INSTRUCTION MANUALSOUNDING LEVEL METERMODEL：

TLX-120AP1/200AP

Meanings of indications for safety used in this Instruction Manual are as follows.
WARNING:

Indicates that improper handling assumes the risk of a fatal or serious injury.

CAUTION:

Indicates that improper handling assumes the risk of injury or damage to property only.

TOWA SEIDEN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
HEAD OFFICETOKYO OFFICENAGOYA OFFICE

Phone: 81-6-6340-5522, Fax: 81-6-6340-5519
Phone: 81-3-5484-2171, Fax: 81-3-5484-2175
Phone: 81-52-937-5817, Fax: 81-52-937-5836

OSAKA PLANT

Phone: 81-6-6340-2831, Fax: 81-6-6349-6551

URL http://w w w .tow a-seiden.co.jp№ETL1000-1

09.02.04

Thank you for purchasing this product.
Please check the model number and accessories, and follow the instructions in the
instruction manual for proper use of this product.
Request of the customer
Please be sure that the persons using this product have access to the instruction manual.
Be sure to keep this manual for future reference.
Safety precautions
In this instruction manual, the following symbols are used to ensure safe use of the product.

Warning: Improper use of the product may result in death or serious injury.
Caution: Improper use of the product may result in minor injury or physicaldamage only.

Warning: Be sure to strictly observe the following safety precautions in order to
use the sounding level meter properly and safely. We shall not beliable and make no warranty for any accident or failure resulting fromfailure to observe these precautions.
Caution: The sounding level meter may fail to provide accurate measurements
depending on conditions of use (such as temperature and humidity).
Check the specifications of the product for proper use of the product.
Never rework or modify the detector or controller unit. Doing so may
cause the measurement to fail and may damage the product.
Warning: Turn off the power supply to the product before connecting the wires.
Failure to do so may result in electric shock depending on the circuit.

Table of Contents
Page
1. Principle of Operation····································································································

1

2. Features·····················································································································

1

3. Description of Operation································································································

1

4. Specifications·············································································································

2

5. Installation·················································································································

3

5-1. Short tube nozzle for mounting··············································································

3

5-2. Mounting position··································································································

3

5-2. Mounting method···································································································

3

6. Terminal description······································································································

4

7. Wiring·······················································································································

6

7-1. Precautions on wiring·····························································································

6

7-2. Electric wires·········································································································

6

7-3. Wiring···················································································································

6

8. Settings························································································································

7

8-1. How to configure rated setting·················································································

7

8-2. Simplified way to obtain current output····································································· 98-3. How to set simplified automatic operation·····························································

9

9. Operation procedures and input/output operation description········································

10

9-1. Manual operation····································································································

10

9-2. Continuous operation·····························································································

10

10. Abnormalities·············································································································

11

10-1. Wire rope breakage······························································································

11

10-2. Buried weight·······································································································

11

11. Reset function············································································································

11

12. Maintenance··············································································································

12

13. Parts replacement·······································································································

12

Mounting the weight······································································································· 12
Mounting the wire rope··································································································· 13
How to wind up the wire rope·························································································· 13
14. Troubleshooting·········································································································

215

1. Principle of Operation
The sounding level meter accurately measures the level of powder and grain inside a silo ortank by electrically measuring the length of a wire rope mounted with a weight that is let down
until it reaches the measurement target.
2. Features
The controller is built into the detector unit, allowing the use of the sounding level meter with
the input switch and output indicator (output of 4–20 mA DC or pulse signals used for acounter). This configuration eliminates the requirement for large controller space.
Anyone can use the product without difficulty. For the rated settings, simply input the distance
you want to apply. No need for complicated calculations or conversion tables. Easily modify theratings corresponding to the current output of 4–20 mA.
The meter provides output while it performs the measurement. The output can be used as asignal to set the timing for throwing in the measurement target.
The self-diagnosis function outputs an alarm indicating an abnormality (such as wire rope
breakage and buried weight). With the LED indicator of the controller built into the detector unit,
the operator can check the abnormality.
The meter is equipped with a simplified automatic measuring timer.
Contact type operation of the level meter allows use in hazardous environments, such as indust, which causes problems when measuring the levels of powder and grain.
3. Description of Operation
When a start signal is input to the TLX sounding level meter, the meter outputs one pulse as
the measurement starts. Then, the motor starts rotating downward, letting down the wire rope
mounted with a weight. The distance the wire rope is lowered is measured with a sensor.
When the weight reaches the measurement target, another sensor detects the status, and themeter completes measurement. After that, the weight is quickly wound up, and the meter waits
for the next measurement, retaining the measured data. The meter outputs a pulse every 10
cm during the measurement, which is used to display the measured amount with a commercial
non-voltage input type indicator.

