Extech MS420, MS460 Instruction Manual
User's Guide
Digital 20MHz and 60MHz Oscilloscopes
Model MS460 - 60MHz
Model MS420 - 20MHz
1
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech Digital Oscilloscope. This
manual is divided into two sections: Section One for the Oscilloscope
functions and Section Two for the MultiMeter functions. This meter is shipped
fully tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide years of reliable
service.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION
Warranty . . . . . . . . . 5
Calibration and Repair Services . . . . . . 5
Technical Support Information . . . . . . 5
Product Contents . . . . . . . . 6
Safety Information . . . . . . . 7
Input Connections . . . . . . . 10
Front Panel and Control Keys Overview . . . . . 11
Recall Factory Default Settings . . . . . . 19
PC Data Transmission . . . . . . . 53
FAQ . . . . . . . . . 66
Appendix A: Specifications . . . . . . 67
Appendix B: Maintenance and Cleaning . . . . . 72
Appendix C: Battery charging and replacement . . . . 73
Appendix D: Setting the Real Time Clock (MS460) . . . 74
SECTION ONE - OSCILLOSCOPE
Basic Instructions on Using the Oscilloscope . . . 13
Powering the Oscilloscope . . . . . 13
Main Oscilloscope Display Screen . . . . 13
Menu Description . . . . . . . 15
Setting the Trigger Position and Time Base . . . 15
Oscilloscope Input Connections . . . . . 19
Measure Unknown Signals / Auto Set feature . . . 20
Auto Zero the Horizontal Trigger . . . . . 20
Automatic Ranging Measurements . . . . 20
Data Hold . . . . . . . . 21
Average Mode to Smooth Waveforms . . . . 22
Persistence Mode (superimpose waveforms) . . . 22
Peak Detect (Glitch Capture) . . . . . 23
AC Coupling Mode . . . . . . 24
Reverse Waveform Polarity . . . . . 25
Mathematical Functions . . . . . 26
USB Mass Storage . . . . . . 27
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Advanced Oscilloscope Functions . . . . . 28
Vertical Settings for CH1 and CH2 . . . . 28
Channel Coupling . . . . . . . 29
Open and Close Measurement Channels . . . 30
Setting the Probe Attenuation . . . . . 30
Invert a Waveform display . . . . . 30
Mathematical Function Menu Settings . . . . 31
Setting up the Trigger System . . . . . 32
Trigger Control . . . . . . . 33
Acquisition Mode . . . . . . . 38
Display Settings . . . . . . . 38
Storing Waveforms in the meter . . . . . 40
Function Settings Menu . . . . . . 41
Auto Calibration . . . . . . . 41
Auto Range Measurements . . . . . 42
Autoscale Mode (MS460) . . . . . . 43
Cursor Measurements . . . . . . 46
Frequency Counter (MS460)
Square wave output (MS460)
. . . . . 49
. . . . . 50
System Status Menu . . . . . . 51
Time Base Mode . . . . . . . 52
SECTION TWO – MULTIMETER FUNCTIONS . . . . 54
Connecting the meter . . . . . . . 55
Display Window . . . . . . . . 55
Resistance Measurements . . . . . . 57
Measuring Diode Voltage . . . . . . 57
Continuity Test . . . . . . . . 58
Measuring Capacitance . . . . . . . 59
Measuring DC Voltage . . . . . . . 59
Measuring AC Voltage . . . . . . . 60
Measuring DC Current . . . . . . . 61
Measuring AC Current . . . . . . . 62
Data Hold (Freeze Readings) . . . . . . 63
Relative Measurements . . . . . . . 64
Automatic / Manual Range . . . . . . 65
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WARRANTY
EXTECH INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION (a FLIR company) warrants this instrument
to be free of defects in parts and workmanship for one year from date of shipment (a six
month limited warranty applies to sensors and cables). If it should become necessary to
return the instrument for service during or beyond the warranty period, contact the
Customer Service Department at (781) 890-7440 ext. 210 for authorization or visit our
website www.extech.com for contact information. A Return Authorization (RA) number
must be issued before any product is returned to Extech. The sender is responsible for
shipping charges, freight, insurance and proper packaging to prevent damage in transit.
This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from action of the user such as misuse,
improper wiring, operation outside of specification, improper maintenance or repair, or
unauthorized modification. Extech specifically disclaims any implied warranties or
merchantability or fitness for a specific purpose and will not be liable for any direct,
indirect, incidental or consequential damages. Extech's total liability is limited to repair or
replacement of the product. The warranty set forth above is inclusive and no other
warranty, whether written or oral, is expressed or implied.
