RST VW2106 User manual

All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and
completeness of the information contained in this document. RST
Instruments Ltd reserves the right to change the information at any
time and assumes no liability for its accuracy.
Copyright © 2020. RST Instruments Ltd. All rights reserved.
__________________________________________________
Document Number: ELM0042M
Release Date: July 13, 2020
VW2106 Vibrating Wire
Readout Manual

VW2106 Vibrating Wire Readout Manual
ELM0042M
RST Instruments Ltd.
Page ii
REVISION HISTORY
Rev.
Revision History
Date
Prepared By
Approved By
J
Added revision table, section 4.6 instruction 4
“thermistor” changed to “sensor”, updated
column heading in Table 3-3 from “Thermistor
Type” to “Sensor Type”.
2019-Sep-03
MP
JW
K
Updated Single Field Instrument Connection
instructions to include push post terminals,
Table 4-1 updated for clarity, added Section
4.2 Single Field Instrument Connection –
Older Models, highlighted new features in
introduction, all figures updated.
2019-Dec-05
MP
JW
L
References to Multi Host software replaced
with RST Readout Host Software; added
entire inside lid decal to introduction.
2020-Apr-06
MP
JW
M
Broken link in Section 3.5 corrected.
2020-Jul-13
MP
JW

VW2106 Vibrating Wire Readout Manual
ELM0042M
RST Instruments Ltd.
Page iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................1
2 GETTING STARTED......................................................................................................2
2.1 Powering On.....................................................................................................2
2.2 Powering Off.....................................................................................................2
3 CONFIGURATION .........................................................................................................4
3.1 Single Field Instrument Connection...................................................................4
3.2 Single Field Instrument Connection –Older Models..........................................8
3.3 Multi-Channel Connection.................................................................................8
3.4 Setting Date and Time ......................................................................................9
3.5 Creating Locations............................................................................................9
3.6 Importing Parameters......................................................................................11
3.7 Creating Custom Parameters..........................................................................12
4 OPERATION ..............................................................................................................13
4.1 Startup............................................................................................................13
4.2 Storing Readings in Memory...........................................................................14
4.3 Reviewing Data...............................................................................................15
4.4 Data Logging...................................................................................................15
4.5 Data Logging Through Store Data...................................................................16
4.6 Zeroing Readout.............................................................................................17
4.7 Deleting Data..................................................................................................18
5 MAINTENANCE ..........................................................................................................19
5.1 Device Health..................................................................................................19
5.2 Battery ............................................................................................................20
5.3 Protecting the Device......................................................................................21
6 SOFTWARE AND FIRMWARE UPDATES........................................................................22
7 SERVICE AND REPAIR................................................................................................22

VW2106 Vibrating Wire Readout Manual
ELM0042M
RST Instruments Ltd.
Page iv
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1 VW 2106 Readout......................................................................................................1
Figure 1-2 Visual instructions for terminal posts and battery changes........................................2
Figure 2-1 Power Off screen......................................................................................................3
Figure 2-2 Auto Off screen.........................................................................................................3
Figure 2-3 Auto Power Off time..................................................................................................3
Figure 2-4 Auto Backlight Off.....................................................................................................4
Figure 2-5 Speaker On time.......................................................................................................4
Figure 3-1 Terminal posts ..........................................................................................................5
Figure 3-2 Press down on the terminal post...............................................................................6
Figure 3-3 Correct angle for wire insertion .................................................................................6
Figure 3-4 Slide the wire into the gap.........................................................................................7
Figure 3-5 All wires connected to terminal posts........................................................................7
Figure 3-6 Set time screen.........................................................................................................9
Figure 3-7 Memory screen.......................................................................................................10
Figure 3-8 Create location screen............................................................................................10
Figure 3-9 Selecting the sweep frequency ...............................................................................11
Figure 3-10 Thermistor type.....................................................................................................11
Figure 3-11 One sensor connected..........................................................................................12
Figure 4-1 VW2106 Readout details ........................................................................................13
Figure 4-2 Readings screen.....................................................................................................14
Figure 4-3 Storing a reading.....................................................................................................14
Figure 4-4 Storing a reading with 6 sensors.............................................................................15
Figure 4-5 Data logging interval ...............................................................................................16
Figure 4-6 Data logging number...............................................................................................16
Figure 4-7 Logging screen .......................................................................................................17
Figure 4-8 Zeroing options.......................................................................................................17
Figure 4-9 Delete options.........................................................................................................18
Figure 5-1 Battery compartment...............................................................................................20
Figure 5-2 Battery installation...................................................................................................20
Figure 5-3 Battery voltage screen ............................................................................................21
LIST OF TABLES
Table 4-1 Standard Wiring Colour Codes...................................................................................5
Table 4-2 Standard Wiring Colour Codes...................................................................................8
Table 3-3 Sweep Frequencies .................................................................................................12

