Page 1
DOCUMENTING PROCESS CALIBRATOR
User Guide
Dear user,
We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this
manual. Should any errors be detected, we would greatly appreciate to
receive suggestions to improve the quality of the contents of this manual.
The above not withstanding, we can assume no responsibility for any errors
in this manual or their eventual consequences.
We reserve rights to make modifications to this manual without any further
notice.
For more detailed technical data about the MC4 Documenting Process
Calibrator, please contact the manufacturer.
© 2008-2016
BEAMEX OY AB
Ristisuonraitti 10
FIN-68600 Pietarsaari
FINLAND
Tel +358 - 10 - 5505000
Fax +358 - 10 - 5505404
E-mail: sales@beamex.com
Internet: http://www.beamex.com
8811000 / MC4uEng / Version 3e
Page 2
Trademarks and Statements
QCAL® is a registered trademark owned by Beamex Oy Ab.
Other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
MC4 contains licensed software which requires that the source
code is available for You. Please contact Beamex to obtain it.
MC4 is based in part on the work of the FLTK project
(http://www.fltk.org).
Page 3
Contents
MC4 User Guide
Contents
Part A, General
Introduction ........................................................................................ 2
About This Manual ................................................................................... 3
Typographical Conventions ............................................................... 3
Unpacking and Inspection ........................................................................ 4
MC4 Hardware .................................................................................... 5
Connections ............................................................................................. 6
Pressure Modules .............................................................................. 7
Connectors on the Left Side of MC4 .................................................. 8
Terminals ........................................................................................... 8
Support for Table Top Use ....................................................................... 9
Memory .................................................................................................... 9
Display ...................................................................................................... 9
Keyboard ................................................................................................ 10
Batteries ................................................................................................. 11
About the Charger and the Charging Procedure ............................. 12
Removing/Replacing the Batteries................................................... 13
Capacity Indication ........................................................................... 14
PC Communication with USB .......................................................... 15
MC4 Firmware .................................................................................. 16
General Description................................................................................ 16
Startup Procedure ............................................................................ 16
Basic Mode and Higher Level Functions ......................................... 16
Instrument Database and Instrument Calibration ............................ 16
Basic Mode's User Interface .................................................................. 17
The Status Bar ................................................................................. 17
Windows 1 and 2 ............................................................................. 17
The Function Key Bar ...................................................................... 18
Menu ................................................................................................ 18
Configuration Windows .......................................................................... 19
Field Types Available for Editing Data ............................................. 20
Page 4
Contents
MC4 User Guide
MC4 Options .................................................................................... 24
Hardware Modules/Options .................................................................... 24
Other Devices......................................................................................... 25
Safety ............................................................................................... 26
Symbols Used ........................................................................................ 26
Safety Precautions and Warnings .......................................................... 27
General Warnings ............................................................................ 28
Warnings Concerning Electrical Measurement and Generation ...... 28
General Warnings Concerning Pressure Measurement .................. 29
Warnings Concerning High Pressure .............................................. 30
Disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment .............. 31
Service ............................................................................................. 32
Firmware Update .................................................................................... 32
The Battery Charger ............................................................................... 32
Resetting MC4 ....................................................................................... 32
Recalibrating MC4 .................................................................................. 33
Cleaning MC4......................................................................................... 33
Page 5
Contents
MC4 User Guide
Part B, Startup and Basic Operation
Starting MC4 ..................................................................................... 36
Startup Procedure .................................................................................. 36
Basic Mode, Defined .............................................................................. 37
Measuring ......................................................................................... 39
Current Measurement ............................................................................ 41
Frequency Measurement ....................................................................... 42
Pressure Measurement .......................................................................... 43
Connecting and Disconnecting External Pressure Modules ............ 44
Zeroing a Pressure Module .............................................................. 45
Pulse Counting ....................................................................................... 46
Resistance Measurement ...................................................................... 47
Switch State Sensing ............................................................................. 48
Temperature Measurement (RTD) ......................................................... 50
Temperature Measurement (Thermocouple) ......................................... 51
Voltage Measurement ............................................................................ 52
Generating/Simulating ..................................................................... 53
Changing the Generated/Simulated Value ............................................. 54
Spinning and Manual Stepping ........................................................ 54
Current Generation................................................................................. 56
Frequency Generation ........................................................................... 58
Pulse Generation.................................................................................... 59
Resistance Simulation ............................................................................ 60
RTD Sensor Simulation .......................................................................... 61
Thermocouple Simulation ...................................................................... 63
Voltage Generation ................................................................................ 65
Manually Keyed Values ................................................................... 66
Tools Menu ....................................................................................... 67
Function Info ........................................................................................... 68
Alarms .................................................................................................... 69
Damping ................................................................................................. 70
Leak/Stability Test .................................................................................. 71
Stepping ................................................................................................. 73
Ramping ................................................................................................. 76
Manual Stepping .................................................................................... 78
Display Mode and Special Measurements ............................................. 81
Error % ............................................................................................. 82
Page 6
Contents
MC4 User Guide
Error in Input Units ........................................................................... 83
Error in Output Units ........................................................................ 84
Percentage ....................................................................................... 85
Scaling ............................................................................................. 86
Deviation .......................................................................................... 87
Redundant ....................................................................................... 88
Difference ......................................................................................... 89
Showing Data on the Additional Info Row .............................................. 90
Resetting and Clearing Additional Info Row / Calculations.............. 93
Page 7
Contents
MC4 User Guide
Part C, Advanced Operation and Configurations
Utilities Menu ................................................................................... 96
About This Calibrator ............................................................................. 96
Instrument Calibration ............................................................................ 97
User Setups for & .......................................................................... 97
Date/Time ............................................................................................... 98
General Settings..................................................................................... 99
Calibrator Adjustment ........................................................................... 100
Custom Test Point Sets ................................................................. 101
Custom Transfer Functions .......................................................... 103
Custom PRT Sensors .................................................................... 106
Creating Custom PRT Sensors ............................................................ 106
Callendar - van Dusen Equation .......................................................... 107
Custom Pressure Units ................................................................. 108
Related Information ....................................................................... 109
Things to Consider when Measuring Pressure .................................... 110
General .......................................................................................... 110
Pressure Type ................................................................................ 110
Pressure Modules and their Naming Conventions ........................ 111
Square Rooting .............................................................................. 112
Thermocouple Measurement/Simulation, Connections and
Troubleshooting.................................................................................... 113
Internal Reference Junction ........................................................... 113
External Reference Junction .......................................................... 114
Error situations ............................................................................... 117
Resistance and RTD Measurement, Connections ............................... 118
4-wire System ................................................................................ 118
3-wire System ................................................................................ 118
Using a Compensation Loop.......................................................... 119
2-wire System ................................................................................ 119
Current Measurement Parallel to a Test Diode, Connections .............. 120
Parallel Functions in MC4 .................................................................... 121
Page 8
Contents
MC4 User Guide
Part D, Calibration
General ........................................................................................... 124
Phases of Instrument Calibration ......................................................... 125
As Found Calibration ..................................................................... 126
Adjustment ..................................................................................... 126
As Left Calibration .......................................................................... 127
Supported Input/Output Signal Combinations ...................................... 128
About Instrument Calibration ................................................................ 129
Selecting the Instrument to Be Calibrated ..................................... 129
A Calibration Procedure Using MC4 .............................................. 130
Examples of Instrument Calibration............................................. 133
Pressure Transmitters .................................................................... 134
Temperature Indicators and Recorders ......................................... 136
Temperature Sensors .................................................................... 138
Pneumatic Pressure Transmitters and Converters ........................ 140
Electrical Limit Switches ................................................................ 142
Calibration Window Menu ............................................................. 145
Menu When Calibration is NOT Started ............................................... 145
Menu When a Calibration is Running ................................................... 147
Tools Submenu .................................................................................... 149
Maintaining MC4's Instrument Database ..................................... 150
Instrument List Window Menu .............................................................. 152
Editing Instrument Data ........................................................................ 156
Position Data Page ........................................................................ 157
Device Data Page .......................................................................... 158
Input Data Page ............................................................................. 159
Output Data Page .......................................................................... 161
Function Data Page ....................................................................... 163
Procedure Data Page .................................................................... 165
Error Limits Data Page ................................................................... 170
General Data Page ........................................................................ 172
Saving an Edited Instrument .......................................................... 173
Viewing Calibration Results.......................................................... 174
Calibration Result Windows ................................................................. 174
How to Choose Which Calibration Run is Viewed ............................... 175
Deleting Calibration Results ................................................................. 176
Page 9
Contents
MC4 User Guide
Additional Calibration Related Information .................................. 177
Extra Information Saved With Calibration Point Data .......................... 177
Accepting Calibration Points Automatically .......................................... 178
Changing the Pressure Module During Calibration .............................. 179
Zeroing a Pressure Module During Calibration .................................... 180
Guidance Texts .................................................................................... 180
Environmental Data .............................................................................. 180
Error Calculation Formulas .................................................................. 181
Combining Calibration Repeats ........................................................... 182
Results and Memory Usage ................................................................. 182
Page 10
Contents
MC4 User Guide
Appendixes
Appendix 1, Technical Data .......................................................... 184
MC4 General Specifications ................................................................. 184
Electrical Measurements ...................................................................... 185
Voltage Measurement .................................................................... 185
Current Measurement .................................................................... 185
Frequency Measurement ............................................................... 186
Pulse Counting ............................................................................... 186
Switch Test .................................................................................... 186
Electrical Generation, Sensor Measurement and Simulation .............. 187
mV Measurement (T/C-Terminals) ................................................ 187
mV Generation (T/C-Terminals)..................................................... 187
Voltage Generation ........................................................................ 188
mA Generation (Source/Sink) ........................................................ 188
Resistance Measurement .............................................................. 189
Resistance Simulation ................................................................... 189
Frequency Generation ................................................................... 190
Pulse Generation ........................................................................... 190
Temperature Measurement and Simulation ......................................... 191
RTD Measurement and Simulation ................................................ 191
Thermocouple Measurement and Simulation ................................ 194
Pressure Modules ................................................................................ 198
Internal Pressure Modules (NPM) ................................................. 198
External Pressure Modules (EXT), High Accuracy ........................ 200
External Pressure Modules (EXT), Standard Accuracy ................. 202
Appendix 2, Index .......................................................................... 203
Page 11
Feedback
MC4 User Guide
Feedback
We want to improve our products and services constantly. Therefore
we’d like to know Your opinion of the product You use. Please spend a
moment of Your valuable time in filling this form. All respondents will
receive a surprise gift in return.
Certain questions can be answered immediately after receiving the
product. Others require some use of the product before You are able
to answer them. The best way to fill the form is to answer the items as
it applies, and send the form to us when all items are answered. There
are however no definite restrictions; fill in the form when you feel like it
(all items need not be answered). Then send it to Beamex using one of
the possibilities listed below.
Mail: Beamex Oy, Ab
Quality Feedback
P.O. Box 5
68601 Pietarsaari
FINLAND
Fax +358 - 10 - 5505404
Only the next page need to be faxed to us.
Internet: http://www.beamex.com
A similar form is available as a web page
E-mail: support@beamex.com
Refer to the numbered items on the next
page in Your e-mail message.
Page 12
Feedback
MC4 User Guide
1. Name of the product you give feedback of: _____________
2. Serial number and software version number (if applicable) _____________
_____________
3. Any comments when receiving the product. Did the package contain all required
items and was it as expected?
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Page 13
General
Things discussed in Part A:
• An introduction to what MC4 is
and what the parts of this User
Guide concentrate on.
• A general description of MC4's
hardware.
• A general description of MC4's
firmware.
• The modularity and options of
MC4.
• Safety precautions and
warnings.
• Briefly about how to service
MC4.
Page 14
Introduction
2 MC4 User Guide
Introduction
MC4 is a compact hand-held calibrator with an easy to use graphical
user interface.
MC4 is a documenting Multifunction Calibrator with calibration
capability of temperature, electrical and frequency signals. If a
pressure module is installed, then it also handles pressure signals.
As MC4 is a documenting calibrator, instrument data can be sent
from computer to MC4 and calibration results can be uploaded from
MC4 to a computer using Beamex CMX calibration software. With
MC4, making automated and documented calibrations of process
instruments is fast and easy.
Being a Beamex calibrator, MC4 represents the high, uncompromised quality standards evident in other Beamex calibration
equipment. It is another MC calibrator you can rely on and a
calibrator that completes your range of MC calibrators.
Page 15
About This Manual
MC4 User Guide 3
About This Manual
This User Guide is divided in four parts: A, B, C and D.
• Part A discusses general matters. There is also a chapter
about safety.
• Part B describes the basic use of MC4 such as measuring
signals and setting up Display Modes and Special
Measurements.
• Part C handles configuration level usage and also offers more
information concerning measurements/simulations.
• Part D concentrates on the calibration of instruments.
Use the information provided in the headers as a quick guide when
searching for a particular subject:
• The even page header displays the current main topic (e.g.
"Introduction").
• The odd page header displays the secondary level topic (e.g.
"About this Manual").
•
The header of each page also indicates the
active part as shown in the adjacent picture
(with Part B active).
Typographical Conventions
All examples of user interface texts are printed using
Arial Black
,
e.g.
Field:
Trigger Level
All front panel texts (fixed texts on MC4's cover) are printed using
Arial Narrow Bold, e.g.
Function Key F1
Function and Menu keys are often referred to using both the key
name in Arial Narrow Bold and the corresponding text (function)
displayed on the screen in
Arial Black
, e.g.
