Features
- Large Display NEMA 4X, IP65 Wall Mounted Meter
- 0-20 mA, 4-20 mA, 0-5 V, 1-5 V, and ±10 V Field Selectable Inputs with ±0.03% Accuracy
- Large Dual-Line 6-Digit Display, 1.8" (46 mm) Readable from 100 Feet (30 Meters) Away
- Isolated 24 VDC @ 200 mA Transmitter Power Supply
- Easy Field Scaling in Engineering Units without Applying an Input
- 4 Relays with Interlocking Capability + Isolated 4-20 mA Output Option
- Free PC-Based, On-Board, MeterView Pro USB Programming Software
- SunBright Display Standard Feature; Great for Outdoor Applications
- Optional SunBright Display Models for Outdoor Applications
- Operating Temperature Range: -40 to 65°C (-40 to 149°F)
- Conformal Coated PCBs for Dust and Humidity Protection
- UL & C-UL Listed. E160849; 508 Industrial Control Equipment
- Input Power Options: 85-265 VAC / 90-265 VDC or 12-24 VDC / 12-24 VAC
- Display Input in Two Different Scales - Great for Level Applications
- Multi-Pump Alternation Control
- Round Horizontal Tank Formula; Just Enter Diameter & Length
- 32-Point Linearization, Square Root Extraction and Programmable Exponent Function
- Programmable Display, Function Keys & Digital Input
- Tare Function
- On-Board RS-485 Serial Communications
- Modbus RTU Communication Protocol Standard
- 5 Digital Inputs & 4 Digital Outputs Standard
- Password Protection
- Light / Horn & Reset Button Accessory
- Control Station Accessory For Remote Operation
- Stainless Steel Sun Hood Accessory Available
- 3-Year Warranty
Overview
The Only Large Display Process Meter You Will Ever Need
The Helios large display process meter boasts specifications, features and functionality that make it the only large display process meter you will ever need. The big, bright 6-digit dual-line LED display that can be seen from 100 feet even in bright sunlight is the first thing you will notice about the Helios. After that, the number one feature that makes the Helios such a useful device is its built-in 24 VDC power supply to drive the transmitter as illustrated by the above diagram. This feature not only saves the cost of an external power supply, but also greatly simplifies wiring. In addition, there is a second 40 mA power supply provided with the 4-20 mA output option, evident also in the above diagram.
The above picture illustrates several other reasons why the Helios is the only large display process meter you will ever need. First off, is the NEMA 4X rated enclosure which means you can install the Helios indoors and outdoors, exposed to moisture, dust and other adverse conditions. The next thing to notice is the 6-digit dual-line display that can display numbers up to 999,999 on the upper line and show either a tag or the input in a different scale on the lower line.
Other key features include four relays and 4-20 mA output option, advanced signal input conditioning like automatic round horizontal tank linearization, function keys, pump alternation capability, and Modbus RTU serial communications. Finally, all these features and capabilities can easily be programmed with free MeterView Pro PC-based software.
Front
Helios Connections
Isolated Transmitter Power Supplies
24 V @ 200 mA Transmitter Power Supply
One of the most useful standard features of the AC powered PD2-6000 is its built-in isolated, 24 V @ 200 mA power supply to power the transmitter. This feature saves money by eliminating an external power supply and also simplifies wiring by reducing the number of devices in the loop. It can be configured for 5, 10, or 24 V (default) by means of a simple internal jumper. This power supply is even available on meters that are powered from DC power (24 V @ 100 mA). To use an external power supply instead of the internal power supply, simply make connections to different terminals on the Helios. The following diagrams illustrate how to wire the Helios so it will power the transmitter:
24 V @ 40 mA 4-20 mA Output Power Supply
Not only can the Helios power the 4-20 mA input signal, but an
additional power supply of 24 V @ 40 mA is provided with the
4-20 mA output option to power the 4-20 mA output.
Resettable Fuse Prevents Current Overload
Another very useful aspect of the Helios is that the current input is protected against current overload by a resettable fuse. The fuse limits the current to a safe level when it detects a fault condition, and automatically resets itself when the fault condition is removed.
Other Uses for Transmitter Power Supplies
The most common use for these two power supplies is for the 200 mA transmitter power supply to power the field transmitter and 40 mA power supply to power the 4-20 mA output from the meter. However, since these two power supplies are isolated they can be used in other ways. For instance, some level transmitters require the use of a heated lens. The Helios’s 200 mA power supply could be used to power the heated lens and Helios’s 40 mA power supply could be used to power the 4-20 mA input.
