Combinova EFM 200 User Manual
EFM 200 OPERATOR'S MANUAL
ELECTRIC FIELD
METER 200
Operator’s Manual
The EFM 200 is a professional instrument to measure electrostatic and
alternating electric fields.
To make the best use of this instrument, we recommend that you read
this manual carefully.
Rev. 2A
EFM 200 OPERATOR'S MANUAL
This page is
intentionally blank!
Rev. 2A
EFM 200 OPERATOR'S MANUAL
CONTENTS
Section 1 - INTRODUCTION
1.1 Electric Field Measurements with EFM 200
1.2 The Instrument - EFM 200
1.3 Using the EFM 200
1.4 Combinova AB - The Company Behind the Product
Section 2 - UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
2.1 Unpacking
2.2 Inspection
2.3 Checking the Battery Voltage
Section 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3.1 General Operation
3.2 Measurements
3.3 Data Retrieve
3.4 Print
3.5 Check Mode
3.6 Parameters
3.7 Calibration Test
3.8 Battery Charging
Section 4 - TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
4.1 General
4.2 Field Measurement Principles
4.3 Printing with the EFM 200
4.4 Fiber Optic Remote Operation
4.5 Fiber Adapter 10
Rev. 2A
CONTENTS
Section 5 - SPECIFICATIONS
Section 6 - ERROR CODES
6.1 Instrument Errors
6.2 Measurement Errors
6.3 Data Retrieve Errors
6.4 Print Errors
WARRANTY FORM
EFM 200 OPERATOR'S MANUAL
This page is
intentionally blank!
CONTENTS
Rev. 2A
EFM 200 OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Section 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Electric Field Measurements with EFM 200 1.2
1.2 The Instrument - EFM 200 1.2
Page
1.3 Using the EFM 200 1.4
1.4 Combinova AB - Behind the Product 1.5
Rev. 2A
INTRODUCTION 1 . 0
EFM 200 OPERATOR'S MANUAL
This page is
intentionally blank!
1 . 1 INTRODUCTION
Rev. 2A
EFM 200 OPERATOR'S MANUAL
The Electric Field Meter 200 (EFM 200) is a professional instrument designed to measure
electrostatic and alternating electric fields. The EFM 200 has been developed for self-contained field operation with such features as built-in rechargeable batteries, LCD display
and large data logging memory.
1.1 Electric Field Measurements with EFM 200
Electric fields exist over a very wide range of amplitudes and frequencies. The EFM 200 is
designed to measure both static and low frequency electric fields, within the following limits:
» Electrostatic fields from 0.5 - 1,000kV/m
» Alternating electric fields
- ELF frequency range (5 - 2,000Hz) from 0.5-10,000V/m (rms)
- VLF frequency range (2-400kHz) from 0.05-1,000V/m (rms)
Measurements are made using a ground reference technique to reflect the electric field
from the source to specific ground reference probe. The instrument has been specifically
designed to fully comply with the Swedish MPR test methods for VDU’s which is applicable from 1 January 1991. All accessories needed for MPR measurements are delivered
with the standard instrument (see Section 2).
1.2 The Instrument - EFM 200
Electric Field Meter 200 is a professional instrument to measure electrostatic and alternating electric fields. The instrument has a wide dynamic range with automatic gain setting.
Electrostatic field measurements are made using a built-in field mill probe. Alternating electric fields are measured using a special probe. Two different frequency ranges are available; ELF (5-2,000Hz) and VLF (2-400kHz). The instrument is powered by a built-in
chargeable sealed lead-acid battery. The built-in communication interface (RS232) can be
used to transfer stored results to a printer or a computer.
The options available with the instrument are:
» Fiber-optic interface kit for remote control operation.
» Probe to check instrument calibration.
The electronics in the instrument comprise analog amplifiers, a microcomputer with communication peripherals and an alphanumerical LCD-display with back light. A built-in clock
and calendar is used in the data logging measurement modes.
Rev. 2A
INTRODUCTION 1 . 2
EFM 200 OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Static Field Probe AC-Field Probe
Basic EFM 200 (with Field Mill)
Fig. 1.1 EFM 200
Rev. 2A
1 . 3 INTRODUCTION
EFM 200 OPERATOR'S MANUAL
1.3 Using the EFM 200
The EFM 200 has been designed to be easy to use in the field. A four-key keyboard and
LCD display panel allow the instrument operation to be optimized for the particular measurement application. Once the instrument has been set up then measurement is initiated
by simply pressing the start button. The display even informs the operator of remaining
measurement time until the batteries should be recharged.
The main instrument modes are:
» MEASUREMENT
Measurement mode is used to make the actual measurements. A number of different measurement modes can be selected (single, repetitive and logging).
