Frequently Asked Questions

To obtain a free download of ELOG software, please visit our Software Downloads page. The most current software is always posted to this page. ELOG 15 is compatible with Windows 10, 8, 7, and Vista. It is not compatible with Windows XP. If you are running Windows XP on your computer, please continue to use ELOG 14.

If you have purchased ELOG software in the past, you may upgrade to the latest ELOG free of charge. Please visit our Software Downloads page to obtain a copy of the latest software for your instrument.

Detailed instructions can be found on our Tech Help page. Please click here to get to the PDF instruction sheet.

Current firmware files and instructions can be found on the Software Downloads page. > If you have any questions about firmware updates, please contact support.

ELOG 11/12/13/14 is compatible with Windows 7 (32 and 64 bit) operating systems as well as Windows 8. It is also compatible with Windows Vista (32 and 64 bit) and Windows XP.

The ELITEpro XC does have an internal battery, but it is only for powering the logger's internal clock--it does not power the ELITEpro XC. The ELITEpro XC is line powered, but maybe also be powered from a USB connection (during meter configuration) or from a wall transformer (sold seperately). Request a quote on a wall transformer here.

The typical battery life is 10 years. The battery is not user replaceable. Contact us for replacement information.

The ELITEpro XC is compatible with any split-core, clamp-on, or flexible RoCoil current transformers found on the DENT website. Any CTs that are compatible with the legacy ELITEpro instrument are also compatible with the ELITEpro XC.

ELITEpro XC loggers that are equipped with a Wi-Fi package contain an internal antenna. An external antenna is optional (and can be ordered in addition to the internal antenna--that is, a logger with external antenna will also have an internal antenna). You may toggle between using the internal and external antenna (if it is available on your logger) by checking or unchecking the Use External Antenna checkbox in ELOG.

No, ELITEpro XC/SP instruments with additional communications options are not compatible with ELOG 11. They must be used with ELOG 12 or newer. However, "older" ELITEpro SP instruments without additional communication options are also compatible with ELOG 12. Contact DENT support to obtain ELOG software that is compatible with your meter.

KYZ pulses are a "Form C" type relay; PSHD Series meters accept a "Form A" type relay. Form A has a single contact point, which Form C alternates between two contact points. The PSHD Series meters are only designed to accept Form A (single pair), so using a Form C requires an adjustment for the difference in pulses. Since only K and Y can be wired, only half the pulses of the KYZ output will be counted. This means that you must double the number of counted pulses to have an accurate total.

Here are some important definitions:

Form A: A two-wire interface using only K and Y. Referred to as single-pole, single-throw (SPST). Form A pulse values are always double Form C pulse Values

Form C: A three-wire interface using K, Y, and Z. Referred to as single-pole, double-throw (SPDT). Form C is the standard in the utility industry and can be used as Form A by only using K and Y.

We have created a "PowerScout HD Register List Tips & Tricks" video that covers some simple steps to make the register list easy to work with. Check it out here!

There are some important differences between the PowerScout 3037/24 and PowerScout HD meters including installation, communications, programming, and registers. It's important to keep these differences in mind during meter selection, setup, and installation. To help, we have composed a Migration Guide that outlines the major differences. Detailed information can also be found in the product manuals.

All PowerScout HD Series meters are 0.2% ANSI C12.20-2015 Class 0.2. For best accuracy, pair the PowerScout HD meter with one of the "revenue grade" CT choices available.

Modbus can reach a distance up to 1200 yards with data rates at 100 kbps.

Each Modbus register is only 16 bits wide and is in integer format without any fixed number of decimal points. Simply putting a value directly into one of these registers would limit the smallest number to be 1, and only allow for a maximum value of 65535. To handle larger numbers, or numbers with better resolution, we use a scalar value that is used to apply a factor to the 16-bit register value.

For more information on Data Scaling, see "Interpreting the PowerScout Registers" document, refer to the PowerScout manual, or contact Support.

All PowerScout instruments are line-powered. An internal power supply attached between L1 and L2 provides power to the unit. You may also power the meter PowerScout 3037 or PowerScout 24 off of a USB connection during setup.

There is a converter utility built into ViewPoint HD. There are also many online tools for performing the conversion.

