SENTRYNET 3

CHEMICAL
FLOW CONTROLLER
User Manual

Contents
DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................ 4
FEATURES ................................................................................................... 4
SENTRY TYPES ............................................................................................ 13
Standard Sentry Control .............................................................. 13
Solar Pump Sentry Control .......................................................... 14
FLOW SETTINGS ......................................................................................... 15
K Factor .......................................................................................... 15
Pump Full Scale ............................................................................ 15
Accumulated Flow ...................................................................... 15
CONTROL SETTINGS ................................................................................. 16
Chemical Flowrate SetPoint [SP]................................................ 16
SP Entry ........................................................................................... 16
Pump Full Scale ............................................................................ 16
Control Failure Detection ............................................................ 16
GENERAL SETTINGS .................................................................................. 17
Averaging ...................................................................................... 17
Modbus Address........................................................................... 17
Chemical Flow Units ..................................................................... 17
Product Flow Units ........................................................................ 18
Notes on Flow Units ...................................................................... 18
USER INTERFACE ....................................................................................... 19
Password Protection .................................................................... 19
Value Entry Types ......................................................................... 19
Numerical Value Entry Procedure ............................................. 19
CAUTION ................................................................................................... 22
MENUS ....................................................................................................... 22

Contents
DETECTING NO FLOW CONDITION ..................................................... 26
HANDLING NO FLOW CONDITION ..................................................... 26
CONTROL METHOD ................................................................................. 27
SYSTEM SETTINGS MENU ACCESS ........................................................... 29
SYSTEM SETTINGS DEFINITIONS................................................................ 29
Setting Default Values ................................................................. 29
mA Trim .......................................................................................... 29
Input Options................................................................................. 30
Baudrate & Parity ......................................................................... 30
Sentry Type .................................................................................... 30
Radio Configuration/Radio Diagnostics ................................... 30
DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS.................................................................. 32
Physical Communication Methods ........................................... 32
Communications Protocol .......................................................... 32
WIRELESS MENUS ...................................................................................... 33
RADIO MENU ACCESS ............................................................................. 33
RADIO CONFIGURATION SETTINGS ....................................................... 33
Please fill-in the information below for tuture reference. .................. 38
IDENTIFICATION ........................................................................................ 38
FLOW SETTINGS ......................................................................................... 38
CONTROL SETTINGS ................................................................................. 38
GENERAL SETTINGS .................................................................................. 39
SYSTEM SETTINGS ...................................................................................... 39

Overview

DESCRIPTION
The SentryNet3 is a programmable flow monitor/controller, which maintains
chemical injection to a product flow stream at the desired rate.
The SentryNet3 controls the chemical flowrate in one of two modes: manual
or automatic. In manual mode, the output to the pump is fixed as a
percentage of the full-scale output of the chemical pump. In the automatic
mode, the flowrate is maintained at the desired setpoint by dynamically
controlling the output to the metering pump.
In automatic control mode, the flowrate setpoint may be entered manually
as a flowrate, or it can be calculated using measurements received from
external transmitters. Two optional 4-20mA transmitter inputs may be
connected: a product flow meter and a chemical analyzer. The product
flow meter measures the flowrate in the uncontrolled product flow stream.
The chemical analyzer indicates the amount of impurities in the product flow
stream. The SentryNet3 then maintains the chemical flowrate required to
neutralize the impurities in the product flow stream.

FEATURES

Controls, measures and displays flowrate from a variety of chemical flow

meters

Flow control based on user settable (manual) or dynamic flow setpoint

Flowrate K factor user settable from 1,000 to 120,000 pulses/gal

Convenient K factor calibration feature

Selectable flowrate units

Setpoints automatically calculated based on remote input signals

4-20mA and relay outputs for chemical feed pump control

Alarm relay output to indicate control failure

Display of chemical flowrate and totalizer

Modbus serial communication options: RS-485, RS-232, Wireless, Ethernet

Safety/failsafe features

P 4 / 40

Overview

Communications:
Modbus
Wireless or
RS-485

Antenna
(Class 1 Div 1)

