PCE Instruments PCE-EM 30 Users guide

PCE Americas Inc.
711 Commerce Way
Suite 8
Jupiter
FL-33458
USA
From outside US: +1
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

www.pce-instruments.com/english

www.pce-instruments.com

PCE Instruments UK Ltd.

Unit 11

Southpoint Business Park

Ensign way

Hampshire / Southampton

United Kingdom, SO31 4RF

From outside UK: +44

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

[e-mail]

3 axis

100 KHz to 3 GHz Radio Frequency Radiation Meters
Electromagnetic Field strength measurement

RF ELECTROMAGNETIC
FIELD METER

Model : PCE-EM 30

Your purchase of t
EMF METER marks a
step forward for you
into the field of
precision measurement.
Althou

gh this METER is
a complex and delicate
instrument, its durable
structure will allow
many years of use if
proper operatin
techniques are
developed. Please read
the followin
instructions carefully
and always keep this
manual within easy
reach.

OPERATION MANUAL

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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1. FEATURES..................................................................1

2.

APPLICATIONS........................................................... 2

3. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS..............................................

SPECIFICATIONS........................................................ 4

4.

FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION.......................................7

5.

6. MEASUREMENT CONSIDERATION................................ 8

MEASURING PROCEDURE............................................9

7.

7-1 Buttons instructions.............................................. 9

7-2 Symbols & units of display....................................

7-3 Unit Selection...................................................... 11

7-4 Frequency Team Of Selection................................ 11

7-5 To see the individual axis' measurin
7-6 Alarm Limit Settin

7-7 Data Hold............................................................

7-8 Data Record (Max., Min. readin

7-9 Peak Hold............................................................ 13

7-10 Data Lo

7-10-1 How to recordin
7-10-2 How to sendin

7-10-3 How to show sample time...........................

7-10-4 How to show date and time......................... 18

er....................................................... 13

and Alarm start........................12

data.................................14

data................................... 15

EMF value......11

)...........................13

2

10

13

18

8. INTERIOR SETTING MODE.......................................... 19

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8-1 Check Memory Space.............................................20

8-2 Clear Memory........................................................20

8-3 Date/Time Settin
8-4 Sample Time Settin
8-5 Auto Power Off Default Settin

8-6 Escape from the SETTING function......................... 21

..................................................20

..............................................21

...............................21

9. RS232 PC SERIAL INTERFACE......................................

10. BATTERY REPLACEMENT............................................ 24

11. SYSTEM RESET......................................................... 24

22

1. FEATURES

* 3 Axis probe.
* Radio frequency electromagnetic field tester.
* Wide measuring frequency ranges, 100 KHz to 3 GHz.
* PCE-EM 30 is used for broadband devices of monitoring

the wide range radio frequency electromagnetic field
value.

* For precision measurement consideration, the meter is

included two probes :
EP-04L ( Low frequency Probe, 100 KHz to 100 MHz )

EP-03H ( High frequency Probe, 100 MHz to 3 GHz )
* Unit : V/m, W/m^2, mW/cm^2.
* Alarm setting function can warn the user if the

measuring antenna is too near the strong radiation

sources, the buzzer will sound to remind the user.
* Peak hold function to latch peak value.
* Data hold function to lock the current reading.
* RS232 computer interface.
* Real time data logger, build in clock ( hour-MIN-sec.,

year-month-date ).
* Auto or manual data record, 16,000 Data logger no.
* Wide sampling time adjustment range from one second

to 8 hours 59 minutes 59 seconds.
* Heavy duty hard carry case.
* Large size LCD with contrast adjustment, which can fit

best viewing angle.
* Microcomputer circuit provides special function & offers

high accuracy.
* Powered by 006P DC 9V battery or DC 9V adapter.

1

2. APPLICATIONS

This meter is specially developed for measuring or
monitoring electromagnetic field, for example:
cell-phone station, hospital equipment, radar ,
micro-wave oven, radiation work, TV antenna , Radio
station , welding equipment , baking- equipment,
television , computer , factory, laboratory , and other
environment...etc.

3. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Danger

* For worker's safety, be aware that persons with

electromagnetic implant ( e.g. cardiac-pacemarker ) are

subject to especial danger in some case.
* Particular to observe the local safety regulations of the

operator of the equipment.

