AEMC MTX-3290, MTX-3291 Operating Manual
Portable multimeters
with digital display
ASYC-IV
MTX 3290 - 6000 cts
MTX 3291- 60000 cts
Operating instructions
Pôle Test et Mesure CHAUVIN ARNOUX
General directions
Contents
General directions ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Introduction, Precautions and safety measures ............................................................................................................. 3
Special functions ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
Symbols on the instrument ............................................................................................................................................ 5
Warranty, Maintenance, metrological verification, Repair under warranty ..................................................................... 6
Maintenance .................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Replacing the fuse ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Rechargeable and primary batteries ............................................................................................................................. 7
Communication interface ............................................................................................................................................... 7
Description of the instruments .........................................................................................................................
MTX 3290 frontal panel, back, terminal block................................................................................................................ 8
MTX 3291 frontal panel, back, terminal block................................................................................................................ 9
Display unit .................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Switch .......................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Keypad ........................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Getting started ................................................................................................................................................ 18
Preparation for use ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
Functional description ................................................................................................................................... 19
1. MAX MIN AVG mode .............................................................................................................................................. 19
2. PEAK mode ............................................................................................................................................................. 22
3. ΔREL mode ............................................................................................................................................................. 23
4. "CLAMP" function .................................................................................................................................................... 25
Functions of the switch and keys ................................................................................................................................. 26
How are the various quantities measured? ................................................................................................. 28
1. Voltage measurement ............................................................................................................................................. 28
2. Current measurement ............................................................................................................................................. 29
3. Frequency measurement......................................................................................................................................... 31
4. Resistance measurement ........................................................................................................................................ 31
5. Audible continuity measurement ............................................................................................................................. 32
6. Diode test ................................................................................................................................................................ 32
7. Capacitance measurement...................................................................................................................................... 33
8. Temperature measurement ..................................................................................................................................... 34
9. Measurement on an MLI type speed variator .......................................................................................................... 35
10. Resistive power (MTX 3291) ................................................................................................................................. 37
11. dBm decibels in power (MTX 3291) ...................................................................................................................... 38
SX-DMM software ........................................................................................................................................... 39
Technical characteristics of MTX 3290 ........................................................................................................ 40
Technical characteristics of MTX 3291 ........................................................................................................ 50
General characteristics ................................................................................................................................. 61
Environmental conditions ............................................................................................................................................ 61
Power supply ............................................................................................................................................................... 61
Display ........................................................................................................................................................................ 61
Safety, CEM ................................................................................................................................................................ 61
Mechanical characteristics ........................................................................................................................... 61
Housing ....................................................................................................................................................................... 61
Supply ............................................................................................................................................................. 62
2 6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters
General directions
General directions
Introduction
Congratulations! You have just acquired a portable multimeter with a
display digital.
We thank you for this sign of confidence in the quality of our products.
The line of instruments to which it belongs comprises the following models:
Display digital, monochrome,
Power supply 4 R6 primary batteries (AA format) or 4 rechargeable batteries
Counts 6000 60000
Communication - IR/USB
It complies with safety standard NF EN 61010-1 + NF EN 61010-2-030
concerning electronic measuring instruments.
For best results, read this manual closely and observe the precautions of use.
Failure to observe these warnings and/or directions may damage the instrument
and/or its components and may endanger the user.
MTX 3290 MTX 3291
digital, monochrome,
(70x52)
backlit (70x52)
Precautions and safety measures
before use
during use
• This instrument is been designed to be used as follows:
- indoors
- in an environment of pollution degree 2
- at an altitude of less than 2000m
- at a temperature between -10°C and 55°C
- at a relative humidity below 80% up to 31°C.
• The safety of any system incorporating the instrument is the responsibility
of the system integrator.
• Can be used for measurements on circuits:
- MTX 3290: 600V, CAT III and 300V, CAT IV.
- MTX 3291: 1000V CAT III and 600 CAT IV.
