Agilent U1231A, U1232A, U1233A User guide

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Agilent U1231A, U1232A, and U1233A Handheld Digital Multimeter

User’s Guide

Agilent Technologies

Notices

CAUTION

WARNING

No p art o f this manu al may be re produce d in any form or by any means (including electronic storage and retrieval or translation into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Agilent Technologies, Inc. as governed by United States and international copyright laws.

Manual Part Number

U1231-90026

Edition

Second Edition, November, 2011

Agilent Technologies, Inc. 5301, Stevens Creek Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 95051 USA

Warranty

The material contained in this document is provided “as is,” and is subject to change, without notice, in future editions. Further, to the maximum extent permitted by the applicable law, Agilent disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, with regard to this manual and any information contained herein, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent shall not be liable for errors or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of this document or of any information contained herein. Should Agilent and the user have a separate written agreement with warranty terms covering the material in this document that conflict with these terms, the warranty terms in the separate agreement shall control.

Technology Licenses

The hardware and or software described in this document are furnished under a license and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license.

Restricted Rights Legend

U.S. Government Restricted Rights. Software and technical data rights granted to the federal government include only those rights customarily provided to end user customers. Agilent provides this customary commercial license in Software and technical data pursuant to FAR 12.211 (Technical Data) and 12.212 (Computer Software) and, for the Department of Defense, DFARS

252.227-7015 (Technical Data - Commercial Items) and DFARS 227.7202-3 (Rights in Commercial Computer Software or Computer Software Documentation).

Safety Notices

A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the likes of that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to the product or loss of important data. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the likes of that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury or death. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

II U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Safety Symbols

CAT III

600 V

The following symbols on the instrument and in the documentation indicate precautions which must be taken to maintain safe operation of the instrument.

DC (Direct current or voltage)

AC (Alternating current or voltage)

Earth (ground) terminal

Caution, risk of danger (refer to this manual for specific Warning or Caution information)

Equipment protected throughout by double insulation or reinforced insulation

Category III 600 V overvoltage protection

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide III

Safety Considerations

CAUTION

WARNING

Read the information below before using this instrument.

The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation, service, and repair of this instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards for design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.

• Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing resistance, continuity, diodes, or capacitance.

• Use the proper terminals, function, and range for your measurements.

• This device is for use at altitudes of up to 2,000 m.

• Never measure voltage when current measurement is selected.

• Always use the specified battery type. The power for the meter is

supplied with four standard AAA 1.5 V batteries. Observe the correct polarity markings before you insert the batteries to ensure proper insertion of the batteries in the meter.

IV U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

• Do not use the meter if it is damaged. Before you use the meter, inspect the case. Look for cracks or missing plastic. Pay particular attention to the insulation surrounding the connectors.

• Inspect the test leads for damaged insulation or exposed metal. Check the test leads for continuity. Replace damaged test leads before you use the meter.

• Do not operate the meter around explosive gas, vapor, or wet environments.

• Do not apply more than the rated voltage (as marked on the meter) between terminals, or between terminal and earth ground.

WARNING

• Never use the meter in wet conditions or when there is water on the surface. If the meter is wet, ensure that the meter is dried only by trained personnel.

• Before use, verify the meter's operation by measuring a known voltage.

• When measuring current, turn off the circuit power before connecting the meter in the circuit. Remember to place the meter in series with the circuit.

• When servicing the meter, use only the specified replacement parts.

• Use caution when working above 60 V DC, 30 V AC rms, or 42.4 V peak. Such voltages pose a shock hazard.

• Do not use the VZ

(low input impedance) function to measure

LOW

voltages in circuits that could be damaged by this function’s low input impedance of 3 kΩ.

• When using the probes, keep your fingers behind the finger guards on the probes.

• Connect the common test lead before you connect the live test lead. When you disconnect the leads, disconnect the live test lead first.

• Remove the test leads from the meter before you open the battery cover.

• Do not operate the meter with the battery cover or portions of the cover removed or loosened.

• To avoid false readings, which may lead to possible electric shock or personal injury, replace the battery as soon as the low battery indicator appears and flashes.

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide V

Environmental Conditions

NOTE

This instrument is designed for indoor use and in an area with low condensation. The table below shows the general environmental requirements for this instrument.

Environmental conditions Requirements

Operating temperature Full accuracy from –10 °C to 55 °C

Full accuracy up to 80% RH (relative

Operating humidity

Storage temperature –40 °C to 60 °C

Altitude Up to 2000 meters

Pollution degree Pollution degree II

The U1231A/U1232A/U1233A Handheld Digital Multimeter complies with the following safety and EMC requirements:

• EN 61010-1 (IEC 61010-1:2001) for CAT III 600 V

• ANSI/UL 61010-1:2004

• CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-04

• Commercial limits compliance with EN61326-1

humidity) for temperature up to 30 °C, decreasing linearly to 50% RH at 55 °C

VI U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Regulatory Markings

The CE mark is a registered trademark of the European Community. This CE mark shows that the product complies with all the relevant European Legal Directives.

The C-tick mark is a registered trademark of the Spectrum Management Agency of Australia. This signifies compliance with the Australia EMC Framework regulations under the terms of the Radio Communication Act of 1992.

ICES/NMB-001 indicates that this ISM device complies with the Canadian ICES-001. Cet appareil ISM est confomre a la norme NMB-001 du Canada.

The CSA mark is a registered trademark of the Canadian Standards Association.

This instrument complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking requirement. This affixed product label indicates that you must not discard this electrical or electronic product in domestic household waste.

This symbol indicates the time period during which no hazardous or toxic substance elements are expected to leak or deteriorate during normal use. Forty years is the expected useful life of the product.

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide VII

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC

Product Category:

With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE directive Annex 1, this instrument is classified as a “Monitoring and Control Instrument” product.

The affixed product label is as shown below.

Do not dispose in domestic household waste.

To return this unwanted instrument, contact your nearest Agilent Service Centre, or visit

www.agilent.com/environment/product

for more information.

VIII U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

NOTE

The Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this instrument is available on the Agilent website. You can search the DoC by its product model or description at the web address below.

http://regulations.corporate.agilent.com/DoC/search.htm

If you are unable to search for the respective DoC, please contact your local Agilent representative.

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide IX

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X U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

1 Introduction

About This Manual 2

Documentation map 2 Safety notes 2

Preparing Your Multimeter 3

Checking the shipment 3 Installing the batteries 3 Turning on your multimeter 6 Automatic Power-Off (APO) 6 Enabling the backlight 7 Enabling the flashlight 7 Selecting the range 9 Alerts and warnings during measurement 10 Adjusting the tilt stand 11 Connecting the IR-USB cable 11 Power-on options 13

Your Multimeter in Brief 15

Dimensions 15 Overview 17 Rotary switch 19 Keypad 22 Display screen 24 Input terminals 28

Cleaning Your Multimeter 30

2 Making Measurements

Measuring AC Voltage 32

Measuring DC Voltage 34

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide XI

Measuring AC/DC mV 34

Using VZ

for Voltage Measurements 36

LOW

Measuring Resistance 39

Testing for Continuity 41

Testing Diodes 45

Measuring Capacitance 49

Measuring Temperature 51

Measuring AC or DC Current 56

Measuring Frequency 61

3 Multimeter Features

Detecting AC Voltage Presence (Vsense) 66

Making Relative Measurements (Null) 68

Capturing Maximum and Minimum Values (MaxMin) 70

Freezing the Display (Trig Hold-Log and Auto Hold-Log) 72

Trig Hold-Log operation 72 Auto Hold-Log operation 72

Recalling Previously Recorded Readings (Recall) 74

Making Scale Transfers (Scale) 76

4 Multimeter Setup Options

Using the Setup Menu 80

Editing numerical values 81

Setup Menu Summary 82

Setup Menu Items 84

Changing the variation count 84 Enabling and changing the Smooth refresh rate 85

XII U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Enabling and changing the voltage alert level 86 Changing the beep frequency 87 Changing the auto power-off (APO) timeout 88 Changing the LCD backlight timeout 89 Adjusting the LCD backlight intensity 90 Enabling the LED flashlight timeout 91 Adjusting the LED flashlight intensity 92 Changing the minimum measurable frequency 93 Changing the continuity test alerts 93 Changing the power-on greeting tone 95 Resetting the Setup items 96 Changing the scale conversion value 96 Enable the AC/DC mV measurement 98 Enable open continuity test by default 99 Changing the temperature unit 99

5 Characteristics and Specifications

Product Characteristics 102

Specification Assumptions 103

Measurement Category 104

Measurement category definition 104

Electrical Specifications 105

DC specifications 105 AC specifications 108 Capacitance specifications 109 Temperature specifications 110 Frequency specifications 111 Frequency sensitivity specifications 111 Scale transfer (mV) 112 Display update rate (approximate) 113

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XIV U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

