................11
Chapter 2 Power Supply Requirements........................................................................12
Unpacking............................................................................................................................12
Power Supply Requirements.........................................................................................12
Cable Screen and Earth Requirements .....................................................................12
Location ................................................................................................................................13
Mounting..............................................................................................................................13
Angled Mounting Bracket..............................................................................................14
FarSight Sensor ..................................................................................................................16
Mounting Sensor to a Bracket .....................................................................................17
Terminal Connection Details ........................................................................................21
FlowCERT..............................................................................................................................22
Velocity Interface...............................................................................................................22
Ultimate Controller...........................................................................................................24
Chapter 3 Locating the FarSight ......................................................................................25
Installing the Sensor ........................................................................................................27
Preparation for Operation .............................................................................................28
General Maintenance ......................................................................................................28
Chapter 4 Understanding How the FarSight Works ................................................29
Measuring streamflow / open channel flow...........................................................29
FarSight Protocol...............................................................................................................30
Chapter 5 Setting Up the FarSight..................................................................................31
FlowCERT Setup.................................................................................................................31
Velocity Interface setup..................................................................................................32

FARSIGHT INSTRUCTION MANUAL
4
Ultimate Controller Fascia and Wall Mount setup...............................................33
Chapter 6 Microflow PC ......................................................................................................36
Software installation ........................................................................................................36
Using MicroFlow/FarSight PC.......................................................................................37
Flow Tab................................................................................................................................38
Setup Menu.........................................................................................................................42
System menu ......................................................................................................................42
Tools menu..........................................................................................................................43
Info menu.............................................................................................................................43
Flow Record Tab................................................................................................................44
Trace Tab ..............................................................................................................................45
Parameter Tab ....................................................................................................................46
Chapter 7 Parameter Listing and Description ............................................................49
Parameter Access ..............................................................................................................49
Output parameters...........................................................................................................50
Configuration parameters .............................................................................................52
Saving & Loading parameters .....................................................................................57
Firmware Upgrade ............................................................................................................58
Chapter 8 Troubleshooting................................................................................................60
Chapter 9 Disposal ................................................................................................................61
Notes ..........................................................................................................................................62

PULSAR MEASUREMENT
5
CHAPTER 1: START HERE…
Congratulations on your purchase of a FarSight velocity sensor. This quality
product has been developed over many years and represents the latest in
non-contacting velocity monitoring technology.
It has been designed to give you years of trouble-free performance, and a
few minutes spent reading this operating manual will ensure that your
installation is as simple as possible.
About this Manual
It is important that this manual is referred to for correct installation
and operation. There are various parts of the manual that offer additional
help or information as shown.
Tips
TIP: Look for this icon throughout your Pulsar Measurement manual
to find helpful information and answers to frequently asked
questions.
Additional Information
References
See Also
References to other parts of the manual.
Additional Information
At various parts of the manual, you will find sections
like this that explain specific things in more detail.

FARSIGHT INSTRUCTION MANUAL
6
About the FarSight
The FarSight is a non-contacting velocity sensor. The sensor provides
reliable flow velocity measurements using short pulses of micro-waves,
which are transmitted by an enclosed antenna. When reflected off a moving
surface, the signal experiences a shift in frequency characteristics. The
reflected signal is captured by the on-board microprocessor via the antenna
and analysed to determine the velocity.
The FarSight's compact and versatile design allows easy installation.
Housed in a robust enclosure coupled with a fully encapsulated microwave
antenna, it provides an effective fit-and-forget flow velocity solution.
PC software is available to allow setup and run diagnostics using MicroFlow
PC via a RS 485 connection. The FarSight is compatible for use with Pulsar
Measurement’s, FlowCERT, Velocity Interface and Ultimate controllers to
obtain velocity readings. The FarSight can also be retrofitted to replace
existing in-process contacting sensors. Overall, the device has outstanding
stability, accuracy, and repeatability.

