SensorLink Amcorder UG Series User manual

SensorLink
Operators Manual
Recording Ammeter
Amcorder UG

Unit and Accessory Part Numbers
Amcorder UG
Model 920-UG
*Qty (1) sold in 6-920-UG-1 Kit
*Qty (3) sold in 6-920-UG-3 Kit
Carrying Case
Model 659-UG
*Qty (1) sold in 6-920-UG-1 Kit
*Qty (1) sold in 6-920-UG-3 Kit
USB IrDA Dongle
Model 7-021B
*Qty (1) sold in 6-920-UG-1 Kit
*Qty (1) sold in 6-920-UG-3 Kit

Operators Manual
Amcorder UG
Underground Recording Ammeter
Available Stock Codes:
920 UG 50HZ 920 UG 60HZ
Table of Contents Page
Specifications 4
Safety Information 5
Theory of Operation 5
Preventative Maintenance 6
Cleaning 6
Low Temperature Applications 6
Powering the Unit 6
Sample and Log Intervals 6
Battery Replacement and Operation 7
Installation of Amcorder UG 8
Removal of Amcorder UG 9
Submersed Applications 10
Warranty 19
Quality Assurance Back Cover
SoftLink Software
System Requirements 10
Installation of Software and USB IrDA 10
Communicating with Recorder 11
Discover Recorder 11
Configure Recorder 12
Download Recorder Data 13
Saving Recorder Data 14
Opening Recorder Data 15
Recorder Options 16
Graphing Recorder Data 17
Troubleshooting 18

SPECIFICATIONS
Kit Number 6-920-UG-3
Type Three Phase Underground Recording Ammeter Kit
3 ea Amcorder UG
1 ea IrDA Serial Cable
1 ea Soft Carrying Case
1 ea Softlink Software
Range of Operation
Voltage 69 kV
Current 1 to 2000 A
Resolution
Amps 0.1 A
Accuracy
Amps ± 1%, ± 2 Counts
Frequency, 50 Hz 47 to 53 Hz
Frequency, 60 Hz 57 to 63 Hz
Mechanical
Weight 1.8 lbs, 0.82 kg
Sensor Opening up to 2.5 in, 6.35cm
Dimensions 8.87 in x 5.38 in x 3.74 in, 22.3 cm x 13.7 cm x 9.5 cm
Housing Shock and water resistant molded urethane
Operating Temperature -22 to +140˚ F, -30 to +60˚ C
Lithium battery required for temperatures below -4°F (-20°C).
Submersible Submersible to 6 ft of water to IPX8
Hotstick Mounting Shotgun Style Hotstick (Hotstick not included)
Battery 9 Volt Alkaline or Lithium
Software Requirements Softlink for SensorLink
Processor 100 Mhz or Higher, 200 Mhz Recommended
RAM 32 MB, 64 MB Recommended
Drive Space 15 MB to Load Software, 10 MB Operating Space
Data Collection Space 64,000 Data points
Page 4

Safety Information
Read all safety and instruction statements before using the product. Failing to
follow the safety guidelines can cause severe injury or death.
Amcorders are designed for use on live, overhead lines with 0 to 69KV. All
procedures appropriate for the line voltage are to be taken, including proper
work techniques, equipment, and Personal Protection Equipment.
The Amcorder should be deployed and retrieved only by certified personnel
who have been trained for live-line, high voltage work by their organization.
The Amcorder is to be installed and removed from the line with a suitable
shotgun or switch stick style hot stick. The hot stick is considered the sole
voltage isolation device.
The hot stick length must be correct for line voltage per minimum approach
distances stated in published OSHA regulations and/or provided by the utility.
The cover plate, chuck, and entire Amcorder are to be considered at the same
potential. Putting the cover plate, chuck, or other parts of the Amcorder
within the air gap of adjacent phases or ground could cause a phase to phase
or phase to ground fault.
Do not alter the product in any manner.
Theory of Operation
The Amcorder UG measures and records True RMS Amps on primary and secondary
underground lines. The non-conductive clamp assembly allows it to securely hang
vertically beneath the elbow. Once on the line it begins to collect and record the
current load. The Amcorder UG uses the same current sensor technology as the
original SensorLink®Ampstik®, which does not use magnetic materials.
Measurements are taken at user defined intervals, entered before deployment in
Softlink. Softlink is a user-friendly software interface for downloading, viewing,
graphing, and exporting data. The data is saved as a .xml or .csv file, allowing it to
be opened and analyzed in other data management programs
Remove the units from the line to download the data via IrDA.
Page 5