List of Figures

Figure 1-1 Installing the batteries 4 Figure 1-2 Powering on the multimeter 6 Figure 1-3 Tilt-stand adjustment and IR-USB cable connection 11 Figure 1-4 Agilent GUI Data Logger Software 12 Figure 1-5 Width dimension 15 Figure 1-6 Height and depth dimensions 16 Figure 1-7 Front panel 17 Figure 1-8 Rear panel 18 Figure 2-1 AC voltage display 32 Figure 2-2 Measuring AC voltage 33 Figure 2-3 DC voltage display 34 Figure 2-4 Measuring DC voltage 35 Figure 2-5 VZ Figure 2-6 Measuring VZ Figure 2-7 VZ

voltage display 36

LOW

voltage 37

LOW

auto identification flow 38

LOW

Figure 2-8 Resistance display 39 Figure 2-9 Measuring resistance 40 Figure 2-10 Continuity test flow 42 Figure 2-11 Testing for continuity 44 Figure 2-12 Diode display 45 Figure 2-13 Open diode display 46 Figure 2-14 Testing forward bias diode 47 Figure 2-15 Testing reverse bias diode 48 Figure 2-16 Capacitance display 49 Figure 2-17 Measuring capacitance 50 Figure 2-18 Temperature display 51 Figure 2-19 Measuring the surface temperature 52 Figure 2-20 Using the Auxillary Temperature measurement

function 53

Figure 2-21 Temperature measurement without ambient

compensation 55

Figure 2-22 DC current display 57 Figure 2-23 AC current display 57 Figure 2-24 Measuring DC/AC current (up to A) 58 Figure 2-25 Measuring AC/DC current (up to

μA) 59

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide XV

Figure 2-26 Frequency definition 62 Figure 2-27 Frequency display 62 Figure 2-28 Measuring frequency 63 Figure 3-1 Detecting voltage presence 67 Figure 3-2 Null display 68 Figure 3-3 Null operation 69 Figure 3-4 MaxMin display 71 Figure 3-5 Trig Hold-Log display 72 Figure 3-6 Auto Hold-Log display 73 Figure 3-7 View display 74 Figure 3-8 Empty view display 75 Figure 4-1 Changing the variation count 84 Figure 4-2 Enabling and changing the Smooth refresh rate 85 Figure 4-3 Enabling and changing the voltage alert level 86 Figure 4-4 Changing the beep frequency 87 Figure 4-5 Changing the auto power-off timeout 88 Figure 4-6 Changing the LCD backlight timeout 89 Figure 4-7 Changing the LCD backlight intensity 90 Figure 4-8 Changing the LED flashlight timeout 91 Figure 4-9 Changing the LED flashlight intensity 92 Figure 4-10 Changing the minimum measurable frequency 93 Figure 4-11 Changing the continuity test alerts 94 Figure 4-12 Changing the power-on greeting tone 95 Figure 4-13 Resetting the Setup items 96 Figure 4-14 Changing the scale conversion value 97 Figure 4-15 Enable the AC/DC mV measurement 98 Figure 4-16 Enable open continuity test by default 99 Figure 4-17 Changing the temperature unit 100

XVI U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

List of Tables

Tab le 1- 1 Battery level indicator 5 Tab le 1- 2 Power-on options 13 Tab le 1- 3 Front panel parts 17 Tab le 1- 4 Rear panel parts 18 Tab le 1- 5 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A rotary switch functions 20 Tab le 1- 6 Keypad functions 22 Tab le 1- 7 General annunciators 24 Tab le 1- 8 Measurement units display 26 Tab le 1- 9 Analog bar graph display 27 Tab le 1- 10 U1231A terminal connections for different measuring

functions 28

Tab le 1- 11 U1232A and U1233A terminal connections for different

measuring functions 29

Tab le 2- 1 Threshold resistance values 41 Tab le 2- 2 Functions allowing frequency measurement 61 Tab le 3- 1 Available scale conversions 76 Tab le 4- 1 Setup menu key functions 80 Tab le 4- 2 Setup menu item descriptions 82 Tab le 5- 1 DC specifications 105 Tab le 5- 2 AC specifications 108 Tab le 5- 3 Capacitance specifications 109 Tab le 5- 4 Temperature specifications 110 Tab le 5- 5 Frequency specifications 111 Tab le 5- 6 Frequency sensitivity and trigger level specifications for

voltage measurements 111

Tab le 5- 7 Frequency sensitivity and trigger level specifications for

current measurements 112

Tab le 5- 8 Scale transfer (mV) specifications 112 Tab le 5- 9 Display update rate (approximate) 113

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XVIII U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A Handheld Digital Multimeter User’s Guide

1 Introduction

About This Manual 2

Documentation map 2 Safety notes 2

Preparing Your Multimeter 3

Your Multimeter in Brief 15

Dimensions 15 Overview 17 Rotary switch 19 Keypad 22 Display screen 24 Input terminals 28

Cleaning Your Multimeter 30

This chapter teaches you how to set up your multimeter for the first time. An introduction to all the features of the multimeter is also given.

Agilent Technologies

1 Introduction

About This Manual

The descriptions and instructions in this manual apply to the Agilent U1231A, U1232A, and U1233A handheld digital multimeters (hereafter referred to as the multimeter).

The model U1233A appears in all illustrations.

Documentation map

The following manuals and software are available for your multimeter. For the very latest version, please visit our website at: http://www.agilent.com/find/hhTechLib.

Check the manual revision on the first page of each manual.

• User’s Guide. This manual.

•Quick Start Guide. Printed copy for outdoor use,

included with shipment.

• Service Guide. Free download at the Agilent website.

• Agilent GUI Data Logger Software, Help, and Quick

Start Guide. Free download at the Agilent website.

Safety notes

Safety notes are used throughout this manual (see the

“Safety Notices” section for format examples). Familiarize

yourself with each of the notes and its meaning before operating your multimeter.

More pertinent safety notes for using this product are located under the “Safety Considerations” section.

Do not proceed beyond a safety notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

2 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Preparing Your Multimeter

CAUTION

Checking the shipment

When you receive your multimeter, check the shipment according to the following procedure.

1 Inspect the shipping container for damage. Signs of

damage may include a dented or torn shipping container or cushioning material that indicates signs of unusual stress or compacting. Save the packaging material in case the multimeter needs to be returned.

2 Carefully remove the contents from the shipping

container, and verify that the standard accessories and your ordered options are included in the shipment according to the standard shipped items list found in the printed copy of the U1231A/U1232A/U1233A Quick Start Guide.

3 For any question or problems, refer to the Agilent contact

numbers on the back of this manual.

Introduction 1

Preparing Your Multimeter

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 3

Installing the batteries

Your multimeter is powered by four 1.5 V AAA alkaline batteries (included with the shipment). When you receive your multimeter, the AAA alkaline batteries are not installed.

Use the following procedure to install the batteries.

Before you proceed with the batteries installation, remove all cable connections to the terminals and ensure that the rotary switch is at the OFF position. Use only the battery type specified in the “Product

Characteristics” on page 102.

1 Introduction

Preparing Your Multimeter

1 Open the battery cover. Loosen the screw with a suitable

Phillips screwdriver and remove the battery cover as shown in Figure 1-1.

2 Insert the batteries. Observe the proper battery polarity.

The terminal ends of each battery are indicated inside the battery compartment.

3 Close the battery cover. Place the battery cover back in

its original position and tighten the screw.

Figure 1-1 Installing the batteries

The battery level indicator in the lower right- hand corner of the display indicates the relative condition of the batteries.

Table 1- 1 describes the various battery levels the indicator

represents.

4 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Tab l e 1 - 1 Battery level indicator

WARNING

CAUTION

Indication Battery capacity

Full capacity

2/3 capacity

1/3 capacity

Introduction 1

Preparing Your Multimeter

(Flashing periodically)

[1] Batteries change advised. Always use the specified battery type listed in

page 102.

Almost empty

[1]

To avoid false readings, which could lead to possible electric shock or personal injury, replace the batteries as soon as the low battery indicator appears. Do not discharge the batteries by shorting the batteries or reversing the batteries polarity.

To avoid instruments being damage from battery leakage:

• Always remove dead batteries immediately.

• Always remove the batteries and store them separately if the

multimeter is not going to be used for a long period.

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 5

1 Introduction

Preparing Your Multimeter

Turning on your multimeter

To power ON your multimeter, turn the rotary switch to any other position (other than the position). The model number of your multimeter will be shown on the display briefly.

Figure 1-2 Powering on the multimeter

To power OFF your multimeter, turn the rotary switch to the

position.

Automatic Power-Off (APO)

Your multimeter automatically turns off if the rotary switch is not moved or a key is not pressed for 15 minutes (default). Pressing any key will turn the multimeter back on after it is powered off automatically.

The symbol is shown on the bottom left of the display when the automatic power-off function is enabled.

6 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

NOTE

To change the timeout period or completely disable the automatic

NOTE

WARNING

power-off, refer to “Changing the auto power-off (APO) timeout” on page 88.

Enabling the backlight

If viewing the display becomes difficult in low- light conditions, press to activate the LCD backlight.

Press again to deactivate the LCD backlight.

• To conserve battery life, a user-adjustable timeout controls how long

the backlight stays on. The default timeout is 15 seconds. To change the timeout period or completely disable the backlight timeout, refer to

“Changing the LCD backlight timeout” on page 89.

• You can also adjust the backlight’s intensity to conserve battery life.

The default intensity is high. To change the backlight’s intensity level refer to “Adjusting the LCD backlight intensity” on page 90.

Introduction 1

Preparing Your Multimeter

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 7

Enabling the flashlight

If you are using the multimeter in dark places, press and hold for more than 1 second to activate the LED flashlight for greater visibility on your test points.