Function Key =F3/
Menu
Page 16
Introduction
4 MC4 User Guide
Unpacking and Inspection
At the factory each new MC4 passes a careful inspection. It should
be free of scrapes and scratches and in proper operation order upon
receipt. The receiver should, however, inspect the unit for any
damage that may have occurred during transit. If there are signs of
obvious mechanical damage, package contents are incomplete, or
the instrument does not operate according to specifications, contact
the purchasing sales office as soon as possible. The standard
accessories are as follows:
• Calibration certificate,
• a warranty card,
• this User Guide,
• A CD-ROM with product information, USB driver etc.
• computer communication cable (USB),
• internal rechargeable NiMH batteries,
• battery eliminator/charger for the batteries,
• test leads and clips,
• a Cu-Cu adapter for millivolt measurement and
• if a pressure module (other than barometric) is included in
MC4: a pressure connector adapter from G1/8” female to
G 1/8” male with 60° internal cone.
For a description of available options, see MC4 Options on page 25.
If you have to return the instrument to the factory for any reason, use
the original packing whenever possible. Include a detailed
description of the reason for the return.
Page 17
Unpacking and Inspection
MC4 User Guide 5
MC4 Hardware
General features:
• Integrated impact protectors
• A support for using the calibrator on the table
• Weight 710 ... 850 g (1.6 ... 1.9 lbs) depending on installed
pressure modules.
• Operating temperature: -10 +50 °C (14 122 °F).
0 +35 °C (32 95 °F) when charging the batteries.
• Storage temperature: -20 +60 °C (-4 140 °F).
Note: The stickers and the batteries may be affected when
storing longer periods in extreme conditions.
• Humidity: 0 80 % R.H. non condensing
More comprehensive specifications are available in Appendix 1.
Page 18
MC4 Hardware
6 MC4 User Guide
Connections
R u b b e r c o v e r
t o p r o t e c t t h e
c o n n e c t o r s
O P T I O N
c o n n e c t o r f o r
f u t u r e n e e d s
U S B c o n n e c t o r
f o r c o m p u t e r
c o m m u n i c a t i o n
P O W E R
c o n n e c t o r
f o r c h a r g e r
I n t e r n a l
P r e s s u r e
M o d u l e
c o n n e c t o r
E X T c o n n e c t o r
f o r E x t e r n a l
P r e s s u r e
M o d u l e s
R T D M e a s . &
S i m u l a t i o n a n d
E l e c t r i c a l
G e n e r a t i o n
T h e r m o c o u p l e
M e a s u r e m e n t
& S i m u l a t i o n
E l e c t r i c a l
M e a s u r e m e n t s
a n d 2 4 V
S u p p l y
Note.
The picture above is of a MC4 with an internal pressure module.
Because the pressure module is an option Your MC4 may not
necessarily have it.
Page 19
Connections
MC4 User Guide 7
Pressure Modules
Internal Gauge Type Pressure Module
MC4 may include one gauge type Internal Pressure Module.
The connector for the gauge type Internal Pressure module is
located in MC4's upper panel.
The allowed pressure media for gauge type internal pressure
modules is inert, non-toxic, non-explosive media. Use of pressure
media classified as dangerous is prohibited.
For Beamex 60° cone connector: To avoid damaging the calibrator,
use hand tightening only when connecting the pressure
measurement hose (max. torque 5 Nm, approx. 3.6 lbf ft). If the use
of tools is required to secure the connection, apply the counterforce
with a spanner on the connector body's hexagonal part.
Remember to be cautious when working with pressure and pressure
modules. See also chapters Safety on page 27 and Safety
Precautions and Warnings on page 28.
Internal Barometric Pressure Module
An Internal Barometric Pressure Module may also be included in
MC4. The Barometric Module may be installed together with a
Gauge Type Internal Pressure Module or it may be the only Internal
Pressure module installed in MC4.
The Internal Barometric Module measures the barometric pressure
through a connection found on the back side of MC4. Normally
nothing need to be connected to the barometric pressure module's
connector.
External Pressure Modules
MC4 has a connector for External Pressure Modules (EXTs). The
connector is located on the left side of MC4.
If an External Pressure Module is connected or removed, MC4
notices it automatically. More of pressure measurement in part B of
this manual.
Page 20
MC4 Hardware
8 MC4 User Guide
Connectors on the Left Side of MC4
The left side of MC4 (front view) has four connectors as follows:
EXT External Pressure Modules are discussed in chapter
External Pressure Modules on page 7 and in Part
B of this manual.
OPTION Reserved for future needs
USB For computer communication, e.g. when updating
the firmware and sending/receiving instrument data.
For USB driver information, see chapter PC
Communication on page 15.
POWER Charger connector (Battery eliminator when using
dry cells)
Warning!
There is no galvanic isolation between the connectors on the left
side as well as the internal pressure module connector.
Terminals
The lower part of the front panel has terminals for measuring,
generating and simulating signals.
Measuring capabilities of Measure section:
• Voltage,
• Current,
• Frequency,
• Pulse Counting and
• Switch state sensing.
Measuring capabilities of Temperature/Generate section:
• Low Voltage measurement using either the Low Voltage
connectors or the internal reference junction,
• T/C (thermocouple) measurement using either the internal
reference junction or the Low Voltage connectors,
• RTD measurement and
• Resistance measurement.
Page 21
Support for Table Top Use
MC4 User Guide 9
Generation/simulation capabilities of Temperature/Generate section:
• Low Voltage generation using either the Low Voltage
connectors or the internal reference junction,
• T/C simulation using either the internal reference junction
or the Low Voltage connectors,
• Current, Voltage, Frequency and Pulse generation and
• RTD and Resistance simulation.
Support for Table Top Use
The support gives you a good viewing angle when MC4 is placed on
a table top.
Memory
MC4 maintains data very much like personal computers. Data is
saved on a solid state memory that does not need any power to
maintain its state. Solid state memory is shock proof so the data is
not lost when the calibrator is transported.
Also: all available storage can be used for anything that requires it
(e.g. instrument data, calibration results etc.).
Display
MC4 has a backlit LCD display. The resolution of the display is
160 x 160 pixels.
The backlight is turned on or off by briefly pressing the power button.
Pressing the button for a longer time shuts down MC4. More of
backlight settings in part C of this manual.
To tune the contrast of the display:
• Press F1/
Contrast
when either viewing the welcome
screen or the General Settings screen.
• Use the up and down arrow keys to change the
contrast.
The changed settings are automatically saved as default settings.
Page 22
MC4 Hardware
10 MC4 User Guide
Keyboard
Function Keys
The Function Keys are located below the display. The meaning of
each Function Key varies depending on the situation. The lower
part of the display indicates what the Function Key stands for at the
moment.
Numeric Keys
1 2 3
A B C D E F
4 5 6
7 8 9
P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
G H I J K L M N O
0
The Number keys are used when entering numbers in numeric
fields and letters in text fields (as in cellular phones).
Pressing the +/- key toggles the sign of the entered numeric value.
In text fields, this key contains a set of symbols and Greek letters.
The Decimal key adds the decimal point to the numeric value that is
currently edited. In text fields, this key contains additional symbols
such as punctuation marks as well as super and subscript numbers.
Arrow Keys and Enter Key
The arrow keys are used when moving the cursor on the screen.
They also have several special functions in certain situations, e.g.
when tuning the contrast of the display.
The Enter key both starts and finishes the editing of all types of
fields.
On/Off and Backlight Key
The On/Off key switches MC4 on and off. Press the On/Off key for
about half-a-second to switch on/off. This delayed function prevents
accidental on/off switching of MC4.
When pressing the On/Off key briefly, it toggles the display back
light on and off.
Page 23
Batteries
MC4 User Guide 11
Batteries
MC4 supports the use of both rechargeable batteries and alkaline
batteries. When using alkaline batteries, you need a Dry Battery
Cartridge. MC4 automatically detects the battery type.
The alkaline batteries to be used are:
- Type: AA
- Cell Voltage: 1.5 V
- Amount: 4
The charger for rechargeable batteries operates in the following
environments:
- Voltage: 100 240 VAC
- Frequency: 50/60 Hz
MC4 may be used while the Battery Pack is being charged. The
charger may also be used together with the Dry Battery Cartridge.
Then it acts as a Battery eliminator.
The maximum operating time without recharging varies depending
on the usage of the display back light. Also the usage of the 24V
transmitter supply affects the maximum operating time. Even with
constant maximum load, the standard rechargeable batteries should
last for 6 hours. A good average operating time is 12 hours.
When using alkaline batteries, the maximum operating time also
depends on the quality of the batteries. An average operating time is
approximately 4 hours.
Full batteries:
Empty batteries:
The upper left corner of MC4's display shows a picture of a battery.
The whiter the picture is, the more acute is the need for recharging
(or changing of the alkaline batteries).
Notes.
MC4's internal clock/calendar uses a small amount of power
although the calibrator is switched off. Remember to check the
capacity of the batteries from time to time although MC4 is not in
use.
To avoid loss of date and time, change the batteries with the
charger / battery eliminator connected.
See also chapter Capacity Indication on page 14.
Page 24
MC4 Hardware
12 MC4 User Guide
About the Charger and the Charging Procedure
When charging the batteries the battery symbol and a plug symbol
alternates on the status bar. When charging is ready, only the plug
symbol is shown.
If MC4 is shut off and the charger is connected, a battery status bar
appears. After a while an estimate of the remaining charge time
appears below the battery status bar (see leftmost picture below).
1 7 . 0 9 . 2 0 0 4 0 9 : 3 6 : 2 2
C H A R G I N G
B a t t e r y s t a t u s
E s t i m a t e d t i m e l e f t : 2 h 1 4 m i n
1 7 . 0 9 . 2 0 0 4 1 1 : 5 0 : 2 2
C H A R G I N G R E A D Y
B a t t e r y s t a t u s
The charging time depends on calibrator's current consumption
(backlight, mA sourcing etc.). With no extra load, the charging time is
approx. 5 hours.
When charging while MC4 displays the charging window, MC4
beeps when the batteries are fully charged. Then the display looks
like rightmost picture above.
Warnings!
USE ONLY THE CHARGER PROVIDED WITH THE CALIBRATOR.
The charger accepts input voltages from 100 to 240 VAC.
The charger should only be used indoors and the temperature
should not exceed 35 °C (95 °F).
Page 25
Batteries
MC4 User Guide 13
Removing/Replacing the Batteries
To remove or replace the batteries, perform the following procedure:
1. Turn MC4 upside down (the display facing the table top) and
lift the support.
2. Unscrew the two screws holding the cover (see the picture
above).
3. Bend the clip holding the battery pack connector and gently
pull the connector out.
4. To replace the battery pack, click the connector of the new
battery pack on its place (noting the polarity) and put the
battery pack in its slot.
Note.
See also chapter Capacity Indication on page 14.
Page 26
MC4 Hardware
14 MC4 User Guide
Capacity Indication
If you reset the calibrator or remove/replace the battery pack, "teach"
the capacity of the batteries to the calibrator's charging electronics
by doing as follows:
1. Fully charge the batteries
(approx. 5 hours with no
extra load).
2. Connect the current
generation terminals to
the current measurement
terminals as shown in the
adjacent picture.
3. Configure Window to
measure current with
supply on. See also note
below.
4. Configure Window to
generate (sink) 8 mA.
The user interface should
look as in the adjacent
picture.
5. Do not use the
backlight.
6. Let the calibrator fully discharge its batteries. This is the stage
where the charging electronics "learn" the capacity of the
battery pack.
7. When the calibrator shuts itself automatically, the learning is
done.
8. Recharge the batteries and start using the calibrator
Note.
See part B for more detailed information on connections and
configuring Window 1 and 2.
Hint.
If the calibrator's capacity indication has gotten mixed up, use the
following method to reset the capacity indication:
Fully discharge the batteries as presented above. Then start recharging
and immediately select F3/Menu, Calibrator Adjustment and enter
1590 as the "password". This resets the capacity indication to 0 %.
Then "teach" the capacity of the batteries using the instructions above
again.
Similarly, the "password" 1599 sets the capacity to 100 %, if needed.
Page 27
Batteries
MC4 User Guide 15
PC Communication with USB
The first time you connect MC4 to a computer (using the USB cable
delivered with MC4), Windows' Found New Hardware Wizard
initializes wanting to install a device driver.
The driver can be found at Beamex's web site
(http://www.beamex.com). Look for MC2/MC2-IS/MC4 downloads.
The driver is part of the software update package.
Notes.
The driver has been tested on Windows XP, Windows 2000,
Windows Vista and in Windows 7, 32 and 64 bit versions.
Windows 95, 98, NT4, ME operating systems are not supported.
See also possible additional information delivered with the driver.
This procedure is needed when connecting MC2-IS for the first time
to a particular USB port in a PC. After the driver is installed,
communication initializes automatically, if MC2-IS is connected to
the same USB port in a PC.
Page 28
MC4 Firmware
16 MC4 User Guide
MC4 Firmware
MC4's firmware is saved in FLASH memory. Therefore it is relatively
easy to update the firmware whenever a new version with fresh
capabilities is released. See Firmware Update on page 32 for more
information on updating the firmware in your MC4.
General Description
The following chapters briefly describe each main function.
Startup Procedure
When starting MC4 the startup procedure ends up in a welcome
screen. From there it proceeds to Basic Mode and you are ready to
start using the calibrator.
A more comprehensive description of the Startup Procedure is in the
beginning of Part B of this manual.
Basic Mode and Higher Level Functions
In Basic Mode you can measure, generate and simulate signals. There
are two separately configurable windows available.
All main functions of Basic Mode are described in part B of this
manual.
Part C concentrates on higher level functions and additional
information.
Instrument Database and Instrument Calibration
Instrument database and instrument calibration related information is
available in Part D of this manual.
