Vega VEGAPULS C 23 User manual

Operating Instructions
Radar sensor for continuous level
measurement of liquids
VEGAPULS C 23
SDI-12
Document ID: 58348

2
Contents
VEGAPULS C 23 • SDI-12
58348-EN-200121
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 EU conformity................................................................................................................... 6
2.6 Installation and operation in the USA and Canada ........................................................... 6
2.7 Safety instructions for Ex areas ........................................................................................ 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..................................................................................... 9
3.5 Accessories.................................................................................................................... 10
4 Mounting................................................................................................................................. 11
4.1 General instructions ....................................................................................................... 11
4.2 Mounting versions.......................................................................................................... 11
4.3 Mounting instructions ..................................................................................................... 11
4.4 Measurement setups - Gauge........................................................................................ 15
4.5 Measurement setup - Flow............................................................................................. 16
5 Connecting to power supply................................................................................................. 18
5.1 Preparing the connection ............................................................................................... 18
5.2 Wiring plan ..................................................................................................................... 18
5.3 Switch-on phase............................................................................................................. 18
6 Access protection.................................................................................................................. 20
6.1 Bluetooth radio interface ................................................................................................ 20
6.2 Protection of the parameterization.................................................................................. 20
6.3 Storing the codes in myVEGA........................................................................................ 21
7 Setup with smartphone/tablet (Bluetooth).......................................................................... 22
7.1 Preparations................................................................................................................... 22
7.2 Connecting..................................................................................................................... 22
7.3 Parameter adjustment .................................................................................................... 23
8 Setup with PC/notebook (Bluetooth)................................................................................... 24
8.1 Preparations................................................................................................................... 24
8.2 Connecting..................................................................................................................... 24
8.3 Parameter adjustment .................................................................................................... 25
9 Menu overview ....................................................................................................................... 26
10 Diagnostics and servicing .................................................................................................... 28
10.1 Maintenance .................................................................................................................. 28
10.2 Rectify faults................................................................................................................... 28

3
Contents
VEGAPULS C 23 • SDI-12
58348-EN-200121
10.3 Status messages according to NE 107 .......................................................................... 29
10.4 Treatment of measurement errors .................................................................................. 31
10.5 Software update ............................................................................................................. 34
10.6 How to proceed if a repair is necessary.......................................................................... 34
11 Dismount................................................................................................................................. 35
11.1 Dismounting steps.......................................................................................................... 35
11.2 Disposal ......................................................................................................................... 35
12 Certicatesandapprovals.................................................................................................... 36
12.1 Environmental instructions ............................................................................................. 36
13 Supplement ............................................................................................................................ 37
13.1 Technical data ................................................................................................................ 37
13.2 Basics SDI-12 ................................................................................................................ 41
13.3 Dimensions .................................................................................................................... 45
13.4 Industrial property rights................................................................................................. 46
13.5 License information for Open Source Software .............................................................. 46
13.6 Trademark ...................................................................................................................... 46
Editing status: 2020-01-16

4
1 About this document
VEGAPULS C 23 • SDI-12
58348-EN-200121
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 C 23 • SDI-12
58348-EN-200121
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
VEGAPULS C 23 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.
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.
During the entire duration of use, the user is obliged to determine the
compliance of the necessary occupational safety measures with the
current valid rules and regulations and also take note of new regula-
tions.
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 is far below the inter-
nationally approved limits. No health impairments are to be expected

6
2 For your safety
VEGAPULS C 23 • SDI-12
58348-EN-200121
with intended use.The band range of the transmission frequency can
be found in chapter "Technical data".
2.5 EU conformity
ThedevicefullsthelegalrequirementsoftheapplicableEUdirec-
tives.ByaxingtheCEmarking,weconrmtheconformityofthe
instrument with these directives.
The EU conformity declaration can be found on our homepage.
2.6 Installation and operation in the USA and
Canada
This information is only valid for USA and Canada. Hence the follow-
ing text is only available in the English language.
Installations in the US shall comply with the relevant requirements of
the National Electrical Code (ANSI/NFPA 70).
Installations in Canada shall comply with the relevant requirements of
the Canadian Electrical Code
A Class 2 power supply unit has to be used for the installation in the
USA and Canada.
2.7 Safety instructions for Ex areas
For Ex applications, only devices with corresponding Ex approval may
beused.ObservetheEx-specicsafetyinstructions.Thesearean
integral part of the operating instructions and are enclosed with every
device with Ex approval.

