SOMMER USH-9 User manual

Sommer Messtechnik
All rights reserved.
Manual
Setup version 2.45 (Firmware 1.83)
12.07.2021
USH-9
Ultrasonic level sensor

The Copyrights for this manual are exclusively owned by
Sommer Messtechnik
6842 Koblach
Austria
This manual or parts of it may only be copied or passed on to third parties with written permission of
Sommer Messtechnik. This applies to printed as well as digital issues of this manual.
Sommer Messtechnik
Strassenhäuser 27
6842 Koblach
Austria
www.sommer.at
E [email protected]
T [phone]
F [phone]
Validity
This manual applies to the Ultrasonic level sensor with the setup version 2.45, including all its sub-
versions.
Created: 19.10.2018 Last update: 12.07.2021

EU conformity
This product is in conformity with the following standards:
EMC 2014/30/EU EN 61326-1: 2013
LVD 2014/35/EU EN 62311:2008
EN 62368-1:2014
RoHS II 2011/65/EU
RoHS III 2015/863/EU

Safety information
Please read this manual carefully before installing or operating this equipment. Non-compliance with
the instructions given in this manual can result in failure or damage of the equipment or may put
people at risk by injuries through electrical or mechanic impact.
nInstallation and electrical connections must be carried out by qualified personnel familiar with
the applicable regulations and standards.
nDo not perform any installations in bad weather conditions, e.g. thunderstorms.
nPrior to installation of equipment inform the owner of the measurement site or the authority
responsible for it. Upon completion, secure the installation from trespassers.
nMaintenance and repair must be performed by trained personnel or an engineer of Sommer
Messtechnik. Only replacement parts supplied by Sommer Messtechnik should be used for
repairs.
nMake sure that NO power is connected to the equipment during installation and wiring.
nOnly use a power supply that complies with the power rating specified for this equipment.
nKeep equipment dry during wiring and maintenance.
nIf applicable, it is recommended to use accessories of Sommer Messtechnik with this equip-
ment.
Disposal
After this device has reached the end of its lifetime, it must not be disposed of with
household waste! Instead, dispose of the device by returning it to a designated col-
lection point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment.
Feedback
Should you come across any error in this manual, or if you miss information to handle and operate
the USH-9 we are pleased to receive your feedback to [e-mail].

Content
1What is the USH-9? 11
2Unpacking 12
3Get started 13
3.1 Connect the USH-9 to your PC 13
3.2 Configure the USH-9 14
3.3 Acquire measurements 14
4How the USH-9 works 15
5Components 16
5.1 MAIN connector 16
6Specifications 17
7Installation 19
7.1 Site selection 19
7.2 Things to consider for installation 19
7.2.1 Power supply 20
7.2.2 Signal cables 21
7.2.3 Lightning protection 21
7.3 Required tools and equipment 21
7.4 Mounting 22
7.5 Wiring 22
7.5.1 RS-485 22
7.5.2 SDI-12 23
7.5.3 How to wire analog outputs 24
7.6 Testing 24
7.7 Adjustment 24
7.8 Start-up 25
8Operation 26
8.1 Connect device to PC 26
8.2 How do I test the USH-9 indoors? 26
9Maintenance 28
10 Support software Commander 29
10.1 Software features 29
10.2 System requirements 29
10.3 Installation of Commander 29
10.4 Working with connections 34
10.4.1 Establish a connection with the Communication assistant 34
10.4.2 Establish a connection manually 35
10.4.3 Create a new connection 35

10.5 Working with stations 35
10.5.1 Create a station with the Communication assistant 35
10.5.2 Create a station manually 40
10.6 Working with measurements 40
10.6.1 Poll continuous measurements 40
10.6.2 Record measurements 41
10.7 Working with data 42
10.7.1 View live data 42
10.8 Working with spectra 42
10.8.1 Record spectrum 42
10.8.2 Read spectrum file 43
10.9 Working with parameter (setup) files 43
10.9.1 Download setup 43
10.9.2 Open a setup file 43
10.9.3 Edit setup 44
10.9.4 Upload new setup file 44
10.10 Update firmware 44
11 Configuration of the USH-9 47
11.1 Software tools 47
11.2 Configuration with Commander support software 47
11.3 Configuration with a terminal program 50
11.4 Conflict messages 51
11.4.1 Parameter conflict 52
11.4.2 Setup conflict 52
11.5 General settings 53
11.5.1 Measurement trigger 53
11.5.2 Language/Sprache 54
11.5.3 Decimal character 54
11.5.4 Units and decimals 54
11.5.5 Output protocol (OP) 54
11.5.6 OP, information 54
11.6 Level/Distance measurements 55
11.6.1 Measurement duration 55
11.6.2 Level/distance test 55
11.6.3 Adjust level 55
11.6.4 Distance to zero level 55
11.6.5 Application 55
11.6.6 Moving filter, duration 56
11.6.7 Moving filter, type 56

