Each Fluke product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and
service. The warranty period is one year and begins on the date of shipment. Parts, product repairs, and services
are warranted for 90 days. This warranty extends only to the original buyer or end-user customer of a Fluke
authorized reseller, and does not apply to fuses, disposable batteries, or to any product which, in Fluke's opinion,
has been misused, altered, neglected, contaminated, or damaged by accident or abnormal conditions of operation
or handling. Fluke warrants that software will operate substantially in accordance with its functional specifications
for 90 days and that it has been properly recorded on non-defective media. Fluke does not warrant that software
will be error free or operate without interruption.
Fluke authorized resellers shall extend this warranty on new and unused products to end-user customers only but
have no authority to extend a greater or different warranty on behalf of Fluke. Warranty support is available only if
product is purchased through a Fluke authorized sales outlet or Buyer has paid the applicable international price.
Fluke reserves the right to invoice Buyer for importation costs of repair/replacement parts when product purchased
in one country is submitted for repair in another country.
Fluke's warranty obligation is limited, at Fluke's option, to refund of the purchase price, free of charge repair, or
replacement of a defective product which is returned to a Fluke authorized service center within the warranty
period.
To obtain warranty service, contact your nearest Fluke authorized service center to obtain return authorization
information, then send the product to that service center, with a description of the difficulty, postage and insurance
prepaid (FOB Destination). Fluke assumes no risk for damage in transit. Following warranty repair, the product will
be returned to Buyer, transportation prepaid (FOB Destination). If Fluke determines that failure was caused by
neglect, misuse, contamination, alteration, accident, or abnormal condition of operation or handling, including
overvoltage failures caused by use outside the product's specified rating, or normal wear and tear of mechanical
components, Fluke will provide an estimate of repair costs and obtain authorization before commencing the work.
Following repair, the product will be returned to the Buyer transportation prepaid and the Buyer will be billed for the
repair and return transportation charges (FOB Shipping Point).
THIS WARRANTY IS BUYER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. FLUKE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY
SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, INCLUDING LOSS OF
DATA, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR THEORY.
Since some countries or states do not allow limitation of the term of an implied warranty, or exclusion or limitation
of incidental or consequential damages, the limitations and exclusions of this warranty may not apply to every
buyer. If any provision of this Warranty is held invalid or unenforceable by a court or other decision-maker of
competent jurisdiction, such holding will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.
11/99
Fluke Corporation
P.O. Box 9090
Everett, WA 98206-9090
U.S.A.
Fluke Europe B.V
P.O. Box 1186
5602 BD Eindhoven
The Netherlands
The Fluke Calibration 4180, 4181 Precision Infrared Calibrator (The Product) is a portable instrument
or bench-top temperature calibrator used to calibrate point IR thermometers. The Product is small
enough to use in the field, and accurate enough to use in the lab.
The Product features:
•Rapid heating and cooling
•RS-232 interface capability
Built in programmable features include:
•Temperature scan rate control
•Eight set-point memory
•Adjustable readout in °C or °F
•Adjustable Emissivity
The temperature is accurately controlled by the digital controller. The controller uses a precision
platinum RTD as a sensor and controls the surface temperature with a solid state relay (triac) driven
heater (4181) and FET driven Peltier modules (4180).
The LCD (display) continuously shows the current temperature. The temperature is easily set with the
control buttons to any desired temperature within the specified range. The Product's multiple fault
protection devices ensure user and Product safety and protection.
With proper use, the Product will provide continued accurate calibration of IR temperature
measurement devices. Familiarize yourself with the safety guidelines and operating procedures of the
Product. See Safety Information.
•Do not force cool the surface. The surface should not be cooled by any method other
than natural convection. Forced air can often have oil or water in it. Even water can
leave mineral deposits on the surface. Trying to cool the surface too quickly can also
cause thermal shock to the emissive surface.
•Do not use liquid nitrogen (LN2) to quick cool the target.
•Do not plug the Product into 230 V if the fuse holder reads 115 V. This action will
cause the fuses to blow and may damage the Product.
•Component lifetime can be shortened by continuous high temperature operation.
•Do not change the values of the calibration constants from the factory set values.
Calibration constants shall only be changed by qualified and authorized personnel.
The correct setting of these parameters is important to the safety and proper
operation of the Product.
•Use a ground fault interrupt device.
•Always operate this Product at room temperatures as stated in Specifications and
Environmental Conditions.
