The Indicator September 2023

Ricky joined the Precision Digital team recently as Territory Sales Manager for Texas and Oklahoma and will be responsible for continuing to grow Precision Digital’s sales and relationship with Vector Controls and Automation Group, our Authorized Channel Partner in the area.

Ricky is a Texas native, with a Bachelor of Science degree from Sam Houston State University. He has worked at NRG Energy, MOGAS Industries, Valvtechnologies, and Norgren; giving him a strong power and industrial background.

If you would like to get to know Ricky, just reach out and ask him about his customized motorcycles or his massive Jeep, he’ll be happy to share.

I am very excited to have Ricky join the Precision Digital Team so he can apply his industry experience and strong salesmanship skills to growing Precision Digital and Vector CAG’s success in his territory.

You can call Ricky at 346-679-1648, or email him at [email protected].

Ricky will be working out of the Vector CAG Pearland office and will have a wide assortment of Precision Digital demo equipment available to show customers.

Features

• Top Display (Rate): Five Characters, 0.7" (17.8 mm)
• Bottom Display (Total): Eight Characters, 0.4" (10.2 mm)
• Display Rate & Total Simultaneously
• Automatic or Manual Batch Control
• Operating Temp Range: -40 to 75°C (-40 to 167°F)
• Installation Temp Range: -55 to 75°C (-67 to 167°F)
• Explosion-Proof Aluminum & Stainless Steel Enclosures with 1", 3/4",
  or M20 Connections (ProtEX+)

Overview

The new PD6938 pulse input flow rate/totalizers are the next generation version of our popular PD6830 / PD6730 flow rate totalizers. New features include an enhanced LCD display, cap-touch button programming vs IR button programming, optional two relays, 1", 3/4", or M20 connections and the availability of a stainless steel enclosure.

The VantageView+ PD6938-GP is the general purpose model and comes in a NEMA 4X, IP66 plastic enclosure that is designed for easy use and installation.

The ProtEX+ PD6938-HA, PD6938-EX, and PD6938-IS are agency approved hazardous area versions of the rate/totalizers and are available in aluminum and stainless steel enclosures with 1", 3/4", or M20 connections.

The PD6938 can operate down to -40°C and is certified by the agencies to be installed in areas that get as cold as -55°C.

Free, PC-based, MeterView XL software that connects to the meter via a micro-USB cable is available for programming and setup of the instruments. Four CapTouch through-window buttons are available to operate the instrument without removing the cover.

All models come equipped with two open collector outputs and a digital input. Modbus RTU RS-485 communications is standard on DC & battery powered models. There are also models available with two solid-state relays and isolated 4-20 mA analog output options.

The New PDA18DINSH Sun Hood improves the readability of 1/8 DIN digital panel meters when they are mounted in direct sunlight by shading the instrument from the sun.

The Sun Hood is made from 18 gauge 316 stainless steel and mounts between the 1/8 DIN digital panel meter and the panel. In addition, a preinstalled gasket is provided on the Sun Hood to provide a NEMA 4X seal to the panel. The whole assembly is held in place by the panel meter’s mounting brackets. Check price and availability here.

Using a loop powered meter is often a great choice for displaying a single process variable because it is easy to integrate into existing 4-20 mA current loops, does not require local power, and is a low-cost option compared to line powered meters. In addition, loop powered meters require only two wiring connections. This simplifies wiring significantly and reduces wiring costs.

Generally, using a loop powered meter provides a simple solution that can be easily integrated into an existing 4-20 mA current loop to display a single process variable from a transmitter without needing additional power supplies, modifying existing equipment or wiring schemes, or running up excessive installation costs. Read the full white paper here.

Benefits of using a loop powered meter:

• Integrates easily into existing process control systems
• Derives its power from the loop it is connected to, therefore it does not require local power
• Requires only two wire connections, making it easy to install and reduces wiring costs
• It is a Low-cost option compared to line powered meters
• Delivers a simple display solution for a 4-20 mA transmitter
• Provides more hazardous area approvals options

Precision Digital has the broadest line of loop-powered meters on the market and over the past few years has introduced many new models with advanced features, options, and functionality.