Magnetic Switches
(User Interface)
Sent r y3
Fl ow Cont r ol l er

Power:
10-30VDC

Chemical Additive

Flowmeter Input

Pump Control:
4-20mA and Pulse signals

Chemical Flow Meter

Pump

Product Flow
Product Flow Meter
(Optional)

Analyzer
(Optional)

3/4 NPT CONDUIT FEEDTHROUGH HUBS

Figure 1. SentryNet 3 external interfaces

P 5 / 40

Specifications

USER INTERFACE
Display
User Interface
COMMUNICATIONS
Modbus

FLOWMETER INPUT
Pulses per sec

2 line x 16-character LCD with backlight.

2 magnetic switches (activated through glass window)

Selectable: RS-485, RS-232, Ethernet, Wireless: Nonmesh radio, Mesh radio.

Standard COM settings: 9600,N,8,1
0 300. Flowrate fullscale depends on the flowmeter K
factor

mA INPUTS
2 x 4-20 mA inputs representing Product Flow and
Analyzer values to automatically set the flow control
setpoint.
CONTROL MODES
Auto
Manual
OUTPUTS / RELAYS

Feed forward/feedback control method

User sets control output value from 0 100%.
4-20mA and pulse outputs are simultaneously
available to maintain flow control

mA output
Relays

0.1% or 0.02mA resolution. Load resistance depends on

supplied power supply voltage.
2 SPST 3 Amp solid state relays. AC or DC type
available.

P 6 / 40

Specifications
Relay 1: No Flow condition / Loss of Control (normally
energized)
Relay 2: Pump output (solid state relay contacts). Max
pulses per second = 130.
POWER
Volts
Current

10 30 Vdc
130 mA max. @ 12 Vdc
65 mA max. @ 24 Vdc
MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Enclosure
Explosion proof.
Weight
3.75 kg (8.25 lb)
3/4 NPT CONDUIT FEEDTHROUGH HUBS

Figure 2. Top view

Figure 3. Front view

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS
Operating Temp. -20 to 60 C.

P 7 / 40

Specifications
Relative Humidity 90% max. with no condensation.

P 8 / 40

Installation
IMPORTANT: Shut off power supply for the SentryNet3 prior to
electrical hookup.

All SentryNet3 connections are located in the rear compartment of the

enclosure.

D-

D+

Freq In

Relays
Pum,p Control

mA Out

Alarm

mA In

Not Used

+ - + -

Not Used

+ - + -

Analyzer

+ - + -

Product Flow

+ - + -

Flowmeter

GND

GND

RS-485

Pump Control

+12VDC

Power

Figure 4. SentryNet3 connections (rear view)

P 9 / 40

Startup

1. Apply power to the SentryNet3.

2. The initial splash screens will display the S/N and software revision.
3. The optional radio module will be checked. One of following
messages will be displayed:
4. If no radio module is installed:

Checking Radio
No Radio Found

5. If a meshing radio is installed:

Checking Radio
Meshing Radio ok

6. If a non-meshing radio is installed:

Checking Radio
NonMesh Radio ok

P 10 / 40

Startup
7. The main screen is displayed:

5.0QPD SP
Out: 53.0%

4.5
Man

8. The top line shows the current chemical additive flowrate and the
setpoint (SP) in the selected flowrate units (quarts per day in the above
example).
9. The second line shows the control output in percent (%) and the
Control Mode: Man = Manual Control, Auto = Auto Control
10. There are three other data screens. Activate the A switch using the
magnet to scroll through each screen.
11. This screen shows the accumulated flow (volume) in the selected units.
The accumulated flow may be cleared at any time [see Configuration
section for details].

Chem Vol
7.8Qrt

12. This screen shows the chemical flowrate. Two values are shown. The
Raw value is the internal flowrate used for control. The Avg value is
for display only it is the average of the last five Raw value readings
for a more stable reading.

