SOFTWARE FT3 VIEW™

Free PC-Based Software Tool

for the FT3 Thermal Gas Mass Flow Meter

Software Instruction Manual

Document #104845
Rev F

831.384.4300 | 399 Reservation Rd, Marina, CA 93933 | foxthermal.com

FT3 View™
Disclaimer

This publication must be read in its entirety before performing any operation. Failure to
understand and follow these instructions could result in serious personal injury and/or
damage to the equipment. Should this equipment require repair or adjustment beyond
the procedures given herein, contact the factory at:

FOX THERMAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.

399 RESERVATION ROAD
MARINA, CA 93933
TELEPHONE: 831-384-4300
EMAIL: [email protected]

Download Technical Data Sheets from our website:

www.foxthermal.com

Fox Thermal Instruments, Inc. (Fox Thermal) believes that the information
provided herein is accurate; however, be advised that the information contained
herein is NOT a guarantee for satisfactory results. Specifically, this information is
neither a warranty nor guarantee, expressed or implied, regarding performance,
merchantability, fitness, or any other matter with respect to the products; nor
recommendation for the use of the product/process information in conflict with
any patent. Please note that Fox Thermal reserves the right to change and/or
improve the product design and specification without notice.

Fox Thermal FT3 Manuals:

• Model FT3 Instruction Manual

All Fox Thermal Manuals and software available in English only.

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 FT3 View™
Table of Contents

1. Introduction Page 4

2. Installation Page 5

3. Startup Page 8

4. Operation Page 10

a. Main Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

b. Charts Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

c. Collect Data to Excel® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

d. Configure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

e. Simulation Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

f. CAL-V™ Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

g. CAL-V™ Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

h. Zero CAL-CHECK™ Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

i. Zero CAL-CHECK™ Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

j. Data Logger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

5. Glossary Page 28

6. Index Page 29

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FT3 View™
Introduction

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Model FT3 Thermal Gas Mass Flow meter from Fox Thermal. The Model
FT3 is one of the most technically advanced flow meters in the world. Extensive engineering effort
has been invested to deliver advanced features, accuracy measurement performance, and outstanding
reliability.

The FT3 View™ software allows users to easily display data and configure the FT3 to their specific
application parameters. The software allows users to collect flow/temperature data and export to
an Excel® file. The software can access the Zero CAL-CHECK™ and CAL-V™ calibration validation
diagnostic tests. The FT3 also offers an optional data logger with date/time stamp.

The Model FT3 is available with two different communication options: RS485 Modbus or HART. The
FT3 View™ Software has been developed to react intuitively to the type of FT3 meter with which it is
interfacing.

This Manual contains the installation and operation instructions for the FT3 View™ Software.

This manual is divided into the following sections: Introduction, Installation, Startup, Operation,
Glossary and Index.

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 FT3 View™
Installation

Prepare the Flow Meter for Connecting to a PC

Open the enclosure by unscrewing the back enclosure cap. Connect the FT3 to a PC with a USB
(Type-A / Mini-B) cable. If the PC is connected to the internet and running Windows®, the PC will
try to automatically load the VCP driver. If the driver does not load automatically, download the VCP
driver at: www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm

Download the FT3 View™ Software from Fox Website

The latest version of the FT3 View™ software is available for download at www.foxthermal.com/
products/ft3.php#ft3view

The location of the FT3 View Software download link on the FT3 product webpage is shown below.

Fig. 2.1: Online Download Location for FT3 View™ Software

1 - Choose the FT3 View™

Software Sub-menu

2 - Click the button to

download software

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FT3 View™
Installation

Install the FT3 View™ Software on a PC

To install the FT3 View™ program, run the downloaded "ft3view-setup.exe" file. After clicking "Next"
the screen will show:

Select the folder in which you wish to install FT3 View™, then click "Next".

Please enter a name for the Program Group or use the default FT3View name and click "Next".

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 FT3 View™
Installation

To find the program easily, you may choose to create a shortcut icon for your PC desktop by placing a
check in the checkbox. Click "Install" to continue.

When the program is done installing, click "Exit".

To complete the installation process, close all applications, and restart your computer. The FT3
View™ Software will be ready to use after the computer has rebooted.

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FT3 View™
Startup

Power on the Meter

Refer to the FT3 Instruction Manual for Power input wiring instructions. The FT3 must be powered on
to communicate with the FT3 View™ software tool.

