FTS Bubbler User manual

Brand: FTS

Model: Bubbler

Category: Measuring, testing & control

Type: User manual

EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS. EXTREMELY RELIABLE.

Bubbler

User Manual

1.800.548.4264 | www.ftsinc.com

700-Bubbler-Man Rev 2 14 Aug 2017

Contact Information

Canadian Headquarters:

1065 Henry Eng Place

Victoria, BC | V9B 6B2 | Canada

www.ftsinc.com

Toll-free: 1.800.548.4264

Local: 250.478.5561

Technical support portal: http://support.ftsinc.com

Email: [email protected]

Contents

CHAPTER 1 GENERAL ................................................................................................ 1

1.1

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.2

DISPLAY AND KEYPAD ..................................................................................................................................................... 2

1.3

CONFIGURING THE BUBBLER ......................................................................................................................................... 2

1.4

FIRMWARE UPDATES ........................................................................................................................................................ 3

CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATION ....................................................................................... 4

2.1

PRIOR TO PROCEEDING TO THE SITE .......................................................................................................................... 4

2.1.1

Equipment ................................................................................................................................................................. 4

2.2

SITE SELECTION ................................................................................................................................................................... 4

2.3

MOUNTING ........................................................................................................................................................................... 4

2.4

CONNECTORS AND WIRING ........................................................................................................................................... 4

2.4.1

SDI-12 Connections ................................................................................................................................................ 5

2.5

DESICCATOR ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5

2.6

CONNECTING AND INSTALLING THE ORIFICE LINE ............................................................................................... 6

2.6.1

Using the Swagelok® Fitting ............................................................................................................................... 7

2.7

POWER CONNECTIONS .................................................................................................................................................... 8

CHAPTER 3 BUBBLER INTERFACE AND MENUS ....................................................... 9

3.1

KEYPAD .................................................................................................................................................................................. 9

3.2

SCREENS, MENUS AND OPERATING THE USER INTERFACE ............................................................................... 9

3.2.1

Editing a Menu Item .............................................................................................................................................10

3.3

STATUS SCREEN ................................................................................................................................................................10

3.3.1

Fault ............................................................................................................................................................................10

3.4

CONDUCTING A MANUAL PURGE .............................................................................................................................10

3.4.1

Bleeding the Tank .................................................................................................................................................11

3.5

CONFIGURING THE BUBBLER USING THE BUBBLER INTERFACE ....................................................................12

3.6

SETTING THE STAGE ........................................................................................................................................................12

3.7

SETUP MENU ......................................................................................................................................................................13

3.8

DIAGNOSTICS.....................................................................................................................................................................13

3.8.1

Updating Firmware ..............................................................................................................................................14

CHAPTER 4 CONFIGURATION USING AXIOM DATALOGGER INTERFACE ........... 15

4.1

SETUP GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................................................................................16

4.2

SENSOR TAB .......................................................................................................................................................................17

4.3

STAGE TAB ..........................................................................................................................................................................17

4.4

MECHANICAL TAB ............................................................................................................................................................18

4.5

PURGE TAB ..........................................................................................................................................................................19

4.6

SAVE CONFIGURATION ..................................................................................................................................................20

4.7

BUBBLER SENSOR SCREEN ............................................................................................................................................20

4.7.1

Conduct a Manual Purge ....................................................................................................................................21

4.7.2

Set Stage and Calculate/Clear Offset .............................................................................................................21

CHAPTER 5 SDI-12 COMMANDS ............................................................................. 25

5.1

STANDARD SDI-12 MEASUREMENT COMMANDS ...............................................................................................25

5.1.1

SDI -12 Measurement Command Codes ......................................................................................................26

5.2

EXTENDED (X) COMMANDS .........................................................................................................................................27

5.2.1

Required Formatting Elements .......................................................................................................................27

5.2.2

X Commands List...................................................................................................................................................27

APPENDIX A SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................. 30

APPENDIX B TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ................................................................ 31

B.1

MECHANICAL INDICATORS ..........................................................................................................................................31

B.2

BUBBLER STATUS SCREEN FAULT INDICATORS ....................................................................................................31

B.3

HEALTH STATUS/ERROR INDICATORS ......................................................................................................................32

