Vega VEGAPULS Air 41 User manual

Operating Instructions
Radar sensor for continuous level
measurement
VEGAPULS Air 41
Autarkic device with measured value trans-
mission via radio technology
Document ID: 64808

2
Contents
VEGAPULS Air 41 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64808-EN-210426
Contents
1 About this document ............................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Function ........................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Target group ..................................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Symbols used................................................................................................................... 4
2 For your safety ......................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Authorised personnel ....................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Appropriate use................................................................................................................ 5
2.3 Warning about incorrect use............................................................................................. 5
2.4 General safety instructions............................................................................................... 5
2.5 Lithium cells ..................................................................................................................... 6
2.6 Country of use.................................................................................................................. 6
3 Product description ................................................................................................................. 7
3.1 Conguration.................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Principle of operation........................................................................................................ 8
3.3 Adjustment ....................................................................................................................... 9
3.4 Packaging, transport and storage................................................................................... 10
3.5 Accessories.................................................................................................................... 11
4 Mounting................................................................................................................................. 12
4.1 General instructions ....................................................................................................... 12
4.2 Mounting instructions ..................................................................................................... 12
5 Access protection.................................................................................................................. 17
5.1 Bluetooth radio interface ................................................................................................ 17
5.2 Protection of the parameterization.................................................................................. 17
5.3 Storing the codes in myVEGA........................................................................................ 18
6 Setup - the most important steps......................................................................................... 19
7 Operating modes, activate, device functions...................................................................... 21
7.1 Operating modes............................................................................................................ 21
7.2 Activate .......................................................................................................................... 21
7.3 Network Join, measurement function ............................................................................. 22
7.4 Single measurement ...................................................................................................... 23
7.5 Localization .................................................................................................................... 23
7.6 Deactivate ...................................................................................................................... 24
8 Transfer measured values and data to the cloud ............................................................... 25
8.1 Communication basics................................................................................................... 25
8.2 NB-IoT/LTE-M - VEGA Inventory System ....................................................................... 25
8.3 LoRa-WAN (Fall back) - VEGA Inventory System ........................................................... 26
8.4 NB-IoT/LTE-M - VEGA Cloud ......................................................................................... 26
8.5 LoRaWAN - private networks ......................................................................................... 27
9 Setup with smartphone/tablet (Bluetooth).......................................................................... 28
9.1 Preparations................................................................................................................... 28
9.2 Connecting..................................................................................................................... 28
9.3 Parameter adjustment .................................................................................................... 29
10 Setup with PC/notebook (Bluetooth)................................................................................... 31
10.1 Preparations................................................................................................................... 31

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Contents
VEGAPULS Air 41 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64808-EN-210426
10.2 Connecting..................................................................................................................... 31
10.3 Parameter adjustment .................................................................................................... 32
11 Operate via VEGA Inventory System (mobile radio) .......................................................... 34
12 Menu overview ....................................................................................................................... 35
13 Diagnostics and servicing .................................................................................................... 38
13.1 Maintenance .................................................................................................................. 38
13.2 Rectify faults................................................................................................................... 38
13.3 Status messages according to NE 107 .......................................................................... 39
13.4 Treatment of measurement errors .................................................................................. 41
13.5 Replacing lithium cells.................................................................................................... 45
13.6 Software update ............................................................................................................. 46
13.7 How to proceed if a repair is necessary.......................................................................... 46
14 Dismount................................................................................................................................. 47
14.1 Dismounting steps.......................................................................................................... 47
14.2 Disposal ......................................................................................................................... 47
15 Certicatesandapprovals.................................................................................................... 48
15.1 Radio licenses................................................................................................................ 48
15.2 EU conformity................................................................................................................. 48
15.3 Environment management system ................................................................................. 48
16 Supplement ............................................................................................................................ 49
16.1 Technical data ................................................................................................................ 49
16.2 Radio networks LTE-M and NB-IoT ................................................................................ 52
16.3 Radio networks LoRaWAN - Data transmission ............................................................. 53
16.4 Dimensions .................................................................................................................... 55
16.5 Industrial property rights................................................................................................. 56
16.6 Licensing information for open source software ............................................................. 56
16.7 Trademark ...................................................................................................................... 56
Safety instructions for Ex areas
TakenoteoftheExspecicsafetyinstructionsforExapplications.
These instructions are attached as documents to each instrument
with Ex approval and are part of the operating instructions.
Editing status: 2021-04-21

