TDS-100H User Manual
TDS-100H User Manual
TDS-100H User Manual
Flowmeter
User manual
Contents
-2- TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter
1. Introduction.................................................................................................................................... 1
§1.1 Preface................................................................................................................................ 1
§1.9 Specifications..................................................................................................................... 5
2. Starting Measurement..................................................................................................................... 6
§2.3 Keypad............................................................................................................................... 7
§2.8.4 Time Ratio between the Measured Total Transit Time and the Calculated Time...14
TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter -3-
4. How To......................................................................................................................................... 21
5.Troubleshooting............................................................................................................................. 27
6. Communication Protocol.............................................................................................................. 30
§6. 1 General............................................................................................................................ 30
7. Service.......................................................................................................................................... 33
§7.1 Service.............................................................................................................................. 33
Appendix.......................................................................................................................................... 34
TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter -1-
1. Introduction
§1.1 Preface
Welcome to the TDS-100H ultrasonic flowmeter that has been manufactured with patent
technologies and is equipped with more functions and advanced performance than our previous
versions.
The ultrasonic flowmeter has been upgraded based on the previous ultrasonic flowmeter which is
still the main product line of the company. The new Version retains most of the excellent features
and functions of the previous versions: the pulse measurement technology, the ultrasonic igniting
and the small signal receiving circuits etc. The main improvements are made on the battery supply
circuit and on the transmitting circuits. All other circuits are simply integrated into this new version
without major modifications, due to the fact that we have already applied the most advanced
measurement technologies and attained a more reliable model of ultrasonic flow meter.
TDS-100H flowmeter incorporates the latest ICs manufactured from the famous semiconductor
manufacturers like Philips, Maxim, TI, Winbond, and Xilinx. The hardware features the ease of
operation, high accuracy and outstanding reliability, while the software provides a very friendly
user interface and much more functions. It employs a patent balanced lower voltage multi-pulse
igniting circuit which increases the anti-interference ability magnificently so that the flow meter
will work properly even in demanding industrial environments such as those with power frequency
----the signal receiving circuits feature self-adapting performance so as to ensure that the user can
-2- TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter
----the built-in rechargeable Ni-H battery can work continuously for more than 12 hours without
recharging.
The advanced circuit design, the integration of the latest semiconductors, the user-friendly software
interface both in English and Chinese languages and small-sized PCB board, all these features
combine to make the TDS-100H ultrasonic flowmeter the best and the biggest seller on the Chinese
market. Moreover, it is gaining more and more recognition on the international flow meter market
The TDS-100H transit time flowmeter utilizes two transducers that function as both ultrasonic
transmitters and receivers. The transducers are clamped on the outside of a closed pipe at a specific
distance from each other. The transducers can be mounted in V-method where the sound
transverses the pipe twice, or W-method where the sound transverses the pipe four times, or in Z-
method where the transducers are mounted on opposite sides of the pipe and the sound crosses the
pipe once. This selection of the mounting method depends on pipe and liquid characteristics. The
flow meter operates by alternately transmitting and receiving a frequency modulated burst of sound
energy between the two transducers and measuring the transit time that it takes for sound to travel
between the two transducers. The difference in the transit time measured is directly and exactly
related to the velocity of the liquid in the pipe, show as follows:
Downstream transducer
MD T flow
V Tdown
Where
Tup is the time for the beam from upstream transducer to the downstream one
Tdown is the time for the beam from downstream transducer to the upstream one
-4- TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter
ΔT=Tup –Tdown
Main Unit 1
Medium transducer 2
Data line 1
AC adapter 1
Coupling agent 1
Belt stretcher 2
Tape 1
User manual 1
Carrying case 1
TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter -5-
A time-keeper is integrated in the flow meter for the index of date totalizing and works as the time
base of flow accumulation. It keeps operating as long as the battery’s terminal voltage is over 1.5V.
In case of battery failure, the time-keeper will not keep running and it will lose proper time values.
The user must re-enter proper time values in case the battery becomes totally exhausted. An
improper time value affects no other functions but the date totalizer.
§1.8 Product Identification
Each set of the TDS-100H has a unique product identification or ESN written into the software that
can only be modified with a special tool by the manufacturer. In case of any hardware failure,
please provide this number which is located on menu window number M61 when contacting the
manufacture.
TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter -7-
-8- TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter
§1.9 Specifications
Linearity 0.5%
Repeatability 0.2%
enquiry.
