Martel Electronics MC1200 User Manual

MC1200

Reference Manual

1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

1.1 Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

1.2 Standard Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

1.3 Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

2. Calibrator Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

2.1 Main Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

2.2 Menu Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

2.3 Cursor Control / Setpoint Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

3. Using Measure Modes (Lower Display) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

3.1 Measuring Volts and Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

3.2 Measuring mA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

3.3 Measuring Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

3.4 Measuring Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

4. Using Source Modes (Lower Display) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

4.1 Setting 0 % and 100 % Output Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

4.2 Using the Automatic Output Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

4.3 Sourcing mA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

4.3-1 HART™ Resistor Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

4.4 Simulating a Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

4.5 Sourcing Volts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

4.6 Sourcing Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

4.7 Sourcing a Pulse Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

4.8 Sourcing Thermocouples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

4.9 Sourcing Ohms/RTDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

5. Using Isolated Measure Modes (Upper Display) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

5.1 Measuring Volts and mA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

5.2 Measuring Current with Loop Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

5.2-1 HART™ Resistor Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

5.3 Measuring Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

6. Using the Upper and the Lower Display for Calibration and Testing . . . . . . . . . . .25

6.1 Testing an Input or Indicating Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

6.2 Calibrating an I/P Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

6.3 Calibrating a Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

6.4 Calibrating a Pressure Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

7. Remote Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

7.1 Setting up the RS-232 Port for Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

7.2 Changing Between Remote and Local Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

7.3 Using Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

7.4 Remote Commands and Error Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

7.5 Entering Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

8. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

9. Maintenance / Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

2

3

1. Introduction

The Martel MC1200 Multifunction Process Calibrator is a handheld, battery-operated
instrument that measures and sources electrical and physical parameters. The calibrator has
the following features and functions:

• A dual display. The upper display is used for the measurement of volts, current, and
pressure. The lower display can be used to measure volts, current, pressure, resistance
temperature detectors (RTDs), thermocouples, frequency, and resistance, and to source
pulse trains

• A thermocouple (TC) input/output terminal with automatic reference-junction temperature
compensation.

• Five setpoints in each range for increasing/decreasing output

• An interactive menu

• Complete RS232 interface for remote control

• Isolated read back for transmitter calibration.

1.1 Customer Service

Corporate Office:

www.martelcorp.com

e-mail: [e-mail]

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Martel Electronics

3 Corporate Park Dr.

Derry, NH 03038

1.2 Standard Equipment

Check to see if your calibrator is complete. It should include:
MC1200 Calibrator, Instruction Manual, Test Leads, Rubber Boot, NIST Certificate

1.3 Safety information

Symbols Used

The following table lists the International Electrical Symbols. Some or all of these symbols
may be used on the instrument or in this manual.

Symbol Description

AC (Alternating Current)

AC-DC

Battery

CE Complies with European Union Directives

DC

Double Insulated

Electric Shock

Fuse

PE Ground

Hot Surface (Burn Hazard)

Read the User’s Manual (Important Information)

Off

On

Canadian Standards Association

The following definitions apply to the terms “Warning” and “Caution”.

• “Warning” identifies conditions and actions that may pose hazards to the user.

• “Caution” identifies conditions and actions that may damage the instrument being used.
Use the calibrator only as specified in this manual, otherwise injury and damage to the

calibrator may occur.

4

Warning

To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury:

• Do not apply more than the rated voltage. See specifications for supported ranges.

• Follow all equipment safety procedures.

• Never touch the probe to a voltage source when the test leads are plugged into the current
terminals.

• Do not use the calibrator if it is damaged. Before you use the calibrator, inspect the case.
Look for cracks or missing plastic. Pay particular attention to the insulation surrounding the
connectors.

• Select the proper function and range for your measurement.

• Make sure the battery cover is closed and latched before you operate the calibrator.

• Remove test leads from the calibrator before you open the battery door.

• Inspect the test leads for damaged insulation or exposed metal. Check test leads continuity.
Replace damaged test leads before you use the calibrator.

• When using the probes, keep your fingers away from the probe contacts. Keep your fingers
behind the finger guards on the probes.

• Connect the common test lead before you connect the live test lead. When you disconnect
test leads, disconnect the live test lead first.

• Do not use the calibrator if it operates abnormally. Protection may be impaired. When in
doubt, have the calibrator serviced.

• Do not operate the calibrator around explosive gas, vapor, or dust.

• When using a pressure module, make sure the process pressure line is shut off and
depressurized before you connect it or disconnect it from the pressure module.

• Disconnect test leads before changing to another measure or source function.

• When servicing the calibrator, use only specified replacement parts.

• To avoid false readings, which could lead to possible electric shock or personal injury,
replace the battery as soon as the battery indicator appears.