CALIBRATION AND REPAIR SERVICES
Extech offers repair and calibration services for the products we sell. Extech also
provides NIST certification for most products. Call the Customer Service Department for
information on calibration services available for this product. Extech recommends that
annual calibrations be performed to verify meter performance and accuracy.
For the latest version of this User’s Guide, Software updates, and other
up-to-the-minute product information, visit our website: www.extech.com
Extech Instruments Corporation, 285 Bear Hill Rd., Waltham, MA 02451
Support line (781) 890-7440
Technical support: Extension 200; E-mail: support@extech.com
Repair & Returns: Extension 210; E-mail: repair@extech.com
Product specifications subject to change without notice
Copyright © 2009 Extech Instruments Corporation (a FLIR company)
All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.
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Product Contents (Refer to the Fig. 1 below)
1. MS420/MS460 Instrument
2. AC Adaptor
3. Oscilloscope Probes (2); Grey in color
4. Multimeter test leads (2); One black, one red
5. USB mass storage connection cable
6. Extension module for low capacitance measurements
7. Probe adjustment tools
8. USB or Serial PC Communication cable
9. User manual
10. CD-ROM Software Program
11. Carrying Case
Figure 1: Supplied Equipment
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Safety Information
Please read the user manual before use to ensure safety and precision
Safety Symbols and Terms
Safety Symbols
These symbols may appear in this manual or on the instrument:
Warning: “Warning” identifies conditions & actions that pose a hazard to the user
Caution: “Caution” identifies conditions and actions that may damage the
product or external equipment
DANGER:
High Voltage
Refer to the
Manual
Protective
Conductor
Terminal
Chassis
Ground
Earth
(ground)
Terminal
Safety Terms
The following terms may appear on the instrument:
Danger: The term “Danger” is used in this manual to indicate that immediate
personal injury can result
Warning: The term “Warning” is used in this manual to indicate that, although
immediate personal injury is not likely, caution should be taken
Notice: The term “Notice” is used in this manual to indicate that damage to the
meter or to other equipment can occur
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General Safety Information
Carefully read the following safety information in order to avoid personal injury and
damage to this product or to products connected to it. This product must only be used in
the specified manner to prevent danger and hazard to products and persons.
Warning:
To avoid fire or electrical shock please use the proper power adapter. Use only the
power adapter recommended by the manufacturer.
Warning:
To avoid fire or electrical shock do not connect meter to more than 42V peak
(30Vrms) or on circuits of more than 4800VA:
● Use only the insulated voltage probes, test leads and adapter supplied with the
test tool, or as indicated by Extech as suitable for the Oscilloscope &
Multimeter.
● Before use, inspect voltage probes, test leads and accessories for mechanical
damage. Replace the equipment when it appears damaged.
● Remove all probes, test leads and accessories when not in use.
● Always connect the power adapter first to the AC outlet before connecting it to
the Oscilloscope & Multimeter.
● Do not apply voltages that exceed 400 V from earth ground to any input when
measuring in a CAT II environment.
● Do not apply voltages that exceed 400 V to the isolated inputs when measuring
in a CAT II environment.
● Use caution when using 1:1 test leads since the probe tip voltage will be
directly transmitted to the Oscilloscope & Multimeter.
● Do not use exposed metal BNC or banana plug connectors.
● Do not insert metal objects into the connectors.
● Always use the Oscilloscope & Multimeter in the manner specified.
● Voltage ratings, mentioned in the warnings, are provided as “working voltage”
limits. They represent V ac rms (50-60Hz) for AC sine wave applications and as
V dc for DC applications. Overvoltage Category II refers to local level applicable
for appliances and portable equipment.
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Only qualified technical personnel should perform maintenance on these devices.
Observe the nominal value limits for all terminals: To avoid fire or electric shock,
observe all nominal value limits, markings, and specifications for this product. Before
connecting to this product, carefully read the user’s manual.
Do no operate this instrument without the cover plate secured: If the cover plate or
panel has been removed, do not use this product.
Do not touch bare conductors
Do not use this meter in case of any undetermined failure: When in doubt consult
qualified repair personnel
Do not hinder the meter’s ventilation: Refer to the user manual for detailed installation
instructions and proper setup for adequate ventilation
Do not operate this meter in overly humid environments.
Do not operate this meter in potentially explosive environments.