Transducer Cord
Standard 5m x 2, optional 10m x 2
Length
Data Logger Built-in data logger can store over 2000 lines of data
2. Starting Measurement
The instrument can operate either from the built-in Ni-H rechargeable battery, which will last over
12 hours of continuous operation when fully recharged, or from an external AC/power supply from
The battery charging circuits employ a scheme of constant-current and constant-voltage. It has a
characteristic of fast charging at the beginning and very slow charging when the battery approaches
to full recharge. Generally, when the green LED starts coming on, the battery would be nearly 95%
recharged and when the red LED is off, the battery would be 98% recharged.
Since the charging current becomes tapered when the battery recharge is nearly completed, i.e. the
charging current becomes smaller and smaller, therefore, there should be no over-recharging
problem. That means the charging progress can last very long. The charger can be connected to the
When fully recharged, the terminal voltage reaches around 4.25V. The terminal voltage is displayed
on window M07. When the battery is nearly consumed, the battery voltage drops to below 3V. The
user can obtain an approximate battery working time from the battery voltage.
A software battery working time estimator is integrated in this instrument based on the terminal
voltage. Please note that the estimator may have relatively bigger errors in the estimated working
time, especially when the voltage is in the range of around 3.70 to -3.90 volt.
TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter - 11 -
§2.2 Power On
Press the ON key to switch on the instrument and press the OFF to turn off the power.
Once the flow meter is switched on, it will run a self diagnostic program, checking first the
hardware and then the software integrity. If there is any abnormality, corresponding error messages
will display.
Generally, there should be no display of error messages, and the flow meter will go to the most
commonly used Menu Window Number 01 (short for M01) to display the Velocity, Flow Rate,
Positive Totalizer, Signal Strength and Signal Quality, based on the pipe parameters configured last
The flow measurement program always operates in the background of the user interface. This
means the flow measurement will keep on running regardless of any user menu window browsing
or viewing. Only when the user enters new pipe parameters will the flow meter change
When new pipe parameters have been entered or when the power has been just switched on, the
flow meter will enter an adjusting mode to make the signals magnified with proper amplification.
By this step, the flow meter is going to find the best threshold of receiving signal. The user will see
the progress by the number 1, 2, or 3, which are indicated on the right lower corner of the LCD
display.
When the transducers have been adjusted on the pipe by the user, the flow meter will re-adjust the
signal automatically.
- 12 - TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter
Any user-entered configuration value will be retained into the NVRAM of the flow meter, until it is
§2.3 Keypad
The keypad for the operation of the flow meter has 16+2 keys, as shown by the right picture.
Key ▲/+ is the going UP key, when the user wants to go to the
upper menu window. It also works as the “+” key when entering
numbers
Key ▼/- is the going DOWN key, when the user wants to go
entering numbers.
Key ◄ is backspace key, when the user wants go left or wants backspace the left character that is
Key MENU is the key for the direct menu window jump over. Whenever the user wants to proceed
to a certain menu window, the user can press this key followed by 2-digit numbers.
The MENU key is shortened as the ‘M’ key afterward when referring to the menu windows.
The user interface of this flow meter comprises about 100 different menu windows that are
(1) Direct going/entering. The user can press the MENU key followed by two-digit number keys.
TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter - 13 -
For example, the menu window M11 is for the entering of pipe outer diameter. The display will go
(2) Pressing ▲/+ and ▼/- keys. Each time of the ▲/+ key pressing will proceed to the
lower-numbered menu window. For example, if the current window is on M12, the display will go
(1) Menu windows for number entering, like M11 for the entering of pipe outer diameter.
(2) Menu windows for option selection/selecting options, like M14 for the selection of pipe
materials.
(3) Displaying windows only, like M00 to display Velocity, Flow Rate etc.
For number entering windows, the user can directly press the starting digit key when the user is
going to modify the value. For example, when the current window is on M11, and the user is going
to enter 219.2345 as the pipe outer diameter, the user can get the numbers entered by pressing the
For the option selection windows, the user should first press the ENT key to a selection
modification mode and then select the relevant options by pressing the ▲/+ and ▼/- keys or the
digit keys to select the option with a number antecedent to the option. In the end, the ENT key must
be pressed to make the selection. For example, with menu window M14 for the selection of pipe
material selection, (the MENU 1 4 should be pressed first to enter this menu window if the
current menu window is on a different window. The pipe material is stainless steel which has a
number “1” antecedent to “stainless steel” on the display, the user should first press the ENT key to
enter into a selection modification mode, then either make the selection by pressing the ▲/+ and
▼/- keys to make the cursor on the line that displays “1. Stainless Steel”, or make the selection by
Generally, the ENT key must be pressed to enter a modification mode. If the “Locked M47 Open’
message is indicated on the lowest line of the LCD display, it means the modification operations is
locked out. In such cases, the user should go to M47 to have the instrument unlocked first before
(3) Pipe materials (for non-standard pipe materials*, the sound speed for the material must be
configured too)
*Standard pipe materials and standard liquids refer to those with the sound parameters that
have already been programmed into software of the flow meter, therefore there is no need to
configure them
(4) Liner material and its sound speed and thickness, if there is any liner.