VW2106 Vibrating Wire Readout Manual
ELM0042M
RST Instruments Ltd.
Page 1
1 INTRODUCTION
The RST VW2106 Readout is a lightweight device used to read and display vibrating
wire sensor and thermistor data. It is suitable for harsh environments and the user
interface is simple to use.
The VW2106 readout is powered by 3 standard "AA" alkaline batteries to facilitate
replacement in the field. Data can be reviewed either on-board or downloaded to the
computer using RST-provided software.
FIGURE 1-1 VW 2106 READOUT
1. USB Connector
6. Scroll Down
2. Large character LCD display
7. Enter
3. Backlight (hold down to display
Engineering Units)
8. Terminal Posts (for sensor
connection)
4. ESC (navigates back one
menu)
9. Expansion port (VW Load Cells
and external Multiplexers)
5. Scroll Up

VW2106 Vibrating Wire Readout Manual
ELM0042M
RST Instruments Ltd.
Page 2
The latest model of the VW2106 features push post terminals to easily connect VW
Sensor instruments, visual instructions for using the terminal posts and changing the
batteries (Figure 1-2), and a refreshed look.
FIGURE 1-2 VISUAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR TERMINAL POSTS AND BATTERY CHANGES
If you have an older model VW2106, please refer to Section 3.2 for instructions to
connect a single field instrument to the readout. The multi-channel connection
instructions are identical for all models.
1.1 SAFETY
This product is battery operated. There are no major safety concerns associated
with use.
It is important to keep the unit clean during use in the field. Ensure there is no dirt or
dust in the wire terminals, battery compartment, and weather seal along the edge of
the lid of the enclosure. Make sure that weather caps for the USB port and
expansion port are properly secured when not in use.
2 GETTING STARTED
2.1 POWERING ON
The VW2106 Readout unit can be powered on any time by pressing any key.
2.2 POWERING OFF
The VW2106 unit can be powered off either manually or automatically.

VW2106 Vibrating Wire Readout Manual
ELM0042M
RST Instruments Ltd.
Page 3
The following instructions illustrate how to power off the unit manually:
1. Use the up/down arrows to scroll to the Power Off screen (Figure 2-1).
FIGURE 2-1 POWER OFF SCREEN
2. Press Enter and the unit will turn off.
The following instructions detail how to configure the unit to power off automatically.
1. Navigate to the Auto Off screen (Figure 2-2).
FIGURE 2-2 AUTO OFF SCREEN
2. Press Enter. The following screen will appear (Figure 2-3):
FIGURE 2-3 AUTO POWER OFF TIME
3. Use the up/down arrows to scroll to the desired auto power off time. Press Enter
to select the time. The default time is five minutes.

VW2106 Vibrating Wire Readout Manual
ELM0042M
RST Instruments Ltd.
Page 4
NOTE: THE AUTO POWER OFF FEATURE IS ALWAYS ACTIVE TO CONSERVE BATTERY
LIFE AND CANNOT BE DISABLED.
4. The next screen prompts the user to select the Auto Backlight Off (Figure 2-4).
Use the up/down arrows to adjust the desired time and press Enter.
FIGURE 2-4 AUTO BACKLIGHT OFF
5. The next screen prompts the user to select the Speaker On time. Use the
up/down arrows to select the desired time and press Enter. The unit will return to
the previous menu.
FIGURE 2-5 SPEAKER ON TIME
NOTE: KEEP THE UNIT OFF WHEN NOT IN USE TO PRESERVE BATTERY LIFE.
3 CONFIGURATION
The VW2106 may be connected to either single field instruments or multi-channel
instruments.
3.1 SINGLE FIELD INSTRUMENT CONNECTION
The following instructions outlined below to connect single field instruments:
1. Match each wire to its respective terminal post. The posts have colour coded
labels for quick reference (Figure 3-1).

VW2106 Vibrating Wire Readout Manual
ELM0042M
RST Instruments Ltd.
Page 5
FIGURE 3-1 TERMINAL POSTS
Table 3-1 lists matching colours and wire transducers.
TABLE 3-1 STANDARD WIRING COLOUR CODES
Post Colour
Wire Colour
Wire Transducer
Red
Red
Coil +
Black
Black
Coil -
Green
Green
Therm +
White
White
Therm -
Blue
Bare
Shield
CAUTION: MAKE SURE THAT THE WIRES ARE CLEAN AND FREE OF DIRT BEFORE
INSERTING THEM INTO THE TERMINALS.
CAUTION: ENSURE THAT CABLES HAVE ENOUGH SLACK TO FACILITATE
ATTACHMENT.APPROXIMATELY 2” OF SLACK IS RECOMMENDED.
CAUTION: ENSURE THAT THE TERMINALS ARE FREE FROM DIRT AND DEBRIS
BEFORE INSERTING THE WIRES.TERMINALS CAN BE BLOWN OUT WITH COMPRESSED
AIR IF NECESSARY.
2. Firmly press down on the first terminal post (Figure 3-2).

VW2106 Vibrating Wire Readout Manual
ELM0042M
RST Instruments Ltd.
Page 6
FIGURE 3-2 PRESS DOWN ON THE TERMINAL POST
3. Hold the wire parallel to the plane of the readout, to the left of the post, and at a
slight angle to the terminal labels, as illustrated in Figure 3-3.
FIGURE 3-3 CORRECT ANGLE FOR WIRE INSERTION
4. With the post still depressed, slide the stripped end of the instrument cable into
the opening on the matching terminal post (Figure 3-4).