How to Use a Pulsa Sensor System

Best practices, tips & tricks, troubleshooting, and how to replace batteries

Pulsa Frontier Troubleshooting Guide

Potential Causes:

  1. Connected to Secondary Port but Not Main Port
  2. Issue with Connection to Main or Secondary Port (Damage to Port or Connector)
  3. Sensor Configurations Are Wrong
  4. 3rd Party Sensor is Not Transmitting Values (Low Battery or Hardware Issue)
  5. Damaged or Faulty 3rd Party Sensor or Frontier


Connected to Secondary Port but Not Main Port

Potential Causes:

  • The sensor may have been connected to the secondary port instead of the main port. The Frontier will NOT power on if there is nothing connected to the Main Port.

Solution:

  • Reconnect the sensor to the Main Port first, as it is the primary point of configuration and power control for the Frontier device.
  • After reconnecting to the Main Port, check the dashboard to see if the sensor appears.

Power Cycle:

  • If the sensor does not appear, perform a power cycle:
    • Disconnect the connector from the Frontier's main port for at least 15 minutes.
    • After this, reconnect the connector to the main port to trigger the "Troubleshooting Mode". Wait for a few minutes to see if the sensor appears on the dashboard.

Issue with Connection to Main or Secondary Port (Damage to Port or Connector)

Potential Causes:

  • Physical damage to the connector or port (bent pins, broken wires, dirt, etc.) can prevent proper communication.

Solution:

  • Inspect the connector and port for visible damage.
  • Ensure the sensor is securely connected, and the connector aligns properly with the port (without forcing it).
  • If physical damage is found, the connector or port may need replacement.
  • Test the connector with a new one if you're unsure about its functionality.

Power Cycle:

  • If the sensor does not appear after reconnecting, perform a power cycle:
    • Disconnect the connector from the Frontier’s main port for at least 15 minutes.
    • Reconnect the connector to trigger the "Troubleshooting Mode" and check if the sensor appears.

Sensor Configurations Are Wrong

Potential Causes:

  • Incorrect sensor configurations (e.g., sensor type, signal range, measurement units) can prevent proper recognition.

Solution:

  • Verify the sensor configuration in the Pulsa Dashboard:
    • Ensure the sensor type, model, and output signal range are correctly selected.
    • Double-check the measurement range and units to match the sensor specifications.
    • If necessary, reset the configuration settings and reconnect the sensor.

Power Cycle:

  • After reconfiguring the settings, perform a power cycle:
    • Disconnect the connector from the Frontier's main port for at least 15 minutes.
    • Reconnect the connector to trigger the "Troubleshooting Mode" and check if the sensor appears.

3rd Party Sensor is Not Transmitting Values (Low Battery or Hardware Issue)

Potential Causes:

  • The third-party sensor may not transmit data due to a low battery or hardware failure.

Solution:

  • Check the battery level of the third-party sensor and replace it if low.
  • Test the sensor with a known working device to verify its functionality.
  • If the sensor is still not transmitting, it may require repair or replacement.

Power Cycle:

  • After addressing the sensor issue, perform a power cycle:
    • Disconnect the connector from the Frontier’s main port for at least 15 minutes.
    • Reconnect the connector to trigger the "Troubleshooting Mode" and check if the sensor appears.

Damaged or Faulty 3rd Party Sensor or Frontier

Potential Causes:

  • Either the 3rd party sensor or the Frontier device may be damaged or faulty, preventing sensor data transmission.

Solution:

  • Inspect the 3rd party sensor for any visible signs of damage (cracks, dents, loose parts).
  • Inspect the Frontier device for damage (e.g., cracks, wear on ports, connectors).
    • Ensure the battery connector is securely attached and check for moisture or corrosion inside the Frontier.
  • If the sensor or Frontier is faulty, it may need repair or replacement.