(5) Liquid type (for non-standard liquids, the sound speed of the liquid is also needed)
(6) Transducer type adapted to the flow meter. Generally the Standard M1 clamp-on transducers
(7) Transducer mounting methods (the V-method or Z-method is the common option)
(8) Check up the Space displayed on M25 and install the transducers accordingly.
For standard pipe materials and standard liquids, the following detailed step-by-step setup is
recommended.
(1) Press keys MENU 1 1 to enter M11 window to input the digits for the pipe outer diameter,
(2) Press key ▼/- to enter M12 window to input the digits for the pipe outer diameter and then
(3) Press key ▼/- to enter M14 window, and press ENT key to enter the option selection mode.
Use keys ▲/+ and ▼/- to scroll up and down to the intended pipe material, and then press
ENT key.
(4) Press key ▼/- to enter M16 window, press ENT key to enter the option selection mode, use
keys ▲/+ and ▼/- to scroll up and down to the liner material, and then press ENT key.
(5) Press key ▼/- to enter M20 window, press ENT key to enter the option selection mode, use
keys ▲/+ and ▼/- to scroll up and down to the proper liquid, and then press ENT key.
(6) Press key ▼/- to enter M23 window, press ENT key to enter the option selection mode, use
keys ▲/+ and ▼/- to scroll up and down to the proper transducer type, and then press ENT
key.
(7) Press key ▼/- to enter M24 window, press ENT key to enter the option selection mode, use
keys ▲/+ and ▼/- to scroll up and down to the proper transducer mounting method, and then
(8) Press key ▼/- to enter M24 window to install the transducers on the pipe, and then press ENT
The first-time users may need some time to get familiar with the operation. However, the user
friendly interface of the instrument makes the operation quite easy and simple. Before long, the user
will configure the instrument with very little key pressing, since the interface allows the user to go
(1) When the window display is between M00 to M09, press a number key x , the user will go
directly to the M0x window. For example, if the current window displays M01, press 7 and the
- 16 - TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter
(2) When the window display is under M00 to M09, press the ENT key and the user will go to
M90; press ENT key to return. Press the dot key to go to M11
(3) When the window display is under M25, press ENT key to go to M01.
The first step in the installation process is the selection of an optimum location in order to obtain a
more accurate measurement. For this to be completed effectively, a basic knowledge about the
An optimum location would be defined as a straight pipe length full of liquid that is to be measured.
The piping can be in vertical or horizontal position. The following table shows
Upstream Downstream
Piping Configuration Dimension Dimension
and L up L dn
Transducer Position x Diameters x Diameters
L up L dn
10D 5D
L up L dn
10D 5D
L up L dn
10D 5D
L up L dn
12D 5D
L up L dn
20D 5D
L up L dn
20D 5D
L up L dn
30D 5D
(1) Install the transducers on a longer length of the straight pipe. The longer the better, and make
(2) Make sure that the temperature on the location does not exceed the range for the transducers.
(3) Take the pipe fouling into consideration. Select a straight length of a relatively newer pipe. If
the condition is not satisfying, consider the fouling thickness as part of the liner for a better
result.
(4) Some pipes have a kind of plastic liner, and between the outer pipe and the liner there may be a
certain thickness difference that will prevent the ultrasonic waves from direct traveling. Such
conditions will make the measurement very difficult. Whenever possible, try to avoid this kind
of pipes. If impossible, try our plug-in transducers that are installed permanently on the pipe by
The transducers used by the TDS-100 series ultrasonic flow meter are made of piezoelectric crystals
both for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals through the wall of liquid piping system. The
signals. Since the difference is very small, the spacing and the alignment of the transducers are
critical factors to the accuracy of the measurement and the performance of the system. Meticulous
(1) Locate an optimum position where the straight pipe length is sufficient, and where pipes are
in a favorable condition, e.g., newer pipes with no rust and ease of operation.
(2) Clean any dust and rust. For a better result, polishing the pipe with a sander is strongly
recommended.