Page 29
Basic Mode's User Interface
MC4 User Guide 17
Basic Mode's User Interface
The main elements of the Basic Mode can be seen in the following
picture:
S e t u p
S e t u p
M e n u
k P a
2 1 . 0 8 . 2 0 0 8 1 4 : 3 8 : 2 2
m A
G a u g e
S u p p l y : O n
I N T
1 5 . 8
0 2 0 4 0
1 2 . 3 3 0 4
8 . 0 1 3 21 6 . 4 5 8 3
1 0 3 0
S t a t u s B a r
F u n c t i o n K e y b a r
A d d i t i o n a l
I n f o R o w :
B a r G r a p h
A l a r m s
U n s t a b l e
r e a d i n g
A d d i t i o n a l
I n f o R o w :
M i n a n d
M a x V a l u e s
M a i n m e a s u r e m e n t 1
W i n d o w 1
M a i n m e a s u r e m e n t 2
W i n d o w 2
Other elements can be found in other windows. They are presented
in the subsequent chapters.
The Status Bar
The Status Bar at the top of the display is divided into two sections.
The first (leftmost) section displays the charge level of the battery
and a plug symbol when the charger/battery eliminator is connected.
The second section displays the date and the third the time.
Windows 1 and 2
MC4 has two windows in Basic Mode. Both windows can
independently be configured to display a measurement value. They
can also be assigned to more data on the extra info row as seen in
the previous picture.
Part of the window is reserved for alarm symbols as well as an
unstable reading symbol (i.e. the measured value is not steady at
the moment).
Page 30
MC4 Firmware
18 MC4 User Guide
The Function Key Bar
The Function Key Bar at the bottom of the display is visible all the
time. The meaning of the Function Keys varies depending on the
situation. A grayed Function Key text means that the function is
disabled at the moment.
Menu
The Function Keys often open menus, i.e. lists of available items.
S e t u p
u
S e t u p
v
M e n u
m A
2 1 . 0 8 . 2 0 0 8 1 2 : 4 1 : 2 3
k P a
S u p p l y : O n
G a u g e E X T
5 . 4 9 7 5
1 2 . 3
A b o u t t h i s C a l i b r a t o r
I n s t r u m e n t C a l i b r a t i o n . . .
U s e r S e t u p s f o r &
D a t e / T i m e
G e n e r a l S e t t i n g s
C a l i b r a t o r A d j u s t m e n t
A v b r y t N e d e r s t a V ä l jC a n c e l B o t t o m S e l e c t
S e t u p S e t u p
M e n u
m A
2 1 . 0 8 . 2 0 0 8 1 2 : 4 1 : 2 2
k P a
S u p p l y : O n
G a u g e E X T
5 . 4 9 7 5
1 2 . 3
The pair of screenshots above is an example of an opening menu.
This one opens from Basic Mode when F3 Function Key is pressed.
A menu with a longer list has small arrows at the top/bottom of the
list to point out that the list is longer that what is shown.
Use the arrow keys ( and ) to move between menu options.
The F2 Function Key helps you to scroll longer menu list. It allows
you to quickly jump to the end (
Bottom
) and beginning (
Top
)
depending on where in the list you are.
Select an item with the Enter key ( ) or use the F3/
Select
Function
Key. Selecting a menu option results in one of the following events:
1. The menu closes and a window opens for viewing additional
information or for configuring the selected task. This happens,
e.g. when selecting the
About MC4
menu option in the
picture above.
2. A tick is added/removed from the selected menu item. It
means that the menu item is selected/deselected for a duty.
This happens, e.g. when selecting which items are to be
shown on the Additional Info row.
3. A sub menu opens allowing you to select one of available
sub menu items.
Page 31
Configuration Windows
MC4 User Guide 19
Configuration Windows
There are several types of configuration windows. The examples
below contain a selection of user editable fields.
4 5 2 21 3
h o u r ( 2 4 h )
O k
D a t e F o r m a t
d a y
T i m e F o r m a t
D A T E / T I M E
d d . m m . y y y y
h h . m m . s s 2 4 h
m o n t h y e a r
8 2 0 0 4
m i n s e c
1 0
A L A R M S
A l e r t w h e n t h e m e a s u r e m e n t
S t o p
O k
k P a
G a u g e I P M
0 . 0 6
A l a r m s A c t i v e
1 . 5 0 0
0 . 1 0 0
A l e r t w h e n t h e r a t e o f c h a n g e
>
<
C a p t u r e
The view of the date/time configuration window contains selection
lists and numeric fields.
The view of the alarms configuration window contains check boxes
and numeric fields.
Descriptions of all field types are presented in the subsequent
chapters.
Page 32
MC4 Firmware
20 MC4 User Guide
Field Types Available for Editing Data
Use the arrow keys ( and ) to move between fields. Start and
stop editing a field with the Enter key ( ).
Fields typically have three modes:
1. The field is displayed, but the cursor is not highlighting that
particular field.
2. The cursor is highlighting a field.
3. The field is in edit mode.
All field presentations include a list of how the field looks in different
states. Some fields do not exactly follow the above mentioned list of
states. The differences are described where applicable.
Numeric Fields
Not highlighted:
N u m e r i c F i e l d
1 0
Highlighted:
1 0
Edit Mode:
1 5
Beside the Enter key ( ), all Numeric keys sets the highlighted
Numeric field to edit mode. The Enter key leaves the previous number
available for editing and the Numeric keys replace the old value.
During edit mode, you can use the arrow keys ( and ), the
F3/
Clear
and F2/ (= backspace) Function Keys to edit the field.
Accept the new value by pressing the Enter key ( ). To discard
changes, use the F1/
Cancel
Function Key. See also Part B for
special features concerning numeric fields when generating a signal.
Notes.
Certain numeric fields have an extra tool for inserting a value:
When the field is highlighted, an F2/
Capture
Function Key appears.
This allows you to capture and save the measured value in the
Numeric field.
Numeric field used for generating/simulating signals include
additional editing possibilities: Spinning and Manual Stepping.
More of them in part B, page 54.
Page 33
Configuration Windows
MC4 User Guide 21
Text Fields
Not highlighted:
J u s t T e s t i n g
T e x t F i e l d
Highlighted, empty:
Highlighted, non
-
empty:
J u s t T e s t i n g
Edit Mode:
B o n a F i d e
Beside the Enter key ( ), all Numeric keys set the highlighted Text
field to edit mode. The Enter key leaves the previous text available
for editing and the Numeric keys replace the old text.
During edit mode, you can use the arrow keys ( and ) and F2/
(= backspace) Function Key to edit the field.
Use numeric keys to add characters. Adding characters is done as
follows:
• First keypress opens a list of available characters with the first
item highlighted.
• Repeated keypresses alter the highlighted characters.
• Press the Enter key ( ) or the F3/
Select
Function Key to
select a character. Additional functionality while the list of
available characters is open:
• If no key is pressed for a certain time, the Automatic
Adding utility selects the highlighted character (not
used in the list of symbols opening from the decimal
key).
• Pressing F3/
Cancel
closes the list of available
characters and no character is selected.
The F3/
Menu
Function Key allows you to do the following tasks:
• Select whether the added characters are:
Upper Case, Lower Case
or
Numbers
.
• Select whether the Automatic Adding of characters is:
Fast
or
Slow
.
•
Clear
the field.
•
Ok
for accepting the edited text.
Accept the new text by pressing the Enter key ( ) or use the
previously mentioned menu option. To discard changes, use the
F1/
Cancel
Function Key.
Page 34
MC4 Firmware
22 MC4 User Guide
Selection Lists
Not highlighted:
S e l e c t i o n L i s t
d d . m m . y y y y
Highli
ghted:
d d . m m . y y y y
Edit Mode:
d d . m m . y y y y
m m . d d . y y y y
y y y y . m m . d d
The Enter key ( ) changes a selection list to edit mode. A list of
available options appear. If the list can not display all available items
at the same time (not enough room), the list has small arrows at the
top/bottom. This indicates that the list is longer that what is shown.
Use the arrow keys ( and ) to move between options. The F2
Function Key helps you to scroll longer menu list. It allows you to
quickly jump to the end (
Bottom
) and beginning (
Top
) depending
on where in the list you are.
Select one of the options with either the Enter key ( ) or the
F3/
Select
Function Key. To discard changes, use the F1/
Cancel
Function Key.
Some of the selection lists have "favorites" i.e. recently selected
items are moved to the top of the list. This feature is typically
available in longer lists.
Hint.
To quickly jump to an option, use the Numeric keys. The first press
jumps to the closest option starting with the first letter stated above
the Numeric key. Repeated key presses jump to options starting with
subsequent letters stated above the Numeric key.
Page 35
Configuration Windows
MC4 User Guide 23
Check Boxes
Highlighted:
C h e c k B o x
Checked:
Unchecked:
A check box has no edit mode. Once it is highlighted (thicker
borders), the value of the check box can be altered using one of the
following possibilities:
The Enter key ( ) toggles the value of the check box.
The Sign key ( ) also toggles the value of the check box.
The Zero key ( ) clears the check box.
The One key ( ) sets the check box.
Page 36
MC4 Options
24 MC4 User Guide
MC4 Options
MC4 includes optional hardware modules. This makes it possible to
buy a calibrator with capabilities according your requirements.
Hardware Modules/Options
Internal Pressure Module (NPM)
Available gauge pressure modules:
• NPM200mC, range: ±200 mbar ( ±80 iwc)
• NPM2C, range:-1 … +2 bar ( -14.5 … 30 psi)
• NPM20C, range:-1 … +20 bar ( -14.5 … 300 psi)
• NPM160, range: 0 … 160 bar ( 0 … 2400 psi)
MC4 may include one of the above mentioned internal pressure
modules and additionally an internal barometric module.
Optional Dry Battery Cartridge
Enables use of AA size dry batteries instead of the standard
rechargeable NiMH pack accessory.
Optional Pressure T-hose
Hose set for connecting an instrument to be calibrated, a pressure
source and MC4.
Page 37
Other Devices
MC4 User Guide 25
Optional Soft Carrying Case
MC4's soft carrying case is practical when moving between
locations. The carrying case can also be used for transporting
utilities, like:
• Test hoses, test leads and clips
• External Pressure Module
• A pressure pump
• Charger and its cable
The carrying case is suited for use in normal industrial environment.
Optional Connection Cable For External Pressure Modules
(EXT)
Needed when connecting External Pressure Modules (EXT) to MC4.
Optional Thermocouple Mini Plugs
For connecting thermocouples to MC4's T/C, mV=connector.
Other Devices
There is an increasing number of devices that can be used together
with MC4. The following list includes devices that are already
available (valid when this manual was printed):
• External Pressure Modules (EXT)
• Calibration hand pumps:
- PGV vacuum pump,
- PGM high pressure pump and
- PGXH extra high pressure pump
Page 38
Safety
26 MC4 User Guide
Safety
The materials of MC4's case withstand normal industrial conditions.
MC4 endures shocks with the help of the built in impact protectors
Symbols Used
The following symbols concerning electrical safety are used in MC4.
Alternating current, AC
Direct current, DC
Caution! See manual for further information
Page 39
Safety Precautions and Warnings
MC4 User Guide 27
Safety Precautions and Warnings
MC4 calibrator is a precision calibration tool that should be used by
skilled people who have read and understood this User Guide.
Working with MC4 involves the usage of pressure and/or electrical
instruments. Be sure to know how to work with these instruments
and how to safely connect/disconnect pressure hoses as well as
electrical test leads clips, etc.
Use MC4 only if you are certain of that it can be used safely. Safe
use of MC4 is no longer possible if one or more of the following
cases are true:
• When the case of MC4 is evidently damaged
• When MC4 is not functioning as expected
• After prolonged storage in unfavorable conditions
• After serious damage during transport
Sometimes it is necessary to use a portable radio transceiver while
working with the calibrator. To prevent calibration errors caused by
the radio frequency interference, keep the radio far (at least 1 meter)
from the calibrator and the circuit under calibration while sending.
Page 40
Safety
28 MC4 User Guide
General Warnings
Do not use MC4 in any other way than as described in this User
Guide.
Use the MC4's battery charger in a non-hazardous indoor location
only and only with Beamex MC4 calibrators. While charging, the
temperature should not exceed 35 °C (95 °F). If MC4's battery
charger is broken, dispose it according to local waste regulations
and order a new charger from Beamex. Do not connect a broken
charger to MC4.
MC4 uses a rechargeable Battery Pack or alkaline batteries. All of
these battery types are considered as hazardous waste. Dispose
used batteries properly according to local regulations.
Avoid short circuiting the batteries. The short circuit current may
cause burns to you, damage to the device or even fire. Notice, that
also new replacement batteries are shipped in charged state.
Rechargeable batteries may vent small amounts of gas during
recharge. The vented gas mixture may be highly explosive, but
normally it diffuses rapidly into the atmosphere. To avoid danger,
use only the original charger and never recharge in a gas-tight
container.
Warnings Concerning Electrical Measurement and Generation
The measurement and generation terminals of MC4 are protected
against over voltage and over current as far as it has been
possible without affecting the accuracy. Do not however connect
signals that are above the measurement range of the selected
Function.
There is no galvanic isolation between the connectors on the left
side, the internal pressure module connector and the terminals of
the Temperature/Generate section.
Although there is a galvanic isolation between MC4's Measure and
Temperature/Generate sections, it is for functional purposes only. Do
not exceed 60 VDC / 30 VAC / 100 mA between any terminal.
Maximum output voltage from MC4's terminals is below 30 V. If
you, however, connect together voltages from the Measure and
Temperature/Generate sections or if you connect external voltages to
MC4, the resulting voltage may be high enough to be hazardous.
Page 41
Safety Precautions and Warnings
MC4 User Guide 29
General Warnings Concerning Pressure Measurement
The optional pressure T-hose is rated to the maximum pressure of
20 bar at 21°C (290 psi at 70°F). Applying higher pressure can be
hazardous. We recommend the use of the optional pressure hose
set. When using other hoses and connectors, make sure they are
high quality products that withstand the used pressure.
