Metrix MTX 3290, MTX 3291, ASYC-IV MTX 3290, ASYC-IV MTX 3291 Operating Instructions Manual

Portable multimeters

with digital display

ASYC-IV

MTX 3290 - 6000 cts
MTX 3291- 60000 cts

Operating instructions

Pôle Test et Mesure CHAUVIN ARNOUX

Parc des Glaisins - 6, avenue du Pré de Challes

F - 74940 ANNECY-LE-VIEUX

Tel. [phone] - Fax [phone]

X04065A02 - Ed. 01 - 06/14

General directions

2 6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters

Contents

General directions ............................................................................................................................................ 3

Introduction, Precautions and safety measures ............................................................................................................. 3

Special functions ........................................................................................................................................................... 4

Symbols on the instrument ............................................................................................................................................ 5

Warranty, Maintenance, metrological verification, Repair under warranty ..................................................................... 6

Maintenance .................................................................................................................................................................. 7

Replacing the fuse ......................................................................................................................................................... 7

Rechargeable and primary batteries ............................................................................................................................. 7

Communication interface ............................................................................................................................................... 7

Description of the instruments .........................................................................................................................

MTX 3290 frontal panel, back, terminal block................................................................................................................ 8

MTX 3291 frontal panel, back, terminal block................................................................................................................ 9

Display unit .................................................................................................................................................................. 10

Switch .......................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Keypad ........................................................................................................................................................................ 15

Getting started ................................................................................................................................................ 18

Preparation for use ...................................................................................................................................................... 18

Functional description ................................................................................................................................... 19

1. MAX MIN AVG mode .............................................................................................................................................. 19

2. PEAK mode ............................................................................................................................................................. 22

3. ΔREL mode ............................................................................................................................................................. 23

4. "CLAMP" function .................................................................................................................................................... 25

Functions of the switch and keys ................................................................................................................................. 26

How are the various quantities measured? ................................................................................................. 28

1. Voltage measurement ............................................................................................................................................. 28

2. Current measurement ............................................................................................................................................. 29

3. Frequency measurement......................................................................................................................................... 31

4. Resistance measurement ........................................................................................................................................ 31

5. Audible continuity measurement ............................................................................................................................. 32

6. Diode test ................................................................................................................................................................ 32

7. Capacitance measurement...................................................................................................................................... 33

8. Temperature measurement ..................................................................................................................................... 34

9. Measurement on an MLI type speed variator .......................................................................................................... 35

10. Resistive power (MTX 3291) ................................................................................................................................. 37

11. dBm decibels in power (MTX 3291) ...................................................................................................................... 38

SX-DMM software ........................................................................................................................................... 39

Technical characteristics of MTX 3290 ........................................................................................................ 40

Technical characteristics of MTX 3291 ........................................................................................................ 50

General characteristics ................................................................................................................................. 61

Environmental conditions ............................................................................................................................................ 61

Power supply ............................................................................................................................................................... 61

Display ........................................................................................................................................................................ 61

Safety, CEM ................................................................................................................................................................ 61

Mechanical characteristics ........................................................................................................................... 61

Housing ....................................................................................................................................................................... 61

Supply ............................................................................................................................................................. 62

General directions

6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters 3

General directions

Introduction

Congratulations! You have just acquired a portable multimeter with a
display digital.

We thank you for this sign of confidence in the quality of our products.
The line of instruments to which it belongs comprises the following models:

MTX 3290 MTX 3291

Display digital, monochrome,

(70x52)

digital, monochrome,

backlit (70x52)

Power supply 4 R6 primary batteries (AA format) or 4 rechargeable batteries

Counts 6000 60000

Communication - IR/USB

It complies with safety standard NF EN 61010-1 + NF EN 61010-2-030
concerning electronic measuring instruments.

For best results, read this manual closely and observe the precautions of use.

Failure to observe these warnings and/or directions may damage the instrument
and/or its components and may endanger the user.

Precautions and
safety measures

• This instrument is been designed to be used as follows:

- indoors

- in an environment of pollution degree 2

- at an altitude of less than 2000m

- at a temperature between -10°C and 55°C

- at a relative humidity below 80% up to 31°C.

