Varec 8300 series User manual

IOM032GVAE1313
Automation Solutions for oil & gas, defense and aviation applications
Installation and Operations Manual
Dispatch and Fuels Accounting
8303 Tank Gate Interface
The 8303 scans up to 62 intelligent devices
(32 per channel) via serial RS-485 (MODBUS
or GSI ASCII) communications, including tank
gauges, sensors, PC and PLC systems.
DVR Firmware Version : MDTG1_15
DVR Firmware Version : GSTG1_10

8303
Varec, Inc. i
Copyright
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
Except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication
may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means -
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise - without the prior written
permission of the Publisher:
Varec, Inc.
5834 Peachtree Corners East
Norcross (Atlanta), Georgia 30092
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Trademarks Acknowledged
Varec, Inc. recognizes all other trademarks. Trademarks of other products mentioned in this
manual are held by the companies producing them.
FuelsManager® and Varec® are registered trademarks of Varec, Inc.
Acrobat Reader® is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
MODBUS® is a registered trademark of Modicon, Inc.
All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective
companies.
Disclaimer of Warranties
The contract between the Seller and the Buyer states the entire obligation of the Seller. The
contents of this instruction manual shall not become part of or modify any prior or existing
agreement, commitment, or relationship between the Seller and Buyer. There are no express or
implied warranties set out in this instruction manual. The only warranties that apply are those
in the existing contract between the Seller and Buyer.
The 8300 TGI has not been tested by Varec under all possible operational conditions, and Varec
may not have all the data relative to your application. The information in this instruction manual
is not all inclusive and does not and cannot take into account all unique situations.
Consequently, the user should review this product literature in view of his or her application. If
you have any further questions, please contact Varec for assistance.
Limitations of Seller's Liability
In the event that a court holds that this instruction manual created some new warranties, Seller's
liability shall be limited to repair or replacement under the standard warranty clause. In no case
shall the Seller's liability exceed that stated as Limitations of Remedy in the contract between
the Seller and Buyer.
Use of parts that are not manufactured or supplied by Varec voids any warranty and relieves
Varec of any obligation to service the product under warranty. Varec recommends the use of
only Varec manufactured or supplied parts to maintain or service the 8300 TGI.

Tank Gate Interface
ii Installation and Operations Manual
Terms of Use
The information provided in this document is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind.
Varec, Inc. disclaim all warranties, either express or implied, including the warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Varec, Inc. or its suppliers
be liable for any damages whatsoever including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, loss
of business profits or special damages, even if Varec, Inc. or its suppliers have been advised of
the possibility of such damages.
This manual is solely intended to describe product installation and functions and should not be
used for any other purpose. It is subject to change without prior notice. This manual was
prepared with the highest degree of care. However, should you find any errors or have any
questions, contact one of our service offices or your local sales agent.

8303
Varec, Inc. iii
Safety Precaution Definitions
Caution! Damage to equipment may result if this precaution is disregarded.
Warning! Direct injury to personnel or damage to equipment which can cause injury to
personnel may result if this precaution is not followed.
Safety Precautions
Read this manual carefully and make sure you understand its contents before using this product.
Follow all instructions and safety guidelines presented in this manual when using this product.
If the user does not follow these instructions properly, Varec cannot guarantee the safety of the
system.
Note Comply with all applicable regulations, codes, and standards. For safety precautions,
the user should refer to the appropriate industry or military standards.
Caution! Electrical Hazard! Read and understand static and lightning electrical protection
and grounding described in API 2003. Make certain that the installation, operation, and
maintenance conforms with the practice set forth therein.
Warning! Striking the product with a metal object could cause a spark to occur. When
removing or replacing the product in flammable or hazardous liquid storage areas, take
necessary measures to protect it from impact.
Warning! Sparks or static charge could cause fire or explosion! Mechanical connections,
worker activity and worker clothing may accumulate electrostatic charges. Care should be
used in flammable environments to avoid the hazard.