11.7 Configuring the USH-9 for snow measurements 57
11.8 Configuring the USH-9 for water level measurements 57
12 Communication 59
12.1 Communication protocols 59
12.2 Data output 59
12.2.1 Main values 59
12.2.2 Special values 60
12.2.3 Analysis values 60
12.2.4 Exception values 61
12.3 RS-485 62
12.3.1 What is RS-485? 62
12.3.2 What can I do with it? 62
12.3.3 Configuration 62
12.3.4 Data output options 64
12.3.5 Sommer protocol 64
12.3.6 Standard protocol 68
12.3.7 Sommer old protocol 70
12.3.8 RS-485 commands 71
12.3.9 Sommer CRC-16 73
12.4 SDI-12 74
12.4.1 What is SDI-12? 74
12.4.2 What can I do with it? 74
12.4.3 Configuration 74
12.4.4 Data structure 74
12.4.5 SDI-12 commands 75
12.5 Modbus 79
12.5.1 What is Modbus? 79
12.5.2 What can I do with it? 80
12.5.3 Wiring 80
12.5.4 Configuration 80
12.5.5 Modbus commands and registers 86
12.5.6 Reactivate Sommer protocol 89
12.5.7 PLC integration 94
13 Analog output 95
13.1 What can I do with it? 95
13.2 How to wire analog outputs 95
13.3 Activation 95
13.4 Scaling 96
13.4.1 IOUT 1 96
13.4.2 IOUT 2 97

13.5 Simulate current output 98
14 Parameter definitions 99
AMeasurement trigger 99
BMeasurement Interval 99
CLevel and distance 100
C-A Measurement duration 100
C-B Level/distance test 100
C-C Adjust level 100
C-D Distance to zero level 101
C-E Application 101
C-F Moving filter, duration 101
C-G Moving filter, type 102
DTechnics 103
D-A Language/Sprache 103
D-B Decimal character 103
D-C SDI-12 address 103
D-D Units and decimals 104
D-D-A Level, unit 104
D-D-B Level, decimals 104
D-D-C Temperature, unit 105
D-D-D Temperature, decimals 105
D-E Temperature 105
D-E-A Offset 105
D-E-B Adjustment 105
D-E-C Test 106
D-F IOUT settings 106
D-F-A Status 106
D-F-B IOUT1, function 106
D-F-C IOUT1, 4-20 mA span 107
D-F-D IOUT1, 4 mA value 107
D-F-E IOUT2, function 107
D-F-F IOUT2, temperature 4-20 mA span 108
D-F-G IOUT2, temperature 4 mA value 108
D-F-H IOUT2, status hold time 108
D-F-I Simulate current output 109
D-G Status limits 109
D-G-A Level limit 109
D-G-B Snow settling, strength drop 110
D-G-C Snow settling, maximum level 110
D-G-D Snowfall, precipitation limit 110
D-G-E Snowfall, max. temperature 110
D-H Advanced settings 111

D-H-A Optimisation 111
D-H-B Max. measurement distance 111
D-H-C View spectral distribution 112
D-H-D Maximum standard deviation 112
D-H-E Rate of change, maximum (./h) 112
D-H-F RoC, max. without precip. (./h) 112
D-H-G RoC, max. at precip. (./h) 113
D-H-H Precipitation, filter duration 113
D-H-I Reset behavior 113
D-H-J Sleep mode 114
D-H-K Sommer ID 114
D-I RS-485 Protocol 114
D-I-A Device number 115
D-I-B System key 115
D-I-C Output protocol (OP) 115
D-I-D OP, measurement output 116
D-I-E OP, information 116
D-I-F OP, wake-up sequence 116
D-I-G OP, prefix holdback 117
D-I-H MODBUS, set default 117
D-I-I MODBUS, device address 117
D-J RS-485 Port 117
D-J-A Baud rate 118
D-J-B Parity, stop bits 118
D-J-C Minimum response time 119
D-J-D Transmitter warm-up time 119
D-J-E Flow control 119
D-J-F Sending window 119
D-J-G Receiving window 120
ESpecial functions 120
E-A Device status 120
E-B View setup 120
E-C Continuous meas. mode (temp). 120
E-D Set factory default 121
E-E Temp. load factory default 121
E-F Relaunch program 121
FMeasurement table 121
Appendix A Device Errors 122
Appendix B Troubleshooting 124
B.1 Devices 124
B.1.1 The USH-9 is not responding 124
B.1.2 The USH-9 reboots repeatedly 126

