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FAQ's
Please see the list of Frequently Asked Questions below prior to contacting Support.
ControlMate 2 and ControlMate FM
ControllerCom
Do I need a new controller to fit a ControllerCom to it?
No, the ControllerCom is a retrofit to any existing controllers. As long as your controller has the CX connector fitted. (10way milspec connector on top of the controller above the screen).
My data doesn’t appear to be coming in from my ControllerCom on my PC?
Check the modem is turned on and the modem handler software is running at ALL times. Check you have installed the correct data call in telephone number in the ControllerCom (i.e. the number of the modem).
How do I know if there is enough phone signal to send my data messages out of the chamber?
The ControllerCom can perform a 5 minute signal test on site in the enclosed chamber before you complete the installation. This will confirm whether a good signal will be able to send data messages.
Can I obtain up to the minute readings from the ControllerCom or change the settings from my office without having to visit the site?
Yes, with the aid of an additional battery box. This enables you to use the “Modem Schedule” function to give you up to 24hr live access to your ControllerCom.
ControlMate 2 and ControlMate FM
I've just installed my controller, I think all my installation pipework is correct, but the controller won't achieve my desired pressure?
Main reason is usually the actuator has been set wrong, try re-installing the actuator giving more care to the required settings. Is the 3-way safety tee handle pointing to the green control pipe, if it’s to the red pipe then you are bypassing the controller, make sure the handle is pointing to the green side.
I’ve checked all the above points, but it still won’t achieve the correct pressure?
If the inlet pressure exceeds 95m (9.5bar) then use the non-standard installation diagram. Can the pressures be achieved by removing the actuator and using the original adjusting screw on the PRV , if they can’t there is a fault on your PRV , not the controller.
My controller has been working fine and suddenly stopped regulating the pressure, everything seems ok with the controller?
If no network conditions have changed it could be a fault on the controller. Place the controller in “Manual” mode and make it try and achieve a high or low pressure. You should be able to hear the solenoids clicking (or place your hand on the solenoid box and feel the vibration) which means the controller is trying to work. If this is not present your controller will need servicing.
What flow signal can the controller use?
Our standard controller uses a pulse signal (volt free). If 4-20ma flow signal is required we have the facility to enable this feature, but will need specifying on order.
We have a PRV with pressures exceeding 200m (20bar), can we use your controller?
Yes, but remember our standard controller comes with pressure transducers of 130m (13bar) on the outlet and 170m (17bar) on the inlet. If you require pressures to be controlled and monitored in excess of these values you must specify on order.
The actuator you supplied does not fit our PRV pilot?
As long as the PRV is a pilot operating PRV, just tell use the current pilot adjusting screw thread size and we can swap our standard thread size (3/8 th whitworth) for your required size.
Hydrins Probe
What software will I need to use to achieve a profile for the probe?
You will just need the Hydrins software Ver 1.03 and above
Can the Hydrins be hooked up to any data logger?
Yes it can, you just require a “flying lead” cable from us so you can connect to your required data logger to the probe.
I don’t know the internal diameter of the pipe, will this affect the readings?
Yes it will, it is very important you know the exact internal diameter of the pipe. This can be measured by using our internal measuring gauge.
MAST
Where do I get the L-R (Litres/Revolution) value from to input into the MAST?
This value is taken from the water meter you are going to use. The value is often written on the meter dial or imprinted on the meter body under the dial.
Where do I get the pulse head value from to input into the MAST?
You should obtain this value from the pulse unit manufacturer. Normally they are in factors of 10. For example for a PU10, LRP or Reed Switch type pulse unit the head value is 10. For PU100, HRP or BPG20 type pulse units the head value is 100.
We have an electromagnetic meter such as a ABB Magmaster, can we use the MAST with this?
Yes you can. You need to obtain a MAST to “flying lead” cable from us. You can then wire this cable into the meter to obtain a pulse signal. The meter L-R value is normally set to 1 and the pulse head value is normally set to 10 using these meters.
I don’t seem to be able to get a flow signal on my receiver box?
Make sure you are up to 50m away from the transmitter box. You magmount receiver aerial is as high as possible (i.e. your van roof). Make sure the transmitter aerial is as high up as possible (use the tripod and extension piece). Make sure the transmitter is turned on and a time interval to send the data has been selected.
What is a good time delay between flow signals?
We recommend 15secs, wait 3 bleeps between closing and reopening a step valve, this should give enough time for the meter to settle and give you a good flow reading.
Can I obtain a print out of my step test?
If is possible to use the MAST PC software to obtain a graphical print out after your test.
MicroCorr Digital
My correlator seems to be working ok but I get an error message on the correlation screen?