Press for more than 1 second to deactivate the LED flashlight.

VISION ADVISORY CLAIM

It is advised that you do not look directly into the light source of the LED flashlight. As with any source of bright light, prolonged exposure can damage the eye.

1 Introduction

NOTE

Max Min

NOTE

Preparing Your Multimeter

• To conserve battery life, a user-adjustable timeout can be set to control

how long the flashlight stays on. To set a timeout period, refer to

“Enabling the LED flashlight timeout” on page 91.

• You can also adjust the flashlight’s intensity to conserve battery life.

The default intensity is high. To change the flashlight’s intensity level refer to “Adjusting the LED flashlight intensity” on page 92.

• Use the power-on option (hold while powering on the multimeter)

to enable the flashlight without multimeter operation. In this mode, you can adjust the flashlight intensity using the or keys, as well as cycle between the HELP mode, dEMo mode, or flashlight mode using the or keys. To learn more, see “HELP and dEMo modes” on page 8 and “Power-on options” on page 13.

HELP and dEMo modes

The HELP and dEMo modes can be enabled through the power- on options (see page 13).

1 While in the flashlight power- on mode, press or

until is shown to enable the HELP mode.

When the HELP mode is enabled, the multimeter flashes the international Morse code distress signal (· · · — — — · · ·) repeatedly. Use this option to send a visual alert or notification of a distress in progress.

2 While in the flashlight power- on mode, press or

until is shown to enable the dEMo mode.

When the dEMo mode is enabled, the multimeter demonstrates the flashlight and beeper abilities by flashing the flashlight repeatedly accompanied by a melody tone.

3 Press or to cycle between the HELP, dEMo, or

flashlight mode. Press and hold for more than 1 second to toggle the flashlight on or off (for any of the modes — HELP, dEMo, or flashlight mode).

8 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Selecting the range

NOTE

The multimeter’s selected range is always displayed above the right- hand end of the bar graph, as the range indicator.

Pressing switches the multimeter between manual and autoranging. It also cycles through the available multimeter ranges when manual ranging is enabled.

Autoranging is convenient because the multimeter automatically selects an appropriate range for sensing and displaying each measurement. However, manual ranging results in better performance, since the multimeter does not have to determine which range to use for each measurement.

Introduction 1

Preparing Your Multimeter

The range is fixed for diode tests, temperature, VZ

, and AC/DC mV

LOW

measurements.

In autorange, the multimeter selects the lowest range to display the highest available precision (resolution) for the input signal. If manual range is already enabled, press for more than 1 second to enter the autoranging mode.

If autoranging is enabled, press to enter the manual range mode.

Each additional press of sets the multimeter to the next higher range, unless it is already in the highest range, at which point the range switches to the lowest range.

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 9

1 Introduction

WARNING

Preparing Your Multimeter

Alerts and warnings during measurement

Voltage alert

For your own safety, please do not ignore the voltage alert. When the multimeter cautions you with a voltage alert, you are advised to take note of the existence of high voltage and pay closer attention when performing measurements.

Your multimeter provides a voltage alert for voltage measurements in both autoranging and manual range modes. The multimeter starts beeping periodically once the measured voltage exceeds the alert value (regardless of polarity) set in the Setup menu.

By default, this feature is turned off. Be sure to set the alert voltage according to your test requirements. To change the alert voltage level, refer to “Enabling and changing the

voltage alert level” on page 86.

10 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Hazardous voltage indication

The multimeter will also display the hazardous voltage ( ) symbol as an early precaution when the measured voltage is equal to or greater than 30 V in all voltage measurement modes.

Adjusting the tilt stand

To PC (host)

IR-USB cable

Pull until 60° standing position

Tilt stand

To adjust the multimeter to a 60° standing position, pull the tilt stand outward as shown in Figure 1- 3.

Introduction 1

Preparing Your Multimeter

Figure 1-3 Tilt-stand adjustment and IR-USB cable connection

Connecting the IR-USB cable

You can use the IR communication link (IR communication port, located at the rear panel) and the Agilent GUI Data Logger software to control your multimeter remotely, perform data logging operations, and transfer the contents of your multimeter’s memory to a PC.

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 11

1 Introduction

NOTE

Preparing Your Multimeter

Ensure that the Agilent logo on the U1173A IR- USB cable (purchased separately) connected to the multimeter is facing up. Firmly push the IR head into the multimeter’s IR communication port until it snaps into place (see

Figure 1- 3).

Communication settings for U1231A/U1232A/U1233A

The baud rate, data bits, and parity bit are fixed respectively to 9600 bps, 8-bit, and none for the U1231A/U1232A/U1233A handheld digital multimeter. Ensure that the communication settings on the Agilent GUI Data Logger match the communication settings mentioned in this note.

Refer to the Agilent GUI Data Logger Software Help and Quick Start Guide for more information on the IR

communication link and the Agilent GUI Data Logger software.

Figure 1-4 Agilent GUI Data Logger Software

The Agilent GUI Data Logger software and its supporting documents (Help and Quick Start Guide) are available as free downloads from http://www.agilent.com/find/hhTechLib.

You may purchase a U1173A IR- USB cable from an Agilent Sales Office nearest to you.

12 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Power-on options

Some options can be selected only while you turn the multimeter on. These power- on options are listed in the table below.

To select a power- on option, press and hold the specified key in Table 1- 2 while turning the rotary switch from OFF to any other position. Power- on options remain selected until the multimeter is turned off.

Tab l e 1 - 2 Power-on options

Introduction 1

Preparing Your Multimeter

Key Description

Enters the multimeter’s Setup menu.

See Chapter 4, “Multimeter Setup Options,” starting on page 79 for more information. Press and hold for more than 1 second to exit this mode.

Enables Smooth until the multimeter is turned off.

To p er ma ne nt ly en able Smooth, see “Enabling and

changing the Smooth refresh rate” on page 85.

Tests the LCD.

All annunciators are displayed in the LCD. Press any key to exit this mode.

Checks the firmware version.

The multimeter’s firmware version will be shown on the primary display. Press any key to exit this mode.

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 13

1 Introduction

Max Min

Preparing Your Multimeter

Tab l e 1 - 2 Power-on options (continued)

Key Description

Enables Scale until the multimeter is turned off.

To learn more about Scale, see “Making Scale Transfers

(Scale)” on page 76.

Activates the LED flashlight without multimeter operation.

• Press or to adjust the LED flashlight’s intensity level (either Lo, 02, 03, ME, 05, 06, or Hi). Press to save your changes, or press to discard your changes.

• Press or to cycle between the flashlight’s HELP mode, dEMo mode, or flashlight mode. To learn

more about these modes, see “HELP and dEMo

modes” on page 8.

• Press and hold for more than 1 second to toggle the flashlight on or off (for any of the modes — HELP, dEMo, or flashlight mode).

• Press and hold for more than 1 second to exit this mode.

14 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Your Multimeter in Brief

86 mm

Dimensions

Front view

Introduction 1

Your Multimeter in Brief

Figure 1-5 Width dimension

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 15

1 Introduction

169 mm

52 mm

Your Multimeter in Brief

Rear and side view

Figure 1-6 Height and depth dimensions

16 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Overview

Introduction 1

Your Multimeter in Brief

Front panel

The front panel parts of your multimeter are described in this section. Click the respective “Learn more” pages in

Table 1- 3 for more information on each part.

Figure 1-7 Front panel

Tab l e 1 - 3 Front panel parts

Legend Description Learn more on:

1 Display screen page 24

2 Keypad page 22

3 Te r m i n a l s page 28

4 Voltage presence indicator (U1233A only) page 66

5 Rotary switch page 19

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 17

1 Introduction

Your Multimeter in Brief

Rear panel

The rear panel parts of your multimeter are described in this section. Click the respective “Learn more” pages in

Table 1- 4 for more information on each part.

Figure 1-8 Rear panel

Tab l e 1 - 4 Rear panel parts

Legend Description Learn more on:

1 IR communication port page 11

2 Tilt stand page 11

3 Battery and fuse access cover page 3

4 Flashlight page 7

18 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Rotary switch

NOTE

WARNING

NOTE

Introduction 1

Your Multimeter in Brief

The measurement functions for each rotary switch position are described in Table 1- 5 on page 20. Turning the rotary switch changes the measurement function and resets all other measurement options.

Click the respective “Learn more” pages in Table 1- 5 for more information on each function.

Some rotary switch positions have a shifted function printed in orange. Press to switch between the shifted and regular function. See

page 23 for more information on the key.

Remove the test leads from the measuring source or target before changing the rotary switch position.

Each position of the U1231A, U1232A, and U1233A rotary switch (shown in Figure 1- 7) is described in Table 1- 5.

A list of some of the abbreviations used in Table 1-5 is given below.

•VZ

•AC V: AC voltage measurement

•DC V: DC voltage measurement

•AC Hz: AC coupling frequency measurement

•AC A: AC current measurement

•DC A: DC current measurement

• Clamp-on AC A (Aux): Clamp-on AC auxiliary current measurement

• Clamp-on DC A (Aux): Clamp-on DC auxiliary current measurement

•AC μA: AC current measurement (up to microamperes)

•DC μA: DC current measurement (up to microamperes)

: Low input impedance voltage measurement for eliminating ghost

LOW

voltages

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 19

1 Introduction

HzHzHz

AUX

Your Multimeter in Brief

Tab l e 1 - 5 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A rotary switch functions

Legend Functions shown in the primary display

U1233A U1232A U1231A Default When is pressed

Cycles between

Auto (AC/DC) V

LOW

• VZ

DC (AC) V,

LOW

AC (DC) V, or

LOW

Auto (AC/DC) V.