Before using the device, it need to know that how to

*

setting " alarm-limit " value ( refer to page 12

Attention

* Claims by some scientists that long term exposure to

electromagnetic field may be the cause of childhood

leukemia & other forms of cancer.

Complete answers to any of these and related

*

questions are not currently available. At the present

time the most common practice is to avoid excess

exposure over long period of time.

).

2

* Complete answers to any of these and related

" Prudent Avoidance " as stated by the Environmental

Protection

According to ICNIRP of reference levels to

*

electromagnetic

Frequency range e-field strength (V/m)

3 to 150 kHz 87

0.15 to 1 MHz 87
1 to 10 MHz 87/f^1/2
10 to 400 MHz 28
400 to 2000 MHz 1.375 x f^1/2
2 to 300 GHz 61

Frequency range e-field strength (V/m)

65 to 1000 kHz 610
1 to 10 MHz 610/f
10 to 400 MHz 61
400 to 2000 MHz 3 x f^1/2
2 to 300 GHz 137

Agency(EPA) USA is recommended.

time-varying

fields, The E-field strength levels are:

General public

Occupational

3

4. SPECIFICATIONS

4-1 General Specifications

Circuit Custom one-chip of microprocessor LSI

circuit.
Display LCD size : 58 mm x 34 mm.
Measurement V/m, mW/cm^2, W/m^2.
Unit
Accuracy < 2 dB.
Probe structure 3 Axis.
Probe Type EP-03H : 100 MHz to 3 GHz.
Selection EP-04L : 100 kHz to 100 MHz.
Probe Input 50 OHM
Impedance
Frequency EP-03H: 900 MHz, 1 GHz, 1.8 GHz,
Selection 2.4 GHz, 2.45 GHz, 3 GHz.
Points EP-04L: 100kHz, 200kHz, 500kHz, 1MHz,

10MHz, 13.56MHz, 100MHz.
Sensor Semiconductor
Structure
Sampling Time Manual Press the data logger button
of Data Logger once will save data one time.

* Set the sampling time to

0 second

Auto 1 sec to 8 hour 59 min. 59 sec.
Data Hold Freeze the display reading.
REC Function Record Maximum & Minimum value.
Power off Auto shut off saves battery life or

manual off by push button.

* Can default auto power off or manual

power off.

* When default auto power off ,

power will off automatically after
10 min. if no button be pressed.

4

Peak Hold To latch the peak measurement value.

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Alarm Setting Buzzer will sound when display over the

setting value.
Sampling Time Approx. 1 second.

Low Battery When display show Low battery
Indicator Indicator, it should chan

Data Output RS 232 PC serial interface.
Operating 0 to 50 .℃
Temperature
Operating Less than 80 %RH.
Humidity
Power Supply DC 9 V battery ( 006P )

e the batteries.

* Heavy duty or Alkaline type.

DC 9V adapter input.
Power Current Approx. DC 5.95 mA
Weight 523 g/ 1.16 LB.
Dimension

Main instrument :

200.0 x 76.2 x 36.8 mm

Probe :

70 mm ( diameter) x 290 mm ( length)

Accessories Instruction manual.........................1 PC

Included EP-03H Probe.............................. 1 PC

EP-04L Probe................................

Memory card for EP-03H................

Memory card for EP-04L................. 1 PC

Hard carrying case.................. 1 PC

DC 9V power adapter..................... 1 PC

Optional RS232 cable, UPCB-02.
Accessories USB cable, USB-01.

Data Acquisition software, SW-U801-WIN.

1 PC
1 PC

5

4-2 Electrical Specifications ( 23 ± 5 )℃

Strength Range Resolution Effective Value

0 to 200.00 V/m 0.01 V/m > 1 V/m
0 to 99.999 W/m^2 0.001 W/m^2 > 0.03 W/m^2

0 to 9.9999 mW/cm^2 0.0001 mW/cm^2 > 0.0003 mW/cm^2

Frequency Range Accuracy Test Point Probe NO

100 KHz to 100 MHz < 2 dB 30 V/m EP-04L
50 MHz to 2.5 GHz < 2 dB 60 V/m EP-03H

Remark:
* Measurement under other frequency range ( below

400 KHz and over 2.5 GHz ), the reading value just
for reference only.

* For precision measurement consideration, it should

select the " Frequency Team point " near the
frequency value of measuring object.

