Mod-tronic Cecomp F16DR Manual Download Page 2

Do not allow the gauge supply voltage fall below 9 VDC or 8 
VAC RMS. Operation below these values may cause erratic or 
erroneous readings or output. Models with 4-20 mA output 
power the current loop. Use a power source with sufficient 
voltage to operate the current loop.

Connect power as shown below. When using low voltage AC 
power, either polarity may be used. Use the correct polarity 
with a DC supply.

Note that standard 24 VAC transformers with small loads may 
operate at voltages over the 24 VAC limit. 

Output

If the analog output is not required, the transmitter will function 
as a low voltage powered gauge. Protect the output wires to 
prevent a short circuit.

NEVER connect retransmission output wires together or to an 
external power source or permanent damage will result.

Use of the shield (drain) wire is optional. It is not gener-
ally needed for 4-20 mA current loops unless very long cable 
lengths are used in electrically noisy environments.
The 

-I

 version with 4-20 mA output provides power to the cur-

rent loop. Use a gauge power source with sufficient voltage to 
operate the current loop. 

For long cable runs, 4-20 mA output model provides better 
performance.

The power supply (–) l ead is tied to the retransmission output 
ground. If a DC supply is used, the power supply (–) lead is 
common with regard to the retransmission output (–) con-
nection.

For 4-20 mA output models, be sure to observe the output 
compliance (voltage drive) capabilities of the gauge. The com-
pliance, and therefore the maximum loop resistance the output 
can drive, is a function of the supply voltage to the gauge. Too 
large a loop resistance will cause the gauge output to “limit” 
or saturate before reaching its full 20 mA output.

When using the 0-2 volt retransmission output, do not allow the 
resistive load on the output to fall below 5k ohms. Avoid large 
capacitive loads (greater that 1000 pF) such as those caused 
by long runs of shielded cable. For long cable runs, use a 4-20 
mA output model.

The retransmission output corresponds to the applied pressure, 
except when in zero/tare mode, test mode, or during setup. 
Characteristics of the output types are listed below. 

See specifications for output resolution. 

Note that analog output resolution is always over the entire 
sensor range and is updated approximately 16 times per 
second. 

 

Read these instructions before using the gauge. 
Configuration may be easier before installation. Contact the 
factory for assistance.

 These products do not contain user-serviceable parts. 

Contact us for repairs, service, or refurbishment.

 Gauges must be operated within specified ambient tem-

perature ranges.

 Outdoor or wash down applications require a NEMA 4X 

gauge or installation in a NEMA 4X housing.

  Use a pressure or vacuum range appropriate for the application.

  Use fittings appropriate for the pressure range of the gauge. 

 Due to the hardness of 316 stainless steel, it is recom-

mended that a thread sealant be used to ensure leak-free 
operation.

 For contaminated media use an appropriate screen or filter 

to keep debris out of gauge port. 

 Remove system pressures before removing or installing 

gauge.

 Install or remove gauge using a wrench on the hex fitting 

only. Do not attempt to turn gauge by forcing the housing. 

 Good design practice dictates that positive displacement 

liquid pumps include protection devices to prevent sen-
sor damage from pressure spikes, acceleration head, and 
vacuum extremes.

 

Avoid permanent sensor damage! Do not apply vacuum to 
non-vacuum gauges or hydraulic vacuum to any gauges. 

 

Avoid permanent sensor damage! NEVER insert objects into 
gauge port or blow out with compressed air.

 

Gauges are not for oxygen service. Accidental rupture of 
sensor diaphragm may cause silicone oil inside sensor to 
react with oxygen.

 NEVER connect the gauge wires directly to 115 VAC or 

permanent damage will result.

Gauge reference models read zero with the gauge port open. 

Bipolar ranges read positive pressure and vacuum in the same 
units, and zero with the gauge port open.

1000 psi and higher sensors are a sealed reference type. They 
read zero with the gauge port open are internally referenced 
to 14.7 psi. They are functionally similar to gauge reference 
sensors.

Absolute reference gauges read zero at full vacuum and atmo-
spheric pressure with the gauge port open. Note that readings 
of atmospheric pressure vary continuously. 

Connection is made with the four conductor cable at the gauge 
rear. This cable accommodates both the gauge power supply 
and retransmission output. 

Route the wires away from heat sources and moving equip-
ment. See wiring diagram.

Power

The F16DR series can be powered by any 9 to 32 VDC or 8 to 
24 VAC 50/60 Hz power source. An inexpensive unregulated 
low voltage source can be used. The magnitude of the supply 
voltage has negligible effect on the gauge calibration as long 
as it is within the stated voltage ranges. 

cecomp.com

1220 American Way Libertyville, IL 60048
Phone: 

800-942-0315

 

Fax: 800-949-7502

Instructions F16DR, 

F16DRN

BSOLUTE

ROCESS

NSTRUMENTS, Inc.