B.2 Measurement data 126
B.2.1 Measurement data are not updated 126
B.2.2 Snow height increase is retarded 126
B.2.3 Recorded data show frequent data gaps 127
B.3 Firmware & software 127
B.3.1 Commander loads wrong setup 127
B.3.2 Firmware update via RS-485 is aborted 127
B.4 SDI-12 128
B.4.1 Data logger receives no SDI-12 data 128
B.4.2 The USH-9 is not detected by a SDI-12 master device 128
B.5 Analog output 129
B.5.1 The 4-20 mA output is wrong 129
Appendix C CRC-16 array 130

1 What is the USH-9?
Continuous snow depth and water-level measurements are very important in avalanche risk forecast
and water resource management .
The USH-9 is a continuous measurement device for the contact-free determination of snow depth
and water level. It measures the transit time of an ultrasonic signal between a variable surface and
the USH-9 sensor, and translates it to a snow or water level. An integrated processor compensates
the detected signal for temperature and filters interfering reflections of precipitation within the meas-
urement path.
The USH-9 sensor contains an additional feature to sense precipitation and to discriminate snow
from rain. This offers the option to detect the settling of snow, used for example in road weather
monitoring systems.
1 What is the USH-9?
Manual 11

2 Unpacking
When unpacking your USH-9 sensor box please make sure that the following items are present:
Qty Name
1 USH-9 sensor including sensor mount, sensor cable 10 m and RS-485 to USB con-
verter
1 Manual and Commander Software on USB stick
1 Commander support software
In case of missing or damaged items please contact your Sommer Messtechnik sales partner.
2 Unpacking
12 Manual

3 Get started
Follow the steps described below to set the basic configurations and to acquire the first meas-
urement results.
NOTE Perform the first start-up in your lab or office before installing the equip-
ment in the field!
3.1 Connect the USH-9 to your PC
1. Install the Commander support software (see Installation of Commander )
2. Connect the yellow and gray wires of the sensor cable to the RS-485 to USB converter cable
and plug it into your PC as illustrated in the figure below.
3. Connect a 9...28 VDC power supply to the USH-9.
4. Click on Communication assistant on the right-hand side of the Commander window and follow
the instructions. During this procedure the communication assistant will search for connected
devices. Upon successful completion, the new connection is added to the connections list (tab
Connections (F8)).
5. In the Communication Section at the right-hand side of the Commander window select Mode
Connection and the previously created connection from the drop-down list.
6. Click Connect to establish a connection with the USH-9. If the connection was successful a
green icon is displayed at the top-right corner of the Commander window.
7. Select the tab Parameters (F2) and click Download parameters from device on the left side of
the Commander window. The complete parameter list is transferred from the sensor to your
PC and displayed in the Parameter window.
3 Get started
Manual 13

3.2 Configure the USH-9
1. Select language, decimal character, units and decimal places (see General settings)
2. Select the measurement trigger (see Measurement trigger)
3. Configure the USH-9 for the required application (see Configuring the USH-9 for snow meas-
urements and Configuring the USH-9 for water level measurements)
4. Define scope and structure of the data output (see General settings)
5. Optional: Configure analog outputs (see Analog output)
6. Send any modifications to the USH-9 by clicking Upload modified parameters to device.
3.3 Acquire measurements
1. Establish a connection to your device as described in Working with connections.
2. Download the setup of your device as described in Download setup.
3. Select the Measurement (F3) tab.
4. In the Commandssection click Start polling measurement. Now, the Commander will trigger
measurements of the USH-9 without any delays between measurements. The results are dis-
played Measurement values and plotted in the Measurement data graph.
5. To finish polling mode click Stop polling.
3 Get started
14 Manual

4 How the USH-9 works
The USH-9 is a sensor to measure distance contact-free. Ultrasonic pulses with a frequency of 50 kHz
are emitted from the sensor-head and are reflected at any surface. The reflected signal is then detec-
ted by the sensor and from the travelling-time of the pulses the distance to the surface is calculated.
Figure 1 illustrates the path of the ultrasonic signal.
The ultrasonic pulses received by the sensor head are filtered for interferences and disturbing reflec-
tions, e.g. from precipitation. This permits reliable and accurate level measurements even during rain
or snowfall, or when the snow is of very low density.
As the speed of sound depends on temperature, the USH-9 is equipped with an integrated Pt1000 air
temperature sensor to automatically correct the measured distance and snow depth.
With the integrated, intelligent signal processing and the automatic switching between standby- and
measurement-mode the power consumption can be minimized. With a 12-Ah battery the USH-9 can
be operated for approx. 24 days with one measurement per minute.
Figure 1 Ultrasonic signal of the USH-9 sensor
4 How the USH-9 works
Manual 15