RMS stands for "Root-Mean-Square." True RMS is the AC voltage/current that will produce the equivalent amount of heat in a resistor as a DC voltage/current, whether sinusoidal or not. For example, if a resistive heating element is rated at 15 kW of heat at 240VAC RMS, then the heat would be the same if we applied 240V of DC instead of AC. A meter without true RMS will incorrectly read distorted waveforms. All DENT Instruments' meters measure true RMS.

Up to 254 PowerScout 3037 meters can be connected together if they are using Modbus for communications. Up to 127 PowerScout 3037 meters may be connected together if they are communicating via BACnet.

The PowerScout 3037 meets the stringent ANSI C12.20-2010 Class 0.2 Accuracy standard.

The PowerScout 24  meets the ANSI C12.20-2010 Class 0.5 Accuracy standard.

The maximum length for RoCoils is 100 ft and the maximum length for split cores in 500 ft. Both cases require that the same wire type/AWG is used. To learn more about extending the leads on your current transformer, visit our blog post which outlines specifications and purchasing options.

This is not the best way to measure a three phase load, but there is an Amp Multiplier register (44605) that can be set for three which will multiply the current by three and, therefore, amps, watts, VA, and VARs will be three times greater.

The answer depends on which model PowerScout you have. PowerScout 3/3+ = 5000A, PowerScout 3037 = 4000A, PowerScout 24 = 5000A, PowerScout HD = 4000A

All PowerScout meters are compatible with RoCoil current transformers.

When multiple devices are connected, the devices need to be connected in a daisy chain. A daisy chain means that all plus (+) connections are chained together and all minus (-) connections are chained together across the network.

A network containing multiple devices requires a unique address for each device. This allows the master device to identify and communicate with each slave. The BACnet/Modbus network administrator must assign a unique network address to each PowerScout 3037 using the rotary switches MSB and LSB.

Other network layouts, i.e., star, are not recommended when using the RS-485 standard.

The PowerScout meter can be used as a direct replacement for the Veris, Inc. H8035/H8036 series of networked power meters. This mirroring of the Veris Modbus register assignments makes replacement with a PowerScout meter simple. However, because the number of parameters that the Veris meters measure is less than half of what the PowerScout can measure, the other Modbus registers described in the table need to be used to utilize the additional capabilities of the PowerScout.

See Appendix C in the PowerScout 3037 Manual for additional information about Veris Emulation.

ViewPoint version 2.24 and later is compatible with Windows 8, Windows 7 (32 and 64 bit), and Windows XP. ViewPoint 4 is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7, but not Windows XP. Please visit our Software Downloads page to obtain a copy of the latest software for your instrument.

The PowerScout 3 HD uses a USB A-to-C cable. The meter is shipped with one cable per order; however, this type of cable is also readily available online and at electronics or office supply retailers. Other meters in the PowerScout HD Series use a USB A-to-B cable which cannot be used with the PowerScout 3 HD. Connecting the meter to a PC via USB allows for meter configuration and troubleshooting.

The PS3HD can accept up to 3 current sensors. Any of DENT’s current sensors can be used with the meter, including RoCoils (Rogowski coils). Measure up to 4000A with RōCoil CTs.

IMPORTANT: Do not use 1A or 5A CTs with the PowerScout HD meter. CTs used with the PowerScout HD meter must meet the following criteria: 333.3 mV output voltage, 600 VAC UL rated, and be the appropriate rage for the circuit (5-120% of CT rating recommended). Any of DENT’s current sensors can be used with the PowerScout HD meters. Contact the factory for a specific CT recommendation to suit your application.

The PS3HD can be used on 90-346 VAC line-to-neutral or up to 600 VAC line-to-line (CAT III).

These are the most common service types measured with the PS3HD: Two wire single phase, three wire single phase, two CT three wire Delta, and four wire Wye. For questions on other service types, contact DENT Technical Support: support@dentinstruments.com

The PowerScout HD meter is internally powered through the voltage between L1 and L2. For single phase installations where no L2 neutral exists, it is advised to jumper N to L2. This connection provides power to the meter while maintaining Neutral as the metering voltage reference.

Values are reported in IEEE-754 single precision floating point format (32 bit).

Yes, the PowerScout HD can be used on 50 or 60 Hz services (45-70 Hz is the measurable range). The frequency measurement is taken on L1-N.