B.3.1

MANAGING HEALTH STATUS INDICATORS .................................................................................................32

B.3.2

DETERMINING MULTIPLE HEALTH STATUS INDICATORS ......................................................................33

APPENDIX C PARTS AND ORDERING INFORMATION ............................................. 34

DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY ................................................................................ 35

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GENERAL

Chapter 1

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The FTS Bubbler is an SDI-12 user configurable system for accurately measuring water stage in streams

and reservoirs using pressure differentials. It is a self-contained, sealed system that includes an air

compressor, control electronics and a high accuracy pressure sensor for measuring water levels. It can

be connected to a data collection platform (DCP) using the SDI-12 interface for data logging capability

Figure 1-1: Bubbler components

The system forces air at a continuous rate through an orifice line, the end of which is mounted at a

known, fixed position. A sensor measures the pressure required to maintain the air flow down the

orifice line such that bubbles emerge from its end, compares that to atmospheric pressure, and

computes the stage level (water depth). Any change in water level causes the air pressure in the

orifice line to vary resulting in updated stage levels.

FTS’ proprietary design allows for a larger orifice (18 times larger than the standard metering valve

orifice of 0.035mm). Not only does this minimize fouling of the manifold but it also allows the purge

to flush particulates throughout the entire system from the compressor valve to the orifice line end

fitting. The purge is achieved without bypassing a portion of the system, as systems which use a

metering valve must do. This results in highly accurate readings, even in environments with high

humidity or containing airborne particulates.

To maintain the integrity of the internal components, FTS suggests maintenance should be conducted

by factory trained personnel at the FTS factory.

Power

Connector

SDI-12 Data

Connector Compressor

Air Intake

Outlet/Orifice Line

Connection

Mounting

plates

Display

Keypad

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1.2 DISPLAY AND KEYPAD

The front panel has a display and keypad which is used to view information and perform specific

actions (purge, set stage, setup, and diagnostics). The display will normally be off in power save mode.

Pressing any key will display the status screen. The arrow keys are used to navigate through the

different functions and configuration parameters.

The front panel allows the user to do the following:

 Set purge pressure

 Conduct a manual purge

 Manually bleed the tank

 Set stage

 Set stage units

 Set bubble rate

 Set averaging duration

 Set temperature units

 Set the SDI-12 address

Details of the interface and menu items are contained in Chapter 3.

1.3 CONFIGURING THE BUBBLER

The Bubbler can be configured through its front panel or through a data logger. However, certain

features, those which require a timer, can only be set through a data logger. Refer to Table 1-1.

Table 1-1: Configuration using Bubbler vs data logger

FUNCTION BUBBLER

DATA

LOGGER

Set stage  

Set stage units  

Set bubble rate  

Set temperature units  

Set averaging duration  

Perform manual purge  

Set scheduled purge 

Set scheduled stage

collection 

Set date and time1 

IMPORTANT! The Bubbler will retain the last input configuration whether set through

the Bubbler or the data logger.

1 This sets the Bubbler’s date and time which is used on the time stamp of the Bubbler’s SD card. It does not

affect the time stamp of sent data or the timing of scheduled events as those are controlled by the data logger

and the telemetry in use. If not using an Axiom Datalogger and it is desired to maintain the integrity of the

Bubbler’s SD card timestamp, this will have to be manually set every 24 hours using the Set time and date X-

command ( See section 5.2 )

700-Bubbler-Man Rev 2 14 Aug 2017 Page 3/35

The Set Stage and Setup sub-menus on the Bubbler’s interface are used to configure the Bubbler.

Refer to Chapter 3 for details.

If the Bubbler is used with an FTS Axiom Datalogger, configuration is done through the Bubbler sensor

extension. See Chapter 4 for details.

If using a data logger other than the Axiom, configuration is done using the X-commands. Refer to

Chapter 5.

1.4 FIRMWARE UPDATES

Periodically, the Bubbler’s firmware may need to be updated. In that event, FTS will issue a

notification with instructions on how to conduct the update.

700-Bubbler-Man Rev 2 14 Aug 2017 Page 4/35

INSTALLATION

Chapter 2

2.1 PRIOR TO PROCEEDING TO THE SITE

2.1.1 EQUIPMENT

Unpack the Bubbler and conduct a visual inspection for any signs of shipping damage. If any damage

is found, contact FTS Service and Support immediately. Retain the shipping container to transport the

Bubbler to the site or to return the unit to FTS should damage have occurred during shipping.