LOW

Off Off page 5

AC V AC Hz

DC V N/A page 34

Cycles between

Resistance measurement (Ω)

• Short ( ) continuity,

• Open ( ) continuity

[1]

, or

• Resistance measurement (Ω)

Diode test (V) N/A page 45

U1233A: Capacitance measurement (F)

U1232A: Capacitance measurement (F)

U1231A: Capacitance

U1233A: Temperature

measurement

U1232A: Auxiliary temperature measurement

U1231A: N/A

measurement (F)

Learn

more on:

page 36

page 32 and

page 61

page 39 and

page 41

page 49 and

page 51

20 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Tab l e 1 - 5 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A rotary switch functions (continued)

AUX

Introduction 1

Your Multimeter in Brief

Legend Functions shown in the primary display

U1233A U1232A U1231A Default When is pressed

Learn

more on:

U1233A/U1232A:

Cycles between

• AC A,

• AC Hz, or

U1233A/U1232A: DC A

U1231A: Clamp-on AC A (Aux)

• DC A U1231A:

Cycles between

• Clamp-on DC A (Aux),

• AC Hz, or

page 56 and

page 61

• Clamp-on AC A (Aux)

U1233A/U1232A:

U1233A/U1232A: DC μA

U1231A: Auxiliary temperature

measurement

Cycles between

• AC μA,

• AC Hz, or

• DC μA U1231A: N/A

[1] The open continuity test option must be enabled through the Setup menu. To learn more, see “Enable open continuity test

by default” on page 99. The open continuity test option is disabled by default.

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 21

1 Introduction

Max Min

Max

Min

Max Min

Your Multimeter in Brief

Keypad

The operation of each key is explained below. Pressing a key enables a function, displays a related symbol, and emits a beep. Turning the rotary switch to another position resets the current operation of the key.

Click the respective “Learn more” pages in Table 1- 6 for more information on each function.

Tab l e 1 - 6 Keypad functions

Legend

Function when pressed for:

Less than 1 second More than 1 second

Sets the Null/Relative mode.

• While in Null mode, press again to view the stored reference value that has been saved. The display will return to normal after 3 seconds.

• Pressing while the relative value is being displayed will cancel the Null mode.

Starts the MaxMin recording.

• Press again to cycle through maximum (Max), minimum (Min), average (Avg), or present (MaxMinAvg) readings.

• Press to restart the recording

session.

Sets a manual range and disables autoranging.

• Press again to cycle through each available measurement range.

Enters the Hold-Log Recall menu.

• Press to jump to the last record. Press and hold for more than 1 second to jump to the first record.

• Press or to scroll through each record.

• Press for more than 1 second to store all records into the multimeter’s non-volatile memory. Press for more than 1 second to clear all records.

• Press for more than 1 second to exit this mode.

Stops the MaxMin recording.

• Press for more than 1 second to exit this mode.

Enables autoranging.

Learn

more on:

page 68

and

page 74

page 70

page 9

22 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Tab l e 1 - 6 Keypad functions (continued)

Introduction 1

Your Multimeter in Brief

Legend

Function when pressed for:

Less than 1 second More than 1 second

Freezes and stores the present reading in the display ( mode).

• In Trig Hold-Log mode, press to manually trigger the holding of the next measured value.

• Press for more than 1 second to exit this mode.

Turns the LCD backlight on for 15 seconds (default) or off.

Switches between the regular and shifted measurement function (icon printed in

orange on the rotary switch function — if

available). Press again to switch back to the regular measurement function.

Automatically freezes the present reading once the reading is stable ( mode)

• In Auto Hold-Log mode, the reading is updated automatically once the reading is stable and the count setting is exceeded.

• Press for more than 1 second to exit this mode.

Turns the LED flashlight on or off.

For U1233A only: Enables the non-contact voltage presence indicator. Press for more than 1 second to exit this mode.

Learn

more on:

page 72

page 7 and

page 7

page 66

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 23

1 Introduction

Your Multimeter in Brief

Display screen

The display annunciators of your multimeter are described in this section. See also “Measurement units” on page 26 for a list of available measurement signs and notations and

“Analog bar graph” on page 27 for a tutorial on the analog

bar graph located at the bottom of your display screen.

General display annunciators

The general display annunciators of your multimeter are described in the table below.

Click the respective “Learn more” pages in Table 1- 7 for more information on each annunciator.

Tab l e 1 - 7 General annunciators

Legend Description Learn more on:

Low impedance measurement enabled page 36

Hazardous voltage sign for measuring voltage ≥30 V or overload

DC (direct current) and AC (alternating current) indication

• Capacitor is charging (during capacitance measurement)

• Open continuity test

• Capacitor is discharging (during

capacitance measurement)

• Short continuity test

Calibration enabled -

Scale transfer enabled page 76

Smooth mode enabled page 85

APO (Auto Power-Off) enabled page 6

page 10

page 49

and

page 41

24 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Introduction 1

Your Multimeter in Brief

Tab l e 1 - 7 General annunciators (continued)

Legend Description Learn more on:

Trigger hold enabled page 72

Auto hold enabled page 72

Maximum reading shown on primary display

Minimum reading shown on primary display

page 70

Averaged reading shown on primary display

Present reading shown on primary display

Relative (Null) enabled page 68

Primary measurement display -

Analog bar graph page 27

Remote control enabled page 11

Measuring units -

Temperature measurement without ambient compensation selected

Autoranging enabled page 9

Diode test selected page 45

Measurement range selected page 9

Audible continuity test selected page 41

Hold-Log recall mode enabled page 74

page 51

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 25

1 Introduction

Your Multimeter in Brief

Tab l e 1 - 7 General annunciators (continued)

Legend Description Learn more on:

Battery capacity indication page 5

Overload (the reading exceeds the display range)

Measurement units

The available signs and notations for each measurement function in your multimeter are described in Table 1- 8. The units listed below are applicable to the primary display measurements of your multimeter.

Tab l e 1 - 8 Measurement units display

Sign/Notation Description

M Mega 1E+06 (1000000)

k kilo 1E+03 (1000)

n nano 1E–09 (0.000000001)

μ micro 1E–06 (0.000001)

m milli 1E–03 (0.001)

mV, V Voltage units for voltage measurement

A, μA Ampere units for current measurement

nF, μF, mF Farad units for capacitance measurement

Ω, kΩ, MΩ Ohm units for resistance measurement

MHz, kHz, Hz Hertz units for frequency measurement

°C Degree Celsius, unit for temperature measurement

°F Degree Fahrenheit, unit for temperature measurement

26 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Introduction 1

Your Multimeter in Brief

Analog bar graph

The analog bar emulates the needle on an analog multimeter, without displaying the overshoot. When measuring peak or null adjustments and viewing fast- changing inputs, the bar graph provides a useful indication because it has a faster updating rate

For example, when frequency is displayed on the primary display during voltage or current measurement, the bar graph represents the voltage or current value (not the frequency value).

The “–” sign indicates whether the measured or calculated value negative. Each segment represents 33.34 or 200 counts depending on the range indicated on the peak bar graph.

Tab l e 1 - 9 Analog bar graph display

[1]

to cater for fast-response applications.

Range Counts/

Segments

33.34 ,

200 , , ,

Used for the function

An unstable bar graph and unmatched primary display when measuring DC voltage usually means the presence of AC voltages in the circuit.

[1] The analog bar graph display update rate is approximately 33 times/second for

DC voltage, current, and resistance measurements.

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 27

1 Introduction

WARNING

CAUTION

AUX

Your Multimeter in Brief

Input terminals

The terminal connections for the different measurement functions of your multimeter are described in the table below. Observe the rotary switch position of your multimeter before connecting the test leads to the connector terminals.

Ensure that the probe accessories are connected to the correct input terminals for the selected measurement function before starting any measurement.

To avoid damaging this device, do not exceed the rated input limit.

Tab l e 1 - 10 U1231A terminal connections for different measuring functions

Rotary switch position Input terminals

U1231A

Overload protection

600 Vrms

600 Vrms for

short circuit <0.3 A

28 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Introduction 1

AUX

Your Multimeter in Brief

Tab l e 1 - 11 U1232A and U1233A terminal connections for different

measuring functions

Rotary switch position Input terminals

U1233A U1232A

Overload protection

600 Vrms

600 Vrms for

short circuit <0.3 A

11 A/1000 V, fast-acting fuse

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 29

1 Introduction

WARNING

Cleaning Your Multimeter

To avoid electrical shock or damage to the multimeter, ensure that the insides of the casing stay dry at all times.

Dirt or moisture in the terminals can distort readings. Follow the steps below to clean your multimeter.

1 Turn the multimeter off and remove the test leads.

2 Turn the multimeter over and shake out any dirt that may

have accumulated in the terminals.

Wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent — do not use abrasives or solvents. Wipe the contacts in each terminal with a clean swab dipped in alcohol.

