Model 933A Portable Power Sentinel™

Arbiter's accurate and affordable portable power quality meter, with PMU compatible functions measuring synchrophasors, time, harmonics, flicker, K-factor, interruptions, phase and frequency.

Model 933A User Manual
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Model 933A Portable Power Sentinel™ Data Sheet
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Model 933A Portable Power Sentinel™ Data Sheet Espanol
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The perfect field analyzer for the power quality engineer, Model 933A Portable Power Sentinel™ is the most accurate and affordable portable power quality meter in the industry. The proprietary EnergyDSA™ Digital Signal Analysis algorithms allow the user to measure or record harmonics, flicker (per IEC 61000-4-15, PST and Instantaneous), K-factor and interruptions. The data logging capabilities allow the user to specify which data to log as well as when to log the data, continuously or when user specified thresholds are exceeded.

Time, Phase and Frequency Capabilities

Model 933A has the ability to also measure system time, phase, frequency and phasors. When synchronized using the IRIG-B IEEE-1344 unmodulated input or the GPS input, the Model 933A is capable of accurate revenue metering and synchrophasor analysis per the IEEE-1344. Pre-fault data is buffered for a half second allowing for accurate fault recording and event driven data analysis. The host processor and the DSP each have 128 MB of memory which provides ample space for data storage

Portability

Thanks to the high level of integration made possible with EnergyDSA™, this unit combines multiple capabilities into one compact, light weight instrument. Weighing less than 5.8 kg (12.8 lbs), the Portable Power Sentinel™ is a power quality monitor, a data and event logger, a system monitor, and a revenue meter designed to accompany you wherever you go and operate continuously for a full eight-hour shift. The unit comes pre-assembled with the adjustable tilt handle/bail assembly for easy transportability.

Key Features
Specs
Options
Accessories
Software
Firmware
Related Resources

Measures and records harmonics, flicker, K-factor, interruptions
Support for synchrophasor measurements
Optionally measures system time, phase, frequency and phasors
Can be synchronized via IRIG-B IEEE-1344 unmodulated input or GPS input
320 x 240 graphic LCD display
30 key multifunction keypad
RS-232 cable included
RS-232 or USB 1.1 port
External power supply or Battery operated (NiMH, with 8 hours typical run time)

Input/Output

Configuration

3Ø:	3-element, 2½-element, 2-element, selectable
1Ø:	2-element, 1½-element, 1-element, selectable

Voltage

Range (3Ø/1Ø)	1 to 650 Vrms, selectable (phase-to-phase for 2 and 2½-element; phase-to-neutral for 1 and 3-element)
Overrange	1200 V peak, nominal

Current

Model 933A-01 20 Amp direct input module:

Range (3Ø/1Ø)	0.05 to 20 Arms, selectable, per element
Low Range	1 mA to 1 Arms
Overrange	40 A peak, nominal (maximum continuous input current: 20 Arms per element, all ranges

VA, W, VAR

Range	Any voltage, current and number of elements within the specified limits

Compensation

CT and PT	Both magnitude and phase compensation, CT with 12 point nonlinear interpolation
Transformer	Both iron and copper loss

Frequency

Range	45 to 65 Hz, for specified accuracy
Harmonics	to 3 kHz

Inputs

Voltage	Safety banana plugs
Current	5-way binding posts (Model 933A-01)
Insulation	400 volts, nominal, to neutral/chassis, surge voltage class III 600 volts, nominal, to neutral/chassis, surge voltage class II

Power Quality

Harmonics Measurement

Standard	2^nd to 50^th (50 or 60 Hz) per IEC 61000-4-7, 100 ms overlapping data window
Measurements	THD, K-factor, rms harmonic current and voltage, rms harmonic current and voltage with K-factor compensation (each harmonic magnitude is multiplied by the square of the harmonic number before summing), individual magnitude and phase
Logged Data	Selectable, may be regularly logged or registered. Event-logged also available when user-specified limits are exceeded

Interruptions Logged Data

Selectable, may be regularly logged or registered. Event-logged also available when user-specified limits are exceeded.

Flicker

Standard	Per IEC 61000-4-15, P_ST and Instantaneous
Logged Data	Selectable, may be regularly logged or registered. Event-logged also available when user-specified limits are exceeded.

Limit Alarms

Functions	Upper or lower limits may be set on most measured functions. Limits may also be set on maximum imbalance (ratio of Zero and Negative Sequence Components to Positive Sequence)
Output	Via system interface and display

Accuracy/Specifications

Accuracy Note

Accuracy specifications include all sources of uncertainty. Except as noted, specifications apply for the full operating range, including temperature (-10° to +50° C), line voltage, input range including specified overrange, power factor, input frequency, and drifts over a one-year calibration interval. Specifications assume synchronization to GPS and operation in 3-element mode or in a well-balanced system where imbalance does not degrade accuracy.