Chem Flow (QPD)

Avg 5.0 Raw 4.7
13.
14. The final screen shows the setpoint (SP).

P 11 / 40

Startup
Fixed = manually set by user via the magnetic switches.
Ext = set by external input. The value is calculated based on the
input value of Product Flow meter and/or the Analyzer.
The bottom line shows the SP in flowrate units, whether set
manually [Fixed] or by the Analyzer [Ext].

SP:Fixed
= 5 QPD

P 12 / 40

Definitions

SENTRY TYPES
There are two SentryNet3 types:

Solar Pump

Standard

The main difference between the two types is in the pump pulse control
signals.
The pump type selection is made in the Systems menu, which is not exposed
during field setup. Switching between the two types requires a change in
pumps.

Standard Sentry Control

The Standard SentryNet3 controls the pump by adjusting the strokes per
minute. The on-dwell time is determined by the maximum number of pulses
per minute programmed in the Pump Full Scale section of the Control
Settings menu.
Fixed Dwell
[On Time]

25 strokes/min
@ 50% output

25
1 minute

Example
Pump Full Scale = 50 strokes.min
Output = 50%

Figure 5. Standard SentyNet3 pump control pulses

P 13 / 40

Definitions

Solar Pump Sentry Control

The Solar Pump SentryNet3 controls the pump by adjusting the dwell time
over a fixed period. The fixed period is field settable. The maximum number
of strokes per minute is 6 and the maximum dwell time for each stroke is 3
seconds.
Variable Dwell
1.5 seconds
@ 50% output

4 strokes/min
Set by Pump Full Scale

4
1 minute

Example
Pump Full Scale = 4 strokes.min
Output = 50%
Dwell time = 1.5 sec. Range = 0 to 3 sec (3 sec max. Dwell Time is fixed)

Figure 6. Solar SentryNet 3 pump control pulses

P 14 / 40

Definitions
FLOW SETTINGS
K Factor
The K factor is fixed by the flow meter. It is the number of pulses per gallon
generated by the chemical flowmeter. The SentryNet3 accepts values
between 1,000 to 120,000 pulses per gallon.
Although this value is set by the flow meter, the actual value in a particular
installation is affected by external influences such as pressure and fluid type
and so may be different than the value listed by the manufacturer. The
SentryNet3 allows K Factor calibration to trim the value for each application.
Pump Full Scale
This value is determined by the chemical pump. It equals the actual
maximum flowrate the pump is capable of in a particular installation. Factors
such as pressure can affect the pump full scale. The Pump FS value is used in
the automatic control mode to calculate the initial control output value
setting.
Accumulated Flow
The chemical output is totalized and saved by the SentryNet3. It is displayed
in the units selected and may be cleared at any time.

P 15 / 40

Definitions
CONTROL SETTINGS
Chemical Flowrate SetPoint [SP]
The SP is the desired chemical flowrate value to be maintained by the
SentryNet3 in the automatic control mode. It is either specified directly in the
selected flowrate units or it is automatically and dynamically set by data
from external transmitters: Product Flowmeter and/or Analyzer.
SP Entry
If neither a Product Flowmeter nor an Analyzer are configured, then the
SentryNet3 will prompt for the SP in the selected flow units e.g., Quarts per
Day (QPD).
If an Analyzer, but no Product Flowmeter is configured, then the SentryNet3
will:

Read the chemical addition ppm value from the Analyzer

Prompt for a fixed Product Flowrate value

Calculate the chemical flowrate SP: (ppm * Product

Flowrate)/1000,000

The entered Product Flowrate is assumed to be a contant.

If a Product Flow meter, but no Analyzer is configured, then the SentryNet3
will:

Prompt for a fixed chemical addition ppm value

Read the flowrate from the Product Flowmeter

Calculate the chemical flowrate SP: (ppm *

ProductFlowrate)/1000,000

Pump Full Scale

This value sets the maximum pump control output range in strokes per
minute. See the start of this section [SENTRYNET TYPES] for details.
Control Failure Detection
The SentryNet3 will activate a Control Failure alarm [activates Alarm Relay] if
the chemical flowrate (or Process Variable: PV) deviates from the SP by more

P 16 / 40

Definitions
than the Alarm Tolerance [entered in percent] for at least the Alarm Time
Delay. The Alarm Tolerance and Alarm Delay are field settable.

