Analog Technologies VC99 User Manual

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Figure 1. The Photo of Actual VC99

VC99

FEATURES

LCD Display

Max Display: 6000(3 6/7) Digits Automatic Polarity, Unit
Symbol and 61 Section Analog Display

Measurement Method: Double Integral A/D Conversion

Sampling Rate: Approx.3 times/sec

Over-Range Display: “OL” Displayed in the Highest Digit

Low Battery Display: “

APPLICATIONS

It’s widely used for measuring DCV, ACV, DCA, ACA,
resistance, capacitance, frequency, temperature, duty cycle,
transistor , diode and continuity performance test.

DESCRIPTION

VC99 is a steady performance, battery-driven 3 6/7 digital
multimeter. It uses the LCD with 23mm-high figure to make
the reading clear and make operation more convenient.

VC99 has the function of measuring DCV, ACV, DCA,
ACA, resistance, capacitance, frequency, temperature, duty
cycle, transistor, diode and continuity performance test. The
meter can provide functions including analog bar and unit
symbol display, data holding, relative value measuring,
maximal/minimal value measuring, auto/manual range
switching (RANGE), auto power off and warning functions.

”

Figure 2. The Photo of Actual VC99

Figure 2. The Photo of Actual VC99

It adopts double integral A/D converter as its core. It is an
ideal tool for labs, factories and radio-technology.

SAFTY INFORMATION

The instrument is designed according to IEC1010 standard
(safety standard issued by International Electro technical
Committee). Please read the following information before
operation.

1. Check the connection and insulation of test leads to
avoid electric shock.

2. Do not input a limited voltage higher than DC 1000V or
AC 750V when measuring ranges.

3. When measuring voltage higher than DC 60Vand AC

40V, please be careful.

4. Select correct function and range to avoid fault
operation.

5. Please move the test leads away from test points when

switching the function.

6. Please don’t input voltage value when measuring

current.

7. Please don’t modify the circuit.

8. Introduction for safety symbol in table 1.

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Table 1. Safety Symbol

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Tabel 2.

Display

Max Display

Measurement Method

Sampling Rate Approx.3 times/sec

Over-Range Display “OL” displayed in the highest digit

LCD display

6000(3 6/7) digits automatic polarity, unit symbol and
61 section analog display

Double integral A/D conversion

High Voltage

GND

Dual Insulation

Refer to Manual

Low Battery

VC99

Low Battery Display

Working Environment

Store Environment

Power Supply 2pcs 1.5V battery (“AAA” 7# battery)

Dimension 185 (L)×93 (W)×35 (H)mm

Weight Approx.290g (including battery)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Accuracy: ± (a% × reading data + digits), environment temperature at (23±5) ℃, relative humidity<75%.

Table 3. DC Voltage (DCV)

Range Accuracy Resolution

600mV

6V 1mV

60V 10mV

600V 100mV

1000V ±(0.8%+3) 1V

Input Impedance: Approx. 10MΩ
Overload Protection: 1000V DC or 750V AC

Temperature: 0-40

Relative humidity: <80%

Temperature: -10-40

Relative humidity:<80%

±(0.5%+3)

0.1mV

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Table 4.AC Voltage (ACV)

Range Accuracy Resolution

6V

60V 10mV

600V 100mV

750V ±(1.0%+5) 1V

Input Impedance: Approx. 10MΩ
Overload Protection: 1000V DC or 750V AC
Frequency Response: (40-200) Hz under 750V, other range: (40-400) Hz.
Sine Wave RMS (Average Value Response)

Table 5. DC Current (DCA)

Range Accuracy Resolution

600uA

6000uA 1μA

60mA 10μA

600mA 100μA

6A

20A 10mA

Max Measurement Voltage Drop: Full range mA: 300mV, A: 100mV.
Max Input Current: 20A (within 15 seconds)
Over Load Protection: 500mA/ 250V fast molten fuse and 13A/250V fast
molten fuse.

Table 6. AC Current (ACA)

Range Accuracy Resolution

600uA

6000uA 1μA

40mA 10μA

600mA 100μA

6A

20A 10mA

Max Measurement Voltage Drop: Full range mA: 400mV, A: 200mV
Max input current: 20A (within 15 seconds)
Over Load Protection: 500mA/ 250V fast molten fuse and 13A/250V fast
molten fuse
Frequency Response: 20A range: 40-100Hz, other range: 40-400Hz.

Table 7. Resistance (Ω)

Range Accuracy Resolution

600Ω ±(0.8%+5) 0.1Ω

6kΩ

60kΩ 10Ω

600kΩ 100Ω

6MΩ 1kΩ

±(0.8%+5)

±(1.0%+3)

±(2.0%+5)

±(1.2%+5)

±(2.0%+15)

±(0.8%+3)

1mV

0.1μA

1mA

0.1μA

1mA

1Ω

VC99

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60MΩ ±(1.2%+5) 10kΩ

Open Circuit Voltage: 600mV
Over Load Protection: 250V DC or AC peak value

Note: At range 600 Ω, short-circuit the test leads to measure the wire

resistance and then subtracts it from the real measurement. Or press “REL”
to clear the wire resistance and read the value directly.