» DATA RETRIEVE
Data retrieve mode is used to show stored measurement data on the instrument display. Mean period values as well as single measurement data can be accessed in
this mode.
» PRINT
Print mode is used to dump stored data to a printer or computer through the built-in
RS232 serial interface.
» CHECK
Check mode includes a number of tests to verify different instrument functions.
» PARAMETERS
Parameter mode gives the user a wide variety of possibilities to adapt the instrument
for different measurement and communication needs.
Selecting the measurement mode and setting up the EFM 200 is described in Section 3,
Operating Instructions.
A technical description of the EFM 200 is given in Section 4.
IMPORTANT!
Do not touch the Field Mill and avoid contaminating the surface of it. When the instrument
is not in use, keep the field mill covered with either the AC-field probe or the protective
cover.
Rev. 2A
INTRODUCTION 1 . 4
EFM 200 OPERATOR'S MANUAL
1.4 Combinova AB - Behind the Product
The Electric Field Meter 200 has been developed by Combinova AB, who are also responsible for the manufacture, marketing and after-sales service of the instrument.
Other field measurement products from Combinova are:
» MFM 1000 - Magnetic Field Meter for the VLF (2-400kHz) range.
» MFM 1020 - Automatic VDT magnetic field measurement system.
» MFM 10 - Magnetic Field Meter for the ELF (5-2000Hz) range.
» EFM 100 - Alternating electric fields in the ELF (5-2,000Hz) and VLF (2-400kHz)
frequency ranges.
Combinova AB works with Swedish and international industrial clients in the area of broad
technical development. The principle areas of development expertise are:
- instrument development
- technical trouble shooting
- manufacturing equipment development
This depth of technical experience makes it possible for the company to handle all stages
of product development, including project management and technical co-ordination.
Combinova AB Visiting address:
PO Box 200 50 Fredsforsstigen 22-24
S-161 02 Bromma Bromma, Sweden
SWEDEN
Internet: www.combinova.se
Tel: +46-8-627 93 10
Fax: +46-8-29 59 85
1 . 5 INTRODUCTION
Rev. 2A
EFM 200 OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Section 2
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
2.1 Unpacking 2.2
2.2 Inspection 2.3
Page
2.3 Checking the Battery Voltage 2.3
Rev. 2A
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION 2 . 0
OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
EFM 200 OPERATOR'S MANUAL
PROTECTIVE
COVER
EFM 200
BATTERY
CHARGER
COMMUNICATION
CABLES
BLACK 3
METER CABLE
CARBON FIBER
BRUSH
CIRCULAR
PROBE
TRANSPORTATION
CASE
DISTANCE MEASUREMENT TOOL
TRIPOD
Fig. 2.1 Unpacking the EFM 200
SQUARE
PROBE
2 . 1 UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
Rev. 2A
EFM 200 OPERATOR'S MANUAL
2.1 Unpacking
The EFM 200 is delivered in a specially designed transport box, which also contains all the
accessories that are used with the instrument. Inspect the transport case for any damage
caused during transit. If damage has occurred, please contact the shipping company who
delivered your instrument.
Open the case and check that the following items have been supplied (see Fig. 2.1):
Standard Instrument
» EFM 200 instrument
» Protective cover for field mill
» Battery Charger PS10 (110V or 220V)
» Measurement probe for alternating electric fields, Ø0.3m
» Ground reference plate for electrostatic field measurements, 0.5x0.5m
» Ground reference cable (black 3m with connection clip)
» Two Communication Cables (for Printer/Computer)
» Operator’s Manual.
» Distance measurement tool, 0.500m/0.100m
» Carbon fiber brush
» Standard Tripod
Optional Probe for Calibration Test
» Probe plate 0.5x0.5m
» Signal cable (red 1m + isolated connection clip)
» Distance pieces for probe plate positioning (2 pairs)
» Instrument foot for electrostatic calibration test
Optional Fiber Optic Remote Interface
» Fiber interface (internal)
» Fiber Cable (10m) with connectors
» Fiber Adapter 10, for use with an RS232 25-pin PC serial port
IMPORTANT! Complete the warranty form and return a copy to Combinova AB. The warranty is only valid when the warranty form has been completed and received by Combinova AB.
Rev. 2A
Before switching on the instrument, read this manual carefully.
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION 2 . 2
EFM 200 OPERATOR'S MANUAL
2.2 Inspection
Inspect the EFM 200 and the accessories supplied for any sign of damage.
Before the EFM 200 can be used the voltage of the re-chargeable battery should be
checked. The battery is fully charged when it leaves the factory. However, if for any reason
it has become discharged then the instrument will not operate correctly, and will need to
be recharged.
EFM Checks
- Switch on the instrument, using the ON/OFF button (see figure 2.1).