Tank Gate Interface
iv Installation and Operations Manual

Varec, Inc. v
Contents
1Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Versions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.3 Applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.4 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.4.1 System Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.4.2 Software Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.4.3 Host Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.4.4 Modbus Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.4.5 Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.4.6 Power consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.4.7 Surge protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.4.8 Operating temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.4.9 Humidity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.4.10 Storage temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.4.11 Mechanical Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2 Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.1 Hardware Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.2 Motherboard Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.2.1 Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.2.2 Switches and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2.3 Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3 8203 Dual RS-485 Communications Interface Module . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.2 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.2.1 ID DIP Switch (SW1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.2.2 LED Indicators (D1-D4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Field wiring terminal block (J2,J4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.2.3 Surge/Shield Ground Connector (J3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.2.4 Network terminating resistor jumpers (W4 & W5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.3 Hardware Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.3.1 Modbus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4 Software Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.1 Software Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.1.1 Real-Time / Multitasking Executive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.1.2 Real-Time Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.1.3 Automatic Fault Recovery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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vi Installation and Operations Manual
4.1.4 Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.1.5 Protocols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.1.6 Data Scanning Task. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.1.7 Database Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.1.8 System Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.1.9 Tank Gate Interface Software Blocks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.2 Database Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.2.1 Point Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.2.2 Parameter Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.3 Gathering Point Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.3.1 Standard Request-Response Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.3.2 Change of State Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.3.3 Change of State-Related Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.3.4 Modbus Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.3.5 Fixed Modbus Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.3.6 GWBLK method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.4 Common Software Blocks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.4.1 Clock (CLK) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.4.2 Communications (COM). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.4.3 Floating Point Register (FPREG). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4.4.4 Emulator (EMU). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4.4.5 EMU Gateway (EMUGW). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
4.4.6 Gateway Block (GWBLK) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
4.4.7 Integer Register (IREG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
4.4.8 Modbus Gateway (MODGW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
4.4.9 Scaler Point (SCALER) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
4.4.10 System Information (SYS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5 Dual RS-485 (MODBUS) Software Blocks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
5.1 Varec 453x series Average Temperature Converter (ATC) Interface (AT4530) 43
5.1.1 Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
5.1.2 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
5.2 Saab Data Acquisition Unit (DAU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
5.2.1 Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
5.2.2 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
5.3 GSI Model 2000 Modbus Interface (GSIMB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
5.3.1 Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
5.3.2 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
5.4 Varec Multi-Function Transmitter (Modbus) (MBMFT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
5.4.1 Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
5.4.2 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
5.5 Varec Modbus Level Transmitter Interface (MBTX) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
5.5.1 Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
5.5.2 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

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5.6 Modbus I/O (MFIO). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
5.6.1 Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
5.6.2 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
5.7 MTG Tank Gauge Interface (MG5000). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
5.7.1 Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
5.7.2 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
5.8 Modbus Floating Point Register (MFPREG). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
5.8.1 Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
5.8.2 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
5.9 Modbus Scanner (MSCAN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
5.9.1 Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
5.9.2 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
5.10 SAAB REX Radar (REX) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
5.10.1 Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
5.10.2 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
5.11 Varec 7xxx Radar Tank Gauge (RG7000) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
5.11.1 Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
5.11.2 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
5.12 Saab Radar Tank Gauge (RTG). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
5.12.1 Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
5.12.2 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
5.13 Varec 6000 Servo Gauge (STG) Interface (SG6000). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
5.13.1 Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
5.13.2 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
5.14 Varec 4590 Tank Side Monitor (TSM) Interface (TM4590). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
5.14.1 Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
5.14.2 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
5.15 Ronan X76CTM (X76CTM). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
5.15.1 Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
5.15.2 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
6 Dual RS-485 (GSI ASCII) Software Blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
6.1 Gauging Systems Inc. Model 2000 ASCII Tank Trasmitter Interface (GSI) . . . 99
6.1.1 Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
6.1.2 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
6.2 Gauging Systems Inc. ASCII Scanner (GSISCN). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
6.2.1 Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
6.2.2 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
7 Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
7.1 General Safety Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

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7.2 Installation Safety Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
7.3 Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
7.3.1 Mounting the Tank Gate Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
7.3.2 Select the Unit Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
7.3.3 Wiring Up Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
7.3.4 Grounding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
7.3.5 Installing Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
8 Using ViewRTU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
8.1 Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
8.2 System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
8.3 Installing ViewRTU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
8.4 Executing ViewRTU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
8.4.1 ViewRTU window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
8.5 The ViewRTU Menu Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
8.5.1 The File Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
8.5.2 The Point Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
8.5.3 The Config Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
8.5.4 The Communications Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
8.5.5 The Options Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
8.5.6 The Help Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
8.6 Using ViewRTU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
8.6.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
8.6.2 Configuring Single Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
8.6.3 To modify a Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
8.6.4 Configuring Multiple Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
8.6.5 Creating and Editing Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
9 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
9.1 Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
9.2 Troubleshooting the Tank Gate Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
9.2.1 LED Displays under normal conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
9.2.2 LED Displays under Abnormal Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
9.2.3 Using the Tank Gate Interface Push-buttons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
9.2.4 Performing a Hard Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
9.3 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
A Appendix - Order Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