14. Specifications

Type
Measurement range

TLX-120AP1

TLX-200AP

0–12 m0–20 mMeasurement method

Pulse method

Measurement scale

Wire rope Φ2mm, SUS304

Motor

Single-phase 20 W reversible (50/60Hz), Electromagnetic brake typeOutput Current output
Pulse output
Start output
Outputduringmeasurement
Abnormality
outputInput

4–20 mA DC, resistance load 350 Ω or less
NPN open-collector output
Maximum 40 mA (30 A) or less, residual voltage 1 V or lessContact a, AC250V/5A, DC30V/5A (resistance load)
Contact a, AC250V/5A, DC30V/5A (resistance load)
Non-voltage contact signal (start input)

Measurement resolution
Accuracy

10 cm
10 cm

Power supply (yellow), operation (with a two-color LED, measuring:green, abnormality: red)

Indicator lamp
Weight elevating speed
Timer function

About 13 m/min
3 min, 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 30 min, 60 min, 2 h, and 3 h (3min cannot be selected with TLX-200AP)）

Power supply voltage

AC100V or AC200V, 50/60HzPower consumption

70 VA

Flange size
Ambient
during use

1% of F.S.

5K100A (SS400)
temperature-10ºC to +50°C (no freezing allowed)

Materials used(main)

Body, flange
Cover
Wire
Drum
Weight (standard)

Painting color

Munsell 10YR7.5/14

Weight31 kg

Caution: Specify AC100V or AC200V for the power supply voltage.
*Special specifications conform to documents accompanying the product.

2

SS400
SS400
SUS304
Cast aluminumSS41

5. Installation
5-1. Short tube nozzle for mounting
The length of the short tube nozzle to be mounted must be 150 mm or less (for the case of
the standard standby position of 500 mm). (Refer to Figure 5-1.)
Cut off the inside edges of the short tube to prevent wire damage and productmalfunction.
5-2. Mounting position
Avoid mounting the product in a position directly below or close to the carry-in or carryout
port of the measurement target. Failure to do so may cause a buried weight. Select a
position where the weight does not touch the surrounding structures when swinging. Be
sure to secure the necessary space for an inspection of the product around the top coverand the section storing the controller. For the details of the mounting position andmounting method of the product, refer to Figure 5-2.
In the event exposure to direct sunlight may cause the temperature to rise in the product,
implement the appropriate measure, such as attaching a sunshade.
5-3. Mounting method
This product is mounted with a flange (JIS 5K100A). Be sure to mount the product in thehorizontal position. If the product is mounted at a slant, the wire rope may deviate from thedrum, wind around the main shaft, or prevent the upper limit detection lever from lowering.
Be sure to check the mounting condition with a level gauge or other devices. Whenmounting the product, be sure to insert rubber packing (thickness of about 3 mm) andsecure the product with M16 x L60 bolts, nuts, and washers in eight positions.
Pay close attention to avoid damaging the wire rope when mounting the sensor. In
addition, be sure to secure the space necessary for inspection. It is recommended that an
opening for inspection be provided in near the product.
Caution: The rubber packing, bolts, nuts, and washers are not attached to the product.
They must be prepared separately.

3Direction of the
wire
rope
movement

Keep the short tube length to
150 mm or less.