Table 8. Capacitance (C)

Range Accuracy Resolution

40nF ±(2.5%+6) 10pF

400nF

4μF 1nF

40μF 10nF

400μF

2000μF 1uF

Overload Protection: 250V DC or AC peak value

±(2.5%+5)

±(5.0%+8)

100pF

100nF

VC99

Table 9. Frequency (F)

Range Accuracy Resolution

10Hz

100Hz 0.1Hz

1000Hz 1Hz

10kHz 10Hz

100kHz 100Hz

1MHz 1kHz

60MHz 10kHz

Input Sensitivity: 0.7V
Over Load Protection: 250V DC or AC peak value

Table 10. Transistor (hFE)

Range Value Testing Condition

NPN or PNP 0-1000

Table 11. Diode and Continuity Performance Test

Range Value Testing Condition

Forward voltage drop of

Over Load Protection: 250V DC or AC peak value

Caution: DO NOT INPUT VOLTAGE AT THIS RANGE!

diode
Buzzer makes a long

sound while resistance is
less than (50±10)Ω.

±(0.5%+4)

Forward DCA is approx. 0.5mA, and
the backward voltage is approx 1.5V.

Open circuit voltage is approx. 0.5V.

0.01Hz

Basic current approx.15μA,
Vce approx.4.5V

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Table 12. Temperature ()

Range Value Resolution

-40-1000

0°F -1832°F

Sensor: TP01 (K type thermocouple)

Caution: DO NOT INPUT VOLTAGE AT THIS RANGE!

OPERATION

Table 13. Panel Description

<400 ±(0.8%+4)

≥400 ±(1.5%+15)

<750°F ±(0.8%+5)

≥750°F ±(1.5%+15)

1

°F

VC99

1

2

Function Key

LCD: Display the measuring value and unit.

HOLD key: Press it, the presently measured value is held on LCD and
HOLD symbol displays. Press it again, HOLD symbol disappears, and

2-1

the meter is exited the holding mode.
REL key: Press it, reading clear, turn into relative value measurement
states, “REL” symbol displays. Press it again, “REL” symbol

2-2

disappears, and the meter is exited the relative mode.

Hz/DUTY key: When measuring the AC Voltage (Current), press it, it

2-3

will switch Frequency/duty cycle/Voltage (Current). When measuring
the Frequency, it will switch frequency/duty cycle (1~99%).

DC/AC key: Switch DC and AC work mode.

2-4

RANGE key: Select auto range or manual range mode. Auto range is
the original states, it will display “AUTO” symbol, press it change to

2-5

manual range. Press it more than 2 seconds, it will return to auto range
states.
MAX/MIN key: Press it, turn into MAX mode, it will hold the max
value of measuring. Press it again, turn into MIN mode, it will hold the
min value of measuring. No auto power off and analog bar display

2-6

under this mode. Press it more than 2 seconds, it will exit MAX/MIN
states.

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3

4

5

6

7

DCV Measurement

1. Select the knob to

2. Insert the black test lead to “COM” terminal and the red one to “V/Ω/Hz” terminal.

3. Auto range is the original states, it will display “AUTO” symbol. Press “RANGE” key change to manual range mode,
600mV, 6V, 60V, 600Vand 1000V range is selective.

4. Connect the leads crossly to the electric circuit under test. LCD displays polarity and voltage under test connected by the
red test lead.

Note

1. Firstly users should select the knob to the highest range, if users had no idea about the range of voltage under test, and then

select the proper range based on displaying value. If LCD displays “OL”, it means meter is over the Max. value of this
range, thus should select the knob to a higher range.

hFE Transistor COM: Measure transistor magnification value.

Knob: Switch measuring function and range.

Temperature COM

Voltage, current, resistance, frequency and GND COM.

Battery case

range.

VC99

2. Do not input a voltage over DC 1000V.

3. Be carefully while measuring a high voltage. DO NOT touch the high voltage circuit.

4. When the measuring voltage larger than DC 1000V, the built –in buzzer will sound.

ACV Measurement

1. Select the knob to “

2. Insert the black test lead to “COM” terminal and the red one to “V/Ω/Hz” terminal.

3. Auto range is the original states, it will display “AUTO” symbol. Press “RANGE” key change to manual range mode, 6V,

60V, 600V and 750V range is selective.

