radar level sensor FR Series Startup Guide

Please check before startup 5 key points for using the FR Series successfully

Please check each item in order to start using the product smoothly.

Install in a location where there are no obstacles within the detection range

The FR Series has detection range characteristics as shown in the figure below, and the range to be considered varies depending on the target media (water-based vs oil-based / powder).
More stable detection is possible by installing the sensor so that there are no metal obstacles (such as agitator blades, piping, ladders, or reinforcing ribs) within the range shown in the figure below.
If the above conditions cannot be met, stable detection may be possible by executing the adapt function.

Short range

Long range

Measurement distance	Detection range (water-based liquid)	Detection range (oil-based liquid/powder)
Short range (FR-S01 / FR-SH01 / FR-SA1)
0.5 m	Approx. ø80 (80 mm)	Approx. ø220 (220mm)
1 m	Approx. ø130 (130 mm)	Approx. ø415 (415 mm)
1.5 m	Approx. ø185 (185 mm)	Approx. ø610 (610 mm)
Long range (FR-LM20 / FR-LP20 / FR-LS20 / FR-LW20 / FR-LEX20)
1 m	Approx. ø100 (100 mm)	Approx. ø260 (260 mm)
3 m	Approx. ø200 (200 mm)	Approx. ø680 (680 mm)
5 m	Approx. ø310 (310 mm)	Approx. ø1100 (1100 mm)
10 m	Approx. ø570 (570 mm)	Approx. ø2150 (2150 mm)
15 m	Approx. ø830 (830 mm)	Approx. ø3200 (3200 mm)
20 m	Approx. ø1100 (1100 mm)	Approx. ø4250 (4250 mm)

TIP

In the case of a metal wall with few irregularities, there is no problem even if the wall is within the range.

Install away from the liquid level

Detection may become unstable at short distances.
It is recommended to install the sensor so that the reference surface of the sensor body is at least the following distance away from the expected highest liquid level.

* In environments with no foam or buildup, the sensor may be usable at a shorter distance than this.

Execute the "adapt function"

By learning surrounding obstacles and optimizing the settings, the liquid level can be stably detected.
After installation, wiring, and initial settings are complete, please execute the adapt function. The adapt function adjusts to obstacles closer than the selected liquid level and optimizes the settings for stable detection.

Flow of the adapt function

Recommended

Please execute this with an empty tank or with the liquid level as low as possible.

TIP

If you change the "Sensitivity" setting, "cancel" the previous learned information and execute the adapt function once again.

When foam is generated

If there is thick foam on the liquid surface, the signal may attenuate and measurement may become unstable. Please install the sensor in a location where foam is generated as little as possible.
Whether the top of the foam or the liquid surface is detected depends on the state and thickness of the foam.
In the case of dense foam containing moisture, the top of the foam is easier to detect than the liquid surface, and stable detection is often possible.
In the case of light foam containing a lot of air, the liquid surface is easier to detect than the top of the foam, but the thicker the foam, the more unstable it tends to become. Depending on the state and thickness of the foam, neither the top of the foam nor the liquid surface may be detected.

The top of the foam is easy to detect

The liquid surface is easy to detect

Radio waves attenuate and cannot be detected

Recommended

Even if the liquid surface is temporarily lost, the previous value will continue to be held for the time set in "Tracking Time". If detection becomes unstable due to foam, increasing the "Tracking Time" setting makes stable detection easier. * Since the value immediately before losing the liquid surface is held for the time set in "Tracking Time", please consider this while taking into account the rising and falling speeds of the liquid surface.
By increasing the "Sensitivity" setting, stable detection may be possible. * When changing the "Sensitivity" setting after learning has been completed with the adapt function, "cancel" the learned information and execute the adapt function again.
Compared to the FR Series, the sensing guide pulse level sensor FL Series may be able to detect stably even if there is foam. If detection with the FR Series is unstable due to foam, please also consider the FL Series.
Please install a pipe to prevent foam from coming under the sensor.
- POINT01
  Since plastic pipes may be affected by foam outside the pipe, metal pipes are recommended.
- POINT02
  The pipe diameter should be equal to or larger than the sensor connection part (short range: G3/4, long range: G1-1/2).
- POINT03
  To prevent false detection due to reflection from the pipe end, it is recommended that the length of the stilling well be longer than the position when the liquid level is at its lowest. However, leave a gap with the bottom surface to allow the liquid to flow in and out.
- POINT04
  It is recommended to use a seamless pipe with as few internal protrusions as possible, and to make the air hole as small as possible and as high up as possible.
Install the sensor away from the liquid supply port or use a defoaming agent to prevent bubbles from forming under the sensor as much as possible.

When condensation or water droplets occur

If condensation occurs on the bottom surface of the sensor, it may be affected by the signal reflected by the condensation, or the radio waves reaching the liquid surface may weaken, resulting in a weaker reflection signal from the liquid surface, which may cause unstable detection.

When there is no condensation

When there is condensation

Recommended

Even if the liquid level is temporarily lost, the previous value will be held for the duration set in "Tracking Time". If detection becomes unstable due to condensation, increasing the "Tracking Time" setting makes stable detection easier. * Since the value immediately before losing the liquid surface is held for the time set in "Tracking Time", please consider this while taking into account the rising and falling speeds of the liquid surface.
Stable detection may be possible by changing the "Sensitivity" setting. * When changing the "Sensitivity" setting after learning has been completed with the adapt function, "cancel" the learned information and execute the adapt function again.
Install the sensor in a location where condensation is unlikely to occur, such as by keeping it away from high-temperature liquids or exhausting steam.
Because the long-range model has a spherical bottom surface compared to the short-range model, condensation is less likely to remain on the bottom surface of the sensor, making it less susceptible to the effects of condensation.
In addition, because the long-range model has higher detection capability, the long-range model is recommended even when the detection distance is short.
Remove condensation by purging or other means.

Initial setup videos

Select your model and watch the video to check the initial setup flow.
You can operate the system using the same procedure while watching the screen.

FR-S01 Initial Setup

FR-SH01+FR-SA Initial Setup

FR-LM20/LP20/L20 Initial Setup

FR-LW20/LEX20 Initial Setup

Ask AI

If you have any questions about settings or troubleshooting, please ask the generative AI assistant.
Available 24 hours a day.

Example questions

The operation is unstable even after executing the adapt function.

I want to mount it in a hole narrower than G3/4.

Tell me the procedure for PLC connection.

Ask AI

Please check the detailed usage and specifications. User's Manual

This is a detailed manual covering installation, wiring, detailed settings, specifications, etc.

Download PDF

Please download the required configuration files. Configuration files

For network communication, please download the applicable configuration files.

Open the download page

If the above does not resolve the issue

Please use the support contact below. A dedicated representative will assist you.

Inquire via Web

You can ask questions or consult with us using the form.

View details

Thank you for completing the setup.

We hope the FR Series will be useful and stable at your site for a long time.
Any questions that arise during the operation phase can be checked at any time using the generative AI assistant or the support site.

For more detailed information, visit the support site

Comprehensive support information for the FR Series is provided, such as manuals, software, CAD, video manuals, inquiries, generative AI assistant, etc.

Open the support site

Radar Level Sensor FR Series Startup Guide

Please check before startup 5 key points for using the FR Series successfully