Standard standby position

150 mm or lessTop view of
the tank

Side view of
the tank

Figure 5-1

Figure 5-2

6. Terminal description
External wiring

Inside the controller
Terminal number

Terminal block

4–20 mA current output
GND
Measurement switch

Measurement start input (*1)
(Performs automatic measurement in acontinuous ON condition.)

Reset
input

Start output
0 V (used for counter input)
Pulse count output

Output during measurement (N. O.)

Pulse countinput

COM (Common terminal for relay output)

Electronic counter, sequencer, etc.

Abnormality output (N. O.)
Relay specifications: AC250V 5A
DC30V 5A
Power source
AC100v or 200V
50/60HzPower supply switch

4–20 mA (Terminal No. 1)
The terminal for current output used together with Terminal No. 2. The current output of 4–20
mA has been adjusted by default before shipment, requiring no further adjustment.
GND (Terminal No. 2)

4

Used as a ground for the 4–20 mA terminal and the start terminal. Pay attention to avoid
mistaking this for the 0 V terminal of Terminal No. 5, which has no relationship to the ground.
Start input
A signal to start measurement with this product. Measurement starts by short-circuiting thisterminal to GND. When the terminal short-circuits continuously, a timer function activates
during that period. When the circuit opens, the timer stops functioning, resetting the elapsed
time. When the abnormality output is being activated, short-circuiting the start input to GND
continuously for 5 seconds generates a reset condition to initialize the product. If the timer
function is being used, the terminal must be opened once.
Start input (Terminal No.4)
The terminal outputs one pulse before measurement starts. This is used to reset the previous
value of the devices such as the counter. The terminal provides output by means of a transistor(open collector) that holds Lo potential at signal output. The terminal is used together with 0 V(Terminal No. 5).
0V (Terminal No. 5)This terminal is used together with Terminals No. 4 and No. 6, by connecting to 0 V of the inputof the devices such as the counter or to GND. Pay attention to avoid mistaking this for Terminal
No. 2 that has no relationship to this terminal.
Pulse output (Terminal No.6)
This terminal outputs a pulse for every 10 cm during measurement. The terminal provides
output by means of a transistor (open collector) that holds Lo potential at signal output. The
terminal is used together with 0 V (Terminal No. 5).
Output during operation (Terminal Nos. 7 and 8)
When the start input initiates the measurement, the relay contact closes as a signal to showthat measurement is underway until measurement is completed. During standby, the relay
contact is open. This terminal is used together with Terminal No. 8.
Abnormality output (Terminal Nos. 9 and 8)
In the event of an abnormal condition in the product, the relay contact closes as an output
signal to show the abnormality. In the normal condition, the relay contact is open. Abnormal
conditions refer to wire breakage and buried weight. This terminal is used together withTerminal No. 8.
Power terminal (Terminal Nos. 10 and 11)
Be sure to supply the specified power source voltage (AC100V or AC200V, 50/60Hz).

57. Wiring7-1. Precautions on wiring
Caution: Do not use a power supply that exceeds the rated power supply of the product.
Doing so may cause damage.
Short-circuit the start input to GND for operation. Do not apply voltage.
Implement wiring and piping separate from high voltage and power lines.
Failure to do so may result in the influence of inductive noise on the product,causing malfunction or damage to the product.
Warning: When implementing the wiring, check that the power switch of this product isturned off and no voltage is supplied to the cables wired from outside theproduct. Ground the product chassis during operation.
7-2. Electric wires
2

For wiring, polyvinyl-coated wires (PVC cable) with a cross-section of 1.25–2 mm arerecommended. The product provides two wiring inlet ports. Use a cable formeasurement (captire cable) for wiring to current output, start input, and counter output(Terminal Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) different from the cable for the power supply(Terminal Nos. 10 and11).
For output during operation and the abnormality function (Terminal Nos. 7, 8, and 9),
use different types of cable as required by the application. If there is a possibility of
influence from noise, wire the output circuit with shielded wires and connect to GND or
0 V on the receiving side.
7-3. Wiring
Before wiring, check that the type number and rated power supply of the instrument are
correct. In addition, check the terminals inside the instrument as required for wiring.
Keep the wiring length 500 m or less at the longest. There is no need for a circuit
protector.
Use crimp terminals with M3.5 screws when connecting the wires to the terminal block.
The cable that has been pulled into the portion where the controller is stored should not
be loosened inside this section. In addition, the excessive length of the cable insideshould not be bound into a loop. Connect the cable with the appropriate length paying
close attention that the cable does not touch the internal motor or the detection
mechanism.