GENERAL SETTINGS
Averaging
Averaging is only used by the Standard SentryNet3.
The Standard SentryNet3 uses relatively high pump strokes, producing bursts
of pulses from the flowmeter. Averaging is used to smooth out the
calculated flowrate from the flowmeter pulses.
The Solar Pump version of the SentryNet3 counts pulses over the relatively
long pump stroke cycle [typically 1- 2 strokes per minute] and due to this
synchronization, is relatively immune from flow fluctuations.
Modbus Address
The SentryNet3 functions as a Modbus slave. It is accessible by an external
Modbus master via the following communication methods:

Wireless in a meshed network. An optional Meshing radio must be

installed.

Wireless in a non-meshed network. An optional non-meshing radio

must be installed.

RS-485

RS-232

Selection between the methods is via hardware configuration. In all cases, a

Modbus slave requires a unique Modbus Address to distinguish it from other
slaves in a communications network.
Chemical Flow Units
The chemical flowrate may be displayed in a number of units:

QPD (Quarts per Day)

LPD (Litres per Day)

GPD (Gallons per Day)

The accumulated flow units are automatically adjusted based on the

chemical flowrate units i.e., quarts, litres, gallons.

P 17 / 40

Definitions
Menu prompts will automatically use the selected units.
Product Flow Units
The Product flowrate may be displayed in a number of units:

GPD (Gallons per Day)

BPD (Barrels per Day)

Notes on Flow Units

The SentyNet3 uses GPD and gallons as primary units.

Flow and volume are converted to selected units such as LPD, QPD,
and BPD only for display and for value entry. Once a value, such as
the Setpoint, is entered in the selected units, it is converted and saved
as GPD. Flow and volume values in selected units are not held in
memory, but converted only when necessary.

All flow and volume related values acquired via Modbus (digital
communications/network) are in GPD or gallons, respectively.

P 18 / 40

User Interface
USER INTERFACE

Menu navigation and configuration are performed using two magnetically

activated switches labeled A and B.
In the text below, pressing a key refers to the following sequence of actions:
1. Start with the magnet at least one inch vertically above the desired
magnetic switch
2. Then bring the magnet straight down to touch the glass window to
activate the switch
3. After value entry, lift the magnet vertically up and away from the switch.
The above procedure ensures only the desired switch is activated.
The A key is typically used to select the next menu item while the B key is
used to confirm entry.
Password Protection
Configuration values are password protected against inadvertent
modifications.
Information may be viewed without restriction, but the password entry screen
is activated as soon as an attempt is made to change a value.
Value Entry Types
There are two kinds of value entries:

Numerical

Selection between multiple states

Numerical values may only be entered within an allowed range. If the value
is not within the range, the entered value is cleared to the minimum or the
maximum value is displayed and the entry procedure is restarted.
Numerical Value Entry Procedure
This procedure applies to the entry of all numerical values, including the
password.

P 19 / 40

User Interface

The current value is displayed and the cursor flashes over the most
significant digit.

To accept the value without making any changes, press and hold the
B key until the value entry screen is exited.

To change the current digit, press the A key repeatedly. The digit value
will increase to 9 then roll over to 0.

Press the B key to advance to the next digit.

Repeat the above two steps until all digits are set as desired.

If the entered value is not within the allowed limits, the entered value is
cleared and value entry is restarted.