6

5. FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION

Fig. 1
5-1 Display 5-11 Probe Input Socket
5-2 Power Button 5-12 Probe Memory Card
5-3 Hold / Esc Button 5-13 DC Adapter Input Socket
5-4 REC / Enter Button 5-14 RS-232 Output Terminal
5-5 Freq. Team Select Button 5-15 LCD contrast adj.
5-6 Unit Button 5-16 Battery Cover
5-7 Peak Hold Button 5-17 Stand
5-8 Alarm Set / Start Button 5-18 Reset Button
5-9 Time / Send Button 5-19 Probe Sensing Head
5-10 Logger / Set

Button

5-20 Probe Plug

7

6. MEASUREMENT CONSIDERATION

1)According to the measuring object's frequency to select
the right probe :

EP-03H probe : 100 MHz to 3 GHz.
EP-04L probe : 100 kHz to 100 MHz.

2)After select convenient the probe, then plug in the
exclusive " Probe Memory Card " ( 5-12, Fig. 1 ) into
the front end socket of meter.

Remark :
* Probe memory card is saved the Probe's

character into the internal memory circuit.

* EP-03H and EP-04L has its own exclusive

" Probe Memory card ", do not plug the
wrong card, otherwise the accuracy will exist
the deviation.

* Make sure to use the " Frequency Team Button " ( 5-5,

Fig. 1 ) to select the convenient frequency value of
measuring

However if you don't know the exact
information, the meter will default to 1 GHz
( EP-03H probe ) or 1 MHz ( EP-04L probe )
after power on.

object.

3)The meter is build in the 3 axis ( X, Y, Z ) EMF sensors,
the circuit measure each X, Y, Z sensor's EMF value, then
the CPU will calculate the total EMF value according
the following formula :

X : The EMF value that sensing from the X direction.
Y : The EMF value that sensing from the Y direction.
Z : The EMF value that sensing from the Z direction.

8

7. MEASURING PROCEDURE

7 -1 Buttons instructions
Buttons Function

Power Button Press this key to power on or off.
Hold Button Press this key to freeze the reading value.
ESC Button When operate " SET " or " Data logger "

functions, press this key to escape..

REC Button Press this key to record maximum or

minimum value.

Enter Button When operate " SET " or " Data logger "

functions, press this key to enter value.
Freq. Team Press this key to select the convenient
Button object's frequency value.
Unit Button Press this key to select V/m, W/m^2,

mW/cm^2 of strength units.
Peak Hold Press this key to latch peak value during
Button the measurement.
Alarm Set Press this key to setting alarm high/low
/Start Button limit or start alarm function.
Send Button After operate " Data Logger " function,

press this key to send data out.
Logger Set Under " REC " function, press
Button this key to execute data logger.

Press this key to indicate date and time.

9

7 -2 Symbols & units of display

Symbol & Function
Unit

V/m Electric field strength
W/m^2 Power density
mW/cm^2 Power density

100kHz....... Frequency team indicates.

..........3GHz

PEAK HOLD Appears on the " PEAK HOLD " function.

It will latch the peak value.
REC Appears on the " REC " function, it will

record maximum and minimum value.
HOLD Appears on the " HOLD " function, it

will freeze the present reading.
Alarm setting Appear on the " Alarm setting Low
low limit limit " function.
Alarm setting Appears on the "Alarm setting High
High limit limit" function.
Alarm setting Appears on the "Alarm setting hysteresis "
hysteresis function.
Sample time Appears on the " Sample time" function,

It indicate sample time that already be set.
Flash unit on Appears on the " START " function, it
the display indicate the ALARM FUNCTION has

starting.

10

7-3 Unit Selection

After inserting the " Probe card " ( 5-12, Fig. 1 ) and
connecting probe's plug into the " Probe Input Socket "
( 5-11, Fig. 1 ), use " Unit Button " ( 5-6, Fig. 1) to
select the " V/m, W/m^2, mW/cm^2 ".

