Gocator Line Profile Sensors: User Manual
Safety and Maintenance • 20
Keep sensor windows clean
Use dry, clean air to remove dust or other dirt particles. If dirt remains, clean the windows carefully with
a soft, lint-free cloth and non-streaking glass cleaner or isopropyl alcohol. Ensure that no residue is left
on the windows after cleaning.
Turn off lasers when not in use
LMI Technologies uses semiconductor lasers in Gocator sensors. To maximize the lifespan of the sensor,
turn off the laser when not in use.
Avoid excessive modifications to files stored on the sensor
Settings for Gocator sensors are stored in flash memory inside the sensor. Flash memory has an
expected lifetime of 100,000 writes. To maximize lifetime, avoid frequent or unnecessary file save
operations.
Environment and Lighting
Avoid strong ambient light sources
The imager used in this product is highly sensitive to ambient light hence stray light may have adverse
effects on measurement. Do not operate this device near windows or lighting fixtures that could
influence measurement. If the unit must be installed in an environment with high ambient light levels, a
lighting shield or similar device may need to be installed to prevent light from affecting measurement.
Avoid installing sensors in hazardous environments
To ensure reliable operation and to prevent damage to Gocator sensors, avoid installing the sensor in
locations
l that are humid, dusty, or poorly ventilated;
l with a high temperature, such as places exposed to direct sunlight;
l where there are flammable or corrosive gases;
l where the unit may be directly subjected to harsh vibration or impact;
l where water, oil, or chemicals may splash onto the unit;
l where static electricity is easily generated.
Ensure that ambient conditions are within specifications
Gocator sensors are suitable for operation between 0–50° C (0–40° C for Gocator 2500 sensors) and
25–85% relative humidity (non-condensing). Measurement error due to temperature is limited to
0.015% of full scale per degree C. The storage temperature is -30–70° C.
The Master network controllers are similarly rated for operation between 0–50° C.
The sensor must be heat-sunk through the frame it is mounted to. When a sensor is properly heat
sunk, the difference between ambient temperature and the temperature reported in the sensor's
health channel is less than 15° C.
Gocator sensors are high-accuracy devices, and the temperature of all of its components must
therefore be in equilibrium. When the sensor is powered up, a warm-up time of at least one hour is
required to reach a consistent spread of temperature in the sensor.