P 20 / 40

Main Menu
Flow Settings

Main Menu
Control
Settings

Main Menu
General
Settings

Chem Volume

K-Factor

SetPoint

Averaging

Pulses:
Freq:

Chem Flow

K-Factor Trim

Pump FS

Modbus
Address

Pulse/Strk
Count/strk

SetPoint
Value

Chem Flow FS

Control Fail Set

Chem Flow
Units

PFlow%
Analyzer%

Clear Accum
Flow

Exit

Product Flow
units

Exit
B

Control
Mode:Auto
B

Exit

Exit

MainMenu
Exit

P 21 / 40

Set Out%

Main Menu
Diagnostic

Control
Mode:Man

A
A

Menu Overview

Hold for
3 Seconds
Main Display
Screen

From any of the Display screens, press and hold the A key for 3 sec. to enter
the Settings screens.

SentryNet 3 Programming Menu Flow Chart

Configuration

CAUTION
This section assumes the reader has read through the Definition section.
Only qualified personnel should attempt to modify the configuration values.
Improper settings can cause instrument failure and/or damage.

MENUS
The configuration setting flowcharts are detailed in the following pages. They
should be used in conjunction with the Definitions and User Interface sections.

P 22 / 40

Flow Settings
Main Menu
Flow Settings

The number of pulses per gallon generated by the chemical

flow meter. This number can be manually set or determined
by following the proceedure in the K-Factor Trim section
below

K-Factor:pls/gal B
13900

K Trim: Test mL =
10

See expanded explaination in manual

under Chemical meter calibration

Flow Settings
K-Factor Trim

K Trim: Out %=
0

K Trim: Ready
B=Yes

K Trim: Pumping
Pumped: 0mL

A
B

Flow Settings
Chem Flow FS

Chem Flow FS: QPD

B
100

P 23 / 40

Flow Settings
Clear Accum
Flow

Clear Total Flow

B=Clear

K Trim: Real mL=

XXXX

B=Flow Done
Pumped: XXXX

To Determine this value operate the pump

at 100% output and use value displayed
after system is stable. The units
QPD,LPD,or GPD are set in the General
Settings Menu

Used to reset the total

volume of chemical
pumped to zero

Flow Settings
Exit

"A" to toggle up and "B" to accept move to next digit

Configuration

Flow Settings
K-Factor:

Control Settings
Main Menu
Control Settings
B

Control Settings
Set Point

Set Point: QPD B

4

Control Settings
Pump FS

PMP FS: Strks/Min

10

This paramater only

pertains to pumps driven
by the relay outputsettings can be from 1 to
120

Control Settings
Control Fail Set
A

Cont Fail:Tolrnc
%: 25

Cont Fail:Delay
sec: 60

The default allows the

actual flow rate to be over
or under the current Set
Point by 25% for 60
seconds before triggering
analarm

Control Settings
Exit
B

P 24 / 40
"A" to toggle up and "B" to accept move to next digit

Configuration

This value can be entered

manually or calculated by
the Sentry based on the
analog inputs. The units of
volume are determined by
a setting in the General
Settings Menu

General Settings
Main Menu
General Settings

General Settings
Averaging

500

General Settings B
Modbus Address

255

The number of pulse

counts required to update
the display and control
functions

They unquie number

address for this unit if on a
communication network.
Number between 1 and
255

General Settings
Chem Flow Units

Chem Flow: QPD

B
Set to: QPD

General Settings
Prod Flow Units
A

Prod Flow: BPD

Set to: BPD

The units of volume

desired for displaying
chemical totals and flow
rate. QPD-LPD-GPD use
A to toggle

P 25 / 40

The units of volume desired for

displaying product flow rate.
BPD-GPD use A to toggle

General Settings
Exit
B

"A" to toggle up and "B" to accept move to next digit

Configuration

Reference

This section describes features and utilities of the SentryNet3 not detailed in
the previous sections.

DETECTING NO FLOW CONDITION

If flowmeter pulses are not received for two minutes, then a No Flow
condition is flagged.
If a No Flow condition is active when Chemical flowrate is required, then a
No Flow Alarm is activated.
Note: Chemical flowrate is required when the control mode is in the Auto
mode and the Chemical flowrate is not at the desired Setpoint.

