PCE Instruments PCE-PDA 1L Users guide

Instructions for use PCE-PDA

PCE-PDA

Pressure Gauge

PCE Deutschland GmbH

Im Langel 4, Meschede 598 72
tel.: [phone] / 976 990
e-mail : [e-mail]

http://www.pce-instruments.com

Instructions for use PCE-PDA

CONTENT

PCE-PDA ................................................................................................................................. 1

.................................................................................................................................................... 1

1. GENERAL ................................................................................................................................. 3

1.1. SAFETY WARNING ........................................................................................................... 3

1.2. PRESSURE MEASURING AND OPERATING WARNING ..................................................... 3

1.2.1. PRESSURE MEASURING ............................................................................................ 3

1.2.2. PERMITTED MEASURED MEDIA ............................................................................... 3

1.2.3. SYMBOLS .................................................................................................................. 4

1.3. INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................ 5

1.4. TECHNICAL PARAMETERS ................................................................................................ 6

2. CONTROL ................................................................................................................................ 7

3. MENU ..................................................................................................................................... 8

3.1. SENSITIVITY ...................................................................................................................... 8

3.2. DAMPING ......................................................................................................................... 9

3.3. UNIT ................................................................................................................................. 9

3.4. FUNCTIONS .................................................................................................................... 10

3.4.1. TEMPERATURE ....................................................................................................... 10

3.4.2. MIN / MAX .............................................................................................................. 10

3.4.3. LEAKAGE TEST ........................................................................................................ 11

3.4.4. SPEED/FLOW (Root function) ................................................................................. 12

3.4.5. NONE ...................................................................................................................... 12

3.4.6. HOLD FUNCTION .................................................................................................... 12

3.5. DATALOGGER ................................................................................................................ 13

3.6. BACKLIGHTS ................................................................................................................... 13

3.7. CALENDAR/HOURS ........................................................................................................ 14

3.8. INFO ABOUT THE INSTRUMENT .................................................................................... 14

4. POWER SUPPLY AND CHARGING .......................................................................................... 14

4.1. POWER SUPPLY ............................................................................................................. 14

4.2. CHARGING ..................................................................................................................... 14

6. DMS CONTROL – SOFTWARE ............................................................................................... 15

6.1. CONNECTION ................................................................................................................. 15

6.2. DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................. 16

6.3. FUNCTION ...................................................................................................................... 17

6.3.1. DATA UPLOADING .................................................................................................. 17

6.3.2. SAVING DATA ......................................................................................................... 17

7. Contact ........................................................................................................................... 18

8. DISPOSAL .............................................................................................................................. 18

2

Instructions for use PCE-PDA

3

1. GENERAL

These instructions for use describes the functions of the digital pressure gauge PCE-PDA and
provide the user directions for its use.

1.1. SAFETY WARNING

Incorrect use of the digital pressure gauge PCE-PDA or non-performance of these
instructions can result in damage of the instrument or an injury of the operator. All
personnel responsible for the operation of the instrument must be properly trained and
informed about the dangers and must carefully follow these instructions for use and safety
directions, see further in this document.

In case you find out that you do not understand any part of these instructions for use, please
contact the producer.

The producer retains the right to continue with the development of this instrument without
recording any single change.

1.2. PRESSURE MEASURING AND OPERATING WARNING

1.2.1. PRESSURE MEASURING

Pressure measuring by means of the digital pressure gauge PCE-PDA starts immediately after
connecting pressure on the positive pressure input (2) = measuring of the relative
overpressure or the negative pressure input (1) = measuring the relative underpressure. If
both the relative and negative outputs are connected at the same time to different
pressures, the PCE-PDA gauge measures the pressure difference. This data is displayed on
the main display (6). If the nominal pressure range is exceeded 2.4 times, the main display
will show OL = overload. Overload is indicated on the secondary display by means of signs - -

- -.

If the gauge cannot display the measured pressure in the chosen unit, it will
display OL and - - - -. Thus pay attention to a proper setting of the unit in
accordance to the nominal pressure of the gauge.

1.2.2. PERMITTED MEASURED MEDIA

The PCE-PDA gauge is constructed only for measuring non-aggressive gases and non­aggressive liquids. In case of connecting to an unsuitable media, the gauge can be
unretrievably damaged. If you are not sure about the character of the measured medium,
please contact your distributor.

Instructions for use PCE-PDA

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1.2.3. SYMBOLS

The below mentioned symbols are used in these instructions for use to indicate the cases
when incorrect activity might result in the following difficulties:

PROHIBITIONS – non-observance of them could result in bodily harm or to
irretrievable damage of the PCE-PDA gauge.

