AEMC CA863 Operating Manual

K-THERMOMETER

(K-type thermocouple - Dual input)

MODEL CA863

USER MANUAL

The AEMC® Model CA863 is a portable, easy-to-use, compact-sized, dual input digital
thermometer, designed for simple one-hand operation. It uses two external K-type
thermocouples with standard miniature connectors as sensors. The thermometer is
supplied with a protective holster and two K-type thermocouples. The Model CA863 also
features a back-light LCD display, a data HOLD function, and a MAX recording function.

WARNING

• Thermometers are not designed to work on live electrical samples.

• Do not use this instrument when voltages at the sample point exceed

24VDC or 24Vrms.

• Do not make temperature measurement in microwave ovens. Leaking
microwaves may result in burns and serious injuries.

• Repeated sharp flexing can cause the thermocouple leads to break. To
prolong sensor life, avoid sharp bends in the thermocouple, especially
near the connector.

This symbol signifies CAUTION! and requests that the user refer to the user
manual before using the instrument.

PUSH BUTTONS

Center (Yellow) Function Switch:

Slide the center button to turn ON the Thermometer and select the 0.1° or 1° setting. Slide
the button to OFF after use.

Back-Light

• Press the

• Press the

• Press the

temperature scale °C or °F is displayed in the lower right hand side corner of the
display.

HOLD/MAX Button:

• Pressing the HOLD/MAX button once will initiate the data HOLD mode. The "HOLD"
annunciator appears in the upper right hand corner of the display.

• The Hold button “freezes” the reading and stops all further measurement updates.

• Pressing the HOLD/MAX button again will initiate the MAX mode. The "MAX"

annunciator appears in the upper right hand corner of the display.

• In the MAX mode, the thermometer automatically displays and updates the maximum
absolute values.

• To exit the MAX mode, press the MAX button again. The Model CA863 will be in a
normal (non MAX or HOLD) mode at power up.

and °C/°F Button:

button to turn the Back-Light ON.

button again to turn the Back-Light OFF.

button for 2 seconds to change the temperatu re scale to °C or °F. The

T1/T2 - T Button:
 Pressing the T1/T2 - T Button selects in sequence T1, T2 and T. T is the

temperature difference T2- T1.

 The actual measurement T1, T2, T2-T1 is displayed in the upper left hand corner of the

LCD.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

OPERATION

1. Connect the K-type thermocouples to the instrument input.

2. Put the thermocouples near or on the sample tested.

3. Slide the function switch to the appropriate range or, if in doubt, select the highest

setting (1°). If the measured temperature is below 200, the higher resolution range 0.1
can be selected, if needed.

4. The Model CA863 may be in degrees Celsius (°C) at po wer-up. Press the back-light

button
desired. The selected setting will remain for the next use.

5. Thermocouples need a certain time to respond. Take the reading when the

measurement has stabilized.

6. The HOLD button will freeze the measurement in the display, and will not update until

released.

7. When finished, remove the thermocouple from the sample, unplug the thermocouple

from the meter and slide the switch to OFF.

for more than 2 seconds to toggle over into degrees Fahrenheit (°F), if

SPECIFICATIONS

ELECTRICAL
Temperature Scale:

Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F) user-selectable

Measurement Range (Dual Input):

-58°F to 1999°F (-50°C to 1300°C)

Resolution:

0.1°F/°C or 1°F/°C

Accuracy (meter):

-58°F to 1999°F: ± 0.3% rdg + 2°F*

-50°C to 1000°C: ± 0.3% rdg + 1°C*

1000°C to 1300°C: ± 0.5% rdg + 1°C*
*plus thermocouple

Temperature Coefficient:

0.1 times the applicable accuracy specification

per °C from 0°C to 18°C and 28°C to 50°C.

Input Protection:

24VDC or 24Vrms maximum input voltage on any combination of inputs.

Input Connector:

Accepts standard miniature K-type thermocouple connectors.

Temperature Response:

Temperature indication follows Reference Temperature/Voltage Tables N.I.S.T.
Monograph 175 Revised to ITS-90 for K-type thermocouples.

GENERAL
Display:

3½ digit liquid crystal display (LCD) with maximum reading of 1999
Over-Range: “OL” is displayed
Low Battery Indication:

The

is displayed when the battery voltage drops below the required level

Sample Rate:

2.5 times per second, nominal

Operating Temperature:

32° to 122°F (0°C to 50°C) at < 80%RH

Storage Temperature:

-4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C), 0 to 80%RH with battery removed

Altitude: 2000m max
Battery:

Standard 9V battery (NEDA 1604, IEC 6F22 006P, or equivalent)
Battery Life:

200 hours typical with carbon zinc battery
Dimensions:

6.81"(H) x 2.38"(W) x 1.5"(D) (173 x 60.5 x 38mm)

Weight:
Approx. 6.4oz (181g) including battery

Probe: The Thermometer CA863 is supplied with two 4 ft K-type thermocouples bead
probe (Teflon sheath). Maximum sheath temperature 260°C (500°F). Probe accuracy
±2.2°C (4F) or ±0.75% of reading (whichever is greater) from 0°C to 800°C.

®

Contact AEMC

for other thermocouples available.

SAFETY

EN61010-1 (1995-A2), Protection Class III
Overvoltage Category (CAT III, 24V), Pollution Degree 2
Indoor Use

OPERATOR MAINTENANCE

WARNING:
To avoid possible electrical shock, disconnect the thermocouple connectors from the
thermometer before opening the back cover.

Use only factory specified spare parts for maintenance. The manufacturer will not be held
responsible for any accident, incident, or malfunction following a repair done other than by
its Service Center or by an approved repair center.

Battery Replacement:

A standard 9-volt battery supplies power. (NEDA 1604, IEC 6F22).
The

appears on the LCD display when replacement is needed.

To replace the battery:

• Turn the Thermometer OFF

• Remove the rubber holster.

• Remove the screw from the back of the meter and lift off the battery cover.

• Replace the battery, rear cover and holster.

Cleaning:

• Periodically wipe the case with a damp cloth and very mild soap, if needed.

• Do not use any abrasives or solvents.

• Do not let any liquid enter the case or sensor area.

REPAIR AND CALIBRATION

To guarantee that your instrument complies with the factory specifications, we recommend
that the unit be submitted to our factory service center at one-year intervals for
recalibration, or as required by other standards. For repair and/or calibration:

Chauvin Arnoux
15 Faraday Dr. • Dover, NH 03820, USA
[phone] • [phone] • Fax: [phone]
www.aemc.com

(Or contact your authorized distributor.) Costs for repair, standard calibration, and
calibration traceable to N.I.S.T. are available.

All customers must call for a return authorization number before returning any
instrument.

®

, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments

TECHNICAL AND SALES ASSISTANCE

If you are experiencing any technical problems, or require any assistance, contact us at:
[phone] • [phone] • Fax: [phone]
www.aemc.com

WARRANTY INFORMATION

The Digital Thermometer Model CA863 is warranted to the owner for a period of 1 year
from the date of original purchase against defects in manufacture. This limited warranty is
given by AEMC
warranty is void if the instrument has been tampered with, abused or if the defect is related
to service not performed by AEMC

For full warranty coverage detail and registration, go to www.aemc.com.

To return the product for warranty repair or replacement free of c harge, contact customer
service at [phone] or [phone] to obtain a return authorization number.

99-MAN 100242 v2 5/03

®

Instruments, not by the distributor from whom it was purchased. This

®

Instruments.