• The safety of any system incorporating the instrument is the responsibility

of the system integrator.

• Can be used for measurements on circuits:

- MTX 3290: 600V, CAT III and 300V, CAT IV.

- MTX 3291: 1000V CAT III and 600 CAT IV.
However, some accessories may lead to the use of this instrument on
circuits of a lower voltage and category.

before use

• Comply with the environmental and storage conditions.

• Check the integrity of the guards and insulation of the accessories. Any item

of which the insulation is deteriorated (even partially) must be removed from
service and scrapped. A change of colour of the insulation is a sign of
deterioration.

during use

• Read closely all notes preceded by the

symbol.

• As a safety measure, use only the appropriate leads and accessories
supplied with the instrument or approved by the manufacturer.

General directions

4 6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters

General directions (continued)

Safety feature

• It is impossible to open the battery or fuse compartment without first
disconnecting the measurement leads.

• During a measurement exceeding 60V

DC or 25VAC the symbol blinks on

the display unit

• Automatic detection of a connection to the "Ampere" terminal (for both
voltage and current measurements)

• When the maximum permanent voltage or current that can be measured is
exceeded, an intermittent audible signal warns of the risk of an electric
shock.

Features

protecting the

measurement

inputs

These multimeters have several features to protect them:

• varistor protection that clips transient voltage surges on the
measurement terminals.

• PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) protection against permanent
overvoltages less than or equal to 1000V during resistance,
capacitance, and diode test measurements.

This protection is reset automatically after the overload.

• a fuse that provides protection during current measurements.

- MTX 3290: 10A

- MTX 3291: 11A

Special functions

Automatic

detection

The number of input terminals is limited to 3: V, COM, A. Connecting the

lead to the "Ampere" terminal automatically selects the corresponding
function.

* When a change of function by the command keypad is

incompatible with the connection of the lead, it triggers an
audible or visual (LEADS) alert.

The current measurement is made with automatic peak range full-scale.
During a current measurement, an audible alert is triggered in the event of a
prolonged absence of current.

Automatic

switching off

If the function is validated ( ), the device is automatically switched off after
30 mn of operation if there has been no action on the front panel during this
time.

* Automatic switching off is disabled:

- in the MAX, MIN, AVG, PEAK Surveillance mode

- in the Communication mode

- if there is a voltage >60V

DC or 25VAC on the terminals of the

multimeter.

Warning

signals

An intermittent audible signal is emitted in all "Voltage" and "Current" settings if
the max. permanent value the device can measure is exceeded. It is

accompanied by display of the "O. L" acronym and of the

symbol on the

display unit.

This symbol is activated when the voltage on the "V" input exceeds 60V

DC or

25V

AC in the "Voltage" setting or when the current injected between the A and

COM terminals exceeds 10A.

General directions

6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters 5

General directions (continued)

Definitions of the

measurement

categories

CAT II: Test and measurement circuits directly connected to the points of use
of the low-voltage network (power outlets and other similar points).

E.g.: Measurements on the network circuits of household appliances, portable
tools, and similar devices.

CAT III: Test and measurement circuits connected to parts of the low-voltage
network of the building.

E.g.: Measurements on distribution panels (including secondary meters), circuit­breakers, wiring including cables, bus bars, branch boxes, disconnecting
switches, power outlets in the fixed installation, and industrial appliances and
other equipment, such as motors permanently connected to the fixed
installation.

CAT IV: Test and measurement circuits connected to the source of the low­voltage network of the building.

E.g.: Measurements on devices installed before the main fuse or the circuit­breaker of the building installation.

Warning! Using a measuring instrument, a lead, or an accessory belonging to a lower

measurement or voltage category derates the resulting system (instrument
+ leads + accessories) to the lowest measurement category and/or service
voltage of any of the components.

Symbols on the
instrument

Risk of electric shock: directions for connection and disconnection of the inputs.
Always connect the probes or adapters to the instrument before connecting
them to the measurement points. Always disconnect the probes or cords from
the measurement points before disconnecting them from the instrument. These
directions apply before the instrument is cleaned.