Watts

0.05% of reading, for voltage 7 to 650 Vrms and current 10 mA to 20 Arms and PF > 0.2

Vrms

0.05% of reading or ±5 mV, whichever is greater. (For voltage 50 to 650 Vrms and current 50 mA to 20 Arms)

Arms

0.05% of reading or ±0.1 mA, whichever is greater. (For voltage 50 to 650 Vrms and current 50 mA to 20 Arms)

Phase Angle, Ø

Ø: 0.01°, phase-to-phase or voltage-to-current (For voltage 50 to 650 Vrms and current 50 mA to 20 Arms)
0.2% (current 10 to 50 mArms)

Ø underrange: 0.05° of reading (current 10 to 50 mArms)

VA, VAh

0.05% of reading (For voltage 50 to 650 Vrms and current 50 mA to 20 Arms)
0.1% (current 10 to 50 mArms)

VAR, VARh

same as W, Wh except replace PF with (1-PF²)^0.5

Power Factor

0.0002 · sin (Ø) (For voltage 50 to 650 Vrms and current 50 mA to 20 Arms)
0.001 · sin (Ø) (current 10 to 50 mArms)

Harmonics

0.1% THD or 5% of reading, whichever is greater

Frequency

< 1 ppm (0.0001%) of reading, 50 or 60 Hz nominal, plus timebase error

System

Phase	0.03° + [timebase error · 360° · frequency] (With GPS Option)
Time	1 µs + timebase error (With GPS Option)

Event Inputs

±10 µs (typical)

Flash Memory Data Storage

Host Processor

Capacity	128 MB. See Operation Manual for record length and capacity calculations
Data	All functions measured and totalized by Model 933A; each record is stored with a time tag
Storage Rate	Selectable Event data stored upon occurrence
Lifetime	100,000 storage cycles minimum
Data Retention	Indefinite; no power or battery is required to retain data

DSP Processor

Capacity	128 MB; about 1000 seconds or 17 minutes
Data	Primary waveform
Storage Rate	10240 samples per second (approximately 170 samples per cycle). Fixed 30 cycles pre-fault data. Event data stored to Host Processor flash memory upon occurrence. User has same triggers as the Host Processor flash and can select the maximum fault duration, post fault recording time, and retrigger on/off.
Lifetime	100,000 storage cycles minimum
Data Retention	Indefinite; no power or battery is required to retain data

System Control and Monitoring

System Time, Phase and Frequency

System Time	Unlimited accumulation with ±1 µs resolution
Frequency	6 digits, xx.xxxx Hz
System Phase	0 to 360° with 0.01° resolution

Phasors

Standard	Per IEEE Standard 1344 or PSCSV
Rate	20 measurements/second

Interface

Operator

Display	320 x 240 graphic LCD display with CCFL Backlight
Keyboard	30 keys: 5 soft function, 7 dedicated function, 5 cursor control, power on/off and 12 key numeric key pad

Communications

Serial	RS-232, RJ-11 modular connector
USB	Version 1.1, B-Type receptacle

Protocols

Proprietary	PowerSentinelCSV 933 (PSCSV933)

Synchronization

IRIG TTL-Level Shift

TTL-Level Shift per IEEE-1344 as output from an Arbiter Systems Model 1084B

General/Remote

Optional Remote GPS receiver available. See Accessory AS0077600

GPS Tracking	GPS-L1 (1575.42 MHz); 12 channel (tracks up to 12 satellites)
GPS Acquisition	2 minutes typical
GPS Accuracy	UTC-USNO ±1 µs (only need 1 satellite with correct position)
GPS Out of Lock	Via system interface and status display; optional, via contact closure

Timebase Error

GPS Locked	Less than 1 µs, when locked to at least one satellite with correct position
Unlocked	10 ppm, typical, after being locked for 10 minutes minimum
IRIG-B	Less than 1 µs + accuracy of IRIG-B source

General

Physical

Size	205 x 305 x 225 mm (8 x 12 x 8.8 in.) 483 x 483 x 305 mm (16 x 16 x 12 in.), shipping
Weight	5.8 kg (12.8 lbs), maximum 9.1 kg (20 lbs), shipping

Environmental

Temperature	Operating: -10° to +50° C Nonoperating: -40° to +75° C
Humidity	Noncondensing

Power Requirements

Internal Battery

Type	NiMH
Operation	Eight hours typical
Charging	Four hours
Stand by Use	5 VA typical