To avoid damaging the calibrator, use hand tightening only (max.
torque 5 Nm) when connecting the pressure measurement hose
to the internal pressure module. If the use of tools is required to
secure the connection (typically an internal pressure module with
a pressure range of 20 bar / 300 psi), apply the counterforce with a
spanner on the connector body's hexagonal part.
Always depressurize the system before opening or connecting
any pressure fittings or connectors. Use proper valves for venting
the system. Ensure that all connections are made correctly and
that the hose and the connectors are intact.
The allowed pressure media for internal pressure modules is
inert, non- toxic, non-explosive media. External modules have the
allowed media printed on the module's sticker. Using unsuitable
pressure media may destroy the pressure module/calibrator.
External Pressure Modules: Use only the pressure media stated
on the pressure module. Use of wrong type of Pressure Media
may destroy the pressure module.
Never exceed the maximum pressure of a pressure module. The
internal pressure module's maximum pressure is stated on
calibrator's sticker. The maximum pressure of external modules is
stated on module's sticker and mentioned in the Instruction
Booklet that is provided with the external module.
Never plug a hose with your hands or put hands in front of a gas
spray coming from a leakage. A gas bubble in the blood
circulation can cause death.
Page 42
Safety
30 MC4 User Guide
Warnings Concerning High Pressure
High pressure is always dangerous. Only personnel with good
experience and knowledge of high pressure liquid, air and
nitrogen operations are allowed to work with the module. Read
carefully all these instructions and familiarize yourself with local
safety instructions for high pressure operations before starting
the use.
When using gas, the system must not contain any liquid,
especially if you do not know how they may react under pressure.
Use of clean air or nitrogen is recommended as gaseous pressure
media. Liquid pressure media should be preferred when using
modules with a pressure range of 60 bar (30000 psi) or more.
If you use nitrogen, minimize the leak to the atmosphere and take
care of sufficient ventilation. Close the valve of the nitrogen
cylinder, when the system is not in use. Increase in the
percentage of nitrogen in the ambient air may cause
unconsciousness and death without warning. Read carefully the
safety instructions for nitrogen and make sure that the other
people in the same space are aware of the danger.
Use of liquid pressure medium is recommended with pressure
measurement modules at higher pressure range. Use water or
suitable hydraulic oil. Check that the used liquid is not aggressive
against the materials used in the transducer or tubing. When
using liquid, minimize the amount of air in the system. So you can
minimize the amount of spilled liquid in case of leakage.
Do not use the same tubing with different liquids or gases.
Check what the local regulations say about construction and use
of pressurized vessels. The regulations normally control
construction and use of systems where the product of the
pressure and volume exceeds a certain limit. The volume of this
system depends on the instrument connected to it.
High pressure gas is dangerous because it can break the
container and the flying splinters may cause injury. Also small
leaks of gas may be dangerous because the high velocity of the
leaking gas jet enables penetration through skin. If a gas bubble
gets into the blood circulation, it can cause death. The leak jet is
particularly penetrative, if some liquid is coming with the gas.
Page 43
Safety Precautions and Warnings
MC4 User Guide 31
Disposal of Waste
Electrical and Electronic
Equipment
Beamex is an environmentally conscious company developing
products with a view to ensure that they are easy to recycle and do
not introduce hazardous materials into the environment.
In the European Union (EU) and other countries with separate
collection systems, waste from electrical and electronic equipment
(WEEE) is subject to regulations.
EU WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC (the WEEE Directive) requires
that producers of electronic equipment are responsible for the
collection, reuse, recycling and treatment of WEEE which the
Producer places on the EU market after August 13, 2005. The
objective of this regulation is to preserve, protect and improve the
quality of the environment, protect human health, and conserve
natural resources.
The symbol on the left is also printed on the product's
sticker. It indicates that this product should be handed
over to applicable collection point for the recycling of
electrical and electronic equipment.
For more detailed information about recycling of this product, please
contact your local representative or your waste disposal service.
Page 44
Service
32 MC4 User Guide
Service
Only qualified service personnel may perform higher level
maintenance for MC4. Never open the case unless have explicit
instructions from Beamex or a local representative.
There are, however a few things that anyone using MC4 may do.
Firmware Update
The quickest way to see if a new firmware version is available is
checking out Beamex's web site (http://www.beamex.com). Go to
the “Downloads” page and see what it says about MC4 firmware
versions and downloads.
All you need is a Personal Computer and the Computer
communication cable that connects MC4 to one of the USB ports in
your PC. For USB driver info, see chapter PC Communication with
USB on page 15 of this manual.
Also check for possible release notes accompanying the updated
file.
The Battery Charger
The charger is not intended to be serviced. When unusable it can be
thrown away according to local waste disposal regulations.
Resetting MC4
Sometimes you may want to reset the calibrator. To do that, press
and hold the Enter key ( ) and the On/Off key ( ) for 5 seconds.
Then press the On/Off key again.
Resetting MC4 resets the clock to midnight, January the 1st 1970.
Remember to enter the correct date and time.
Page 45
Recalibrating MC4
MC4 User Guide 33
Recalibrating MC4
Please contact Beamex for details on recalibrating MC4.
Cleaning MC4
If MC4 needs cleaning, use cloth soaked with a mild solution of tall
oil soap (pine soap). Wait a few minutes and then clean using a cloth
moistened with pure water. Never use any strong detergents.
Page 46
Service
34 MC4 User Guide
(Empty)
Page 47
Startup and Basic
Operation
Things discussed in Part B:
• What happens during the startup
procedure.
• Measuring signals.
• Generating/simulating signals.
• Presenting the utilities available
in a window's Tools menu.
Page 48
Starting MC4
36 MC4 User Guide
Starting MC4
Startup Procedure
When MC4 is started, a startup picture appears. After a self test, a
welcome screen appears displaying some basic information of the
calibrator at hand.
C o n t r a s t C o n t i n u e
1 5 . 0 8 . 2 0 0 7 0 7 : 4 2 : 2 2
W E L C O M E
M o d e l
S N :
V e r s i o n
M C 4
2 0 4 8 2
3 . 0 2
I l l u m i n a t i o n s I n c . , W o r k s h o p 4
C a l i b r a t i o n d u e i n 2 9 d a y s
W a i t
If you want to view the calibrator information for a longer period,
press the F2/
Wait
Function Key. Then the calibrator information is
visible until you press the F3/
Continue
Function Key.
The lowermost row displays the days until (or since) MC4's due date
for recalibration. If the calibration is overdue, or in the near future,
MC4 stops at the welcome screen to remind you of the need for
recalibration. Otherwise it continues to Basic Mode after a while (or
when you press the F3/
Continue
Function Key).
Page 49
Basic Mode, Defined
MC4 User Guide 37
Basic Mode, Defined
All non-calibration related measurements and generations are performed in the Basic Mode. Briefly: in Basic Mode MC4 works like a
high quality multimeter. When returning from MC4’s higher level
operations (calibration, viewing of calibration results, calibrator and
user configurations), you always return to the Basic Mode.
In Basic Mode, the two available measurement/generation/simulation windows have default settings based either on factory
settings or settings defined when MC4 was previously used.
The Function Keys at the bottom of the window allow you to change
the settings of the two windows or open a menu for higher level
operations etc.
Below is an example picture of a Basic Mode screen with the
following settings.
Window :
Pressure measurement using an external pressure module.
Minimum and maximum value display on the additional info row.
High limit alarm in use, but not active ( ).
Low limit alarm in use and active ( ).
Window :
Current measurement using MC4's 24 V power supply .
Bar graph active on the on the additional info row.
S e t u p
S e t u p
M e n u
b a r
2 1 . 0 8 . 2 0 0 8 1 3 : 0 9 : 2 2
m A
G a u g e
S u p p l y : O n
E X T
4 2 0
1 . 3 4 5
1 2
1 0 . 3 4 5
0 . 1 0 1 2 . 5 7 4
8 1 6
Page 50
Starting MC4
38 MC4 User Guide
What can be done in Basic Mode
• Measure signals
• Generate signals
• Simulate signals
• Set alarm limits
• Start special measurements (min/max value etc.)
• Use the ramping function
• Use the stepping function
Next
Measuring on page 39
Generating/Simulating on page 53
Tools Menu on page 67
Alarms on page 69
Page 51
Basic Mode, Defined
MC4 User Guide 39
Measuring
MC4 is capable of performing the following measurement functions:
• Current measurement
• Frequency measurement
• Pressure measurement
(with an optional internal pressure module or with an external
pressure module)
• Pulse counting
• Switch state sensing
• Voltage measurement
• Resistance measurement
• RTD temperature measurement
• T/C temperature measurement
To start measuring a certain quantity, configure one of the Basic
State's windows (select F1/
Setup
or F2/
Setup
). Use the Enter
key to open to the list of
Functions
(uppermost field in the
configuration window) and select what you want to measure. All
other fields refine the measurement characteristics.
When presenting measurements in this manual, the first paragraph
describes the measurement followed by the
Function
setting
needed to start that particular measurement.
Notes.
In this manual, MC4's measurement Functions are presented in
alphabetic order. The order the Functions appear on your MC4
depends on which Functions have been used most recently.
A Function or a set of Functions using the same terminals can not be
selected for several windows simultaneously. MC4 limits the list of
available Functions based on Functions already in use. To free
terminals, select
No Function
for appropriate window.
Page 52
Measuring
40 MC4 User Guide
Measurement settings including all alarms and other special
measurements may be saved and retrieved. Use the utility found in
the F3/
Menu
Function Key for saving and retrieving settings. This is
described in Part C of this manual.
Read the warnings found in part A of this manual
Page 53
Current Measurement
MC4 User Guide 41
Current Measurement
MC4 supports current measurement using either MC4 as the loop
power supply while at the same time measuring the current or simply
measuring the current while an external power supply is used.
Function:
Current Meas., Supply On
or
Current Meas., Supply Off
Also check the
HART Compatible Loop Supply
setting if you use
MC4 as the power supply. When the option is checked, MC4 adds a
suitable impedance to the loop to ensure HART communication.
Make sure the polarity of your connections is correct. The following
pictures present the correct connections depending on whether MC4
is used for providing loop supply or not.
M e a s u r e
M a x 6 0 V , 3 0 V , 1 0 0 m A
T / C
m V
s e n s e
R , R T D R m e a s
V , I ,
V , I ,
T e m p e r a t u r e / G e n e r a t e
I n s t r u m e n t t o
b e c a l i b r a t e d
" S u p p l y o n "
M e a s u r e
M a x 6 0 V , 3 0 V , 1 0 0 m A
T / C
m V
s e n s e
R , R T D R m e a s
V , I ,
V , I ,
T e m p e r a t u r e / G e n e r a t e
I n s t r u m e n t t o
b e c a l i b r a t e d
P o w e r
S u p p l y
" S u p p l y o f f "
Information concerning current measurement parallel to a test diode
can be found in part C, chapter Current Measurement Parallel to a
Test Diode, Connections on page 120.
Next
Current Generation on page 56.
Tools Menu on page 67.
Alarms on page 69.
Calibration, see Part D.
Page 54
Measuring
42 MC4 User Guide
Frequency Measurement
MC4 measures frequencies between 0.0027 Hz (10 cph) to 50 kHz.
Function:
Frequency Measurement
Also check the
Trigger Level
setting. There you can specify the
trigger level and whether to use a test voltage during the frequency
measurement.
The following picture displays the active terminals:
M e a s u r e
M a x 6 0 V , 3 0 V , 1 0 0 m A
T / C
m V
s e n s e
R , R T D R m e a s
V , I ,
V , I ,
T e m p e r a t u r e / G e n e r a t e
Next
Frequency Generation on page 58
Switch State Sensing on page 48
Pulse Counting on page 46
Calibration, see Part D.
Page 55
Pressure Measurement
MC4 User Guide 43
Pressure Measurement
MC4 supports the use of an internal pressure module (if installed).
When connecting an external pressure module to MC4, it is
automatically detected and there is a possibility to immediately put
the connected external pressure module to use.
Function:
Pressure Internal
,
Pressure External
or,
Internal Barometer
Also check the
Pressure Type
setting. If an internal or external
barometer is present, the pressure measurement of any gauge
module may also be displayed as absolute pressure. For more
information concerning pressure types, see chapter Pressure Type
on page 110.
P r e s s u r e
I n t e r n a l
P r e s s u r e
E x t e r n a l
Page 56
Measuring
44 MC4 User Guide
Notes.
For more information on pressure measurement and internal/external pressure modules, see chapter Things to Consider when
Measuring Pressure on page 110.
For information on creating custom pressure units, see Part C,
chapter Custom Pressure Units on page 108.
When using high pressure modules, you may measure pseudo
absolute pressure. Open the setup window (select F1/
Setup
or
F2/
Setup
), change the pressure type to absolute. Then an extra
field for entering the barometric pressure appears. Enter the
barometric pressure manually and press F3/Ok. MC4 adds the
manually entered barometric pressure to the measured gauge
pressure and displays the (pseudo) absolute pressure
Connecting and Disconnecting External Pressure Modules
An external pressure module may be connected and disconnected at
any time. If a removed module was part of an active measurement,
MC4 emits a "bleep" to inform you of the fact that the external
pressure module used for pressure measurement was removed. The
window where the external pressure measurement was configured
reverts to "None/No Function". This happens even if the external
pressure module was used as the secondary measurement in a
special measurement.
External Barometric Module Specifics
If MC4 includes an internal barometric pressure module and an
external barometric module is connected, the following rules apply:
For most cases: When the external barometric module is
connected to MC4, it supersedes the internal barometric
module.
Exception: If the internal barometric module is used in
conjunction with a gauge module (Pressure Type is Absolute)
and the external barometric module is connected, then MC4
continues to use the internal barometric during that
measurement session.