However, some accessories may lead to the use of this instrument on
circuits of a lower voltage and category.
• Comply with the environmental and storage conditions.
• Check the integrity of the guards and insulation of the accessories. Any item
of which the insulation is deteriorated (even partially) must be removed from
service and scrapped. A change of colour of the insulation is a sign of
deterioration.
• Read closely all notes preceded by the
• As a safety measure, use only the appropriate leads and accessories
supplied with the instrument or approved by the manufacturer.
symbol.
6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters 3
General directions
General directions (continued)
Safety feature
Features
protecting the
measurement
inputs
• It is impossible to open the battery or fuse compartment without first
disconnecting the measurement leads.
• During a measurement exceeding 60V
the display unit
• Automatic detection of a connection to the "Ampere" terminal (for both
voltage and current measurements)
• When the maximum permanent voltage or current that can be measured is
exceeded, an intermittent audible signal warns of the risk of an electric
shock.
These multimeters have several features to protect them:
• varistor protection that clips transient voltage surges on the
measurement terminals.
• PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) protection against permanent
overvoltages less than or equal to 1000V during resistance,
capacitance, and diode test measurements.
This protection is reset automatically after the overload.
• a fuse that provides protection during current measurements.
- MTX 3290: 10A
- MTX 3291: 11A
DC or 25VAC the symbol blinks on
Special functions
Automatic
detection
Automatic
switching off
Warning
signals
The number of input terminals is limited to 3: V, COM, A. Connecting the
lead to the "Ampere" terminal automatically selects the corresponding
function.
* When a change of function by the command keypad is
incompatible with the connection of the lead, it triggers an
audible or visual (LEADS) alert.
The current measurement is made with automatic peak range full-scale.
During a current measurement, an audible alert is triggered in the event of a
prolonged absence of current.
If the function is validated ( ), the device is automatically switched off after
30 mn of operation if there has been no action on the front panel during this
time.
* Automatic switching off is disabled:
- in the MAX, MIN, AVG, PEAK Surveillance mode
- in the Communication mode
- if there is a voltage >60V
multimeter.
An intermittent audible signal is emitted in all "Voltage" and "Current" settings if
the max. permanent value the device can measure is exceeded. It is
accompanied by display of the "O. L" acronym and of the
display unit.
This symbol is activated when the voltage on the "V" input exceeds 60V
AC in the "Voltage" setting or when the current injected between the A and
25V
COM terminals exceeds 10A.
DC or 25VAC on the terminals of the
symbol on the
DC or
4 6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters
General directions
General directions (continued)
Definitions of the
measurement
categories
Warning! Using a measuring instrument, a lead, or an accessory belonging to a lower
Symbols on the instrument
CAT II: Test and measurement circuits directly connected to the points of use
of the low-voltage network (power outlets and other similar points).
E.g.: Measurements on the network circuits of household appliances, portable
tools, and similar devices.
CAT III: Test and measurement circuits connected to parts of the low-voltage
network of the building.
E.g.: Measurements on distribution panels (including secondary meters), circuitbreakers, wiring including cables, bus bars, branch boxes, disconnecting
switches, power outlets in the fixed installation, and industrial appliances and
other equipment, such as motors permanently connected to the fixed
installation.
CAT IV: Test and measurement circuits connected to the source of the lowvoltage network of the building.
E.g.: Measurements on devices installed before the main fuse or the circuitbreaker of the building installation.
measurement or voltage category derates the resulting system (instrument
+ leads + accessories) to the lowest measurement category and/or service
voltage of any of the components.
Risk of electric shock: directions for connection and disconnection of the inputs.
Always connect the probes or adapters to the instrument before connecting
them to the measurement points. Always disconnect the probes or cords from
the measurement points before disconnecting them from the instrument. These
directions apply before the instrument is cleaned.
Warning: Hazard. The operator must refer to the manual each time this danger
symbol is encountered.
Device entirely protected by double insulation or reinforced insulation.