Low Temperature Applications
The Alkaline Battery and the IrDA transceiver are two components that limit the
operation of the Recorder to down to -4F / -20C. By substituting a Lithium long-life
battery the Recorder can collect data down to -40. Because the IrDA transmitter
doesn't perform at these low temperatures, when collecting the data from the
Recorder the temperature needs to be above -4F/ -20C.
Powering the Unit
The Recorder powers on and begins taking recordings when the battery is properly
connected and placed into the battery compartment.
Preventative Maintenance
The Recorder should be visually inspected for cracks in urethane. Do not use if
cracks are present or the unit is damaged. Verify the air vent on the faceplate has
not been covered. The membrane on the inside of the faceplate is designed to allow
the unit to breath properly.
Cleaning
The Recorder should be cleaned by wiping with a silicone hot stick wipe to remove
dirt, sand, and salt that will degrade the urethane housing.
Sample and Log Intervals
Sample and Log Interval: The Sample Interval is how often the Recorder reads
the current on the conductor. The Recorder will hold the sample current readings
until it reaches the Log Interval, at which time the Recorder will average the sample
measurements. This average becomes the logged data point. The Recorder begins
sampling and logging as soon as a battery is connected.
How many days will the Recorder Log Data? The length of the Log Interval
determines the length of time the Recorder will take to use all of the available logged
data points. See the below chart for the number of days it will take to fill a Recorder
with data, based on various Log Intervals. Note that in most cases the Recorder is
limited by battery life more than the recording capacity.
Log Interval
(seconds)
Days Recording Until Full
1800 1333*
900 666*
600 444*
300 222*
60 44
30 22
*Exceeds expected battery life
Page 6

Battery Replacement and Operation
Changing the Battery: The Amcorder UG requires one 9V battery. Remove the
screw at the base of the unit and remove the cover plate. Snap the battery to the
connector and insert into the battery slot. Replace the cover plate.
The Recorder should have a fresh 9-volt battery replaced each time it is setup and
deployed. A fresh battery has greater than 9.2 VDC. Alkaline batteries have a short
shelf life and care should be taken to make sure the battery is fresh.
Expected Battery Life: The expected life of the battery in a Recorder is varied
by how often the Recorder samples the line to collect data and the ambient
temperature. Fresh non-rechargeable batteries are required so the reliability and life
of the battery can be easily predicted. Predicting the life of rechargeable batteries
is uncertain, especially after several recharges. A new battery should be placed into
the Recorder before it deployed to ensure the reliability of the battery life.
The Recorder will stop operating when the battery fails to supply more than five
volts. All the logged data is safely stored in flash memory. When a fresh battery is
put into the Recorder, the user has five minutes to start downloading the data. The
data will have accurate date and time stamps. The old data will be cleared from
memory after five minutes.
NOTE: Once a fresh battery is inserted, the user has 5 minutes to start
downloading the data before the Amcorder resets itself. The Amcorder will only
save the logged data in its flash ram for 5 minutes. We recommend that you do
not remove the battery until you have downloaded all of the data. A new
battery should be placed into the Amcorder before it is deployed on the line to
ensure the reliability of the battery life.
The following Table indicates the expected
battery life at 68° F or 20° C
Alkaline operating time reduced to 25% at -4° F or -20° C
Lithium operating time reduced to 75% at -4° F or -20° C
Lithium operating time reduced to 50% at -40° F or -40° C
Sample
Interval
(Seconds)
60
30
15
10
5
1
Expected Life of a
9-volt Alkaline
Battery (Days)
180
120
75
60
28
7
Expected Life of a
9-volt Lithium
Battery (Days)
360
240
180
120
60
14
Page 7