A 3/32” head size flathead screwdriver will be required for the screws on the terminal blocks. Ensure

you bring the required tools and hardware for mounting the Bubbler in accordance with your site

characteristics.

2.2 SITE SELECTION

The Bubbler should be mounted adjacent to the body of water to be measured, typically in a

hydrology shack or gauging house. The position of the Bubbler should allow for a continuous

downward run of the orifice line to its final termination point. The water should be relatively calm and

where sediment accumulations are not likely to block the orifice.

The orifice line with a terminating orifice should be laid out into the water so that the stream ward end

will remain in a fixed position and at a depth that will not be exposed at low stage. Should the orifice

line need to be installed in an area with high currents, it should be installed in a static tube.

2.3 MOUNTING

The Bubbler should be firmly bolted to a vertical surface using the mounting plates located on the

corners of the enclosure. The connectors and outlets should be pointing down. The bottom of the

Bubbler should be free of obstruction so the orifice line has a free downward run. Ensure the orifice

line is not bent or crimped.

It is not recommended to mount the Bubbler so that it rests on a horizontal surface

such as a table top or shelf as this can bend the orifice line permitting moisture to

accumulate and prevent the correct operation of the device.

2.4 CONNECTORS AND WIRING

When installing the Bubbler connections, do not apply power until all other connections are made.

The following connections should be made:

1. Data connections (SDI-12)

2. Desiccant assembly

3. Orifice line

4. Power

Refer to USGS publications TM3-A7 Stage Measurement at Gaging Stations http://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/tm3-

a7/pdf/tm3-a7.pdf and TWRI_8-A2 “Installation and Service Manual for U.S. Geological Survey Meters”

http://pubs.usgs.gov/twri/twri8a2/html/pdf.html

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2.4.1 SDI-12 Connections

SDI-12 connections are made using the removable terminal block on the bottom of the Bubbler.

These connections are used to connect the Bubbler to an SDI-12 capable DCP, such as an Axiom

Datalogger.

The SDI-12 interface has connections for power (12 v), serial data, and ground. Connect the SDI-12

leads to the data logger in accordance with the manufacturer’s direction. Connect the flying leads

from the data logger to the Bubbler’s terminal strip as shown.

Insert the terminal block into the Bubbler’s connector port and secure.

Figure 2-1: SDI-12 Connections

2.5 DESICCATOR

An external desiccator must be connected to prevent the accumulation of moisture in the compressor

manifold and throughout the system. The desiccator should be mounted close to the Bubbler to

minimize the length of the output hose. Ensure there are no kinks or bends in the output hose.

Connect the output hose from the desiccator to the inlet fitting on the Bubbler. Secure both ends of

the hose with a hose clamp. Follow the manufacturer’s directions with respect to handling, mounting,

maintenance, and disposal of the desiccator and desiccant.

Figure 2-2: Desiccant and Orifice Line Connections

Pin Description

1 12 volt line

2 Serial data line

3 Ground line

Output hose

secured with

hose clamp

Inlet Fitting

(desiccant hose

connection)

Bubbler outlet

(orifice line

connection)

Desiccator

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2.6 CONNECTING AND INSTALLING THE ORIFICE LINE3

The orifice line should be black polyethylene 3/8” outer diameter, 1/8” inner diameter USGS approved.

The maximum length of the line should not exceed 1000 ft. There will be an induced error caused by a

pressure drop in lines which exceed the maximum recommended length.

The orifice line should be laid out and the run established and set up before connecting it to the

Bubbler.

The run should be as straight as possible in a continuous downward path to minimize moisture

collection in catenaries. No part of the line should be lower than the line exit in the water. The run

should terminate in a calm area.

Consider enclosing the line in a protective conduit to prevent damage from animals, vandals, etc.

The orifice line should be laid out in calm water and secured so that the stream ward end with the line

outlet will remain in a fixed position and at a depth that will not be exposed at low stage. The stream

ward end should be directed pointing down.

Should the orifice line need to be installed in an area with high currents, it should be installed in a

static tube.

