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MCG 1200M

Analog/Digital Transmitter

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MCG 1200M

Terminal operators, process engineers, automation teams, and EPC specifiers often need a safe and reliable way to migrate legacy analog instrumentation into modern digital monitoring systems.

The MCG 1200M Analog/Digital Transmitter provides a flexible and field-proven platform for integrating tank gauging and process measurements into digital control architectures.

The transmitter digitizes signals from 4–20 mA inputs, RTD temperature sensors, pulse meters, and discrete I/O devices, converting them into industry-standard host communication protocols. Supported protocols include L&J Tankway, Modbus, HART, WirelessHART, Profibus, and others.

A built-in graphical LCD display provides real-time local visualization of connected measurements. Configuration and calibration can be performed wirelessly using infrared communication, allowing technicians to safely configure the unit in hazardous environments without opening the enclosure.

Unlike standard signal converters, the MCG 1200M includes integrated loop power for field devices, plug-in protocol modules, scalable pulse input capability, and field-upgradeable firmware. This makes it suitable for both brownfield upgrades and new automation installations.

With global hazardous-area certifications and a rugged explosion-proof design, the MCG 1200M provides safe, reliable performance in refineries, tank terminals, chemical plants, and SCADA-integrated tank farms.

MCG 1200M
MCG 1200M Analog/Digital Transmitter
MCG 1200M

Features

Seamless Integration

Converts analog, RTD, pulse, and discrete inputs into multiple digital protocols, enabling straightforward integration of diverse legacy instruments into unified control systems.

Safe Infrared Calibration

Allows full configuration without opening the housing, ensuring safer commissioning and maintenance in hazardous or restricted-access environments.

Graphical LCD Visualization

Displays significantly more data than legacy indicators, improving local diagnostics, setup clarity, and real-time operator awareness at the tank.

Built-in Loop Power

Supplies 24 VDC excitation to field instruments, reducing external power needs and simplifying wiring during installation or retrofit projects.

Field-upgradeable Firmware

Supports future protocol enhancements and functionality improvements, extending service life without requiring hardware replacement or system downtime.

Plug-in Protocol Modules

Modular highway cards provide Tankway, Modbus, HART, WirelessHART, and Profibus support, enabling flexible system design and site-standardization across facilities.

Applications

  • Tank Integration: Converts analog gauge outputs into digital protocols, enabling complete visibility of tank levels and temperatures within modern inventory-management systems.
  • Temperature Monitoring: Processes RTD and average-temperature probe signals to support custody-transfer accuracy and temperature-compensated inventory calculations.
  • SCADA Connectivity: Adds a wide variety of field sensors to central SCADA networks without extensive rewiring, allowing efficient modernization of existing infrastructure.
  • Hazardous Locations: Uses infrared setup and explosion-proof construction to enable configuration and operation in classified areas without opening the enclosure.
  • Mixed-Sensor Facilities: Consolidates analog, discrete, and temperature inputs from diverse devices, simplifying integration and reducing interface hardware across complex sites.
  • Pulse-Based Metering: Handles pulse-input data such as pulses-per-minute, pulses-per-hour, and totalized counts, enabling digital integration of flow, metering, and batch systems.
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Specifications

Display

Local graphical LCD (10x more data than legacy displays).

Inputs

Up to 4× 4–20 mA, 2× pulse, 3-wire RTD (copper/platinum), discrete I/O up to 8.

Outputs

Up to 2× 4–20 mA; digital protocols including Tankway, Modbus, HART, WirelessHART, Profibus DP, Enraf emulation, and more.

Power Options

12–70 VDC, 24 VDC loop power for connected devices.

Enclosure Rating

UL Class I, Groups B, C, D; Class II Groups E, F, G; Class III. ATEX II 2 G EEx d IIB; II 2 D.

Programming

Wireless IR calibration via MCG 2150.

Construction

Explosion-proof housing with graphical display and flash memory.

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If you have questions not covered here, please contact the Cognesense support team for assistance.

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How does the MCG 1200M improve operational safety?

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The MCG 1200M enhances safety by allowing configuration and maintenance to be performed wirelessly via an infrared remote. This eliminates the need for technicians to open the explosion-proof housing or work directly on the device in a hazardous environment. The local graphical display also provides essential data at a glance, reducing the need for personnel to climb tanks or enter restricted areas.

Can the MCG 1200M be used with instrumentation from other manufacturers?

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Yes, the MCG 1200M is designed to be highly compatible. It can take standard 4-20mA signals from various types of sensors, including ultrasonic and magnetostrictive probes, as well as pressure transducers, allowing it to serve as a universal interface for a diverse range of field devices.

What are the benefits of flash memory technology in this transmitter?

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The MCG 1200M’s flash memory allows for new or updated programming to be downloaded “on-the-fly.” This means you can update communication protocols or add new features without taking the transmitter out of service, which saves time, reduces downtime, and ensures your system remains flexible for future upgrades.

Can the unit be configured without opening the enclosure?

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Yes. Infrared programming allows full setup and calibration in hazardous areas.

Does the transmitter provide loop power for connected instruments?

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Yes, the 1200M supplies 24 VDC loop power for connected field instruments.

Is the firmware field upgradeable?

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Yes, new features and protocol updates can be loaded without removing the device from service.

Is the unit certified for hazardous industrial environments?

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Yes. UL, ATEX, and CE approvals support global deployment in Class I/Div. 1 environments.

Summary

The MCG 1200M is part of Cognesense’s century-long legacy of providing reliable tank measurement and integration solutions. By choosing the MCG 1200M, you gain more than just hardware, you secure a trusted partner with expertise, global certifications, and long-term support. By combining a compact, flexible RTU that converts analog, RTD, pulse, and discrete inputs into modern digital protocols in one unit, you get a a reliable bridge between legacy devices and today’s control systems along with lower costs. By digitizing signals at the source, the 1200M streamlines commissioning and improves system scalability. With field-upgradeable firmware, global certifications, and broad sensor compatibility, it supports efficient modernization and long-term integration reliability across tank farms and process facilities.

L&J
Measure.
Monitor.
Protect.