External Power Supply for the Loop
For applications that require an external transmitter power supply, the same Helios is used and merely wired in a different fashion as the following diagrams illustrate:
PDA1024-01 24 VDC Transmitter Power Supply
Precision Digital offers the PDA1024-01 for applications that require more than the 200 mA power that the Helios can provide.
SPECIFICATIONS
Output Voltage:
24 VDC ±10% @ 1.5A rated current
Dimensions:
1.40" x 3.50" x 2.10"
(35 mm x 90 mm x 54.5 mm)
(W x H x D)
Advanced Display Features
Dual-Line Makes All the Difference
The upper display can be programmed to indicate PV, maximum (peak), minimum (valley), alternating maximum/ minimum, one of eight alarm set points, or Modbus input. The lower display can be configured to display engineering units, set points, user defined messages, or simply turned off.
The Helios’s dual-line display makes all the difference both when programming the instrument and when using it in the field. When programming the instrument, the dual line display prompts for the needed information and also helps you keep track of where you are in the setup process. When using the instrument, the dual line display provides more information such as displaying the input in two different scales like height and volume for a level application. We call this the Dual-Scale feature.
Programming Assistance
The Helios’s dual-line display makes programming the instrument much easier because the lower line prompts for the needed information and also helps you keep track of where you are in the setup process.
In the example above, the Helios is prompting for the value for Input 2 and displaying the default value of 20.00 mA. The “2” in 20.00 is brighter than the rest of the digits indicating that it is the number that will be changed by the Up and Right arrows.
In the example above, the Helios is now prompting for what the user wants Display 2 to be; that is the value that corresponds to 20 mA. In this case Display 2 is currently set to 95.00.
Superluminous Sunlight Readable Display
The Helios's standard SunBright display features extraordinarily bright LEDs. It is perfect for applications where the meter is in direct sunlight or in applications where visibility may be impaired by smoke, fog, dust, or distance.
Rounding Feature for Even Steadier Display
The rounding feature is used to give the user a steadier display with fluctuating signals. It causes the display to round to the nearest value according to the rounding value selected (1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, or 100). For example, with a rounding value of 10, and an input of 12346, the display would indicate 12350.
For example, with a rounding value of 10, and an input of 12346, the display would indicate 12350.
Dual-Scale Display Feature
The Helios PD2-6000 has a rather unique, and very flexible dual-scale capability. This is of particular value in level applications where a second scaled display can represent the measured input in a different form (i.e. gallons & height). Both displays are independently scaled and are based on the 4-20 mA input signal. Beyond level, this function has been used for pressure & force, current & power, feet & meters, GPM & CFM, and more.
MeterView Pro can be used to program the Helios to display the input in two different scales:
Toggling Between Reading & Units with Tag
The Helios can also be programmed so the upper line toggles between the reading and units and the lower line displays a tag. For instance, the upper line toggles between 9500 and Gal and the lower line displays Tank 1.
Other Uses for Lower Line
The lower line can also be used to indicate units, a tag, or even a setpoint as the following pictures illustrate:
Reduce Sun Glare On Your Process Meter Display!
New PDA24SH Sun Hood
The PDA24SH Stainless Steel Sun Hood improves the readability of the Helios when mounted in direct sunlight by shading the instrument from the sun. The PDA24SH Sun Hood is made from 18 gauge 316 stainless steel and easily mounts to the enclosure of the meter.
- Provides Shade for PD2 Helios Series Large Display Meters
- Made from 18 Gauge 316 Stainless Steel
4-20 mA Output & Relays
4-20 mA Analog Output
The isolated analog retransmission signal can be configured to represent the process variable (PV), maximum (peak) value, minimum (valley) value, the value for any of the eight relay set points, or Modbus input. While the output is nominally 4-20 mA, the signal will accurately accommodate under- and over-ranges from 1 to 23 mA.
The 4-20 mA output can be reversed scaled such that 4 mA represents the high value and 20 mA represents the low value. For instance, a 4-20 mA output signal could be generated as the meter went from 100.0 to 0.0.
For applications where the input was linearized by the Helios, the 4-20 mA output will represent that linearized value.
Connections
The Helios can provide 40 mA at 24 VDC to power the 4-20 mA output signal or an external power supply can be used:
4-20 mA Output Powered by PD2-6000
4-20 mA Output Powered by External Power Supply
The internal 24 VDC power supply powering the analog output may be used to power other devices, if the analog output is not used. The I+ terminal is the +24 V and the R terminal is the return.
