ALGE-TIMING PR1a Photocell Manual

The ALGE-TIMING PR1a is a high-precision and high-performance photocell that combines a minimum of dimensions. This versatile device can be operated in three different modes: reflection photocell, transmitter, and receiver. The photocell offers a wide range, with a maximum of 25 meters in reflection mode and over 150 meters in transmitter and receiver mode. It can be powered by batteries, supplied from an ALGE timing device, or externally from 4 to 18 VDC. The PR1a includes features like battery condition indication with LED, photocell alignment indication with LED, synchronization of two photocells, and a dead time setting.

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Photocell

Manual

Photocell PR1a

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Photocell PR1a

1 GENERAL.................................................................................................................................. 4

1.1

UNCTIONALITY

.................................................................................................................... 4

1.2

HOTOCELL

EATURES

......................................................................................................... 4

1.3

YPE OF PHOTOCELL

............................................................................................................ 4

1.3.1

Reflection photocell PR1a-R:....................................................................................... 5

1.3.2

Reflection photocell PR1a-RT: .................................................................................... 5

1.3.3

One-way photocell PR1a-d:......................................................................................... 5

1.3.4

One-way photocell PR1a-dT:....................................................................................... 5

2 OPERATING MODES................................................................................................................ 6

2.1

EFLECTION

HOTOCELL

– NORM ....................................................................................... 6

2.2

WAY

HOTOCELL

.......................................................................................................... 6

3 POWER SUPPLY ...................................................................................................................... 6

..................................................................... 6

3.2

XTERNAL

UPPLY

............................................................................................................... 7

3.3

NTERNAL

ATTERY

.............................................................................................................. 7

3.3.1

Insert Batteries............................................................................................................. 7

3.3.2

Operating Time of Batteries......................................................................................... 7

4 OPERATING MODE INDICATION WITH LED.......................................................................... 8

5 ALIGNMENT OF PHOTOCELL................................................................................................. 8

5.1

EFLECTION

HOTOCELL

...................................................................................................... 8

5.2

WAY

HOTOCELL

.......................................................................................................... 8

........................................................................................................ 9

5.4

YNCHRONISATION OF TWO

HOTOCELLS

............................................................................. 9

WEATHER PROTECTION ...................................................................................................... 10

7 TECHNICAL DATA ................................................................................................................. 11

Subject to technical alterations

Österreich [email protected]

www.alge-timing.com

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Photocell PR1a

1 General

The photocell PR1a combines highest precision and performance with a minimum of dimensions.

1.1 Functionality

The photocell transmitter sends a modulated light beam in infrared range. The receiver monitors the light beam for disruptions. In case of a disruption of the infrared beam the receiver releases a pulse.

For multipurpose use the photocell can be operated in three different operation modes: reflection photocell, transmitter and receiver.

1.2 Photocell Features

• Releasing accuracy 1/10.000 second

• Diversity of types: o

Reflection photocell o

One-way photocell for large distances

• Large photocell range: o

Reflection photocell approx. 25 m o

Transmitter and receiver photocell more than 150 m

• Variable supply of the photocell: o

Battery operation o

Supply from

ALGE timing device o

External supply from 4 to 18 VDC

• Battery condition indication with LED (green, yellow, red)

• Indication of the photocell alignment with LED (green, yellow, red)

• Synchronisation of two photocells (main and backup), to prevent interferences

• Setting of dead time (approx. 20 ms to 2 s /factory setting = 20 ms)

1.3 Type of photocell

According to its type the photocell can consist of the following parts:

Photocell Reflector PR1a-Ref Mounting bracket BBG

Tripod TRI128 Photocell cable 001-10 Photocell cable 001-30

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Photocell PR1a

Additional photocell accessory:

• Carrying case for photocell(s) and/or other accessory

• Two-core photocell cable with banana plug (different lengths)

• Cable reel with two-core steel cable with banana plug and/or banana socket

Lengths: KT120 (120 m), KT150 (150 m), KT300 (300 m), KT500 (500 m)

• Charging set including 4 NiMH rechargeable batteries for photocell

• Reflector with centered screw hole (for mounting at wooden pole)

• Reflector with adhesive tape (for fixed reflector)

• Synchronisation cable for 2 photocells 163--5

1.3.1 Reflection photocell PR1a-R:

In case transmitter and receiver are in one case, we refer to a reflection or two-way photocell. The light beam is aimed from transmitter to a reflector. The reflector works like a mirror and reflects the light beam to the receiver.

Range: approx. 25 m

Photocell set: 1 x PR1a, 1 x PR1a-Ref, 2 x BBG, 1 x 001-10 (10m)

1.3.2 Reflection photocell PR1a-RT:

Same as reflection photocell PR1a-R, without mounting brackets BBG but with tripods and 30 m photocell cable.

Range:

Photocell set: approx. 24 m

1 x PR1a, 1 x PR1a-Ref, 2 x TRI128, 1 x 001-30 (30 m)

1.3.3 One-way photocell PR1a-d:

The one-way photocell consists of separate transmitter and receiver. The light beam is aimed directly from transmitter to receiver.