HANDLING NO FLOW CONDITION

This feature is always turned on and is not selectable.
When a No Flow Alarm or Control Failure (See Control Definitions section) is
first detected, the control output value is captured and saved. The pump
control output is slowly ramped up to try and revive the pump. If this action
does not succeed, then the output is forced to and maintained at the
previously captured output. Here are the details:
In the event of a pump not working, or temporarily stalled (?), the SentryNet3
will detect a No Flow Alarm or a Control Failure. At this point, the following
sequence is initiated:
1. The current control output value is stored i.e., pump on at 45%
2. Every 30 seconds, the pump output is ramped upward in an effort to bring
the flow back from 0.
3. If there is still no flow for 2 minutes, then the output is forced to the stored
value recorded when the No Flow condition was first detected.
4. A No Flow alarm is now latched: the Alarm Relay is activated. A latched
condition can only be reset by cycling the power to the SentryNet3.
5. The control mode is left in AUTO mode.

P 26 / 40

Reference
CONTROL METHOD
The SentryNet3 maintains the chemical flowrate to the desired Setpoint by
pump control.
If the Setpoint changes (see below) by more than 5%, then the pump output
is recalculated (see below). If not, then the output is gradually ramped up or
down to maintain the desired chemical flowrate Setpoint.
Setpoint changes may be made either in static mode by the user or
dynamically by an external Product flowmeter / Analyzer (See Control
Definitions section).
The pump output is recalculated based on the pump fullscale (Chem Flow
Fullscale see Flow Definitions section) and the desired Setpoint.
Pump output percent = 100 * (Setpoint/Chem Flow Fullscale)

P 27 / 40

Diagnostics
Pulses:
Freq:

Displays pulses accumulated this cycle

and the frequency of the last cycle of
pulses-this will "roll over" at the number
of pulses set in the Averaging setting of
the General menu

All Items in this menu are

read only and are
displayed for information
and troubleshooting
purposes.

Diagnostics
Pulses/Stroke:
Counts/Stroke:

This item is only displayed when the

Sunpump type is selected in the
Sentry Type item in the System
Settings Menu

Diagnostics
Prod Flow %:
Analyzer %:
A

This item only appears when either a

product flow meter and/or analyzer is
selected in the Input Options item in
the system settings menu. Only the
activated input(s) will display

Diagnostics
Exit
B

10

P 28 / 40

"A" to toggle up and "B" to accept move to next digit

Diagnostics

Main Menu
Diagnostics

See the Menu Overview section on how to get to the Diagnostics screen.

Diagnostics Menu

System Settings

11

WARNING
SentryNet3 System settings are not available for field modification. They
affect fundamental parameters, which must only be modified by qualified
users.
See the end of this section for the Systems Settings menu flowchart.

SYSTEM SETTINGS MENU ACCESS

1. From any of the Display screens, press and hold the A key for 3 seconds to
enter the Flow Settings screen.
2. Press the A key two times to display the General Settings screen option.
3. Press the B key to enter the General Settings screen.
4. Press the A key repeatedly to display the General Settings Exit screen.
5. Press and hold the B key for 3 seconds at the General Settings Exit screen
to display the hidden System Settings screen.

SYSTEM SETTINGS DEFINITIONS

Setting Default Values
This setting forces factory default values to Flow, Control, General, and
System settings. These values will overwrite existing values so Setting Defaults
must be used with caution.
mA Trim
This procedure is performed once at the factory and is not typically required
to be performed again.
The mA output is affected by electronic component tolerances. This
procedure trims the mA output by calculating the correction factor. The
SentryNet3 will force the output to 20 mA. The user must measure the actual
output using a mA meter and enter this value. The SentryNet3 will then
calculate the new correction factor.