7-4 Frequency Teams Selection

1)Use the " Freq. Team Button " ( 5-5, Fig. 1 ) to select

approx. measuring object frequency value.

the

EP-03H probe, frequency select points :

900 MHz, 1 GHz, 1.8 GHz,

2.4 GHz, 2.45 GHz, 3 GHz.

EP-04L probe, frequency select points :

100 KHz, 200 KHz, 500 KHz, 1 MHz,
10 MHz, 13.56 MHz, 100 MHz.

2)Make sure to use the " Frequency Team Button " ( 5-5,

Fig. 1 ) to select the convenient frequency value of
measuring object. However if you don't know the exact
information, the meter will default to 1 GHz ( EP-03H
probe ) or 1 MHz ( EP-04L probe ) after power on.

7-5 To see the individual axis' measuring EMF value

Typical the meter is to present the total EMF value of XYZ
direction ( refer to page 8 ), however if intend to see the
individual EMF value of X, Y, Z direction, the procedures are :

1)Power off the meter, use two fingers to press

Alarm Button " ( 5-8, Fig. 1 ) and the " Logger Button

"
(

5-10, Fig. 1 ) together continuously, then power on the
meter by press the " Power Button " ( 5-2, Fig. 1
After

power on, release all the fingers.

2)* Press the " Unit Button " ( 5-6, Fig. 1 ) continuously and
2 seconds, the bottom display will show X_axis ,

>
release
value of X

the button, the upper display will show the EMF

direction.

11

the

"

).

then

* Press the " Unit Button " ( 5-6, Fig. 1 ) continuously and

> 2 seconds, the bottom display will show X_axis ,
release
value of X

*

Press the " Unit Button " ( 5-6, Fig. 1 ) continuously
>
release
value of X
Press the " Unit Button " ( 5-6, Fig. 1 ) continuously

*

>
release
EMF value of XYZ direction ( refer page 8

the button, the upper display will show the EMF

direction.

2 seconds, the bottom display will show X_axis ,

the button, the upper display will show the EMF

direction.

2 seconds, the bottom display will show " V/m " ,

the button, the upper display will show the total

).

7-6 Alarm limit setting and Alarm start

1)Press the "Alarm Button " ( 5-8, Fig. 1) once to start
the alarm function, while the " units " symbol will
flash on the display.

2)Press the " Alarm Button " ( 5-8, Fig. 1 ) once again
to stop the alarm function.

3)Press the " Alarm Button " ( 5-8, Fig. 1 )
continuously and over 2 seconds, the "Alarm low
limit value " will indicate on the lower display, use
the " , Buttons " to adjust the desiring▼▲
low limit value.

4)Press the " Enter Button " ( 5-4, Fig. 1 ) will save the
low limit value and going to adjust the " High limit
value, procedures will similar as above.

5)After finish the " High limit value "
press

the " Enter Button " ( 5-4, Fig. 1 ) will save the
high limit value and going to adjust the alarm
Hysteresis value, procedures will similar as above.
Upon finish the alarm " Hysteresis value " adjustment,

the " Enter Button " ( 5-4, Fig. 1 ) will save the data.

press

6)Press the " ESC Button " ( 5-3, Fig. 1 ) to finish
alarm setting procedures.

adjustment,

then

and

then

and

then

12

7-7 Data hold

During the measurement, press the " Hold Button " ( 5-3,
Fig. 1 ) once will hold the measured value & the LCD will
indicate a " HOLD " symbol.
Press the " Hold Button " once again will release the data
hold function.

7-8 Data Record ( Max., Min. reading )

* The data record function records the maximum and

minimum readings. Press the " REC Button " ( 5-4, Fig.
1 ) once to start the Data Record function and it
will be a " REC " symbol on the display.

* When the " REC " symbol on the display :

a)Press the " REC Button " ( 5-4, Fig. 1 ) once,

"

REC MAX " symbol along with the maximum value
will appear on the display.
Press the " REC Button " ( 5-4, Fig. 1 ) once again,
"

REC MIN " symbol along with the minimum value.
If intend to delete the maximum ( Minimum ) value,
just press the " Hold Button " ( 5-3, Fig. 1 ) once,
then the display will show the " REC " symbol only &
execute the memory function continuously.

b)To exit the memory record function, just press the "

REC Button " 5-4, Fig. 1 ) 2 seconds continuously at
least. The display will revert to the current reading.

the

the

7-9 Peak Hold

Press the " Peak Hold Button " ( 5-7, Fig. 1 ) once to latch
peak value on the display , press once again to defect.