PULSAR MEASUREMENT
7
Benefits
Combined with the ease of programming there are many other benefits to
using the FarSight, these are listed below:
•Non-contact velocity measurement.
•Retro-fit capability and low-cost installation.
•Monitors flow over natural channels such as streams and rivers.
•Measures flow in both directions.
•‘See through’ capability for enclosed plastic pipes and concrete (not
reinforced) channels.
•Resilient to liquid vapour, wind, or temperature.
•Storm mitigation when measuring in single direction.
•No minimum liquid level required for measurement.
•Virtually maintenance free; not affected by sedimentation, so there
is no need for regular cleaning.
•Compatible with Pulsar Measurement’s FlowCERT, Velocity Interface
and Ultimate controllers, with retrofit capability for in-contact
sensors.
•Can be installed in addition to existing in process contact measuring
devices.
•Easily setup using MicroFlow PC.
•The sensor is capable of monitoring flow of very shallow liquid,
mitigating the constraint associated with in-liquid techniques.
•Low power design.
•Fast boot sequence allowing a measurement within 10 seconds of
power-up.

FARSIGHT INSTRUCTION MANUAL
8
Functional Description
Based upon state-of-the-art microwave sensing technology, the FarSight
integrates Pulsar Measurement’s innovative and award-winning DSP (Digital
Signal Processing) platform, offering you a cost-effective solution with
excellent reliability and performance.
FarSight automatically matches to the protocol and Baud rate of the
controller. When it is connected to a controller and powered up, after
approximately 10 seconds the sensor will adjust to the Baud rate of the
controller it is connected to.
FarSight has been designed to provide maintenance free performance.

PULSAR MEASUREMENT
9
Product Specification
PHYSICAL
Dimensions:
Height 195 x Diameter 145mm (7.7 x 5.7”)
Weight:
Nominal 1.2 kg (2.6lbs)
Enclosure Material/Description:
PVDF main body, Valox 357 on cap and sub-shield
Mounting Connection:
Rear: 1-inch BSP or NPT thread with BReez™adapter.
Optional mounting bracket available.
Cable:
5-core screened
Cable Lengths:
10, 20 or 30m (32.8, 65.6 or 98.4ft)
Optional: 50 m or 100 m (164 ft or 328 ft)
Maximum separation:
Up to 500m (1,640 ft) from FarSight to controller or
RTU/logger
PERFORMANCE
Operational Range:
Up to vertical height of 15m (49ft)
Technology:
K-Band (ISM) Radar
Beam Angle:
10° inclusive
Velocity Range:
±0.2 m/s to ±6 m/s (±0.66 ft/s to ±19.7 ft/s) in most
applications. Performance may vary depending on
application.
Ideal surface condition would include visually
observable ripples
Accuracy
The greater of ±1.5% or 0.05 m/s (0.16 ft/s)
Max. Channel Width per sensor:
Up to 3m (9.8 ft)
Optimal Installation:
30° to 50° (from horizontal) with electronic tilt
compensation.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Enclosure Protection:
IP68 / NEMA 6P
Vibration Protection
Fully Potted
Ambient Operating
Temperature:
-40° to +80°C (-40°F to +176°F)
Humidity:
0 to 99% (non-condensing)
Pressure Connection
Temperature:
-40° to +80°C (-40°F to +176°F)
APPROVALS
Regulatory Approvals:
FCC, RED, CE, UKCA
WEEE and ROHS:
Compliant

FARSIGHT INSTRUCTION MANUAL
10
OUTPUT / COMMUNICATION
Connection:
RS485
Digital Communication:
Modbus RTU
Compatibility with Pulsar
Controllers:
Integrates with FlowCERT, Ultimate Controller, and
Flow Monitor
PROGRAMMING
PC Programming:
Via RS485 Modbus RTU, including free Pulsar
Measurement MicroFlow/FarSight PC Software
Programming Security:
Support for passcode protection
Programmed Data Integrity:
Configuration stored in non-volatile memory
PC Setup & Monitoring
Software:
MicroFlow/FarSight PC version 3.1 or newer –
compatible with Windows 10 & 11
POWER SUPPLY
Operating Voltage:
10 –28V DC
Power Consumption
0.42W
Power Conservation:
Support for complete power-down between
measurements. Required power-on duration depends
on application and field programming of FarSight. See
manual for details.
ACCESSORIES
BReezTM Adapter:
Increases ease of use, supplied as standard. Greatly
reduces installation time
Pulsar Measurement operates a policy of constant development and
improvement and reserve the right to amend technical details, as necessary.

