Vega VEGAFLEX 86 User manual

Quick setup guide
TDR sensor for continuous level and
interface measurement of liquids
VEGAFLEX 86
Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
Converter version in second chamber
Coax probe
-196 … +280 °C
-196 … +450 °C
Document ID: 47614

2
Contents
VEGAFLEX 86 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
47614-EN-230605
Contents
1 For your safety ......................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Authorised personnel ....................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Appropriate use................................................................................................................ 3
1.3 Warning about incorrect use............................................................................................. 3
1.4 General safety instructions............................................................................................... 3
1.5 Conformity........................................................................................................................ 3
1.6 NAMUR recommendations .............................................................................................. 4
1.7 Environmental instructions ............................................................................................... 4
2 Product description ................................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Conguration.................................................................................................................... 5
3 Mounting................................................................................................................................... 7
3.1 General instructions for use of the instrument .................................................................. 7
3.2 Mounting instructions ....................................................................................................... 7
4 Connecting to power supply and bus system ...................................................................... 8
4.1 Connecting....................................................................................................................... 8
4.2 Wiring plan ....................................................................................................................... 9
5 Set up the sensor with the display and adjustment module............................................. 10
5.1 Adjustment volume......................................................................................................... 10
5.2 Insert display and adjustment module............................................................................ 10
5.3 Parameter adjustment - Quick setup .............................................................................. 11
6 Setup with smartphone/tablet (Bluetooth).......................................................................... 14
6.1 Preparations................................................................................................................... 14
6.2 Connecting..................................................................................................................... 15
6.3 Sensor parameter adjustment........................................................................................ 15
7 Supplement ............................................................................................................................ 16
7.1 Technical data ................................................................................................................ 16
Information:
This quick setup guide enables quick setup and commissioning of
your instrument.
Youcanndsupplementaryinformationinthecorresponding,more
detailed Operating Instructions Manual as well as the Safety Manual
thatcomeswithinstrumentswithSILqualication.Thesemanualsare
available on our homepage.
Operating instructions VEGAFLEX 86 - Modbus and Levelmas-
ter protocol - Coax probe, -196 … +280 °C / -196 … +450 °C:
Document-ID 42288
Editing status of the quick setup guide: 2023-05-23

3
1 For your safety
VEGAFLEX 86 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
47614-EN-230605
1 For your safety
1.1 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.
1.2 Appropriate use
VEGAFLEX 86 is a 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.
1.3 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.
1.4 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.
1.5 Conformity
The device complies with the legal requirements of the applicable
country-specicdirectivesortechnicalregulations.Weconrmcon-
formity with the corresponding labelling.

4
1 For your safety
VEGAFLEX 86 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
47614-EN-230605
The corresponding conformity declarations can be found on our
homepage.
Electromagnetic compatibility
Instrumentsinfour-wireorExdiaversionaredesignedforuseinan
industrialenvironment.Nevertheless,electromagneticinterference
from electrical conductors and radiated emissions must be taken into
account,asisusualwithclassAinstrumentsaccordingtoEN61326-
1.Iftheinstrumentisusedinadierentenvironment,theelectromag-
netic compatibility to other instruments must be ensured by suitable
measures.
1.6 NAMUR recommendations
NAMUR is the automation technology user association in the process
industry in Germany. The published NAMUR recommendations are
acceptedasthestandardineldinstrumentation.
ThedevicefullstherequirementsofthefollowingNAMURrecom-
mendations:
• NE 21 – Electromagnetic compatibility of equipment
• NE53–Compatibilityofelddevicesanddisplay/adjustment
components
• NE107–Self-monitoringanddiagnosisofelddevices
For further information see www.namur.de.
1.7 Environmental instructions
Protection of the environment is one of our most important duties.
That is why we have introduced an environment management system
with the goal of continuously improving company environmental pro-
tection.Theenvironmentmanagementsystemiscertiedaccording
to DIN EN ISO 14001.
Pleasehelpusfullthisobligationbyobservingtheenvironmental
instructions in this manual:
• Chapter " Packaging, transport and storage"
• Chapter " Disposal"