Connect the FT3 to a PC or Laptop via USB

Be sure to have your FT3 flow meter connected by USB to a PC or laptop that has FT3 View™ software
successfully downloaded to the operating system. The USB port can be found by removing the rear
enclosure cap.

Front Enclosure Cap Rear Enclosure Cap

No Wiring Access Wiring Access
Unscrew front enclosure cap to access the Unscrew the rear enclosure cap to access wiring
mechanical buttons or change the orientation of terminals for power, 4-20mA and pulse outputs,
the display and configuration panel. switch input, USB port, remote sensor, and serial
communication options.

Earth Ground

F1 F2 F3 F4

Red 1
TS2
Red2
TS3
+1 REMOTE Yel 3
4-20 SENSOR Wh 4
FLOW
-2 Wh 5
+3
Display front 4-20
#2 1 2 3
panel -4
TS1
+5
PULSE
/ALM
-6
+7 F1
IN TS4 -2 +1
-8 24V 24V, 0.75A
OUT

J2

USB port

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 FT3 View™
Startup

Startup FT3 View™ Software

After re-boot and connecting to a PC via USB, startup the FT3 View™ software accessible in the
Windows "Start" button or search bar.

COM Port Assignment

Upon opening FT3 View™ for the first time, Windows® will assign a "virtual COM port". The COM port
number that has been assigned will appear automatically in the drop down box.

If the correct COM Port does not appear, go to Control Panel/Device Manager and click on Ports
(COM & LPT). The COM port number should be displayed under the USB symbol.

If prompted, enter the assigned COM port in FT3 View™ by using the drop down menu and press OK.

NOTE! The FT3 meter must be plugged into the computer in order for the system to register
it.

Fig. 3.1: COM Port Selection Window

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FT3 View™
Operation

Main Screen
The image below depicts the main screen that appears upon entering FT3 View™.

Fig. 4.1: FT3 View™ Main Screen

Flow & Temperature

FT3 View™ will show values for flow and temperature in the pipe in real time based on how the
flow meter has been configured (in this case, SCFM and ºF). These values are in the upper left of the
screen.

Total & Elapsed Time

Flow total and Elapsed Time are shown in the upper right of the screen and can be reset with the
button just underneath the displayed values.

Charts Button
This calls up two charts that can be configured for flow, temperature, or total flow. Each chart can be
individually enlarged and rescaled from the original default settings. For more information on how to
change the charts settings, refer to p. 12.

NOTE! Data on the screen is refreshed at user selected update rate.

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 FT3 View™
Operation

Collect Data to Excel® Button

Selecting the Collect Data to Excel button allows all selected data to be assembled into an Excel® file
at the specified sample time. All readings are time/date stamped. For more information on using the
data collection function, refer to "Collect Data to Excel" on p. 14.

Configure Button
This allows the operator to set the application parameters. This can be done using the FT3 View™
software or manually using the instrument's display. For more information on configuring application
parameters, refer to "Configure" on p. 15.

Simulation Button
This function can be used to verify that all the flow meter outputs are working properly. The easiest
way to perform this check is to enter a specific temperature/flow rate. The corresponding analog
outputs can be verified using a DMM and using a timer for the pulse. Refer to p. 19 for more
information on how to use the Simulation function.

Calibration Validation Diagnostic Test Section

CAL-V™ Button
Calibration validation allows customers to validate the accuracy and functionality of the meter in the
field with a push of a button. By performing a simple test, the operator can verify that the meter is
running accurately.
The CAL-V™ calibration validation test is explained in greater detail on p. 20.

Zero CAL-CHECK™ Button

The Zero CAL-CHECK™ calibration validation test can be performed while the unit is still in the
pipe (if a no flow condition cannot be established) or out of the pipe when zero flow cannot be
established. Zero CAL-CHECK™ does the following:
• Validates the zero stability of the meter
• Checks thermal conductivity (heat transfer) repeatability of the sensor
The ZERO CAL-CHECK™ calibration validation test is explained in greater detail on p. 24.

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FT3 View™
Operation

Charts Settings
From the main screen, click on "Charts". Two charts will appear side-by-side. Each chart can be
selected for flow, temperature or total flow.

Fig. 4.2: Chart Settings Window - Chart 1

Fig. 4.3: Chart Settings Window - Chart 2

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 FT3 View™
Operation

Total Points
The total points specifies the number of points plotted on the graph. Older data is automatically
omitted.

Update Rate
The update rate controls the data refresh rate.

Parameters
Flow, temperature or total flow can easily be selected for charting.