Range:

Photocell set: more than 150 m

2 x PR1a, 2 x BBG, 1 x 001-10 (10 m)

1.3.4 One-way photocell PR1a-dT:

Same as one-way photocell PR1a-d, without mounting brackets BBG but with tripods and 30 m photocell cable.

Range:

Photocell set: more than 150 m

2 x PR1a, 2 x TRI128, 1 x 001-30 (30 m)

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Photocell PR1a

2 Operating Modes

The photocell can be used in different operating modes.

• Reflection photocell

• Transmitter photocell TX

• Receiver photocell RX

2.1 Reflection Photocell – NORM

The reflection photocell PR1a sends from the transmitter an infrared light beam that is reflected by the reflector and analyzed by the receiver.

The maximum range of the photocell is 25 m (distance between photocell and reflector).

This photocell requires the following parts:

• Photocell PR1a (Switch setting NORM)

• Reflector PR1a-Ref

2.2 One-way Photocell

For a working photocell set a transmitter PR1a (switch setting TX) and a receiver PR1a (switch setting RX – see below) is needed. The transmitter sends an infrared light beam to the receiver.

The maximum range is approx. 150 m.

3 Power Supply

The photocell can be supplied in different ways. The easiest supply is carried out with the included cable 001-10 (or 001-30) directly from the

ALGE timing device.

In case the photocell is far away from the timing device it can also be supplied externally (4 – 18

VDC) or with batteries (2 x AA battery in photocell).

Current consumption: battery with 2,5 VDC: 20 - 46 mA timing devices 5 Vstab: 9 - 20 mA

Connector pin assignment DIN socket:

1 ...... signal output

2 ...... signal output

3 ...... ground

4 ...... external supply (input 4 - 18 VDC)

5 ...... external supply (+5VDC stabilized – e.g. from

ALGE timing devices)

3.1 External supply from ALGE timing devices

For a supply from the

ALGE timing device use the photocell cable 001 (red) and/or 002 (green). The

ALGE timing device supplies a stabilized voltage of 5 VDC (pin 5).

ATTENTION: The cable length is limited to approx. 100 m as otherwise the voltage drop would be too high.

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Photocell PR1a

3.2 External Supply

The photocell can be supplied by pin 4 (4 – 18 VDC) and pin 3 (ground). This is primarily of advantage when several photocells have to be supplied by cable over large distance.

3.3 Internal Battery

The photocell can also be supplied by internal batteries (2 x AA battery).

The following types of batteries can be used:

Alkaline battery:

Ideal in case the photocell is not used very often.

NiMH rechargeable batteries: Rechargeable batteries that are optimal in case the photocell is used daily. These batteries have a long operating time with very low temperatures.

NiCd rechargeable batteries: Not recommended for use in photocell.

Switch on internal battery

The battery in the photocell is switched on with switch (on/off).

3.3.1 Insert Batteries

The battery cover is underneath the photocell

Press cover slightly inside and pull forward

Attention:

Mind the polarity of the batteries! (sticker inside)

3.3.2 Operating Time of Batteries

T he oper atin h t factors. Most importantly is what kind of battery is used. The operating time becomes less with each additional photocell pulse. Also important is whether the photocell is used as reflection photocell (transmitter and receiver) and/or as transmitter or receiver.

Reflection photocell

Battery type

1 Pulse per minute

-20°C 20°C

Alkaline B attery – 2,8 Ah app rox. 17 h approx. 77 h.

NiCd rechargeable b. - 1,1 Ah approx. 11 h approx. 28 h

NiMH rechargeable b. - 2,7 Ah approx. 57 h approx. 70 h

I f the pho s e operating time as in reflection photocell mode; for a receiver it is three times higher as for the reflection photocell.

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Photocell PR1a

4 Operating Mode Indication with LED

The LED of the photocell indicates several operating modes:

LED Operating NORM Operating mode RX Operating mode TX

permanently red Photocell misaligned permanently yellow permanently green

Photocell not optimally aligned

Photocell optimally aligend

Photocell misaligned

Photocell not optimally aligend

Photocell optimally aligned

No indication

No indication blinking red Battery empty – replace Battery empty – replace Battery empty – replace blinking yellow

Battery near empty – replace soon

Battery near empty – replace soon blinking green Battery full Battery full Battery full

5 Alignment of Photocell

5.1 Reflection Photocell

• Screw mounting brackets BBG to wooden pole and/or position tripods TRI128

• Screw photocell and reflector to mounting brackets and/or tripods

• Align mirror of reflector straight to photocell

• Switch operating mode to <NORM>

• Switch on photocell: o

Batteries: Switch to <On> o

Supply from timing device: connect cable of timing device with photocell (red cable

001-xx or green cable 002-xx), switch on timing device o

External supply: connect external supply to photocell

• Operating mode LED must flash red

• Locate the reflector with the alignment notch

• Align the photocell until the operating mode LED flashes green

• After 5 seconds the operating mode LED has to blink green (indicates that the battery and/or supply is okay). In case the LED blinks orange or red the battery should be replaced or the supply must be checked.