Earth
In the European Union, this product is subject to selective collection for the
recycling of electrical and electronic equipment waste in accordance with
Directive WEEE 2002/96/EC: this equipment must not be treated as ordinary
waste. The spent batteries must not be treated as ordinary waste. Take them in
to the appropriate collection point for recycling.
The CE marking indicates conformity with the European "Low Voltage", "EMC",
"WEEE" and "RoHS" directives.
USB (MTX 3291)
IP67
6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters 5
General directions
General directions (continued)
Warranty
Maintenance, metrological verification
This equipment is warranted for 3 years against any defect of materials or
workmanship, in accordance with the general terms of sale. During the
warranty period, the instrument may be repaired only by the manufacturer, who
reserves the right to repair the instrument or to replace it or part of it. If the
equipment is returned to the manufacturer, the cost of transport to the
manufacturer is borne by the customer.
The warranty does not apply following:
• improper use of the equipment or use in association with incompatible
equipment
• modification of the equipment without the explicit permission of the
manufacturer's technical staff
• maintenance done by a person not approved by the manufacturer
• adaptation to a particular application not anticipated in the definition of the
equipment or by the user manual
• a shock, a fall, or flooding.
Before opening the instrument, you must disconnect it from line power and
from the measurement circuits and make sure that you are not charged with
static electricity, which might destroy internal components. An adjustment,
maintenance, or repair of the live instrument must be undertaken only by
personnel who are qualified and have familiarized themselves with the
directions in this manual.
We recommend a verification of this instrument at least once a year. For
checking and calibration, contact one of our accredited metrology laboratories
(information and contact details available on request), at our Chauvin Arnoux
subsidiary or the branch in your country.
Unpacking, repacking
Repair under warranty and post warranty
All of the equipment has undergone mechanical and electrical checks before
being dispatched. When you receive it, carry out a quick check to detect any
deterioration that may have occurred during transport. Should the need arise,
immediately contact our sales department and notify the carrier of the customary
reservations.
Use the original packaging to reship the equipment, if possible. Indicate as
clearly as possible, by a note attached to the equipment, the reasons for the
transfer.
For all repairs before or after expiry of warranty, please return the device to your
distributor.
6 6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters
General directions
General directions (continued)
Maintenance
Replacing the fuse
• Disconnect everything connected to the instrument and press the ON/OFF
key (
• Use a soft cloth, moistened with soapy water.
• Rinse with a damp cloth and dry rapidly with a dry cloth or forced air.
• Make sure that no foreign objects interfere with the operation of the device
by which the leads are snapped into place.
).
y Before replacing the fuse (reached by
opening the bottom compartment), disconnect
the instrument from any source of current.
During the replacement, make sure that only a
fuse of the appropriate rating and specified
type is used. Using another type of fuse and
shorting the fuse holder are strictly forbidden.
y Checking the current fuse:
Fuse: SIBA/5019906
MTX 3291: 11A: 10x38 – 1,000V - F
breaking capacity: >20kA
MTX 3290: 10A: 6x32 - 600V - F
breaking capacity: >50kA
Rechargeable and primary batteries
Active
communication
interface
(MTX 3291 only)
The multimeter is powered by primary or rechargeable batteries (see above).
To charge the rechargeable
batteries (set of 4 NI-MH LSD
batteries), use an external rapid
charger, available as an accessory
* After replacing the batteries,
wait 10s before switching the instrument back on.
The multimeter can communicate with a PC via the USB link.
The basic version includes a USB link using an isolated optical USB cord (type
HX0056Z) and SX-DMM software, plus Labview and Labwindows drivers to
program the devices.
* MTX 3291: They can also be programmed via the SCPI protocol:
- to program via Labview/LW
- to recover data or program the instrument using the software
- to calibrate the MTX 3291
.
6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters 7
Description of the instruments
Description of the instruments
MTX 3290
Frontal panel
Back
Prop
Terminal block
Optical connector:
not active !