Warning: Hazard. The operator must refer to the manual each time this danger
symbol is encountered.

Device entirely protected by double insulation or reinforced insulation.

Earth

In the European Union, this product is subject to selective collection for the
recycling of electrical and electronic equipment waste in accordance with
Directive WEEE 2002/96/EC: this equipment must not be treated as ordinary
waste. The spent batteries must not be treated as ordinary waste. Take them in
to the appropriate collection point for recycling.

The CE marking indicates conformity with the European "Low Voltage", "EMC",
"WEEE" and "RoHS" directives.

USB (MTX 3291)

IP67

General directions

6 6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters

General directions (continued)

Warranty

This equipment is warranted for 3 years against any defect of materials or
workmanship, in accordance with the general terms of sale. During the
warranty period, the instrument may be repaired only by the manufacturer, who
reserves the right to repair the instrument or to replace it or part of it. If the
equipment is returned to the manufacturer, the cost of transport to the
manufacturer is borne by the customer.

The warranty does not apply following:

• improper use of the equipment or use in association with incompatible

equipment

• modification of the equipment without the explicit permission of the

manufacturer's technical staff

• maintenance done by a person not approved by the manufacturer

• adaptation to a particular application not anticipated in the definition of the

equipment or by the user manual

• a shock, a fall, or flooding.

Maintenance,
metrological
verification

Before opening the instrument, you must disconnect it from line power and
from the measurement circuits and make sure that you are not charged with
static electricity, which might destroy internal components. An adjustment,
maintenance, or repair of the live instrument must be undertaken only by
personnel who are qualified and have familiarized themselves with the
directions in this manual.

We recommend a verification of this instrument at least once a year. For
checking and calibration, contact one of our accredited metrology laboratories
(information and contact details available on request), at our Chauvin Arnoux
subsidiary or the branch in your country.

Unpacking,
repacking

All of the equipment has undergone mechanical and electrical checks before
being dispatched. When you receive it, carry out a quick check to detect any
deterioration that may have occurred during transport. Should the need arise,
immediately contact our sales department and notify the carrier of the customary
reservations.
Use the original packaging to reship the equipment, if possible. Indicate as
clearly as possible, by a note attached to the equipment, the reasons for the
transfer.

Repair
under warranty
and post warranty

For all repairs before or after expiry of warranty, please return the device to your
distributor.

General directions

6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters 7

General directions (continued)

Maintenance

• Disconnect everything connected to the instrument and press the ON/OFF

key (

).

• Use a soft cloth, moistened with soapy water.

• Rinse with a damp cloth and dry rapidly with a dry cloth or forced air.

• Make sure that no foreign objects interfere with the operation of the device

by which the leads are snapped into place.

Replacing
the fuse

y Before replacing the fuse (reached by
opening the bottom compartment), disconnect
the instrument from any source of current.
During the replacement, make sure that only a
fuse of the appropriate rating and specified
type is used. Using another type of fuse and
shorting the fuse holder are strictly forbidden.

y Checking the current fuse:
Fuse: SIBA/5019906
MTX 3291: 11A: 10x38 – 1,000V - F
breaking capacity: >20kA
MTX 3290: 10A: 6x32 - 600V - F
breaking capacity: >50kA

Rechargeable
and primary batteries

The multimeter is powered by primary or rechargeable batteries (see above).

To charge the rechargeable
batteries (set of 4 NI-MH LSD
batteries), use an external rapid
charger, available as an accessory

.

* After replacing the batteries,

wait 10s before switching the instrument back on.

Active
communication
interface
(MTX 3291 only)

The multimeter can communicate with a PC via the USB link.

The basic version includes a USB link using an isolated optical USB cord (type
HX0056Z) and SX-DMM software, plus Labview and Labwindows drivers to
program the devices.