- 18 - TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter
(3) Apply adequate coupler to the spot where the transducers are to be installed and leave no gap
Extra care should be taken to avoid any sand or dust particles left between the pipe outer surface
To avoid gas bubbles inside the upper part of the pipe, the transducers should be installed
The spacing value shown on menu window M25 refers to the distance of inner spacing between the
two transducers. The actual transducers spacing should be as close as possible to the spacing value.
V-method installation is the most widely mode for daily measurement with pipe inner diameters
W-method is usually used on plastic pipes with a diameter from 15mm to 50mm.
TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter - 21 -
Through the checkup of the installation, one can: check the receiving signal strength, the signal
quality Q value, the traveling time difference of the signals, the estimated liquid speed, the
measured traveling time of the signals and the calculated traveling time ratio. Therefore, optimum
measurement result and longer running time of the instrument can be achieved.
Signal strength indicates the amplitude of receiving ultrasonic signals by a 3-digit number. [000]
means there is no signal detected and [999] refers to the maximum signal strength that can be
received.
Although the instrument works well if the signal strength ranges from 500 to 999, stronger signal
strength should be pursued, because a stronger signal means a better result. The following methods
(1) Relocate a more favorable location, if the current location is not good enough for a stable and
(2) Try to polish the outer surface of the pipe, and apply more coupler to increase the signal
strength.
(3) Adjust the transducers both vertically and horizontally while checking the varying signal
strength, stop at the highest position, and then check the transducers spacing to make sure the
Signal quality is indicated as the Q value in the instrument. A higher Q value would mean a higher
Signal and Noise Ratio (short for SNR), and accordingly a higher degree of accuracy would be
achieved. Under normal pipe condition, the Q value is in the range 600-900, the higher the better.
TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter - 23 -
(1) Interference of other instruments and devices such as a powerful transverter working nearby.
Try to relocate the flow meter to a new place where the interference can be reduced.
(2) Bad sonic coupling for the transducers with the pipe. Try to apply more coupler or clean the
surface, etc.
The numbers displayed on menu window M93 are called total transit time and delta time
respectively. They are the primitive data for the instrument to calculate the flow rate inside the pipe.
So the flow rate indication will vary accordingly with the total time and delta time.
If the delta time fluctuates higher than 20%, it means there are certain kinds of problems with the
transducer installation.
§2.8.4 Time Ratio between the Measured Total Transit Time and the Calculated
Time
This ratio would be used to check the transducer installation. If the pipe parameters are entered
correctly and the transducers are installed properly, the value for this ratio should be in the range of
(2) If the actual spacing of the transducers is right and the same as what the window M25 shows.
(4) If the mounting location is good and if the pipe has changed shape or if there is too much
M00~M09 windows for the display of the flow rate, velocity, date time, totalizers, battery voltage
M30~M38 windows for flow rate unit selections and totalizer unit selections.
M40~M49 windows for response time, zeroing, calibration and modification password setup.
M60-M78 windows for time-keeper initialization, version and ESN information viewing and
alarms.
M97~M99 are not windows but commands for the outputting of display copying and pipe
parameter setups.
M+0~M+8 are windows for some additional functions, including a scientific calculator, viewer on
records such as total working hours, turn-on and turn-off times, dates and times when
Other menu windows such as M88 have no functions, or functions were cancelled because they are
The major reason why the menu windows are arranged in this way is that the software programmer
hopes that the menu window arrangement for this version can be compatibility with the previous
versions of the flow meter software. This will make it easier for the former version users with this
- 26 - TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter
Menu
Function
window
No.
Display three positive negative net totalizers, signal strength, signal quality
M00
and working status
Display POS totalizer, flow rate, velocity, signal strength, signal quality and
M01
working status
Display NEG totalizer, flow rate, velocity, signal strength, signal quality and
M02
working status
Display NET totalizer, flow rate, velocity, signal strength, signal quality and
M03
working status
Display date and time, flow rate, signal strength, signal quality and working
M04
status
Display date and time, velocity, signal strength, signal quality and working
M05
status
M07 Display the battery terminal voltage and its estimated lasting time
M08 Display the all the detailed working status, signal strength, signal quality
Display today’s total flow, velocity, signal strength, signal quality and working
M09
status
Standard pipe materials (that the user need not know the speed ) include:
(0) carbon steel (1) stainless steel (2) cast iron (3) ductile iron
(8) fiberglass
Window for entering the pipe material speed only for non-standard pipe
M15
materials
Window for selecting the liner material, select none for pipes without any liner
Standard liner materials that the user need not know the speed include:
M16 (1) Tar Epoxy (2) Rubber (3) Mortar (4) Polypropylene
Window for entering the liner material speed only for non-standard liner
M17
materials
M19 Window for entering the ABS thickness of the inside wall of the pipe
For standard liquids that the user need not know the liquid speed include:
M20 (4) Fuel oil (5) Crude Oil (6) Propane at -45C
(11)Peanut Oil (12) #90 Gasoline (13) #93 Gasoline (14) Alcohol
M21 Window for entering the fluid sonic velocity only for non-standard liquids
If the π type transducers are used, 3π type transducers and pipe parameters
M26 Entry to store the parameter configuration into the internal NVRAM
Select YES or NO for the instrument to determine whether or not to hold (or
M28 to keep) the last correct value when poor signal condition occurs. YES is the
default setup
M29 Enter a value ranging from 000 to 999. 0 is the default value
Window for selecting unit system. Default value is ‘Metric’. The change from
M30
English to Metric or vice versa will not affect the unit for totalizers.