Once the orifice line run is securely laid out, connect the orifice line to the Bubbler outlet (refer to

Figure 2-3) and secure it with the provided Swagelok® fitting.

3 For a detailed explanation of the installation of an orifice line and static tube, refer to USGS publications:

TWRI_8-A2: Craig, J.D, 1983, “Installation and service manual for U. S. Geological Survey manometers”: U.S.

Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 8, chap. A2.

http://pubs.usgs.gov/twri/twri8a2/html/pdf.html

TM3-a7: Sauer, V.B. and Turnipseed, D.P., 2010 “Stage Measurement at Gaging Stations”: U.S. Geological Survey

Techniques and Methods, book 3, chap 7, sect A http://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/tm3-a7/pdf/tm3-a7.pdf

DO:

 Use only USGS approved line

 Install the line outlet pointed downwards

in calm water

 Ensure the line’s run is downward with no

catenaries or bows

 Ensure no part of the line’s run is lower

than the line outlet

DO NOT:

 Face the stream ward end of the orifice

line facing upstream, downstream or

upwards

 Mount the line outlet in turbulent water

or in the wake of an obstruction (boulder,

bridge footing etc.)

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2.6.1 USING THE SWAGELOK® FITTING

IMPORTANT! Always depressurize the system prior to assembling/disassembling the

Swagelok fitting.

ASSEMBLY:

IMPORTANT! Ensure the

Swagelok fitting ferrules

are oriented as shown

Figure 2-3: Swagelok fitting orientation

1) Place the nut and ferrules on the line as shown in Figure 2-3 and fully insert the line

into the Bubbler outlet.

2) Screw the nut on until finger tight.

3) Mark the nut at the 6 o’clock position.

4) Hold the Bubbler outlet steady with a wrench, and

use another wrench to tighten the nut one and a

quarter turns (pass the 6 o’clock position once and

stop at the 9 o’clock position).

DO NOT twist the Bubbler outlet.

Only turn the nut.

DISASSEMBLY

For a detailed explanation of installing Swagelok fittings refer to “An Installer’s Pocket Guide for Swagelok Tube

Fittings” on the Swagelok website. https://www.swagelok.com/downloads/webcatalogs/en/ms-13-151.pdf

Tapered

section of

front ferrule

Stepped down

portion of back

ferrule

700-Bubbler-Man Rev 2 14 Aug 2017 Page 8/35

1) Mark a line along the back of the nut and Bubbler

outlet. These marks will be used to return the nut to

this position.

2) Use two wrenches as shown in Step 4 of the

assembly directions to loosen the nut.

3) Once maintenance is complete, replace the nuts and

ferrules, and re-insert the line as shown in Step 1 of

the assembly instructions.

4) Using the wrenches as shown in Step 4 of the

assembly instructions, turn the nut to the marked

position. At this point, resistance will increase.

Tighten the nut slightly.

2.7 POWER CONNECTIONS

The Bubbler requires a dedicated +12V power source to operate. This is normally supplied by an

external lead-acid battery. Although the Datalogger supplies some power through the SDI port, it is

only enough to view and operate the Bubbler’s screen. It is insufficient to run the compressor.

IMPORTANT! If the Bubbler is sharing an external battery source with other

equipment, the combined power draw will need to be considered when calculating

the site’s power budget and power requirements.

To connect the power cable:

1) Remove the power terminal block from the port

2) Secure the power wires to the appropriate pins (positive and

negative – see Figure 2-4).

3) Connect the power cable to the power source (positive to

positive, negative to negative).

4) Re-insert and secure the power terminal block.

Figure 2-4: Power

Connections

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BUBBLER INTERFACE AND MENUS

Chapter 3

The front panel has a display and keypad which is used to configure the Bubbler. When power is

supplied, the start-up screen will display for about 5 seconds before the Status Screen is displayed.

After three minutes of inactivity, the display will enter low power mode and blank out. Pressing any

button on the keypad will display the status screen.

3.1 KEYPAD

The keypad consists of the following buttons used to navigate through the different screens and

menu items:

Figure 3-1: Keypad

3.2 SCREENS, MENUS AND OPERATING THE USER INTERFACE

The following diagram illustrates the different screens and menus.