P 29 / 40

System Settings
For example, 19.85 mA may actually be measured instead of 20. If you enter
this value at the prompt, the SentryNet3 will recalculate the mA trim.
Input Options
See Chemical Flowrate Setpoint definition in the Control Settings Definitions
section.
This menu sets whether or not a Product Flowmeter and or Analyzer is
connected to the SentryNet3. These external devices affect how the
chemical flowrate Setpoint value is calculated.
Baudrate & Parity
Baudrate and parity are settings used for digital communications.
This menu is used only if a radio module is not installed. Radios use fixed
baudrate and parity values.
Sentry Type
See Sentry Types in the Definitions section. Either the Solar Pump or Standard
SentryNet3 may be selected. This setting must be matched by application
hardware such as pump types and should not be changed unless the
hardware is compatible.
Radio Configuration/Radio Diagnostics
These menus are only available if a radio module is detected. See the Radio
section for details.

P 30 / 40

System Settings Without Radio

Main Menu
System Settings
B

System Settings
Set Defaults

Set Defaults
B
A=Abort B=OK

Used to adjust the SN3's 4

to 20mA output for fine
tuning with field equipment

System Settings B
Trim mA Output

Trim mA Out
mA=20.00

Used to select the type of

input that is to be used as
a pacing source

System Settings
Input Options

Input Options
Prod Flowmetr=No

Input Options
Analyzer=No

System Settings
Baud Rate/Parity B

Baud Rate/Parity
B
Baud=9600

Baud Rate/Parity
Parity=None
B

Used to set the baud rate

and parity of the
communications port-this
will not be visible if the
SN3 detects an on board
radio

P 31 / 40

System Settings
Sentry Type

Input Options
Sentry=Standard B

Used to set the operation

mode

System Settings
Exit

"A" to toggle up and "B" to accept move to next digit

System Settings

Used to set unit to factory

defaults

Communications

12

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
Digital communication requires two independent specifications:

Physical communication method

Communications protocol

For example, in a telephone conversation, the physical communication

method is the telephone system, and the protocol is the language spoken.
One physical method may support many protocols and vice versa.
Physical Communication Methods
The SentryNet3 supports the following physical communication methods:

RS-232 (3 wire: Transmit, Receive, Ground)

RS-485 (3 wire: D+, D-, Ground)

Ethernet (wired)

Wi-Fi (wireless Ethernet)

Non-mesh Radio (transparent or wire replacement mode)

Mesh Radio (multiple SentryNet3 units route messages in a wireless

network).

Communications Protocol
The SentryNet3 supports the Modbus protocol. Modbus is a Master Slave
protocol where there is a single network master and multiple network slaves.
Slaves and master are connected in a network using one of the physical
communiation methods listed above. Slaves only reply when queried by the
master.
The SentryNet3 is a Modbus slave.
Each SentryNet3 on a network must have a unique number called a Modbus
Address. This address must be set prior to connecting a SentryNet3 to a
network. Multiple SentryNet3s with the same Modbus Address will cause
communication errors.

P 32 / 40

13

Wireless Radio
WARNING

A radio module must be installed to enable wireless communications.

Radio configuration values are intended to be fixed for most applications.
Changes must be made throughout the network and NOT on an individual
basis.

WIRELESS MENUS
There are two radio menus:

Radio Configuration Settings [see warning above]

Radio Diagnostics [these are for display only]

RADIO MENU ACCESS

The two radio menus are the final 2 entries in System Settings. See the
flowchart below. The radio menus are only visible if a radio module is
installed.

RADIO CONFIGURATION SETTINGS

Parameter

Description

Value

PL

Transmit Power Level.

0 = 1 mW
1 = 10 mW
2 = 100 mW
3 = 500 mW
4=1W
Destination High Address
This is only required for mesh radio applications.
The value must match the Source High Address of the Modbus
master
Destination Low Address
This is only required for mesh radio applications.
The value must match the Source Low Address of the Modbus
master
Hopping Channel
Network ID
Network Hops
Sets the maximum number of hops expected in a network route