7
3 Product description
VEGAPULS C 23 • SDI-12
58348-EN-200121
3 Product description
3.1 Conguration
The scope of delivery encompasses:
• VEGAPULS C 23 radar sensor
• 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
• Information sheet "Access protection" with:
– Bluetooth access code
– Emergency Bluetooth unlock code
– Emergency device code
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 1.0.0
3
4
1
2
Fig. 1: Components of VEGAPULS C 23
1 Radar antenna
2 Electronics housing
3 Mounting thread
4 Connection cable
Youcanndthetypelabelonthesensorhousingaswellasonthe
type label support on the connection cable.
Thetypelabelcontainsthemostimportantdataforidenticationand
use of the instrument.
Scope of delivery
Scope of this operating
instructions
Constituent parts
Type label

8
3 Product description
VEGAPULS C 23 • SDI-12
58348-EN-200121
0044
12...35V 4...20mA HART
TA G1234
123456
1
5
6
2
3
4
2019
www.vega.com
D-7776 1 SCHILTACH,
Made in Germany
VEGAPULS C 2. s/n 12345678
15mIP66/IP68, TYPE 6P
MWP 3bar (300kPa)
PVDF
Fig. 2: Layout of the type label (example)
1 Instrument type
2 Field for approvals
3 Technical data
4 Bluetooth access code
5 QR code for device documentation
6 Serial number
Move to "www.vega.com"andenterinthesearcheldtheserial
number of your instrument.
Thereyoucanndthefollowinginformationabouttheinstrument:
• Order data
• Documentation
• Software
Alternatively,youcanndallviayoursmartphone:
• Scan the QR-code on the type label of the device or
• Enter serial number manually in the VEGA Tools app (available
free of charge in the respective stores)
3.2 Principle of operation
The VEGAPULS C 23 SDI-12 can be operated on any data logger
with SDI-12 interface.The sensors are powered via the +12 V cable
of the three-wire connection cable. The device is therefore particu-
larly suitable for battery-supported applications requiring low power
consumption as well as applications with a signal and supply cable
for several sensors.
The VEGAPULS C 23 SDI-12 can be operated on any data logger
with SDI-12 interface.The sensors are powered via the +12 V cable
of the three-wire connection cable. The device is therefore particu-
larly suitable for battery-supported applications requiring low power
consumption as well as applications with a signal and supply cable
for several sensors.
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llingheight.
Documents and software
Power supply and signal
processing
Power supply and signal
processing
Functional principle

9
3 Product description
VEGAPULS C 23 • SDI-12
58348-EN-200121
3.3 Adjustment
The optionally integrated Bluetooth module enables a wireless adjust-
ment of VEGAPULS C 23 via standard adjustment devices:
• Smartphone/tablet (iOS or Android operating system)
• PC/notebook with Bluetooth USB adapter (Windows operating
system)
13
2
Fig. 3: Wireless connection to standard operating devices with integrated
Bluetooth LE
1 Sensor
2 Smartphone/Tablet
3 PC/Notebook
Devices with signal output SDI-12 can also be operated via the signal
line.This is done via commands from the SDI-12 data logger.
12
Fig. 4: Connection of VEGAPULS C 23 SDI-12 to the data logge
1 Sensor
2 Data logger
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.
Wireless adjustment
Adjustment via the signal
cable
Packaging

10
3 Product description
VEGAPULS C 23 • SDI-12
58348-EN-200121
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 %
3.5 Accessories
Screwedangesareavailableindierentversionsaccordingtothe
following standards: DIN 2501, EN 1092-1, BS 10, ASME B 16.5,
JIS B 2210-1984, GOST 12821-80.
Welded sockets are used to connect the sensors to the process.
Threaded adapters enable simple adaptation of sensors with stand-
ardthreadedttings,e.g.toprocess-sidehygieneconnections.
The optional mounting accessories include bracket and mounting
bracket and are used for stable mounting of the sensor at the measur-
ing point.The parts are available in various versions and sizes.
Transport
Transport inspection
Storage
Storage and transport
temperature
Flanges
Welded sockets and
adapters
Mounting accessories