4. Connect the leads crossly to the electric circuit under test, LCD displays voltage by the test lead.

Note

1. Firstly users should select the knob to the highest range, if users had no idea about the range of voltage under test, and then

select the proper range based on displaying value. If LCD displays “OL”, it means meter is over the Max. value of this
range, thus select the knob to a higher range.

2. Do not input a voltage over AC 750V.

3. Be carefully while measuring a high voltage. DO NOT touch the high voltage circuit.

4. When the measuring voltage larger than AC 750V, the built –in buzzer will sound.

DCA Measurement

1. Insert the black test lead to “COM” terminal and the red one to “mA” terminal (the Max. 600mA) or to “20A” (the
Max.20A).

” range.

2. Select the knob to a proper DCA range and press “DC/AC” key to select the measurement mode, and then connect the
leads crossly to the electric circuit under test. LCD displays polarity and current under test connected by the red test lead.

Note

1. Firstly users should select the knob to the highest range, if users had no idea about the range of current under test, and then

select the proper range based on displaying value.

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2. If the LCD displays “OL”, it means the current is over range. Now you need to select the knob to the higher.

3. Max. input current is 600mA or 20A (subject to where the red test lead insert to), too large current will damage the fuse.

ACA Measurement

1. Insert the black test lead to “COM” terminal and the red one to “mA” terminal (the Max. 600mA) or to “20A” (the
Max.20A).

2. Select the knob to a proper ACA range, press “DC/AC” key to select the measurement mode, and connect the leads crossly
to the electric circuit under test. LCD displays current by the test lead.

Note

1. Firstly users should select the knob to the highest range, if users had no idea about the range of current under test, and then

select the proper range based on displaying value.

2. If the LCD displays “OL”，it means the current is over range. Now you need to select the knob to the higher.

3. Max. input current is 600mAor 20A (subject to where the red test lead insert to), too large current will damage the fuse.

Resistance Measurement

1. Select the knob to a proper resistance range, and connect the leads crossly with the resistor under tested.

2. Insert the black lest lead to “COM” terminal and the red one to “V/Ω/Hz” terminal.

3. Auto range is the original states, press “RANGE” key change to manual range mode.

VC99

4. When measuring the Min. resistance, please short-circuit the test leads at first, press “REL”, then test the resistance, it will

display the actual resistance.

Note

1. Firstly users should select the knob to the highest range, if users had no idea about the range of resistance under test, and
then select the proper range based on displaying value.

1. The LCD displays “OL” when the resistance is over the selected range. The knob should be adjusted to a higher range.
When measuring value is over 1MΩ, the reading will take a few seconds to be stable. It’s normal for high resistance
measuring.

2. When input terminal is in open circuit, overload displays “OL”.

3. When measuring in line resistor, be sure that the power is off and all capacitors are released completely.

4. Do not input any voltage at resistance range even the meter has voltage protection functions at this range!

Capacitance Measurement

1. Select knob to “

2. Insert the black lest lead to “COM” terminal and the red one to “V/Ω/Hz” terminal.

3. If the LCD doesn’t display “0”, press “REL” to clear the reading.

4. Select the knob to proper capacitance range, and insert the measuring accessories or test leads into “COM” and “VΩHz”

terminal. (Note: the red test leads is for positive pole ○＋). LCD displays capacitance value.

Note

1. Don’t input voltage or current to the “VΩHz” terminal when measuring the capacitance or the capacitance isn’t away from

the “Cx” terminal.

” range.

2. In order to assure the accuracy, please press “REL” to clear the reading before testing.

3. There is only the auto range mode under the capacitance range.

4. The capacitance must be complete discharge before testing.

5. The reading of 400uF range delay 15 seconds.

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Frequency Measurement

1. Insert the black lest lead to “COM” terminal and the red one to “V/Ω/Hz” terminal.

2. Select the knob to “Hz” range, insert the test leads or shielded cable to the signal source or the load which is tested.

3. Press “Hz/DUTY” key to switch frequency/duty cycle, it will display the frequency or duty cycle of the signal source

which is tested.

Note

1. There is only the auto range mode under the frequency range.

2. The meter can still work if the input is higher than 10Vrms, but the accuracy is not guaranteed.

3. In noise environment, it's better use shield cable to measure a low signal.

4. When measuring high voltage circuit, any parts of your body should not touch the high voltage circuit.

5. Don’t input voltage higher than 250V DC or AC peak value, or it may damage the meter.

Transistor hFE Measurement

1. Select the knob to hFE range.

2. Define the transistor is NPN or PNP type. Insert the emitter, base and collector separately to the correct hole, and the
approx. value will be displayed on LCD.

Diode and Continuity Performance Test

VC99

1. Insert the black test lead to “COM” terminal and the red one to “V/Ω/Hz” terminal (the polarity of red lead is “+”).

2. Select the knob to
under tested.

3. Forwarder measuring: insert the red test leads connect to diode positive polarity, the black test leads to diode cathode
polarity, and the reading is the approx. value of diode forward volt drop.