Installation of Amcorder UG
Attaching the Amcorder UG to an elbow:
Step 1: Attach the Shotgun or Grip All type hot stick to the Amcorder UG
Step 2: Set the clamp on the Amcorder UG into the open position
Step 3: Place the Amcorder UG on the conductor beneath the elbow
and above the concentric neutral. It does not matter if the clamp is facing
upwards as shown below in step four, or downwards
Step 4: Push the unit against the conductor until the clamp closes
Step 5: Release the hot stick from the Amcorder UG
Step 5: Repeat the above teps for additional units deploying on other phases
Closed Clamp Open Clamp
Page 8

Removal of the Amcorder UG
Removing the Amcorder UG from an elbow:
Step 1: Attach the hot stick to the Amcorder UG
Step 2: Pull the hot stick to open and release the clamp's grip on the conductor
Note: If there is a concern about pulling the elbow off the bushing,
pull from the side, or use a second hot stick to hold the elbow in place.
Submersed Applications
When placing the Amcorder UG in an application where it may become submersed
in water, make sure that the battery cover is seated tight against the bottom of the
battery cavity. If the Amcorder UG is going to be left submersed for an extended
period of time, place a bead of grease to the sides of the battery cover.
Page 9

Softlink for Amcorder
SoftLink is a software application that allows the user to download, view, graph and
import data from their Recorder. In order for a PC running Softlink to communicate,
the Recorder must be powered on, with the IR port on the unit in-line with the IrDA
USB that is connected to the PC.
Softlink System Requirements
OPERATING SYSTEM: Softlink installs onto computers running Windows 7, 8, and
10. Softlink requires Microsoft .NET, which will install with Softlink if not already
installed.
NETWORK INSTALLATION: Softlink is a single user application and is not
supported when installed onto a server.
INSTALLATION AUTHORITY: Installation will require administration rights.
Computers managed by electric utility organizations often limit the programs that
can be installed. If the user does not have admin rights they will need the assistance
of the IT department to download the software.
USB PORT PERMISSIONS: The USB IrDA has an install program that runs the first
time it is connected. The user may have rights to install programs but may not
be aware that the USB ports are locked on the PC. Please contact your network
administrator for permission and instructions to complete the install if drivers are
not installing automatically.
Softlink Installation
Step 1: Softlink Installer is available at www.sensorlink.com/products/amcorder.
Save the file to the desired location. The Softlink .exe file will automatically begin
the download when clicked.
Step 2: You must agree to the licensing agreement to proceed with the download
Step 3: A dialog box will appear to let you know when the download is complete
Step 4: To open Softlink, click on the Start Menu. Under Programs, select Softlink.
Shortcut paths will automatically load during the install.
Manual IrDA Driver Installation
For information on this install, please reference the IrDA manufactures’
documentation available on their product CD. Additionally, if a digital download is
required, the driver is available online at www.sensorlink.com/amcorder.
[ACT-IR224UN-LN115GENERAL SETUP PROCEDURE]
1. Make sure IrDA USB is NOT plugged into the PC until the driver is installed.
2. Insert the installation CD and run the setup file.
3. Click "Next" to continue through the IrDA Driver Installer welcome screen.
4. When this Installation completes, click "Finish" to close the Wizard window.
5. Insert the IrDA cable into the USB port. A message will pop up stating: "Found
new Hardware", then replaced with "New hardware successfully installed and ready
to use."
Page 10