The 4-20 mA output can either be programmed using the front panel push buttons or free MeterView Pro software.
The 4-20 mA analog output can be scaled to provide a 4-20 mA signal for any display range selected. No equipment is needed to scale the analog output; simply program the display values to the corresponding mA output signal. The Analog Output menu is used to program the 4-20 mA output based on display values.
When a meter is programmed as shown below, the output will be 4.00 mA when the display reads 0 and the output will be 20.00 mA when the display reads 150000.
The meter can be set up for reverse scaling as shown below: the output will be 4.00 mA when the display reads 150000 and the output will be 20.00 mA when the display reads 0.
Source: Source for generating the 4-20 mA output (e.g. PV)
Overrange: Analog output value with display in overrange condition
Underrange: Analog output value with display in underrange condition
Break: Analog output value when loop break is detected
Max: Maximum analog output value allowed regardless of input
Min: Minimum analog output value allowed regardless of input
Relays for Alarm & Control Applications
Adding relays to the Helios meter turns it into a sophisticated alarm device as well as a powerful, yet simple, alternative to a more complicated PLC system for control applications. One such application would be pump control using the Helio’s relays in pump alternation mode. The Helios can be equipped with four 3 A Form C (SPDT) internal relays. Relays are highly user-configurable as the following screen shot from MeterView Pro indicates:
*Values are intended to show programming choices. They are not intended to represent an actual application.
- Program Set and Reset Points (HI / LO Alarms)
- Reset the Relays (Action in MV)
- Time Delay (On and Off)
- Relays Auto Initialization
- Signal Loss or Loop Break Relay Operation
- User Selectable Fail-Safe Operation
Relay connections are made to a six-terminal connector labeled RELAY1 - RELAY4.
Multi-Pump Alternation
The Helios can be used as a pump controller when combined with a continuous level transmitter. The most common pump control application is shown below: controlling and alternating two pumps and providing high and low-level alarms. The light / horn accessory can be added to provide visual and audible alarm indication.
Signal Input Conditioning
There are many applications in the industrial world that can’t be satisfied with simple, two-point linear scaling so the Helios has advanced linearization capabilities to handle applications like round horizontal tank volume measurement, open channel flow, DP flow, and others. And all of these capabilities are easily programmed using MeterView Pro programming software.
32-Point Linearization
The most common way to linearize a non-linear signal is to break it up into smaller ranges that are more linear than the overall range. The Helios is available with up to 32 points of linearization and if dual scale feature is used, the second PV can have up to eight points of linearization. The linearization data can be imported from an Excel spreadsheet or can be exported from MeterView Pro to an Excel spreadsheet. The following screen shot from MeterView Pro shows PV1 with 9 points of linearization and PV 2 with 5 points of linearization:
Specialized Linearization Functions
In addition to the generic 32- and 8-point linearization functions, the Helios is also available with specialized functions for round horizontal tanks, open channel flow, and DP flow.
Round Horizontal Tank
The user enters the diameter and length of a flat-ended round horizontal tank resulting in a display of volume.
Programmable Exponent
The input is raised to an exponent progrmmable by the user resulting in a display of open channel flow rate.
Square Root Extraction
The square root of the input is taken resulting in a display of flow rate.
Round Horizontal Tank Volume Linearizer
In this application, a level sensor is measuring the height in the round horizontal tank and the Helios is converting that signal to volume using the RHT function. All the user has to do is input the diameter and length of the tank and the meter converts the signal to volume.
Open Channel Flow Rate Indication
In this application, a level sensor is measuring the height in a weir and the Helios is converting that signal to flow rate using the programmable exponent function. All the user has to do is input the corresponding exponent for their weir and the meter will convert the signal to flow.
DP Flow via Square Root Extraction
In this application, the PD2-6000 is displaying flow rate by extracting the square root from the 4-20 mA signal from a differential pressure transmitter. The user selectable low-flow cutoff feature gives a reading of zero when the flow rate drops below a user selectable value.
Physical Features
The most striking physical feature of the Helios meter is its dual-line 6-digit display with 1.8" high super-bright LEDs. These allow the display to be read from up to 100 feet away, even in bright sunlight.
The Helios is designed for ease-of-use in industrial applications where it will be exposed to wet, dusty, hot, cold and other adverse conditions. The Helios is housed in a rugged NEMA 4X enclosure, can operate over a wide temperature range, includes removable screw terminal connectors, and is UL Listed for electrical safety. All of these features are backed by a 3-year warranty.