11
4 Mounting
VEGAPULS C 23 • SDI-12
58348-EN-200121
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.
These are mainly:
• Active measuring component
• Processtting
• Process seal
Process conditions in particular are:
• Process pressure
• Process temperature
• Chemical properties of the medium
• Abrasionandmechanicalinuences
4.2 Mounting versions
For the wall mounting, a mounting bracket with opening for thread
G1½ is recommended.The mounting of the sensor in the bracket
is carried out via a G1½ counter nut of plastic. Take note of chapter
"Mounting instructions" for the recommended distance to the wall.
> 200 mm
(7.87
")
Fig. 5: Mounting via a mounting bracket
4.3 Mounting instructions
The emitted radar impulses of the radar sensor are electromagnetic
waves.The polarisation is the direction of the electrical wave compo-
Ambient conditions
Process conditions
Mounting bracket
Polarisation

12
4 Mounting
VEGAPULS C 23 • SDI-12
58348-EN-200121
nent. By turning the instrument in the mounting strap, the polarisation
canbeusedtoreducetheeectsoffalseechoes.
The position of the polarization is in the middle of the type plate on the
device or 90° to the logo.
1
Fig. 6: Position of the polarisation
1 Middle of the type label
Mount the sensor at a position that is at least 200 mm (7.874 in) away
from a wall or structural parts (see illustrations above).
If you cannot maintain this distance, you should carry out a false
signal suppression during setup. This applies particularly if buildup
on the wall or structural parts is to be expected. In such cases, we
recommend repeating the false signal suppression at a later date with
existing buildup.
The antenna edge of the device is the beginning of the measuring
range and at the same time the reference plane for the min./max.
adjustment, see following diagram:
1
Fig. 7: Reference plane
1 Reference plane
Donotmounttheinstrumentsinorabovethellingstream.Makesure
thatyoudetecttheproductsurface,nottheinowingproduct.
Fig. 8: Mounting of the radar sensor with inowing medium
Installation position
Reference plane
Inowingmedium

13
4 Mounting
VEGAPULS C 23 • SDI-12
58348-EN-200121
For socket mounting, the socket should be as short as possible and
itsendrounded.Thisreducesfalsereectionsfromthesocket.
The antenna edge should protrude at least 5 mm (0.2 in) out of the
socket.
≥ 5 mm
(0.20")
Fig. 9: Recommended socket mounting of VEGAPULS C 23
Ifthereectivepropertiesofthemediumaregood,youcanmount
VEGAPULS C 23 on sockets longer than the antenna. The socket end
should be smooth and burr-free, if possible also rounded.
Note:
When mounting on longer sockets, 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
The mounting location of the radar sensor should be a place where no
otherequipmentorxturescrossthepathoftheradarsignals.
Vessel installations, such as e.g. ladders, limit switches, heating spi-
rals, struts, etc., can cause false echoes and impair the useful echo.
Make sure when planning your measuring point that the radar sensor
has a "clear view" to the measured product.
In case of existing vessel installations, a false signal suppression
should be carried out during setup.
Mounting socket
Vessel installations

14
4 Mounting
VEGAPULS C 23 • SDI-12
58348-EN-200121
If large vessel installations such as struts or supports cause false
echoes, these can be attenuated through supplementary measures.
Small,inclinedsheetmetalbaesabovetheinstallationsscatterthe
radarsignalsandpreventdirectinterferingreections.
Fig. 11: Cover at, large-area proles with deectors
In liquids, direct the sensor as perpendicular as possible to the prod-
uct surface to achieve optimum measurement results.
Fig. 12: Alignment in liquids
If there are agitators in the vessel, a false signal suppression should
be carried out with the agitators in motion.This ensures that the
interferingreectionsfromtheagitatorsaresavedwiththebladesin
dierentpositions.
Fig. 13: Agitators
Throughtheactionoflling,stirringandotherprocessesinthevessel,
compact foams which considerably damp the emitted signals may
form on the product surface.
Sensor orientation
Agitators
Foam generation