5
2 Product description
VEGAFLEX 86 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
47614-EN-230605
2 Product description
2.1 Conguration
Thetypelabelcontainsthemostimportantdataforidenticationand
use of the instrument:
2
1
12
13
14
15
11
10
5
3
6
4
7
8
9
Fig. 1: Layout of the type label (example)
1 Instrument type
2 Product code
3 Approvals
4 Power supply and signal output, electronics
5 Protection rating
6 Probe length (measurement accuracy optional)
7 Process and ambient temperature, process pressure
8 Material wetted parts
9 Order number
10 Serial number of the instrument
11 Symbol of the device protection class
12 ID numbers, instrument documentation
13 Reminder to observe the instrument documentation
14 NotiedauthorityforCEmarking
15 Approval directives
The type label contains the serial number of the instrument. With it
youcanndthefollowinginstrumentdataonourhomepage:
• Product code (HTML)
• Delivery date (HTML)
• Order-specicinstrumentfeatures(HTML)
• Operating instructions and quick setup guide at the time of ship-
ment (PDF)
• Testcerticate(PDF)-optional
Move to " www.vega.com"andenterinthesearcheldtheserial
number of your instrument.
Alternatively,youcanaccessthedataviayoursmartphone:
• Download the VEGA Tools app from the " Apple App Store" or the
" Google Play Store"
• Scan the QR-code on the type label of the device or
Type label
Serial number - Instru-
ment search

6
2 Product description
VEGAFLEX 86 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
47614-EN-230605
• Enter the serial number manually in the app

7
3 Mounting
VEGAFLEX 86 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
47614-EN-230605
3 Mounting
3.1 General instructions for use of the instrument
Protect your instrument against moisture ingress through the following
measures:
• Use a suitable connection cable (see chapter " Connectingto
power supply")
• Tighten the cable gland or plug connector
• Lead the connection cable downward in front of the cable entry or
plug connector
Thisappliesmainlytooutdoorinstallations,inareaswherehigh
humidityisexpected(e.g.throughcleaningprocesses)andoncooled
or heated vessels.
Note:
Make sure that during installation or maintenance no moisture or dirt
can get inside the instrument.
Tomaintainthehousingprotection,makesurethatthehousinglidis
closedduringoperationandlocked,ifnecessary.
3.2 Mounting instructions
In vessels with conical bottom it can be advantageous to mount the
deviceinthecenterofthevessel,asmeasurementisthenpossible
nearly down to the lowest point of the bottom. Keep in mind that
measurement all the way down to the tip of the probe may not be pos-
sible.Theexactvalueofthemin.distance(lowerblockingdistance)is
stated in chapter " Technical data".
Fig. 2: Vessel with conical bottom
Protection against mois-
ture
Installation position

8
4 Connecting to power supply and bus system
VEGAFLEX 86 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
47614-EN-230605
4 Connecting to power supply and bus
system
4.1 Connecting
The voltage supply and signal output are connected via the spring-
loaded terminals in the housing.
Connection to the display and adjustment module or to the interface
adapter is carried out via contact pins in the housing.
Information:
The terminal block is pluggable and can be removed from the
electronics.Todothis,lifttheterminalblockwithasmallscrewdriver
andpullitout.Whenreinsertingtheterminalblock,youshouldhearit
snap in.
Proceed as follows:
1. Unscrew the housing lid
2. Ifadisplayandadjustmentmoduleisinstalled,removeitbyturn-
ing it slightly to the left
3. Loosen compression nut of the cable gland and remove blind
plug
4. Removeapprox.10cm(4in)ofthecablemantle,stripapprox.
1 cm (0.4 in) of insulation from the ends of the individual wires
5. Insert the cable into the sensor through the cable entry
1 2
Fig.3:Connectionsteps5and6
1 Single chamber housing
2 Double chamber housing
6. Insert the wire ends into the terminals according to the wiring plan
Note:
Solidcoresaswellasexiblecoreswithwireendsleevesareinsert-
eddirectlyintotheterminalopenings.Incaseofexiblecoreswithout
endsleeves,presstheterminalfromabovewithasmallscrewdriver,
theterminalopeningisthenfree.Whenthescrewdriverisreleased,
the terminal closes again.
7. Check the hold of the wires in the terminals by lightly pulling on
them
8. Connecttheshieldingtotheinternalgroundterminal,connectthe
externalgroundterminaltopotentialequalisation
Connection technology
Connection procedure

