Automation Direct signal conditioner
Automation Direct signal conditioner
(OP)
I'm using an Automation Direct signal conditioner (FC-T1) and have trouble with it.
Actually, my thermocouple type K needs me to adjust the DIP switches as 0111 (switches in order 8-7-6-5). I'm following instructions for the wiring but I'm measuring no current from the output even though my thermocouple is connected and the module itself is not in fault (green LED solid). My thermocouple has its two leads jumped together so it should read ambient T.
Ideas anybody?
Thx
Actually, my thermocouple type K needs me to adjust the DIP switches as 0111 (switches in order 8-7-6-5). I'm following instructions for the wiring but I'm measuring no current from the output even though my thermocouple is connected and the module itself is not in fault (green LED solid). My thermocouple has its two leads jumped together so it should read ambient T.
Ideas anybody?
Thx





RE: Automation Direct signal conditioner
RE: Automation Direct signal conditioner
RE: Automation Direct signal conditioner
RE: Automation Direct signal conditioner
When you say you joined the leads of the T/C extension wire together, did you use a single point spot weld?
For sanity, I would buy a pre-made T/C to test the module (Omega).
Wheels within wheels / In a spiral array
A pattern so grand / And complex
Time after time / We lose sight of the way
Our causes can't see / Their effects.
RE: Automation Direct signal conditioner
I would take Analogs advice and use a known good probe or already made up wire to test your module.
RE: Automation Direct signal conditioner
I would suggest you do the following,
1). Make sure the DIP switches are set exactly like the example.
2). Disconnect your homemade T/C and turn the conditioner on. It should immediately ramp up to around 20+ mA. This is the "upscale burnout" feature working.
3). Take a piece of real K type extension wire about a foot long and strip about 1/2in off. Clean the bare ends to get rid of anything left. With 2 pairs of pliers, twist the 2 ends together, TIGHTLY. You now have a K type T/C. Not an accurate one, but we don't care about accurate, we just want to see if it works.
4). Connect the other end to the conditioner and turn it on.
5). Put a cigarette lighter or some other source of heat to it. You want a higher temperature then ambient, 75F is way to far down the scale to miss with when using a K type T/C. It should start ramping up.
6). Take the heat away and observe. You should see the output go down as the T/C cools off.
If all that works as described, most likely nothing wrong with your conditioner. My guess is you're not using real T/C extension wire, because like A2D said, it's Red & Yellow insulation on K type wire.
Hope that helps some
Ed
RE: Automation Direct signal conditioner
I had joined the 2 leads together tightly as suggested.
Now, having connected it with an Automation Direct analog 4-20mA input card, it works.
Thank you all for your advices and suggestions.
RE: Automation Direct signal conditioner
Glad to hear you are up and running!
Wheels within wheels / In a spiral array
A pattern so grand / And complex
Time after time / We lose sight of the way
Our causes can't see / Their effects.
RE: Automation Direct signal conditioner
Ahh, perhaps you really did have a jumper wire between the two wires of the thermo wire. That would explain it. If so, good catch fangas. (not sure why 2 pairs of pliers are needed to twist wire though).