Check you have the correct coloured sensors selected from the set-up menu. You may require high power, instead of the default low power, change in the set-up menu. Check your outstations are turned on and the sensor cable is in the correct port on the outstation. In difficult areas you may have to improve your “line of sight” to each outstation.
How do I know if my sensor is working ok?
Perform a “tickle test” by connecting your sensor and headphones to the outstation. Turn the outstation on and gently rub your finger across the sensor, you should be able to hear clear crisp noise, if not your sensor or sensor cable may require servicing.
One of my outstations has broken can I use the system with one outstation?
Yes, you can connect a sensor directly to the base unit. You must alter the sensor combination in the set-up menu to enable you to work correctly. (i.e. if you are using the red outstation only, choose the Red & Base combination).
I have a yellow outstation to perform tri-correlations, can I use this to perform normal correlations if my red or blue outstation is faulty?
Yes, you must alter the sensor combination in the set-up menu to enable you to work correctly. (i.e. if you are using the blue with the yellow outstation, choose the Blue & Yellow combination).
What’s the advantage of the extra yellow outstation to perform tricorrelation?
A correlation requires the user to enter the distance, diameter and material. Tricorrelation takes away the need for knowing the diameter and material by performing and out of bracket velocity check each time it calculates a correlation. This means the only user error that can be input into the correlator is the distance.
How many saved correlation files can the correlator store?
Approximately 30. If you require to keep these but wish to store more, you can download them to the “McDigital Viewer” software on a PC. Here you have the function to view the files on a PC as normal, enabling you to delete the files from the correlator and store more new files.
I get the error message displayed ‘Correlation sequence failed to synchronise?
This error message is displayed when one or both signals is not being received from the outstations to correlate. Listen to both outstations to determine which outstation is not transmitting. Check that both the battery indicator and sensor icon is displayed on the base station for that outstation.
Can the MicroCorr Digital perform tri-correlation?
Yes. You must purchase a 3rd (Yellow) outstation to do this.
How do I update the software and firmware?
To do this you need the MCDUpdater which is available from the support page on this website.
- Backup all saved correlation files (.ked files) on the base station. These will be delete when you upgrade.
- Download and install the MCDUpdater onto a PC.
- Download the latest software and firmware files from this website.
- Connect the unit to be updated to the PC using the cable provided.
- Start the MCDUpdater and click update to view the current version installed in the unit.
- Click the browse button'...' to load the firmware file and software file to be downloaded to the unit.
- Click program to download and program the unit.
- When the download is complete restart the base unit.
- Check that download was successful by clicking update to view the current version installed on the unit.
Can I view my saved correlation files (.ked) on a PC?
Yes, you need the MCDViewer software available on this website.
- Download and install the software onto a PC.
- Connect the MCD base station to the PC using the cable provided.
- Using the software download the files from the Base station to the PC.
- From here the files can be viewed and also printed if required.
What is the IP rating of the MicroCorr Digital?
Outstation and sensors IP68, Base station IP65.
What is the frequency range of the sensor?
The sensors will pick up noise from 0.1 Hz to 5kHz.
MicroCorr Touch
There is no RF Signal being received from the Outstations
- Check that the outstations are switched on.
- Check that the antenna is connected and RF connector is clean.
- Check that the outstation is registering the connected sensor (LED Flashes)
- Check the outstation and Base Unit battery levels.
- On the Base Unit check that you have the correct stations selected (e.g. correlate between RED–BLUE not RED-BASE)
- On the Base Unit check in the display screen that the outstation frequency is correct and that the RSSI should approximately -80dBm or less and battery is at a minimum 7.2V
- If standing close to one of the outstations and receiving no RF signal from the other check that the nearest outstation is set to low transmit power.
The RF Signal is being received but it is very weak
- Check the battery levels on all units
- Check that the antennas are not damaged (to check the outstation antennas can be swapped to see if problem follows)
- There may be interference from another RF system operating in that area on the same frequency
- Check that the outstations are at least 2M away from the Base Unit
- To improve signal strength, try using a magmount antenna on base unit
Audio being received but the correlation peak is poor
- Check for leak noise signal at both outstations through headphones to ensure leak noise can be heard as clearly as possible
- Check that both sensors are working correctly (sensor test mentioned above)
- Check that both Outstation signals are being received over the RF clearly at the Base Unit through headphones
- Adjust the filters on the Base Unit to take out any unwanted ambient noise
- Try correlating at a different time of day/night in case there are pumps or other external noise sources interfering with the correlation result.
- Check sensor cables and connectors for damage
To improve leak noise signal at outstation
- Ensure that the accelerometer mounting point is on the pipe where the suspected leak is located. Confirm this with a map of the network.