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4 Connecting to power supply and bus system
VEGAFLEX 86 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
47614-EN-230605
9. Tighten the compression nut of the cable entry gland. The seal
ring must completely encircle the cable
10. Reinsertthedisplayandadjustmentmodule,ifonewasinstalled
11. Screw the housing lid back on
Theelectricalconnectionisnished.
4.2 Wiring plan
2
1
Fig. 4: Position of connection compartment (Modbus electronics) and electron-
ics compartment (sensor electronics)
1 Connectioncompartment
2 Electronicscompartment
+
+
power supply
MODBUS
D0
D1
IS GND
USB
1
2
4 3
1345
2off on
( )
(
)
(-)
(-)
Fig.5:Connectioncompartment
1 USB interface
2 Slideswitchforintegratedterminationresistor(120Ω)
3 Modbus signal
4 Voltage supply
Terminal Function Polarity
1 Voltage supply +
2 Voltage supply -
3 Modbus signal D0 +
4 Modbus signal D1 -
5 Function ground when installing ac-
cording to CSA (Canadian Standards
Association)
Overview
Connection compartment

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5 Set up the sensor with the display and adjustment module
VEGAFLEX 86 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
47614-EN-230605
5 Set up the sensor with the display and
adjustment module
5.1 Adjustment volume
The display and adjustment module is only used for parameter adjust-
mentofthesensor,i.e.foradaptationtothemeasurementtask.
The parameter adjustment of the Modbus interface is carried out via
aPCwithPACTware.Youcanndtheprocedureinchapter"Set up
sensorandModbusinterfacewithPACTware".
5.2 Insert display and adjustment module
The display and adjustment module can be inserted into the sensor
andremovedagainatanytime.Youcanchooseanyoneoffourdier-
ent positions - each displaced by 90°. It is not necessary to interrupt
the power supply.
Proceed as follows:
1. Unscrew the housing lid
2. Place the display and adjustment module on the electronics in the
desired position and turn it to the right until it snaps in.
3. Screw housing lid with inspection window tightly back on
Disassembly is carried out in reverse order.
Thedisplayandadjustmentmoduleispoweredbythesensor,anad-
ditional connection is not necessary.
Fig. 6: Insertion of the display and adjustment module
Note:
Ifyouintendtoretrottheinstrumentwithadisplayandadjustment
moduleforcontinuousmeasuredvalueindication,ahigherlidwithan
inspection glass is required.

11
5 Set up the sensor with the display and adjustment module
VEGAFLEX 86 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
47614-EN-230605
5.3 Parameter adjustment - Quick setup
Toquicklyandeasilyadaptthesensortotheapplication,selectthe
menu item " Quick setup" in the start graphic on the display and
adjustment module.
Youcannd"Extendedadjustment" in the detailed operating
instructions.
Measurement loop name
Intherstmenuitemyoucanassignasuitablemeasurementloop
name.Youcanenteranamewithmax.19characters.
Type of medium
Inthenextmenuitemyoucanseewhichtypeofmediumtheinstru-
ment is suitable for. If your instrument is only suitable for a certain
medium,thismenuitemisnotvisible.
Application
Inthismenuitem,youcanselecttheapplication.Youcanchoose
between level measurement and interface measurement.You can
also choose between measurement in a vessel or in a bypass or
standpipe.
Medium - dielectric constant
Inthismenuitem,youcandenethetypeofmedium(product).
Max. adjustment
Inthismenuitem,youcanenterthemax.adjustmentforthelevel.
Enter the appropriate distance value in m (corresponding to the
percentage value) for the full vessel.The distance refers to the sensor
referenceplane(sealsurfaceoftheprocesstting).Keepinmindthat
themax.levelmustliebelowtheblockingdistance.
Min. adjustment
Inthismenuitem,youcanenterthemin.adjustmentforthelevel.
Enter the suitable distance value in m for the empty vessel (e.g.
distancefromtheangetotheprobeend)correspondingtotheper-
centage value. The distance refers tot he sensor reference plane (seal
surfaceoftheprocesstting).
Quick setup
General information
Level measurement