30 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A Handheld Digital Multimeter User’s Guide

2 Making Measurements

Measuring AC Voltage 32 Measuring DC Voltage 34

Measuring AC/DC mV 34 Using VZ Measuring Resistance 39 Testing for Continuity 41 Tes ti n g D io de s 45 Measuring Capacitance 49 Measuring Temperature 51 Measuring AC or DC Current 56 Measuring Frequency 61

for Voltage Measurements 36

LOW

This chapter describes how to take measurements with your multimeter.

Agilent Technologies

2 Making Measurements

NOTE

Measuring AC Voltage

Set up your multimeter to measure AC voltage as shown in

Figure 2- 2. Probe the test points and read the display.

AC voltage measurements measured with this multimeter are returned as true rms (root mean square) readings. These readings are accurate for sine waves and other waveforms (with no DC offset) such as square waves, triangle waves, and staircase waves.

Figure 2-1 AC voltage display

Press to measure the frequency of the AC voltage source. See

“Measuring Frequency” on page 61 to learn more.

32 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Making Measurements 2

Voltage source

Measuring AC Voltage

Figure 2-2 Measuring AC voltage

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 33

2 Making Measurements

NOTE

AUX

Measuring DC Voltage

Set up your multimeter to measure DC voltage as shown in

Figure 2- 4. Probe the test points and read the display.

This multimeter displays DC voltage values as well as their polarity. Negative DC voltages will return a negative sign on the left of the display.

Figure 2-3 DC voltage display

Measuring AC/DC mV

You can choose to set the multimeter to measure AC or DC mV at the rotary positions shown below.

• U1233A:

• U1232A:

• U1231A:

Use the Setup menu to enable AC/DC mV measurements. See

“Enable the AC/DC mV measurement” on page 98 to learn

more.

34 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Making Measurements 2

Voltage source

Measuring DC Voltage

Figure 2-4 Measuring DC voltage

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 35

2 Making Measurements

CAUTION

NOTE

Using VZ

for Voltage Measurements

LOW

Using VZ

for Voltage Measurements

LOW

Set up your multimeter to make a VZ impedance) voltage measurement as shown in Figure 2- 6. Probe the test points and read the display.

Do not use the VZ could be damaged by this function’s low impedance (≈3 kΩ).

Use the VZ measurements

Ghost voltages are voltages present on a circuit that should not be energized. They are usually caused by capacitive coupling between energized wiring and adjacent unused wiring. The VZ remove ghost voltages from your measurements by dissipating the coupling voltage. Use the VZ readings in areas where the presence of ghost voltages are suspected.

function to remove ghost or induced voltages from your

LOW

(low input

LOW

function to measure voltages in circuits that

LOW

function can

LOW

function to reduce the possibility of false

LOW

36 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Figure 2-5 VZ

During VZ

The analog bar graph represents the AC+DC voltage value combined.

LOW

voltage display

LOW

measurements, the multimeter’s range is locked to 600 V.

Using VZ

Adjacent unused wiring

Energized wiring

NOTE

Making Measurements 2

for Voltage Measurements

LOW

Figure 2-6 Measuring VZ

LOW

voltage

• The multimeter will automatically identify the voltage measurement

based on the following criteria:

• If AC V > 0.5 V or AC V ≥ the absolute of DC V, AC V will be selected.

• Otherwise, DC V will be selected.

• Press once to lock the initial signal identification (AC V or DC V).

Press again to exchange the AC and DC voltage indication on the primary display. Pressing for the third time will restart the auto identification of the signal. See Figure 2-7 to learn more.

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 37

2 Making Measurements

Auto

ide ntifica tion

initia l sign al id entification

Press to lock the

the signal indication to DC V

Press to exchange

initia l s ign al ide ntif ication

Press to lock the

the signal indication to AC V

Press to exchange

to res tar t Au to

Ide ntification

Press

NOTE

Using VZ

for Voltage Measurements

LOW

38 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Figure 2-7 VZ

Using VZ

LOW

auto identification flow

LOW

to test a battery’s health

Aside from reading a battery’s voltage level using the DC voltage measurement function, you can also use the VZ

LOW

function to test a battery’s health.

If you detect that the measured battery’s voltage shown in the VZ

function is declining gradually, this means that

LOW

the capacity of the battery- under-test is not enough to support regular functions. Use this simple and quick test to determine if a battery has enough voltage capacity to support regular activities.

Prolonged use of the VZ

function will consume the capacity of the

LOW

battery-under-test.

Measuring Resistance

CAUTION

NOTE

Making Measurements 2

Measuring Resistance

Set up your multimeter to measure resistance as shown in

Figure 2- 9. Probe the test points and read the display.

To avoid possible damage to your multimeter or to the equipment under test, disconnect the circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before measuring resistance.

Resistance (opposition to the current flow) is measured by sending a small current out through the test leads to the circuit under test. Because this current flows through all possible paths between the leads, the resistance reading represents the total resistance of all paths between the leads. Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω).

Figure 2-8 Resistance display

Keep the following in mind when measuring resistance.

• The test leads can add 0.1 Ω to 0.2 Ω of error to resistance

measurements. To test the leads, touch the probe tips together and read the resistance of the leads. To remove lead resistance from the measurement, hold the test lead tips together and press . Now the resistance at the probe tips will be subtracted from all future display readings.

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 39

2 Making Measurements

NOTE

Resistor

Measuring Resistance

• Because the multimeter’s test current flows through all possible paths

between the probe tips, the measured value of a resistor in a circuit is often different from the resistor’s rated value.

• The resistance function can produce enough voltage to forward-bias

silicon diodes or transistor junctions, causing them to conduct. If this is suspected, press to apply a lower current in the next higher range.

Figure 2-9 Measuring resistance

40 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Testing for Continuity

CAUTION

NOTE

Making Measurements 2

Testing for Continuity

Set up your multimeter to test for continuity as shown in

Figure 2- 11. Probe the test points and read the display.

To avoid possible damage to your multimeter or to the equipment under test, disconnect the circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing for continuity.

Continuity is the presence of a complete path for current flow. The continuity test features a beeper that sounds and a backlight that flashes as long as a circuit is complete if short continuity is selected (or broken if open continuity is selected). The audible and visual alert allows you to perform quick continuity tests without having to watch the display.

In continuity, a short means a measured value is less that the threshold resistance values listed in Table 2- 1.

Tab l e 2 - 1 Threshold resistance values

Measuring range Threshold resistance

600.0 Ω <23 ±10 Ω

6.000 kΩ <230 ±100 Ω

60.00 kΩ <2.3 ± 1 kΩ

600.0 kΩ <23 ± 10 kΩ

6.000 MΩ <131 ± 60 kΩ

60.00 MΩ <131 ± 60 kΩ

Press to switch between resistance measurement, short continuity test ( ), or open continuity test ( ). See

Figure 2- 10 to learn more.

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 41

2 Making Measurements

NOTE

the open continuity test

Pres s to s witch to

the short con tinuity tes t

Pres s to s witch to

the resistance measurement

Press to switch to

Short detected,

beeper sounds

Open dete cted,

beeper sounds

Circuit open

Circuit

complete

Testing for Continuity

Open continuity is disabled by default

The open continuity test option must be enabled in the Setup menu before it can be selected via the key. See “Enable open continuity test by

default” on page 99 to learn more.

Figure 2-10 Continuity test flow

42 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Making Measurements 2

NOTE

Testing for Continuity

• You can set the beeper to sound and the backlight to flash as a

continuity indication whether the circuit-under-test is less than (short) or more than or equal to (open) the threshold resistance.

• The continuity function detects intermittent shorts and opens lasting

as short as 1 ms. A brief short or open causes the multimeter to emit a short beep and flash.

• You can enable or disable the audible and visual alert via the Setup

menu. See “Changing the continuity test alerts” on page 93 for more information on the audible and visual alert options.

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 43

2 Making Measurements

(closed)

OFF

(open)

Testing for Continuity

Figure 2-11 Testing for continuity

44 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Testing Dio d e s

CAUTION

NOTE

Making Measurements 2

Testing Diodes

Set up your multimeter to test diodes as shown in

Figure 2- 14. Probe the test points and read the display.

To avoid possible damage to your multimeter or to the equipment under test, disconnect the circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing diodes.

• Use the diode test to check diodes, transistors, silicon controlled

rectifiers (SCRs), and other semiconductor devices. A good diode allows current to flow in one direction only.

• This test sends a current through a semiconductor junction, and then

measures the junction’s voltage drop.

• Connect the red test lead to the positive terminal (anode) of the diode

and the black test lead to the negative terminal (cathode). The cathode of a diode is indicated with a band.

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 45

Figure 2-12 Diode display

Your multimeter can display the forward bias of a diode up to approximately 2.1 V. The forward bias of a typical diode is within the range of 0.3 V to 0.8 V; however, the reading can vary depending on the resistance of other pathways between the probe tips.

2 Making Measurements

NOTE

Testing Diodes

If the beeper is enabled during diode test, the multimeter will beep briefly for a normal junction and sound continuously for a shorted junction, below

0.050 V. See “Changing the beep frequency” on page 87 to disable the beeper.

Reverse the probes (as shown in Figure 2- 15) and measure the voltage across the diode again. Assess the diode according to the following guidelines:

• A diode is considered good if the multimeter displays

in reverse bias mode.

