How to adjust a Sick digital fiber optic sensor

Adjusting a SICK digital fiber optic sensor involves setting the sensitivity, performing a teach-in, and optionally resetting to factory settings to ensure accurate detection.

Step 1: Access the Sensor Menu

Most SICK digital fiber optic sensors, such as the WLL180T, have a Mode or Teach-in key on the amplifier or sensor head. Pressing this key for 2 seconds typically enters the configuration or teach-in mode, allowing you to adjust parameters like sensitivity, switching threshold, and operating mode .

Step 2: Adjust Sensitivity

• Navigate through the sensor menu using the arrow keys to locate the sensitivity or switching threshold setting .
• For diffuse sensors, point the sensor at the background without an object and press the Teach-in key to set the baseline.
• The sensor will indicate a successful adjustment, often by blinking the set switching threshold three times .
• Fine-tune the sensitivity if the sensor is detecting too early (Err1) or too late (Err2) by repeating the teach-in procedure or adjusting the threshold manually .

Step 3: Perform a 1-Point or 2-Point Teach-in

• 1-Point Teach-in: Set the sensor to detect a single reference point, usually the background, and confirm with the Teach-in key .
• 2-Point Teach-in: Some sensors allow setting both the background and the object to define a precise detection range. Follow the menu prompts to complete this process .

Step 4: Reset to Factory Settings (Optional)

If adjustments are not producing the desired results, you can reset the sensor:

1. Press the Mode key for 2 seconds to enter configuration mode.
2. Navigate to the Reset (SEt) option using the arrow keys.
3. Select YES to confirm the reset and press the Mode key again.
4. Finish by selecting End to return to the main display .

Step 5: Additional Considerations

• Ensure the fiber optic cable and sensor head are properly mounted and aligned, as misalignment can affect sensitivity .
• Use attachment lenses if needed to focus the light or reduce extraneous reflections for small or distant objects .
• For networked sensors, configuration via IO-Link or bus systems can allow remote adjustment and monitoring . By following these steps, you can reliably adjust a SICK digital fiber optic sensor for accurate detection in your application, whether for diffuse, through-beam, or specialized fiber setups.