Pulsar FlowPulse Handheld User manual

FlowPulse Handheld
Instruction Manual

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PULSAR MEASUREMENT
3
FlowPulse Handheld (THIRD EDITION REV 1)
February 2021
Part Number M-564-H-003-1P
COPYRIGHT
© Pulsar Measurement, 20215 -21. 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 Process Measurement Limited.
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 Process Measurement
Limited 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.
*Rechargeable batteries are guaranteed for a period of 1 year only on the same terms.
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 FlowPulse Handheld shown on the cover of this manual is used for illustrative purposes
only and may not be representative of the actual FlowPulse Handheld 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

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CONTENTS
Chapter 1: Start Here… ...........................................................................................................6
About this Manual ...............................................................................................................6
About the FlowPulse Handheld Controller ................................................................7
Functional Description .......................................................................................................7
Product Specification..........................................................................................................8
EU Certificate of Conformity......................................................................................... 10
Chapter 2 Connection and Setup....................................................................................11
Unpacking............................................................................................................................11
Power Supply Requirements......................................................................................... 11
Cabling to a FlowPulse.................................................................................................... 11
Dimensions .......................................................................................................................... 13
Key Guide ............................................................................................................................. 13
Connecting to a Flow Pulse........................................................................................... 15
Chapter 3 How To Use The Handheld Controller .....................................................16
Safety Precaution .............................................................................................................. 16
Charging the Controller.................................................................................................. 16
User Interface Structure..................................................................................................17
Flow Window ......................................................................................................................18
Diagnostic Trace Window.............................................................................................. 19
Record Window ................................................................................................................. 20
Settings 1 Screen –Flow Pulse .................................................................................... 20
Settings 1 –FlowPulse.....................................................................................................22
Settings 2 Screen –Handheld Controller ................................................................23
Connecting to a Computer ...........................................................................................24
System Settings .................................................................................................................24
Data Logging ...................................................................................................................... 25
Sleep/Wake Logging ....................................................................................................... 26
Replaying Log Files...........................................................................................................28
Charting Log Files ............................................................................................................. 29
Totaliser Window .............................................................................................................. 29
Totaliser (R)..........................................................................................................................30

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Totaliser (S).......................................................................................................................... 30
Accessing the totaliser options....................................................................................30
Totaliser Multiplier............................................................................................................31
Exporting Log Files to Excel .......................................................................................... 32
Flow Pulse Parameter Files ............................................................................................ 32
Loading a Parameter File onto Flow Pulse.............................................................. 33
System Information.......................................................................................................... 34
Internal Storage ................................................................................................................. 34
Upgrading Firmware on the Flow Pulse Handheld..............................................34
Chapter 4 Parameter Listing and Descriptions .......................................................... 37
Parameter System ............................................................................................................. 37
Parameter Access .............................................................................................................. 37
Configuration Parameters..............................................................................................38
System ................................................................................................................................... 39
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting................................................................................................42
Flow Pulse Diagnostic......................................................................................................42
Troubleshooting the Handheld Controller.............................................................. 42
Chapter 6 Disposal ................................................................................................................ 44

FlowPulse Handheld INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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CHAPTER 1: START HERE…
Congratulations on your purchase of a Pulsar FlowPulse Handheld.
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.

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About the FlowPulse Handheld Controller
The Flow Pulse Handheld is designed specifically for use with the Flow Pulse
sensor. It is a complete, battery-powered, portable platform that
complements the Flow Pulse, offering the ability to view traces, perform data
logging, as well as to save and program parameters on the Flow Pulse.
Functional Description
The Flow Pulse Handheld uses the latest Li-ion rechargeable battery
technology to provide up to 5 hours of continuous use on one full charge.
The Flow Pulse Handheld uses a RS485 link for communication with the
sensor, enabling the use of a long cable.
The Flow Pulse Handheld has 4 GB of on-board storage. This offers logging
capacity of up to 1 year at 10 seconds interval.
Data transfer with the PC is achieved via a mini-USB connection, and logs
can be converted into Excel format.
Parameter files can be saved or loaded onto Flow Pulse using the handheld,
and as on the FlowPulse PC, frequently used parameters on the Flow Pulse
can be easily set.
By porting all the main features available on the FlowPulse PC onto a
battery-powered handheld controller, the Flow Pulse is immediately
transformed into a portable flow monitoring instrument.
The Flow Pulse Handheld is compatible with any existing Flow Pulse.