8 6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters
Description of the instruments
Description of the instruments (continued)
MTX 3291
Frontal panel
Back
Prop
Terminal block
Optical connector: active!
6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters 9
Description of the instruments
Description of the instruments (continued)
Display unit
The display is in two parts:
• A digital display for convenient reading of the digits:
- main display unit: 12.7mm
- secondary display unit: 9.7mm
• The "bargraph" display (61 segments) with scale (indication of the
measurement range) for an analogue reading
Quantities
measured
double 6,000-pts display
LowZ AC voltage measurement at low impedance (VLowZ)
• V
• V
AC AC voltage measurement
• V
AC/DC DC or AC+DC voltage measurement at high impedance (V)
MTX3290
double 60,000-pts display
MTX 3291
• A Current measurement A
• Hz Frequency measurement
• Resistance measurement
• µF Capacitance measurement
• T° Temperature measurement
• ms Measurement of the period
• % Measurement of relative value
Units
• V Volt
• A Ampere
• Hz Hertz
• Ohm
• F Farad
• °F Degree Fahrenheit
• °C Degree Celsius
• ms millisecond
• k kilo k-kHz
• M Mega M-MHz
• n nano nF
• µ micro µV-µA -µF
• m milli mV-mA -mF
• % Percentage
10 6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters
Description of the instruments
Description of the instruments (continued)
Symbols Designation
AC
DC
AC+DC
AUTO
Measurement of the AC signal
Measurement of the DC signal
Measurement of the AC and DC signal
Automatic range switching
Δ REL
REF
HOLD
MAX MIN AVG
MAX
MIN
AVG
PEAK
PEAK+
PEAK-
.run r.un ru.n
----- Frequency measurement impossible
O.L
USER
BASIC
Z
Z
Ω
Ω
%
PT100
PT1000
Values relative to a reference
Reference value
Storage and display of stored values
Value (surveillance)
Maximum value
Minimum value
Mean value
Peak value
Maximum peak value
Minimum peak value
Capacitance meter, acquisition in progress
Overshoot of the measurement capacities
USER mode (on main display unit)
BASIC mode (on main display unit)
Hertz symbol (main display unit)
Hertz symbol (secondary display unit)
Ohm (main display unit)
Ohm (secondary display unit)
Percentage
Positive pulse
Negative pulse
Symbol for temperature measurement using a Pt100 probe
Symbol for temperature measurement using a Pt1000 probe
LEADS
LowZ
♪
Symbol for measurement using a current clamp
Function selected incompatible with the connection of the lead
Low-impedance voltage measurement
Symbol of the audible continuity measurement
Symbol of the measurement and testing of a semiconductor junction
Warning, possibility of electric shock (∗)
USB communication (MTX 3291)
300Hz filter
Auto power OFF deactivated (permanent mode)
6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters 11
Description of the instruments
Description of the instruments (continued)
600V CAT III
1000V CAT III
This symbol indicates the battery charge level.
Volt, Ohm, temperature, etc. measurement input
COM measurement input
Ampere measurement input
Input indication
Input indication
Isolated optical link (USB) input
Display of unit on the main display unit (2x14 segments)
Display of unit on the secondary display unit (2x14 segments)
Identifies the reminder of the display zone connection
∗) When voltages exceeding 60 VDC or 25 VAC are measured, the symbol flashes on the display unit.
(
12 6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters
Description of the instruments
Description of the instruments (continued)
Switch
MTX 3290
Keys of the switch
Orange LEDs around the highly reliable virtual switch indicate the measurement
function chosen. The keys of the switch have priority over the action of the keys
of the keypad. The change from one function to another resets the configuration
of the measurement mode.