Manual Chart Setting

The Manual mode allows a user to input min/max values for chart scaling. When entering new values,
click on Save Settings for them to take effect.

Percent (%) Scale

This sets the scale to a plus/minus specified percentage from the initial measured value. Typically, the
minimum/maximum is scaled at plus/minus 10% of that initial value.

Automatic Chart Setting

Automatic mode lets the program adjust the scaling on a real-time basis based on the entire range of
values.

Save Settings
Click the Save Settings button to save the chart settings to the main screen window. These settings
can then be closed by clicking on the "X" at the top right corner of the window.

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FT3 View™
Operation

Collect Data to Excel

The Data Collection screen can be accessed from the main screen. Clicking the "Collect Data to Excel"
function will prompt the user for a password. Enter a Level I (1234) or Level II (9111) password and the
Data Collection window will appear.

Fig. 4.4: Data Collection Window - Logging Turned Off

Select the sample time from the drop menu, and then select the required data from the Data
Selection list. Select or create a name for the Excel file and then press the "Start Data Logger" button.

Fig. 4.5: Data Collection Window - Logging Turned On

When "Start Data Logger" is pressed, the data is recorded in the specified Excel file - and also
displayed in the Logged Values window. Pressing "Stop Data Logger" ends data acquisition.

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 FT3 View™
Operation

Configure
From the main menu, click on the "Configure" button and enter the requested password for either
Level I (1234) or Level II (9111) access.

Fig. 4.6: Password Window

NOTE! Most users will only need access to the Level I screen to do basic setting of units,
alarms and output scaling.

Fig. 4.7: Level I Configuration Screen

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FT3 View™
Operation

Fig. 4.8: Level 2 Configuration Screen

Meter Info
• Firmware: FT3 meter firmware revision level.
• Password level: FT3 View Password level entered.
• Serial Number: Serial number of the meter (factory set)
• Alarm Codes: Displays the alarm codes as described in the meter manual. These codes are written
out in the Current Alarms menu.

Meter Settings
• Pipe Inner Diameter (ID): The pipe inner diameter can be entered in either inches or millimeters,
depending on whether the flow or mass measurement units selected are metric or US standard.
Once entered, the program will automatically recalculate the pipe cross-sectional area for the
velocity/flow calculations. A precise ID is required to ensure accurate flow measurement.
• Cut-off: A gas flow rate at - or below - the cut-off setting will cause the meter to read zero.
Default cut-off is set to 1% of maximum flow value.
• Filter: Changing this value will increase or decrease the damping of the flow rate reading. Increase
the setting to increase damping. The default setting is 0.8.
• Pipe Area: The pipe internal cross-sectional area in square feet or square meters. This value can
be entered directly - or it is automatically calculated by entering the pipe ID above.

NOTE! The ID unit is inches/mm, while the pipe area is in square feet/meters.

• Ref. Temp: Reference Temperature - Reference temperature and pressure are the standard (or
normal) temperature and pressure (STP) for which the flow rate is calculated.
• Ref. Presure: Reference Pressure - Reference temperature and pressure are the standard (or
normal) temperature and pressure (STP) for which the flow rate is calculated. This is set in the
factory according to the customer's original AppID data.

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 FT3 View™
Operation

• Gas Density: The gas density is required only when the selected output is mass units - either
pounds or kilograms..
• RTD9 Max: The FT3 probe contains two sensing elements: a PowerPro™ and a precision RTD.
The PowerPro™sensor has a maximum resistance (measured in ohms) that corresponds to the
maximum temperature/current at which it can operate, before it shuts down (factory set).
• Password: The level 1 password can be changed to a new value (number or letter characters up to
4 digits).
• Kfact: A K-Factor can be applied to the meter's settings to offset the meter's calibration. The
K-Factor is a direct scaling of the meter's output across the entire full scale (requires Level II
password).

Unit Select
The "Unit Select" section is used to change the desired units of the flow rate, temperature and
reference pressure.

Alarm Limits
Users can set both high/low alarms for both flow and temperature. When a limit is reached, an alarm
message is displayed. In addition, if the meter's digital output is activated, breaching the alarm limit
automatically activates a discrete output to control an external buzzer, light or some other way to
alert the operator.