68. Settings
8-1. How to configure rated setting
The use of 4–20 mA output is described here. Apply the same procedure when the
output pulses are used to activate an electronic counter. As shown in Figure 8-1, therated setting is configured by inputting the following distances from the standby position(standard: 500 mm) with the rotary switches on the panel denoted as 20 mA and 4 mA:
Distance from the standby position to the upper limit position

L1

Distance from the standby position to the lower limit position

L2

The rotary switches can be rotated in either direction, left or right, with a precision
Phillips screwdriver. Determine the input distance in units of 0.1 m.

Standard
standby position

Figure 8-1 Configuring Rated setting

For example, suppose we set the current output to 20 mA at a position 2 m from thestandby position (standard: 500 mm) and to 4 mA at a position 12 m from the standby
position as shown in Figure 8-1. This results in a measurement distance of 10 m.
In the case of pulse output, pulses are not output until the position L1, but are output
between position L1 and position L2 until the detection operation is activated. Pulse

7output is 1 pulse for every 0.1m.
Procedure1.
Set the current output to 20 mA at a position 2 m from the standby position. Set therotary switches for 20 mA on the panel (three switches) to 0, 2, 0 from the top to bottom.
Procedure2.
Set the current output to 4 mA at a position 12 m from the standby position. Set therotary switches for 4 mA on the panel (three switches) to 1, 2, 0 from the top to bottom.

Conversely, in order to set the current output to 4 mA at a position 2 m from the standby
position and to 20 mA at a position 12 m from the standby position, adjust the input to 1,
2, 0 at procedure1 and to 0, 2, 0 at procedure 2, respectively. In this way, you can
exchange the current outputs of 4 mA and 20 mA.
You cannot set both distances to the upper limit and to the lower limit to 0 m. You cannot
input a value exceeding the rated value, 12.0 m for the TLX-120AP1 and 20.0 m for the
TLX-200AP, respectively. If the setting is not configured correctly, the operation
indicator LED blinks green. In this case, the abnormality indication does not function.
You can implement rotary switch settings regardless of the on or off status of the power
supply, but pay close attention because the settings cannot be implemented during ameasurement.

88-2. Simplified way to obtain the current output (4 mA and 20 mA)
This section describes the method for obtaining the current output of 4 mA and 20 mA
without making a measurement. The initial value of 20 mA is output when turning on the
power supply. If the power supply is turned off and then turned on again, the output value
is 20 mA.
Implement one detection operation to output 4 mA. For example, set the rotary switchesfor 20 mA to 0, 0, 0, and the rotary switches for 4 mA to 0, 0, 1, respectively, following the
rated setting procedures described in 8-1. This is the setting for the measurement of just
0.1 m, but if the measurement target is detected, the position becomes the upper limit,
outputting 4 mA. Pay attention, however, that if no detection is made, the output is 20 mA.
8-3. How to set simplified automatic operation
The TLX sounding level meter has a built-in timer function for continuous operation. Set
the time interval of the timer with the rotary switch on the panel. The number set on therotary switch determines the timer time. The relationships between the number and thetime interval are as shown below:
TLX-120AP1