8303 Overview
Varec, Inc. 1
1Overview
The 8300 series Tank Gate Interface acts as a tank gauge interface for data acquisition and host
gateway for tank farm, pipeline or refinery applications. Options are available for interfacing to
nearly any brand of tank gauge equipment or technologies, making it possible to integrate float
and tape transmitters, HTG, servo, magnetostrictive and radar gauges.
Each 8300 series Tank Gate Interface unit has a built-in motherboard and specific
communications module based on the local field protocol or tank gauging instrumentation
requirements. The motherboard contains a serial data link to enable communication to a host
PC, PLC, or DCS.
Note! Each intelligent module is identified by a 82xx designation that matches the product desig-
nation, for example, the 8303 TGI contains a 8203 communications module.
Each module contains its own processor for fast and reliable field data scanning. Compatibility
of every module also makes configuration of the internal database simple and straightforward.
1.1 Versions
The 8300 series Tank Gate Interface is available in a number of versions that can interface to a
variety of field devices and intelligent instrumentation via interface modules listed below:
• 8303-2 Dual RS-485 (MODBUS) Communications Tank Gate Interface
• 8303-6 Dual RS-485 (GSI ASCII) Communications Interface Module
• 8310 Varec Mark/Space (Varec 1800, 1900, 4000) Tank Gate Interface
• 8311-1 Current Loop (Whessoe Bus) Tank Gate Interface
• 8311-2 Current Loop (GPE) Tank Gate Interface
• 8312 Saab (TRL/2) Tank Gate Interface
• 8314 Enraf (811, 802/812, 854, 873) Tank Gate Interface
• 8315 L&J Tankway (MCG 1000, MCG 1500, MCG 2000) Tank Gate Interface
• 8316 LON (Prime Measurement 3500 ATG) Tank Gate Interface
• 8317 Dual RS-232 Veeder Root (TLS 350) Tank Gate Interface
1.2 Features
• Inputs are reported to Host Computer by Exception or Scanned Poll
• Built-in Software Function Library
• Surge Protection Conforming to ANSI/IEEE C37.90a-1974
• Host Communication via RS-232, RS-485, radio, modem or fiber optic link
• Industry Standard Protocol: Modbus
• Quick-Disconnect I/O Terminations
• Modular Construction for Optimum Expandability
• Non-Volatile Database

Overview Tank Gate Interface
2Installation and Operations Manual
1.3 Applications
The 8300 series Tank Gate Interface is ideally suited for Tank Farm, Terminal, Pipeline and
Refinery applications. It is an effective solution used in SCADA applications.
• Level, temperature, pressure, flow, local indication, and alarms
1.4 Specifications
1.4.1 System Design
• 16-bit processor with optional intelligent communication modules
• Intelligent field device communications
• 128K bytes Non-Volatile Database Memory
• Serial RS-232
• Visual indication - 4 LEDs on main board indicate power and status
1.4.2 Software Functionality
• Tank gauge scanning - Data acquisition of measured values from connected tank gauges/
transmitters
• Service & diagnostics*
• Gauge diagnostics
• Read level, temperature and status data from gauge/transmitter
1.4.3 Host Communication
• Host comm. ports - 2
• Comm. type:
• COM 0: RS-232C
• COM 1: RS-232C or RS485
• Baud Rate - selectable baud rate depending on equipment parameters
• Protocol - Modbus™ RTU protocol
• Mode - RTU mode, master and slave
• Media access - Master/Slave
1.4.4 Modbus Functionality
• Modbus™ commands - 3, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16
• Modbus™ mapping - Configurable
1.4.5 Power Supply
• Supply 100...240 Vac, 50/60 Hz
1.4.6 Power consumption
• 50 VA max (500 mA)

8303 Overview
Varec, Inc. 3
1.4.7 Surge protection
• Gas Discharge Tubes (GDTs) and clamping diodes on all field inputs, power supply inputs
and communications channels
1.4.8 Operating temperature
• -40...+185 °F (-40...+85 °C)
1.4.9 Humidity
• 5...95% (non-condensing)
1.4.10 Storage temperature
• -40...+212 °F (-40...100 °C)
1.4.11 Mechanical Construction
• Dimensions (HxDxW) - 2.5" (64 mm) x 8.6" (220 mm) x 5.2" (133 mm)
• Material - Aluminum Powder coated
*Gauge/transmitter Dependent