The description and photo displayed will change from the communication device to
the unit when the Recorder has been discovered.
Discover
Configure
Download
Discover Recorder
Click the discover button to instruct the IrDA to immediately find and communicate
to the Recorder. The description and photo displayed will change from the
communication device to the unit when the Recorder has been discovered.
Communicating with Recorder
Softlink communicates with one Recorder at a time. To make sure only one Recorder
is communicating, stand any other Recorders on their base. To communicate with a
Recorder, follow these steps:
Step 1: Insert the USB IrDA cable into the PC's user port
Step 2: Position the Recorder so the IrDA Port, located at the bottom of the unit, is
facing the IrDA. The battery cover will need to be removed.
Step 3: Open Softlink from either the Desktop or Start Menu.
Softlink will automatically discover the IrDA and display the communication device
in the upper left corner of the program.
Page 11

Configure
Select the Configure button to setup Recorder preferences.
Name: Identify the Recorder with up to 16 characters.
Description: Enter a description of up to 46 characters. For example, you may
want to note the Recorder's service location and the date range for the recordings.
Log Interval: Select how often to log data. The Recorder averages all samples
taken since the previous logging and records the result. Typical sample and log
synchronization intervals are one minute and 15 minutes, respectively. The log
interval must exceed the sample interval.
How many Log intervals are available in the Amcorder? 64,000
Sample Interval: Select how often the Recorder will sample current by sliding the
cursor on the scroll bar. Battery life depends on this setting; see page four.
Synchronization: Selecting the “Clear all logged data from the Recorder… and
synchronize logging to the hour” box will allow the Recorder to synchronize itself
to the computer's clock. When multiple Recorders are setup and synchronized using
the same log interval and the same computer, they will all log at the same time.
Clock is Set: If the Recorder is not synchronized before hanging on the line, the log
times will be set, even though not evenly aligned to the hour.
Clock is Unset: If the Recorder’s battery fails prior to any Softlink communication.
Legacy: Older version Recorders cannot be synchronized. To achieve log-time
accuracy with these units, take them down before the battery fails, and download
all data before re-hanging the unit. All log times prior to the first download are
accurate to within a log interval, as long as the battery has not failed.
Page 12

Download Recorder Data
Click the Download button to begin downloading data from the Recorder. The user
is able to view the Recorder's configuration and progress as it is downloading in the
graph view.
The download can be stopped at any time by selecting the red X button.
Repeat these steps to download the data from any additional units. Each unit's data
will load into a new tab.
NOTE: Once a fresh battery is inserted, the user has 5 minutes to start downloading
the data before the Amcorder resets itself. The Amcorder will only save the logged
data in its flash ram for 5 minutes. We recommend that you do not remove the
battery until you have downloaded all of the data. A new battery should be
placed into the Amcorder before it is deployed on the line to ensure the reliability of
the battery life.
Page 13

Saving Recorder Data
Data files may be saved as a .csv or .xlsx file for future review in Softlink or another
data management program. The data from each recorder is saved into its own file.
Step 1: Select the data file by selecting the Recorder on the menu
Step 2: Select "save"
Step 3: Repeat this process for any other data files to be saved
Page 14

Opening Recorder Data files in Softlink
Previously saved files from a Recorder may be opened in Softlink. Follow these steps
for opening saved files:
Step 1: Open Softlink
Step 2: Close the "Discovering ports and instruments" bar
Step 2: Select "Open File"
Step 3: Find and select the .csv or xlsx Softlink file
Opening data files in other programs
Previously saved files from a Recorder may be opened in other data management
programs for analysis and review.
Page 15

Recorder Options
The options button on the Download Screen allows the user to change certain
preferences.
Radio instruments remembered: Softlink remembers Radio Transcorders that were
used in previous downloads. Select "Reset to Default" for Softlink to forget the radios.
See the Radio Transcorder User's Manual for further details.
Chart line thickness: The thickness of the graph lines can be changed by the user.
Thickness is numbered 1 - 10, and defaults at three. The software will show a preview
to the user as the value is changed.
Chart spline tension: The chart spline tension is used to smooth graph lines. The spline
tension range is 0 - 1. Slide the scroll bar to change the spline tension. The software
will show a preview to the user as the value is changed.
Default nominal phase to ground voltage: This option is for Varcorders and has
no effect on the operation of an Amcorder.
Page 16