Number

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Timer time

3 min

5 min

10 min15 min20 min30 min60 min2h3h

TLX-200AP

Number

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Timer time

-

5 min

10 min15 min20 min30 min60 min2h3h99. Operation Procedures and Description of Input/Output Operation
9-1. Manual operation
After completing the mounting and adjusting the settings, you can start measurement.
Once again check that the settings have been properly configured. After turning on the
power supply switch, the power supply indicator LED turns on. At this time, the current
output is 20 mA as the initial value.
Start the measurement by short-circuiting the start input to GND. If the short-circuit
condition is maintained, operation becomes continuous. To start manual operation,
open the input before implementing the next measurement operation. Once theoperation starts, the operation LED turns on in green, and the output during operation
closes. A pulse is output from the counter reset terminal, and the weight goes down.
During measurement, a pulse is output for every 10 cm after the weight passes the set
upper limit position.
After measurement is finished, pulse output stops. The measurement value is output
by a current value (4–20 mA DC). Then, the weight goes up to the standby position, theoperation indicator LED turns off, and the output opens.
Caution: Check that the weight has been completely wound up before turning off thepower supply. If the weight stops in the lowered condition, the weight may
become buried. Pay close attention so that the current output returns to theinitial value from the previous value when the power supply is turned off.
9-2. Continuous operation
Once again, check the setting of the timer. For continuous operation, maintain thecondition where the start input is short-circuited to GND. If the circuit is opened while
the operation is underway, the first measurement starts at the next point of the start
input. The time of the timer is from the end of the measurement operation to the next
measurement operation. The operation is the same as the manual operation. By
connecting a commercial timer to the start input and GND instead of using the timer
function of the product, it is possible to set any time.
Caution: To prevent the motor from overheating, do not operate the product at a timer
setting of less than 3 minutes for the TLX-120AP1 and 5 minutes for the
TLX-200AP, respectively. For continuous operation, employ interlocks orother means to avoid throwing in the measurement target during operation of10this product. Failure to do so may result in a buried weight and wire deviation.
10. Abnormality
In the event of an abnormality, the operation indicator LED turns red, and the abnormality
output relay closes. The operation indicator LED turns on in different ways depending on the
different types of abnormality as described below. Determine the cause of the abnormality
from the way the LED turns on, and eliminate the cause.
10-1. Wire rope breakage
If the start input is implemented when the wire rope is broken, judgment of abnormality
takes place. In this case, the indicator LED blinks red at a low rate, and at the same time,
the abnormality output relay closes. (Blinking at a low rate means a turn-on time of about 1
second.)10-2. Buried weight
When the weight has not been elevated for about 10 seconds in a situation where the wirerope is in wind-up status with the weight buried, the wind-up operation stops. Then, after
the weight is lowered about 10 cm, the wind-up operation starts again. If situation does notchange for about 10 seconds, the wind-up operation stops. Then, the indicator LED blinks
red at a high rate, and at the same time, the abnormality output relay closes.
11. Reset Function
If the TLX operation needs to be initialized due to abnormal operation, implement either oneof the following operations: (TLX-120AP1 and TLX-200AP)
1. Turn off the power supply to the product or turn off the power with the power source
switch of the product, and turn on the power again after waiting about 5 seconds.
2. When the indicator LED turns red and the abnormality output is closed due to anabnormality, short-circuit the start input terminal and the GND terminal for about 5
seconds continuously.
In the case of 2, the product can be initialized without turning off the power supply. However,if the product is in continuous operation using the timer function of the TLX, it is necessary
to release the start input once.

1112. MaintenanceCaution: In implementing maintenance and inspections, be sure to turn off the power supply
except when checking operation. Check that the weight has been completely wound
up before turning off the power supply. If the weight stops and is left in the lowered
condition, the weight may become buried.

Place to check
Drum

Description

Action1. Whether the measurement target has 1. Clean the drum.
accumulated or adhered to the drum
1. Whether the measurement target has 1. Clean the wire rope.

Wire rope

accumulated or adhered to the wire rope
2. Whether the wire rope has bent marks or 2. Replace the wire rope.
hangnails
3. Whether the wire rope has deviated from 3. Bring back the wire rope on
the drumthe drum.
Weight1. Whether the measurement target has 1. Clean the weight.
accumulated or adhered to the weight

13. Parts Replacement
If a bent mark or hangnail is found on the wire rope during maintenance and inspection or if thewire rope is broken, replace the wire rope by following the procedures described below:13-1. Mounting the weight
Mount the weight by loosening the shackle of nominal designation 5. After mounting the weight,
apply threadlocker on the shackle screw and tighten the screw firmly. In mounting the weight,
handle the tip of the wire with care. The wire may pierce your finger or hand.