•The Product is a precision instrument. Handle the Product with care. It is important to
keep the calibration well and the IR target surface clean and clear of any foreign
matter.
•If a main supply power fluctuation occurs, immediately turn off the Product. Wait until
the power has stabilized before re-energizing the Product.
•Always carry the Product in an upright position. The convenient pull-up handle allows one hand carrying.
•Do not operate the instrument in excessively wet, oily, dusty, or dirty environments.
•DO NOT operate near flammable materials.
•Use the target cover at temperatures below ambient (25 °C). If ice or liquid water
forms on the target, IR thermometers will not indicate the correct temperature.
Service Information
Contact an authorized Fluke Calibration Service Center if the Product needs calibration or repair during
the warranty period. See Contact Fluke Calibration. Please have Product information such as the
purchase date and serial number ready when you schedule a repair.
Unpack the Product carefully and inspect it for any damage that may have occurred during shipment. If
there is shipping damage, notify the carrier immediately.
Verify that these components are present:
•4180, 4181 IR Calibrator Report of Calibration
•4180, 4181 Safety Information
•Power Cord
•Target Cover
•Serial Cable
Specifications and Environmental Conditions
Specifications
Product specifications are in Table 1.
Table 1. Specifications
41804181
Temperature range
(@ 23 °C ambient, 0.95 emissivity)
Power
Display Accuracy
Stability
Uniformity
(12.7 cm (5.0 in) diameter of center of
target)
Uniformity
(5.08 cm (2.0 in) diameter of center of
target)
Heating time
Cooling time
Stabilization time10 min
Nominal emissivity
Thermometer emissivity
compensation range
Target diameter152.4 mm (6 in)
Computer interfaceRS-232
Size (HxWxD)
[1]
[2]
[3]
[3]
-15 °C to 120 °C
115 V ac (±10%),
50/60 Hz, 250 W
230 V ac (±10%),
50/60 Hz, 250 W
±0.40 °C at -15 °C
±0.40 °C at 0 °C
±0.50 °C at 50 °C
±0.50 °C at 100 °C
±0.55 °C at 120 °C
± 0.10 °C at -15 °C
± 0.05 °C at 0 °C
± 0.10 °C at 120 °C
±0.15 °C at -15 °C
±0.10 °C at 0 °C
±0.25 °C at 120 °C
±0.10 °C at -15 °C
±0.10 °C at 0 °C
±0.20 °C at 120 °C
15 min: -15 °C to 120 °C
14 min: 23 °C to 120 °C
15 min: 120 °C to 23 °C
20 min: 23 °C to -15 °C
35 °C to 500 °C
115 V ac (±10%),
50/60 Hz, 1100 W
230 V ac (±10%),
50/60 Hz, 1100 W
±0.35 °C at 35 °C
±0.50 °C at 100 °C
±0.70 °C at 200 °C
±1.20 °C at 350 °C
±1.60 °C at 500 °C
± 0.05 °C at 35 °C
± 0.20 °C at 200 °C
± 0.40 °C at 500 °C
± 0.10 °C at 35 °C
±0.50 °C at 200 °C
±1.00 °C at 500 °C
± 0.10 °C at 35 °C
±0.25 °C at 200 °C
±0.50 °C at 500 °C
Group 1: Equipment has intentionally generated and/or uses conductively-coupled radio
frequency energy that is necessary for the internal function of the equipment itself.
Class A: Equipment is suitable for use in all establishments other than domestic and
those directly connected to a low-voltage power supply network that supplies buildings
used for domestic purposes. There may be potential difficulties in ensuring
electromagnetic compatibility in other environments due to conducted and radiated
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
[1] For 8 μm to 14 μm spectral band thermometers with emissivity set between 0.9 and 1.0.
[2] The uniformity specification refers to how IR thermometers with different spot sizes both focused at the center of the target will measure the same
temperature.
[3] The target has a nominal emissivity of 0.95, however it is radiometrically calibrated to minimize emissivity related uncertainties.
[4] Due to physical limitations of the product, the maximum temperature of the 4181 is limited for emissivity settings greater than 0.95. See Table 5 for
more information.
disturbances.
Caution: This equipment is not intended for use in residential environments and may not
provide adequate protection to radio reception in such environments.