• After each photocell pulse the operating mode LED flashes green for several seconds

(indication for good photocell reception) before the battery condition is indicated again.

5.2 One-way Photocell

• Screw mounting brackets BBG to wooden pole and/or position tripods TRI128

• Screw photocells to mounting brackets and/or tripods

• Align photocells to each other

• Check if the operating mode is <NORM>. If not, switch to this position.

• Switch on photocells: o

Batteries: Switch to <On>

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Photocell PR1a

Supply from timing device: connect cable of timing device with photocells (red cable

001-xx or green cable 002-xx), switch on timing device o

External supply: connect external supply to photocells

• Operating mode LED must flash red

• Locate the other photocell with the alignment notch

• Align the photocell until the operating mode LED flashes green

• Switch operating mode of transmitter photocell to TX - LED has to blink green, if supply is okay.

• Switch operating mode of receiver photocell to RX – LED works like the one of the reflection photocell.

• After each photocell pulse the operating mode LED of the receiver photocell flashes green for several seconds (indication for good photocell reception) before the battery condition is indicated again.

• Attention: The timing device has to be connected to the receiver photocell.

5.3 Setting of Dead Time

We recommend to set the dead time, if possible, at the timing device. At the factory, the dead time of the photocell is set to the least dead time (20 ms).

The dead time can be set with a screwdriver between 20 and 2000 ms. For this, you first have to pull out the weather protection.

Definition of dead time:

The dead time is the time during which the photocell is blocked after a photocell pulse. It starts at that point when the light beam is no longer disrupted. This is necessary to prevent multiple releases.

With this potentiometer the dead time can be set betwee n 20 and 2000 ms

5 .4 Synchronisation of two Photocells

F or using two photocells in parallel as system A and B, they should be synchronized. By s ynchronization one photocell sets the cycle for the infrared pulses. By this it is guaranteed that the p hotocells do not interfere each other.

C onnect cable 163—5 to both photocells. The LED of the photocell that sets the synchronisation c ycle flashes.

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Photocell PR1a

6 W eather protection

The weather protection can be pulled out. With pulled out weather protection the lenses are protected from snow and rain.

If the photocell is used on a glacier it is essential to pull out the weather protection. Otherwise the increased UV radiation can c ause interfere nces.

Attention:

Direct solar radiation through the lense into the photocell has to be prevented by all means. Direct solar radiation thro ugh the lense can damage the photocell (burning glass effect).

Pull out weather protection

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Photocell PR1a

7 Technical Data

Range with reflector: 0,5 to 25 meter

Range with transmitter and receiver: 0 to over 150 meter

Pulse output:

Reaction time:

NPN Transistor, Open Collector, activ low

300 µs, 1 ms set permanently

Pulse length:

Dimensions (without ball joint):

Weight PR1a:

Weight PR1a-Ref:

Switch:

Selector switch:

20 bis 2000 ms adjustable (dead time) approx. 118 x 87 x 44 mm approx. 0.3 kg approx. 0.2 kg

On/Off switch for battery for Norm, TX and RX

Power consumption: external supply: 4 - 18 VDC internal battery: 2 x AA batteries battery with 2,5 VDC: 20 - 46 mA timing device with 5 Vstab: 9 - 20 mA

Connector pin assignment DIN socket:

1 ...... signal output

2 ...... signal output

3 ...... ground

4 ...... external supply (input 4 - 18 VDC)

5 ...... external supply (+5VDC stabilized – e.g. from

ALGE timing devices)

ALGE-TIMING GmbH

Rotkreuzstrasse 39

A-6890 Lustenau www.alge-timing.com

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Key Features

High precision and performance
Three operating modes: reflection, transmitter, and receiver
Wide range: up to 25m (reflection) and over 150m (transmitter/receiver)
Flexible power supply: battery, ALGE timing device, or external 4-18 VDC
Battery condition indication with LED
Photocell alignment indication with LED
Synchronization of two photocells
Adjustable dead time

Frequently Answers and Questions

How do I align the photocell?

Follow the instructions in the manual for aligning the photocell in reflection or one-way mode. You'll need to use the alignment notch and LED indicators to ensure proper alignment.

What is the dead time and how do I adjust it?

The dead time is the time during which the photocell is blocked after a photocell pulse. It can be adjusted using a screwdriver between 20 and 2000 ms.

How do I synchronize two photocells?

Connect cable 163-5 to both photocells. The LED of the photocell that sets the synchronization cycle will flash.

What are the different types of photocells available?

The PR1a comes in four types: reflection photocell PR1a-R, reflection photocell PR1a-RT, one-way photocell PR1a-d, and one-way photocell PR1a-dT.

What is the operating time of the batteries?

The operating time depends on the type of batteries used, frequency of use, and operating mode. Check the manual for specific operating time for each battery type.

How do I power the photocell from an ALGE timing device?

Use the photocell cable 001 (red) or 002 (green) to connect the photocell to the ALGE timing device. The timing device should provide a stabilized voltage of 5 VDC.