• A diode is considered shorted if the multimeter

displays approximately 0 V in both forward and reverse bias modes, and the multimeter beeps continuously.

• A diode is considered open if the multimeter displays

in both forward and reverse bias modes.

Figure 2-13 Open diode display

46 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Making Measurements 2

Forward bias diode

Testing Diodes

Figure 2-14 Testing forward bias diode

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 47

2 Making Measurements

Reverse bias diode

Testing Diodes

Figure 2-15 Testing reverse bias diode

48 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Measuring Capacitance

CAUTION

NOTE

Set up your multimeter to measure capacitance as shown in

Figure 2- 17. Probe the test points and read the display.

To avoid possible damage to the multimeter or to the equipment under test, disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before measuring capacitance. Use the DC voltage function to confirm that the capacitor is fully discharged.

• The multimeter measures capacitance by charging the capacitor with a

• is shown on the left of the display when the capacitor is charging,

Making Measurements 2

Measuring Capacitance

known current for a known period of time, measuring the resulting voltage, and then calculating the capacitance.

and is shown when the capacitor is discharging.

Figure 2-16 Capacitance display

• To improve measurement accuracy of small value capacitors, press

with the test leads open to subtract the residual capacitance of

the multimeter and leads.

• For measuring capacitance values greater than 1000 μF, discharge the

capacitor first, then select a suitable range for measurement. This will speed up the measurement time and also ensures that the correct capacitance value is obtained.

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 49

2 Making Measurements

Capacitance

Measuring Capacitance

Figure 2-17 Measuring capacitance

50 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Measuring Temperature

WARNING

CAUTION

NOTE

Set up your multimeter to measure temperature as shown in

Figure 2- 19. Probe the test points and read the display.

Do not connect the thermocouple to electrically live circuits. Doing so will potentially cause fire or electric shock.

Do not bend the thermocouple leads at sharp angles. Repeated bending over a period of time can break the leads.

• The multimeter uses a type-K (default setting) temperature probe for

• The approximate ambient temperature (cold-junction compensation) is

Making Measurements 2

Measuring Temperature

measuring temperature.

shown on the display when you have an open thermocouple. The open thermocouple message may be due to a broken (open) probe or because no probe is installed into the input jacks of the multimeter.

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 51

Figure 2-18 Temperature display

Press to change the temperature units between °C or °F (you must first change the temperature unit from °C only to °C°F or °F°C). See “Changing the temperature unit” on page 99 for more information.

2 Making Measurements

CAUTION

NOTE

Type K Thermocouple Probe

Heat source

K-type thermocouple probe

Measuring Temperature

Always set the temperature unit display per the official requirements and in compliance with the national laws of your region.

• The multimeter uses a type-K thermocouple probe (U1186A, purchased

separately) for measuring temperature.

• Shorting the terminal to the COM terminal will display the

temperature at the multimeter’s terminals.

Figure 2-19 Measuring the surface temperature

52 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Making Measurements 2

Plug the sensor into the adapter

Ambient temperature

AUX

Plug the adapter into the terminal

Measuring Temperature

Figure 2-20 Using the Auxillary Temperature measurement function

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 53

2 Making Measurements

NOTE

Max

Min

Measuring Temperature

The bead-type thermocouple probe is suitable for measuring temperatures from –40 °C to 204 °C (399 °F) in Teflon-compatible environments. Above this temperature range, the probe may emit toxic gas. Do not immerse this thermocouple probe in any liquid. For best results, use a thermocouple probe designed for each specific application — an immersion probe for liquid or gel, and an air probe for air measurement.

Observe the following measurement techniques:

• Clean the surface to be measured and ensure that the probe is securely

touching the surface. Remember to disable the applied power.

• When measuring above ambient temperatures, move the thermocouple

along the surface until you get the highest temperature reading.

• When measuring below ambient temperatures, move the thermocouple

along the surface until you get the lowest temperature reading.

• Place the multimeter in the operating environment for at least 1 hour as

the multimeter is using a non-compensation transfer adapter with miniature thermal probe.

• For quick measurement, use the compensation to view the

temperature variation of the thermocouple sensor. The compensation assists you in measuring relative temperature immediately.

Changing the default temperature unit

You can change the temperature unit (Celsius only, Celsius/Fahrenheit, Fahrenheit only, or Fahrenheit/Celsius) from the Setup menu.

1 Press and hold while powering on the multimeter to

enter the Setup menu.

2 Press and hold for more than 1 second until is

shown on the display.

3 Press or to change the default temperature unit

shown on the display.

54 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Making Measurements 2

Measuring Temperature

Available options:

• °C - Temperature measured in °C only.

• °C°F - During temperature measurements, press to

switch between °C and °F.

• °F - Temperature measured in °F only.

• °F°C - During temperature measurements, press to

switch between °F and °C.

4 Press to save the changes. Press and hold until

the multimeter restarts

Temperature measurement without ambient compensation

If you are working in a constantly varying environment, where ambient temperatures are not constant, do the following:

1 Press and hold for more than 1 second to select the

0 °C compensation ( ). This allows a quick measurement of the relative temperature.

2 Avoid contact between the thermocouple probe and the

surface to be measured.

3 After a constant reading is obtained, press to set the

reading as the relative reference temperature.

4 Touch the surface to be measured with the thermocouple

probe and read the display.

Figure 2-21 Temperature measurement without ambient compensation

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 55

2 Making Measurements

WARNING

CAUTION

NOTE

Measuring AC or DC Current

Set up your multimeter to measure AC or DC current as shown in Figure 2- 24 and Figure 2- 25. Probe the test points and read the display.

Never attempt an in-circuit current measurement where the open-circuit potential to earth is greater than 1000 V. Doing so will cause damage to the multimeter and possible electric shock or personal injury.

To avoid possible damage to the multimeter or to the equipment under test:

• Check the multimeter’s fuses before measuring current.

• Use the proper terminals, function, and range for your

measurement.

• Never place the probes across (in parallel with) any circuit or

component when the leads are plugged into the current terminals.

• To measure current, you must open the circuit under test, then place

the multimeter in series with the circuit.

• Insert the black test lead into the COM terminal. Insert the red test lead

in an input appropriate for the measurement range.

• Set the positive input terminal to the A terminal and set the rotary switch

position to for currents above 600 μA.

• Set the positive input terminal to the mA terminal and set the rotary switch

position to for currents below 600 μA.

• Press to cycle between DC current measurement, AC current

measurement, or to measure the frequency of the AC current source. See “Measuring Frequency” on page 61 to learn more.

56 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Figure 2-22 DC current display

NOTE

CAUTION

Making Measurements 2

Measuring AC or DC Current

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 57

Figure 2-23 AC current display

Reversing the leads will produce a negative reading, but will not damage the multimeter.

Placing the probes across (in parallel with) a powered circuit when a lead is plugged into a current terminal can damage the circuit you are testing and blow the multimeter's fuse. This happens because the resistance through the multimeter's current terminals is very low, resulting in a short circuit.

2 Making Measurements

Voltage source

LOAD

Voltage source

LOAD

Measuring AC or DC Current

Figure 2-24 Measuring DC/AC current (up to A)

58 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Making Measurements 2

Voltage source

LOAD

Voltage source

LOAD

Measuring AC or DC Current

Figure 2-25 Measuring AC/DC current (up to μA)

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 59

2 Making Measurements

Measuring AC or DC Current

Using the μA function to measure flame rectification circuits

The multimeter’s μA measurement function can be used to measure flame rectification circuits (flame sensors) down to

0.01 μA.

Flame sensors, whether they are used in a home furnace or on a large industrial boiler, indicate the presence of a flame and are part of the safety circuit. These types of flame sensors use a process of flame rectification to sense that the flame is lit. Typically, these flame sensors must be engulfed in the burner flame to function.

Flame rectification uses the fact that a flame will rectify an AC voltage to DC voltage and allow the DC current to flow through a flame to detect a f lame.

Normally, an AC voltage is applied to the flame sensor with a wire coming from the ignition module. When the flame sensor is engulfed by a flame, the AC voltage is rectified and a DC current, commonly 4 to 12 μA, flows from the ignition module through the wire to the flame sensor, through the flame to the ground on the furnace chassis.

The ignition control module has a circuit to detect the DC current, and it commonly closes a relay when the DC current is detected, that verifies that the burner is properly lit. If the burner fails to light or is extinguished for any reason, that DC current disappears and the control module takes suitable action to turn off the burner.

To measure flame rectification circuits:

1 Set up your multimeter to measure μA measurements as

shown in Figure 2- 25.

2 Connect the multimeter between the flame sensor probe

(COM terminal) and the ignition control module (mA terminal).

3 Probe the test points and read the display.

60 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Measuring Frequency

HzHzHz

AUX

WARNING

NOTE

Making Measurements 2

Measuring Frequency

Your multimeter allows simultaneous monitoring of real- time voltage or current with frequency measurements.

Table 2- 2 highlights the functions allowing frequency

measurements in your multimeter.

Tab l e 2 - 2 Functions allowing frequency measurement

Legend

U1233A U1232A U1231A

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 61

Never measure the frequency where the voltage or current level exceeds the specified range. Manually set the voltage or current range if you want to measure frequencies below 20 Hz.

• Measuring the frequency of a signal helps detect the presence of

harmonic currents in neutral conductors and determines whether these neutral currents are the result of unbalanced phases or non-linear loads.

