Martel Electronics PSC-4010 Operating Manual

PSC4010

Reference Manual

PSC4010
Reference Manual

1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

1.1 Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

1.2 Standard Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

1.3 Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

2. Calibrator Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

2.1 Main Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

2.2 Menu Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

2.3 Cursor control / Setpoint control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

3. Using Measure Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

3.1 Measuring volts, millivolts and frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

3.2 Measuring mA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

3.3 Measuring mA with Loop Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

4. Using Source Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

4.1 Setting 0% and 100% Output Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

4.2 Using the Automatic Output Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

4.3 Sourcing mA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

4.4 Simulating a Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

4.5 Sourcing volts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

4.6 Sourcing millivolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

4.7 Sourcing frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

4.8 Sourcing a pulse train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

5. Remote Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

5.1 Setting up the RS-232 Port for Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

5.2 Changing Between Remote and Local Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

5.3 Using Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

5.4 Remote Commands and Error Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

5.5 Entering Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

6. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

7. Maintenance / Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

7.1 Replacing Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

7.2 Cleaning the Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

7.3 Service Center Calibration or Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

7.4 Replacement Parts & Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

7.5 Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

1

1. Introduction

The Martel PSC4010 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 graphics display. The display can be used to source and measure volts, current,
frequency, and to source pulse trains.

• Five setpoints in each range for increasing/decreasing output

• An interactive menu

• Complete RS232 interface for remote control

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:

PSC4010 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.

2

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.

• 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.

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.

3

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

V, Hz pulse train

3,4 Source/Measure Terminals for sourcing and measuring current

mA terminals

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

4

2

1

5

4

3

F1 F2 F3

CE ENTER

89

4

1

–

5

2

0

6

3

.

7

HOME

Figure 1. Input/Output Terminals

5

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

F1

89

4

1

–

5

2

0

6

3

.

F2 F3

7

CE ENTER

5

3

4

2

1

HOME

Figure 2. Keypad

mA IN -25.00%

MENU

0.000 mA

LIGHT

1

3

4

2

6

The display of the calibrator is shown in Figure 3.

The menu bar is used to setup the 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 are: VOLTS, FREQ (frequency), PULSE,
mA, mA IN LOOP and mA 2W SIM.

2 Input/Output control Switches between input mode (read), and output mode

(source).

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

Available options for FREQ and PULSE are CPM, Hz, or KHz

4 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.

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.

7

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 two active options [CONFIG] and [MORE].

Choosing [CONFIG] calls up the parameter selection menu. [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 PSC4010 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.

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 calibrator 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

CONFIG MORE

8

[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.

The parameter selection menu is called up when [CONFIG] 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.

9

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

MENU

LIGHT

MENU

MENU

MENU

Home Menu

Home Menu

Home Menu

Home Menu

CONFIG

Selection Menu

MORE

SELECT

Parameter Selection

NEXT DONE

FREQ LEVEL

Frequency Level

NEXT DONE

If calibrator is in
Frequency Out
or Pulse mode

CONTRAST

Contrast Menu

NEXT DONE

AUTO OFF

Auto Off Menu

NEXT DONE

LIGHT

LIGHT

LIGHT

AUTO FUNC

Auto Function Menu

NEXT DONE

If calibrator is in
Source mode