M31 Window for selecting flow rate that will be used by the instrument afterward.
1. Liter (l)
The flow unit in terms of time can be per day, per hour, per minute or per
second. So there are 36 different flow rate units in total for selection.
(2) Restore the instrument to the default parameters as the manufacturer did
M37
by pressing the dot key followed by the backspace key. Take care or make note
M39 selection makes it possible that more than 2 billions of people on the world can
Flow rate damper for a stable value. The input range is 0 to 999 seconds.
M40
0 means there is no damping. Default value is 10 seconds
Zero point setup under the condition when there is no liquid running inside
M42
the pipe.
Clear the zero point set by the user, and restore the zero point set by the
M43 factory
except 13(0DH, carriage return), 10 (0AH, line feeding), 42 (2AH), 38, 65535.
M46
Every set of the instrument in a network environment should have a unique
“Option” selection for the built-in logger. It also functions as the switch of
M50
logger
(1) Data logging direction control. If ‘To RS-232’ is selected, all the data
produced by the data logger will be transmitted out through the RS-232
interface
M52
(2) If ‘To buffer ‘ is selected, the data will be stored into the built-in logger
memory
Logger buffer viewer. It functions as a file editor. Use Dot, backspace UP and
stored
M60 99-year calendar. Press ENT for modification. Use the dot key to skip the
- 32 - TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter
Display Version information and Electronic Serial Number (ESN) that are
Input the frequency range for the frequency output. The biggest range is 0Hz-
M67
9999Hz. Default value is 1-1001 Hz
LCD display backlight control. The entered value indicates how many seconds
M70
the backlight will be on with every key pressing.
LCD contrast control. The LCD will become darker when a small value is
M71
entered.
M72 Working timer. It can be cleared by pressing ENT key, and then select YES.
Enter Lower Flow Rate value that will trigger the #1 Alarm. There are two
M73 virtual alarms in the system. By “virtual” we mean that the user must redirect
the output of the alarms by setuping the output hardware in M78 and M77
M74 Enter the higher flow rate value that will trigger the #1 Alarm.
M75 Enter the lower flow rate value that will trigger the #2 Alarm.
M76 Enter the higher flow rate value that will trigger the #2 Alarm.
If a proper input source is selected, the buzzer will beep when the trigger event
TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter - 33 -
occurs
M78 By selecting a proper input source, the OCT hardware will close when the
Work as a keypad and display for another handheld set by RS-232 connected
M80
with the handset
M90 Display signal strength, signal quality, time ratio on the upper right corner.
Displays the Time Ratio between the Measured Total Transit Time and the
Calculated time. If the pipe parameters are entered correctly and the
M91 transducers are properly installed, the ratio value should be in the range of
should be checked.
Displays the estimated fluid sound velocity. If this value has an obvious
M92 difference with the actual fluid sound speed, pipe parameters entered and the
M93 Displays total transit time and delta time(transit time difference)
M94 Displays the Reynolds number and the pipe factor used by the flow rate
- 34 - TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter
program.
Command to record the pipe parameters entered by the user either to the
M97
built-in data logger or to RS-232C serial interface
Command to copy the current display either to the built-in data logger or to
M99
RS-232C serial interface
Browse the 64 recorded instrument power-on and power-off date and time
M+0
with the flow rate at the time of power on and off
Displays the times of instrument powered on(the instrument has been powered
M+4
on)
4. How To
When ‘R’ is displayed in the lowest right corner of LCD display, the instrument is working
If an ‘H’ flashes on that place, there could be poor signal received. Please refer to the chapters on
diagnosis.