Short press Successive short presses
Current measurement
Temperature measurement
Capacitance measurement
Low-impedance AC voltage
measurement (VLowZ)
Selection of the type of probe:
Pt100, Pt1000
Current measurement using a
current clamp
Resistance measurement,
audible continuity
measurement, diode test
Frequency measurement
Voltage measurement
Selection of the transformation ratios
1, 10, 100, 1,000mV/A
Selection of the continuity, diode
functions
6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters 13
Description of the instruments
Description of the instruments (continued)
MTX 3291
Keys of the switch
Short press Successive short presses
Current measurement
Temperature measurement
Capacitance measurement
Low-impedance AC voltage
measurement (VLowZ)
Current measurement using a
current clamp
Resistance measurement,
audible continuity
measurement, diode test
Frequency measurement
Selection of the type of probe:
Pt100, Pt1000
Selection of the transformation ratios
1, 10, 100, 1,000mV/A
Selection of the continuity, diode
functions
Selection of the functions:
- Positive duty cycle
- Negative duty cycle
- Positive pulse width
- Negative pulse width
14 6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters
Voltage measurement
Selection of the functions:
dBm, W
Description of the instruments
Description of the instruments (continued)
Keypad
Function keys
The keypad has the following function keys:
The keys are taken into account and applied when pressed. If the key press is
validated, the instrument beeps.
Two types of action are possible:
• Short press Æ press lasting <2 seconds, validated by a beep as
soon as the key press is detected.
• Long press Æ press lasting >2 seconds, validated by a beep as soon as
the key press is detected.
MTX 3290
Successive short presses Long press
Activation/deactivation of storage of
the measurements and of the
quantities at a given time:
- Hold of the display without stopping
the acquisitions. The bargraph
continues to operate normally.
- Exit from the HOLD mode
In the MAX/MIN/AVG PEAK mode,
when the HOLD is active, the blinking
of the "MAX MIN AVG PEAK" symbol
indicates that acquisition continues as
a background task.
Choice of coupling AC, DC, AC+DC:
- Access to various parameters
ÆIn dBm: change of impedance 50,
75, 90, 600 (MTX 3291 only)
ÆIn temperature: the main display
unit indicates the temperature in °C,
the other in °F
ÆIn the REL mode, the key is used
to change from (present value –
reference value) to
Present value – reference value
Reference value
The value is displayed in %.
(MTX 3291 only)
Activation/deactivation of the low-pass
filter 300Hz:
The low-pass filter (4th order) makes
it possible to measure the RMS
voltage delivered by an MLI type
speed controller (for asynchronous
motor).
See curve
, p. 49 and 60.
x100
MTX 3291
- Hold of the display after
stabilization of the
measurement (Auto
HOLD)
- Exit from the
Auto HOLD mode
Activation/deactivation of
auto power off (APO)
(MTX 3291 only)
Activation/deactivation of
the key-press beep
6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters 15
Description of the instruments
Description of the instruments (continued)
Manual selection of measurement
range: the range defines the maximum
measurement range the instrument can
cover.
Used to return to Auto
Range mode.
The Auto Range mode is default.
Activation of the Peak+ Peak-
measurements:
- Peak+: displays the maximum
instantaneous peak value of the
measurement.
- Peak-: displays the minimum
instantaneous peak value of the
(∗)
(∗) see example
p. 22.
measurement.
st
press: recording of PEAK+, PEAK-
- 1
(on the 2nd display unit).
The PEAK+ value is displayed as
Exit from the Peak mode
default.
- Subsequent presses: look-up of stored
values (volatile).
Activation of the MAX, MIN, AVG
measurements:
- MAX and MIN inform the highest and
lowest values of the effective
measurement
- AVG: displays the mean value of the
signal since the key press
Time-stamped value for the min and the
(∗)
(∗) see example
p. 19.
max [temporary display (4s) on the
main display unit, followed by return to
present value]
If the time (h:min:sec) exceeds
(9:59:59), is displayed ----.
Exit from the
MAX, MIN, AVG mode
(MTX 3291 only)
st
press: recording of the MAX, MIN,
- 1
AVG (on the 2nd display unit).
The max. value is displayed by
default.
- Subsequent presses: look-up of the
stored values (volatile).