The PowerScout HD has interval data recording capabilities and can store up to 63 days of 15-minute kWh data.

1 second.

PowerScout HD meters are revenue grade and have been third-party (pending) certified to meet ANSI C-12.20-2015 Class 0.2 accuracy standards.

All PowerScout HD meters can be configured to use either Modbus or BACnet. BTL Certification is pending.

Yes, both configurations – DIN Rail Mount (R-D-N) and Wall Mount (C-D-N) – are UL Listed.

PowerScout 3 HD meters have a CE Mark and meet RoHS requirements.

Yes, the PowerScout HD meters have a voltage phase loss alarm that can be configured with ViewPoint HD software. The alarm has a relay output and is intended for low voltage DC connections.

No, the PowerScout 3 HD does not have any pulse inputs. However, the PowerScout 12 HD, PowerScout 24 HD, and PowerScout 48 HD all have pulse inputs. Refer to the Operator’s Guide for more information.

The PowerScout meters are not designed to be standalone energy recorders. They are designed to connect as a slave device to a data logger, remote terminal unit (RTU), or building management host network.

Yes, the PowerScout HD meters have two levels (read-only or read/write) of PIN protection that users can choose to assign for restricting access to meter information. It’s a user-configurable 4-digit PIN. Refer to the Operator’s Guide for setup information.

The ViewPoint HD Windows application is the preferred method for configuring the meter. The display cannot be used for setup purposes and is designed for reviewing real-time meter readings to confirm proper configuration in the field.

PowerScout HD meters have a 5-year warranty. For questions regarding your meter’s warranty status, please contact Technical Support (support@dentinstruments.com).

The voltage across the output terminals is above 250mV RMS. Correct this by using a larger wire gauge or moving the TCA-5 closer to the meter.

No, clipping the output signal does not harm the TCA-5.

Each channel dissipates approximately 5 watts of heat at full power.

The TCA-5 has a peak internal current of 19 amps.

Yes. For example, over-ranging the TCA-5 on any single channel can burn it out. Ensure that the TCA-5 is not delivering more than 5 Amps RMS.

Not at this time.

The TCA-5 can be used on single-phase circuits, however there is currently no "1 channel model."

The TCA-5 includes a 90 degree phase shifter. It can only be used with 333mV sensors to report current, NOT POWER.

SMARTware 11 is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7 (32 and 64 bit), and Windows XP. Please visit our Software Downloads page to obtain a copy of the latest software for your instrument.

The MAGlogger can be used successfully without actually placing it on or near the actual device you are measuring. Sometimes you may need to experiment with the orientation of the logger or you may need to adjust the sensitivity. The MAGlogger will sense any signal greater than 40 milligaus. The MAGlogger will not sense a load if the L1 and L2 lines are close together as they tend to cancel each other out.

Total running time, transition times, peak load times, kWh, and more.

Memory is rated by number of transition points (on's & off's) and is 32,000.

Yes. TOU simply stands for "time-of-use", while SMARTloggers™ is the trade name we give our series of TOU loggers.

No, you can simply place it next to the incoming power line and the internal magnetic sensor will sense the flow of electricity and trigger the transition data.

Using the CTlogger TOU Plug Adapter with SMARTloggers is the best way to monitor a device with a power cord, such as an appliance. Visit our blog to learn how to use the CTlogger in this type of application or request a quote for the CTlogger TOU Plug Adapter here.

Yes, by simply asking the software to set the kW scale factor then reading the results in the summary. This works well under certain circumstances, but it's important to understand what the SMARTloggers were designed for and their limitations. SMARTloggers are primarily designed to give you run-time information for a load. So when the software calculates kWh, it needs to assume that the load remains constant during the measurement period (i.e., the amp draw is the same from start to finish). If it's not, or you're not sure, you may be better off with a true power meter, such as the ELITEpro XC. Learn more about selecting the right instrument here.

The typical battery life of the SMARTloggers is 5 years. The battery is user replaceable and may be obtained wherever coin cell batteries are sold.

 

Software for all DENT products can be downloaded from the Software Downloads page on the DENT website. If you need help installing or troubleshooting software, please contact DENT Support.