FlowPulse Handheld INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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Product Specification
PHYSICAL
Enclosure material/description
Polycarbonate UL94 V2 rated, with weather-proof
connectors.
Outside dimensions
210 x 125 x 50 mm (8.27 x 4.92 x 1.97”)
Weight
0.6kg (1.3lbs)
Screen
3.2” TFT LCD
Supplied cable length
2 metres (9.8 ft.) minimum
ENVIRONMENTAL
Enclosure protection
IP65
Max & min temperature
(electronics)
-20º to +60ºC (-4ºF to +140ºF)
Max & Min temperature (battery
charging)
-0º to +40ºC (+32ºF to +104ºF) for charging batteries
CE and Radar Approval
See EU Declaration of Conformity
DATA LOGGING
Storage Media
Internal Flash Memory
Storage Capacity
3.8GB. 3.2 million entries without trace, 800,00 with
trace.
Storage Format
Install at an angle of 45° in line with flow. For more
information, see ‘Locating the MicroFlow sensor’
section of this manual.
Storage access
File transfer to PC via USB –no driver required
OUTPUTS
Analogue output
Not available
Digital output
Half Duplex RS485 to sensor, USB connection to PC
for file transfer
PROGRAMMING
Programmed data integrity
Via non-volatile RAM

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SUPPLY
Rechargeable battery
11.1 VDC Li-ion cells
Battery duration
4 –5 hours
Charging methods
Mains charger, 12 VDC@2A In-car charger
Power supply
DC 12-18V
Power Consumption
3.5W @12V not charging
15W @12V when charging
Pulsar Measurement operates a policy of constant development and
improvement and reserve the right to amend technical details, as necessary.

FlowPulse Handheld INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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EU Certificate of Conformity

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CHAPTER 2 CONNECTION AND SETUP
Unpacking
Power Supply Requirements
The FlowPulse Handheld requires a DC 12-18V external power supply. The
typical power consumption is 3.5W when not charging and 15 W when
charging. The power supply should also be correctly fused at 2 A.
Cabling to a FlowPulse
Connection to a Flow Pulse is via a 4-core screened cable supplied with a
plug to the Flow Pulse Handheld. Cable colour code is:
Take care not to short any of the cores during connection. Ensure that the
controller is powered down while performing any cabling work.
If in doubt, isolate the 4 cores using a connector block, then plug in on the
controller side. Power-up the Flow Pulse Handheld and verify each cable
core by measuring its voltage.
CABLE COLOUR
CABLE DETAILS
Red
+12 VDC to power FlowPulse
Black
Ground to the FlowPulse
Yellow
RS485+ to the FlowPulse
Green
RS485- to the FlowPulse
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 Process Measurement Limited.
Important Information
Please ensure that when carrying the FlowPulse and FlowPulse Handheld that the
cable is held out of the way as it is a trip hazard.

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For reference when connecting the FlowPulse Handheld to the FlowPulse the
connections on both the Flow Pulse and the FlowPulse Handheld are shown
below. The table describes the connections between the two.
The FlowPulse connector to the FlowPulse Handheld above and the Terminal
diagram to the FlowPulse below:
FLOWPULSE CONNECTOR
FLOWPULSE
Pin
Description
Cable Colour
Terminal No.
1
Power (Nom. 12VDC)
Red
2
2
0V
Blue
1
3
RS485+
Yellow
9
4
RS485 -
Green
10
5
Cable Screen
Screen
NC

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Dimensions
190mm (7.48”)
124mm (4.88”)
50mm (1.97”)
2mm (0.08”)
2mm (0.08”)
USB
SENSOR
DC IN
CHARGE

FlowPulse Handheld INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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Key Guide
KEY
DESCRIPTION
Hold down the power key to switch the device on or off
Toggle trace on/off
Stop file replay (only during file replay session)
Toggle continuous data logging on/off
Cancel Sleep/Wake logging (when device is awake)
Stop file replay (only during file replay session)
Jump to FlowPulse setting menu
Increase screen brightness (when pressed repeatedly)
Jump to Handheld setting menu
Decrease screen brightness (when pressed repeatedly)
Resets resettable totaliser on totaliser window
Scroll through Main > Trace > Record > Setting1 >
Setting2 > Totaliser > Main screens
Scroll through menu or submenu selections
Confirm selection or entry
Cancel/Backspace entry, exit menu, or back to main flow
screen if pressed repeatedly.
0 –9
Direct selection of menu item and entry of parameters
or alphabets where necessary.
F1
F2
F3
F4
CANCEL
ENTER