• To avoid a violent release of pressure in a pressurized system, shut off the valve and slowly
bleed off the pressure before you attach the pressure module to the pressure line.

Caution

To avoid possible damage to calibrator or to equipment under test:

• Use the proper jacks, function, and range for your measurement or sourcing application.

• To avoid mechanically damaging the pressure module, never apply more than 10 ft-lb. of
torque between the pressure module fittings, or between the fittings an the body of the module.

• To avoid damaging the pressure module from overpressure, never apply pressure above
the rated maximum printed on the module.

• To avoid damaging the pressure module from corrosion, use it only with specified materials.
Refer to the pressure module documentation for material compatibility.

5

2. Calibrator Interface

Figure 1 shows the location of the input and output connections on the calibrator, while Table
1 describes their use.

Table 1: Input and Output Terminals

No. Name Description

1, 2 Measure Isolated V, Input terminals for measuring current, voltage, and supplying

mA terminals loop power.

3 TC input/output Terminal for measuring, or simulating thermocouples. Accepts

miniature polarized thermocouple plugs with flat in-line blades
spaced 7.9 mm (0.312 in) center to center.

4,5 Source/Measure Terminals for sourcing and measuring voltage, frequency,

V,RTD 2W, Hz, pulse train, and RTDs

6,7 Source/Measure Terminals for sourcing and measuring current, and performing

mA terminals, 3W 4W RTD measurements with 3-wire or 4-wire setups.

8 Pressure module connector Connects calibrator to a pressure module for pressure meas-

urements.

9 Serial port Connects calibrator to a PC for remote control.

6

Figure 1. Input/Output Terminals

7

Figure 2 shows the location of the keys on the calibrator. Table 2 lists the functions of each
key.

Table 2. Key Functions

No. Name Function

1 Function Keys F1, F2, F3 Used to operate the menu bar at the bottom of the calibrator

display. F1 is used for selecting options in the left box, F2 for

the center box, and F3 for the right box.
2 Home Returns to home menu on the menu bar.
3 Power Turns calibrator on and off.
4 Cursor Control Key Left and right arrow keys are used to select which decade to

be changed in output value. Up and down arrow keys are used

to increase, decrease, or ramp output value.
5 Numeric Keypad Allows user to enter Numeric values.

2.1 Main Display

Figure 3. Display

Figure 2. Keypad

The display of the calibrator, shown in Figure 3, is divided into three main sections: the upper
display, the lower display, and the menu bar.

The upper display is used for measuring dc voltage, dc current with and without loop power,
and pressure.

The lower display can be used for both measuring and sourcing.
The menu bar is used to setup both the upper and the lower display to perform the desired

function.
Table 3 explains the different parts of the display:

Table 3: Display Functions

No. Name Description

1 Primary Parameters Determine what parameter is going to be measured or

sourced.
The available options for the upper display are:VOLTS IN,
PRESSURE, mA IN, and mA LOOP.
The available options for the lower display are:VOLTS, TC
(thermocouple), RTD, FREQ (frequency), PULSE, PRESSURE,
mA, and mA 2W SIM.

2 Input/Output control Switches the lower display between input mode (read), and

output mode (source).

3 Additional Settings Available only for TC (thermocouple), and RTD measurements.

For TC this setting turns the CJC (Cold Junction Connection)
on and off.
For RTD measure [RTD IN], this setting sets the number of
wires used in the measurement (2-wire, 3-wire, or 4-wire)

4 Span Indicator Available only for mA and mA LOOP. Shows where in the preset

span the measured value falls. Fixed for mA at 4 (0%) and 20
(100%).

5 Units Shows what unit the measurement or source value is in.

Available options are for RTD and TC (°C or °F), and for FREQ
and PULSE (CPM, Hz, or KHz)

6 Sensor Types Allow for measurements to be made for different types of RTDs

and TCs. All types are shown in the Specifications. Also, dis­plays the amplitude of the pulse and frequency source, and
pressure units.

7 Numeric Displays Display the numeric values of the signal being measured, or

sourced. An “OL” reading indicates an out of range or overload
condition.

2.2 Menu Bar

The parameters on the display are controlled by the menu bar, which is located at the bottom
of the LCD. The function keys (F1, F2, and F3) are used to navigate through all the levels and
choices of the menu bar. Refer to the menu tree for a clarification on the layout of all the
levels.

The top level of the menu is the home menu. It can be accessed anytime by pressing the
HOME key. There are three variations of the home menu: the input home menu, the output
home menu, and the pulse home menu.

8

9

In the input home menu the only active options are [MENU] and [LIGHT]. The [MENU] option
is used to enter the next level of the menu bar, the main menu. Press the corresponding
function key (F1) to enter the main menu. The [LIGHT] option is used to turn on the LCD
back light. Press the corresponding function key (F2) to turn on the back light.