ELOG, SMARTware, and ViewPoint are all compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7. ELOG 2009 and newer, SMARTware 11 and newer, and ViewPoint are all compatible with Windows 7 (32 and 64 bit), Windows Vista (32 and 64 bit), and Windows XP. ELOG 12 and newer, SMARTware 11, and ViewPoint v2.24 and newer are also compatible with Windows 8.

The "Total Usage (channel 5)" value is only updated once per minute. If your integration period is set to less than one minute, channel 5 KWh "Total" column will aquire data that has not been added to the "Total Usage (channel 5)" value. (For example, if your logger is set to 15 second integration and you aquire 1.5 minutes of data--or 6 intervals--that "Total Usage (channel 5)" will not include the final 2 recorded data points.)

You can scale the graphs in ELOG by double clicking on the Y or X axis. Data can also be exported to Excel® for further manipulation and graphing.

Simply position the mouse pointer near the area to be zoomed. Hold the Control (Ctrl) key and left mouse button down at the same time, then drag the pointer to make a rectangle that covers the area to be zoomed. Let go of the mouse and Control Key and the graph will redraw a zoomed portion of the graph. The graph may be zoomed as many times as desired. Use the View > UnZoom (Ctrl U), or the key to unzoom, to zoom out again. 

When using more than one channel for one load, the results from each channel need to be added together to obtain the total power consumption. This is done using the computed channels 5 and 6.

Yes, software is used to program and start the PRO series (ELOG™ software) and SMARTlogger™ (SMARTware™ software) series instruments, in addition to retrieving and analyzing the collected data. Current versions of DENT software can be found on the Software Downloads page.

The ELITEpro XC and PowerScout meters communicate through a standard USB (A to B) cable which can be found at any office supply store. In addition, the ELITEpro XC is supplied with one USB cable. The SMARTloggers require a proprietary cable which can be obtained through DENT Instruments. Contact us for ordering information.

Yes, data can easily be exported as a CSV file to spreadsheet programs like Excel®.

The first page of the Setup Table automatically calculates memory capacity allowing the user to do "what-ifs." For example, if you adjust the recording interval, type of service, and recording flags, the Memory Capacity estimate will be updated in real-time.

Yes, the SMARTware™ software is used for all SMARTlogger™ instruments.

Common issues surrounding connectivity to Legacy ELITEpro meters is COM port selection. If the correct COM port is not selected, the software will be unable to contact the meter and will give the "Could not wake logger" response.

To resolve this, select Tools > PC Setup. A separate window will open where there is a Port drop down menu that you can use to select your COM port. Look for a port that references your RS-232 connection (either direct serial port or a USB-to-Serial adapter), select this port, and click "Save Changes." Attempt to connect again.

If this does not work, ensure your cable is connected and that you have a null modem adapter between the serial connection and the meter (if you are not already using a null modem cable).

If the logger still does not connect, it may have a dead battery, damaged RS-232 pins, or simple internal damage to the meter itself that is preventing communication. More in-depth troubleshooting would be necessary to check for these possibilities, but the first and simplest test is the COM port setting. Contact technical support for additional assistance (support@dentinstruments.com).

No, the DATApro is not compatible with ELOG 11/12. If you require replacement software for your DATApro, ELOG 2009 is compatible. Contact us for details.

These are the periods that the logger will post data for. You can use 3, 15, or 30 sec., 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, or 30 min., or 1, 12, or 24 hour interval periods with the ELITEpro. All recorded values will have a time stamp using one of the above periods.

There are two answers to this question: (1) for situations where your ELITEpro is running on battery power only and (2) in situations where your ELITEpro is using external (wall) or Line-Power. (1) A logger using battery power only will take a sample every 1 minute and then go to sleep. For example: If you are set for a 5 minute integration period, the logger will wake every 60 seconds and take a sample. After 5 minutes, the logger will average the 5 samples and record the requested data. (2) If the logger is using external power, it will take a sample every 3 seconds regardless of the specified recording interval. So for example, if you are set for a 5 minute integration period, the logger will take a sample every 3 seconds and then use all 100 samples taken to find the Average, Minimum, and Maximum readings.

When a sampling interval occurs, the ELITEpro measures 128 points along a single 360° cycle for each phase being measured. It then calculates RMS values for each point and records the product for each requested sample as determined by the setup table.