* MTX 3291: They can also be programmed via the SCPI protocol:

- to program via Labview/LW

- to recover data or program the instrument using the software

- to calibrate the MTX 3291

Description of the instruments

8 6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters

Description of the instruments

MTX 3290

Frontal panel

Back

Prop

Terminal block

Optical connector:
not active !

Description of the instruments

6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters 9

Description of the instruments (continued)

MTX 3291

Frontal panel

Back

Prop

Terminal block

Optical connector: active!

Description of the instruments

10 6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters

Description of the instruments (continued)

Display unit

The display is in two parts:

• A digital display for convenient reading of the digits:

- main display unit: 12.7mm

- secondary display unit: 9.7mm

• The "bargraph" display (61 segments) with scale (indication of the
measurement range) for an analogue reading

Quantities

measured

• V

LowZ AC voltage measurement at low impedance (VLowZ)

• V

AC AC voltage measurement

• V

AC/DC DC or AC+DC voltage measurement at high impedance (V)

• A Current measurement A

• Hz Frequency measurement

•  Resistance measurement

• µF Capacitance measurement

• T° Temperature measurement

• ms Measurement of the period

• % Measurement of relative value

Units

• V Volt

• A Ampere

• Hz Hertz

•  Ohm

• F Farad

• °F Degree Fahrenheit

• °C Degree Celsius

• ms millisecond

• k kilo k-kHz

• M Mega M-MHz

• n nano nF

• µ micro µV-µA -µF

• m milli mV-mA -mF

• % Percentage

MTX3290

double 6,000-pts display

MTX 3291

double 60,000-pts display

Description of the instruments

6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters 11

Description of the instruments (continued)

Symbols Designation

AC

Measurement of the AC signal

DC

Measurement of the DC signal

AC+DC

Measurement of the AC and DC signal

AUTO

Automatic range switching

Δ REL

Values relative to a reference

REF

Reference value

HOLD

Storage and display of stored values

MAX MIN AVG

RMS value (surveillance)

MAX

Maximum RMS value

MIN

Minimum RMS value

AVG

Mean value

PEAK

Peak value

PEAK+

Maximum peak value

PEAK-

Minimum peak value

.run r.un ru.n

Capacitance meter, acquisition in progress

----- Frequency measurement impossible

O.L

Overshoot of the measurement capacities

USER

USER mode (on main display unit)

BASIC

BASIC mode (on main display unit)

Z

Hertz symbol (main display unit)

Z

Hertz symbol (secondary display unit)

Ω

Ohm (main display unit)

Ω

Ohm (secondary display unit)

%

Percentage

Positive pulse

Negative pulse

PT100

Symbol for temperature measurement using a Pt100 probe

PT1000

Symbol for temperature measurement using a Pt1000 probe

Symbol for measurement using a current clamp

LEADS

Function selected incompatible with the connection of the lead

LowZ

Low-impedance voltage measurement

♪

Symbol of the audible continuity measurement

Symbol of the measurement and testing of a semiconductor junction

Warning, possibility of electric shock (∗)

USB communication (MTX 3291)

300Hz filter

Auto power OFF deactivated (permanent mode)

Description of the instruments

12 6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters

Description of the instruments (continued)

This symbol indicates the battery charge level.

Volt, Ohm, temperature, etc. measurement input

COM measurement input

Ampere measurement input

600V CAT III

Input indication

1000V CAT III

Input indication

Isolated optical link (USB) input

Display of unit on the main display unit (2x14 segments)

Display of unit on the secondary display unit (2x14 segments)

Identifies the reminder of the display zone connection

(

∗) When voltages exceeding 60 VDC or 25 VAC are measured, the symbol flashes on the display unit.

Description of the instruments

6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters 13

Description of the instruments (continued)

Switch

Orange LEDs around the highly reliable virtual switch indicate the measurement
function chosen. The keys of the switch have priority over the action of the keys
of the keypad. The change from one function to another resets the configuration
of the measurement mode.