4
1 About this document
VEGAPULS Air 41 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64808-EN-210426
1 About this document
1.1 Function
This instruction provides all the information you need for mounting,
connection and setup as well as important instructions for mainte-
nance,faultrectication,theexchangeofpartsandthesafetyofthe
user. Please read this information before putting the instrument into
operation and keep this manual accessible in the immediate vicinity
of the device.
1.2 Target group
This operating instructions manual is directed to trained personnel.
Thecontentsofthismanualmustbemadeavailabletothequalied
personnel and implemented.
1.3 Symbols used
Document ID
This symbol on the front page of this instruction refers to the Docu-
ment ID. By entering the Document ID on www.vega.com you will
reach the document download.
Information, note, tip: This symbol indicates helpful additional infor-
mation and tips for successful work.
Note: This symbol indicates notes to prevent failures, malfunctions,
damage to devices or plants.
Caution: Non-observance of the information marked with this symbol
may result in personal injury.
Warning: Non-observance of the information marked with this symbol
may result in serious or fatal personal injury.
Danger: Non-observance of the information marked with this symbol
results in serious or fatal personal injury.
Ex applications
This symbol indicates special instructions for Ex applications.
• List
The dot set in front indicates a list with no implied sequence.
1 Sequence of actions
Numbers set in front indicate successive steps in a procedure.
Battery disposal
This symbol indicates special information about the disposal of bat-
teries and accumulators.

5
2 For your safety
VEGAPULS Air 41 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64808-EN-210426
2 For your safety
2.1 Authorised personnel
All operations described in this documentation must be carried out
onlybytrained,qualiedpersonnelauthorisedbytheplantoperator.
During work on and with the device, the required personal protective
equipment must always be worn.
2.2 Appropriate use
The VEGAPULS Air 41 is an autarkic sensor for continuous level
measurement.
Youcannddetailedinformationabouttheareaofapplicationin
chapter " Product description".
Operational reliability is ensured only if the instrument is properly
usedaccordingtothespecicationsintheoperatinginstructions
manual as well as possible supplementary instructions.
2.3 Warning about incorrect use
Inappropriate or incorrect use of this product can give rise to applica-
tion-specichazards,e.g.vesseloverllthroughincorrectmounting
or adjustment. Damage to property and persons or environmental
contamination can result. Also, the protective characteristics of the
instrument can be impaired.
2.4 General safety instructions
This is a state-of-the-art instrument complying with all prevailing
regulations and directives.The instrument must only be operated in a
technicallyawlessandreliablecondition.Theoperatorisresponsi-
ble for the trouble-free operation of the instrument.When measuring
aggressive or corrosive media that can cause a dangerous situation
if the instrument malfunctions, the operator has to implement suitable
measures to make sure the instrument is functioning properly.
The safety instructions in this operating instructions manual, the na-
tional installation standards as well as the valid safety regulations and
accident prevention rules must be observed by the user.
For safety and warranty reasons, any invasive work on the device
beyond that described in the operating instructions manual may be
carried out only by personnel authorised by the manufacturer. Arbi-
traryconversionsormodicationsareexplicitlyforbidden.Forsafety
reasons,onlytheaccessoryspeciedbythemanufacturermustbe
used.
To avoid any danger, the safety approval markings and safety tips on
the device must also be observed.
The low transmitting power of the radar sensor as well as the inte-
grated LTE-NB1, LTE-CAT-M1 or LoRa radio module is far below
the internationally approved limits. No health impairments are to be
expected with intended use.The band range of the transmission
frequency can be found in chapter " Technical data".

