CTR-500 field-device power

[jabsfar]

Hello forum,
I have recently started my FP adventure, and am pretty impressed with what I have achieved so far ... Still, since I completely lack knowledge of electronics, I hesitate for the following. I have an FP-CTR-500 that is neatly counting pulses from anemometers, water-consumption counters etc. All these devices are powered through the 24VDC power that I piggy-backed from the FP1600. Now, the new counter I'd like to install takes 3VDC in the pulse-generating loop, and I wonder whether I can have this connected to the same CTR, and in what way. Can I use a separate external power supply ?! Any suggestions ?! Thanks a lot for your help,
Amicalement,
Jan Bayer

[matthB]

Hello,

Im afraid I don't get completely your issue.
According to my understanding of your message, you've got a FP1600 and a FP-CTR-500 module. This module successfully counts pulses from different sensors, powered by the FP1600. But what exactly do want to do now with the "new counter" ?


Regards,
Matthieu B.
NI France

[jabsfar]

Hello,
I agree, my question was not "waterproof" ...
I tried to indicate that I want to add an additional pulse emitting/generating device to my system, and I would like to be able to count the number of pulses. I would normally of course do that through the CTR500 unit. In this case however, my pulse emitter apparently needs to be powered at 3V. Is my understanding correct that I will never be able to "count" pulses of 3V using the CTR500 ?! But then, would there be another "artistic" way of counting such low voltage pulses ? Their frequency is (extremely) low, generated through opening/closing of a reed-relay (which might mean that their pulse duration is relatively long). Any suggestion would be more than welcome.
Jan

[matthB]

According to the device specifications the CTR500 input range is 10 to 30 VDC, so your understanding is correct on that point. Hence 2 solutions : either you manage to use signal conditioning to increase your input voltage, or you have to use another device.

Regards,

Matthieu B.

NI France