- Check that sensor contact on the pipe is clean from debris
- Try different contact points on the fitting if possible to get the best leak noise (metal surfaces are preferred). Always check leak noise at the Outstation with headphones first
- Ensure that the accelerometer is mounted vertically where possible
- If there is ambient noise try correlating using hydrophones
Note: Don t stand too close to sensor when listening through headphones to avoid audio feedback
The Main Correlation Screen displays the warning message “Correlation out of bracket”
This message means that a possible leak has been found but is outside the area in-between the outstations. The MicroCorr Touch will not give a position on an out of bracket leak so the outstations will need to be re-positioned so that the suspected leak is in between the outstations. However out of bracket leaks can be used to get the pipe speed of sound velocity reading.
The Main Correlation Screen displays the warning message “Centre Correlation”.
This message means that a correlation peak has occurred exactly at the midpoint between the two sensors. This may not be a leak at all. A non leak noise heard on the pipe could also produce this effect. Therefore, caution is advised. Move one outstation to the next convenient point to ensure the leak position is well away from the center point, and perform the correlation again to ensure that the result is genuine.
The Main Correlation Screen shows good peak but no leak can be heard at that location
- Check the audio signals at the Base Unit through headphones to ensure that the leak noise can be heard as clearly as possible
- Check that the pipe length entered is as accurate as possible and that the pipe material is correct. Confirm this with a network map if necessary.
- Check on the Filters screen that noise levels are included in the filter pass band (the white area)
- Perform a velocity check on the pipe. This can be done in 3 ways
- Use an Out of Bracket leak and retrieve the velocity from sound speed screen
- Open a tap and use the velocity check facility on the MicroCorr Touch. Perform the correlation using this velocity reading
- Use Compute mode on the MicroCorr Touch to give both velocity reading and a leak position based on more than one correlation.
- Use the Peak Suppression facility to eliminate any unwanted peak. The graph will rescale at the next highest peak.
- Check that the batteries on all units are not low.
- Check that the sensors are not damaged.
- Check that there is no RF interference
Note: It is recommended that all leak positions from the correlation results be confirmed with a listening device such as Ground Microphone.
Windows Mobile Device will not connect to the Base Unit
- Try using a different USB port in the PC.
- Check any virus scans are not preventing the connection.
- Check the active sync is configured to start when a connection is detected.
- Check the USB cable for damage.
Cannot connect to the outstation using the USB port
- Check that the Outstation is turned on. After a successful upgrade the outstation will always automatically switch off
- Check the LED when ON/OFF button is pressed. The LED should continually flash once a second when valid application firmware is running
The units will not charge
- The lithium-ion batteries may not be charged at temperatures below 0°C and there is a safety cut out to stop this from happening.
- Try swapping the batteries from the other units to identify whether the battery is defective.
- Check that power is being applied to the units by plugging in the charger and checking that the light on the charging adapter is lit.
- If the charging adapter is not lit, check that the fuse in the plug is working correctly.
- When power is applied to the case charger, the LED should initially light up to give the current battery level of any connected units. After 5 seconds the LEDs will go out and the charging will begin. If a unit is connected and the LED doesn’t light this means that either the battery is defective or the connection is faulty for that unit
- Check the Amphenol connectors and cables for damage
When trying to switch on the outstation the LED flashes 10 times quickly and then switches off. The outstation will not operate at all
- The outstation bootloader is running. If the USB lead is connected then please disconnect the USB lead and switch on the outstation.
- If the 10 lead flashes still show when the ON/OFF button is pressed then please reconnect the USB and perform and upgrade using the MicroCorr Touch PC software provided.
Permalog 3
How do I know if my Permalog is working ok?
The easiest test, is by swiping the window on top of the Permalog with a magnet. A red LED should flash 5 times. If it doesn’t then you have a faulty unit which will require servicing. There are other tests that can be performed to health check the logger, but these can only be done with the aid of a “Permalog Cowl”.
My Permalogs all seem to be flashing and working but my patroller fails to pick up signals from them?
The best possible way of picking up radio signals from the Permalogs to your patroller is if you use the large magmount aerial. Try to ensure this is as high and central as possible (i.e. centre of a vehicle roof). Make sure the patroller is set to the “High” power mode.
My Permalogs tell me I have a leak with a level of 28db but I can’t find it?
They say the average human ear can only hear down to approx 35db, to find leaks around this figure and below you will have to use other leakage detection equipment (i.e. Correlators and Ground Microphones) rather than using manual listening sticks.
Can Permalogs be placed horizontally?
Yes no problem. The only disadvantage with this is, it can slightly reduce the radio signal range of the logger, so if possible place vertical for the optimum signal strength.
I have a van full of Permalogs and when I patrol I find it had to receive any signals from any Permalogs on site?