In the output home menu there are three active options, [MENU], [LIGHT] and [STEP] or
[RAMP]. The first two options work the same as in the input home menu. The third option is
selectable in the Auto Function Menu and is used to turn on and off the selected auto
function. See Section 4.2, Using the Automatic Output Functions. Also leaving this menu or
pressing the Home button will stop the auto functions.

The pulse home menu also has three active options, [MENU], [TRIG], and [COUNTS]. The
[TRIG] and [COUNTS] options are used for pulse simulation. The function of these options is
explained in Section 4.2-6 (Sourcing a Pulse).

The next level of the menu bar is the main menu. The levels under the main menu depend on
what mode the calibrator is in.

The main menu has three active options [UPPER], [LOWER], and [MORE].
Choosing [UPPER] calls up the parameter selection menu for the upper display. Choosing

[LOWER] calls up the parameter selection menu for the lower display. [MORE] enters the next
menu level.

The Auto Function Menu is the next menu if you are in source mode. Its options are [AUTO
FUNC], [NEXT] and [DONE]. [AUTO FUNC] allows you to adjust the Automatic Output
Function parameters. [NEXT] proceeds to the next menu level and [DONE] returns to the
home menu. See Section 4.2,Using the Automatic Output Functions.

The contrast menu is usually the next menu level. Its options are [CONTRAST], [NEXT], and
[DONE]. The [CONTRAST] option is used to adjust contrast. [NEXT] proceeds to the auto off
main menu, and [DONE] returns to home menu. Contrast is adjusted using the arrow options,
which are available after choosing [CONTRAST].

NOTE: The MC1200 calibrator offers a wide range contrast adjustment feature to
accommodate operation in extreme temperatures.

In certain cases making large changes in contrast may render the display difficult to read
under normal conditions. If this occurs and the display is too dim or dark to read, proceed
with the following process to set the contrast back to a default setting.

10

1. Turn on the unit while holding down the “HOME” key.

2. Hold the key down for a count of 10 seconds to restore contrast default settings.
If the display is so dim that you cannot tell if the unit is on or off, use the backlight key to

determine if the power is on or off.

The auto off main menu contains the options [AUTO OFF], [NEXT], and [DONE].
The [AUTO OFF] option is used to turn the automatic shutoff on and off and set the amount of

time the unit needs to stay dormant to shut off. [NEXT] and [DONE] both return to home menu.

When the lower display is in the frequency or pulse mode, the frequency level menu is added
after the main menu. The options available in this menu are [FREQ LEVEL], [NEXT], and
[DONE]. The [FREQ LEVEL] option is used to adjust the amplitude of the wave. [NEXT] is
used to access the contrast main menu, and [DONE] returns to the home menu.

When the calibrator is in RTD CUSTOM mode, the RTD custom setup menu, is inserted after
the main menu. Options [SET CUSTOM], [NEXT], and [DONE] are available. [SET CUSTOM]
is used to enter a custom PRT into the calibrator. Refer to Section 4.1-8a for instructions.
[NEXT] is used to enter the contrast main menu, and [DONE] to return to the home menu.

The pressure zeroing main menu is the final variation to choosing [MORE] in the main menu.
It has the options [ZERO ], used to zero pressure, [NEXT] and [DONE], which have the

same function as above. Refer to the Section 5.3 for instructions on zeroing.

The parameter selection menu is called up when [UPPER] or [LOWER] is selected from the
main menu. It contains the following options: [SELECT], [NEXT], and [DONE]. When the
display is selected, a parameter will start to flash. Use the [SELECT] option to change the
parameter, and the [NEXT] option to switch to another variable. [DONE] returns to the home
menu and enables the selected mode.

11

2.3 Cursor control / Setpoint control

The output value can be controlled by the four cursor control arrows on the keypad. By
pressing one of the arrows a cursor will be added to the display under the last digit of the
output value. The left and right arrow keys are used to select which decade to be changed in
the output value. The up and down arrow keys are used to increase, decrease, or ramp the
output value.

The menu bar will change to the setpoint menu with the touch of any one of the four arrow
keys.

The three function keys are associated with 0, 25, and 100% values, respectively. 0 and 100%
values can be stored by entering a value and then holding down the corresponding function
key. The 25% key will then automatically step through the 25% values.