4. Backward measuring: the red test connect to diode cathode polarity, the black test leads to diode positive polarity, and the

LCD displays “OL”.

5. The complete diode testing includes forward and backward measurement, if the result does not meet the above, it means

the diode is bad.

5. Press “DC/AC” key to select the Continuity measurement mode.

6. Insert test leads to two points of tested circuit, if the inner buzzer sounds, the resistance is less than (50±10)Ω.

Note

1. Don’t input voltage at “

2. Make sure be power off and discharge the capacitors, any AC signal will make the buzzer sound.

Temperature Measurement

1. Select the knob to “ / ” range.

2. Insert the cold point of thermocouple to “K Temp” socket, and put the working end (temperature measurement end) of
thermocouple on the surface or inside the object to be tested. Then you can read temperature from the screen, and the data
is in Centigrade. Press “DC/AC” key to select Fahrenheit, the data is in Fahrenheit.

range, press “DC/AC” key to select the measurement mode, and connect test leads with the diode

” range.

Note

1. If insert the thermocouple opposite, it will display the mistake value. When the temperature is rising, the value will be
down.

2. When the input terminal open-circuit, it will display the normal temperature.

3. Don’t change the temperature probe optionally, or the value accuracy isn’t within guarantee.

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4. Don’t input voltage at temperature range.

Data Holding

Press HOLD key, presently measured value is held on LCD and HOLD symbol displays. Press it again, the function is
canceled.

Auto Power Off

1. When the meter stops working about 15 minutes, the built-in buzzer will be sound 5 times and turn into sleeping mode, 1
minute later, the buzzer sounds a long voice 1 time, the meter will be power off. Press any key to restart the power.

2. Press “DC/AC” key and then turn on, the auto power off function will be canceled.

METER MAINTENANCE

1. Don’t input the voltage value higher than DC 1000V or AC 750V

2. Don’t measure the voltage at current, resistance, diode and continuity rage.

3. Don’t use the meter when the battery isn’t installed or the back case isn’t firm.

4. When replacing fuse, please take away the test leads from the measuring point and power off at first.

5. Keep the meter away from water, dust and shock.

6. Do not store and operate the meter under the condition of high temperature, high humidity, combustible, explosive and

strong magnetic place.

7. Wipe the case with a damp cloth and detergent. Do not use abrasives and alcohol.

VC99

8. If do not operate for a long time, please take out the battery to avoid leakage.

9. When“

10. Fuse change: When replacing fuse, please change another same type and specification fuse.

Table 14. Step

” symbol displays, replace the battery following the steps, see table 14.

1 Move holster at first.

2 Unlock the button and remove the battery case.

3 Take out the old battery and replace the new one. It's better to use alkaline battery for longer life.

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4 Fit on battery case and bolt.

5 See the picture to fit on the holster

TROUBLE SHOOTING

If the meter does not work properly, check the meter as following:

Table 15.

Fault Solution

No Reading on LCD

Displaying

No Current or Temperature Input  Replace fuse

Big Error Value

ACV Big Error Value

ORDERING INFORMATION

 Turn on the power
 Replace battery

 Replace battery

 Replace battery
 The voltage was measured and the frequency is higher than

400Hz.

VC99

Table 16. Unit Price

Part# 1-2

VC99 $34.55 $33.55

Note: If you buy 5 or more, please contact us for a better price.

NOTICE

1. ATI reserves the right to make changes to its products or to discontinue any product or service without notice, and advise

customers to obtain the latest version of relevant information to verify, before placing orders, that information being relied
on is current and complete.

2. All products are sold subject to the terms and conditions of sale supplied at the time of order acknowledgment, including

those pertaining to warranty, patent infringement, and limitation of liability. Testing and other quality control techniques are
utilized to the extent ATI deems necessary to support this warranty. Specific testing of all parameters of each device is not
necessarily performed, except those mandated by government requirements.

3. Customers are responsible for their applications using ATI components. In order to minimize risks associated with the

customers’ applications, adequate design and operating safeguards must be provided by the customers to minimize inherent
or procedural hazards. ATI assumes no liability for applications assistance or customer product design.

4. ATI does not warrant or represent that any license, either express or implied, is granted under any patent right, copyright,

mask work right, or other intellectual property right of ATI covering or relating to any combination, machine, or process in
which such products or services might be or are used. ATI’s publication of information regarding any third party’s products
or services does not constitute ATI’s approval, warranty or endorsement thereof.

5. IP (Intellectual Property) Ownership: ATI retains the ownership of full rights for special technologies and/or techniques

embedded in its products, the designs for mechanics, optics, plus all modifications, improvements, and inventions made by
ATI for its products and/or projects.

≥3

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