15
4 Mounting
VEGAPULS C 23 • SDI-12
58348-EN-200121
If foams lead to measurement errors, you should use the biggest pos-
sible radar antennas or sensors with guided radar.
4.4 Measurement setups - Gauge
In general, the following must be observed while mounting the sensor:
• Mounting on solid bracket or mounting bracket
• High or low water for mounting position
• Measurementonwatersurfaceasataspossibleincalmarea
• Minimum distance to the max. water level
The following examples serve as an overview for gauge measure-
ment.
Fig. 14: Gauge measurement river, sensor mounting on bridge pier
Fig. 15: Gauge measurement dam, sensor mounting on bracket
River level
Dam gauge

16
4 Mounting
VEGAPULS C 23 • SDI-12
58348-EN-200121
Fig. 16: Gauge measurement deep well, sensor mounting on lid
4.5 Measurement setup - Flow
In general, the following must be observed while mounting the sensor:
• Mounting the sensor on the upstream or inlet side
• Installationinthecentreoftheumeandverticaltotheliquid
surface
• DistancetotheoverfalloriceorVenturiume
• Min. distance to the max. height of damming for optimum accu-
racy: 250 mm (9.843 in)1)
Detailed project planning data can be found at the channel manufac-
turers and in the technical literature.
Thefollowingexamplesserveasanoverviewforowmeasurement.
Deep well level
1) At smaller distances the measuring accuracy is reduced, see Technical data.

17
4 Mounting
VEGAPULS C 23 • SDI-12
58348-EN-200121
3 ... 4 hmax
90°
23
1
hmax
≥ 2 x hmax
90°
42 3
≥ 250 mm
(9.84")
≥ 250 mm
(9.84")
Fig. 17: Flow measurement with rectangular ume: hmax. = max. lling of the
rectangular ume
1 Overow orice (side view)
2 Headwater
3 Tailwater
4 Overfall orice (view from tailwater)
2
3 ... 4 x hmax
90°
hmax
B
1
≥ 250 mm
(9.84")
Fig. 18: Flow measurement with Khafagi-Venturi ume: hmax. = max. lling of the
ume; B = tightest constriction in the ume
1 Position sensor
2 Venturi ume
Rectangular overfall
Khafagi-Venturiume

18
5 Connecting to power supply
VEGAPULS C 23 • SDI-12
58348-EN-200121
5 Connecting to power supply
5.1 Preparing the connection
Always keep in mind the following safety instructions:
• Carryoutelectricalconnectionbytrained,qualiedpersonnel
authorised by the plant operator
• If overvoltage surges are expected, overvoltage arresters should
be installed
Warning:
Only connect or disconnect in de-energized state.
The device is supplied with power via an SDI-12 datalogger.
Note:
Power the instrument via an energy-limited circuit (power max. 100 W)
acc. to IEC 61010-1, e.g.
• Class 2 power supply unit (acc. to UL1310)
• SELV power supply unit (safety extra-low voltage) with suitable
internal or external limitation of the output current
Thedataforpowersupplyarespeciedinchapter"Technical data".
The instrument is connected with standard three-wire cable without
screen. If electromagnetic interference is expected which is above the
test values of EN 61326-1 for industrial areas, screened cable should
be used.
5.2 Wiring plan
1
2
3
4
Fig. 19: Wire assignment in permanently connected connection cable
Wire colour Function Polarity
1 Brown Voltage supply +
2 Blue Voltage supply -
3 White SDI data +
4 Shielding
5.3 Switch-on phase
After connection to the power supply, the device carries out a self-
test.
Safety instructions
Voltage supply
Connection cable
Wire assignment, con-
nection cable

19
5 Connecting to power supply
VEGAPULS C 23 • SDI-12
58348-EN-200121
Note:
No SDI-12 commands are answered during this self-test
After the self-test, the standard SDI-12 communication is used.
Transmitted values take settings into account that have already been
carried out, e.g. default setting.

20
6 Access protection
VEGAPULS C 23 • SDI-12
58348-EN-200121
6 Access protection
6.1 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).
6.2 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