This is the process of digitizing an analog waveform. The logger has a sampling frequency of 7.68kHz (128 points per waveform). The ELITEpro uses two 12 bit A/D to sample both current and voltage waveforms simultaneously. The data points from the waveform sampling are used for all calculations.

Most likely it is because you are powering the instrument from the internal batteries. When running from the internal batteries the rate at which it will sample is once per minute. This preserves the batteries. When sampling on external power (9V transformer) the instrument senses the power and switches into a fast sampling mode (once every 3 seconds).

Every three seconds is the fastest sampling rate at which the ELITEpro can record data. In order to record at less than one minute intervals, the ELITEpro must be either plugged into a wall outlet, or, if the unit has the 'Line-Power' option, drawing out power through the voltage leads. One minute is the fastest sampling rate for an ELITEpro using battery power only.

The CT inputs of the ELITEpro can handle a maximum of 450mV or AC current. All of the CT's provided by DENT Instruments are shunted to output 0-333mVAC at rated current.

The logger can use a external cell modem to provide data transfer from a remote location. Cell phone modems can be connected to the loggers serial port and provide a baud rate of 2400 baud. There is an option in PC Setup to set the software for extended timeouts for cellular communications. This feature will add timing delays and prevent dropouts. You can use AUTOPOLL, AUTOHOST or the manual dial features to retrieve logger data.

Battery life for the PRO series instruments is generally 3 years. The standard instrument uses one lithium C cell and the modem instrument uses two lithium C cells. The batteries are in holders and are easily replaceable. Contact the factory for availability and instructions. Note: Use the wall transformer whenever possible as this provides external power to the instrument and extends battery life.

The internal modem of the PRO series instruments is 14.4k baud.

The best way to calculate the memory is in the first page of a setup table. Create the set up table in ELOG and view the calculated memory from the first page of the set up table. You can alter the table easily and see how it affects total memory.

Yes! Simply set the logger to 50Hz on the first page of the Set Up Table. At 400Hz, the logger will sample at 16 times per cycle. This method works very well as long as there is little harmonic current beyond the 7th harmonic (2800Hx). 

The usual reason is that the two meters are not calculating VA and Power Factor in the same way. Some meters include harmonics in the calculation and some do not. The ELITEpro can do both depending on whether the 2 watt-element method is being used (does not include harmonics) or the 3 watt-element method (does include harmonics).

The ELITEpro is a poly-phase power meter designed to measure electrical loads up to 600V. The DATApro is a four channel logging device designed to measure data provided from outside sensors that can produce any of the following inputs; 4-20mA, 0-10VDC, electrical currents, temperature signals, or pulse signals.

Only our ELITEpro™ can monitor harmonics and waveforms and allow you to view it in real time however, the ELITEpro™ will not store this data. It will allow you to take a snapshot to attach to a file.

The standard memory is 128k (25,000 records) and the upgraded 512k memory (100,000 records) comes as an option. Memory capacity is a function of the integration interval, and recording flags set.

We are no longer offering upgrades to the legacy ELITEpro and DATApro instruments. Contact the factory for details.

Windows XP or newer.

3,15,30 seconds, 1, 2,5, 10, 15, 20, 30 minutes, and 1,12, 24 hours.

Three types: split-core, clamp-on and flexible (Rogowski). You may learn more about available CTs here.

Only if they are shunted to 333mV's. This is the required input for both instruments. The CT inputs of the ELITEpro can handle a maximum of 450mV of AC current.

Recording continues using the internal battery, however the sampling rate will change from every 3 seconds to once per minute to help extend battery life. Data that has been captured will be lost if the instrument goes completely dead.

Yes.

No, however you can delay start until a specific date and time.

The typical battery life with these instruments is 3 years when the integration (data collection) interval is 1 minute or longer. The battery life can be as short as 1 month if the integration interval is set to less than 1 minute. The battery is user replaceable. Contact the factory for availability and replacement instructions.

Sampling rate is the frequency measured in times per second that a logger reads each sensor. The ELITEpro™ reads once every three seconds (except when battery power is being used then it is once every minute). The integration interval is the period of time over which the samples that are read during the sampling rate, are averaged and then stored into the loggers memory.

This is the number of points on a given waveform that are measured and the values used to calculate RMS volts, and watts. The ELITEpro™ samples at 128 points per cycle regardless of how often a channel is read.

Simply purchase our USB to Serial Port adapter.