Keep the meter’s surface clean and dry.
Use of this device in any manner inconsistent with the uses specified in this manual can
possibly compromise the safety protection provided by the meter.
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Input Connections
Input Connections
See Figure 2 below
Figure 2
Description
1. The power adapter is use to supply AC power and for battery recharging
2. Multimeter test leads
3. Multimeter input jacks (L to R: Current 2A-10A input, mA Current input, COM ground
input, Voltage/Resistance/Capacitance input)
4. Oscilloscope probes
5. Oscilloscope channel inputs
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Front Panel and Keypad Overview
Figure 3
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Description of Meter Front Panel and Keypad (Figure 3)
1. AC adapter Port
2. RS-232C Port
3. USB Port
4. USB Mass Storage Port
5. Power switch
6. F1 – F5 Soft-key options
7. AUTO SET: In the Scope mode, the meter automatically selects the
horizontal/vertical scale and trigger level
8. COPY: Press to store the waveform data into a USB storage device
9. ▲ (Red): Adjust the horizontal scale for Channel 1
10. VOLTS POSITION (Red): Switch between voltage and horizontal scales for
Channel 1
11. ▼ (Red): Adjust the horizontal scale for Channel 1
12. ▲ (Blue): Adjust the horizontal scale for Channel 2
13. VOLTS POSITION (Blue): Switch between the voltage and horizontal scales for
Channel 2
14. ▼ (Blue): Adjust the horizontal scale for Channel 2
15. RUN/STOP: Start/Stop the waveform capture process
16. BACKLIGHT: Turn the display backlight ON and OFF
17. DMM/OSC: Operation mode (switch between oscilloscope and multimeter)
18. MENU ▲: Choose a higher item on a menu list
19. MENU: Show / Hide menu
20. MENU ▼: Choose a lower item on a menu list
21. OPTION: Used in combination with the four (4) yellow arrow keys. This button is
used to set the main time base, trigger horizontal position and trigger vertical
position. Also used to adjust the display multiplier factors and display vertical
position during waveform calculation. Further, it is used to adjust cursor 1 (V1 or
T1) and cursor 2 (V2 or T2) position during cursor measurements
22. ▲ (yellow): Oscilloscope UP arrow adjustment key
23. ▼ (yellow): Oscilloscope DOWN arrow adjustment key
24. ► (yellow): Oscilloscope FORWARD adjustment key
25. ◄ (yellow): Oscilloscope BACKWARD adjustment key
26. A: Selects DMM Current measurement mode
27. V: Selects DMM Voltage measurement mode
28. R: Selects DMM impedance, diode, continuity, capacitance measurement mode
29. SET: Toggle AC/DC in the current or voltage multimeter measurement modes;
also switches between resistance, diode and capacitance modes while in the
resistance mode.
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Basic Oscilloscope Functions
About this Chapter
This chapter provides introductory Oscilloscope instructions. This introduction does not
cover all of the oscilloscope capabilities but provides basic examples of menu navigation
and operations. Detailed instructions are provided in the Advanced Oscilloscope
functions section.
Powering the Oscilloscope
Connect the oscilloscope to an AC power source using the supplied AC adaptor.
If the battery is charged, the oscilloscope may be powered by the supplied and installed
Li-ion battery. The meter will run for up to four (4) hours on a full charge.
Turn the oscilloscope on by pressing the power key.
Upon power up, the instrument performs a ‘self check’. The display will show the “press
any key to continue……” screen.
Main Oscilloscope Display Screen
Figure 4: Oscilloscope Display Screen
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Description of Oscilloscope Display Screen (Figure 4)
1. Battery power status icon (
, , and )
2. Auto measurement screen No. 1 (“f” for frequency, “T” for cycle, “V” for average
value, “Vp” is the peak-peak value and “Vk” is the root-mean-square value
3. Auto measurement screen No. 2
4. Horizontal triggering position
5. The difference in time between the horizontal triggering position and the
screen’s centerline (zero when the pointer is in the center of the screen)
6. The trigger modes:
Auto: The oscilloscope is in the automatic mode and displaying the waveform
in the non-trigger mode
Trig’d: The oscilloscope has detected a trigger and is displaying the
information generated after the trigger
Ready: All pre-triggered data has been captured and the oscilloscope is
ready to receive trigger signals
Scan: The oscilloscope records and displays waveform data continuously
Stop: The oscilloscope has stopped collecting waveform data
7. Red and blue trigger pointer shows vertical position of alternate triggers. The
trigger pointer turns green when it reaches an edge trigger or a video trigger
8. Hide or View the menu using the MENU key;
Menu setting options: Each menu has its own setting options.