Wide Operating Temperature Range
The Helios can operate from -40 to 65°C (-40 to 150°F) meaning it can be installed in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor industrial applications. And over this range the Helios will drift no more than 0.005% of calibrated span/°C max from 0 to 65°C ambient and 0.01% of calibrated span/°C max from -40 to 0°C ambient.
Removable Screw Terminal Connectors
Industrial applications require screw terminal connections for easy field wiring and the Helios goes one step further in convenience by making them removable also.
Super-Bright 1.8" High LED Display
The Helios features super-bright 1.8" high LEDs; three times the height of standard digital panel meters.
Integral Holes for Wall Mounting
The Helios’ back panel includes four holes for convenient wall mounting.
Type 4X / NEMA 4X Front Panel
Not only does the Helios’ front panel UL Type 4X approval indicate it is waterproof, but it also indicates it is rugged. Part of the UL Type 4X test is to drop a 2 inch solid stainless steel ball from 8 feet on top of the meter’s cover.
USB Port for Free MeterView Pro Software
Easily connect the Helios process meter to a PC with via the USB port for MeterView Pro programming software.
Operational Features
There are two ways the user can interact with the Helios to perform a variety of useful functions:
1. Three Function Keys Under the Front Cover
The default settings for the function keys are:
2. Built-in Digital Inputs/Outputs
The Helios comes with five digital inputs and four digital outputs. The digital inputs can operate with the tare, reset tare, or interlock relays feature, force relays on from a signal from a PLC or relay on other equipment, and much more. The digital inputs can also be used to mimic the programming buttons, which are located behind a door and generally not accessible during operation. The digital outputs can be used to send signals to PLCs and other devices.
The digital inputs are particularly useful for resetting the relays and a reset button is mounted on the Helios door when MOD-PD2LH is ordered:
Plastic Control Stations For The Helios PD2-6000
The PDA2360 series of plastic control stations provide a convenient way to remotely control devices such as Precision Digital’s Helios PD2-6000. The PDA2364-MRUE four-position control station mimics the Helios’ four front panel buttons: Menu, Right Arrow, Up Arrow, and Enter. The PDA2360-E is an emergency stop button, the PDA2361-A is used to acknowledge an alarm, and the PDA2361-Q is to silence an alarm.
- Complete Pre-Assembled Stations
- Normally Open (NO) Spring Return Plastic Bezel Pushbuttons
- Trigger Action Turn to Release Pushbutton (PDA2360-E only)
- IP65 / NEMA 4, 4X and 13 Rated
- Four-Position Control Station for Remote Operation of Helios Buttons
- Wall Mountable
| PDA2360 Series Control Stations | |
| Model | Description |
| PDA2360-E | Emergency Stop Button |
| PDA2361-A | 1 Black Ack Button |
| PDA2361-Q | 1 Black Silence Button |
| PDA2364-MRUE | 4 Black Buttons: Menu, Right, Up, Enter |
Four-Position Control Station for Remote Operation of Helios Buttons
The PD2-6000's four internal programming and operations buttons can be remotely controlled by using the PDA2364-MRUE 4-button control station accessory as shown in the diagram below.
Light/Horn & Button Mounted to Helios
The Helios can be provided with an optional light(s) with built-in 85 dB horn that comes mounted and wired to the instrument or as separate items to be mounted as the user desires. Meter and MOD-PD2LH are sold separately. The light(s) and horn can be controlled independently of each other via separate relays on the Helios.
These relays can be programmed for automatic or manual reset action to satisfy a wide variety of audible and visual alarm applications. The light can be programmed to flash (not available on MOD-PD2LH5CB1) or stay steady-on. The Light / Horn and Reset Button do not affect the Helios’s NEMA 4X rating, but do void its UL approval. While there are many ways the Light / Horn can be wired and programmed, the following is the default wiring and programming from the factory:
| Relay # | Connected to | Typical reset method (user selectable) |
| 1 | Flashing Light(1) | Auto reset |
| 2 | Horn | Silence with Reset Button at any time |
| 3 | User Device | As user desires |
| 4 | User Device | As user desires |
1. Light can be wired to flash or stay steady on
Note: The Light / Horn accessory is powered from the 200 mA transmitter power supply; so when it is installed, there is less power available for the transmitter. See Transmitter Power Supply specification in MOD-PD2LH manual for details.