Korea (KCC) ...............................Class A Equipment (Industrial, Broadcasting, &
Class A: Equipment meets requirements for industrial electromagnetic wave equipment
and the seller or user should take notice of it. This equipment is intended for use in
business environments and not to be used in homes.
USA (FCC).................................. 47 CFR 15 subpart B. This product is considered an
IEC 61010-1: Overvoltage Category II, Pollution Degree 2
IEC 61010-2-010
Communication Equipment)
exempt device per clause 15.10
Environmental Conditions
Although the Product has optimum durability and trouble-free operation, it must be handled with care.
The Product should not be operated in an excessively dusty or dirty environment.
The Product will not heat, cool, or control until the SET PT. parameter is Enabled.
Place the Product on a flat surface with at least 15 cm (6 in) of free space around the Product.
Overhead clearance is required. Do not place under a cabinet or structure.
Plug the power cord of the Product into a mains outlet of the proper voltage, frequency, and current
capability (see Specifications and Environmental Conditions for power details). Confirm that the
nominal voltage corresponds to that indicated on the power entry model at the back of the Product.
Remove the target cover.
Power on the Product
Toggle the switch on the power entry module to turn on the power to the Product. After a brief self-test,
the controller should begin normal operation. The main screen appears within 30 seconds. If the
Product fails to operate, check the power connection. The display shows the target surface
temperature, and waits for user input before further operation.
Push SET PT. and use the arrow buttons to set the desired set-point temperature. Push ENTER to
save the set-point and enable the Product. After 5 seconds the Product starts to operate normally and
heat or cool to the designated set-point.
This section describes the exterior features of the Product. All interface buttons are found on the front
of the Product (see Table 2). Power and serial connections are on the back of the Product
(see Table 4).
Front Panel
Table 2 shows the front panel.
Table 2. Front Panel
.
The Display is a 240 x 160 pixel monochrome graphics LCD device with a bright
LED backlight. The display shows current control temperature, measurements,
status information, operating parameters, and softkey functions.
7
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
4180, 4181
Operators Manual
B
Table 2. Front Panel (cont.)
The SET PT. button enables the Product to heat or cool to a desired set-point. Until
SET PT. is enabled, the Product will not heat or cool. The Product is in a sleep state
for safety of the operator and Product.
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
The °C/°F button changes the displayed temperature units from °C to °F and °F to
°C.
The MENU button accesses all parameter and settings menus. From the main
menu, use the softkeys to access submenus and functions.
The EXIT button exits menus and cancels newly entered values.
The arrow buttons move the cursor on the display, change the display layout, and
adjusts the display contrast.
The ENTER button selects menus and accepts new values.
The Softkeys are the four buttons immediately below the display (F1 to F4). The
functions of the softkeys are indicated on the display above the buttons. The
function of the keys may change depending on the menu or function that is selected.
The block temperature indicator shows when it is safe to install the target cover. The
indicator illuminates when the target exceeds approximately 50 °C. The indicator
illuminates until the target cools to less than approximately 50 °C. If the Product is
disconnected from mains power, the indicator flashes until the target temperature is
less than approximately 50 °C.
Process Temperature - The most recent block temperature measurement is
shown in large digits.
The current set-point temperature.
The current infrared thermometer emissivity setting (IRT
The current calibration wavelength (CAL λ) selected. The wavelength band at
which the Product was calibrated.
Stability Status - A graph shows the current status of the stability of the Product.
Heating/Cooling Status - A bar graph indicates HEATING, COOLING, or CUT-
OUT. This status graph indicates the current level of heating or cooling if the
Product is not in cutout mode.
Softkey Functions (not shown) - The four sets of text at the bottom of the display
indicate the functions of the softkeys (F1-F4). These functions change with each
menu.
During Product setup and use, you are often required to enter or select parameters.
Editing windows appear on the display to show the values of parameters and
allow edits.
The fan is located in the center of the back of the Product. Do not obstruct the
airflow of the fan. Leave at least 6 inches of air flow around the Product.
The power supply cord attaches to the power-entry module. Plug the cord into
an ac mains supply appropriate for the voltage displayed on the power entry module
and as specified in Specifications and Environmental Conditions.
The power switch is located on the power-entry module of the Product.
The Product fuses are located inside the power-entry module of the Product. If
necessary, fuses must be replaced according to Specifications and Environmental
Conditions.
The serial (RS-232) interface can be used to transmit measurements and control
the operation of the Product.