MTX 3290

Keys of the switch

Short press Successive short presses

Current measurement

Temperature measurement

Selection of the type of probe:
Pt100, Pt1000

Capacitance measurement

Low-impedance AC voltage
measurement (VLowZ)

Current measurement using a
current clamp

Selection of the transformation ratios
1, 10, 100, 1,000mV/A

Resistance measurement,
audible continuity
measurement, diode test

Selection of the continuity, diode
functions

Frequency measurement

Voltage measurement

Description of the instruments

14 6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters

Description of the instruments (continued)

MTX 3291

Keys of the switch

Short press Successive short presses

Current measurement

Temperature measurement

Selection of the type of probe:
Pt100, Pt1000

Capacitance measurement

Low-impedance AC voltage
measurement (VLowZ)

Current measurement using a
current clamp

Selection of the transformation ratios
1, 10, 100, 1,000mV/A

Resistance measurement,
audible continuity
measurement, diode test

Selection of the continuity, diode
functions

Frequency measurement

Selection of the functions:

- Positive duty cycle

- Negative duty cycle

- Positive pulse width

- Negative pulse width

Voltage measurement

Selection of the functions:
dBm, W

Description of the instruments

6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters 15

Description of the instruments (continued)

Keypad

The keypad has the following function keys:
The keys are taken into account and applied when pressed. If the key press is

validated, the instrument beeps.
Two types of action are possible:

• Short press Æ press lasting <2 seconds, validated by a beep as

soon as the key press is detected.

• Long press Æ press lasting >2 seconds, validated by a beep as soon as

the key press is detected.

Function keys

Successive short presses Long press

Activation/deactivation of storage of
the measurements and of the
quantities at a given time:

- Hold of the display without stopping
the acquisitions. The bargraph
continues to operate normally.

- Exit from the HOLD mode

In the MAX/MIN/AVG PEAK mode,
when the HOLD is active, the blinking
of the "MAX MIN AVG PEAK" symbol
indicates that acquisition continues as
a background task.

- Hold of the display after
stabilization of the
measurement (Auto
HOLD)

- Exit from the
Auto HOLD mode

Choice of coupling AC, DC, AC+DC:

- Access to various parameters
ÆIn dBm: change of impedance 50,

75, 90, 600 (MTX 3291 only)
ÆIn temperature: the main display

unit indicates the temperature in °C,
the other in °F

ÆIn the REL mode, the key is used
to change from (present value –
reference value) to

Present value – reference value

Reference value

The value is displayed in %.
(MTX 3291 only)

Activation/deactivation of
auto power off (APO)

(MTX 3291 only)

Activation/deactivation of the low-pass
filter  300Hz:
The low-pass filter (4th order) makes
it possible to measure the RMS
voltage delivered by an MLI type
speed controller (for asynchronous
motor).

See curve

, p. 49 and 60.

Activation/deactivation of
the key-press beep

MTX 3290

MTX 3291

x100

Description of the instruments

16 6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters

Description of the instruments (continued)

Manual selection of measurement
range: the range defines the maximum
measurement range the instrument can
cover.

The Auto Range mode is default.

Used to return to Auto
Range mode.

(∗)

(∗) see example

p. 22.

Activation of the Peak+ Peak-

measurements:

- Peak+: displays the maximum
instantaneous peak value of the
measurement.

- Peak-: displays the minimum
instantaneous peak value of the
measurement.

- 1

st

press: recording of PEAK+, PEAK­(on the 2nd display unit).
The PEAK+ value is displayed as
default.

- Subsequent presses: look-up of stored
values (volatile).

Exit from the Peak mode

(∗)

(∗) see example

p. 19.

Activation of the MAX, MIN, AVG
measurements:

- Display and storage of the reference
values and differential values
(difference between the measured
value and the reference value) in the
unit of the quantity measured.

- AVG: displays the mean value of the
signal since the key press

Time-stamped value for the min and the

max [temporary display (4s) on the
main display unit, followed by return to
present value]

If the time (h:min:sec) exceeds

(9:59:59), is displayed ----.

(MTX 3291 only)

- 1

st

press: recording of the MAX, MIN,
AVG (on the 2nd display unit).
The max. value is displayed by
default.