5 Components
5.1 MAIN connector
Figure 2 MAIN connector
Pin Colour1Function Description
Power supply
1 white GND Ground
2 brown Vsupply 9...28 VDC
Trigger input 3 green Trig low: 0…0.6 V, high: 2…27 V
RS-485 interface
4 yellow RS485 A21 x RS-485 (1200…115200 Baud)
5 grey RS485 B2
SDI-12 interface 6 pink SDI-12 1 x SDI-12 (1200 Baud)
Analog outputs
7 blue IOUT2 Temperature (4…20 mA)
8 red IOUT1 Snow depth (4…20 mA)
NOTE The analog outputs and the trigger input are referenced to GND on pin
1.
1Wire colour of the provided “Sommer” cable
2According to TI notation which differs from the standard EIA notation
5 Components
16 Manual

6 Specifications
Snow depth measurement
Measurement range 0…10 m
Near blanking dis-
tance
0.7 m
Accuracy max. ± 1cm; typically 0.1% FS
Resolution 1 mm
Non-linearity ≤0.15%
Measurement dur-
ation
2…20 s
Measurement interval 20 s…3 h
Measurement prin-
ciple
Ultrasonic (frequency 50 kHz)
Beam aperture 12°
Temperature measurement
Temperature sensor Pt1000 with radiation shield
Measurement range -40…60 °C (-40…140 °F)
Accuracy 0.3 °C
Resolution 0.01 °C
Power
Power supply 9...28 VDC; Reverse voltage protection, overvoltage protection
Power consumption at
12 VDC
Sleep mode: <0.4 mA
Active measurement: typically 40 mA (max. 300 mA for 0.05 s)
Interfaces
Serial RS-485 ASCII / Modbus RTU
SDI-12
Analog 2 Analog outputs 4…20 mA (14 bit, max. load 250 Ω)
6 Specifications
Manual 17

Physical and environmental
Operating tem-
perature
-40…60 °C (-40…140 °F)
Storage temperature -40…60 °C (-40…140 °F)
Environmental humid-
ity
0…100 %rH
Protection rating IP 64
Lightning protection Integrated protection against indirect lightning with a discharge capacity
of 0.6 kV peak
Housing material Anodized aluminium
Mounting bracket Ø32…60 mm
Size Ø x H Ø180 x 320 mm
Weight 1.2 kg
6 Specifications
18 Manual

7 Installation
7.1 Site selection
The selection of a suitable site is crucial to gain accurate level and snow depth data that are rep-
resentative of the monitored area. Several aspects have to be considered when choosing a site, espe-
cially for snow depth measurements:
1. The measurement spot should be representative of the monitored area. This applies to the
weather conditions as well as to the ground surface. Different surfaces, e.g. grass and gravel,
have different thermal properties and consequently influence snow accumulation and snow
melt.
2. The terrain should be flat or only be slightly sloping. There should be no troughs or hills.
3. There should be no boulders, trees, fences or other objects on and around the measurement
spot. Any obstacle can cause snow drift and thus affect the snow depth measurement.
4. The site should be exposed to wind as little as possible.
5. The site must be safe from avalanches.
6. If the measurement spot is on or near a slope any snow gliding has to be ruled out.
7.2 Things to consider for installation
The USH-9 can be mounted to a horizontal tube with the included bracket (max. tube diameter
60mm) as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3 USH-9 with mounting bracket
7 Installation
Manual 19

When planning the installation of a USH-9 the extension of the cone-shaped measurement beam has
to be taken into account. The higher the sensor is mounted the bigger the diameter of the meas-
urement spot. Consequently, the mast and cross-beam must be designed in such a way that they do
not interfere with the ultrasonic beam and thus create unwanted reflections. The same applies to
river banks and channel walls in water level applications. Consult the table in Figure 4 for recom-
mended distances between mast and measurement spot.
H [m] Ø [m] DB [m]
2 0.4 1.0
3 0.6 1.2
4 0.8 1.4
5 1.1 1.6
6 1.3 1.8
7 1.5 2.0
8 1.7 2.2
Figure 4 Measurement spot and USH-9 position
It is recommended to mount the USH-9 one meter above the maximum expected level and minimum
3 m above ground. The maximum mounting height is 10.5 m above ground. As an accessory, Sommer
provides a 1.6 m long, rotatable cross-arm for easy sensor mounting.
If a snow-depth monitoring site needs to be secured by a fence, the distance between the fence and
the USH-9 should be large enough to avoid snow build-up or snow drift.
7.2.1 Power supply
The USH-9 is designed for extreme environmental conditions at remote sites and with no grid con-
nection. The sensor switches automatically into standby-mode between measurements and thus con-
sumes only approx. 0.2 Ah per day which can be supplied by a 12V-solar-generator mounted to the
mast.
7 Installation
20 Manual