Graphing
To graph the downloaded data, click the Graph Icon on the download screen.
A second screen will open and display the data in graphical format.
Report Options
Select the units and measurement parameters to graph by clicking in the selection
boxes. Only selected measurement parameters will display on the graph.
Hide and Show Report Options
Click the left arrow to hide Report Options. Click the right arrow to show the hidden
Report options.
Zoom Window
The bottom graph displays the entire time series. To view a section of time, adjust
the left and right sliders. The upper graph will display the values between the slides.
Cursor Tool
Placing the cursor over the graph will display the date and time values of the
measurements.
Page 17

Troubleshooting
The Recorder is not communicating
1) Position the IrDA no more than three feet away from the Recorder.
2) Examine the IrDA connection to the PC and reconnect if necessary.
3) Verify the battery has greater than 5 Volts with a Voltmeter. Replace if low.
4) IrDA USB cables are not universal; using an IrDA not supported by Softlink
may not work. The IrDA you received with your kit has been tested to work
with the Recorders.
5) The Serial Number of the IrDA must start with a "TA" if running Softlink on
WIN 10.
6) Try restarting Softlink by first exiting and then restarting.
7) Try restarting your computer and then re-open Softlink.
8) Do not use docking station USB ports. This will cause the program to hang
up or have no communication to the USB.
9) Use the same USB port that was unlocked by IT for the USB IrDA. Using a
different port will not work without security permissions from IT.
Page 18

SensorLink Corporation
Warranty
SensorLink Corporation warrants each instrument it manufactures to be free from
defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for the period of
one year after date of shipment. Within this period, SensorLink Corporation agrees
to repair or replace, at SensorLink Corporation’s option, any instrument that fails to
perform as specified. This Warranty shall not apply to any instrument that has been:
1 Repaired, worked on, or altered, including removal of the front panel, by persons
unauthorized by SensorLink Corporation in such a manner as to injure, in
SensorLink Corporation’s sole judgment, the performance, stability, or reliability
of the instrument;
2 Subjected to misuse, negligence, or accident; or
3 Connected, installed, adjusted, or used otherwise than in accordance with the
instructions furnished by SensorLink Corporation.
This Warranty is in lieu of any other warranty, expressed or implied. SensorLink
Corporation reserves the right to make any changes in the design or construction
of its instruments at any time, without incurring any obligation to make any change
whatever in units previously delivered.
If a failure occurs, contact the manufacturer for a Return Authorization and
instructions for return shipment. This warranty constitutes the full understanding of
the manufacturer and buyer, and no terms, conditions, understanding, or agreement
purporting to modify or vary the terms hereof shall be binding unless hereafter made
in writing and signed by an authorized official of SensorLink Corporation.
Page 19

Quality Assurance Certification
True Reading RMS Amcorder UG
Model 920 UG
SensorLink certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to the extent allowed
by the Institute's calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other
International Standards Organization members.
This document certifies the following Model 920 UG was/were tested at the
SensorLink Corporation High Voltage Laboratory, Ferndale, WA, USA to the
appropriate standard and comply with the requirements of that standard.
Serial Number: ______________________________________
Model Number: _____________________________________
I hereby certify that the Model 920 UG Amcorder UG(s) have/has passed
all tests defined in the SensorLink Corporation standard. I also certify that I
have reviewed the standard and test procedure and that they are sufficient
in determining compliance with the standard.
Signed: ____________________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________
SensorLinkCorporation
1360 Stonegate Way
Ferndale, WA 98248 USA
phone: [phone]
fax: [phone]
www.sensorlink.com
Form No: SALE-Manual Template AMCORDER-010 REV: V03
Date: 01/2020
Manual Stock Code No: M050-062-001
Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Product specification may change. Contact
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These products proudly made in the USA.