C1.2 Preparing for VPStudio

1. Introduction

For some VPFlowScope options, there is no direct USB port present in order to connect these instruments with your PC, a USB converter kit is needed that converts the RS485 into USB. The conversions can be done with a JB5 kit, this kit consists of a converter box and a special USB cable.

2. VPStudio 

Use VPStudio  to:

	1. Configure your device
	2. Readout real-time measurements
	3. Readout of recorded measurement data (if there is any)

2.1 Provisions

3 Options available:

Option A	Option B 1	Option C2
Mini USB only	Mini USB + 12..24 VDC power supply	JB5 converter kit

* aplicable for the In-line. 1: only for the models with the optional display module, 2: for the models without display.

2.2 Assembly VPFlowScope with your computer

Option A:

Just connect the Transmitter with the PC via the mini USB connector.

Option B 

1. Take your assembly as described in the previous chapter.	2. Remove the nut at the bottom of the Transmitter. Tip: use a small coin or screwdriver.
	Before going into the field:  Always place back the cap on the USB connector, as it is NOT watertight! Protect the connector and remain the IP rating. Always check the o-ring on any defects and tighten the nut firmly.
3. Connect the mini USB connector.	4. Insert the USB connector in a USB port of your computer.
5. Final assembly.

Option C

1. Take your assembly as described in the previous chapter.	2. Connect the RS485 cable to the JB5 converter, and connect the converter to the power supply.
	Afbeelding witter maken
3. Insert the USB connector in a USB port of your computer.	4. Final assembly.

* The visuals are an aid to show how to perform the steps, this method is applicable for all VPFlowScopes with the exception of the VPFlowScope M.

The sensor module needs to be connected to the display in order to read out the sessions, it is not possible to read them out when the sensor is not connected.

2.3 Install VPStudio software

1. Go to https://www.vpinstruments.com/downloads/. Click on the latest version of VPStudio  with either 32 or 64 bit as is required for your PC.
2. Click on Run to start installing the software.
3. Follow the software menu to further install VPStudio.

When finished, you can find the VPStudio software amongst the programs on your PC.

Open the VPStudio software.

2.4 USB Driver recognition

For your PC to recognize the USB cable and thus the flow meter, it requires a USB driver. Often this is automatically installed for you. Check this by the following:

Connect your flow meter to the PC and open VPStudio. Give it a few seconds to connect. What do you see here:

A. Do you see here “COM [nr]” as COM3?		B. Do you keep seeing: “Scanning for a device”.
Yes! The USB driver is installed correctly. Go to the next chapter B.3.6.		You need to install the USB driver. Go to the next chapter B.3.5 to do so.

2.5 Install USB Drive

If your answer was B on the question above. 

Make sure that both your flow meter and VPStudio are running the latest software.

1. Go to:  https://www.vpinstruments.com/downloads/.
2. Go to the folder named “Drivers”.
3. Click the driver for your instrument/device to start the download.
4. The driver is downloaded as a zip file. Go to the folder’s location where you downloaded it and unzip the file.
5. In the unzipped folder, open the PDF file. This is a user manual to further install the USB driver. Follow the steps in this user manual.

2.6 General VPStudio Overview

1. VPStudio 2 menu:
   • File: Clear all projects or Exit VPStudio.
   • Tools: Downloads (if any).
   • Help: Help file (user manual of VPStudio), and About VPStudio.
2. The settings menu for your flow meter
   • Click the arrow next to COM [nr] to unfold the menu (see picture).
   • Here are all the settings of your flow meter.
3. Projects: Here you can store data from your data log sessions.
4. Plane to view and adjust your settings.

3. Next step

The next step is to take a closer look at the Transmitter / display of your VPFlowScope for configuring the correct settings:

C2.1 VPFlowScope M Transmitter
C2.3 VPFlowScope display