Division of

Installation Precautions

RED +

BLACK –

GREEN –

WHITE +

WHITE +

Optional shield 

connection

Power (+)

Power (–)

Remote Device

+

com.

Types of Gauges

When power is first applied, the gauge proceeds through a 
startup sequence. During the startup sequence the retransmis-
sion output is low (–2.5 VDC or 0 mA).

The firmware version number is displayed briefly

All active display segments are turned on for approx. 1 second.

The full scale pressure is indicated for approx. 1 second while 
the engineering units and FS (full scale) are indicated for 1/2 
second on the character display.

The display is tested again for approximately 1 second.

The gauge then proceeds to the normal operating mode. 

The retransmission output corresponds to the applied pressure, 
except when in zero/tare mode, test mode, or during setup. 

The gauge is powered on whenever a supply voltage is applied. 
Warm-up time is negligible. 

The gauge may be left on at all times. 

All configuration information is stored in non-volatile memory. 

From the normal operating mode, press and hold the TEST 
button and press the SEL button. Release both buttons when 
the display indicates – – – –  or _ _ _ _.

If pass code protection is enabled, the display indicates _ _ _ _  
with the left-most underscore blinking, and TSTPC. 

Enter the pass code as described in the Pass Code Entry 
section. 

While in the Test mode with no buttons pressed, the display 
will indicate the pressure with the engineering units blinking 
at a slow rate.

When the TEST button is pressed, the display will indicate 
the preset test value with TEST on the lower display, and the 
retransmission output will correspond to the test value. 

Pressing the 

 or the 

 button while holding the TEST but-

ton will raise or lower the test value. Note that the gauge will 
not respond to changes in applied pressure while the TEST 
button is held.

When the TEST button is released, the display will correspond 
to the applied pressure.

Press and release the SEL button to exit the Output Test mode 
and return to normal operation.

If the gauge is not indicating zero with zero pressure applied 
but is within approximately 3% of full scale pressure of zero, it 
is possible to tare the gauge to zero. 

The zero tare function may be enabled or disabled in User 
Configuration. It is disabled for absolute reference gauges. If 
disabled, it may be enabled in User Configuration.

Note that this procedure can only be used with absolute pres-
sure gauges if a full vacuum is applied to the gauge port using 
a vacuum pump capable of creating at least 100 millitorr.

From the normal operating mode with applied pressure equal 
to zero, press and hold both the 

 and 

 buttons and press 

the SEL button. 

The retransmission output will hold the last value. 

Release all buttons when the display indicates ' o o o o '.

The display will initially indicate a newly calculated zero tare 
value with Z OFF on the character segments. Note: If not within 
approximately 3% of zero, Err0 will be displayed. 

Press the SEL button to clear the error and return to normal 
mode without affecting any existing zero tare value.

To cancel and remove any existing zero tare value, press and 
release the 

 button. 

The display will indicate zero. 

To restore the newly calculated zero tare value, press and 
release the 

 button.

To exit the Zero/Tare mode, press and release the SEL button. 

The gauge will return to the normal mode. The display and 
the retransmission output will correspond to applied pressure.

Zero Tare Mode

Output Test Mode

Electrical Connections

Operation

Display and Keypad

Cecomp Electronics / Made in USA

SEL

TEST

X X X X X

88888

2

Up

Down

Output 

Test

Minus Sign

Select

Numeric

display

Alpha-

numeric

display

Electrical Connections—continued

Range Type

Output
Option

Full 

vacuum

“0” on 

display

Full 

pressure

Gauge reference
pressure

-I

n/a

4 mA

20 mA

-V

n/a

0 V

2 V

Gauge reference
vacuum

-I

20 mA

4 mA

n/a

-V

2 V

0 V

n/a

Absolute reference

-I

4 mA

4 mA

20 mA

-V

0 V

0 V

2 V

Vacuum/pressure 
ranges using ±15 psi 
sensor

-I

4 mA

12 mA

20 mA

-V

0 V

1 V

2 V

-BV

–2 V

0 V

2 V

Compound inHg/psi

-I

4 mA

20 mA

-V

0 V

2 V

-BV

–2 V

2 V

Vacuum/pressure rang-
es using –15V100 psi or 
–15V/200 psi sensors

-I

4 mA

20 mA

-V

0 V

2 V

-BV

–2 V

2 V

MOD-TRONIC Instruments 

·

 

Brampton, ON 

· 

905-457-6322 or 1-800-794-5883 

·

 

[email protected] 

· 

www.mod-tronic.com

 

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