Disconnecting: When the external barometric module is
removed, any measurements utilizing it are stopped. Restarting
the measurement takes the (possible) internal barometric
module in use.
Page 57
Pressure Measurement
MC4 User Guide 45
Zeroing a Pressure Module
If the selected pressure module does not display zero gauge
pressure when the applied pressure is zero, the module has to be
zeroed.
Open the appropriate window setup menu (F1/
Setup
or
F2/
Setup
) and select F1/
Zero Pressure
. If a secondary pressure
module is active in the selected window (see Tools Menu on page
67), a pop-up menu will appear for choosing either to zero the
primary or the secondary pressure module.
NOTE!
Zeroing a pressure module is especially important when the
operating position of MC4 is changed or the location of MC4 is
changed in the vertical direction. Both of the above mentioned
factors affect notably on the pressure measurement modules.
Measuring pressure below 100 mbar (approx. 40 iwc) should be
done with a firmly mounted MC4 (e.g. placed on a table top).
Next
Tools Menu on page 67
Alarms on page 69
Calibration, see Part D.
Page 58
Measuring
46 MC4 User Guide
Pulse Counting
Function:
Pulse Counting
Check the
Trigger Level
setting to specify the trigger level and
whether to use a test voltage during the pulse counting. Also check
the
Trigger Edge (Rising
or
Falling
) setting so it suits your need.
The following picture displays the active terminals:
M e a s u r e
M a x 6 0 V , 3 0 V , 1 0 0 m A
T / C
m V
s e n s e
R , R T D R m e a s
V , I ,
V , I ,
T e m p e r a t u r e / G e n e r a t e
The counter may be cleared (zeroed) by selecting F1/
Setup
or
F2/
Setup
(depending on which window is used for pulse counting)
and F1/
Clear Pulses
.
Next
Pulse Generation on page 59
Frequency Generation on page 58
Frequency Measurement on page 42
Switch State Sensing on page 48
Calibration, see Part D.
Page 59
Resistance Measurement
MC4 User Guide 47
Resistance Measurement
Function:
Resistance Measurement
The following picture displays the active terminals:
M e a s u r e
M a x 6 0 V , 3 0 V , 1 0 0 m A
T / C
m V
s e n s e
R , R T D R m e a s
V , I ,
V , I ,
T e m p e r a t u r e / G e n e r a t e
The two leftmost terminals are used in 2-wire systems. MC4
automatically checks the connection and displays the found wiring
system (2-wire, 3-wire or 4-wire) in the upper right corner of the
measuring window. For more information concerning wiring options,
see Resistance and RTD Measurement, Connections on page
118.
Note.
If the measured resistance value is infinite or very high (> 4000
ohm), the text "+OVER" is displayed in the measuring window. This
means that the circuit is broken or the connection is wrong. Wrong
connection may also cause erroneous reading, typically too low. If
necessary, use the 2-wire ohm measurement to check the wiring
before final connection.
Next
Resistance Simulation on page 60
Temperature Measurement (RTD) on page 50
Tools Menu on page 67
Alarms on page 69
Calibration, see Part D.
Page 60
Measuring
48 MC4 User Guide
Switch State Sensing
MC4 is capable of detecting switch's state both when the switch is
free of external potential and switches with DC voltages within the
range -1 V to +30 V.
Function:
Switch
Also check the
Trigger Level
setting. There you can specify
whether to use only a trigger voltage level or do you also want MC4
to include a test voltage to detect switches with no external potential.
All voltages below the trigger level are treated as a closed contact
and all voltages above the trigger level are treated as an open
contact.
The following picture displays the active terminals:
M e a s u r e
M a x 6 0 V , 3 0 V , 1 0 0 m A
T / C
m V
s e n s e
R , R T D R m e a s
V , I ,
V , I ,
T e m p e r a t u r e / G e n e r a t e
When switch state sensing is
selected, the extra row info of the
window with the Switch Function
is capturing measurement values
of the other window every time the
switch changes its state. In the
adjoining screen shot, the switch's
current state is "open" (the big
switch symbol). The last time the
switch opened, the pressure was
3.058 bar and the last time the
switch closed, the pressure was
1.983 bar.
S e t u p
S e t u p
M e n u
b a r
1 0 . 1 0 . 2 0 0 5 1 5 : 4 0 : 2 2
S w i t c h
G a u g e
I N T
3 . 3 4 5
3 . 0 5 8 1 . 9 8 3
Notes.
The accuracies of the captured values depend greatly on the change
rate of the switch's input signal.
Hint!
Switch state detection may also be used for binary signal detection.
An open switch equals "1" or true" and a closed switch equals "0" or
"false".
Page 61
Switch State Sensing
MC4 User Guide 49
Use Switch Sound field to assign an "alarm" to a switch. Then you
can use switch test for conductivity/continuity tests with no need to
look at the display.
You can invert the switch's open/closed state indication using the
check box available in the measurement window's setup window.
This can be used to show real switch state when switch state
sensing is connected to relay coil instead of relay contacts.
Next
Tools Menu on page 67
Alarms on page 69
Calibration, see Part D.
Page 62
Measuring
50 MC4 User Guide
Temperature Measurement (RTD)
Function:
RTD Sensor Measurement
Also check the
Sensor
setting. Make sure you select the same
sensor type than what is connected to MC4. Otherwise your
measurement results are unreliable. For information on creating
custom Platinum Resistance Temperature (PRT) type RTD sensors,
see Part C, chapter Custom PRT Sensors on page 106.
The picture below displays the active terminals.
The two leftmost terminals are
used in 2-wire systems. MC4
automatically checks the
connection and displays the found
wiring system (2-wire, 3-wire or 4wire) in the upper right corner of
the measuring window.
M e a s u r e
M a x 6 0 V , 3 0 V , 1 0 0 m A
T / C
m V
s e n s e
R , R T D R m e a s
V , I ,
V , I ,
T e m p e r a t u r e / G e n e r a t e
For more information concerning wiring options, see Resistance
and RTD Measurement, Connections on page 118.
By default the additional info row at the bottom of the window
displays the measured RTD resistance. More of additional info row
on page 90.
Note.
If the measured resistance value is infinite or very high
(> 4000 ohm), the text "+OVER" is displayed in the measuring
window. This means that the circuit is broken or the connection is
wrong. Wrong connection may also cause erroneous reading,
typically too low. If necessary, use the 2-wire ohm measurement to
check the wiring before final connection.
Next
RTD Sensor Simulation on page 61
Resistance Simulation on page 60
Temperature Measurement (Thermocouple) on page 51
Resistance Measurement on page 47
Tools Menu on page 67
Alarms on page 69
Calibration, see Part D.
Page 63
Temperature Measurement (Thermocouple)
MC4 User Guide 51
Temperature Measurement (Thermocouple)
Function:
T/C Sensor Measurement
Make sure a temperature unit is selected from the Unit list.
Otherwise the measurement displays voltages, not temperatures.
Check the
Sensor
setting. Make sure you select the same sensor
type than what is connected to MC4. Otherwise your measurement
results are unreliable.
Also select a suitable Reference Junction compensation method
from the RJ Mode list. Wrong reference junction setting results in
useless measurement results.
Additional information about
Reference Junction compensation
methods can be found in chapters
Internal Reference Junction on
page 113 and
External Reference Junction on
page 114.
M e a s u r e
M a x 6 0 V , 3 0 V , 1 0 0 m A
T / C
m V
s e n s e
R , R T D R m e a s
V , I ,
V , I ,
T e m p e r a t u r e / G e n e r a t e
The picture above displays the active terminals.
By default the additional info row at the bottom of the window
displays either the thermovoltage corresponding to Reference
Junction temperature 0°C (when Unit field is set to temperature) or
the thermovoltage with Reference Junction compensation taken into
account (when Unit field is set to "Voltage + RJ"). In both cases also
the Reference Junction temperature is shown. More of additional
info row on page 90.
Warning!
If you connect an RTD sensor to the RTD connectors, there is
no galvanic isolation between the thermocouple and the RTD
sensor.
Next
Thermocouple Simulation on page 63
Temperature Measurement (RTD) on page 50
Voltage Measurement on page 52
Tools Menu on page 67
Alarms on page 69
Calibration, see Part D.
Problems with thermovoltage measurement? See Error situations on page 117.
Page 64
Measuring
52 MC4 User Guide
Voltage Measurement
MC4 has two voltage measurement ranges:
Measurement range: 1 to +60 VDC
Function:
Voltage Measurement
The active terminals for this
measurement range are highlighted in
the adjacent picture.
M e a s u r e
M a x 6 0 V , 3 0 V , 1 0 0 m A
T / C
m V
s e n s e
R , R T D R m e a s
V , I ,
V , I ,
T e m p e r a t u r e / G e n e r a t e
Measurement range: -25 to 150 mVDC
Function:
Low-Voltage
Measurement
The active terminals for this
measurement range are highlighted in
the adjacent picture.
M e a s u r e
M a x 6 0 V , 3 0 V , 1 0 0 m A
T / C
m V
s e n s e
R , R T D R m e a s
V , I ,
V , I ,
T e m p e r a t u r e / G e n e r a t e
Warning!
Do not apply hazardous voltages to MC4's terminals.
Next
Voltage Generation on page 65.
Temperature Measurement (Thermocouple) on page 51.
Tools Menu on page 67.
Alarms on page 69.
Calibration, see Part D.
Page 65
Voltage Measurement
MC4 User Guide 53
Generating/Simulating
MC4 is capable to perform the following generation/simulation
Functions:
• Current generation (source or sink)
• Frequency generation
• Pulse generation
• Resistance simulation
• RTD sensor simulation
• Thermocouple simulation
• Voltage generation
To start generating/simulating a certain quantity, configure one of the
Basic State's windows (select F1/
Setup
or F2/
Setup
). Use the
Enter key to open to the list of
Functions
(uppermost field in the
configuration window) and select what you want to
generate/simulate. All other fields refine the generation/simulation
characteristics.
When presenting generations/simulations in this manual, the first
paragraph describes the measurement followed by the
Function
setting needed to start that particular generation/simulation.
Notes.
In this manual, MC4's generation/simulation Functions are presented
in alphabetic order. The order the Functions appear on your MC4
depends on which Functions have been used most recently.
A Function or a set of Functions using the same terminals can not be
selected for several windows simultaneously. MC4 limits the list of
available Functions based on Functions already in use. To free
terminals, select
No Function
for appropriate window.
Read the warnings found in part A of this manual.
Page 66
Generating/Simulating
54 MC4 User Guide
Changing the Generated/Simulated Value
The simplest way of changing a
generated/simulated value is
entering a new value using the
numeric keys. Finish entering the
new value by pressing the Enter
( ) key.
When entering the value, the
Function Keys allow you to clear
the value ( ), remove a character
to the left of the cursor ( ) or
cancel the entering of a new value
( ).
C a n c e l C l e a r
V
2 1 . 0 9 . 2 0 0 5 0 9 : 5 3 : 2 2
N o n e
6 . 5
Spinning and Manual Stepping
Spinning and Manual Stepping are two easily available methods for
changing the generated/simulated value.
To start
Spinning
, press the Enter
( ) key when generating/simulating and viewing the Basic Mode
windows. Then one of the generation/simulation digits is inverted.
To spin the inverted digit, use the
up and down arrow keys ( ).
To change the digit to be spinned,
press either or Function Key.
To stop spinning, press the Enter
( ) key.
S t e p
V
2 1 . 0 9 . 2 0 0 5 0 9 : 5 8 : 2 2
N o n e
6 . 5 1 0 0
Manual Stepping
is an additional
functionality available while
Spinning.
To start Manual Stepping, you first
need to start the Spinning utility
and then press the F2/
Step
Function Key.
To step through the defined steps,
use the up and down arrow keys
( ). To toggle between the
minimum and maximum value,
press the
Function Key.
C l o s e 0 % S e t t i n g s
V
2 9 . 0 8 . 2 0 0 5 1 4 : 5 8 : 2 2
N o n e
9 . 0 0 0 0
Page 67
Changing the Generated/Simulated Value
MC4 User Guide 55
Function Key opens a Manual Step configuration window. Its
functionality is described in chapter Manual Stepping on page 78.
To stop Stepping and return to Spinning, press the Enter ( ) key.
To stop Stepping and return to Basic Mode, press the F1/
Close
Function Key.
Notes.
You cannot exceed the minimum/maximum limits of a Function when
Spinning/Stepping.
The spinned/stepped value follows the resolution properties of the
generated/simulated Function.
MC4 remembers the Manual Step configuration settings for each
generation/simulation Function.
Page 68
Generating/Simulating
56 MC4 User Guide
Current Generation
MC4 is able to generate current both in source and sink mode. In
source mode MC4 provides the supply power to the loop. In sink
mode an external power supply is used and MC4 controls the
current flow.
Function:
Current Source or Sink
The connection of the current loop varies depending on the setting of
the External Supply, Sink Current (reverse polarity) check box.
See the following pictures.
Source mode:
E x t e r n a l S u p p l y , S i n k
C u r r e n t ( r e v e r s e p o l a r i t y )
Sink mode:
E x t e r n a l S u p p l y , S i n k
C u r r e n t ( r e v e r s e p o l a r i t y )
M e a s u r e
M a x 6 0 V , 3 0 V , 1 0 0 m A
T / C
m V
s e n s e
R , R T D
R m e a s
V , I ,
V , I ,
T e m p e r a t u r e / G e n e r a t e
I n s t r u m e n t t o
b e c a l i b r a t e d
M e a s u r e
M a x 6 0 V , 3 0 V , 1 0 0 m A
T / C
m V
s e n s e
R , R T D R m e a s
V , I ,
V , I ,
T e m p e r a t u r e / G e n e r a t e
I n s t r u m e n t t o
b e c a l i b r a t e d
P o w e r
S u p p l y
Note.