SUB-MENUS

PRESSURE

PURGE

BLEED

STATUS SCREEN

MAIN MENU

STAGE

UNITS

SLOPE

SITE/FAULT *

STAGE

OFFSET

TANK PSI

PURGE

SET STAGE

SETUP

DIAGNOSTICS

SITE

ADDRESS

RATE

TEMP F/C

AVG DUR

SDCARD

BATTERY

TEMP

VERSION

UPDATE

DATE

TIME

Figure 3-2: Menu tree

Down

Left Right

Select/

* Normally the Status screen will

display the Site’s name. If it

indicates FAULT, the diagnostics

screen will provide details of the

fault.

Only shows

when custom

units are selected

700-Bubbler-Man Rev 2 14 Aug 2017 Page 10/35

 To display the Main Menu press the Select button.

 Use the up and down arrows to move the double arrow symbol to the desired menu item.

 Press the right arrow to bring up the sub-menu.

 Use the up and down arrows to scroll through the sub-menu items

 Press the left arrow to return to the previous menu.

Note that only four lines of the menu can be displayed on the screen, so you must use the up and

down arrows to view all items in longer menus.

3.2.1 Editing a Menu Item

Navigate to the item you wish to edit. It will be indicated by the double arrow symbol. Press the

Select/Accept button. The field that can be edited will flash. Use the up and down arrows to input the

desired number, symbol or letter. The right and left arrows will move the cursor to the next field to be

edited. Press the Select/Accept to save the changes.

3.3 STATUS SCREEN

The Bubbler’s status screen will display the site identification or any faults, the latest stage

measurement, the calculated offset and the tank PSI. Note that if a custom slope was used to calculate

the stage, the displayed unit of measurement will be “cu” (to designate custom).

When the status screen is displayed, pressing the right arrow on the keypad will initiate a fresh stage

reading.

3.3.1 FAULT

The FAULT display line can only show a single fault. Possible faults are prioritized, with the

understanding that a higher priority fault is normally the cause of lower priority faults (e.g. an

apparent compressor fault is caused by a battery fault). The priority of faults (highest to lowest) is:

 BATTERY

 TEMPERATURE

 LINE_BLOCK

 LINE_HIGH

3.4 CONDUCTING A MANUAL PURGE

PURGE

SET STAGE

SETUP

DIAGNOSTICS

PRESSURE

PURGE

BLEED

Figure 3-3: Purge sub-menus

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If the line becomes obstructed by silt, dirt or other debris, or water has accumulated in the line, the

line must be cleared. This is done by conducting a purge. No readings can be taken during the purge.

Input the desired pressure for the purge. The pressure range is 20-90 psi; the default setting is 90 psi.

The set purge pressure must be greater than the running tank pressure for the purge to take place. .

During a purge, the pump increases to the set purge pressure. Once the input purge pressure is

reached, the outlet valve is opened and the air is forced out until the tank pressure has dropped to 3

psi greater than the tank pressure was prior to purge. This prevents the ingress of water into the line.

Once the purge is complete, the tank pressure will equalize to the line pressure, and the bubble rate

will return to the settings prior to the purge.

To conduct a purge, select PURGE: START. Once the purge starts the screen will display

PURGE: STOP. The purge can be stopped during the process by selecting the PURGE: STOP option.

If PURGE: STOP is selected, the pump will stop, the tank pressure will decrease, and operations will

resume at previously configured settings. The increased pressure may cause the bubble size to

increase briefly until the tank pressure drops to the correct value.

If after 45 seconds of purging, the line cannot be cleared and the tank pressure is greater than 35 psi, a

compressor fault will be indicated in the status screen and the compressor will stop. The M and M1

commands will continue to be sent but will return values of -99999.0. The unit will continue to

attempt to bubble (the solenoid will continue to open and close) in the event the blockage does get

cleared and normal operations can resume.

If the tank pressure is less than 35 psi, the unit will continue bubbling at the set rate.

3.4.1 BLEEDING THE TANK

The tank pressure must be bled prior to some maintenance such as removing the orifice line or

swapping the bubbler. Once started, bleeding can be stopped by selecting the BLEED: STOP option.

If selected, the compressor will recharge the tank and operations will recommence.