Set the display to different languages depending on the configuration.
•European: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Chinese, Japanese
•Russian: Russian, English
Language Selection
The languages in the Menu system under the System Menu/Display Setup. Select the language to be
displayed with the left and right arrow buttons (see SYSTEM MENU in the Technical Guide). See
Figure 1.
Figure 1. Language Selection
Reset to English Language
F1 + F4 temporarily displays English, or returns to the selected language. The selected language
resumes after the power is switched off and on. To permanently select English, follow the instructions
in Language Selection.
Ice Buildup and Purge Procedure (4180 Only)
At the factory, the Product calibration is done with the target free of any ice or moisture. Ice or moisture
on the target changes the emissivity of the target and apparent temperature. If there is any ice or
moisture (even though it is a slight amount) on the target, the display temperature accuracy is invalid.
In addition, ice buildup can damage the surface coating causing the radiometric calibration to drift.
Always avoid ice buildup. To facilitate this, use the cover with a purge inlet provided with the Product.
Fluke Calibration recommends that the target cover be used at any set-point below the dew point.
Depending on the ambient humidity of the environment where the target is used, the dew point can be
as high as the ambient temperature of that environment.
Purge Procedure
The Cover allows the target to be used at temperatures below the dew point. The target is less likely to
form ice while the target is covered. The target cover has a purge inlet to further prevent ice buildup. To
use the purge, the user needs a 6 mm (0.25 in) outside diameter tube. Connect tubing to the purge inlet
on the target cover. Use a dry gas for the purge. This means the gas should have a dew point
<-15 °C. Fluke Calibration recommends nitrogen or dried air. If the gas contains any water vapor, ice or
moisture will form on the target. Use a relatively-low flow rate of 2.4 liters/min to 4.8 liters/min (5 CFH to
10 CFH) for the purge.
Do not leave the target uncovered for more than 5 seconds, since it can cause ice to form on the target.
To make measurements below the dew point:
1. Put the target cover in place.
2. Adjust the set-point to the desired temperature and allow the instrument to stabilize at that
temperature.
3. Remove the target cover when the target stabilizes.
4. Take a sample.
5. Replace the target cover.
Remove the Ice Buildup on the Target
If a small amount of ice has formed, place the cover back on the target and allow the purge gas to
sublime the ice. If there is more ice or you do not have a purge available, change the Product set-point
to a temperature equal to or greater than 50 °C with the target uncovered. Allow all ice to melt and all
water to dry before returning target to use. Do not wipe the target.
Set the Emissivity of the IR Thermometer
The Product is calibrated with a radiometric calibration. This calibration is done with a highly accurate
IR thermometer. This IR thermometer emissivity setting is 0.950 during Product calibration. When you
calibrate IR thermometers with the Product, it is best practice to use an IR thermometer emissivity
setting of 0.950. Some IR thermometers do not have an adjustable emissivity setting. Most of these will
have emissivity set at 0.95. In either case, the apparent emissivity setting of the Product should also be
set to 0.95. Due to safety issues and the physical limits of the instrument, temperature range of the
instrument may be limited from the specified range when using an emissivity setting other than 0.95. A
table of this limitation is shown in Table 5.
If the IR thermometer does not have an emissivity setting of 0.95, the Product allows adjustment of
emissivity (IRT
access IRT
ɛ, from 0.90 to 1.00). Refer to Forced Air and Convection for information on how to
If uncertain of the emissivity setting of the IR thermometer you are calibrating, consult your IR
thermometer's User's Guide or your IR thermometer's manufacturer.
Table 5. Apparent Temperature Limits
41804181
ɛ
0.90120.0-15.0500.035.0
0.91120.0-15.0500.035.0
0.92120.0-15.0500.035.0
0.93120.0-15.0500.035.0
0.94120.0-15.0500.035.0
0.95120.0-15.0500.035.0
0.96119.2-14.5496.635.0
0.97118.4-14.0493.235.0
0.98117.6-13.5489.835.0
0.99116.8-13.0486.435.0
1.00116.0-12.5483.035.0
HI (°C)LO (°C)HI (°C)LO (°C)
Forced Air and Convection
Since the Product has a large surface area, a major component of the temperature uncertainty is
caused by changes in convection. Because of this, keep the Product away from areas with large
amounts of air flow or drafts.