If the loop resistance of the external circuit is too high or infinite, the
message "Overload" is displayed until the load is reasonable.
Page 69
Current Generation
MC4 User Guide 57
Warnings!
Make sure that you don't exceed the maximum current allowed
by the instrument under test.
If you open the current generation loop, MC4 tries to maintain
the current by increasing the output voltage. If you then close
the loop again, the current is first too high, but returns quickly
to the correct level. If this current peak could damage the
components of the loop, make sure that the loop will not open
or protect it against overcurrent. For the same reason, always
enter 0 mA output before connecting the loop.
Next
Current Measurement on page 41.
Tools Menu on page 67.
Stepping on page 73
Ramping on page 76.
Calibration, see Part D.
Page 70
Generating/Simulating
58 MC4 User Guide
Frequency Generation
The generated frequency is either a positive or an amplitude
symmetric square wave.
Function:
Frequency Generation
Check the
Waveform
setting. The percentage value is the
Duty
Cycle
setting (the ratio of the output high time to the total cycle
time). Also check the
Amplitude
setting.
The adjacent picture displays the
active terminals:
M e a s u r e
M a x 6 0 V , 3 0 V , 1 0 0 m A
T / C
m V
s e n s e
R , R T D R m e a s
V , I ,
V , I ,
T e m p e r a t u r e / G e n e r a t e
Note.
Due to technical reasons, the entered Duty Cycle setting is not
always realized. This happens with relatively high and low
frequencies. The true Duty Cycle percentage is shown in the
appropriate Basic Mode window.
See Appendix 1, Technical Data for more specific info of Duty
Cycle limitations.
Next
Pulse Generation on page 59.
Frequency Measurement on page 42.
Tools Menu on page 67.
Stepping on page 73
Ramping on page 76.
Calibration, see Part D.
Page 71
Pulse Generation
MC4 User Guide 59
Pulse Generation
The generated pulses are either positive or amplitude symmetric
square waves.
Function:
Pulse Generation
The Repetition Frequency (Hz) setting defines the frequency to be
used when generating the pulses.
The
Waveform
and
Amplitude
settings are similar to the settings
found in Frequency Generation on page 58.
The adjacent picture displays the
active terminals:
In the Basic Mode window:
M e a s u r e
M a x 6 0 V , 3 0 V , 1 0 0 m A
T / C
m V
s e n s e
R , R T D R m e a s
V , I ,
V , I ,
T e m p e r a t u r e / G e n e r a t e
Enter the amount of pulses MC4 should generate. The pulse
generation starts immediately after the amount is entered.
By default the additional info row at the bottom of the window
displays pulses done and pulses left (icons: and respectively).
More of additional info row on page 90.
Note.
Due to technical reasons, the entered Duty Cycle setting is not
always realized. This happens with relatively high and low
frequencies. The true Duty Cycle percentage is shown in the
appropriate Basic Mode window.
See Appendix 1, Technical Data for more specific info of Duty
Cycle limitations.
Next
Frequency Generation on page 58.
Pulse Counting on page 46.
Tools Menu on page 67.
Stepping on page 73
Ramping on page 76.
Calibration, see Part D.
Page 72
Generating/Simulating
60 MC4 User Guide
Resistance Simulation
In resistance simulation MC4 mimics a resistor. The instrument
under test generates the current for the resistance measurement.
MC4 controls the voltage across its terminals so that the resistance
(voltage to current ratio) corresponds to the resistance.
Function:
Resistance Simulation
The correct resistance value is
between the resistance simulation
terminals of the calibrator. Use of 2-,
3- or 4-wire connection is up to the
receiver instrument. Use only the two
leftmost R, RTD terminals with every
wiring option. Connect the possible
third and fourth wire according to the
requirements of the connected
instrument, but use only the two
leftmost R, RTD terminals.
M e a s u r e
M a x 6 0 V , 3 0 V , 1 0 0 m A
T / C
m V
s e n s e
R , R T D R m e a s
V , I ,
V , I ,
T e m p e r a t u r e / G e n e r a t e
Notes.
In resistance simulation MC4 monitors the resistance measurement
current. If the current is too high, it cannot simulate the right
resistance value. In that case it shows the message "
High Cur
".
Accurate operation of the simulation electronics requires that the
current supplied by the instrument under test does not vary rapidly.
The simulation result is not accurate if the instrument under test
uses AC current. If the instrument under test uses pulsed
measurement current, it should wait a few milliseconds before
starting the measurement after setting the current.
Next
Resistance Measurement on page 47.
RTD Sensor Simulation on page 61.
Tools Menu on page 67.
Stepping on page 73
Ramping on page 76.
Calibration, see Part D.
Page 73
RTD Sensor Simulation
MC4 User Guide 61
RTD Sensor Simulation
In RTD sensor simulation MC4 mimics an RTD. The instrument
under test generates the current for the RTD measurement. MC4
controls the voltage across its terminals so that the resistance
(voltage to current ratio) corresponds to the simulated temperature.
Function:
RTD Sensor Simulation
Also check the
Sensor
setting. Make sure you select the same
sensor type than the connected instrument requires. Otherwise your
simulation is useless. For information on creating custom Platinum
Resistance Temperature (PRT) type RTD sensors, see Part C,
chapter Custom PRT Sensors on page 106.
The correct resistance value is
between the resistance simulation
terminals of the calibrator. Use of 2-,
3- or 4-wire connection is up to the
receiver instrument. Use only the two
leftmost R, RTD terminals with every
wiring option. Connect the possible
third and fourth wire according to the
requirements of the connected
instrument, but use only the two
leftmost R, RTD terminals.
M e a s u r e
M a x 6 0 V , 3 0 V , 1 0 0 m A
T / C
m V
s e n s e
R , R T D R m e a s
V , I ,
V , I ,
T e m p e r a t u r e / G e n e r a t e
By default the additional info row at the bottom of the window
displays the resistance MC4 is simulating while performing RTD
simulation. More of additional info row on page 90.
Page 74
Generating/Simulating
62 MC4 User Guide
Notes.
In RTD simulation MC4 monitors the resistance measurement
current. If the current is too high, it cannot simulate the right
resistance value. In that case it shows the message "
High Cur
".
Accurate operation of the simulation electronics requires that the
current supplied by the instrument under test does not vary rapidly.
The simulation result is not accurate if the instrument under test
uses AC current. If the instrument under test uses pulsed
measurement current, it should wait a few milliseconds before
starting the measurement after setting the current.
Next
Temperature Measurement (RTD) on page 50.
Thermocouple Simulation on page 63.
Resistance Simulation on page 60.
Tools Menu on page 67.
Stepping on page 73
Ramping on page 76.
Calibration, see Part D.
Page 75
Thermocouple Simulation
MC4 User Guide 63
Thermocouple Simulation
In thermocouple simulation the original thermocouple is
disconnected from the instrument under test and replaced with MC4.
MC4 mimics a thermocouple at given temperatures. To the
instrument under test MC4 appears as a thermocouple at the given
temperature.
Function:
T/C Sensor Simulation
Check the
Sensor
setting. Make sure you select the same sensor
type than what is required by the instrument under test. Otherwise
your measurement results are unreliable.
Also select a suitable Reference Junction compensation method
from the
RJ Mode
list. Wrong reference junction setting results in
useless measurement results. Additional information about
Reference Junction compensation methods can be found in chapters
Internal Reference Junction on page 113 and
External Reference Junction on page 114.
The adjacent picture displays the
active terminals:
M e a s u r e
M a x 6 0 V , 3 0 V , 1 0 0 m A
T / C
m V
s e n s e
R , R T D R m e a s
V , I ,
V , I ,
T e m p e r a t u r e / G e n e r a t e
By default the additional info row at the bottom of the window
displays either the thermovoltage corresponding to Reference
Junction temperature 0°C (when
Unit
field is set to temperature) or
the thermovoltage with Reference Junction compensation taken into
account (when
Unit
field is set to "Voltage + RJ"). In both cases also
the Reference Junction temperature is shown. More of additional
info row on page 90.
Notes.
If the resistance of the external circuit in thermocouple simulation is
very low (obvious short circuit), the message "
Overload
" is
displayed until the load is reasonable.
If the thermocouple to be simulated is not available MC4's sensor
list, select one of the "Voltage + Reference Junction" units and
convert from temperature to millivolts manually. Also select a
thermocouple type from the Sensor list that approximately matches
your sensor (in used Reference Junction range). This allows MC4 to
perform Reference Junction compensation as accurately as
Page 76
Generating/Simulating
64 MC4 User Guide
possible. In this situation, the accuracy depends on the similarity of
the selected sensor in MC4 and the used sensor.
Wire-wound thermocouple temperature indicators and
recorders are calibrated with known loop resistance, commonly ten
or twenty ohms. The required resistance of the conductors is usually
marked on the device. When calibrating such a device, tune the loop
resistance to the nominal value with an additional resistor.
Use MC4's 2-wire resistance measurement to tune the loop
resistance of a wire wound device. Short circuit the measuring
device for the time of resistance measurement. The resistance
measurement may damage the device, if you do not install the short
circuit. For more information on resistance measurement, see
chapter Resistance Measurement on page 47.
Warnings!
If you short circuit the thermocouple simulation output, MC4
tries to maintain the voltage by increasing the output current. If
you then open the output again, the voltage is first too high, but
returns quickly to the correct level. If this voltage peak could
damage the components of the circuit, make sure that the
circuit can not be shorted or protect the circuit against
overvoltage. For the same reason, always enter 0°C output
before connecting the circuit.
If you connect an RTD sensor to the R, RTD connectors, there is
no galvanic isolation between the thermocouple and the RTD
sensor.
Next
Temperature Measurement (Thermocouple) on page 51.
RTD Sensor Simulation on page 61.
Tools Menu on page 67.
Stepping on page 73
Ramping on page 76.
Calibration, see Part D.
Problems with thermovoltage simulation? See Error situations on page 117.
Page 77
Voltage Generation
MC4 User Guide 65
Voltage Generation
MC4 has two voltage generation ranges as presented here.
Generation range:
-3 to
12 V
Function:
Voltage Generation
The active terminals for this
generation range are highlighted in
the adjacent picture.
M e a s u r e
M a x 6 0 V , 3 0 V , 1 0 0 m A
T / C
m V
s e n s e
R , R T D R m e a s
V , I ,
V , I ,
T e m p e r a t u r e / G e n e r a t e
Generation range:
-25 to
150 mV
Function:
Low-Voltage Generation
The active terminals for this
generation range are highlighted in
the adjacent picture.
M e a s u r e
M a x 6 0 V , 3 0 V , 1 0 0 m A
T / C
m V
s e n s e
R , R T D R m e a s
V , I ,
V , I ,
T e m p e r a t u r e / G e n e r a t e
Warning!
If you short circuit the voltage output, MC4 tries to maintain the
voltage by increasing the output current. If you then remove the
short circuit, the voltage is first too high, but returns quickly to
the correct level. If this voltage peak could damage the
components of the circuit, make sure that the circuit can not be
shorted or protect the circuit against over voltage. For the same
reason, always enter 0 V output before connecting the circuit.
Next
Voltage Measurement on page 52.
Thermocouple Simulation on page 63.
Tools Menu on page 67.
Stepping on page 73
Ramping on page 76.
Calibration, see Part D.
Page 78
Manually Keyed Values
66 MC4 User Guide
Manually Keyed Values
MC4 supports the use of manually entered values. They are mainly
of use when calibrating instruments (see part D), but they may also
be used in Basic Mode. The following example presents one use of
manually entered values:
This suits instruments that have an input signal not supported by
MC4, but the output can be measured by MC4. Actually, the input
and output may be interchanged too as long as the one of the
signals is measured and the other is entered manually.
Window settings:
Function:
Manually Keyed Value
Window settings, e.g.:
Function:
Current Meas., Supply On
or
Current Meas., Supply Off
Open the Tools menu for window . Select
Display Mode /
Specials
. Choose one of the available error calculation modes.
More of error calculations in chapter Display Mode and Special
Measurements on page 81. Enter the input and output ranges in the
opened window.
Connect the instrument's current output (or whatever measurement
you chose for window ) to MC4 and manually enter the value of
the other signal to window . Then you will be able to view the error
of the instrument's input/output relation.
Note.
MC4 deduces the resolution for the manually keyed value based on
entered numbers. To ensure valid resolution, enter e.g. trailing zeros
accordingly.
Page 79
Voltage Generation
MC4 User Guide 67
Tools Menu
MC4's Basic Mode windows have utilities that add extra features to
your measurements/generation/simulations. They are available in a
window's
Tools
menu. The contents of the
Tools
menu varies
depending on which Function is selected. This is because
measurement Functions require different tools than generation/simulation Functions.
Tools menu for a measurement Function:
F u n c t i o n
Z e r o
P r e s s u r e
O kT o o l s
U n i t
P r e s s u r e T y p e
W I N D O W S E T U P
P r e s s u r e I n t e r n a l
k P a
A b s o l u t e
F u n c t i o n
Z e r o
P r e s s u r e
O kT o o l s
U n i t
P r e s s u r e T y p e
W I N D O W S E T U P
P r e s s u r e I n t e r n a l
k P a
A b s o l u t e
C a n c e l B o t t o m S e l e c t
F u n c t i o n I n f o . . .
A l a r m s . . .
D a m p i n g . . .
L e a k / S t a b i i t y T e s t . . .
D i s p l a y M o d e / S p e c i a l s . . .
S h o w A d d i t i o n a l I n f o . . .