The strongest Permalog signals are those coming from the back of the vehicle and can override the Permalog signals on site. Remove all Permalogs before patrolling from the vehicle or as Permalogs are retrieved from site turn them off by the use of the “Permalog Sleeper and Cowl”.
What time can I patrol my Permalogs?
You can patrol them any time of day, with the exception between 2am and 4am when the Permalogs are collecting new information regarding noises on the network.
I have a Permalog which always gives me the same level irrespective of where I place it?
There is a fault with the Permalog and should be returned for servicing.
How can I check I have received all my Permalog signals in from site?
If you use the Permalog database software, this enables you to use the “Missed Logger” function on the patroller detailing all those loggers which you have not received a signal from.
Can the Permalog send multiple days readings to the patroller?
No, the Permalog only sends the current days recordings from 2am to 4am . With the aid of a “Permalog Cowl” it is possible it interrogate an individual Permalog to obtain the past 12 days readings.
How long do the batteries last?
If the transmission rate of the logger is set to 15/15 then the battery will last 5 years. The life of the battery will vary depending on what the transmission rate.
What does the flashing LED mean seen on top of the P3 logger?
In normal operation the LED will flash once every 5secs. If the logger is in ‘No leak’ mode the Led will flash green. If the logger is in ’leak’ mode the LED will flash red. The logger will transmit the same time the LED flashes, so if the transmission rate is set to every 15secs then the logger transmits every 3 rd LED flash.
Does the time on the P3 logger follow changes with daylight saving hours?
No, the time can be changed using the patroller software on a PC.
What environmental conditions can a Permalog 3 logger operate?
The loggers are rated to IP68 and can function under water to a depth of 1.5M.
What frequencies does the P3 logger transmit?
UK: 173.250MHz 10mW
Europe: 433.9125MHz 10mW
USA: 463.9125MHz 10mW
Is there other ways of retrieving data from the P3 loggers other than the Patroller?
Yes, you can purchase a PermaCom unit which enables the logger to send the data periodically via text message to a central PC.
How much data will the P3 logger store in it’s memory?
A P3 logger can store up to 12 days of data. Once this is full then the logger will overwrite the oldest entry. The history can be viewed using the cowl.
PermaCom
My data doesn't appear to be coming in from my PermaCom on my PC?
Check the modem is turned on and the PermaCom software is running at ALL times. Check you have installed the correct data call in telephone number in the PermaCom (i.e. the number of the modem) This number must be an international format number (i.e. for a UK sim 07771933456, the number should be entered as 447771933456 (44 being the international code for the UK)
How do I know if there is enough phone signal to send my data messages out of the chamber?
The PermaCom can perform a 5minute signal test on site in the enclosed chamber before you complete the installation. This will confirm whether a good signal will be able to send data messages.
Xmic
I can't hear any noise through my Xmic when it's turned on?
Make sure you have pressed the listen button. Also check the (depending on which headphones were purchased) that the headphones separate volume control is turned up. There is also a volume gain increase on the Xmic base unit.
I am using the Xmic with the small tripod sensor but I am hearing too much wind interference?
We recommend using our large “Elephants Foot”, this gives a seal between the surface you are trying to listen too and will eliminate the wind interference.
- Check that the unit indicated by the unlit LED has been connected to the case correctly.
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Ensure that the unit will switch on or if the battery is too low, ensure that the battery is connected
- The battery level may be too low to register on the display panel of the charging case. Charge the unit for approximately 30 minutes and then check again.
- Check to see whether a defective battery is causing the problem by swapping batteries with another unit to see if the corresponding LED with light.
- Check to see whether the case charger circuit and connection is defective by attaching the unit to another connector to see whether the LED will light when the button is pressed.
- Check that the unit indicated by the unlit LED has been connected to the case correctly.
- Ensure that the unit will switch on or if the battery is too low, ensure that the battery is connected
- The battery level may be too low to register on the display panel of the charging case. Charge the unit for approximately 30 minutes and then check again.
- Check to see whether a defective battery is causing the problem by swapping batteries with another unit to see if the corresponding LED with light.
- Check to see whether the case charger circuit and connection is defective by attaching the unit to another connector to see whether the corresponding LED will light when the button is pressed.
- Check that the unit indicated by the unlit LED has been connected to the case correctly.
- Ensure that the unit will switch on or if the battery is too low, ensure that the battery is connected
- The battery level may be too low to register on the display panel of the charging case. Charge the unit for approximately 30 minutes and then check again.
- Check for as defective battery by swapping batteries with another unit to see if the LED with light.
- Check whether the case charger circuit and connection is defective by attaching the unit to another connector and to see whether the corresponding LED will light when the button is pressed.