External Power

Range	85 to 264 Vac, 47 to 63 Hz or 120 to 275 Vdc, 25 VA typical when charging battery, 5 VA typical standby use
Input	IEC connector with fuse; surge withstand per ANSI C37-90.1 and IEC801-4 standard

See Accessories tab for additional components available

I/O
933Aopt01	Input Module - CT input current module, 20 A direct with 5-way connectors
933Aopt02	Input Module - CT Input current module with banana connectors
933Aopt03	Input Module - CT Input current module with audio connectors

Included
812H	Safety Ground Lead
AP0007700	Modular DB-9 to RJ-11 Adapter, Preconfigured
AS0074100	Input Module - CT Input current module with 5-way Connectors
CA0023600	RJ-11 Cable Four-Pin Crossed, 2 m (7 ft)
PD0031100	Operation Manual (933A)
P01R-P10R	Country specific power cord with right angle female end
Available
09311A	400 A 20:1 Precision CT, 0.1% Accuracy
811AT	3-Phase Univ. Test Plug Current Lead Set
813AT	3-Phase Safety Voltage Lead Set
815AT	Model 815 Fused Safety Voltage Probe Lead Set
816AT	3-Phase Spade-Lug Current Lead Set
817AA	1-Phase Clamp-On CT Test Lead
817AT	3-Phase Clamp-On CT Lead Set
818AT	3-Phase Safety C-Hook Current Lead Set
841A	Series Test Jack Isolator Paddle
842A	Three - Series Test Jack Isolator Paddles with 60 cm Nylon Cord
842B	Four - Series Test Jack Isolator Paddles with 60 cm Nylon Cord
AP0001300	1000:1 Clamp-on CT, 1000 A (Current Output)
AP0010200	CT, Clamp-On, 1000 A, 1000:5,Elliptical Opening (Current Output)
AP0010300	100:1, 600 A rms, Clamp-On, CT (Current Output)
AP0012300 ¹	100:1 Clamp-on CT, 150 A, 10 mV/A (1 V @ 100 A ac)
AP0012800	1000:1, 200 A rms, Clamp-on CT
AS0036000	400 A CT Bracket (each)
AS0076500	Input Module - CT input current module with banana connectors.
AS0076700	Input Module – CT input current module with audio connectors
AS0077600	Remote GPS Receiver with mounting bracket and 15 m (50 ft.) cable
AS0077700	Programmable KYZ Contacts and Event Inputs
AS0079001	Universal Test Plug Current Shunt, A Phase Red
AS0079002	Universal Test Plug Current Shunt, B Phase Yellow
AS0079003	Universal Test Plug Current Shunt, C Phase Blue
AS0079030	Universal Test Plug Current Shunt, Set of Three
CA0026106	USB Data Cable, 6 ft
CA0027100 ²	CT Cable, Current Output
CA0027200 ²	CT Cable, Voltage Output
CA0029000	Cable, Shielded, Shrouded Banana to Unshrouded Banana, 6ft
CA0029800	Receiver Cable Extender 7.6 m (25 ft.)

¹ Requires Option 02 or Option 03
² Required with Option 03

Click to Download Latest Version of Software
933_PSCSV_27Apr2010_1129	Configuration Utility
933_Uploader_05Feb2010_0050	Required to upload firmware to Model 933.
FTDI_USB_Driver_2.08.14	Required for USB communications. Includes 32 and 64 bit versions.
PSCSV_Support_DLLs_Initial Release	Run PSCSV/setup prior to downloading and installing this file.

Software Version and Related Information

Read the release notes BEFORE downloading any software.

933_PSCSV

System Requirements:

CPU: 486 or better.
Operating system: Almost all Microsoft Win32 desktop systems: Windows 2000 and XP. Click here for Arbiter software installation guidelines for Windows Vista.
Common Controls v4.71Common Controls v4.71 or better.
Compatible with Windows NT 4(Service Pack 3 or higher), 2000 and XP
(Optional) Internet Explorer 4.0+Internet Explorer 4.0+
NOTE: Windows 95, 98, and Me are NO LONGER SUPPORTED

Version	Rev Level	Version Notes
27Apr2010	1.129	Fixed problem with the program treating the broadcast file save as dialog as if the "limit file size" checkbox was always checked and limiting the file size to the last known limit (or default of about 1hr).

933_Uploader

Version	Rev Level	Version Notes
05Feb2010	0.0.5.0	Latest Version

Utility (FTDI_USB_Driver)

Check for updates at FTDI's web site.
Click to download the installation Guide: Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP.

Version	Rev Level	Version Notes
2.08.14		The latest version. Includes the following versions of the Windows operating system: Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2.

PSCVS Support Files (PSCSV_Support_DLLs)

PSCSV's Setup will tell you if you need these DLL files.