9. The value of the trigger voltage level. The trigger signal source is shown
10. The value of the primary time base
11. These graphics present the coupling modes for channel 2 (CH2). The graphic
“~” indicates AC, the graphic “-” indicates DC
12. The vertical Voltage units scale for CH2
13. The coupling mode for CH1; The graphic “~” indicates AC, the graphic “-”
indicates DC
14. The vertical Voltage units scale for CH1
15. The blue pointer shows the ground point for the waveform on CH2 (zero
position). If this pointer is not shown, the channel has not been opened
16. OPTION: Each option prompt has its own selections and operations
17. The red pointer shows the ground point of the waveform for CH1 (zero position).
If this pointer is not shown, the channel has not been opened.
18. Waveform display area. A red waveform represent CH1, a blue waveform
represents CH2
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Menu Description
The following explains how to navigate the menus to select a function.
1. Press the MENU key to open the Function Menu. The Menu appears on the right of
the screen with the corresponding options available on the bottom of the screen.
Press MENU again to hide the Function Menu.
2. Use the MENU ▲ or MENU ▼ keys to navigate and select menu functions.
3. Use the soft-keys (F1…F5) to select an available option
Figure 5: Menu
Manually Setting the Trigger Position and Time Base
Use the OPTION key to set the vertical trigger position, the main time base and the
horizontal trigger position during Edge triggering and Video Triggering or vertical trigger
position for Horizontal time base and vertical trigger position and horizontal level position
during an Alternate trigger.
The following example shows how to use the OPTION key to change a setting.
For triggering in edge and video trigger mode:
1. Press the OPTION key once; the following will appear at the screen’s bottom left:
◄/► – Time Base
▲/▼ – Trig
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Figure 6
2. Press ◄ (yellow) or ► (yellow) to adjust the main time base. Press ▲ (yellow) or▼
(yellow) to adjust the trigger horizontal position.
Press OPTION again and the following will appear:
3.
◄/► – Time
▲/▼– Trig
See Figure 7:
Figure 7
4. Press ◄ (yellow) or ► (yellow) to adjust time base horizontal position, press▲ (yellow)
or ▼ (yellow) to adjust trigger position.
5. Use the OPTION key to toggle between the two modes described above.
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When triggering in the Alternate trigger mode:
6. Press OPTION and the following will appear:
—Time
—Trig 2
See Figure 8:
Figure 8:
7. Press ◄ (yellow) or ► (yellow) to adjust the time base horizontal position and
press ▲ (yellow) or ▼ (yellow) to adjust the trigger horizontal position for Channel 2.
8. Press OPTION again to display the following:
— Time Base
— Trig 1
See Figure 9:
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Figure 9:
9. Press ◄ (yellow) or ► (yellow) to adjust the main time base and press ▲
(yellow) or▼ (yellow) to adjust the trigger horizontal position for Channel 1.
10. Press OPTION again to return to step 6 above.
Glossary of Terms
z Vertical scale factor: The voltage amplitude represented by a division in the vertical
direction of the display area, through the adjustment of which the user can amplify or
attenuate the signal and thus regulate the signal amplitude so that it is placed in the
expected measurement range.
z Vertical zero position: Ground point, through the adjustment of which the user can
regulate the display position of the waveform on the screen.
z Main time base: The time value represented by a division in the horizontal direction
of the display area.
z Trigger horizontal position: The time difference between the actual trigger point
and the screen central line, which will be displayed as 0 at the center point of the
screen.
z Trigger level position: The voltage difference between the actual trigger level and
the zero position of the triggering signal source channel.
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Recall the Factory Default Settings
To reset the Oscilloscope to the factory default settings, refer to the following:
1. Press the MENU key; the function menu will appear on the right side of the screen
2. Press the MENU ▲ or MENU ▼ key to select a FUNCTION; three options will be
visible at the bottom of the screen.
3. Press F1 (Recall Factory) to recall the factory settings.
4. Press F2 to select “Auto calibration”.
specified operating temperature by more than 5 degrees Celsius, an Auto Calibration
should be performed.
Refer to Figure 10:
Figure 10: Resetting the Oscilloscope
If the ambient temperature varies from the
Oscilloscope Input Connections
The Oscilloscope has two (2) signal inputs (located on the lower right side) for CH1 and
CH2 measurements.