Tools menu for a generation/simulation Function:
F u n c t i o n
Z e r o
P r e s s u r e
O kT o o l s
U n i t
P r e s s u r e T y p e
W I N D O W S E T U P
R T D S e n s o r S i m u l a t i o n
k P a
A b s o l u t e
F u n c t i o n
O kT o o l s
U n i t
W a v e f o r m
W I N D O W S E T U P
R T D S e n s o r S i m u l a t i o n
° C
P t 1 0 0
a
3 8 5
C a n c e l B o t t o m S e l e c t
F u n c t i o n I n f o . . .
S t e p . . .
R a m p . . .
M a n u a l S t e p ( ) . . .
D i s p l a y M o d e / S p e c i a l s . . .
S h o w A d d i t i o n a l I n f o . . .
Page 80
Tools Menu
68 MC4 User Guide
The following subchapters present each utility available in the
Tools
menu.
Function Info
Function Info option is always available in the
Tools
menu.
This option is "enhancing your measurement" by presenting some
useful information of the selected quantity, e.g. the measurement
range and calibration info. Function Info is divided into two pages.
Use F2/
More
Function Key to move from page to page.
To see Function Info, enter the following menu commands: F1/
Setup
or F2/
Setup
(depending on which window you want to view
Function Info for), F2/
Tools
and
Function Info
from the opened
menu.
Page 81
Alarms
MC4 User Guide 69
Alarms
Each main measurement in a window may have alarm limit settings.
MC4 supports "higher than", "lower than", "high rate" and "low rate"
alarms.
To set the alarm limits, enter the following menu commands:
F1/
Setup
or F2/
Setup
(depending on which window you want
to configure alarms to), F2/
Tools
and
Alarms
from the opened
menu.
Make sure the
Alarms Active
field is checked. Then the other
settings are available. Table of alarm symbols used:
High alarm limit
Low alarm limit
High change rate alarm limit
Low change rate alarm limit
Individual alarm limit values may also be activated/deactivated using
the check box preceding the alarm limit value. The alarms chosen
for use are shown in the measurement window using the same
symbols as in the table above.
When an alarm limit is exceeded, MC4 emits an audible alarm and
the alarm symbol is shown with inverted colors. To acknowledge the
alarm, open the window's setup window and from here the
Tools
menu. Just below the menu's Alarm option is an item that is shown
only when alarms are activated: Acknowledge this Alarm. The active
alarm limit is inverted in the measurement window as long as the
alarm limit is exceeded.
Note.
Rate alarm limits are not "symmetrical". E.g. high rate alarm
0.5 bar/min emits an alarm when the pressure increases faster that
the limit but does not emit an alarm when the pressure decreases
faster than -0.5 bar/min.
Page 82
Tools Menu
70 MC4 User Guide
Hint.
If you want to set an alarm that utilizes the change rate alarm limit
but don't know which limit value to use, display the change rate on
the additional info row (see chapter Display Mode and Special
Measurements on page 81). Observe what happens to the change
rate during the event that needs an alarm. Then set the change rate
alarm limit accordingly.
Acknowledging Alarms
When an alarm is active, the Tools menu of the window with the
active alarm includes an option to acknowledge alarms.
Resetting Alarms and Alarm Limits
To stop using alarm limits, uncheck the
Alarms Active
field.
To stop using and clear all alarm limits, select another Function or
reselect the same Function.
Damping
Damping is useful when a measurement signal contains unwanted
noise. MC4 includes a set of damping tools.
To set the damping value, enter the following menu commands:
F1/
Setup
or F2/
Setup
(depending on which window you want
to configure damping to), F2/
Tools
and
Damping
from the opened
menu. The damping settings apply to all main and secondary
measurements active in the window when damping was started.
About the filtering options:
Average filters the data using the average of recent measurements.
Adaptive average uses the measurement's change rate to choose
the amount of recent measurements used in the average calculation.
The next group of options are 1st order digital filters with a damping
time as stated in their names.
Page 83
Leak/Stability Test
MC4 User Guide 71
Leak/Stability Test
Leak/stability test is a tool for testing the leak or stability of, e.g. a
pressure measurement system. Generally: the test tells you both the
absolute and the average change per minute of any measurement
during the test period.
To open the test window, enter the following menu commands:
F1/
Setup
or F2/
Setup
(depending on which window you want
to configure the test to), F2/
Tools
and
Leak / Stability Test
from
the opened menu.
See the leftmost picture below to see how the test window appears.
The window where the test was invoked in is moved to top and
enlarged to include the test data and the other window is minimized
showing only the essential measurement data. Any data selected to
be shown on the additional info row is temporarily hidden.
C l o s e + 3 0 s S t a r t
k P a
2 1 . 0 8 . 2 0 0 8 1 3 : 1 9 : 2 2
m A
G a u g e
S u p p l y : O n
4 9 . 3
1 0 . 8 6
L E A K / S T A B I L I T Y T E S T
s
3 0
C l o s e + 3 0 s S t o p
k P a
2 1 . 0 8 . 2 0 0 8 1 3 : 2 0 : 2 2
m A
G a u g e
S u p p l y : O n
4 9 . 2
1 0 . 8 6
L E A K / S T A B I L I T Y T E S T
s
3 00 . 1
0 . 2 / m i n d u r i n g 3 0 s
To start the test, first check the test time to be used. Either accept
the default value or enter another time period in seconds. Entering
zero as the test time means the test will continue until manually
stopped. Select F1/
Start
and see how the test advances.
The rightmost picture above is an example of an MC4 display during
a test. The absolute decrease is shown beside the triangle and the
average decrease per minute below.
Page 84
Tools Menu
72 MC4 User Guide
Notes.
You may increase the test time in 30 second steps using the
F2/
+30 s
Function Key. This can be done both before the test is
started and also while the test is in progress.
MC4 uses numbers that have more decimals than are available on
the display. In some cases these extra digits may cause rounding
that differs from values that are shown on display. Notable
differences between shown and manually calculated values usually
mean that MC4's accuracy is not suitable for the given task.
If applicable, disable MC4's auto-off functionality during the test. If
the test lasts longer than the auto-off delay, MC4 is shut down while
the test is still incomplete.
An external pressure module (EXT) connected to MC4 during a
leak/stability test cannot be taken into use in the window were the
leak/stability test is under progress.
Hint.
If you have a pressure transmitter connected to a pressure
measurement system and you want to check the pressure decrease
without altering the pressure connections, do as follows:
Connect the electrical output of the pressure transmitter to MC4. Use
MC4's scaling utility to scale the output signal back to pressure units.
Start the leak/stability test for the scaled measurement and there you
can see the leak in pressure units. More info on scaling in chapter
Scaling on page 86.
Page 85
Stepping
MC4 User Guide 73
Stepping
Stepping utility is one of three tools allowing you to create
generation/simulation signals that vary with time. This one could be
called "automatic stepping" since one of the other tools is a manual
stepping utility.
Other similar tools:
Ramping on page 76
Manual Stepping on page 78.
To open the stepping configuration window, enter the following menu
commands: F1/
Setup
or F2/
Setup
(depending on which
window you want to configure the stepping to), F2/
Tools
and
Step
from the opened menu.
The leftmost picture below shows the configuration window and the
rightmost picture the stepping utility in use.
5 . 9 6
O u t p u t
S T E P
S t e p T i m e , s
C l o s e C a p t u r e S t a r t
V
I N T
R a n g e ( 0 % . . . 1 0 0 % )
0 . 0 0 0 0 1 2 . 0 0 0 0
R e p e a t F o r m a t
. . .
5
0 R e p e a t s ( 0 =
¥
)
3 . 0 0 0 0
S e t u p
S e t u p
M e n u
V
2 9 . 0 8 . 2 0 0 5 1 4 : 5 8 : 2 2
N o n e
6 . 0 0 0 0
Start stepping by selecting the F3/
Start
Function Key in the
configuration window. To stop a stepping that is in progress, open
the stepping configuration window and press F1/
Stop Step
Function
Key.
When stepping is ready, or stopped, you may restart it as follows:
F1/
Setup
or F2/
Setup
(depending on which window you want
to configure the stepping to), F1/
Start Step
. This possibility is
available until a new Function is selected for the window where
stepping was used or MC4 is shut down.
Page 86
Tools Menu
74 MC4 User Guide
The following table presents the fields of the configuration window.
FIELD DESCRIPTION/OPTIONS
Range
(
*
The minimum and maximum value for the
stepping range.
Step Time
Enter the time for a single step. Use only
full seconds, no decimals.
Repeats
Defines how many times the steps are
repeated. Value "zero" equals continuous
stepping.
Repeat Format
How the stepping should be done.
Available options:
Up / Down
Down / Up
Up
Down
Step Definition
Defines how the stepping is done
Available options (with no custom sets):
By: 'Step Size'
By: 'Number of Steps'
3: 50 %
5: 25 %
6: 20%
11: 10 %
0%>10>25>50>75>90>100
0%>2>4>50>96>98>100
0%>5>40>100
-2%>0>2>4>50>96>98>100>102
Create New…
The two first options require additional
data that is entered in the two following
fields.
The group of sets starting with a number
and colon are sets with fixed step sizes.
The first number is the amount of step
levels and the percentage value is the
step size.
The group of sets starting with a number
and percentage symbol are sets with
varying step sizes (suitable for, e.g. valve
tests). Each number is a step level.
The last item in the list allows you to
make your own custom step definition.
Custom steps are presented in chapter
Custom Test Point Sets on page 101.
Continues on next page
Page 87
Stepping
MC4 User Guide 75
FIELD
(cont.)
DESCRIPTION/OPTIONS
Step Size
Active only if Step Definition field is set to
"By: 'Step Size'". If applicable, set the fixed
step size here.
Number of Steps
Active only if Step Definition field is set to
"By: 'Number of Steps'". If applicable, set
the number of steps here.
Transfer Function
Defines the input/output correlation.
Available options:
Linear
√x
√x3
√x5
x2
Create New…
The last item in the list allows you to make
your own custom Transfer Function.
Custom Transfer Functions are presented
in chapter Custom Transfer Functions on
page 103.
*)Warning!
Do not configure the range settings so that they exceed the allowed input range of the connected instrument. MC4
determines the limits of the range settings based on the
selected quantity and port, not the connected instrument.
Page 88
Tools Menu
76 MC4 User Guide
Ramping
Ramping utility is one of three tools allowing you to create
generation/simulation signals that vary with time.
Other similar tools:
Stepping on page 73
Manual Stepping on page 78
To open the ramping configuration window, enter the following menu
commands: F1/
Setup
or F2/
Setup
(depending on which
window you want to configure the ramping to), F2/
Tools
and
Ramp
from the opened menu. Note that ramping is available for
generation/simulation Functions only.
The leftmost picture below shows the configuration window and the
rightmost picture the ramping utility in use.
5 . 9 6
O u t p u t
R A M P
W a i t i n 0 %
C l o s e C a p t u r e S t a r t
V
I N T
R a n g e ( 0 % . . . 1 0 0 % )
0 . 0 0 0 0 1 2 . 0 0 0 0
R e p e a t F o r m a t
. . .
0 . 0 0 0
0 . 0 0 0 R i s e T i m e
1 2 . 0 0 0 0
S e t u p
S e t u p
M e n u
V
2 9 . 0 8 . 2 0 0 5 1 5 : 2 5 : 2 2
N o n e
4 . 5 3 2 0
Start ramping by selecting the F3/
Start
Function Key in the
configuration window. To stop a ramp that is in progress, open the
ramping configuration window and press F3/
Stop
Function Key.
When ramping is ready, or stopped, you may restart it as follows:
F1/
Setup
or F2/
Setup
(depending on which window you want
to configure the ramping to), F1/
Start Ramp
. This possibility is
available until a new Function is selected for the window where
ramping was used or MC4 is shut down.
Page 89
Ramping
MC4 User Guide 77
The following table presents the fields of the configuration window.
FIELD DESCRIPTION/OPTIONS
Range
(
*
The minimum and maximum value for the
ramping range.
Repeat Format
Wait in 0%
Rise Time
Wait in 100%
Fall Time
How the ramp should be carried out.
Use only full seconds, no decimals.
Repeats
Defines how many times all four phases
of the ramp are repeated. Value "zero"
equals continuous ramping.
*)Warning!
Do not configure the range settings so that they exceed the allowed input range of the connected instrument. MC4
determines the limits of the range settings based on the
selected quantity and port, not the connected instrument.
Note.
MC4 actually makes the ramp in small steps. The steps are as small
as possible, slower ramps use smaller steps.
Page 90
Tools Menu
78 MC4 User Guide
Manual Stepping
Manual stepping differs from the other two tools allowing you to
create varying generation/simulation signals in that the signal does
not automatically change. Instead it advances according to the
defined steps when you press the up or down arrow keys ( ), one
step at a time.
Other similar tools:
Stepping on page 73
Ramping on page 76
To open the manual stepping configuration window, enter the
following menu commands: F1/
Setup
or F2/
Setup
(depending
on which window you want to configure the stepping to), F2/
Tools
and
Manual Stepping
from the opened menu. Note that manual
stepping is available for generation/simulation Functions only.
The leftmost picture below shows the configuration window and the
rightmost picture the stepping utility in use.
O u t p u t
M A N U A L S T E P ( )
S t e p S i z e
C l o s e C a p t u r e S t a r t
V
I N T
R a n g e ( 0 % . . . 1 0 0 % )
0 . 0 0 0 0 1 2 . 0 0 0 0. . .
3 . 0 0 0 0
3 . 0 0 0 0
S t e p D e f i n i t i o n
B y " N u m b e r o f S t e p s "
C l o s e 1 0 0 % S e t t i n g s
V
2 6 . 0 9 . 2 0 0 5 1 4 : 0 4 : 2 2
N o n e
6 . 0 0 0 0
Start manual stepping by selecting the F3/
Start
Function Key in the
configuration window. To stop it, press F1/
Close
Function Key (in
Basic Mode).
Page 91
Manual Stepping
MC4 User Guide 79
The following table presents the fields of the configuration window.