12
5 Set up the sensor with the display and adjustment module
VEGAFLEX 86 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
47614-EN-230605
Dielectric constant - upper medium
Inthismenuitem,youcandenethetypeofmedium(product).
Max. adjustment
Inthismenuitem,youcanenterthemax.adjustmentforthelevel.
Enter the appropriate distance value in m (corresponding to the
percentage value) for the full vessel.The distance refers to the sensor
referenceplane(sealsurfaceoftheprocesstting).Keepinmindthat
themax.levelmustliebelowtheblockingdistance.
Min. adjustment
Inthismenuitem,youcanenterthemin.adjustmentforthelevel.
Enter the suitable distance value in m for the empty vessel (e.g.
distancefromtheangetotheprobeend)correspondingtotheper-
centage value. The distance refers tot he sensor reference plane (seal
surfaceoftheprocesstting).
Max. adjustment - Interface
Carryoutthemax.adjustmentfortheinterface.
Todothis,enterthepercentagevalueandthecorrespondingdis-
tance value in m for the full vessel.
Min. adjustment - Interface
Carry out the min. adjustment for the interface.
Todothis,enterthepercentagevalueandthecorrespondingdis-
tance value in m for the empty vessel.
Linearisation
Alinearizationisnecessaryforallvesselsinwhichthevesselvolume
doesnotincreaselinearlywiththelevel-e.g.ahorizontalcylindri-
calorsphericaltank,incasetheindicationoroutputofthevolume
isrequired.Correspondinglinearizationcurvesarepreprogrammed
for these vessels.They represent the correlation between the level
percentage and vessel volume.
Thelinearizationappliesforthemeasuredvalueindicationandthe
currentoutput.Byactivatingthesuitablecurve,thepercentagevessel
volume is displayed correctly.
False signal suppression
Highnozzlesandinternalvesselinstallationscauseinterferingreec-
tionsandcaninuencethemeasurement.
Afalsesignalsuppressiondetects,marksandsavesthesefalse
signals so that they are no longer taken into account for the level and
interface measurement.We generally recommend carrying out a false
Interface measurement
Linearisation

13
5 Set up the sensor with the display and adjustment module
VEGAFLEX 86 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
47614-EN-230605
signal suppression to achieve the best possible accuracy. This should
be done with the lowest possible level so that all potential interfering
reectionscanbedetected.
Enter the actual distance from the sensor to the medium surface.
All interfering signals in this section are detected by the sensor and
stored.
The instrument carries out an automatic false signal suppression
as soon as the probe is uncovered.The false signal suppression is
always updated.

14
6Setupwithsmartphone/tablet(Bluetooth)
VEGAFLEX 86 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
47614-EN-230605
6 Setup with smartphone/tablet (Bluetooth)
6.1 Preparations
Make sure that the Bluetooth function of the display and adjustment
moduleisactivated.Forthis,theswitchonthebottomsidemustbe
set to " On".
1
On
O
Fig. 7: Activate Bluetooth
1 Switch
On = Bluetooth active
O= Bluetoothnotactive
The security concept of Bluetooth operation absolutely requires that
the default setting of the sensor PIN be changed.This prevents unau-
thorizedaccesstothesensor.
The default setting of the sensor PIN is " 0000". First of all you have
tochangethesensorPINintheadjustmentmenuofthesensor,e.g.
to " 1111":
1. Intheadjustmentmenu,goto"Additional adjustments","PIN"
Note:
The menu item " PIN" is only displayed if in the menu " Setup","Lock/
Unlock adjustment" the adjustment is released.
2. Change sensor PIN
Note:
Bluetooth access can only be established if the current sensor PIN
diersfromthedefaultsetting"0000". It is possible both when the
Activate Bluetooth
Change sensor PIN