RECOMMENDATIONS – they warn about different difficulties of the
operation. Non-observance of them can result in the gauge dysfunction or
wrong measurement.

TIPS – help and advise the user to use the gauge correctly.

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1.3. INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION

The digital pressure gauge series PCE-PDA is a battery portable service and workshop device,
intended for a wide use in industry, energetics, medical technology, air-conditioning,
laboratories, etc. It is also suitable for the 4Pa test. Its advantages are especially measuring
accuracy, a wide pressure range, possibility of a ten times increase of sensibility, simple
operation, small dimensions, low consumption, a big amount of additional functions, USB
communication through a standard microUSB cable. The manual multifunctional pressure
gauge PCE-PDA is fitted into an ergonomically shaped casing from quality ABS plastic,
rubberized on the sides. The front side of the gauge is dominated by a big graphic display
with white backlights, covered with a foil keyboard with nine control buttons. For measuring
pressure ranges higher than 100 Pa, it is allowed to measure both gas and liquid non­aggressive media, but gauges for ranges lower than 100 Pa allow to measure only non­aggressive gases.

1 negative pressure input
2 positive pressure input
3 battery state indicator
4 time
5 date
6 main display
7 datalogger state indicator
8 pressure unit
9 10 x increase of sensitivity
10 secondary display
11 help line
12 offset zeroing button
13 menu button
14 on / off button
15 OK button
16 navigating buttons
17 backlight on / off button
18 microUSB connector
19 ABS casing
20 anti-slip rubber

Picture 1

Instructions for use PCE-PDA

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1.4. TECHNICAL PARAMETERS

Model

PCE-PDA
1L

PCE-PDA
01L

PCE-PDA
A100L

PCE-PDA
100L

PCE-PDA
10L

PCE­PDA
1000L

Nominal
pressure range

2 kPa

200 Pa

200 kPa

200 kPa

20 kPa

2000
kPa

Pressure
measurement
range

±2 kPa

±200 Pa

0 ... 200
kPa
absolute

-100 … 200
kPa

±20 kPa

-100 …
2000
kPa

Max.
overpressure

10 kPa

1 kPa

200 kPa

300 kPa

40 kPa

2000
kPa

Burst pressure

100 kPa

20 kPa

300 kPa

400 kPa

100 kPa

3000
kPa

Accuracy

±0,5 % f.s.

±1 % f.s.

±0.5 %
f.s.

±0.5 % f.s.

±0.5 % f.s.

± 0.5 %
f.s.

Way of
pressure
measuring

Differential

Differential

Absolute

Differential

Differential

Relative

Pressure
connection

inlet for a quick coupler 5mm

Operating
temperature
range

0 … +50 °C

Storage
temperature

10 … 55 °C

Protection
(case)

IP 41

Power supply

2 x 1.5 V AA battery / 1.2 V rechargeable NiMh battery

Current
consumption

50 mA with backlight, 10 mA without backlight

External
dimensions

145 x 85 x 35 mm

Weight (with
battery)

Approx. 285 g

A differential pressure gauge with a disconnected negative pressure input
measures relative pressure.

Instructions for use PCE-PDA

7

2. CONTROL

PCE-PDA is controlled by means of a 9-button foil keyboard, situated on the front side of the
gauge.

▪ On/Off (14) – serves for switching on and off of the gauge. For switching it on/off, it

is necessary to hold the button for 0.25s.

▪ Zero (12) – serves for resetting the offset, or rather modification of the initial

measuring level. When the inlets are disconnected from the measured pressure or
the positive inlets (2) and the zero (12) button. A successful reset is confirmed by a
sound signal. But if the pressure is connected and the zero (12) button is pressed,
the gauge will be reset to the currently connected pressure level, so called taring.
When the pressure is disconnected, the gauge will display the value of the tare
pressure, but with the opposite sign.
The zero (12) button also resets the numeric values of the adjustable items in the
menu. After the cursor is clicked on the numeric value and the zero (12) button is
held, the value will be adjusted to zero(s).

But zero does not necessarily have to be the default value!

▪ Menu (13) – serves as entry/return to the basic menu
▪ Light (17) – serves for switching on/off of the display backlights. Its adjustment is

described in the chapter 3.6.

▪ OK (15) – serves for the choice confirmation in the menu or for confirmation of the

adjusted values

▪ <^v> (16) – navigating buttons serve for the movement of the cursor in the menu

and adjusting the requested values. They can also have different uses according to
the chosen function. See the help line (11).