PULSAR MEASUREMENT
11
EU Certificate of Conformity

FARSIGHT INSTRUCTION MANUAL
12
CHAPTER 2 POWER SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS
Unpacking
Power Supply Requirements
The FarSight can operate from a DC supply of 10 to 28V DC.In all cases the
unit typically draws 0.42W.
Cable Screen and Earth Requirements
The FarSight cable supplied is a 5-core (individual core 2.5mm2) overall
screened cable. Various cable lengths are available, please contact Pulsar
Measurement for the cable lengths available.
Important Information
All shipping cartons should be opened carefully. When using a box cutter, do not
plunge the blade deeply into the box, as it could potentially cut or scratch
equipment components. Carefully remove equipment from each carton,
checking it against the packing list before discarding any packing material. If
there is any shortage or obvious shipping damage to the equipment, report it
immediately to Pulsar Measurement.
FarSight
Cable
Important Information
All electronic products are susceptible to electrostatic shock, so follow proper
grounding procedures during installation.

PULSAR MEASUREMENT
13
Location
When choosing a location to mount the bracket and FarSight, note the
following:
•For optimum readings, it is recommended that the FarSight should be
positioned at an angle between 30° and 50° (45° being optimum) to
the surface of the material being measured.
•The mounting surface must be vibration-free.
•The ambient temperature should be between -40ºC and 80ºC.
•Ensure that the Pulsar Measurement Controller is installed in a “Safe”,
non-hazardous, area.
Mounting
For the best results, it is highly recommended to use the FarSight angled
bracket, which is available from your Pulsar Measurement distributor, which
will ensure that the FarSight can be correctly installed. The bracket can be
used if the FarSight sensor is to be mounted on its own in a specific location
or along with a Pulsar Measurement dB transducer. Please see ‘Angled
Mounting Bracket’ for dimensions of this bracket, please note that the
drawing is not to scale.
‘Mounting sensor to a bracket’ illustrates how you would install the sensor
to one of Pulsar Measurement’s angled brackets.
The bracket has 4 holes allowing mounting to a vertical surface by using
suitable fixings, or to a pole by using U-bolts.

FARSIGHT INSTRUCTION MANUAL
14
Angled Mounting Bracket
Part number: dBA0008MF
45o
176mm
22mm
22mm
R20mm
12mm
100mm
90mm
130mm
Top view
Side view

PULSAR MEASUREMENT
15
R20mm
4 off 12mm
Important Information
Using a spirit level, ensure that the Mounting Bracket is level before attaching
the sensor to the bracket.

FARSIGHT INSTRUCTION MANUAL
16
FarSight Sensor
The dimensions of the sensor body are shown in the below diagram:
Surface of measurement
30 -50°
105mm (4.13”)
70mm (2.76”)
194mm (17.64”)
1” BSP or NPT
120mm (4.72”)
BOTTOM

PULSAR MEASUREMENT
17
Mounting Sensor to a Bracket
Mounting the sensor to a Pulsar Measurement 45° bracket (or optional
variable angled bracket) is done via an adapter and M20 nut, as shown in
the diagram below (Pulsar Measurement 45° angled bracket used in
example):
For correct installation, we recommend that the adapter or BReezTM is
threaded on the cable, and carefully screwed onto the FarSight before fitting
to the bracket. This will reduce the risk of any ’twisting’ in the cable.
Ensure that the sensor is tightened, and the dot is in the correct position.
Important Information
When fixing the sensor to the adapter, ensure that care is taken when pulling the
sensor cable through. And once attached to the adapter, and the M20 nut is
tightened, the green dot should be central to the movement of flow as shown in
Fig.4.
Bracket
BReezTM Adapter
Cable
M20 Nut
Green dot to be
displayed on top

FARSIGHT INSTRUCTION MANUAL
18
Important Information
Care should be taken not to overtighten the sensor when everything is connected,
as seen in the diagram below, as this could cause damage to the housing.
Central to the movement of flow in channel.
340mm (13.39”)
225mm (10.04”)
205mm (8.07”)

PULSAR MEASUREMENT
19
When the FarSight is mounted on the bracket with dB series level
transducer, the level measurement is made directly below the sensor where
the velocity measurement is taken from the water surface in view of the
FarSight. As these are different locations, it is important to have a uniform
channel shape when measuring flow via the Area*Velocity method.
Ideal installation for the FarSight would be when it has been installed to
monitor the flow moving towards the sensor. By default, FarSight reports a
positive reading when installed in this position.
Direction of flow
Green dot to be
displayed on top

FARSIGHT INSTRUCTION MANUAL
20
Direction of flow
By setting P44 to 1, this allows the sensor to output a positive flow reading
when the direction of flow is away from the FarSight.
Green dot to be
displayed on top
For this installation method, please set P44 to 1 (Away)