7-10 Data Logger

The data logger function can save 16,000 measuring
data with the clock time ( Real time data logger), build
in clock ( hour-min.-sec., year-month-date ).

13

7-10-1 How to recording data

a) If press the Logger Button " ( 5-10, Fig. 1 ) once will

show the sampling time value on the bottom left
display then disappeared.

b)Press the " REC Button " ( 5-4, Fig. 1 ) once to

start the Data Record function and it will be

REC " symbol on the display.

"

c) Auto Data Logger ( Sampling time set from

1 second to 8 hours 59 minutes 59 seconds )

Press the " Logger Button " ( 5-10, Fig. 1 ) once to start
the Auto Data Logger function, at the same the
bottom right display will show the

Recording.... ", now the Data Logger function is

"
executed. The upper display will show " DATA "
indicator along with " REC " marker.

d)Manual Data Logger ( Sampling time set to 0

second )

Press the " Logger Button " ( 5-10, Fig. 1 ) once will
save the data one time into the memory, at the same
time the bottom right display will show the indicator

Recording.... " a while. Now the Data logger function is

"
executed. The upper display will show " DATA "
indicator along with " REC " marker.

indicator

a

14

e) Memory full

Under execute the data logger, if the bottom right
display show the " Full ", it indicate the memory data
already over 16,000 no. and the memory is full.

f) Stop the Data Logger

During the Data Logger function is executed,
the

" Logger Button " ( 5-10 Fig. 1 ) once will stop

execute
will be disappeared.
If press the " Logger Button " ( 5-10, Fig. 1 )
again

the data logger function, the " DATA " indicator

will continue the Data Logger function.

press

once

Remark :

1)

If intend to change the data logger sampling time,
please refer to chapter 8-4., page 21.

2)

If intend to know the space of balance data numbers
into the memory IC, please refer to chapter 8-1, page 19.

3)

If intend to clear the saving data from the memory
please refer to chapter 8-2, page 20.

7-10-2 How to send data

to

If intend to send the data out from the meter, it
should cancel the " Hold function " and the " Record
function " first. The display will not show the " HOLD "
and the " REC " marker.
Press the " SEND Button " ( 5-9, Fig. 1 ) at least 2
seconds until the bottom right display show
" Transmit mode ", then release the button.

15

LCD display will show the fowling screen
alternately.

31.44 ← 28

V/m → V/m

1 Transmit mode xx:xx:xx Transmit mode

Block no. The first Start time Start data

data of of each address of
each block block each block

Use Up Button, Down Button to select the▲▼
different data memory block no. ( 1 to 250 ).

If intend to clear the saving data from the memory
please refer to chapter 8-2, page 20.

The meter can save 16,000 data max. , those
data will saved into 250 memory block max.

* The data that save into one routine Data Logger

procedures ( Press " REC " button , following press
the " Logger " button to save the data, the display
will show the " REC " and " DATA " . After save the
data, press the " Logger " button, following press
the " REC " button will exit the Data Logger
function. The " REC " and " DATA " indicator of LCD
will be disappeared

).

16

Data 1

to

Block 1 Data X

↓

Data X+1

to

Block 2 Data Y

↓

..................

..................

↓

Data Z

to

Block 250 Data 16,000

* Until the desired Memory Block no. be selected.

Press the " Send Button " ( 5-9, Fig. 1 ) once, the
data in the Memory Block will send out.
During the data send out, the bottom right display will
show the " Sending Data " indicator. When data
already send out completely, the bottom right display
will show the " Transmit mode " indicator again.

* Press the " ESC Button " ( 5-3, Fig. 1 ) will exit

the data sending function and return to the normal
display.

17

Remarks :

Press the " button " ( 5-9, Fig. 1 ) once to indicate

* Optional USB data cable + adaptor + software

SOFT-LUT-USB required for data transfer to
PC.

* When sending t he data, each time just can

send one Memory Block data out. for example
block 1 data, block 2 data... or block 250 data.

7-10-3 How to show sample time

Press the " Logger Button " ( 5-10, Fig. 1) once then display
will appear sample time.