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3. MENU

The menu is entered by means of the menu (13) button. This way are displayed the actual
possible adjustments and accessible functions of the given version of PCE-PDA. Cursor is
moved by means of the <^v> (16) buttons and the values are confirmed by the OK (15)
button. For an example of a menu look, see picture 2.

Picture 2

3.1. SENSITIVITY

The sensitivity function enables the user a ten times increase of the gauge sensitivity and
also definition on the main display (6) by 1 digit. But the accuracy of the gauge remains
unchanged, e.g. 0.5% of the nominal range. Switching on/off, see picture 3, of the function is
indicated by an icon on the main display (9).

Picture 3

Instructions for use PCE-PDA

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3.2. DAMPING

Damping in the PCE-PDA gauge is realized by means of an adjustable time constant, in the
range 0.1 – 9.9 second. It is possible to switch it on/off directly from the menu or whenever
during the measuring by means of the < DAMP button, see the help line (11). Switching it
on/off is confirmed by a sound signal.

Picture 4

3.3. UNIT

The user can choose from 17 pressure units. They are units of the SI and Pascal systems and
their multiples, but also units used in other different branches. The choice is executed by the
^v arrows and the confirmation by the OK(15) button. The chosen unit is related to the
pressure values on the main display (6), to the values on the secondary display (10) and also
to the ± limit of the pressure difference in the leakage test, see 3.4.3.

Picture 5

Instructions for use PCE-PDA

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3.4. FUNCTIONS

3.4.1. TEMPERATURE

It is possible to display the temperature on the pressure sensor bridge on the secondary
display (10). While measuring the medium pressure with the same temperature as the
environment, we can say that it is the orienteering temperature of the environment. The
temperature is given in degrees of Celsius. Calibration and the declared gauge accuracy are
not related to the temperature data.

Picture 6

3.4.2. MIN / MAX

The max/min function is designed for detection of both positive and negative pressure peaks
and impacts with the time constant >100ms. The gauge measures with a period of 1/10s,
faster events might not be detected. The result of this measuring is again displayed on the
secondary display (10). The actual maximum and also minimum can be reset by means of the

INIT>(16) button.

Picture 7

Instructions for use PCE-PDA

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3.4.3. LEAKAGE TEST

This enables the user measuring of a pressure change in the adjusted time period (test time).
The test is started by the ^START button. If the test time is adjusted to 00:00:00, the test
runs to pressing the vSTOP button, otherwise it is stopped automatically according to the
adjusted time. It is also possible to adjust the ± limit of the pressure difference, if it is
exceeded, it is announced by a sound signal and the value of the pressure difference flashes
on the secondary display. If the test is not switched on, it is possible to initialize the pre­adjusted values by the INIT> button.

If the data function is activated, the record is started together with the leakage test by the

^START button and is stopped by the vSTOP button.

Picture 8

Instructions for use PCE-PDA

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3.4.4. SPEED/FLOW (Root function)

The PCE-PDA gauge carries out the calculation of the flow speed on the basis of measuring
the differential pressure on the plate. These plates can for example be Pitot´s tube, Prandtl´s
tube or another throttling organ. The plate properties are represented by the K constant and
a power constant x. The K constant has the default value 1 and can gain values 0 – 9.999.
The x constant has the default value ½ (0.5000 – square root) and can be adjusted to the
value 0,0001 to 0.9999. It is also necessary to set the density of the measured medium ρ(ró)
(default air 1.29 kg/m3) and the section of the measured pipe S.

Picture 9

This relation is valid for the speed calculation:

Where: v=flow speed, k=plate constant, dP= measured differential pressure, ρ=measured
medium density in kg/m3, x=power constant

For the flow calculation:

Where: Q=flow, v= measured flow speed, S=section in m2

3.4.5. NONE

With the choice None function, the secondary display (10) remains blank.

3.4.6. HOLD FUNCTION

The HOLD function “holds” the actual measured pressure value on the main display (6). It is
active after pressing the navigating button (16) HOLD >. After it is released, the main display
shows values according to the actual adjustment of the PCE-PDA.

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2

Instructions for use PCE-PDA

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3.5. DATALOGGER

▪ Number of records in one or up to 1000 sets.
▪ Measuring time 1s to 256 hours. If the measuring time is 000:00:00, the record runs

till pressing the REC OFFv or STOPv button (leakage test, datalogger) or filling up the
memory.

▪ Record period 1s to 24 hours.

Recording to the datalogger must be allowed in the menu by pressing data recording, which
is displayed on the display by datalogger state indicator (7). The figure to the right of it
displays % of filling up the datalogger memory. If the record is allowed, the ^REC ON button
is displayed at all functions, after its pressing the record to the memory is started. The
record is indicated by a rotating arrow in the icon datalogger state indicator (7). The REC
OFFv button serves for stopping the record.

