Mechanical Needs Instrumentation Advice 1

[CW3]

I need some basic information/advice/wisdom so that I can head in the right direction. Let's say I have a rosemount mass ProBar. I have it mounted. Now I need to power it up. OK, maybe a 120V to 12Vpower converter. Fine. Now I want to be able to read the data on a laptop, not just the readout on the instrument. I'd like to be able to take the data (flow, dP, temp, etc) values and manipulate them in various calculations. Maybe even have the real-time values stored in a spreadsheet (Excel). What type of basic interface items (hardware/software) do I need to get from the Instrument to the Laptop screen??

Portability is a main concern....plant to plant......easy set-up.

Thanks for getting me thinking in th right direction!!

CW3

 

[IRstuff]

According to the Rosemount webpage:

http://www.rosemount.com/products/flow/mprobar.htm

The output format is 4-20 Ma dc with HART® Protocol

Didn't find exactly what you're looking for, but here's one candidate; you'll need to do the legwork to find the others:

http://www.dancontrol.dk/products/gasconverters/dc33/dc33main.html

TTFN

 

[hacksaw]

believe that 12v power is too low. the probar should be set up for 24 vdc power. you'll also need to decide if you want to use the HART protocol or an a/d interface. contant your local sales rep. he might even show you how to do it.

 

[FredGarvin]

That particular Rosemont has optional 4-20 mA outputs for everything. Really that would be nothing special for most DAQ cards. National Instruments has a good line of DAQ boards for laptop applications, but it would involve LabView which can be a bit of a turnoff depending on how much money and time you would want to invest.

If you're looking at a portable, very basic DAQ system, may I recommend looking into dataloggers like Campbell Scientific:

http://www.campbellsci.com/loggers.html

They're flexible when it comes to input options and very easy to set up and run. They output data to .csv or comperable file types to be sucked into programs like Excel. They are similar in size to a laptop as well. Some also have telemetry options to transmit their stored data via ethernet, phone lines etc... Maybe something to look at.

Hope this helps.

 

[shobi]

The only way I know to do it is via Hart Modem, available from emmerson (rosemount), and AMS (asset management suit) software. I don't know if Hart modem can work stand alone or you need complete package. Ask your nearest sales rep. The demo version of this package will cost approx. 1500 - 2000 US. It maybe an overkill for your application but this is something that I have worked with and have knowledge about. All you have to do hook up 2 wires to the transmitter and voila! Latest probar can work with a supply volatage of 10.5 to 55 VDC but it is nice to have 24 VDC 500 mA source. By the way, the demo package of AMS supports upto 25 tags and have trending, diagnostic and other database availability.

 

[ilan7]

You need an instrument that read the Hart option of the probar.
Two options I know:
1. Rosemount (Emerson) AMS program and modem Cost is at the 3000$ range.

2. SMAR Hart modem and program, loaded and connected to a standard Palm Pilot (IIIx, VIx, M125 m130 and others, see SMAR.com site) The modem and program is about 500$ (you have to add the Palm Pilot if you do not have one) and have to check if the instrument you are checking is at the Smar list. I know The Probar is as I communicated succesfully to

 

[CW3]

ilan7...............bingo, you hit it right on the nail head. Thanks for the info. I will dig into your tip.

Thanks again!

CW3