If a ‘J’ is displayed, it means that the hardware of this instrument could be out of order. Refer to the
chapter on diagnosis.
(2) Check the flow rate for the indication. If the displayed value is POSITIVE, the direction of
the flow will be from the RED transducers to the BLUE transducers; if the displayed value is
NEGATIVE, the direction will be from the BLUE transducers to the RED transducers;
Use menu window M30 for the selection of unit system in English or Metric system.
TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter - 37 -
Use menu window M31 to select the flow unit first and then the timing unit.
Use window M33 to select a proper totalizer. Make sure that the totalizer pulse is appropriately
speeded. It should not be too fast and neither too slow. A speed of producing a pulse in several
If the totalizer multiplier is too small, there can be a loss of accumulation pulse because the output
If the totalizer multiplier is too large, the output pulse will be too fewer for the devices that are
Use M34, M35 and M36 to turn on or turn off the POS, NEG, or NET totalizer respectively.
Use M37, when the ‘selection’ message is displayed. Press the dot key first and the message
The master erase step will erase all the parameters entered by the user and setup the instrument with
default values.
The damper acts as a filter for a stable reading. If ‘0’ is entered in window M40, that means there is
no damping. A bigger number brings a more stable effect. But bigger damper numbers will prevent
The number displayed in window M41 is called the low-cutoff value. The flow meter will replace
these flow rate values that are absolutely less than the low-cutoff value with ‘0’. This means the
flow meter will avoid any invalid accumulation when the actual flow is below the zero-cutoff value.
TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter - 39 -
The low-cutoff value does not affect the flow measurement when the actual flow is absolutely
There exists a ‘Zero Point’ with certain installation which means the flow meter will display a non-
zero value when the flow is absolutely stopped. In this case, setting a zero point with the function in
Make sure that the flow is absolutely stopped, then run the function in window M42 by pressing the
ENT key.
A scale factor is the ratio between the ‘actual flow rate’ and the indicated value by the flow meter.
The scale factor can be determined by calibration with flow calibration equipment.
- 40 - TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter
When the system is locked, menu window browsing can be done without affecting any change, but
any modifications are prohibited.
The system can be locked without a password or with a one 1 to 4 digit password. With a no-
password locking, directly press the ENT key when the password input prompt displays.
The data logger has a space of 24K bytes of memory, which will hold about 2000 lines of data.
Use M50 to turn on the logger and for the selection for the items that is going to be logged.
Use M51 for the times when the logging begins and at how long an interval sustains and how long
Use M52 for the direction of logging data. The default setting will permit the logging data to be
Logging data can be redirected to the RS-232C interface without being stored into the logger buffer.
Dumping the logging data through the RS-232C interface and the clearing of the buffer can be
There is a Frequency Output in all TDS-100 series flow meters. This frequency output signal,
which represents the flow rate, is intended to connect with other instruments.
The Frequency Output is totally user-configurable. Generally, four parameters should be configured
Enter the lower flow rate value in window M68 and the higher flow rate value in window M69.
For example, assume that the flow rate varies in a range 0m3/h to 3000m3/h, and an output signal is
at a maximum frequency of 1000Hz, the minimum of 200Hz is going to be required for other
instrumentation. The user should enter 0 in M68 and 3000 in M69, and enter 200 and 1000 in
window M67.
Please note that the user has to make the selection with OCT setups in window M78 by selecting
- 42 - TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter
the 13th option reading like ‘FO output’ to direct the frequency output to the OCT OUTPUT
hardware device.
The totalizer output will produce a pulse output with every unit flow of the totalizer.
Refer §3.4 and §3.5 for the setups of the totalizer units and multiplier.
The totalizer pulse output can only be realized by mapping the pulse output to the OCT or
For example, assume that the POS totalizer pulse output is needed, and every pulse should represent
0.1cubic meter of liquid flow; the pulse output will be mapped to the internal Buzzer, so that with
every 0.1 cubic meter of flow the BUZZER will beep for a while.
(3) Select the output option ‘9. POS INT Pulse’ under window M77. (INT stands for totalized )
There are 2 types of hardware alarm signals that are available with this instrument. One is the
Both for the Buzzer and OCT output the triggering sources of the event include the following:
(3) Alarms on when the flow meter is not in normal measurement modes.
(6) Alarms on when the flow is out of a designated range set by the user.
There are two out-of-normal-range alarms in this instrument. They are called #1 Alarm and #2
Alarm. The flow range can be user-configurable through M73, M74, M75, M76.