• Frequency is the number of cycles a signal completes each second.

Frequency is defined as 1/Period. Period is defined as the time between the middle threshold crossings of two consecutive, like-polarity edges, as shown in Figure 2-26.

• The multimeter measures the frequency of a voltage or current signal

by counting the number of times the signal crosses a threshold level within a specified period of time.

2 Making Measurements

Rise Time Fall Time

+ Width – Width

Period

90% 50% 10%

NOTE

Measuring Frequency

Figure 2-26 Frequency definition

• Pressing controls the input range of the primary function (voltage

or ampere) and not the frequency range.

• The frequency of the input signal is shown in the primary display, and

the bar graph does not indicate the frequency value but indicates the voltage or ampere value of the input signal.

Figure 2-27 Frequency display

Observe the following measurement techniques:

• If a reading shows as 0 Hz or is unstable, the input signal may be below

or near the trigger level. You can usually correct these problems by manually selecting a lower input range, which increases the sensitivity

62 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

of the multimeter.

Making Measurements 2

NOTE

Voltage source

Measuring Frequency

• If a reading seems to be a multiple of what you expect, the input signal

may be distorted. Distortion can cause multiple triggerings of the frequency counter. Selecting a higher voltage range might solve this problem by decreasing the sensitivity of the multimeter. In general, the lowest frequency displayed is the correct one.

Figure 2-28 Measuring frequency

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 63

2 Making Measurements

Measuring Frequency

64 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A Handheld Digital Multimeter User’s Guide

3 Multimeter Features

Detecting AC Voltage Presence (Vsense) 66 Making Relative Measurements (Null) 68 Capturing Maximum and Minimum Values (MaxMin) 70 Freezing the Display (Trig Hold-Log and Auto Hold-Log) 72

Trig Hold-Log operation 72

Auto Hold-Log operation 72 Recalling Previously Recorded Readings (Recall) 74 Making Scale Transfers (Scale) 76

The chapter describes the additional features available in your multimeter.

Agilent Technologies

3Multimeter Features

WARNING

CAUTION

NOTE

Detecting AC Voltage Presence (Vsense)

The Vsense detector is a non- contact voltage detector (for U1233A model only) that detects the presence of AC voltages nearby.

You are advised to test on a known live circuit within the rated AC voltage range of this product before and after each use to ensure that the Vsense detector works.

Voltage could still be present even if there is no Vsense alert indication. Do not rely on Vsense detector with shielded wire. Never touch live voltage or conductor without the necessary insulation protection or power off the voltage source.

The Vsense detector may be affected by differences in socket design, insulation thickness, and insulation type.

You are advised to measure voltage by using test leads through the

, AC V, or DC V function after using the Vsense function, even if

LOW

there is no alert indication.

Press and hold for more than 1 second to enable the Vsense function (on any position of the rotary switch except OFF).

If the presence of AC voltage is sensed, the multimeter’s beeper will sound and the Vsense red LED at the top of the multimeter will turn on. The audible and visual alert allows you to easily sense nearby AC voltage presence.

No resolution and accuracy of voltage measurement will be displayed in this mode.

Press to toggle the Vsense detector’s sensitivity between

(high sensitivity) or (low sensitivity).

66 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Multimeter Features 3

NOTE

Voltage source

> 1 s

Detecting AC Voltage Presence (Vsense)

• Place the top of the multimeter (with the Vsense indicator) close to a

conductor when sensing for AC voltages (as low as 24 V in the Hi.SE setting).

• The low sensitivity setting can be used on flush mounted wall sockets

or outlets and various power strips or cords.

• The high sensitivity setting allows for AC voltage sensing on other

styles of recessed power connectors or sockets where the actual AC voltage is recessed within the connector itself.

Figure 3-1 Detecting voltage presence

Press and hold for more than 1 second to disable the Vsense function.

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 67

3Multimeter Features

NOTE

Making Relative Measurements (Null)

When making Null measurements, also called relative, each reading is the difference between a stored (measured) null value and the input signal.

One possible application is to increase the accuracy of a resistance measurement by nulling the test lead resistance. Nulling the leads is also particularly important prior to making capacitance measurements.

Null can be set for both auto and manual range settings, but not in the case of an overload.

1 To activate the relative mode, press the key. The

measurement value at the time, when Null ( ) is enabled, is stored as the reference value.

Figure 3-2 Null display

2 Press again to view the stored reference value. The

display will return to normal after 3 seconds.

3 To disable the Null function, press while the stored

reference value is shown (step 2).

For any measurement function, you can directly measure and store the null value by pressing with the test leads open (nulls the test lead capacitance), shorted (nulls the test lead resistance), or across a desired null value circuit.

68 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Multimeter Features 3

NOTE

Displa y r etu rn s to

normal after 3 seconds

disable the Null function

Press again to

the Null function

Press to enable

sto red n ull valu e

Press to view the

Making Relative Measurements (Null)

• In resistance measurement, the multimeter will read a non-zero value

even when the two test leads are in direct contact because of the resistance of these leads. Use the Null function to zero-adjust the display.

• For DC voltage measurements, the thermal effect will influence the

accuracy of the measurements. Short the test leads and press when the displayed value is stable to zero-adjust the display.

Figure 3-3 Null operation

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 69

3Multimeter Features

NOTE

Max

Min

Max

Min

Max

Min

Capturing Maximum and Minimum Values (MaxMin)

The MaxMin operation stores the maximum, minimum, and average input values during a series of measurements.

When the input goes below the recorded minimum value or above the recorded maximum value, the multimeter beeps and records the new value. The multimeter also calculates an average of all readings taken since the MaxMin mode was activated.

From the multimeter’s display, you can view the following statistical data for any set of readings:

• Max: highest reading since the MaxMin function was

enabled

• Min: lowest reading since the MaxMin function was

enabled

• Avg: average or mean of all readings since the MaxMin

function was enabled

• MaxMinAvg: present reading (actual input signal value)

This function is applicable to all measurements except for VZ

1 Press to enable the MaxMin operation.

2 Press again to cycle through the Max, Min, Avg, or

present (MaxMinAvg) input values.

3 Press to restart the recording session.

4 Press for more than 1 second to disable the MaxMin

function.

70 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

LOW

Multimeter Features 3

NOTE

Capturing Maximum and Minimum Values (MaxMin)

Figure 3-4 MaxMin display

• Changing the range manually will also restart the recording session.

• If an overload is recorded, the averaging function will be stopped. is

shown in place of the average value.

• The APO (auto power-off) function is disabled when MaxMin is

enabled.

This mode is useful for capturing intermittent readings, recording minimum and maximum readings unattended, or recording readings while equipment operation keeps you from observing the multimeter display.

The true average value displayed is the arithmetic mean of all readings taken since the start of recording. The average reading is useful for smoothing out unstable inputs, calculating power consumption, or estimating the percentage of time a circuit is active.

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 71

3Multimeter Features

NOTE

Freezing the Display (Trig Hold-Log and Auto Hold-Log)

Trig Hold-Log and Auto Hold-Log readings are recorded automatically for future review or analysis by default. See “Recalling Previously Recorded

Readings (Recall)” on page 74 to learn more.

Trig Hold-Log operation

To freeze the display for any function, press the key.

Figure 3-5 Trig Hold-Log display

Press again to automatically update the display to reflect data that was acquired during the hold.

The annunciator will flash while attempting to acquire a stable reading.

Press and hold for more than 1 second to exit this mode.

Auto Hold-Log operation

Pressing the for more that 1 second activates the Auto Hold- Log function.

72 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Multimeter Features 3

NOTE

Max

Min

NOTE

Freezing the Display (Trig Hold-Log and Auto Hold-Log)

Figure 3-6 Auto Hold-Log display

• The Auto Hold-Log operation monitors the input signal and updates the

display and, if enabled, emits a beep whenever a new stable measurement is detected. The multimeter is ready to update the display once the variation of the reading exceed the setting of the variation count.

• The annunciator will flash while attempting to acquire a stable

reading.

Press and hold for more than 1 second to exit this mode.

Changing the default Auto Hold-Log variation count

1 Press and hold while powering on the multimeter to

enter the Setup menu.

2 Ensure that the annunciator is shown on the

display.

3 Press or to edit the variation count value shown

on the display.

4 Press to save the changes. Press and hold until

the multimeter restarts.

If the reading value is unable to reach a stable state (when exceeding the preset variation), the reading value will not be updated.

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 73

3Multimeter Features

NOTE

Recalling Previously Recorded Readings (Recall)

Trig Hold- Log and Auto Hold- Log readings are recorded automatically for future review or analysis by default.

• Up to a maximum of 10 records can be stored at a time. The Trig

Hold-Log and Auto Hold-Log records share the same memory space. When the memory’s index is full, the next reading to be recorded will overwrite the last reading recorded (the 10

• By default, each Trig Hold-Log and Auto Hold-Log reading is stored

temporarily in the multimeter’s volatile memory. All temporary records will be erased when the multimeter is turned OFF.

• You can choose to save the temporary records in the multimeter’s

nonvolatile memory by pressing and holding for more than 1 second. Records stored through this method remains saved even when the multimeter is turned OFF or if the battery is replaced.

Recalling readings stored in the multimeter’s memory is performed through the key.