The EFM carries out a number of checks and then displays the following message in the
display panel:
ELECTRIC FIELD METER 200
93.03.08 15:00:00 2
SCROLL SELECT QUIT
ENTER
Battery
charging code
Electric Field Meter EFM 200
Note: Refer to Section 3.6 to set the correct time and date!
- Check the battery charging code in the bottom-right of the display panel.
When “0" or ”1" is indicated then the battery should be fully charged. Check the battery
voltage if any of the other codes are shown.
2.3 Checking the Battery Voltage
This procedure is fully described in Section 3.5, but a brief guide is given here.
- Switch on the instrument.
- On the control panel select “CHECK” by pressing the “SCROLL” button ( ) four times
so that the display panel shows:
CHECK
93.03.08 15:00:00
- Press the “SELECT” button ( ), and the display panel will show:
CHECK
Battery XX.XV
where XX.XV is the battery voltage.
- Check that the battery voltage is greater than 11.5V. If it is below this voltage then
recharge the instrument (see Section 3.7).
2 . 3 UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
Rev. 2A
EFM 200 OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Section 3
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3.1 General Operation 3.3
3.2 Measurements 3.6
Page
3.3 Data Retrieve 3.11
3.4 Print 3.13
3.5 Check Mode 3.18
3.6 Parameters 3.20
3.7 Calibration Test 3.25
3.8 Battery Charging 3.27
Rev. 2A
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 3 . 0
EFM 200 OPERATOR'S MANUAL
This page is
intentionally blank!
3 . 1 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Rev. 2A
EFM 200 OPERATOR'S MANUAL
General
The EFM 200 has been designed to be simple to operate, while still retaining great operational flexibility. This section details how to operate the EFM 200 and how to obtain measurement results. The controls and display panel are described in Section 3.1 together with
details of how to select functions and enter parameter values.
The EFM 200 uses a number of main operational modes, which are listed below, together
with a reference to the section in which they are fully described.
- MEASUREMENT (Section 3.2)
Initiate electric field measurement, seIect measurement method.
- DATA RETRIEVE (Section 3.3)
Display measurement results, either in summarized form or individual results.
- PRINT (Section 3.4)
Obtain hard copy of measurement results, either summarized or individually.
- CHECK (Section 3.5)
Initiate internal instrument checks.
- PARAMETERS (Section 3.6)
Set up the instrument according to requirements.
Rev. 2A
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 3 . 2
EFM 200 OPERATOR'S MANUAL
3.1 General Operation
Figure 3.1 shows the location of the controls and display on the EFM 200. These are described below:
ON/OFF Switches the instrument on or off.
Start Measurement This button initiates measurement, see Section 3.2
The type of probe attached to the instrument automatically switches instrument operation
mode between electrostatic and alternating electric field measurements.
START MEASUREMENT
CONTROL PANEL
FIELD MILL
(Do not touch)
DISPLAY
PANEL
ON/OFF SWITCH
Fig. 3.1 Controls and Indicators
3 . 3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Rev. 2A
EFM 200 OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Fig.3.2 shows the control panel with its four function switches, which are described below:
SCROLL ( ) Goto next function, sub-function result or value (see Fig. 3.3)
SELECT ( ) Select the displayed function.
QUIT ( ) Quit the selected function and return to the next level (see Fig. 3.3).
ENTER ( ) Enter the selected value or parameter on the second line of the
display panel.
Use SCROLL key to reach the main functional modes of the instrument. The next section
shows how these controls and indicators are used.
ELECTRIC FIEL D M ETER 200
93.03.09 15:00:00
Fig. 3.2 Control Panel
SCROLL SELECT QUIT
Electric Field Meter EFM 200
ENTER
Rev. 2A
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 3 . 4
EFM 200 OPERATOR'S MANUAL
EFM 200 Function Modes
The instrument is automatically set to measure either electrostatic or alternating electric
fields by the probe type which is attached to the instrument.
By using the four keys on the control panel, all functional modes of the instrument can be
accessed. The available functions are shown in the flow diagram, Figure 3.3. The key
presses required to select the function or enter values are also shown.
ELECTRIC FIELD METER
200
MEASUREMENT
93.03.09
DATA RETRIEVE
93.03.09
PRINT
93.03.09
CHECK
93.03.09
START
BUTTON
MEASUREMENT
XXXX
Retrieve data from data logging session. Section 3.3
Print out data from data logging session. Section 3.4
Check function of instrument. Section
3.5
The measurement mode depends on the
type of probe attached to the instrument.
Section 3.2.
PARAMETERS
93.03.09
Set-up instrument parameters. Section
3.6
Fig. 3.3 EFM 200 Function Modes
3 . 5 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Rev. 2A
Loading...