The record format in the datalogger memory:

Characteristic

Date & time

Temperature

Pressure

Unit

Sec. value 1

Unit 1

Sec. value 2

Unit2

Record into the datalogger in the “Sleep mode”. This record mode is used for long-term
measuring with a longer record period with respect to the battery life. For the activation of

the “sleep mode”, it is necessary to start the record into the datalogger by means of the

^REC ON or ^START button and then it is enough to “switch off” the gauge by pressing the
Gauge on/ off button. The gauge is then switched on automatically only for the record of

values to the datalogger memory. If the sleep mode is active, the datalogger state indicator
(7) is displayed with a 5s period.

3.6. BACKLIGHTS

The PCE-PDA gauge display backlights are switched on and off by means of the light (17)
button. It can also be adjusted in the menu\backlights. The user can change:

▪ Brightness (0=without backlights, 5=maximum brightness).
▪ Contrast (0=minimum contrast, 5=maximum contrast).
▪ Time before automatic switching off of the backlights stated in minutes (0=without

backlights time limit, 5=5minutes).

THE TIME OF BATTERY OPERATION DEPENDS ON THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE
DISPLAY BACKLIGHTS AND THE TIME IT IS SWITCHED ON.

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3.7. CALENDAR/HOURS

The time is stated in the format hh:mm:ss
The date in the format dd:mm:yyyy

The information about the date and the time remain in the gauge’s display for approx. 5
minutes when the power supply is disconnected.

3.8. INFO ABOUT THE INSTRUMENT

A part of the Info about the instrument is the type of the instrument, the pressure range of
the instrument, the serial number of the instrument and the version of the firmware and
also the language option. The option Factory setting returns by the confirmation YES all
settings to the values saved at the construction.

4. POWER SUPPLY AND CHARGING

4.1. POWER SUPPLY

PCE-PDA can be power supplied from two pieces of AA batteries or two pieces of AA
rechargeable accumulators. When inserting the batteries, it is necessary to observe the right
polarity, see the label placed at the bottom of the battery space. It is also possible to power
supply the gauge by means of a USB supply (5V and 500mA). Always only after the first
switch on of the gauge after changing batteries, the display with the choice of batteries
appears.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE PROPER CHOICE OF BATTERIES/ACCUMULATORS.
AN INCORRECT CHOICE COULD DAMAGE THE GAUGE.

4.2. CHARGING

Charging is done through the USB connector (18) on the bottom side of the gauge. The
supply voltage is 5V and the supply current max. 500mA. The battery state indicator (3)
situated in the upper part of the display indicates the power supply. In a proper feeding

cycle, the battery state indicator changes from “zero” to the full charge of the accumulators.

As soon as the accumulators are fully charged, the feeding current is switched to the keeping
current. Indication of this state is again displayed on the battery state indicator by flashing of
the last division of the battery icon. The battery state indicator (3) is active during charging
also after switching the PCE-PDA gauge off.

IT IS RECOMMENDED TO CHARGE ALWAYS BY THE WHOLE CHARGING CYCLE
(ca. 6 hours at the room temperature). THIS WILL PREVENT EARLY
DISCHARGE OF THE ACCUMULATORS.

Instructions for use PCE-PDA

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6. DMS CONTROL – SOFTWARE

Software DMS Control is a freeware (compatible with Win XP and newer) determined to
control handheld pressure gauge PCE-PDA, but primarily serves for downloading and saving
data from PCE-PDA datalogger memory to PC.

Picture 10

6.1. CONNECTION

Before connecting PCE-PDA to PC, shows the DMS-control green progress bar in the left
bottom corner. Connection of the device to PC realizes by microUSB cable. After plugin the

cable into the connector (18), basic data are downloaded within 4s from the device.

Instructions for use PCE-PDA

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6.2. DESCRIPTION

The DMS-control window is divided into two logical ones sections. In left column is displayed
the type of connected device and below it, are displayed record sets. (Picture 10).

▪ NO Loaded record set (gray) – displays only record set name (date and time)
▪ Loaded record set (black) – data can be displayed in PC.

FILE IS UPLOADED (USER CAN SEE THEM), BUT DATA ARE NOT SAVED.

▪ Active record set (black, bold) – applies the same as for a loaded record set, except

the fact, that the values of the active record set are displayed in the right section of
the DMS Control window.

In the right section of the window are displayed concrete data from actual record set.
The individual data from datalogger are clearly displayed in table (Picture 10).