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2 For your safety
VEGAPULS Air 41 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64808-EN-210426
2.5 Lithium cells
The power supply of the device is provided by integrated lithium cells
in the housing. If the device is used as intended with the lid closed
withinthetemperaturesandpressuresspeciedinthetechnicaldata,
it is thus adequately protected.
Note:
Pleaseobservethespecicsafetyinstructionsinthescopeofdeliv-
ery of the device.
2.6 Country of use
Selectionofthecountryofusedenescountry-specicsettingsfor
transmission into the mobile radio network or LoRaWan. It is impera-
tive to set the country of use with the respective operating tool in the
operating menu at the beginning of the setup (see chapter " Menu
Overview", " Main Menu", " Radio Transmission" .
Caution:
Operation of the device without selecting the country of use can lead
to malfunctions and constitutes a violation of the radio licensing regu-
lations of the respective country.

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3 Product description
VEGAPULS Air 41 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64808-EN-210426
3 Product description
3.1 Conguration
The scope of delivery encompasses:
• Radar sensor
• IntegratedidenticationcardforLTE(eSIM)(optional)
• Magnet for activation
• Information sheet " Documents and software" with:
– Instrument serial number
– QR code with link for direct scanning
• Information sheet " PINs and Codes" with:
– Bluetooth access code
– IdentierforLoRaWANnetwork(DeviceEUI,ApplicationEUI,
App Key)
• Information sheet " Access protection" with:
– Bluetooth access code
– Network access code (authentication/encryption for mobile
radio)
– Emergency Bluetooth unlock code
– Emergency device code
– IdentierforLoRaWANnetwork(DeviceEUI,ApplicationEUI,
App Key)
The further scope of delivery encompasses:
• Documentation
– Safety instructions for lithium metal cell
– Ifnecessary,furthercerticates
Note:
Optional instrument features are also described in this operating
instructions manual.The respective scope of delivery results from the
orderspecication.
This operating instructions manual applies to the following instrument
versions:
• Hardware version from 1.0.0
• Software version from 1.1.0
Note:
Details of the hardware and software history can be found on our
homepage.
Note:
Details of the hardware and software history can be found on our
homepage.
Scope of delivery
Scope of this operating
instructions

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3 Product description
VEGAPULS Air 41 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64808-EN-210426
4
2
3
1
5
Fig. 1: Components of the VEGAPULS Air 41 sensor - Example version with
thread G1½
1 Radar antenna
2 Processtting
3 Contact surface for NFC communication
4 Cover
5 Ventilation
Thetypelabelcontainsthemostimportantdataforidenticationand
use of the instrument.
VEGAPULS Air 41
AR - 222 226
MWP: -1...+2bar(-100...+200kPa)
Device EUI E8E8B7000040BA20
www.vega.com
s/n: 49789937
IP66/67
15m D-77761 Schiltach
Made in Germany
PVDF
LTE-NB-IoT, LTE-Cat-M1, LoRa
1
5 6
7
2
3
4
Fig. 2: Layout of the type label (example)
1 Product code
2 Field for approvals
3 Wireless signal outputs, frequency bands
4 Device EUI LoRa
5 Technical data
6 Bluetooth access code
7 QR code for device documentation
3.2 Principle of operation
VEGAPULS Air 41 is an autarkic radar sensor with radio technology
for continuous level measurement on vessels and tanks.
The device is suitable for almost all liquids as well as for bulk solids.
Depending on the version, mounting is carried out via thread:
• G1½
• 1½ NPT
• R1½
The measurement is carried out through a suitable nozzle opening on
the vessel.
Constituent parts
Type label
Application area
Functional principle