Power Cycle:

  • After inspecting or replacing faulty components, perform a power cycle:
    • Disconnect the connector from the Frontier’s main port for at least 15 minutes.
    • Reconnect the connector to trigger the "Troubleshooting Mode" and check if the sensor appears.

Potential Causes:

  • Hardware Issues
    • Sensor
    • Connector
    • Frontier Link
  • Product Settings and Conversions
    • Dashboard configurations (e.g., empty/fill height, conversions, port settings)

Troubleshooting Steps


Step 1: Check Product Settings

  • Ensure the empty/fill height and any conversions are accurate.
    • Navigate to the product name listed at the top of the sensor graph.
    • Adjust empty/fill height and conversions if necessary.
  • Review port configurations:
    • Verify that the output, range, and power requirements match the sensor’s specifications.
    • Access port settings via the “Manage/Pencil” icon in the dashboard.
    • Make adjustments if needed.

Step 2: Verify Readings

If there is a manual gauge on the tank in addition to the Pulsa Frontier Sensor:

  • Compare the manual gauge readings to the Pulsa Frontier readings.
  • If they match, this may indicate a tank or gauge issue, especially if the sensor is plumbed through the gauge.

Step 3: For Pulsa Frontier Sensor

  1. Test Sensor Accuracy:
    • Close the lines/pressure leading to the sensor and loosen fittings.
    • Power cycle the Frontier Link.
    • Confirm that readings reset to zero (or very close to zero).
      • If the readings do not reset to zero: Inspect for damage to the Pulsa sensor by removing it from the tank and checking the ports for signs of dimpling

2. Replace Components

  • Replace the connected Pulsa Frontier sensor and re-engage the lines.
    • Check if the new sensor provides accurate readings.
  • If the issue persists, check the battery level and replace the Pulsa Frontier Link if needed.
    • Remember to set up the new Pulsa Frontier on the dashboard before connecting a sensor.

Step 4: For 3rd Party Sensors

  • Check Power Supply:
    • Verify the battery levels of the 3rd party sensor and Pulsa Frontier Link.
    • Replace any low batteries.
  • Inspect Connector Cable:
    • Check for signs of damage, moisture, or rupture.
    • Replace the cable if damaged and power cycle the Frontier Link.
    • Verify updated readings on the dashboard.
  • Compare Readings:
    • Compare readings from the Pulsa Dashboard and the 3rd party sensor.
      • If readings match, the issue may be tank-related or due to the sensor installation.
      • Check for leaks, tank issues, and proper installation.
    • If readings do not match, suspect a faulty sensor, Frontier, or Frontier Link.
  • Systematic Replacement:
    • Replace components (sensor, Frontier, cable) one at a time to identify the faulty part.
  • WIKA Gauge Reset:
    • If connected to a WIKA gauge, try resetting it.
    • Refer to the specific bulletin on resetting WIKA gauges for detailed instructions.

Potential Causes:

  • The Frontier has not checked in with the network to detect changes made regarding power mode.

Solution:

  • Ensure the Frontier is set to the desired Power Mode on the Dashbpard and wait for the next upload period to update the power mode.
    • High Performance Mode: Measures are taken every 10 minutes, uploaded every hour.
    • Low Power Mode: Measures taken every 15 minutes, uploaded every 12 hours.
  • Alternatively, perform a power cycle to force the Frontier to check in with the network to switch the power mode.

Potential Causes:

  • The Frontier is in High Performance Mode when Low Power Mode is preferred.
  • The Frontier is stuck in "Troubleshooting Mode" (connector attached but no sensor detected).
  • The Frontier has internal damage to its ports or components.

Solution:

  • Ensure the device is in Low Power Mode, unless High Performance Mode is explicitly required.
  • Avoid connecting sensors to ports before configuring them (unconfigured ports check for sensors every 3 minutes, leading to higher power consumption).
  • Test the connector for faults or try swapping it with a new one.
  • Inspect the Frontier device for internal damage (moisture, corrosion, loose connections).