Process Variables
Flow: Current flow rate in selected units
Velocity: Flow velocity
Total: Cumulative mass or volume flow in selected units
Temperature: Gas temperature (Fahrenheit or Celsius)
CSV: Current sense voltage of sensor measurement circuit
Elapsed Time: Time since the Totalizer was reset
TSI Res: Calculated resistance of the temperature RTD element
TSI Volt: Measured voltage across the temperature RTD element
TSI Amp: Calculated current going through the temperature RTD element

Reset Total Button

The Reset Total button will clear the total and elapsed time.

Reset CRC Button

CRC (Cyclical Redundancy Check) is a value that verifies that all critical values in the meter's database
are good. This check is performed once every minute. The Reset CRC button clears and generates a
new CRC value.

4-20mA Output: Channels 1 & 2

Channel 1: This analog 4-20mA output is programmed for flow.
Channel 2: This analog 4-20mA output is configurable for either flow or temperature.
Though the FT3 will be scaled for the specific application coming from the factory, FT3 View™ allows
the operator to easily re-scale the 4-20mA output as needed.

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FT3 View™
Operation

Digital Input Select

This menu allows the user to choose between Reset Total or None.

Digital Output Select

This menu allows the user to choose between dedicating the Output to Pulse, Alarms, or None.

Frequency Output Configuration

This selection configures the FT3 digital output for either pulses (counts) or as an alarm discrete
output.

If the pulses (counts) output is selected, it can be programmed in three different ways using the pull-
down menu "Frequency Output Configuration".
• Maximum flow and maximum frequency
• Pulses per Unit
• Units per Pulse

Serial COM Settings

Use this function to set the serial communication settings for any of the optional FT3 bus
communication boards.

Fig. 4.9: Select Serial Communication Window

NOTE! This is only available on a meter configured for RS485 Modbus RTU or HART.

Display Setting
The information displayed on the front panel of the FT3 can be configured by clicking on the "Display
Setting" button in the lower right portion of the Configuration screen. With the top four drop-
down boxes, the user can choose the data to display on the meter's LCD display screen. By selecting
"Alternate = On", the screen automatically switches between the data screens.

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 FT3 View™
Operation

Fig. 4.10: Display Setting

Simulation Mode
To enter simulation mode, click on the button marked "Simulation" in the Main screen and a password
will be requested. Enter the password and then the Simulation screen will be shown.

Fig. 4.11: Simulation Mode Window

The simulation mode simulates flow rate, temperature and/or CSV. Click on the required data and
enter a value. Simulation mode allows users to verify the analog output, digital outputs and totalizer
at simulated flow rates and temperature. Enter the value, click OK, select the corresponding checkbox,
and press "Start Simulation".

Fig. 4.12: Simulation Running

In Simulation mode, all FT3 outputs and the Totalizer respond as if in normal measurement mode.
Click "Halt Simulation" to end.
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FT3 View™
Operation

CAL-V™
CAL-V™ is performed to verify the proper operation of the FT3 flow meter. From the Main screen, click
on the "CAL-V" button to access the CAL-V™ Menu Window.

Fig. 4.13: CAL-V™ Menu Window

On the CAL-V™ Menu, there are fields to enter information about the person performing the test,
meter tag information, and any other important information may be entered into the comments area.

NOTE! Refer to the Calibration Validation section of the FT3 manual for additional
information and instructions

A drop-down menu allows the user to choose between these two options:
• Flow goes to Zero during CAL-V™
• Flow holds the last value during CAL-V™

The user can also specify a particular folder name and location for the data to be stored in a log to
access test results at later times.

Please note that the test will take about five minutes. The flow measurement will stop and go to zero
for this period unless the "hold last value" option has been chosen.

When ready to start, click the "Start CAL-V Verify" button.

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 FT3 View™
Operation

Fig. 4.14: Running a CAL-V™ Test

A Pass/Fail message for the CAL-V™ test will be displayed at the test conclusion.

Fig. 4.15: CAL-V™ Results Window

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FT3 View™
Operation

CAL-V™ Certificate
The CAL-V™ View Certificate button will display the latest certification. When performing a CAL-V™
test, all the data is logged into a CAL-V™ log file with all pertinent data, including the serial number.
You can choose to create multiple logs by changing the file name and location on the CAL-V™
window. When a CAL-V™ certificate is requested, the program will search the log file for the specific
serial number and will display only the last check performed.

Fig. 4.16: CAL-V™ Certificate

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 FT3 View™
Operation

CAL-V™ Log
The CAL-V™ View Log button allows the operator to view a log of previous CAL-V™ checks that have
been run on the meter. Be sure to access the correct log by choosing the correct file name in the
CAL-V™ Log File box.

