SDM3045X versus DM3058E...sensor input 4-20mA - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: knudch
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2021, 05:54:19 am
content: I am trying to find out if and how far SDM3045X can convert an input like 4-20mA (pressure transmitter) to display pressure values.So far I can read from the DM3058E manual this can be done by the function "Any sensor Measurement"The 4-20mA sensor example is very common but conversion of other types could be nice.I dont own any of these 2 instruments but it could be the reason for chosing either of them.Knud

author: knudch
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2021, 08:16:22 am
content: I can see that recent firmware release for SDM3045X (date 24 sept 2021) says added "customer sensor support"But no documentation how ?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2021, 09:43:56 am
content: Quote from: knudch on October 19, 2021, 08:16:22 amYes the documentation is poor.Just got a 3065X out to examine use of custom sensors which is in the Temp sensor menu and it seems simple enough to use were you can load sensor definitions and even make custom adjustments to tune accuracy.Have to dig deeper and get a 3045X out to see if it has the same functionality and if so will put up some pics.Later I'll ask Siglent for updated manuals that include instructions for custom sensor use.

author: knudch
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2021, 10:23:08 am
content: If the SDM3045X have custom sensor function like the Rigol I would prefer the siglent (LAN included, better display functions).Important for 4-20mA function is that you can insert at least 2 conversion points and then it will interpolate between these.Difference in accuracy is not so big as long we are not going to very low DC values.When I not can rely on documentation (manuals) are there any functional differences between SDM3045x and 3055 ?

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 19, 2021, 10:42:29 am
content: Quote from: knudch on October 19, 2021, 10:23:08 amI'm not aware of a bench meter that does that.More common is to enter scale and offset (mx+b).

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2021, 11:07:13 am
content: SDM3045X Custom sensor menus = SDM3065X and presumably SDM3055 is identical too. (no stock to check)Custom sensors are accessed via the Temp menu where you can load a definition, Modify it and set sensor values.See screenshots.Quote from: knudch on October 19, 2021, 10:23:08 amOnly the ranges of measurement as outlined in datasheets however the 3045X has the advantage of being silent.

author: knudch
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2021, 11:18:17 am
content: Quote from: voltsandjolts on October 19, 2021, 10:42:29 amLook in user manual for DM3058 page 2-29 onwards

author: knudch
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2021, 11:22:57 am
content: Quote from: tautech on October 19, 2021, 11:07:13 amthanks for your effortAs I don't has access to a SDM3045X (or is familiar with it) it is not quite clear for me how it works

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2021, 11:36:31 am
content: Quote from: knudch on October 19, 2021, 11:22:57 am3045X works just like SDM3055 of which there are many old videos on the internet however there have been a few firmware updates since they were released. The measurement ranges are different for 3045X and only SDM3065X has PLC settings otherwise the 3 models are very similar to use and feature sets are nearly identical except for accuracy.Each model uses a different reference for the levels of accuracy they provide.Thread for the 3 models here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-new-bench-dmm-sdm3055/

author: knudch
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2021, 11:45:50 am
content: In the firmware update for SDM3055 there are not mentioned anything about custom sensorBut 3055 firmware are some months older than 3045X

author: knudch
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2021, 12:33:31 pm
content: In the SDM3045X is custom sensor implemented like offset + scale ?Not quite clear to me

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2021, 08:48:44 am
content: Quote from: knudch on October 19, 2021, 12:33:31 pmMe neither however I think so.It appears a file of the sensors characteristics must first be loaded but it what format and what it needs to contain IDK.Sent email to Siglent asking for instruction of how Custom sensors are to be setup/used. No word back yet however also asked them to prepare an App note for Custom sensors.

author: knudch
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2021, 09:10:47 am
content: Quote from: tautech on October 20, 2021, 08:48:44 amThanks for working on thisIt seems that I must wait a little before making a decision

author: knudch
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2021, 08:46:05 pm
content: Got a preliminary information from SiglentEU(They are working on updated of the manual)Custom sesnor is implemented as a lookup tableInput value => displayed valueThat means you can use it also for nonlinear sensorsJust ordered a SDM 3065X

author: knudch
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2021, 12:12:01 pm
content: Just received and unpacked my SDM 3065XTested right away the custom sensor function, works perfectexample: 4-20mA sensor inputtable entry 4mA = 0 Bar presuretable entry 20mA = 10 Bar presuresave under a filenameActivate under temp measurement12mA measured => display 5 barYou can display both values at the same time....usefulCal date was in may 2021...is okfirmware V3.01.01.08R1Just let it run for a few days before update to the latest FW

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2021, 12:22:23 pm
content: Nice, glad it worked out ok.But do update the FW now as #3 in the release notes is an important fix.

author: kcbrown
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2021, 01:24:22 pm
content: Quote from: knudch on October 19, 2021, 11:45:50 amThe SDM3055 doesn't have the custom sensor function. I've got the latest firmware installed on mine and the "Custom Sensor" menu item is conspicuously absent from it.

author: knudch
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2021, 01:42:26 pm
content: In the latest FW (24 sept 2021) for 3045x was it introducedNone of the FW release notes for 3065X mention it, so no idea when it was introduced.My gues is that it will be introduced in 3055 at the next FW update.No logical reason why it not should come in 3055

author: jan28
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2021, 12:51:24 pm
content: For those interested how it looks on a 3045X (with recent firmware you can now send screenshot directly over SCPI to a host...):In this case I measure a voltage that represent a current, not very fancy but that's what is hooked up right now. I really like it also works in trend display.At first sight it looks pretty versatile and handy. So many time I'm looking at my DMM value and calculating to what it translate I'm measuring, this really helps.