For example, assume that the Buzzer should start beeping when the flow rate is less than 300 m3/h
and greater than 2000m3/h, the following steps for setups would be recommended.
(1) Enter 300 under M73 for #1 alarm low flow rate
(2) Enter 2000 under M74 for #1 alarm high flow rate
(3) Select the item reading like ‘6. Alarm #1’ under M77.
The built-in buzzer is user-configurable. It can be used as an alarm. Use M77 for setups.
- 44 - TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter
The OCT output is user-configurable, which can be performed by selecting the proper input source
Please make sure that the Frequency Output shares the OCT.
The OCT output shares pins with the RS-232C interface, and the terminal is at Pin 6 and the ground
is at Pin 6.
No modification on the built-in calendar will be needed in most cases. The calendar runs on
insignificant amount of power supply. Modification will be required only in such cases as when the
battery is totally consumed, or when the changing of the battery takes a long time.
Press the ENT key under M61 for Modification. Use the dot key to skip over these digits that need
no modification.
Use M70 to the LCD contrast. The adjusted result will be stored in the EEPROM so that the
Use M82 to view the date totalizers that are comprised of a daily totalizer, a monthly totalizer and a
yearly totalizer.
TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter - 45 -
Use the working timer to check the time that has passed with a certain kind of operation. For
example, use it as a timer to show how long a fully-charged battery will last.
Under M72, press ENT key and then select YES to reset the timer.
Use M28 for the manual totalizer. Press ENT key to start and stop the totalizer.
- 46 - TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter
Use M07 to check how long the battery will last. Also please refer to §.2.1
Refer to §2.1
Every set of the TDS-100H flow meter utilizes a unique ESN to identify the meter. The ESN is an
8-digit number that provides the information of version and manufacturing date.
The user can also employ the ESN for instrumentation management.
Other details about the instrument are the total working hours displayed in window M+1, and the
5.Troubleshooting
The TDS-100H ultrasonic flow meter provides an automatic power-on diagnosis for the hardware
problems. When any message (with the power on) in the following table displays, counter-measures
should be taken.
The parameters entered by the user should press ENT key, and all
Stored Data Error
user lose integration. the configuration will be restored to
The TDS-100H ultrasonic flow meter will show Error Code in the lower right corner with a single
letter like I, R etc. on menu windows M00, M01, M02, M03, M90 and M08. When any abnormal
Correspondent
Error
Message displayed Causes Counter-measures
code
on M08
(2)Transducers installed
(1)Relocate measuring
improperly
location
I Detect No Signal (3)Too much fouling
(2)Clean the spot
(4)Pipe liners are too thick.
(3)Check the cords
(5)Transducer cords are not
properly connected
(2)Transducers installed
cords
steps
(1) When the actual flow inside the pipe is not standstill, but the instrument displays 0.0000 for
the flow rate, and ‘R’ displaying signal strength and the signal quality Q (value) has a
satisfactory value?
The problems are likely caused by the user who has used the ‘Set Zero’ function on this non-
standstill flowing pipe. To solve this problem, use the ‘Reset Zero’ function on menu window
M43.
(2) The displayed flow rate is much lower or much higher than the actual flow rate in the pipe
(a) There is probably an offset value wrongly entered by the user in M44. Enter ‘0’ in
M44.
(c) There is a ‘Zero Point’. Try to ‘zero’ the instrument by using M42 and make sure that
- 50 - TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter
(3) The battery can not work as long as the time period as indicated by M07
(a) Battery should be replaced due to the end of the service life.
(b) Newly changed battery does not fit the battery estimating software. Customizing the
battery with the software should be taken. Please contact the factory.
(c) The battery has not been fully recharged or the recharge has been stopped too many
times halfway.
(d) There is indeed a time difference between the actual working time and the estimated
one, especially when the terminal voltage is in the range 3.70 and 3.90 volt. Please
6. Communication Protocol
§6. 1 General
The TDS-100H ultrasonic flow meter integrates a standard RS-232 communication interface and a
complete set of communication protocols that are compatible with that of the Fuji’s ultrasonic flow
meter.
2 RXD
3 TXD
4 not used
5 GND
6 OCT output
7 not used
The protocol is comprised of a set of basic commands that is a string in ASCII format, ending with
a carriage (CR) and line feed (LF). Commonly used commands are listed in the following table.
dddd Hz
DUMP1(CR) Return the whole buffer content In ASCII string Format, 24KB
in length
ranging 0-65534.
