Introduction
This document serves as a comprehensive guide, detailing the step by step process for installing the WaterCompass FM350 powered by UltraSonix.
The FM350 flow monitor has been crafted to deliver precise flow measurement on an accessible water supply line, eliminating the need for water shutdowns or pipe alterations. It's installation does not impose any impact on the building's underlying infrastructure.
The flow monitor arrives pre-calibrated to match the specific pipe size and material designed for the installation site. It is important to verify that the FM350 flow monitor configuration aligns with the pipe size and material of the intended installation location.
Equipment Overview
- FM350 flow monitor powered by UltraSonix
- Cellular Antenna Kit
- Antenna Mount and Screws
- Nylon 12 Zip Ties
Flow Monitor Device Configuration Label
Important: The FM350 flow monitor MUST be installed on the unit for which it is labeled!
Data accuracy will be affected if the device is installed on the wrong pipe.
Placing the FM350 on the wrong pipe may result in no data capture at all.
A device configuration label is located on the side of the flow monitor.
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Select a Pipe Location for the FM350 flow monitor
- Ensure the pipe provides water to the area of the building you want monitored.
- Select a pipe location that is at least 10" long.
- Select a location downstream of bends or obstructions (as far as possible).
- Avoid pumps or motors that may cause interference.
Straight Run Requirments
Pipe Diameter: |
Required Straight Run of Pipe: |
½" - 1" |
10" |
2" |
20" |
3" |
30" |
Device Legend
Phase 1: FM350 Pre-Installation Pipe Preparation
To ensure precise flow monitoring, it is critical to install the FM350 on clean pipe material. Before attaching the device to the water supply line, it's essential to prepare the pipe material for hardware installation. Follow these steps before starting the flow monitor installation:
Step 1: Prepare the Pipe Surface:
- Remove a section of insulation if present.
- Remove any tape or other coverings.
- If the pipe is painted, strip off the paint (see Step 2)
Step 2: Smooth the Surface of the Pipe:
- Sand down the section of pipe where the device will be installed.
- Use 180-220-grit sandpaper to effectively remove paint and prepare the pipe material for hardware installation.
- Wipe down the pipe thoroughly once smoothing is complete.
Phase 2: FM350 Installation
Step 1: Prepare the device for installation
Important: Do not press the buttons until the device is installed on the pipe.
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1. Turn the flow monitor over and locate the zip tie inserts on the bottom of the device.
Note: Please use the nylon 12 zip ties provided with the installation kit. This will ensure the zip ties do not fail in situations where the flow monitor is submerged. |
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| 2. Position the zip ties so the head of the zip ties is facing up and towards you. |  |
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3. Push the zip ties though the inserts until it pops out the other side of the insert.
4. Install both zip ties in the device. |
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| Note: It is helpful if the head of the zip ties are on the same side of the device and in the same orientation. Attaching the device to the pipe will be much easier with the zip ties oriented in this manner. |
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Step 2: Install the FM350 flow monitor over the pipe
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1. Ensure the flow direction of the device is pointing in the same direction as the actual water flow of the pipe. This is critical for proper function of the flow monitor.
Note: The play button on the front of the device matches the flow direction of the device. Use the play button as a guide to ensure the flow direction matches. |
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2. Apply Ultrasonic Coupling Gel or Dielectric Grease to the transducer pads on the bottom of the FM350 device to ensure a strong bond between the ultrasonic transducers and the pipe material.
Note: Please see the Appendix for coupling gel options. |
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Note: It is recommended the installer use a zip tie tensioner to secure the device to the pipe using the zip ties.
3. Affix the flow monitor to the pipe in the section you have selected for installation using the zip ties. Surface of the pipe should be free of dirt, dust, and paint prior to installation. If needed, sandpaper can be used to remove paint or patina from the pipe surface.
4. Place the flow monitor over the pipe, ensuring the device is centered over the pipe so the 2 black rubber pads (transducers) on the device are in full contact with the pipe. |
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5. Tighten the zip ties so the flow monitor is snug and securely attached to the pipe. DO NOT over tighten the zip ties as this can damage the device.
Note: As a best practice, ensure that the heads of the zip ties are positioned approximately 90° to 180° away from the flow monitor. |
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6. Mount the antenna bracket to a nearby wall and connect it to the SMA connector on the device
Note: The external antenna will attach to the device using the SMA connector located on the side of the device enclosure. |
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Important: Do Not move or slid the FM350 once it is securely attached to the pipe.
Doing so could cause damage to the transducer pads on the bottom of the device, resulting in permanent damage.