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Connecting to a Flow Pulse
The FlowPulse Handheld can be connected to any existing Flow Pulse. Flow
monitoring, diagnostic trace and normal data logging functions are
supported.
However, the following features will only be supported by Flow Pulse
firmware 1.2.4 and later:
1. Sending parameter file to a FlowPulse sensor using the FlowPulse
Handheld.
2. Maximum power-saving during sleep/wake logging.
3. Reduced trace length for greater data storage efficiency.
For connecting to a FlowPulse:
1. Check that the Flow Pulse sensor has the appropriate connector and
is correctly wired (refer to Cabling to a Flow Pulse section).
2. Secure the lead to the sensor connector and switch on the handheld
3. If the sensor is being connected to the controller for the first
time, press F4, choose Tools, then select Modbus to PC-485.
4. Connection will be initiated automatically, and the Flow Pulse
icon will be displayed in the top bar when complete.
5. The parameters on the Flow Pulse will be uploaded to the controller
upon connection.
The Flow Pulse can be unplugged from the controller at any time.
Important Information
Always disconnect the FlowPulse from the handheld controller before servicing
the Flow Pulse.
The sensor can be switched back to Modbus mode if necessary, by going to
Setting1-FlowPulse Handheld menu, select Modbus and set Mode to 1.

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CHAPTER 3 HOW TO USE THE HANDHELD CONTROLLER
Safety Precaution
The device contains Li-ion rechargeable batteries that are potentially
hazardous, and may pose a fire-risk when mishandled or subject to
temperatures beyond the specified maximum.
Never attempt to operate, recharge, or subject the device to temperature
beyond 60°C or below -20°C (-4°F - 140°F).
Never submerge the controller in liquid.
Always power-down the device, disconnect charger or any external power
source and unplug sensor connector before performing any servicing to the
Flow Pulse Handheld or the Flow Pulse.
Charging the Controller
A charger is supplied for charging the battery on the handheld. Other
chargers may be used, but the power rating must be within 12-18 VDC and
fused @ 2A max.
The battery indicator icon provides indication of the available
charge on the Flow Pulse Handheld.
During charging, the battery icon will have a blue background to
indicate that the charger is present.
During charging, the charge LED lights up with red when the battery
contains approximately 90% charge or less, and turns green when the
battery has more than 90% charge. When the battery level falls to 0%, the
Flow Pulse Handheld will be automatically powered down. This is to avoid
over-discharging the battery, which may damage the batteries.
Important Information
Charging should only be performed within an ambient temperature range of 0 to
45°C (32 to 113°F). Never perform charging where contact with liquid is
possible.
Always disconnect the charger and the Flow Pulse sensor before attempting any
form of cable or wire servicing.

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The FlowPulse Handheld has an internal temperature sensor that monitors
board temperature and will power-down the Flow Pulse Handheld and taper
charging rate when temperature rises beyond the specified threshold.
User Interface Structure
Important Information
Due to the risk of the batteries igniting, under no circumstances should the Flow
Pulse Handheld be permanently powered from the charger or any other external
power source.
Totaliser
Trace
Flow
Settings 1
Record
Settings 2

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Flow Window
The main window is the Flow window. This page displays both the flow
velocity and the associated flow rate. The expected mA output on the Flow
Pulse and the name of site for data logging are also shown.
The units of flow rate can be changed in Setting1 →FlowPulse →Setup
(F3 shortcut key).
The ‘S’ bar shows the strength of flow signal received on the sensor. A high
value will indicate a suitable application.
The ‘C’ bar shows the expected stability of the flow reading from the sensor.
A high value will indicate better measurement stability and is associated with
increased repeatability.
Press cancel key repeatedly at any stage to return to this window.

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Diagnostic Trace Window
The Trace window displays the diagnostic trace from the Flow Pulse. The red
dot on the trace indicates the amount of flow perceived by the sensor.
Use F1 key to enable or disable traces from the Flow Pulse. Trace function is
enabled by default upon connection. The trace icon will appear to
indicate when traces are being polled.
The trace function must be enabled before starting a data logging session to
ensure that diagnostic traces are saved onto file.
Trace
64%
Flow
Sig
0
100
200
300
400
500
10
30
20
40
50
60
70

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Record Window
The Record window shows the recently reported flow. Only the most recent
300 flow readings are displayed. The ‘Flow’ axis on the chart is in units of
the set volumetric flow rate, which is litres per second by default.
Settings 1 Screen –Flow Pulse
The “Settings-1” – Flow Pulse window allows setting or changing Flow Pulse
parameters. Please refer to the Flow Pulse instruction manual for detailed
description of the individual items.
The menu can be navigated by using the up/down arrow keys and
confirming with Enter, or directly choosing the menu item by pressing the
associated number key.
Record
64%
Flow
Smp
250
200
150
100
50
16
24
8
0
Settings-1
64%
FLOW PULSE:
1–
Setup
2-mA Output
3-Relay/Alarm
4-Manual Paramet
5-Modbus
6-Device Info
1-Setup
SETUP:
2-Sensitivity 2
3-Damping 4
4-Cal Factor 1.5
5-Vol 1 - ltr
6-Time 1 - s
7-Step Resp 1
8-Step Thresh 60
9-more…
1-Pipe I.D 15mm