Once the tank is bled, the power connector to the Bubbler should be removed until maintenance is

completed. Once maintenance is completed and power is re-established, operations will

recommence.

However, if power is not disconnected after the tank is bled and no further actions are taken,

operations will resume after 24 hours.

Normal Tank Bleed Procedure:

1) Start Bleed (bleeding will stop once tank empty)

2) Disconnect Power connector

3) Conduct maintenance

4) Replace power connector

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3.5 CONFIGURING THE BUBBLER USING THE BUBBLER INTERFACE

The Set Stage and Setup menus are used to configure the Bubbler.

IMPORTANT! After configuring, synchronize the Bubbler with the data logger by

issuing the aXCON! Command (see section 5.2).

The following variables can be set using either the Bubbler’s interface or through the data logger. The

Bubbler will retain the last input configuration regardless of which method is used.

 Set stage

 Stage units

 Rate

 Temperature units

 Averaging Duration

3.6 SETTING THE STAGE

PURGE

SET STAGE

SETUP

DIAGNOSTICS

STAGE

UNITS

SLOPE

Figure 3-4: Set Stage sub-menu

Stage – Use the arrows to input the stage height. The Bubbler will use this value to calculate the

offset which will be displayed on the Status Screen.

Units – Use the up and down arrows to select the measurement units. The displayed Stage value will

automatically be converted to the equivalent stage value in the newly entered measurement unit.

MEASUREMENT UNITS

 in (Inches)

 ft (feet)

 mm (millimeters)

 cm (centimeters)

 m (meters)

 cu (custom)

HINT: When initially setting the Stage, enter the units of measurement first, and then

the desired stage value to prevent inadvertently leaving an erroneous stage height.

Explanation:

The desired stage measurement is 3.0 m. The currently entered stage measurement unit is in

feet (ft). When you enter Stage Height 3.0, the Bubbler now recognizes 3.0 ft as the stage height.

If you subsequently change the units to the desired meters (m), the stage height will be

converted to 0.914 (3.0 ft = 0.914 m).

If you do not return to the Stage function and re-enter the correct stage height, the input stage

value will remain as 0.914 m as opposed to the desired 3.0 m.

Only shows

when custom

(cu) units are

selected

700-Bubbler-Man Rev 2 14 Aug 2017 Page 13/35

Slope – Displays the slope. Only appears if units are custom (cu). Insert the desired slope. Note that

the Stage units on the Status screen will be displayed as “cu” not in the unit of measurement

used in the slope calculation.

3.7 SETUP MENU

PURGE

SET STAGE

SETUP

DIAGNOSTICS

SITE

ADDRESS

RATE

TEMP F/C

AVG DUR

SDCARD

Figure 3-5: Setup sub-menu

Site: The site name can be input and is displayed here.

Address: This displays the Bubbler’s SDI-12 address. The Bubbler will be shipped with the default

address of zero. The address can also be set in this screen.

IMPORTANT! Changes made to the SDI-12 address with a data logger (using SDI-12

commands) will be reflected in the Bubbler. However, changes made to the Bubbler’s

address using the Bubbler’s Setup menu, will NOT be reflected in the data logger.

If the address is changed after the Bubbler has been configured with the data logger, you must ensure

the data logger configuration is also changed to recognize the new address. If this is not done, the

data logger will not be able to communicate with the Bubbler resulting in data loss.

Rate (Bubble Rate): Sets and displays the number of bubbles released per minute.

Temperature: Select the temperature units used to display the Bubbler’s internal temperature

readings (C or F).

AVGDUR (Averaging Duration): The period of time over which the samples taken will be used to

calculate the displayed stage value. It takes approximately 1 second to take a sample. The

average duration range is from 2-60 seconds.

SD Card: The SD card is used for service and factory logs and should only be accessed by trained FTS

personnel. If no SD card is inserted the SDCARD option screen will display a dash. If an SD card is

inserted the SDCARD option will display EJECT. This should always be selected prior to removing

the SD card.

