Digital pulse meters, especially flow meters, are widely used to measure things like water flow. Every time a specific amount of liquid flows through the meter, it outputs a digital pulse. For example:
- One pulse = 1 liter could mean that each pulse represents 1 liter of water.
- Or one pulse = 50 liters, meaning the pulse indicates a larger flow of liquid.
The exact meaning of each pulse depends on how your meter is set up, and the pulses themselves can vary in terms of timing or duty cycle based on the flow and type of meter.
How the NCD IoT Machine Uptime Monitoring Sensor Helps
NCD’s IoT Long-Range Wireless Machine Uptime Monitoring Sensor (Link) makes it easy to integrate with digital pulse meters like flow meters. Whether the output is a water-closer pulse or a digital signal, this sensor can read and handle both types, giving you flexibility in tracking and monitoring.
The sensor not only reads these pulses but can also store data and send it at intervals you set or based on specific pulse counts. Here’s how you can use it:
Different Ways to Use Pulse Data
Time-Based Updates: You can set the sensor to send the total number of pulses after a certain amount of time. For example, if you want updates every 30 minutes:
- The sensor counts all pulses in that 30-minute window.
- After 30 minutes, it sends you the total number of pulses it has recorded. This is useful when you need periodic updates on flow or other data but don’t need real-time notifications.
Pulse Threshold Updates: You can also configure the sensor to send data when a certain number of pulses are reached. For instance, you could set it to send an update every time 50 pulses are counted, which might represent 50 liters of water flow:
- The sensor continuously counts pulses.
- Once it hits 50 pulses, it sends the data. This method is great for situations where you want to know exactly when a certain volume of liquid has passed through.
For more info, check out Product Datasheet(Link).
Handling Different Pulse Durations and Debounce Settings
One thing to keep in mind is that different pulse meters may produce pulses of varying lengths. The NCD IoT sensor comes with a debounce setting that helps manage this. Debouncing is used to prevent counting false pulses that might occur due to noise or quick fluctuations in the signal. By adjusting the debounce time, you can make sure that only valid pulses are counted, ensuring accurate readings.
How to Connect a Pulse Meter
Connecting a digital pulse meter to the NCD IoT Machine Uptime Monitoring Sensor is straightforward. You’ll need to use the opto input on the sensor to read the pulse signals coming from the meter. Follow the wiring instructions from both the pulse meter manufacturer and the NCD sensor manual to ensure everything is connected properly.
Real-World Uses
- Water Flow Monitoring: Track water usage, detect leaks, or manage resource distribution.
- Utility Monitoring: Monitor gas, water, or other utilities to ensure efficient use and detect disruptions.
- Industrial Monitoring: Use pulse meters to track coolant, fuel, or other liquid flow in industrial processes.