Picture 11

Format of displaying data, can be changed in menu (Picture 11) Settings \ Data format \
Simple or Detailed.

▪ Record order - sorted from oldest to latest
▪ Sign – information about selected function

o First record is marked by green color and sign 128+number of selected function

o Last record is marked by blue color and sign 64+ number of selected function
o Error record is marked by red color and sign 0 (Zero)

▪ Date – in format YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm:ss
▪ Temperature – mentioned in degree Celsius

▪ Pressure – main measured value
▪ Unit – of main measured value
▪ Other columns concern to the selected function

In right bottom corner of DMS control window is situated information about actual
datalogger memory usage a number of record sets (max. 1024)

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6.3. FUNCTION

▪ Refresh records – key F5 reload record sets
▪ Erase memory – or key Delete deletes data from PCE-PDA datlogger. Erasing is

blocked by popup window with question, whether user really wants to delete data.

▪ Exit – ends DMS Control.

Picture 12

6.3.1. DATA UPLOADING

▪ Record sets can be uploaded individually or in bulk.
▪ Click on left mouse button choses the record set.
▪ Double click by left mouse button on PCE-PDA type are all records chosen.
▪ Uploading record sets is realized by right mouse button or key F2.

6.3.2. SAVING DATA

Data are saved in *.CSV format with values detached by semicolons. Record sets can be

saved individually or in bulk. Click on record set by the right mouse button chose save (key
F3) or save as (key F4).

▪ Save – saves data file(s) automatically to preset folder. This folder is displayed and

its select is made in top right corner of DMS-control window. (Picture 10)

▪ Save as – data files cannot be saved in bulk and DMS-control asks on target path

every time.

Picture 13

Instructions for use PCE-PDA

7. Contact

If you have any questions, suggestions or technical problems, please do not hesitate to
contact us. You will find the relevant contact information at the end of this user manual.

8. DISPOSAL

For the disposal of batteries in the EU, the 2006/66/EC directive of the European Parliament
applies. Due to the contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as
household waste. They must be given to collection points designed for that purpose.

In order to comply with the EU directive 2012/19/EU we take our devices back. We either re­use them or give them to a recycling company which disposes of the devices in line with law.

For countries outside the EU, batteries and devices should be disposed of in accordance with
your local waste regulations.

If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.

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Instructions for use PCE-PDA

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PCE Instruments contact information

Germany France Spain

PCE Deutschland GmbH PCE Instruments France EURL PCE Ibérica S.L.
Im Langel 4 23, rue de Strasbourg Calle Mayor, 53
D-59872 Meschede 67250 SOULTZ-SOUS-FORETS 02500 Tobarra (Albacete)
Deutschland France España
Tel.: [phone] Téléphone: [phone] Tel. : [phone]
Fax: [phone] Numéro de fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
[e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch www.pce-instruments.com/french www.pce-instruments.com/espanol

United States of America United Kingdom Italy

PCE Americas Inc. PCE Instruments UK Ltd PCE Italia s.r.l.
711 Commerce Way suite 8 Units 12/13 Southpoint Business Park Via Pesciatina 878 / B-Interno 6
Jupiter / Palm Beach Ensign Way, Southampton 55010 LOC. GRAGNANO
33458 FL Hampshire CAPANNORI (LUCCA)
USA United Kingdom, SO31 4RF Italia
Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone] Telefono: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
[e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/us www.pce-instruments.com/english www.pce-instruments.com/italiano

The Netherlands Chile Hong Kong

PCE Brookhuis B.V. PCE Instruments Chile S.A. PCE Instruments HK Ltd.
Institutenweg 15 RUT: 76.154.057-2 Unit J, 21/F., COS Centre
7521 PH Enschede Santos Dumont 738, local 4 56 Tsun Yip Street
Nederland Comuna de Recoleta, Santiago, Chile Kwun Tong
Telefoon: [phone] Tel. : [phone] Kowloon, Hong Kong
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone] Tel: [phone]
[e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/dutch www.pce-instruments.com/chile www.pce-instruments.cn

China

Turkey

PCE (Beijing) Technology Co.,Ltd PCE Teknik Cihazları Ltd.Şti.
1519 Room, 6 Building Halkalı Merkez Mah.
Men Tou Gou Xin Cheng, Pehlivan Sok. No.6/C
Men Tou Gou District 34303 Küçükçekmece - İstanbul
102300 Beijing Türkiye
China Tel: [phone]
Tel: [phone] Faks: 0212 705 53 93
[e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.cn www.pce-instruments.com/turkish