Description
- Model: Watlow Anafaze CLS208 (Series 200)
- Brand: Watlow (USA)
- Series: Anafaze CLS (Compact Logic System)
- Core Function: Multi-loop PID control for temperature, pressure, and flow.
- Condition: Brand New Surplus (Original factory unit, legacy stock).
- Product Type: 8-Loop PID Controller (1/8 DIN size).
- Key Specs: 8 Inputs | PID/On-Off Control | RS-232/485 Serial Communication.
WATLOW ANAFAZE CLS208
Key Technical Specifications
- Input Channels: 8 Differential inputs
- Input Types: Thermocouple (J, K, T, S, R, B, E, N), RTD, or 0-5V DC
- Scanning Rate: 8 channels per second
- Control Loops: 8 Independent PID loops with auto-tune
- Output Types: Open collector (can drive SSRs), 4-20mA, or voltage (via output modules)
- Display: 2-line, 16-character vacuum fluorescent display (VFD)
- Power Requirement: 12 to 24V DC, 500 mA
- Communication: Modbus RTU / Anafaze Protocol (RS-232/485)
- Operating Temp: 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F)
- Dimensions: 1/8 DIN (96mm x 48mm front panel)
Installation & Configuration Guide
Phase 1: Pre-Installation (Preparation)
Critical Safety Checks:
- Check Power Polarity: The CLS208 runs on DC power (12-24V). Reversing the polarity can fry the mainboard instantly.
- Sensor Matching: Ensure your thermocouple type (e.g., Type K) matches the internal settings. If you use Type J on a Type K setting, your readings will be off by 20-30°C.
- Static Shielding: These units have a sensitive VFD screen. Avoid touching the front ribbon cable connectors with bare hands.
Phase 2: Removing the Old Unit
- Power Down: Shut off the 24V DC supply to the controller rack.
- Wiring Harness: The CLS208 uses high-density terminal blocks. I highly recommend taking a high-resolution photo of the wiring before unplugging the DB-type or screw terminals.
- Mounting Clips: Slide the side mounting brackets backward to release the unit from the panel cutout.
Phase 3: Hardware Installation
- Fitment: Insert the new CLS208 into the 1/8 DIN cutout. It should be a snug fit.
- Secure Brackets: Tighten the mounting screws until the gasket is compressed against the panel. This ensures an IP65-style seal against dust.
- Cable Reconnection: Reattach the I/O connectors. Ensure the RS-232/485 jumper (if applicable) is set to the correct communication mode for your HMI.
Phase 4: Software & Loop Tuning
- Power On: The VFD should light up and display “WATLOW ANAFAZE.”
- Menu Navigation: Press the
Setupkey to scroll through loops 1-8. - Auto-Tune: For each loop, initiate the “Auto-Tune” function at 75% of your target setpoint. This prevents overshoot during the initial heating cycle.
- Verification: Compare the “PV” (Process Value) on the CLS208 with a handheld thermometer to calibrate the offset if necessary.
Customer Cases & Industry Applications
Case 1: Plastic Extrusion Line “Deep Freeze” A plastic film manufacturer in Ohio had a CLS208 fail on an 8-zone extruder. The manufacturer told them the lead time for a modern replacement system (including panel cutting and rewiring) was 6 weeks. Every day of downtime cost them $12,000. We shipped a New Surplus CLS208 via FedEx Priority. The maintenance team swapped it in 20 minutes, uploaded the parameters from their backup, and were back in production the next morning.
Case 2: Semi-Conductor Oven Repair In cleanroom environments, space is a premium. The CLS208’s 1/8 DIN footprint is extremely compact for an 8-loop controller. A semiconductor testing lab needed to replace a unit where the VFD had dimmed to the point of being unreadable. By providing an original New Surplus unit, they avoided the need for a costly “Software Validation” that a new model would have triggered, saving them roughly 40 man-hours of documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: My screen is blank but the ‘Run’ LED is on. Is it dead? A: Not necessarily. The VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display) on the CLS208 has a finite lifespan. If the unit is 10+ years old, the display may have simply burned out while the PID logic continues to run. Replacing it with our New Surplus unit will restore full visibility and control.
Q: Can I use this to replace a CLS204 (4-loop)? A: Yes, the CLS208 is the big brother of the CLS204. It fits the same cutout and uses the same wiring logic. You will simply have 4 extra loops available for future expansion.
Q: Does it come with the configuration software? A: The CLS208 is typically configured via the front keypad or via “AnaWin” software. We sell the hardware only, but we can provide the Modbus register map if you are connecting it to a modern PLC or SCADA system.
Q: Is this a refurbished unit? A: Absolutely not. We do not sell “repaired” or “pulled” Watlow gear. These are Original New Surplus units—meaning they have been sitting in a box as a spare and have zero hours of operation. This is critical for PID controllers where component aging can cause “drift” in temperature readings.
Q: How do I backup my settings before swapping? A: If the old unit still powers up, scroll through the Setup menu for each of the 8 loops and write down the Proportional (P), Integral (I), and Derivative (D) values, as well as the Setpoint (SP) and Alarm limits.