Figure 4. The Menu Tree

12

3. Using Measure Modes (Lower Display)

3.1 Measuring volts and frequency

Electrical parameters volts and frequency can be measured using the lower display. To make
the desired measurements, follow these steps:

1. Switch to the lower display [LOWER] from Main Menu.

2. Select the desired parameter for measurement.

3. Connect leads as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5. Measuring Volts and Frequency with Input/Output Terminals

3.2 Measuring mA

To measure mA follow these steps:

1. Switch to lower display and select mA.

2. Make sure the input/output control is set to IN.

3. Connect leads as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6. Measuring mA with Input/Output Terminals

3.3 Measuring Temperature

3.3-1 Using Thermocouples

The calibrator supports the following
thermocouple types: B, C, E, J, K, L, N, R, S, T,
U, BP, and XK. The characteristics of all the
types are described in Specifications section.
The calibrator also has a Cold Junction
Compensation (CJC) function. Normally this
function should be ON and the actual
temperature of the thermocouple will be
measured. With CJC OFF, the calibrator will measure the difference between the
thermocouple at the junction and at its TC input terminal.

Note: CJC off mode should only be used when calibration is being done using an external
ice bath.

To use the thermocouple to measure temperature, follow these steps:

1. Attach the thermocouple leads to the TC miniplug, and insert the plug into the
input/output of the calibrator, as in Figure 7.

Note: For best accuracy wait 2 to 5 minutes for the temperature between the miniplug and
the calibrator to stabilize before any measurements are taken.

2. Switch to lower display from Main Menu.

3. Select TC from the primary parameters. Choose [IN] in the input/output control, and than
the thermocouple type from the sensor types. The temperature unit may also be changed
from Celsius to Fahrenheit.

The calibrator can also measure the mV of a Thermocouple, which can be used along with a
table in case the corresponding TC type is not supported by the calibrator. To do so, proceed
as above and choose mV from sensor types.

Figure 7. Measuring Temperature Using Thermocouple Terminals

3.3-2 Using Resistance-Temperature-Detectors (RTDs)

The supported types of RTDs are shown in Section 8. Specifications. RTDs are
characterized by their 0°C resistance, R0. The calibrator accepts two, three, and four wire
inputs, with four wire input being the most accurate.

To use the RTD option, apply the following steps:

1. Switch to lower display [LOWER] from Main Menu.

2. Select RTD from the primary parameters. Select [IN] from input/output control.

13

Note: The TC wire
used must match the
thermocouple type
being calibrated.

3. Choose 2, 3, or 4-wire connection [2W, 3W, 4W]. (4-wire allows for the most precise
measurement)

4. Select RTD type from the sensor types.

5. Attach RTD leads as shown in Figure 8.

Figure 8. Measuring Temperature with RTD Connection

Resistance can also be measured using this function. To do so, use the above procedure
and choose OHMS from the sensor types. This option can be used along with a table to
measure an RTD which is not programmed into the calibrator.

3.4 Measuring Pressure

Note: The Martel Pressure Module connector 700mA needs to be purchased to connect
pressure module to calibrator.

Note: The MC1200 is compatible with BETA Calibrator Pressure Modules. The accessory
BPPA-100 is required for pressure measurement.

Note: Pressure is not read from modules with frequency or pulse train mode enabled.
Note: On high pressure modules engineering units normally associated with low pressure

ranges such as, inH2O, cmH2O, etc. are not valid selections. Selecting one of this units with a
high pressure module attached will cause the display to read "----".

Warning!

To avoid a violent release of pressure in a pressurized system, shut off the valve and slowly
bleed off the pressure before you attach the pressure module to the pressure line.

Caution

To avoid mechanically damaging the pressure module, never apply more than 10 ft-lb. of
torque between the pressure module fittings, or between the fittings an the body of the module.

To avoid damaging the pressure module from overpressure, never apply pressure above the
rated maximum printed on the module.

To avoid damaging the pressure module from corrosion, use it only with specified materials.
Refer to the pressure module documentation for material compatibility.

14

15

To measure pressure, follow these steps:

1. Connect the pressure module to the calibrator as shown in Figure 9. using the 700mA
pressure module adapter.

The calibrator can measure pressure on both the upper and the lower display. This
makes it possible to measure pressure in two different units at the same time.

Note: Make sure the calibrator is on before you plug in the pressure module.

2. Switch to either upper or lower display from the Main Menu.

3. Select [PRESSURE] from the primary parameters.

4. Select the desired measuring unit.

5. Zero the pressure module. The zero function on the calibrator can be found in the
pressure zeroing menu.

Figure 9. Connections for Measuring Pressure

3.4-1 Zeroing with Absolute Pressure Modules.

To zero, adjust the calibrator to read a known pressure, such as barometric pressure.
To adjust the calibrator, follow these steps:

1. Enter the pressure zeroing menu.

2. Select [ZERO ]. [SET REFERENCE ABOVE] will appear. Enter the pressure

using the keypad.

3. The calibrator stores the Barometric zero offset in non-volatile memory.
The zero offset is stored for one absolute pressure module at a time. If a new absolute

module is connected this process must be repeated.