DH

DL

HP
ID
NH

varies

varies

3
1222
7

P 33 / 40

Wireless Radio
NN
NQ
NR

Network Delay Slots

Network Route Requests
Network Retries

3
3
1

P 34 / 40

System Settings With Meshing Radio

Main Menu
System Settings
B

System Settings
B
Set Defaults

Set Defaults
A=Abort B=OK B

Used to adjust the SN3's 4

to 20mA output for fine
tuning with field
equipment-see manual for
proceedure

System Settings
Trim mA Output

Trim mA Out
mA=20.00

Used to select the type of

input that is to be used as
a pacing source

System Settings
Input Options

Input Options
Prod Flowmetr=No

Input Options
Analyzer=No

Used to set the operation

mode
System Settings
B
Sentry Type

Input Options
Sentry=Standard B

System Settings
Radio Config

See:
Mesh Radio
Config page

P 35 / 40

System Settings
A
Radio Diag

VB:0:00 Temp:00
A
RSS: 0

GD: 0
TR: 0

ER: 0

HV:0000 VR:0000

SH:00000000 A
SL:00000000

System Settings
Exit

"A" to toggle up and "B" to accept move to next digit

Wireless Radio

Used to set unit to factory

defaults

Meshing Radio Config Page

Wireless Radio

System Settings
Radio Config
B

Radio Config
Set Defaults

Radio:Dest Addr
DL:00000000

Radio:Net Hops
NH:07

Radio:Dest Addr
DH:00000000

Set Defaults
A=Abort B=OK

Radio:Net del
NN:03

Radio:Tx Pwr Lvl

B
PL:4
A

Radio:Net Rt
Req
NQ:03
A

Radio:Net Retry
NR:01

B
A

A
A

Radio:Hopping Ch
HP:3

Radio:Diag Freq
003

A
A

P 36 / 40

Radio:Net Addr
ID:1222

"A" to toggle up and "B" to accept move to next digit

Troubleshooting
CONDITION

14

REMEDY

1.
2.

P 37 / 40

15

Settings Sheets
Please fill-in the information below for tuture reference.

IDENTIFICATION
Checked by
Model Number
Serial Number
Hardware Rev.
Software Rev.

FLOW SETTINGS
PARAMETER

DESCRIPTION

FACTORY

USER

SETTING

SETTING

K Factor

Flowmeter output: pulses per gallon

13,900

Chem Flow Full

Scale

Maximum flowrate capability of the

chemical addition pump

25 (GPD)

CONTROL SETTINGS
PARAMETER

DESCRIPTION

FACTORY

USER

SETTING

SETTING

Control Mode

Automatic or Manual [Fixed]

Manual

SetPoint [SP]

Desired chemical flowrate

1.0 (GPD)

Pump Full Scale

Maximum pump output range in strokes per

minute

30 strks/min

Alarm Tolerance

Control Failure Detection: The SentryNet3 will

activate a Control Failure alarm if the
chemical flowrate [or Process Variable: PV]
deviates from the SP by more than the Alarm

25 %

P 38 / 40

Settings Sheets
Tolerance [entered in percent] for at least
the Alarm Timedelay
Alarm Delay

See Alarm Tolerance

60 sec.

GENERAL SETTINGS
PARAMETER

DESCRIPTION

FACTORY

USER

SETTING

SETTING

Averaging

Only used by the Standard SentryNet3 [not

the Solar Pump version]. The number of
samples per average to smoothen out the
calculated chemical flowrate

500

Modbus
Average

Unique Network Address for each slave

device in a Modbus network

Chemical
Flowrate units

Chemical flowrate units used for display, and

configuration [e.g. entering the SetPoint]

QPD

Product Flowrate
Units

Product flowrate units used for setting the

SetPoint.

BPD

SYSTEM SETTINGS
PARAMETER

Input Options

DESCRIPTION

FACTORY

USER

SETTING

SETTING

Product Flowmeter Installed

No

Analyzer installed

No

SentryNet3 Type

Standard or Solar Pump version

Standard

Comm Settings

Baud rate

9600

Parity

None

Product flowrate units used for setting the

SetPoint.

BPD

Product Flowrate
Units

P 39 / 40

Contacts

16

For additional technical support, contact:

(Provide physical address, email, phone and fax number)

P 40 / 40