FIELD DESCRIPTION/OPTIONS
Range
(
*
The minimum and maximum value for the
stepping range.
Step Definition
Defines how the stepping is done
Available options (with no custom sets):
By 'Step Size'
By 'Number of Steps'
3: 50 %
5: 25 %
6: 20%
11: 10 %
0%>10>25>50>75>90>100
0%>2>4>50>96>98>100
0%>5>40>100
-2%>0>2>4>50>96>98>100>102
Create New…
The two first options require additional
data that is entered in the two following
fields.
The group of sets starting with a number
and colon are sets with fixed step sizes.
The first number is the amount of step
levels and the percentage value is the
step size.
The group of sets starting with a number
and percentage symbol are sets with
varying step sizes (suitable for, e.g. valve
tests). Each number is a step level.
The last item in the list allows you to
make your own custom step definition.
See Custom Test Point Sets on page
101.
Step Size
Active only if Step Definition field is set
to "By: 'Step Size'". If applicable, set the
fixed step size here.
Number of Steps
Active only if Step Definition field is set
to "By: 'Number of Steps'". If applicable,
set the number of steps here.
Continues on next page
Page 92
Tools Menu
80 MC4 User Guide
FIELD
(cont.)
DESCRIPTION/OPTIONS
Transfer Function
Defines the input/output correlation.
Available options:
Linear
√x
√x3
√x5
x2
Create New…
The last item in the list allows you to
make your own custom Transfer
Function. See Custom Transfer
Functions on page 103.
*)Warning!
Do not configure the range settings so that they exceed the allowed input range of the connected instrument. MC4
determines the limits of the range settings based on the
selected quantity and port, not the connected instrument.
See also:
Spinning and Manual Stepping on page 54.
Page 93
Display Mode and Special Measurements
MC4 User Guide 81
Display Mode and Special Measurements
The Display Mode and Special Measurements utility is always
available, but the available options vary depending on the selected
Function.
All Display Mode settings are in: F1/
Setup
or F2/
Setup
(depending on which window you want to change the display mode
for), F2/
Tools
. Select
Display Mode / Specials
from the opened
menu.
When a Display Mode or a Special Measurement is active, the
measurement window display a warning ( ) to indicate that the
reading is not the actual measured value. Depending on the selected
Display Mode or Special Measurement, some additional text is also
shown.
All Display Mode and Special Measurement settings revert to
Normal display mode if you select another quantity. Additionally, the
same menu were a Display Mode or a Special Measurement was
invoked also includes a possibility to revert back to
Normal Display
Mode
.
Note applying to all display modes and special measurements.
While performing display mode and/or special measurement
calculations, MC4 uses numbers that have more decimals than are
available on the display. In some cases these extra digits may cause
rounding that differs from values that are shown on display. Notable
differences between shown and manually calculated values usually
mean that MC4's accuracy is not suitable for the given task.
Page 94
Tools Menu
82 MC4 User Guide
Error %
Error Percentage display compares the measurements of the two
windows based on entered measurement range values. The window
the Error Percentage display was invoked from is considered the
"output" of the instrument and the other window the "input".
The Error Percentage value is shown in the "output" window and the
actual "output" signal is by default shown on the additional info row
as seen in the rightmost picture.
5 . 9 6
O u t p u t
E R R O R %
T r a n s f e r F u n c t i o n
S t o p C a p t u r e O k
k P a
G a u g e
I N T
0 . 9 8
I n p u t R a n g e ( 0 % . . . 1 0 0 % )
L i n e a r
0 . 0 0 0 1 0 0 . 0 0 0
I n p u t
m A
S u p p l y : O n
. . .
S e t u p
S e t u p
M e n u
b a r
2 1 . 0 8 . 2 0 0 8 1 3 : 3 4 : 2 2
E r r o r %
G a u g e
S u p p l y : O n
I N T
0 . 4 4 8
- 1 . 9 2
1 0 . 8 6
A
When Error Percentage display is active, the words "
Error %
" is
displayed after the warning triangle.
To configure the error percentage display (and also the other types
of error displays) you need to enter input and output range values to
both windows.
In addition to the range you may also set the
Transfer Function
(Input/Output relationship). Default value is:
Linear
.
The display resolution may also be edited, if needed.
Notes.
If anything else was selected for display on the additional info row,
the main measurement of the Error percentage window replaces the
previous additional info data.
Also: if you select two other items to be displayed on the additional
info row while an error display is active, the second item replaces the
windows' main measurement data. Beware of the problems that
may result in not seeing the true measurement value.
For help on making Custom Transfer Functions, see Part C,
chapter Custom Transfer Functions on page 103.
Page 95
Display Mode and Special Measurements
MC4 User Guide 83
Error in Input Units
Error In Input Units display compares the measurements of the two
windows based on entered measurement range values. The window
the Error display was invoked from is considered the "output" of the
instrument and the other window the "input".
The Error In Input Units value is shown in the "output" window and
the actual "output" signal is shown on the additional info row as seen
in the rightmost picture.
5 . 9 6
O u t p u t
E R R O R I N I N P U T U N I T S
T r a n s f e r F u n c t i o n
S t o p C a p t u r e O k
k P a
G a u g e
I N T
0 . 9 8
I n p u t R a n g e ( 0 % . . . 1 0 0 % )
L i n e a r
0 . 0 0 0 1 0 0 . 0 0 0
I n p u t
m A
S u p p l y : O n
S e t u p
S e t u p
M e n u
b a r
2 1 . 0 9 . 2 0 0 4 1 1 : 1 3 : 2 2
b a r
G a u g e
E r r / I n
I N T
0 . 4 4 8
0 . 0 2
1 0 . 8 6
A
When Error In Input Units display is active, the warning triangle is
shown together with the input unit and the text "
Err / In
" is shown
above the Error value.
Error displayed in input units is in all other ways similar to error
displayed in error percentage. The only difference is in how the
calculated error is displayed.
For configuration details, refer to Error % on page 82.
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84 MC4 User Guide
Error in Output Units
Error In Output Units display compares the measurements of the two
windows based on entered measurement range values. The window
the Error display was invoked from is considered the "output" of the
instrument and the other window the "input".
The Error In Output Units value is shown in the "output" window and
the actual "output" signal is shown on the additional info row as seen
in the rightmost picture.
5 . 9 6
O u t p u t
E R R O R I N O U T P U T U N I T S
T r a n s f e r F u n c t i o n
S t o p C a p t u r e O k
k P a
G a u g e
I N T
0 . 9 8
I n p u t R a n g e ( 0 % . . . 1 0 0 % )
L i n e a r
0 . 0 0 0 1 0 0 . 0 0 0
I n p u t
m A
S u p p l y : O n
S e t u p
S e t u p
M e n u
b a r
2 1 . 0 9 . 2 0 0 4 1 1 : 1 4 : 2 2
m A
G a u g e
E r r / O u t
I N T
0 . 4 4 8
- 0 . 3 1
1 0 . 8 6
A
When Error In Output Units display is active, the warning triangle is
shown together with the input unit and the text "
Err / Out
" is shown
above the Error value.
Error displayed in input units is in all other ways similar to error
displayed in error percentage. The only difference is in how the
calculated error is displayed.
For configuration details, refer to Error % on page 82.
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Display Mode and Special Measurements
MC4 User Guide 85
Percentage
Percentage display compares the measured/generated/simulated
value against an entered range (0 % and 100 %).
When measuring, the measured value is replaced by the Percentage
value. The measurement value in engineering units is shown on the
additional info row as seen in the rightmost picture.
When generating/simulating, the Percentage is the editable value
and the generated/simulated value in engineering units is shown on
the additional info row.
P E R C E N T D I S P L A Y
T r a n s f e r F u n c t i o n
S t o p C a p t u r e O k
m A
G a u g e I N T
1 0 . 8 6
I n p u t R a n g e ( 0 % . . . 1 0 0 % )
D i s p l a y R e s o l u t i o n
L i n e a r
4 . 0 0 0 2 0 . 0 0 0
S e t u p
S e t u p
M e n u
N o n e
2 1 . 0 9 . 2 0 0 4 1 1 : 1 5 : 2 2
%
G a u g e
S c a l e d
I N T
0 . 4 4 8
4 2 . 8 8
1 0 . 8 6
A
When Percentage display is active, the letter "%" is displayed after
the warning triangle and the text "
Scaled
" is shown above the
Percentage value.
To configure the percentage display, enter input range values for the
selected quantity.
In addition to the range you may also set the
Transfer Function
(Input/Output relationship). The display resolution may also be
edited, if needed.
Notes.
If anything else was selected for display on the additional info row,
the main measurement of the window with percentage display
replaces the previous additional info data.
Also: if you select two other items to be displayed on the additional
info row while Percentage display is active, the second item replaces
the windows' main measurement data. Beware of the problems
that may result in not seeing the true measurement value.
For help on making Custom Transfer Functions, see Part C,
chapter Custom Transfer Functions on page 103.
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86 MC4 User Guide
Scaling
In Scaling a measured/generated/simulated value may be converted
to whatever "quantity" is needed, provided the conversion
information is known.
When measuring, the measured value is replaced by the scaled
value. The actual measurement value in engineering units is shown
on the additional info row as seen in the rightmost picture.
When generating/simulating, the scaled value is the editable one
and the generated/simulated value in engineering units is shown on
the additional info row.
S C A L I N G
T r a n s f e r F u n c t i o n
S t o p C a p t u r e O k
m A
G a u g e I N T
1 0 . 8 6
I n p u t R a n g e ( 0 % . . . 1 0 0 % )
S c a l e d R a n g e ( 0 % . . . 1 0 0 % )
L i n e a r
4 . 0 0 0 2 0 . 0 0 0
S e t u p
S e t u p
M e n u
N o n e
2 1 . 0 9 . 2 0 0 4 1 1 : 1 6 : 2 2
G a l l o n s / m i n
S c a l e d
1 2 3 . 6 7
1 0 . 8 6
A
When Scaling display is active, the entered unit (or the text "
scaled
unit
" if the unit was not entered) is displayed after the warning
triangle and the text "
Scaled
" is shown above the Scaled value.
To configure Scaling, enter
Input Range
values for the selected
quantity, set the
Transfer Function
, enter the
Scaled Range
and
the
Unit
of the scaled range. The display resolution may also be
edited, if needed.
Notes.
If anything else was selected for display on the additional info row,
the main measurement of the window replaces the previous
additional info data.
Also: if you select two other items to be displayed on the additional
info row while Scaling display is active, the second item replaces the
windows' main measurement data. Beware of the problems that
may result in not seeing the true measurement value.
For help on making Custom Transfer Functions, see Part C,
chapter Custom Transfer Functions on page 103.
Page 99
Display Mode and Special Measurements
MC4 User Guide 87
Deviation
Deviation measurement compares a measured value against an
entered reference value. The reference value is subtracted from the
reading of the measured value. The difference replaces the
measurement value. Both the reference value (indicated with a
triangle) as well as the actual measurement value (indicated with a
circled A) are shown on the additional info row as seen in the
picture.
D E V I A T I O N M E A S U R E M E N T
S t o p C a p t u r e O k
m A
G a u g e I N T
1 0 . 8 6
M e a s u r e D e v i a t i o n f r o m
1 0 . 0 0 0
S e t u p
S e t u p
M e n u
N o n e
2 1 . 0 9 . 2 0 0 4 1 1 : 1 7 : 2 2
m A
D e v i a t i o n
0 . 8 6 0 0
1 0 . 0 0 0 0 1 0 . 8 6
A
When Deviation measurement is active, text "
Deviation
" is shown
above the Deviation value.
Hint.
Use the F2/
Capture
Function Key to add a measured "tare" as the
reference value.
Notes.
If anything else was selected for display on the additional info row,
the main measurement of the window replaces the previous
additional info data.
Also: if you select two other items to be displayed on the additional
info row while Deviation measurement is active, the second item
replaces the windows' main measurement data. Beware of the
problems that may result in not seeing the true measurement
value.
Warning.
Keep in mind that when the displayed deviation reading is small
compared to the actual reading, a significant part of the
deviation value may be measurement error. See the
specifications for measurement errors at the actual
measurement level.
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88 MC4 User Guide
Redundant
In Redundant measurement two similar measurements (e.g.
pressure measurement using both the internal and an external
pressure module) are compared with each other. If the readings
differ more than the entered limit value, MC4 gives an audible alarm.
The selected main measurement is shown normally. The secondary
measurement value (indicated with a circled B) as well as the alarm
limit (indicated with a triangle) are shown on the additional info row
as seen in the rightmost picture.
R E D U N D A N T M E A S U R E M E N T
S t o p C a p t u r e O k
b a r
G a u g e
I N T
0 . 4 4 8
A l e r t i f M e a s u r e m e n t s D i f f e r
M o r e T h a n
E x t . P r e s s u r e
0 . 4 5 1
0 . 0 1 0
S e t u p
S e t u p
M e n u
N o n e
2 1 . 0 9 . 2 0 0 4 1 1 : 1 8 : 2 2
b a r
R e d u n d a n t
0 . 4 4 8
0 . 0 1 ±
I N T
0 . 4 5 1 B
When Redundant measurement is active, text "
Redundant
" is
shown above the main measurement value.
Notes.
If anything else was selected for display on the additional info row,
the alarm limit and the secondary measurement replaces the
previous additional info data.
Also: if you select other items to be displayed on the additional info
row while Redundant measurement is active, the items replace the
redundant measurement related data. Beware of the problems that
may result in not seeing the true measurement value.
Redundant measurement can be activated only if two similar
measurements are available, and neither of them is used for
any other measurement.
Warnings.
When setting the allowed difference, take the accuracies of the
measurements into account.
If the measuring spans of the selected ports are different, make
sure you do not exceed the measurement range of either port.
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