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3 Product description
VEGAPULS Air 41 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64808-EN-210426
The instrument emits a continuous, frequency-modulated radar signal
throughitsantenna.Theemittedsignalisreectedbythemedium
andreceivedbytheantennaasanechowithmodiedfrequency.The
frequency change is proportional to the distance and is converted into
the level.The measured value is transmitted wirelessly as part of the
data transmission.
The measuring cycle described above is time-controlled via the
integrated clock. Outside of the measuring cycle, the device is in a
sleep mode.
Depending on the availability of the radio networks, the device trans-
mits its measured values wirelessly to an LTE-M (LTE-CAT-M1) or NB-
IoT (LTE-CAT-NB1) mobile radio or a plant-side LoRaWAN network.
VEGA Inventory System
Fig. 3: Wireless measured value transmission via mobile radio
The transmission or evaluation is carried out via an Asset Manage-
ment System, e.g.VEGA Inventory System.
The device is supplied with energy by integrated, exchangeable pri-
mary cells. The lithium cell used for this purpose is a compact storage
device high cell voltage and capacity for a long service life.
3.3 Adjustment
The device is activated contactlessly from outside:
• Via magnet
• By NFC technology via smartphone/tablet with VEGA Tools app
The device has an integrated Bluetooth module, can be operated
wirelessly using standard operating tools:
• Smartphone/tablet (iOS or Android operating system)
• PC/notebook with Bluetooth USB adapter (Windows operating
system)
Measured value transmis-
sion
Voltage supply
Activation
Adjustment

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3 Product description
VEGAPULS Air 41 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64808-EN-210426
13
2
Fig. 4: Wireless connection to standard operating devices via Bluetooth
1 Sensor
2 Smartphone/Tablet
3 PC/Notebook
3.4 Packaging, transport and storage
Your instrument was protected by packaging during transport. Its
capacity to handle normal loads during transport is assured by a test
based on ISO 4180.
The packaging consists of environment-friendly, recyclable card-
board. For special versions, PE foam or PE foil is also used. Dispose
of the packaging material via specialised recycling companies.
Transport must be carried out in due consideration of the notes on the
transport packaging. Nonobservance of these instructions can cause
damage to the device.
The delivery must be checked for completeness and possible transit
damage immediately at receipt. Ascertained transit damage or con-
cealed defects must be appropriately dealt with.
Up to the time of installation, the packages must be left closed and
stored according to the orientation and storage markings on the
outside.
Unless otherwise indicated, the packages must be stored only under
the following conditions:
• Not in the open
• Dry and dust free
• Not exposed to corrosive media
• Protected against solar radiation
• Avoiding mechanical shock and vibration
• Storage and transport temperature see chapter " Supplement -
Technical data - Ambient conditions"
• Relative humidity 20 … 85 %
Packaging
Transport
Transport inspection
Storage
Storage and transport
temperature

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3 Product description
VEGAPULS Air 41 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64808-EN-210426
3.5 Accessories
The mounting accessories are used for stable mounting of the device
at the measuring point. The parts are available in various versions and
sizes.
Thw LoRa gateway receives via LoRaWAN the measurement and
diagnosisdataofappropriatelyconguredVEGALoRaWANsensors.
The gateway combines the received data and transmits them via
mobile network to the VEGA Inventory System.
The measured values and messages are transmitted via the GSM/
GPRS/UMTS/LTE network.
VEGA Inventory System is a web-based software for simple record-
ing, presentation and further processing of measured values.The
measured values can be transmitted via network, internet or mobile
network to the central server.
Mounting strap
LoRa-Gateway
VEGA Inventory System

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4 Mounting
VEGAPULS Air 41 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64808-EN-210426
4 Mounting
4.1 General instructions
The instrument is suitable for standard and extended ambient condi-
tions acc. to DIN/EN/IEC/ANSI/ISA/UL/CSA 61010-1. It can be used
indoors as well as outdoors.
Note:
For safety reasons, the instrument must only be operated within the
permissibleprocessconditions.Youcannddetailedinformationon
the process conditions in chapter " Technical data" of the operating
instructions or on the type label.
Hence make sure before mounting that all parts of the instrument ex-
posed to the process are suitable for the existing process conditions.
An activated device (see chapter " Activate device") also carries
out measurements in horizontal alignment.This also applies if it is
mounted on a mobile container and the container is transported in a
tilted state.
Note:
When mounting the device in a mobile container, ensure that it is
protected against damage throughout transport.
4.2 Mounting instructions
Radar sensors for level measurement emit electromagnetic waves.
The polarization is the direction of the electrical component of these
waves.
The position of the polarisation is in the middle of the type label on the
instrument.
1
Fig. 5: Position of the polarisation
1 Middle of the type label
Note:
When the device is rotated, the direction of polarization changes and
hencetheinuenceofthefalseechoonthemeasuredvalue.Please
keep this in mind when mounting or making changes later.
When mounting the device, keep a distance of at least 200 mm
(7.874 in) from the vessel wall. If the device is installed in the center
of dished or round vessel tops, multiple echoes can arise. However,
these can be suppressed by an appropriate adjustment (see chapter
" Setup").
Ambient conditions
Process conditions
Measurement function
and transport
Polarisation
Installation position