- Subsequent presses: look-up of the
stored values (volatile).

Exit from the
MAX, MIN, AVG mode

(∗)

(∗) see example

p. 23.

Activation of the relative display mode:

- Display and storage of the reference
and differential values in the unit of
the quantity measured.

- 1

st

press: activates the relative mode

REL

(present value – reference value)

and stores the measured value that

will be used as reference.

- "REF" indicates the storage of the
reference.

- Subsequent presses: toggles the
display between the measured value
and the relative measurement REL.

Exit from the ∆REL mode

Description of the instruments

6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters 17

Description of the instruments (continued)

Activation of the Backlight:

- successive presses to increase the
brightness

- circular operation: brightness 1 Æ
brightness 2 Æ brightness 3
Æ brightness 1

Deactivation of the
Backlight

Activation/Deactivation of the zero
centre bargraph:

MTX 3290 only

Activation/Deactivation of auto power
off:

MTX 3290 only

* Remark 1

- The 0 centre bargraph is managed automatically in IDC and VDC (MTX 3291
only).

When the multimeter is switched on:

- 1st press on

(sustained press)+press on ON/OFF Æ display of all

segments of the display unit.

- 2

nd

press Æ display of model and version (US/Europe)

- 3

rd

press Æ software version (display unit 1) and keyboard and display unit

board versions (display unit 2)

- 4

th

press Æ normal operation. An audible beep acknowledges key presses.

* Remark 2

USER/BASIC mode: During power up, the device is in BASIC mode (default
configuration Volt AC+DC).

• If, when you power up your multimeter

, you want to activate the USER

mode to recover the configuration when the multimeter was switched off,

press the

key, hold it down, then press ON/OFF ( ).

• After an automatic power down, the device restarts in USER mode.

The main display unit indicates, for 3s, the change to USER or BASIC mode.

* In the Volt and Ampere functions, the multimeter starts up in AC+DC, as

in the USER mode.

Connection

in Volt

and other functions

in Ampere

Getting started

18 6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters

Getting started

Preparation for use

Instructions before

starting up

When you use this multimeter, you must observe the usual safety rules,
which:

• protect you from electrical hazards,

• protect the multimeter from operator errors.

For your safety, use only the leads and accessories (clamp meter, etc.)
supplied with the instrument. Before each use, make sure that they are in
perfect condition.

Power supply The devices operate with:

• 4 1.5V alkaline batteries (LR6-AM3-AA) or

• 4 1.2V NI-MH rechargeable batteries of the same type.

The rechargeable batteries cannot be recharged in the multimeter.

Powering up,

down

Press ON/OFF

to power up the device.

* Reminder: after replacing the batteries, wait 10s before powering

the device back up.

If the multimeter malfunctions, a long press (>2s) on this key can

be applied to power down the instrument and then restore normal
operation.

Power-up

configuration

In the BASIC mode, as default, the
device starts up in its elementary
configuration (default values) and in
the V

Ac+DC function.

MTX 3291 only: in the USER mode,
the device restarts in the
configuration and function selected
when it was powered down.

In the Volt and Ampere functions, the instrument restarts in AC+DC.

Automatic power

down

The multimeter automatically switches itself off after 30 minutes if there has
been no action on the front panel of the multimeter.

Auto power off is disabled:

• in the MAX, MIN, AVG, PEAK mode and in communication

• when the measured quantity (voltage, current) on the input exceeds

the danger thresholds, for the user's safety.

Functional description

6,000- and 60,000-count digital multimeters 19

Functional description

1. MAX MIN AVG mode A beep indicates an overshoot or a change of quantity.

#

Displays in the

V

AC+DC function

Main display

unit

Secondary display

unit

Measured signal: 230V, 50Hz:

Present value of the signal

Frequency of the signal

for the MAX value:

1

st

press on :

Present value of the signal

MAX value

The measured signal changes to 250V,
50Hz:

Momentary screen (4s) indicating the

time-stamped max. value, if the value

changes or if the value is looked up.

h: min: sec

# Ex.: 27s

MAX value

* The examples described in this chapter use an