15
6Setupwithsmartphone/tablet(Bluetooth)
VEGAFLEX 86 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
47614-EN-230605
PIN is deactivated and when it is activated (adjustment menu "
Setup","Lock/Unlock adjustment").
6.2 Connecting
Smartphone/Tablet
Start the adjustment app and select the function "Setup". The smart-
phone/tabletsearchesautomaticallyforBluetooth-capableinstru-
ments in the area.
PC/Notebook
Start PACTware and the VEGA project assistant. Select the device
search via Bluetooth and start the search function.The device auto-
matically searches for Bluetooth-capable devices in the vicinity.
The message " Instrument search running" is displayed. All devices
found are listed in the operating window. The search is automatically
continued continuously.
Select in the device list the requested device.The message " Con-
necting" is displayed.
Fortherstconnection,theoperatingdeviceandthesensormust
authenticateeachother.Aftersuccessfulauthentication,thenextcon-
nection functions without authentication.
Forauthentication,enterinthenextmenuwindowthe4-digitsensor
PIN.
6.3 Sensor parameter adjustment
Thesensorparameterizationiscarriedoutviatheadjustmentappon
thesmartphone/tabletortheDTMonthePC/notebook.
Fig.8:Exampleofanappview-Setupsensoradjustment
Preparations
Connecting
Authenticate
App view

16
7 Supplement
VEGAFLEX 86 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
47614-EN-230605
7 Supplement
7.1 Technical data
Note for approved instruments
The technical data in the respective safety instructions which are included in delivery are valid for
approvedinstruments(e.g.withExapproval).Thesedatacandierfromthedatalistedherein,for
exampleregardingtheprocessconditionsorthevoltagesupply.
All approval documents can be downloaded from our homepage.
Electromechanical data - version IP67
Options of the cable entry
ƲCable entry M20x1.5;½NPT
ƲCable gland M20x1.5;½NPT(cableøseebelowtable)
ƲBlind plug M20x1.5;½NPT
ƲClosing cap ½NPT
Material ca-
ble gland
Material seal
insert
Cable diameter
4.5 … 8.5 mm 5 … 9 mm 6 … 12 mm 7 … 12 mm 10 … 14 mm
PA NBR – ● ● –●
Brass,nickel-
plated
NBR ● ● ● – –
Stainless
steel
NBR –● ● –●
Wire cross-section (spring-loaded terminals)
Ʋ Massivewire,strandedwire 0.2 … 2.5 mm² (AWG 24 … 14)
ƲStranded wire with end sleeve 0.2 … 1.5 mm² (AWG 24 … 16)
Voltage supply
Operating voltage 8 … 30 V DC
Max.powerconsumption 520 mW
Reverse voltage protection Integrated

17
Notes
VEGAFLEX 86 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
47614-EN-230605

18
Notes
VEGAFLEX 86 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
47614-EN-230605

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Notes
VEGAFLEX 86 • Modbus and Levelmaster protocol
47614-EN-230605

Printing date:
VEGA Grieshaber KG
Am Hohenstein 113
77761 Schiltach
Germany
47614-EN-230605
All statements concerning scope of delivery, application, practical use and operat-
ing conditions of the sensors and processing systems correspond to the information
available at the time of printing.
Subject to change without prior notice
© VEGA Grieshaber KG, Schiltach/Germany 2023
Phone [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
www.vega.com