1 Press for more than 1 second to enter the Recall

menu. The last recorded reading is shown on the display. The analog bar graph is used to indicate the record index.

index).

Figure 3-7 View display

If nothing has been recorded, is displayed instead.

74 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Multimeter Features 3

Max

Min

Max

Min

NOTE

Recalling Previously Recorded Readings (Recall)

Figure 3-8 Empty view display

2 Use the following steps to navigate the Recall menu.

i Press to jump to the last stored entry, or press and

hold for more than 1 second to jump to the first stored entry.

ii Press to view the next stored entry or press

to view the previous stored entry. The index number (shown by the analog bar graph) increases or decreases by one.

iii Press for more than 1 second to permanently

store all data entries in the multimeter’s nonvolatile memory. is shown on the display if the data entries are successfully stored.

iv Press for more than 1 second to clear the

temporary data entries. is shown on the display if the data entries are successfully cleared. Cycle the multimeter’s power again to view the permanent data entries.

To clear the permanent data entries

1 Press for more than 1 second until is shown on the display. 2 Then, press for more than 1 second until is shown on the display. 3 All data entries stored in the multimeter’s nonvolatile memory will be erased.

3 Press for more than 1 second to exit the Recall

menu.

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 75

3Multimeter Features

Making Scale Transfers (Scale)

The Scale operation emulates a transducer by helping you to convert the measured readings proportionally to the specified ratio and unit display. Use Scale to transfer voltage readings to proportional readings when using clamp- on current probes, high voltage probes, or temperature auxiliary probes. The available scale conversions are shown in the table below.

Tab l e 3 - 1 Available scale conversions

Scale item Multiplier

1000 V/V

1 °C/mV

1 °F/mV

0.01 A/mV 10.0 A 0.001 A 6.000 A

1 mA/ mV 1.0 A 0.1 mA 600.0 mA

0.1 mA/ mV 0.1 A 0.01 mA 60.00 mA

[1] The transfer formula used is: Display = Multiplier × Measurement

[2] The scale item is selected from the Setup menu. See “Changing the scale con-

[3] Dependent on temperature unit setup.

[2]

[3]

1 A/mV 1000.0 A 0.1 A 600.0 A

0.1 A/mV 100.0 A 0.01 A 60.00 A

version value” on page 96 for more information.

If °C or °C°F is selected, 1 °C/mV is shown as the selected scale item. If °F or °F°C is selected, 1 °F/mV is shown as the selected scale item instead.

[1]

Unit Best resolution Start range

1000.0 V 0.1 V 600.0 V

1000.0

°C or °F

0.1 °C or

0.1 °F

600.0 °C or

600.0 °F

76 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Multimeter Features 3

Max

Min

Making Scale Transfers (Scale)

1 Press and hold while powering on the multimeter to

enable the Scale operation.

2 If successful, the annunciator is shown on the left of

the display. The multimeter automatically starts the conversion of the selected Scale item for all voltage measurements.

3 You can only change the selected Scale item from the

Setup menu. See “Changing the scale conversion value” on page 96 to learn more.

4 The Scale operation is enabled until the multimeter’s

power is cycled.

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 77

3Multimeter Features

Making Scale Transfers (Scale)

THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.

78 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A Handheld Digital Multimeter User’s Guide

4 Multimeter Setup Options

Using the Setup Menu 80

Editing numerical values 81 Setup Menu Summary 82 Setup Menu Items 84

Changing the variation count 84

Enabling and changing the Smooth refresh rate 85

Enabling and changing the voltage alert level 86

Changing the beep frequency 87

Changing the auto power-off (APO) timeout 88

Changing the LCD backlight timeout 89

Adjusting the LCD backlight intensity 90

Enabling the LED flashlight timeout 91

Adjusting the LED flashlight intensity 92

Changing the minimum measurable frequency 93

Changing the continuity test alerts 93

Changing the power-on greeting tone 95

Resetting the Setup items 96

Changing the scale conversion value 96

Enable the AC/DC mV measurement 98

Enable open continuity test by default 99

Changing the temperature unit 99

The chapter describes how to change the preset features of your multimeter.

Agilent Technologies

4 Multimeter Setup Options

Max

Min

Max Min

Using the Setup Menu

The Setup menu allows you to change a number of nonvolatile preset features. Modifying these settings affects the general operation of your multimeter across several functions. Select a setting to edit to perform one of the following:

• Switch between two values, such as on or off.

• Cycle through multiple values from a predefined list.

• Decrease or increase a numerical value within a fixed

range.

The contents of the Setup menu are summarized in

Table 4- 2 on page 82.

Tab l e 4 - 1 Setup menu key functions

Legend Description

Press and hold while powering on the multimeter to access the Setup menu.

Press and hold for more than 1 second to exit this mode.

Press or to step through the menu items.

Press or at each menu item to change the preset settings. The menu item (in the secondary display) will flash to indicate that you can now change the menu item values.

Press or again to switch between two values, to cycle through multiple values from a list, or to decrease or increase a numerical value.

While the menu item is flashing, press to save your changes.

While the menu item is flashing, press to discard your changes.

80 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Editing numerical values

Max

Min

Max

Min

Max

Min

When editing numerical values, first press or to position the cursor over the first numerical digit (most right digit).

Next, use the and to move the cursor to the other numerical digit(s).

• Press to move the cursor to the left, and

• Press to move the cursor to the right.

When the cursor is positioned over a digit, use the and

keys to change the numerical digit.

• Press to increment the digit, and

• Press to decrement the digit.

When you have completed your changes, save the new numerical value by pressing . (Or alternatively, if you wish to discard the changes you made, press .)

Multimeter Setup Options 4

Using the Setup Menu

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 81

4 Multimeter Setup Options

Setup Menu Summary

The Setup menu items are summarized in the table below. Click the respective “Learn more” pages in Table 4- 2 for more information on each menu item.

Tab l e 4 - 2 Setup menu item descriptions

Legend Available settings Description Learn more on:

(001 to 999) counts

(001 to 999) or disabled

(001 to 660) V or disabled

(3.2, 3.4, 3.8, 4.2) kHz

or –.– (off)

(01 to 99) mins or disabled

(01 to 99) s or disabled

Lo, 02, 03, ME, 05, 06, or Hi

(01 to 99) s or disabled

Set the multimeter’s Auto Hold-Log variation count from 1 count to 999 counts. Default is 50 counts.

Set the display’s settling value from 1 to 999. Enable the Smooth function by selecting E (enabled). Default is disabled (009.d).

Set the multimeter’s voltage alert value from 1 V to 660 V. Enable the voltage alert function by selecting E (enabled). Default is disabled (030.d) V.

Set the multimeter’s beep frequency (3.2 kHz, 3.4 kHz,

3.8 kHz, 4.2 kHz, or off). Default is 3.8 kHz.

Set the auto power-off timeout period from 1 to 99 minutes (1 hour, 39 minutes). Disable the auto power-off function by selecting d (disabled). Default is 15 minutes.

Set the LCD backlight timeout period from 1 to 99 seconds (1 minute, 39 seconds). Disable the LCD backlight timeout by selecting d (disabled). Default is 15 seconds.

Set the LCD backlight brightness (Lo, 02, 03, ME, 05, 06, or Hi). Default is Hi.

Set the LED flashlight timeout period from 1 to 99 seconds (1 minute, 39 seconds). Enable the LED flashlight timeout by selecting E (enabled). Default is disabled (15.d).

page 72 and

page 84

page 13 and

page 85

page 10 and

page 86

page 87

page 6 and

page 88

page 7 and

page 89

page 7 and

page 90

page 7 and

page 91

Lo, 02, 03, ME, 05, 06, or Hi

(0.5 or 5.0) Hz

Set the LED flashlight brightness (Lo, 02, 03, ME, 05, 06, or Hi). Default is Hi.

Set the minimum measurement frequency (0.5 Hz or

5.0 Hz). Default is 0.5 Hz.

page 7 and

page 92

page 61 and

page 93

82 U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide

Agilent U1231A, U1232A, U1233A User guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Table of Contents

List of Figures

List of Tables

1 Introduction

About This Manual

Documentation map

Safety notes

Preparing Your Multimeter

Checking the shipment

Installing the batteries

Turning on your multimeter

Automatic Power-Off (APO)

Enabling the backlight

Enabling the flashlight

Selecting the range

Alerts and warnings during measurement

Adjusting the tilt stand

Connecting the IR-USB cable

Power-on options

Your Multimeter in Brief

Dimensions

Overview

Rotary switch

Keypad

Display screen

Input terminals

Cleaning Your Multimeter

2 Making Measurements

Measuring AC Voltage

Measuring DC Voltage

Measuring AC/DC mV

Measuring Resistance

Testing for Continuity

Testing Dio d e s

Measuring Capacitance

Measuring Temperature

Measuring AC or DC Current

Measuring Frequency

3 Multimeter Features

Detecting AC Voltage Presence (Vsense)

Making Relative Measurements (Null)

Capturing Maximum and Minimum Values (MaxMin)

Freezing the Display (Trig Hold-Log and Auto Hold-Log)

Trig Hold-Log operation

Auto Hold-Log operation

Recalling Previously Recorded Readings (Recall)

Making Scale Transfers (Scale)

4 Multimeter Setup Options

Using the Setup Menu

Editing numerical values

Setup Menu Summary