Isolated inputs allow for independent floating measurements between Multimeter and
Scope functions.
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Measure Unknown Signals using the Auto-Set Feature
The Auto-Set feature allows the Oscilloscope to measure and display unknown signals
automatically. This function optimizes position, range, time-base, and triggering. It also
assures a stable display of virtually any waveform. Auto Range is especially useful for
quickly checking several signals.
To enable the Auto-Set feature, perform the following steps:
1. Connect the test probe to the circuit or device under test.
2. Press the AUTO SET key; the test signals will appear on the screen.
Auto Zero the Horizontal Trigger and Trigger Level Position
To configure the instrument so that the horizontal trigger and the trigger level position
automatically return to zero.
1. Press the V key; the horizontal trigger position will automatically return to zero
2. Press the R key; the trigger level position will automatically return to zero
Automatic Measurement Ranging
The Oscilloscope offers five (5) ranges that adjust automatically as measurements are
taken. Two numeric readings can be displayed: MEAS SET1 and MEAS SET2
(selectable independently); the measurements can be performed on the CH1 or CH2
waveform inputs.
To choose a frequency for CH1, perform the following procedure:
1. Press the MENU key; the function menu will appear on the right side of the screen.
2. Press MENU ▲ or MENU ▼ to select MEAS SET 1. Five selectable options will
then be visible at the bottom of the screen.
3. Press the F1 key and select Freq CH1 from the root mean square (RMS) option.
The MEAS SET 1 window color will change to red and display CH1 frequency.
To choose Peak-Peak measurements for the CH2 input, refer to the following:
1. Press the MENU key; the function menu will appear at the right side of the screen.
2. Press MENU ▲ or MENU ▼ key to select MEAS SET 2. Five (5) selectable
options will appear at the bottom of the screen.
3. Press the F4 key to select PK-PK CH2 from the Peak-Peak option. The MEAS
SET2 window color turns to blue and displays the peak-peak value for the CH2
input.
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Refer to Figure 11:
Figure 11: Automatic Scope Measurements
Data Hold (Freezing the Displayed Reading)
To freeze any displayed reading or waveform, follow these steps:
1. Press the RUN/STOP key to freeze the screen: STOP appears at the top (right) of
the screen.
2. Press the RUN/STOP key again to resume normal mode. Refer to Fig. 12:
Figure 12: Freezing the Screen
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Using the Average Mode to Smooth Waveforms
Use the Average mode to smooth the displayed waveform; multiple data samples will be
averaged. The number of samples to average is selectable from 4, 16, 64, up to 128.
Note: For best results, the waveform must be repetitive. As the number of average
samples increases the waveform updating time increases. Refer to the following:
1. Press the MENU key; the function menu will appear on the right side of the screen.
2. Press MENU ▲ or MENU ▼ to select the ACQU (acquisition) mode; Four (4)
selectable options will display at the bottom of the screen.
3. Press the F3 key to select Average Factors and then press the F4 key to jump to
Averages 16. The meter then averages 16 samples (or acquisitions) and displays
the final result. Refer to Figure 13:
Figure 13: Average Factor Sampling Mode
Persistence Mode (superimposing waveforms)
Persistence Mode allows the user to hold a displayed waveform on the display while, at
the same time, superimposing the current waveform. The user can select the
amount of time (number of seconds or infinite) to retain the displayed waveform or
set the feature OFF. Refer to the following:
1. Press the MENU key; the function menu will appear on the right side of the screen.
2. Press MENU ▲ or MENU ▼ to select DISP SET. Four (4) selectable options will
appear at the bottom of the screen.
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3. Press the F2 key to select 1 sec, 2 sec, 5 sec, infinite or OFF. Select a 1, 2, or 5
second waveform display duration as desired. When Infinite is selected the
waveform will remain on the screen indefinitely. When OFF is selected, the
Persistence function has no effect on displayed waveforms.
Refer to Figure 14.
Figure 14: Persistence Mode to Observe Dynamic Signals
Using Peak Detection to Capture Glitches
Use Peak Detect to display events (glitches or other asynchronous waveforms) down to
50 ns (nanoseconds).
1. Press the MENU key; the function menu will appear at the right side of the screen.
2. Press MENU ▲ or MENU ▼ to select the ACQU MODE. Four (4) selectable
options will appear at the bottom of the screen.
3. Press the F2 key to select Glitch Detect.
Refer to Figure 15.
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