However, there are many applications where only a basic loop-powered meter is needed, and the primary concern is price and availability. To satisfy customers with these needs, we have recently reduced the prices on our “basic” loop-powered meters and increased our commitment to having them in stock. While these meters may be “basic” they still have the features customers need in loop-powered meters:

• Easy To Read, Backlit LCD Display
• Low Voltage Drop
• Simple Two-Wire Connection
• Hart® Protocol Transparent
• Wide Operating & Installation Temperature Range
• Hazardous Area Approvals
• Conformal Coated PCBs For Dust And Humidity Protection
• 3-Year Warranty

The following are all the loop-powered meter models we have reduced prices on and their key features:

• NEMA 4X, IP66 Loop-Powered Field-Mount Process Meter
• 1.7 Volt Drop (3.7 Volt Drop with Backlight)
• 0.6" (15.2 mm) 3½+ Digits LCD Display; -1999 to 2999
• Loop-Powered Backlight Standard
• Operating Temperature Range: -40 to 75°C (-40 to 167°F)

• Fully-Approved Explosion-Proof Loop-Powered Meter
• 1.7 Volt Drop (4.7 Volt Drop with Backlight)
• 0.6" (15.2 mm) 3½+ Digits LCD Display; -1999 to 2999
• Loop-Powered Backlight Standard
• Operating Temperature Range: -40 to 75°C (-40 to 167°F)
• Installation Temperature Range: -55 to 75°C (-67 to 167°F)
• CSA Certified as Explosion-Proof / Dust-Ignition-Proof / Flame-Proof
• ATEX and IECEx Certified as Explosion-Proof
• Explosion-Proof, IP68, NEMA 4X Die-Cast Aluminum & Stainless Steel Enclosures
• Two 1/2" NPT or M20 Conduit Openings

• Type 4X, IP67 Loop-Powered Field-Mount Process Meter
• 1.1" (28 mm) 3½ Digits LCD Display; -1999 to 1999
• 1 V Drop (4 V Drop with Backlight)
• Loop-Powered Backlight
• Operates from -40 to 75°C (-40 to 167°F)
• CSA, ATEX and IECEx Certified as Intrinsically Safe

• Fully-Approved Explosion-Proof Loop-Powered Process Meter
• 1 Volt Drop (4 Volt Drop with Backlight)
• 1.0" (25.4 mm) 3½ Digits LCD Display; -1000 to 1999
• Loop-Powered Backlight Standard
• Operating Temperature Range: -40 to 75°C (-40 to 167°F)
• Installation Temperature Range: -55 to 75°C (-67 to 167°F)
• CSA Certified as Explosion-Proof / Dust-Ignition-Proof / Flame-Proof
• ATEX and IECEx Certified as Explosion-Proof
• Wide Viewing Angle
• Explosion-Proof, IP68, NEMA 4X Die-Cast Aluminum & Stainless Steel Enclosures
• Two 3/4" NPT or M20 Threaded Conduit Openings

The operator of this municipal wastewater plant needed to monitor the process information from around the facility on a SCADA system located in the control room of the central building.

The process information comes from eight 4-20 mA transmitters scattered around the plant that are a good distance away from the central building including a chemical storage building, sedimentation pools, and digesters.

Hard wiring all these transmitters would mean running hundreds of feet of physical wires throughout the plant which would be too costly for the budget and take too much time, something the plant manager did not want to do.

Read more to find out how this wasterwater plant used PDW wireless products to solve their problem.

Precision Digital’s wireless products have been redesigned to add new features and improve the user experience. The field units are now housed in a larger enclosure to make field wiring easier and provide room for a two relays option module, a Loss of Signal (LoS) digital output is now available, and the units can be programmed with CapTouch Buttons. The base stations are now available to hold 2, 6, or 16 I/O modules and have Loss of Signal (LoS) capability as well as improved mechanical functionality.