7-10-4 How to show date and time

date and time.

18

8. INTERIOR SETTING MODE

Press the " SET button " ( 5-10, Fig. 1 ) continuously and
over two seconds, the display will show :

XXXXX Memory space
Press " SET button " once again

Clear memory

XX ESC:N Enter:Y

Press " SET button " once again

Date/Time set
XX:XX:XX ^,v Enter ( > )
Press " SET button " once again

Sample Time
XX:XX:XX ^,v Enter ( > )
Press " SET button " once again

Autopower OFF
XXXXX 1:ON, 0:OFF
Press " SET button " once again

ECS > Finish

Press " ESC " to finish.
or Press " SET button " again to quit.

19

8-1 Check Memory Space

To check the balance data numbers that exist into the
memory ( allow memorize data no. ).

XXXXX Memory Space

* XXXXX is the balance data numbers, for example

XXXXX=15417.

8-2 Clear Memory

* To delete the existing save data numbers from the

memory.

* Press ENTER Button once, then press ENTER Button

to confirm.

* Press the ESC Button once to quit and return

the

main measurement manual.

to

8-3 Date/Time Setting

* Use Up Button, Down Button and▲▼

Enter ( ) Button to select the expect Date→
( year-month-date ) and the time (HOUR-MIN.-SEC.).

* After finish the Date/Time

the " Enter Button " , then press the " ESC Button "

Press
will quit and save the clock data into the memory.

adjustment,

20

8-4 Sample Time Setting

* Use Up Button, Down Button and Enter ( )▲▼ →

Button to select the expect Sample Time ( HOUR-MIN.

-SEC.).

* After finish the Sample Time

Press

the " Enter Button " once , then press the " ESC Button "

will quit and save the clock data into the memory.

adjustment,

8-5 Auto Power Off Default Setting

* Use Up Button, Down Button to select " 1 " or▲▼

" 0 ".

1 = Auto power off

0 = Manual power off

* Press the " Enter Button " once , then press the "

Button

" to quit.

8-6 Escape from the SETTING function

Press the " ESC Button " once a while will quit and
return to the normal measurement display.

21

ESC

9. RS232 PC SERIAL INTERFACE

The instrument has RS232 PC serial interface via a 3.5
mm terminal ( 5-14, Fig. 1 ).

The data output is a 16 digit stream which can be
utilized for user's specific application.
A RS232 lead with the following connection will be
required to link the instrument with the PC serial port.

Meter PC

(3.5 mm jack plug) (9W 'D" Connector)

Center Pin.............................Pin 4

Ground/shield..........................Pin 2

2.2 K
resister

Pin 5

The 16 digits data stream will be displayed in the
following format :

D15 D14 D13 D12 D11 D10 D9 D8 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0

22

Each digit indicates the following status :

D0 End Word = 0D
D1 & D8 Display reading, D1 = LSD, D8 = MSD

For example :

If the display reading is 1234, then D8 to
D1 is : 00001234

D9 Decimal Point(DP), position from right to the

left
0 = No DP, 1= 1 DP, 2 = 2 DP, 3 = 3 DP

D10 Polarity

0 = Positive 1 = Negative
D11 & Annunciator for Display
D12 W/m^2=A9 mW/cm^2 = A8 V/m = A7
D13 When send the upper display data = 1

When send the lower display data = 2
D14 4
D15 Start Word = 02

RS232 setting

Baud rate 9600
Parity No parity
Data bit no. 8 Data bits
Stop bit 1 Stop bit

23

10. BATTERY REPLACEMENT

When the left corner of LCD display show " ", it

is necessary to replace the batteries ( 006P ).

1)Slide the " Battery Cover " ( 5-16, Fig. 1 ) away from the

instrument and remove the battery.

2)Replace with batteries ( 006P ) and reinstate the cover.

3)Make sure the battery cover is secured after changing

the battery.

11. SYSTEM RESET

If the meter happen the troubles such as :

CPU system is garbled ( for example, the key button can

not be operated..... ).

Then make the system RESET will fix the problem.
The system RESET procedures will be either following
method :

During the Power On, used a pin tool to push
the " System Reset " button ( 5-18, Fig. 1 ) once.

24