Overview Tank Gate Interface
4Installation and Operations Manual

8303 Hardware
Varec, Inc. 5
2 Hardware
The Tank Gate Interface consists of an enclosure, motherboard, single tank gauge interface
module and connectors.
2.1 Hardware Block Diagram
A Tank Gate Interface hardware functional block diagram is shown below. This diagram shows
the relationship between major subsystems and components in the Tank Gate Interface.
The heart of the Tank Gate Interface is an Intel 80C188EB microprocessor operating at 18.432
MHz. Designed specifically for real-time embedded applications, the µP includes timer/
counters, an interrupt controller, and chip-select circuitry. It also includes 2 serial channels that
are designated as COM0 and COM1.
2.2 Motherboard Description
The motherboard description is broken into three sections. Each section identifies the location
of the components on the motherboard. When necessary, a brief description of the component
is provided. These sections are listed below:
• Power Supply
• Switches and Indicators
• Communications
Figure 2-1: Tank Gate Interface Hardware Components

Hardware Tank Gate Interface
6Installation and Operations Manual
Figure 2-2: The Tank Gate Interface Motherboard
Figure 2-3: Tank Gate Interface Functional Block Diagram
EARTH
NEUTRAL
LINE
SURGE GND
A/TXD
B/RXD
GND
RTS
CTS
TXD
RXD
GND
+15V
+5V
GND
-15V
+
-
VFIELD COM1 COM 0 AUX POWER
VFIELD=48V
VFIELD=24V
RESET
RS232
RS485
COM1
HARDWARE HANDSHAKING
AB
COM 0
RS-232
128 K
256 k
uP Serial 0
Serial 1
PROM
Tank Gauge
Interface Circuitry
NOVRAM

8303 Hardware
Varec, Inc. 7
2.2.1 Power Supply
• Unit AC Power terminal block (J2)
• Surge Protection terminal block (J4)
• Field Power terminal block (J3)
• Auxiliary DC Power Output terminal block (J8)
• AC Power fuses (500 mA - 250V 5x20 mm) (F1, F2)
• Field Voltage Selection Jumper (W3)
2.2.1.1 Unit AC Input Power terminal block (J2)
The Unit AC power terminal block is used to provide AC power to the Tank Gate Interface. The
power requirements for the Tank Gate Interface are 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz. The AC Input
Power terminal block is shown in the figure below.
Figure 2-4: AC Input Terminal Block
2.2.1.2 Surge Protection (Surge Gnd) terminal block (J4)
The Surge Gnd terminal block is used to connect the surge protection components (gas tubes,
MOVs) to earth ground. Ensure there is a low impedance path (< 1ohm) to earth ground (a
ground rod or grounding system).
EARTH
NEUTRAL
LINE
SURGE GND
+
-
VFIELD
J2
J4
EARTH
EARTH
NEUTRAL
NEUTRAL
LINE
LINE
SURGE GND
SURGE GND
A/TXD
A/TXD
B/RXD
B/RXD
GND
GND
RTS
RTS
CTS
CTS
TXD
TXD
RXD
RXD
GND
GND
+15V
+15V
+5V
+5V
GND
GND
-15V
-15V
+
-
VFIELD
VFIELD
COM1
COM1
COM 0
COM 0
AUX POWER
AUX POWER
VFIELD=48V
VFIELD=48V
VFIELD=24V
VFIELD=24V
RESET
RESET
RS232
RS232
RS485
RS485
COM1
COM1
HARDWAREHANDSHAKING
HARDWAREHANDSHAKING
AB