Activation of the relative display mode:
- Display and storage of the reference
and differential values in the unit of
the quantity measured.
st
press: activates the relative mode
- 1
∆REL
(∗)
(∗) see example
p. 23.
(present value – reference value)
and stores the measured value that
will be used as reference.
- "REF" indicates the storage of the
Exit from the ∆REL mode
reference.
- Subsequent presses: toggles the
display between the measured value
and the relative measurement ∆REL.
16 6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters
Description of the instruments
Description of the instruments (continued)
* Remark 1
* Remark 2
- The 0 centre bargraph is managed automatically in IDC and VDC (MTX 3291
only).
When the multimeter is switched on:
- 1st press on
segments of the display unit.
nd
press Æ display of model and version (US/Europe)
- 2
rd
- 3
press Æ software version (display unit 1) and keyboard and display unit
board versions (display unit 2)
th
press Æ normal operation. An audible beep acknowledges key presses.
- 4
USER/BASIC mode: During power up, the device is in BASIC mode (default
configuration Volt AC+DC).
Activation of the Backlight:
- successive presses to increase the
brightness
- circular operation: brightness 1 Æ
brightness 2 Æ brightness 3
Æ brightness 1
Activation/Deactivation of the zero
centre bargraph:
MTX 3290 only
Activation/Deactivation of auto power
off:
MTX 3290 only
(sustained press)+press on ON/OFF Æ display of all
Deactivation of the
Backlight
Connection
in Volt
and other functions
in Ampere
• If, when you power up your multimeter
mode to recover the configuration when the multimeter was switched off,
press the
• After an automatic power down, the device restarts in USER mode.
The main display unit indicates, for 3s, the change to USER or BASIC mode.
key, hold it down, then press ON/OFF ( ).
, you want to activate the USER
* In the Volt and Ampere functions, the multimeter starts up in AC+DC, as
in the USER mode.
6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters 17
Getting started
Getting started
Preparation for use
Instructions before
starting up
Power supply The devices operate with:
Powering up,
down
Power-up
configuration
When you use this multimeter, you must observe the usual safety rules,
which:
For your safety, use only the leads and accessories (clamp meter, etc.)
supplied with the instrument. Before each use, make sure that they are in
perfect condition.
The rechargeable batteries cannot be recharged in the multimeter.
Press ON/OFF
* Reminder: after replacing the batteries, wait 10s before powering
If the multimeter malfunctions, a long press (>2s) on this key can
In the Volt and Ampere functions, the instrument restarts in AC+DC.
• protect you from electrical hazards,
• protect the multimeter from operator errors.
• 4 1.5V alkaline batteries (LR6-AM3-AA) or
• 4 1.2V NI-MH rechargeable batteries of the same type.
to power up the device.
the device back up.
be applied to power down the instrument and then restore normal
operation.
In the BASIC mode, as default, the
device starts up in its elementary
configuration (default values) and in
Ac+DC function.
the V
MTX 3291 only: in the USER mode,
the device restarts in the
configuration and function selected
when it was powered down.
Automatic power
down
18 6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters
The multimeter automatically switches itself off after 30 minutes if there has
been no action on the front panel of the multimeter.
Auto power off is disabled:
• in the MAX, MIN, AVG, PEAK mode and in communication
• when the measured quantity (voltage, current) on the input exceeds
the danger thresholds, for the user's safety.
Functional description
Functional description
* The examples described in this chapter use an
1. MAX MIN AVG mode A beep indicates an overshoot or a change of quantity.
unit
Measured signal: 230V, 50Hz:
Present value of the signal
Frequency of the signal
#
Displays in the
AC+DC function
V
Main display
Secondary display
unit
for the MAX value:
st
1
press on :
Present value of the signal
MAX value
The measured signal changes to 250V,
50Hz:
h: min: sec
MAX value
# Ex.: 27s
Momentary screen (4s) indicating the
time-stamped max. value, if the value
changes or if the value is looked up.
6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters 19
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