Version	Rev Level	Version Notes
Initial Release		Included with newer versions of PSCSV.

Firmware Information (EPROM based firmware is not available for download)
933_Firmware_24Jan2011_115	Downloadable. Requires 933uploader.

Firmware Version and Related Information

How do I find my firmware revisions?

From the 933A front panel:

Press the DISPLAY button.
Press the 9 button. The CONFIGURATION display should now show the VERSION DATES in the lower right corner. The most recent date on the display is used as the firmware revision listed on this page.

DSP = Digital Signal Processor revision
MBP = Main Board Processor revision
BCP = Battery Charging Processor revision
CMP = Current Modual Processor revision

From PSCSV:

Run PSCSV and connect to the 933A.
Click on Connection.
Click on Information. A window with the Firmware version and DSP version should pop up.

Downloadable firmware (933_Firmware)

Version	Version Notes
24Jan2011	Updates to Real Time Clock (RTC) code - factory use only. Update UTC leap second offset default value (changed to -15 in 01Jan2009). Update check for minimum year value. Add support for new RTC chip.
24Nov2010	Power button delay adjusted. Power button requires a 0.25 second hold-down before initiating the shutdown. Add command to clear battery charger's EEPROM memory. Add notification to power charger module that power is being turned off.
22Sep2010	On/Off key needs some protection (Require key to be depressed for a short time period before doing shutdown). (BZ 615) Fix harmonics screen reset problem. (Only happens with very large voltage/current values) Update trigger setup screens to match PSCSV. Fix log time setup screen init problem. The "MaxLogTime" value will take on the "PostFault" value when first switched to the "PostFault" entry (enter or up/down arrow).
18Feb2010	Change tabular results, display 0, function key 4 from "PH ABC" to "PH ABCN". (BZ 559) Inconsistencies in user interface - Change references to "Sag Swell" to "Power Quality". (BZ 572) Rename "DUR", in Sag-Swell setup, to Dwell. (BZ 591) Auto log data loss (max log size seems to be around 1032 records - should be able to store upwards of 16,000 records). (BZ 594) View auto log - Fixed problem of paging up (using increment of more than 1) from the bottom of the log. (Depending on the increment size, the only record showing might be the one in the edit box). (BZ 595) Custom input screen allowed illegal settings. (BZ 601)
31Aug2009	Correct battery gas gauge calculation. Update battery threshold values (low warning and shutdown).
18Aug2009	Add support for new current module backend.
28Jul2009	Fix CT/PT setup screen: When reverting back to previous version, also needed to revert CT/PT bit-map indicator (side brackets). Fix lock-up problem associated with event inputs. (BZ 577)
17Jun2009	Update current ratio low limit check to take into account CT module type. CT/PT setup anomalies (restored old method). (BZ 568)
12Jan2009	Revised CT setup screen to include CT file data Saves CT setup screen in flash Visible satellite status screen would not update every 5 seconds. Successfully updates when changed to every second. Add support for new main board (Atmega48 battery charger and FTDI USB chip) Fix GPS DOP display overwrite problem
17Sep2007	Fix even-odd harmonics calculation Fix autolog to correctly reset min/max/avg when enabled. Add P_ST and Voltage-Current scheduled data to one-second log structure Add P_ST screen Fix input configuration screen to correctly save configuration using "Save settings" key.
03Aug2007	Speed up DSP Flash waveform download. Add ratio screen. Add Motorola M12M receiver capability. Fix redraw problem when switching between harmonics channels (bar graph). Save backlight and contrast settings when backlight On-Off-Auto function keys pressed. Correct Flicker readings (now they agree with 1133).
22Feb2007	Corrections to trigger logging system Require GPS 4 satellites for normal operation Fix relative phase Fix PMU phasor broadcast USB fixes Several status screen updates
20Dec2006	Correct neutral current on "Basic Data List" (was always showing 0's) Fix voltage/current average on tabular display screen Add voltage/current phase average to tabular display screen
11Dec2006	Reduce phasor display screen update rate. Add download capability of One-second log, DSP-I/O event log and Sag-Swell log. USB capability added. Fix references to trigger number (DSP and Sag-Swell triggers screens). Re-organized the configuration-status screen (move version information to its own screen). Now only showing the "main" host processor revision information. Add display for current module serial number. Update current module configuraiton data storage (make more robust). Fix power up problem with GPS not connected.

Remote GPS Receiver for Model 933A
Download 933A_remote_gps_receiver.pdf (128.8 kB) »

Using SensorLink Litewires with the Model 933A
Download Using_SensorLink_Litewires_with_933A.pdf (1.5 MB) »