ENTER <enable control of the instrument> F1 – SELECT PRESET <1-8> <select> F1 – EDIT PRESET <1-8> <edit> F4 – SAVE/DISABLE <disables control of the instrument>
ºC / ºF- Units: <°C, °F>
Up/ Down Arrow Buttons <contrast adjust> <toggle>
Up : Lighter
Down : Darker
F1 and F4 (simultaneiously) <reset to English language>
rebmun euqinu a yb detneserper si margorp hcaE >tceles< >8 , … ,1< :MARGORP
)rebmun ledom retemomreht a tneserper yam( eman margorP >tide< :EMAN
F1EDIT PROGram
>ylno weiv< :MARGORP
>ylno weiv< :EMAN
TRI
: <edit> The emissivity setting of the thermometer to be calibrated
noitarbilac gnirud tegrat ot retemomreht morf ecnatsiD >sretemitnec< >tide< :ECNATSID
noitarbilac gnirud deriuqer si erutrepa lanretxe na taht setacidni seY >tceles< >ON ,SEY< :ERUTREPA
erutarepmet fo rebmun ehT >tide< >8-1< :SPETS set po
ints used in the calibration program
>tide< :1 TNIOPTES
>tide< :2 TNIOPTES
>tide< :3 TNIOPTES
>tide< :4 TNIOPTES
>tide< :5 TNIOPTES
>tide< :6 TNIOPTES
>tide< :7 TNIOPTES
>tide< :8 TNIOPTES
F2 PROGram OPTION
SETTLE TEST: <AUTO, LIMIT> <select> Criteria for determining when the temperature of the target is stable
SOAK MINUTES: <edit> Length of time in minutes at which the calibrator remains at the set point temperature
ADVANCE: <PROMPT,AUTO> <select> Choice of advancing to the next step in the program automatically or prompted by user
CYCLES: <edit> Number of times the calibrator repeats the ramp/soak program
F3 RUN PROGram
PROGRAM: <view only> Each program is represented by a unique number
NAME: <view only> Program name (usually a thermometer model number)
STATUS: <RUN, OFF> <select> Run indicates that a program is in process and Off indicates a program is not in progress.
If the Product appears to function abnormally, Table 6 may help to find and solve the problem. Several
possible problem conditions are described along with likely causes and solutions. If a problem arises,
read this section carefully and attempt to understand and solve the problem. If the Product seems
faulty or the problem cannot otherwise be solved, contact an Authorized Service Center for assistance.
Be sure to have the instrument model number, serial number, and voltage available.
Table 6. Troubleshooting, Problems, Causes and Solutions
ProblemCauses and Solutions
Check the fuses. If a fuse blows, it may be due to a
power surge or a component failure. Replace the fuse
once. DO NOT replace the fuse with one of a higher
current rating. Always replace the fuse with one of the
The Product does not power up
same rating, voltage, and type. If the fuse blows a second
time, it is likely caused by failure of a component part.
Power Cord. Check that the power cord is plugged in and
connected to the instrument.
AC Mains Power. Insure the circuit supplying power to the
instrument is on.
The display is blank
The Product powers up: 4180 – fan
turns on, 4181 – the power relay clicks,
but the display remains blank
The Product heats slowly
If the display shows an abnormal
temperature
If the display shows cutout
Apparent Temperature is not the
displayed temperature OR Incorrect
temperature reading
Contrast. Check the screen contrast. Toggle the down
arrow key to see if the screen contrast lightens.
If the contrast is not the issue, contact an Authorized
Customer Service Center.
Scan Rate. Check the Scan Rate settings. The Scan
Rate may be set with too low a rate per minute for the
current application.
The sensor is disconnected, open or shorted. Contact a
Service Center for further instructions.
Cutout. If the Product exceeds the temperature set in the
soft cutout menu or if it exceeds the maximum operating
temperature of the Product a cutout condition occurs. If
this happens, the unit enters cutout mode and will not
actively heat or cool until the user issues this command to
clear the cutout or resets the instrument using the SET
PT. key to clear the cutout mode and activate the Product.
Reset. The software cutout may need to be adjusted for
the application. Check and adjust the cutout setting by
entering CUTOUT menu: MENU|TEMPSETUP|CUTOUT.
Operating Parameters. Ensure that all operating
parameters for the Product match the Report of
Certification that was sent with the Product.
Electrical Interference. Look for sources of electrical
interference, such as motors, welders, or RF-generating
equipment nearby, or ground loops.