If you have to relocate the FM350 device, please remove the device completely from the pipe before moving it or relocating it on the water supply line. |
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Step 2A: Install the FM350 on a Back Flow Preventer
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Pre-Installation Prep:
FM350 Placement: Install downstream of the Backflow Preventer (BFP) and secure the device on the inside pipe elbow for protection when connected to the BFP. |
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1. Ensure the flow direction of the device is pointing in the same direction as the actual water flow of the pipe. This is critical for proper function of the flow monitor.
Note: The play button on the front of the device matches the flow direction of the device. Use the play button as a guide to ensure the flow direction matches. |
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Note: It is recommended the installer use a zip tie tensioner to secure the device to the pipe using the zip ties.
2. Affix the flow monitor to the downstream section of the back flow preventer (BFP).
3. Secure the FM350 on the inside pipe elbow for protection when the device is attached to the BFP.
4. Place the flow monitor over the pipe, ensuring the device is centered over the pipe so the 2 black rubber pads (transducers) on the device are in full contact with the pipe.
Important: Do Not move or slid the FM350 once it is securely attached to the pipe.
Doing so could cause damage to the transducer pads on the bottom of the device, resulting in permanent damage.
If you have to relocate the FM350 device, please remove the device completely from the pipe before moving it or relocating it on the water supply line. |
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5. Mount the antenna bracket to a nearby wall and connect it to the SMA connector on the device
Antenna Mounting Options:
Note: The external antenna will attach to the device using the SMA connector located on the side of the device enclosure. |
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Step 3: Power On and Connect the flow monitor to the Network
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1. Press and hold the play button for 3 seconds to connect the FM350 device to the cellular network.
Note: There are 2 LED lights on the flow monitor. Each LED light is located in the wireless and water icons on the front of the device.
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| 2. The green LED in the wireless icon indicates the flow monitor is connected to the network. |  |
| 3. The green LED in the water icon indicates water is in the pipe. |  |
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Note: When both lights are green, you will know that water is detected and the device is connected to the cellular network.
Troubleshooting: If either of the LED lights turns Red, this means the device is not detecting water, is not connected to the network, or both. Press the play button once again for 3-seconds to attempt to connect. Please see the LED Indicator Guide below for more details.
If you continue to receive a Red light, please call Hydropoint Contractor Support. |
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LED Indicator Guide
LED Indicators for Communication (Wireless Icon):
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LED Meaning |
LED Indicator |
| Blink Blue | Displays when the unit is in Shipping Mode and/or is advertising itself for Bluetooth connectivity. |  |
| Blink Yellow | Displays when the unit is connecting to LTE cellular. |  |
| Blink Green | Displays when the unit has successfully connected to LTE and is waiting for the cloud servers to respond. |  |
| Solid Green | Displays when the unit has successfully connected to the the cloud via LTE. The LED will remain on for roughly 27 seconds. |  |
| Solid Red | Displays when the unit failed to connect to the cloud via LTE. The LED will remain on for roughly 27 seconds. Please try to connect again by pressing and holding down the PLAY button for 3-seconds. |  |
Wireless Icon LED Color
LED Indicators for Flow (Water Icon):
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LED Meaning |
LED Indicator |
| Solid Green (Good) | Displays only once, right after the PLAY button has been pressed (subject to change in future firmware update) and confirms the pipe is full and/or full with flowing water. The LED will remain on for roughly 27 seconds. It will not display again. |  |
| Solid Red (Bad) | Displays repeatedly, right after the PLAY button has been pressed and indicates a failure to detect the pipe is full and/or full with flowing water. The LED will remain on for roughly 27 seconds. It will display again, after the PLAY button has been pressed, if no water in the pipe is detected. |  |
| No Light (Good) | After the PLAY button has been pressed, and a previous Solid Green LED was displayed at some moment in the past, the absence of either a Solid Green or Solid Red light from the LED is equivalent to a Solid Green light. Nothing displaying on the LED is the same as a Solid Green light and confirms water was, and still is being detected. |  |
Water Drop Icon LED Color
Bluetooth Connection:
Pressing the Bluetooth button initiates the device's Bluetooth signal broadcasting. A blinking blue LED light will confirm the Bluetooth signal is successfully broadcasting. To switch back to the cellular connection, press the Bluetooth button once, followed by a 3-second press on the Play button.
Step 4: Complete WCIR
Click here to access the WaterCompass Installation Report (WCIR)
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Important: Fill out the installation report before departing the site.
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| 4. Select FM350 Installation from the 'Which model of WaterCompass flow monitor are you installing? menu. |  |
| 5. Complete all required fields and take the required photos where applicable. |  |
Appendix
UltraSonic Coupling Gel Options
| A 1.25 oz tube of white lithium grease. |  |
| A .3oz tube of dielectric grease |  |
| Lastly, a 3oz tube of silicone dialectric grease |  |
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