*** @ stands for the key value, e.g., 30H for the ‘0’ key.
(1) Prefix P
The prefix P can be added before any command in the above table to have the returning data
followed with two bytes of CRC check sum, which is the adding sum of the original character
string.
Take the DI+(CR) command as an example. Assume that DI+(CR) would return
+1234567E+0m3(CR)(LF)( the string in hexadecimal is 2BH, 31H, 32H, 33H, 34H, 35H, 36H,
37H, 45H, 2BH, 30H, 6DH, 33H, 20H, 0DH, 0AH) , then PDI(CR) would return +1234567E+0m3!
F7(CR)(LF). ‘!’ acts as the starter of check sum which is yielded by adding up the string 2BH,
31H, 32H, 33H, 34H, 35H, 36H, 37H, 45H, 2BH, 30H, 6DH, 33H, 20H.
(2) Prefix W
The prefix W should be used in the network environment. The usage format is W + digit string
The digit string should have a value between 0 and 65534 except 13(0DH), 10 (0AH), 42(2AH,*),
TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter - 55 -
38(26H, &).
For example, if the IDN=12345 instrument is addressed and returning the velocity of that
(3) Prefix N
The prefix N is a single byte IDN network prefix, not recommended in a new design. It is reserved
only for the purpose of the compatibility with the former versions
The & command connector can connect up to 6 basic commands to form a longer command so that
For example, assume that the measurement of an instrument with IDN=4321 are going to be
returned, and (then) all the following 3 values--- (1) flow rate (2) velocity (3)POS totalizer---will be
+1.234567E+12m3/d(CR)
+3.1235926E+00m/s(CR)
+1234567E+0m3(CR)
The codes for the keypad should be used when the instrument is connected with other terminals that
operate the instrument by transmitting the ‘M’ command along with the keypad code. By this
function, remote operation of this instrument can be realized, even via the Internet.
Key code Key code Code Key code Key code Code
0 30H 48 0 8 38H 56 8
1 31H 49 1 9 39H 57 9
- 56 - TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter
2 32H 50 2 . 3AH 58 :
3 33H 51 3 ◄ 3BH,0BH 59 ;
7. Service
§7.1 Service
The manufacturer provides instrument installation for our customers, and the charges will be made
(1) For any hardware failure of the instrument, we recommend that our customers send back the
instrument to our factory for service, due to the fact that the instrument is made of
microprocessors and it will be difficult to perform field maintenance. Before sending back the
instrument, please try to contact the factory first to make sure what the problem is.
For other operational problems, please contact our service department by telephone, fax or email
We provide free-of-charge software upgrade services. Please contact the factory for any lately
developed software.
- 58 - TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter
Appendix
Note: Please contact with the manufacturer for other sound speed data.
- 60 - TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter
t v t v t v t v
0 1402.3 25 1496.6 50 1542.5 75 1555.1
1 1407.3 26 1499.2 51 1543.5 76 1555.0
2 1412.2 27 1501.8 52 1544.6 77 1554.9
3 1416.9 28 1504.3 53 1545.5 78 1554.8
4 1421.6 29 1506.7 54 1546.4 79 1554.6
5 1426.1 30 1509.0 55 1547.3 80 1554.4
6 1430.5 31 1511.3 56 1548.1 81 1554.2
7 1434.8 32 1513.5 57 1548.9 82 1553.9
8 1439.1 33 1515.7 58 1549.6 83 1553.6
9 1443.2 34 1517.7 59 1550.3 84 1553.2
10 1447.2 35 1519.7 60 1550.9 85 1552.8
11 1451.1 36 1521.7 61 1551.5 86 1552.4
12 1454.9 37 1523.5 62 1552.0 87 1552.0
13 1458.7 38 1525.3 63 1552.5 88 1551.5
14 1462.3 39 1527.1 64 1553.0 89 1551.0
15 1465.8 40 1528.8 65 1553.4 90 1550.4
16 1469.3 41 1530.4 66 1553.7 91 1549.8
17 1472.7 42 1532.0 67 1554.0 92 1549.2
18 1476.0 43 1533.5 68 1554.3 93 1548.5
19 1479.1 44 1534.9 69 1554.5 94 1547.5
20 1482.3 45 1536.3 70 1554.7 95 1547.1
21 1485.3 46 1537.7 71 1554.9 96 1546.3
22 1488.2 47 1538.9 72 1555.0 97 1545.6
23 1491.1 48 1540.2 73 1555.0 98 1544.7
24 1493.9 49 1541.3 74 1555.1 99 1543.9
TDS-100H Handheld Ultrasonic Flowmeter - 61 -