Troubleshooting
The most common causes for erroneous pressure transducer data include:
- poor sensor connections to the data logger
- damaged cables
- damaged transducers
- moisture in the vent tube
Problem:
Unit will not respond when attempting serial communications.
Suggestion:
Check the power (red is +V and black is ground) and signal (white is SDI-12 data) lines to ensure proper connection to the data logger. Check the data logger program to ensure that the same terminal the SDI-12 data line is connected to is specified in the measurement instruction.
Problem:
Transducer appears to be operating properly but water level data show cycles in fluctuation not attributable to water level changes.
Suggestion:
A kinked or plugged vent tube will not effectively vent the pressure transducer to atmospheric pressure. Normal changes in barometric pressure will appear as water level fluctuations and these types of errors are typically on the order of 1 foot of water level. If the desiccant chamber has not been properly maintained, water may have condensed in the vent tube and the device should be returned to the factory for service.