Hardware Tank Gate Interface
8Installation and Operations Manual
2.2.1.3 Field Power (VFIELD) terminal block (J3)
The Field Power terminal block, referred to as VFIELD, is used to provide power for field
instruments. The output is configurable using jumpers (Jumper W3, discussed below).
Figure 2-5: Field Power Terminal Block
2.2.1.4 Auxiliary DC Output Power terminal block (J8)
The Auxiliary power terminal block is used when external equipment must be powered from the
Tank Gate Interface’s internal power supply. The triple output power supply provides +5, +15
and -15 Volts. These are rated 210 mA, 50 mA, and 5 mA, respectively. The DC Power terminal
block is shown below.
T
Figure 2-6: DC Input Voltage Terminal Block
LINE
SURGE GND
A/TXD
B/RXD
GND
+
-
VFIELD COM1
J3
J4
EARTH
NEUTRAL
LINE
SURGE GND
A/TXD
B/RXD
GND
RTS
CTS
TXD
RXD
GND
+15V
+5V
GND
-15V
+
-
VFIELD COM1 COM 0 AUX POWER
VFIELD=48V
VFIELD=24V
RESET
RS232
RS485
COM1
HARDWAREHANDSHAKING
AB
EARTH
NEUTRAL
LINE
SURGE GND
A/TXD
B/RXD
GND
RTS
CTS
TXD
RXD
GND
+15V
+5V
GND
-15V
+
-
VFIELD COM1 COM 0 AUX POWER
VFIELD=48V
VFIELD=24V
RESET
RS232
RS485
COM1
HARDWAREHANDSHAKING
AB
CTS
TXD
RXD
GND
+15V
+5V
GND
-15V
COM 0 AUX POWER
J8
J7

8303 Hardware
Varec, Inc. 9
2.2.1.5 AC Power Fuses (F1,F2)
The AC Power Fuses provide protection for the AC input power. The two fuses, F1 and F2, are
rated at 500 mA, 250 V.
Figure 2-7: AC Power Fuse
2.2.1.6 Field Voltage Selection Jumper (W3)
The Field Voltage Selection Jumper W3 determines the voltage available at the VFIELD terminals
(J3). The Field Voltage can be configured for +24 VDC or +48VDC. At +24VDC, there is 230 mA
of field power available. At +48VDC, there is 230 mA of field power available.
Figure 2-8: Selection Jumper W3
2.2.2 Switches and Indicators
2.2.2.1 Reset push-button (SW3)
The RESET Switch is used to re-initialize the system hardware by causing it to go to a known
starting state. This switch may be pressed at any time; however, it will do the following:
EARTH
NEUTRAL
LINE
SURGE GND
A/TXD
B/RXD
GND
RTS
CTS
TXD
RXD
GND
+15V
+5V
GND
-15V
+
-
VFIELD COM1 COM 0 AUX POWER
VFIELD=48V
VFIELD=24V
RESET
RS232
RS485
COM1
HARDWAREHANDSHAKING
AB
F1
F2
EARTH
NEUTRAL
LINE
SURGE GND
A/TXD
B/RXD
GND
RTS
CTS
TXD
RXD
GND
+15V
+5V
GND
-15V
+
-
VFIELD COM1 COM 0 AUX POWER
VFIELD=48V
VFIELD=24V
RESET
RS232
RS485
COM1
HARDWAREHANDSHAKING
AB
VFIELD=48V
VFIELD=24V
J8
J7
W3

Hardware Tank Gate Interface
10 Installation and Operations Manual
• Re initialize System Hardware
• Clear Scratch Memory
• Verify Database and Re initialize if Invalid
• Reset All Timers
• Enable Communications
Figure 2-9: Switches SW3 on the Tank Gate Interface Motherboard
2.2.2.2 Hard Reset
A special form of Reset is available for occasions when the battery backed-up data base must
be re-initialized. This type of reset, the Hard Reset, can be performed before a database is
downloaded from a host PC.
Caution! The Hard Reset should be used as a last resort if the Tank Gate Interface is not
functioning. A Hard reset clears the installed database. For the Hard Reset procedure, refer
to the Troubleshooting and Maintenance chapter.
2.2.3 Communications
The Communications installation requires connection of the appropriate communication cable
to one of two connectors. The available options include RS-232 and RS-485 communications.
• COM0 (RS-232) (J7)
• COM1 (RS-232 or RS-485) (J5)
• COM1 Transmit Control (RS-232) (J6)
• COM1 Hardware Handshaking Switch (SW1)
• COM1 RS-232/RS-485 Selection Switch (SW2)
• COM1 RS-485 Terminating Resistor Jumper (W2)
Note COM1 is not available on the 8315 Tank Gate Interface
RESET
SW3
EARTH
NEUTRAL
LINE
SURGE GND
A/TXD
B/RXD
GND
RTS
CTS
TXD
RXD
GND
+15V
+5V
GND
-15V
+
-
VFIELD COM1 COM 0 AUX POWER
VFIELD=48V
VFIELD=24V
RESET
RS232
RS485
COM1
HARDWAREHANDSHAKING
AB