3.8 DIAGNOSTICS

PURGE

SET STAGE

SETUP

DIAGNOSTICS

BATTERY

TEMP

VERSION

UPDATE

DATE

TIME

Figure 3-6: Diagnostics Sub-menu

700-Bubbler-Man Rev 2 14 Aug 2017 Page 14/35

The diagnostics sub-menu is read only, with the exception of the Update function, and displays the

current state of the following items:

 Battery: displays the current voltage

 Temp: displays the internal temperature of the Bubbler

 Version: displays the current firmware version

 Update: used to update firmware

 Date: displays the date (provided from the data collection platform)

 Time: displays the time (provided from the data collection platform)

3.8.1 UPDATING FIRMWARE

If there is a firmware update required, a notice shall be posted to the FTS Support Website with

instructions on the firmware and how to download the update to a blank SD card. The only file on the

SD card should be the firmware file.

IMPORTANT! The Bubbler should be opened in a protected environment free from

moisture, dust and other airborne debris which may enter the enclosure.

1) Open the Bubbler and insert the SD card in the SD slot

on the circuit board

Figure 3-7: SD card slot

2) Close the Bubbler and go to the Diagnostics sub-menu and select UPDATE. It will display the

firmware version.

It is good practice to compare the VERSION and UPDATE displays to ensure the update is to

a more current version.

3) Press the “Select/Accept” button to initiate the download. The process normally takes

approximately 45 seconds.

The display will flash while the update is downloading. When the display stops flashing, the

download is complete and the Bubbler will reset.

IMPORTANT! DO NOT power cycle the Bubbler until it has completed the download.

If the Bubbler is power cycled during the download process, it will revert to the previous firmware

version and the firmware update must be re-initiated.

700-Bubbler-Man Rev 2 14 Aug 2017 Page 15/35

CONFIGURATION USING AXIOM DATALOGGER INTERFACE

Chapter 4

The information in this chapter is specific to operating the Bubbler with an FTS Axiom Datalogger.

To operate the Bubbler with other data loggers, refer to their operator’s manuals. SDI-12 commands

for the Bubbler are found in Chapter 5.

IMPORTANT! Specific variables can be configured using the Bubbler’s user interface or

through the Axiom’s Bubbler sensor extension. The Bubbler and Datalogger will retain

the last input configuration regardless of which method is used.

The following variables can be set using either the Bubbler’s interface or through the data logger

 Set stage

 Stage units

 Bubble rate

 Temperature units

 Averaging Duration

When used with an FTS Axiom Datalogger, the date and time will be set automatically.

Note that changes made on the Bubbler’s interface will not be reflected in the Datalogger’s screens

(and vice versa) until after the Datalogger has sent the SDI-12 command relating to the specific

variable. Once the command is sent, the Datalogger recognizes the latest change and will update its

configuration accordingly.

From the Datalogger’s Home screen, select the SDI-12 icon and then the Search icon. Select OK on the

SDI Detect screen. DO NOT check the “Include alpha in search” box.

The following screen will be displayed. Note that the Address displayed will be the address set in the

Bubbler. In this example it is the default address of zero (0). Tap on the “New” field to bring you to the

Bubbler Sensor Setup.

Refer to the Axiom Operator’s Manual (700-Axiom-Man) for complete configuration details and the Axiom

Telemetry Reference (700-Axiom-Telem) for detailed instructions on setting up messages.

700-Bubbler-Man Rev 2 14 Aug 2017 Page 16/35

4.1 SETUP GENERAL INFORMATION

Each of the field names created in the Bubbler Sensor Setup tabs responds to a data point which will

be displayed on the Bubbler’s summary screen. Once a data point is created it will be available for

other functions such as Logging, Current Conditions, Processes, etc.

Default names: Most fields have default names which can be edited if desired by selecting the field

and then inputting the desired name using the pop-up keyboard.

In Edit mode, three icons are displayed on the bottom banner and are present in all tabs.

Read: This will send the M1 command

and trigger a sensor reading. It will return the Measurement

Time, number of data points returned with the values taken.

OK (green checkmark): This accepts changes in ALL the tabs. Input all desired changes in all the tabs

prior to selecting OK. Once selected it saves the changes and then displays the Sensor screen.

Cancel (red X): This will cancel all the changes made in all the tabs. Tabs will revert to the previous

inputs.

Details of the M Commands can be found in Chapter 5.

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FTS Bubbler User manual

Brand: FTS

Model: Bubbler

Category: Measuring, testing & control

Type: User manual

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FTS Bubbler User manual

FTS Bubbler User manual

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