Fig. 4.17: CAL-V™ Log

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FT3 View™
Operation

Zero CAL-CHECK™
Zero CAL-CHECK is performed to verify the proper operation of the FT3 flow meter.

NOTE! Refer to the Calibration Validation section of the FT3 manual for additional
information and instructions.

From the main screen, click on the "Zero CAL-CHECK" button to access the Zero CAL-CHECK™ Test
Menu Window.

Fig. 4.18: Zero CAL-CHECK™ Test Menu Window

On the Zero CAL-CHECK™ Test Menu, there are fields to enter information about the person
performing the test, meter tag information, and any other important information may be entered into
the comments area.

Two test options are available when performing a Zero CAL-CHECK™ test:
In-Situ (In the Pipe): use only if zero flow can be established
Out of Pipe: use when zero flow cannot be established

WARNING! Before performing the In-Situ (In the Pipe) test for the first time, the "Field
Baseline" must be set. Any test performed after the first time does not require the Field
Baseline to be set. See instruction manual for more information.

Choose the appropriate test option based on your ability to achieve a "zero flow" or "no flow"
condition in the pipe. You may also use the In-Situ (In the Pipe) test if you are using a Fox retractor
assembly to remove the meter from the flow.

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 FT3 View™
Operation

The user can also specify a particular folder name and location for the data to be stored in a log to
access test results at later times.

Please note that the test will take about five minutes.

When ready to start, click the appropriate "Perform Zero CAL-CHECK™" button.

Fig. 4.19: Stable Conditions Confirmation Window

During the test, the Zero CAL-CHECK™ button will display the current calculated value and a
countdown time of seconds left on the test.

Fig. 4.20: Running a Zero CAL-CHECK™ Test (Out of Pipe Example)

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FT3 View™
Operation

As with the CAL-V test, a Pass/Fail message for the Zero CAL-CHECK™ test will be displayed at the test
conclusion.

Fig. 4.21: Zero CAL-CHECK™ Results Window

Zero CAL-CHECK™ Log

The "View Log" button allows the operator to view a log of previous Zero CAL-CHECK™ tests that
have been run on the meter.

Fig. 4.22: Zero CAL-CHECK™ Log

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 FT3 View™
Operation

Zero CAL-CHECK™ Certificate

The Zero CAL-CHECK™ Certificate function displays the latest certification. When performing a Zero
CAL-CHECK™ test, all the data is logged into a log file with all pertinent data, including the serial
number. A laptop can be used to perform the Zero CAL-CHECK™ test on a different FT3 meter. When
a Zero CAL-CHECK™ certificate is requested, the program will search the log file for the specific serial
number and will display only the last check performed.

Fig. 4.23: Zero CAL-CHECK™ Certificate

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FT3 View™
Appendix

Glossary of Terms and Definitions

COM Communication
CRC Cyclical Redundancy Check
CSV Current Sense Voltage
DMM Digital Multimeter
ID Inner Diameter
mA Milliamps
PC Personal Computer
RTD Resistance Temperature Detector
STP Standard Temperature and Pressure
TSI Temperature Sense Current

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 FT3 View™
Appendix

Index

Alarm Limits, 17
Analog 4-20 mA output, 17
CAL-V™, 20
Collecting Data, 11
Configure, 15
Address (RS485 enabled models only), 19
Analog 4-20 mA Output, 17
Alarm Limits, 17
Baud rate (RS485 enabled models only), 19
Digital Output, 18
Filter value, 16
Flow cutoff, 14
Pipe Area, 14
Reset Total, 14
Reset CRC, 14
Serial Communication (RS485 enabled models only), 19
Unit settings, 16
Filter value, 14
Glossary, 28
Installation, 5
Introduction, 4
Reset Total and Elapsed Time, 17
RS485 Settings (RS485 enabled models only), 19
Simulation Mode, 19
USB, 8
Zero CAL-CHECK, p. 24

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 Wiring

Troubleshooting Tips

Definition of Terms

NOTE! is used for Notes and Information

WARNING! is used to indicate a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could

result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION! is used to indicate a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could

result in minor or moderate injury.

Make Downtime a Thing of the Past

THERMAL MASS FLOW METERS
NON-STOP PERFORMANCE

[email protected] Phone
831.384.4300
Address
399 Reservation Road Worldwide
Marina, CA 93933 USA foxthermal.com