The following bullet lists contain the new features highlighted in yellow:

PDW30 Point-to-Point Wireless Bridge

• Signal Wire Replacement Bridge
• Matched Pair of Wireless Field Units
• Virtually Plug and Play Right out of Box
• Range: 1 Mile Line-of-Sight Outdoor, 500 Feet Indoor
• Repeaters Available to Extend Range
• Wireless Transmission Between Primary and Secondary Unit of
        • 4-20 mA (Separate Signals Going Both Ways)
        • Discrete (4 Digital I/O Signals Going Both Ways)
        • RS-485 Modbus
• Inputs: 4-20 mA or 0-10 V (1), Discrete/Digital (up to 4), Modbus
• Outputs: 4-20 mA (1), Discrete/Digital (up to 4), Relays (2), Modbus
• Isolated RS-485 Modbus Communications
• Loss of Signal (LoS) Digital Output
• PDA10 Signal Strength Survey Tool to "Try Before You Buy"
• Field Installable Relay Module with Two Form A (SPST) 5A Relays (Available for Both Units)
• Configure Using PDW Manager Software and On-Board USB
• Backlit Display Provides Helpful Input & Output Information
• CapTouch Through-Glass Button Programming
• IP68, NEMA 4X Aluminum & Stainless Steel Enclosures
• Plenty of Room for Field Wiring
• Operating Temperature Range: -55 to 75°C (-67 to 167°F)
• Conformal Coated PCBs for Dust & Humidity Protection
• 9-30 VDC Power

PDW90 Point to Multi-Point Wireless System

• System Consisting of Wireless Base Station and Field Units
• Signal Wire Replacement for up to 32 4-20 mA Signals
• Range: 1 Mile Line-of-Sight Outdoor, 500 Feet Indoor
• Repeaters Available to Extend Range
• Wireless Transmission Between Base Station and any Field Unit of
        • 4-20 mA (Separate Signals Going Both Ways)
        • Discrete (4 Digital I/O Signals Going Both Ways)
        • RS-485 Modbus
• Inputs: 4-20 mA or 0-10 V (1), Discrete/Digital (up to 4), Modbus
• Outputs: 4-20 mA (1), Discrete/Digital (up to 4), Relays (2), Modbus
• Base Station I/O Modules for 4-20 mA Inputs, 4-20 mA Outputs, Relay Outputs, Digital I/O
• Base Stations for 2, 6, or 16 Field Installable I/O Modules & Modbus
• Loss of Signal (LoS) Digital Output
• PDA10 Signal Strength Survey Tool to "Try Before You Buy"
• PDW Manager Programming Software and On-Board USB
• Field Units Available in NEMA 4X Aluminum & Stainless Steel
• Field Unit Operating Temperature Range: -55 to 75°C (-67 to 167°F)
• PCBs are Conformal Coated for Dust & Humidity Protection
• Power: 9-30 VDC, Base Station & Field Units

Joe Ryan, VP of Sales & Marketing at Precision Digital, on a recent trip to New Yor City walks by a level display and control panel on the street and discovered two Precision Digital PD6600 Loop Leader panel meters in action! Watch this video to learn more about what the two PD6600 Loop Leaders are being utilized for in this alarm application.

Precision Digital has expanded the capabilities of the ConsoliDator+ multivariable controller with new PID and HOA control features, and obtained UL approval for its use in General Safety and Hazardous locations.

• UL and C-UL Listed for General Safety and Hazardous Locations
• Auto-Tune PID Control for Multiple Control Loops
• PID Control with Analog, Digital, or Relay Outputs
• HOA and Other 2, 3, and 4-Way Switch Functions to Route Inputs & Outputs

In this webinar, Joe Ryan discusses all the new features and benefits of the PD9000 ConsoliDator+ multivariable controller.

See how to take advantage of the PD9000’s PID control feature with 4-20 mA Output for SCR control, Pulse Width Modulation for SSR control, heating & cooling, switch functions, and more.

Learn about how to use digital switch operation and programming for Hand-Off-Auto control with two, three, and four way switching, setting relays to outputs for control switching, and setup screens to operate digital switches.

Download the presentation slides here.