13
4 Mounting
VEGAPULS Air 41 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64808-EN-210426
If you cannot maintain this distance, you should carry out a false
signal suppression during setup.This applies particularly if buildup on
the vessel wall is expected. In such cases, we recommend repeating
the false signal suppression at a later date with existing buildup.
> 200 mm
(7.87
")
Fig. 6: Mounting of the radar sensor on round vessel tops
In vessels with conical bottom it can be advantageous to mount the
device in the centre of the vessel, as measurement is then possible
down to the bottom.
Fig. 7: Mounting of the radar sensor on vessels with conical bottom
The sealing surface at the bottom of the hexagon is the beginning of
the measuring range and at the same time the reference plane for the
min./max. adjustment, see the following graphic:
1
Fig. 8: Reference plane
1 Reference plane
For nozzle mounting, the nozzle should be as short as possible and
itsendrounded.Thisreducesfalsereectionsfromthenozzle.
The antenna edge should protrude at least 5 mm (0.2 in) out of the
nozzle.
Reference plane
Nozzle

14
4 Mounting
VEGAPULS Air 41 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64808-EN-210426
≥ 5 mm
(0.20")
Fig. 9: Recommended socket mounting of VEGAPULS Air 41
Ifthereectivepropertiesofthemediumaregood,youcanmount
VEGAPULS Air 41 on sockets longer than the antenna. The socket
end should be smooth and burr-free, if possible also rounded.
Note:
When mounting on longer nozzles, we recommend carrying out a
false signal suppression (see chapter " Parameter adjustment").
Youwillndrecommendedvaluesforsocketheightsinthefollowing
illustration or the table.The values come from typical applications.
Deviating from the proposed dimensions, also longer sockets are
possible, however the local conditions must be taken into account.
d
h
Fig. 10: Socket mounting with deviating socket dimensions
Socket diameter d Socket length h
80 mm 3" ≤300mm ≤11.8in
100 mm 4" ≤400mm ≤15.8in
150 mm 6" ≤600mm ≤23.6in
In liquids, direct the device as perpendicular as possible to the me-
dium surface to achieve optimum measurement results.
Fig. 11: Alignment in liquids
In order to measure as much of the vessel volume as possible, the
device should be aligned so that the radar signal reaches the lowest
level in the vessel. In a cylindrical silo with conical outlet, the sensor is
mounted anywhere from one third to one half of the vessel radius from
the outside wall (see following drawing).
Alignment - Liquids
Orientation - Bulk solids

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4 Mounting
VEGAPULS Air 41 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64808-EN-210426
r
rr...
/
13
/
12
Fig. 12: Mounting position and orientation
Due to optimum socket design, the device can be easily aligned to
the vessel centre.The necessary angle of inclination depends on the
vessel dimensions. It can be easily checked with a suitable bubble
tube or mechanic's level on the sensor.
d
a
α
Fig. 13: Proposal for installation after orientation VEGAPULS Air 41
The following table shows the necessary angle of inclination. It
depends on the measuring distance and the distance "a" between
vessel centre and installation position.

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4 Mounting
VEGAPULS Air 41 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64808-EN-210426
Distance d
(m)
2° 4° 6° 8° 10°
2 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4
4 0.1 0.3 0.4 0.6 0.7
6 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.1
8 0.3 0.6 0.8 1.1 1.4
10 0.3 0.7 1.1 1.4 1.8
15 0.5 1 1.6 2.1 2.6
Example:
In a vessel 10 m high, the installation position of the sensor is 0.7 m
from the vessel centre.
The necessary angle of inclination of 4° can be read out from this
table.