12Next, mount the weight to the thimble on the wire side with ashackle (nominal designation 5). Mount the shackle as shownin the figure. Apply adhesive to the screw threads and tighten
the screw firmly.

CautionHandle the tip of the wire with care.
The wire may pierce your finger or hand.

Thimble for Φ2 wire
Shackle of nominal designation 5
Tighten the shackle screw firmly.
Letting this portion of the weight as thestandard plane, the distance from this planeto the bottom plane of the detector’s flange
must be 500 mm ± 10 mm. When the
distance does not fit in this value, change themounting position of the flange to adjust the
distance.

13-2. Mounting the wire rope.
Insert the end of the wire rope, which has the weight mounted on the other end, from the flangeon the chassis of the product body. Then, pass the end through the square portion of the guideshaft. Next, pass the end through the square portion of the upper limit detection lever. Pass thewire rope end through the hole of the drum from outside to inside and pull it out as shown in the
figure. Pass the pulled-out wire through a wire clip. Create a ring of the wire rope with a diameterof about Φ10 mm and fix the wire rope to the wire clip. Tighten the nut thoroughly with a nut
driver fitting with the M3 screw to secure the wire clip. At that time, apply threadlocker adhesiveto the thread portion of the screw to prevent loosening. Last, pull the wire rope coming out of theflange so that the tip of the drum-side wire rope stays on the rear side of the drum.

13

Caution
Handle the tip of the wire with care.
The wire may pierce your finger or hand.

Create a ring of the wire with a diameter of about
10 mm and secure the wire with a wire clip.
Pass the wire rope through the drum hole fromoutside and pull it out from the inside.
Drum

The drum can be turned by hand.

Upper limit detection lever
Guide shaft

After mounting the wire clip to the wire rope, pull the wire rope once to make thewire clip stay on the rear side of the drum.

13-3. How to wind up the wire rope
When mounting of the weight and the wire rope has been completed, follow the procedures
described below to wind up the wire rope on the drum.
1. Supply the power source for the TLX-120AP1/200AP so that the product is ready to operate.
At this point, keep the power supply turned off.
2. When tension is applied to the wire rope, turn on the power supply switch for the
TLX-120AP1/200AP. Then, the drum starts rotating, winding up the wire rope. To apply
tension to the wire rope, put the weight inside the tank and set the product in the
non-detection status. Without tension, the wire may be loose when winding up, causing thewire to deviate from the drum.
3. The wire should be wound in such a way that the wire moves away successively from the holeon the drum. When winding is out of order, turn the power supply off and adjust the wire. Whenthe power supply is on, pay special attention to handling the wire.
4. When winding of the wire is completed, turn the power supply off.
5.

After

finishing

all

the

work,

implementtheTLX-120AP1/200AP to check for normal operation.

14

measurement

operation

with

the

14. Troubleshooting

Failure status

Cause

Action

The weight does not go down.

Controller indicates an error.

Remove the cause of theerror.

The weight stops in the middle

The weight has touched a stay Change the mounting positionof going down.

or something else before it of the product.
touchesthemeasurementtarget.
The weight is buried.

The measurement target and Select a weight that is suitable
the shape of the weight do notfor the measurement target.

match well.
The weight is not wound up

The

photo

sensor

has Clean or replace the photo

after measurement.

something adhered to it, or it sensor.
has failed.

The weight falls down.

The measurement target and Select a weight that is suitable
the shape of the weight do notfor the measurement target.

match well.
The wire deviates from theTheproducthasbeen Mount

drum.

mounted in a slanted position.

The wire is wound in a reverse Failure of the photo sensor.

theproductinahorizontal position.
Replace the photo sensor.

direction.
The wire breaks.

A load is being applied to the Remove the load on the wire.
wire.

The measurement value with

The measurement target and Select a weight that is suitable

the product is different fromthe shape of the weight do not

the actually measured value

match well.

The detection lever does not

The

go down or return.

mounted in a slanted position.

product

15

hasfor the measurement target.

been Mounttheproduct

horizontal position.

ina