17
5 Access protection
VEGAPULS Air 41 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64808-EN-210426
5 Access protection
5.1 Bluetooth radio interface
Devices with a Bluetooth radio interface are protected against un-
wanted access from outside.This means that only authorized persons
can receive measured and status values and change device settings
via this interface.
A Bluetooth access code is required to establish Bluetooth com-
munication via the adjustment tool (smartphone/tablet/notebook).
This code must be entered once when Bluetooth communication is
establishedforthersttimeintheadjustmenttool.Itisthenstoredin
the adjustment tool and does not have to be entered again.
The Bluetooth access code is individual for each device. It is printed
on the device housing and is also supplied with the device in the infor-
mation sheet " PINs and Codes". It can be changed by the user after
therstconnectionhasbeenestablished.IftheBluetoothaccess
code has not been entered correctly, a new entry can only be made
after a waiting period has elapsed.The waiting time increases with
each additional incorrect entry.
The emergency Bluetooth access code enables Bluetooth communi-
cation to be established in the event that the Bluetooth access code
is no longer known. It can't be changed. The emergency Bluetooth
access code can be found in information sheet " Access protection".
If this document is lost, the emergency Bluetooth access code can
be retrieved from your personal contact person after legitimation.
The storage and transmission of Bluetooth access codes is always
encrypted (SHA 256 algorithm).
5.2 Protection of the parameterization
The settings (parameters) of the device can be protected against un-
wanted changes.The parameter protection is deactivated on delivery,
all settings can be made.
To protect the parameterization, the device can be locked by the user
with the aid of a freely selectable device code.The settings (param-
eters) can then only be read out, but not changed.The device code
is also stored in the adjustment tool. However, unlike the Bluetooth
access code, it must be re-entered for each unlock.When using the
adjustment app or DTM, the stored device code is then suggested to
the user for unlocking.
The emergency device code allows unlocking the device in case the
device code is no longer known. It can't be changed.The emergency
device code can also be found on the supplied information sheet " Ac-
cess protection". If this document is lost, the emergency device code
can be retrieved from your personal contact person after legitimation.
The storage and transmission of the device codes is always encrypt-
ed (SHA 256 algorithm).
Bluetooth access code
Emergency Bluetooth
unlock code
Device code
Emergency device code

18
5 Access protection
VEGAPULS Air 41 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64808-EN-210426
5.3 Storing the codes in myVEGA
If the user has a " myVEGA" account, then the Bluetooth access code
as well as the device code are additionally stored in his account under
" PINs and Codes".Thisgreatlysimpliestheuseofadditionaladjust-
ment tools, as all Bluetooth access and device codes are automati-
cally synchronized when connected to the " myVEGA" account

19
6 Setup - the most important steps
VEGAPULS Air 41 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64808-EN-210426
6 Setup - the most important steps
What? How?
Account in the VEGA Inventory Sys-
tem
Available from your VEGA contact
person
User role supervisor Is assigned by your VEGA Invento-
ry System administrator
VEGA Tools app, VEGA Invento-
ry System app
Download via Apple App Store, Goog-
le Play Store, Baidu Store
Via magnet Via smartphone (VEGA Tools app
or VEGA Inventory System app)
Move the supplied magnet along the
line towards the housing lid
ACTIVATION
Magnet
ACTIVATION
Magnet
Call up NFC communication, hold the
smartphone close to the side of the
device with the lettering " VEGA"
Web portal VEGA Inventory System app
Menu item " Device networks - Add“ -
Enter serial number and device name
Menu item " Add device" - Scan QR
code on device or enter serial num-
ber manually
Prerequisites
Activate the sensor
Set up measuring point in
the VEGA Inventory Sys-
tem

20
6 Setup - the most important steps
VEGAPULS Air 41 • Autarkic device with measured value transmission via radio technology
64808-EN-210426
Web portal VEGA Inventory System app
Menu item " Adjustment/lineariza-
tion" - Open assistant (measuring
range and transmission interval via
VEGA Tools app)
Complete wizard with Linearisation/
adjustment
Conguresensor