PIE 525 Plus Operating Instructions Manual

PIE 525

Diagnostic Thermocouple

RTD & Milliamp Calibrator

Operating Instructions

PIE 525

Diagnostic Thermocouple

RTD & Milliamp Calibrator

Operating Instructions

Practical Instrument Electronics

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

Contents

General Operations

Connections ............................................................................ 4

Accessories ............................................................................. 5

Carrying Case, Boot, and Magnet Strap .................................6

Changing Batteries & Storing EZ-CHECK Outputs ................7

Basic Operation

Switches & Knobs ................................................................8-9

MAIN Menus - Functions, Units & Ranges ...................... 10-11

Display Resolution & Troubleshooting Settings ..................... 12

Milliamp Display for RTD, Thermocouple, V & Ohms ........... 13

FEATURE Menu - Stepping & Ramping / Auto Off ............... 14

FEATURE Menu - Stepping & Ramping / Backlight .............15

Functions and Hookup Diagrams

Millivolt

Source mV; Read mV ...................................................... 16,17

Thermocouple

Source T/C & Read T/C Sensors ..................................... 18,19

Resistance

Source Resistance, Read Resistance.............................20, 21

RTD

Source RTD & Read RTD Sensors.................................22, 23

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting RTD Instruments ........................................24

Troubleshooting Thermocouple Sensors ............................... 26

Troubleshooting RTD Sensors ..............................................28

Milliamp

Source mA ............................................................................ 30

Read mA ............................................................................... 31

Power/Measure mA ...............................................................32

Simulate 2-Wire Transmitters ................................................ 33

Calibrate 2-Wire Temperature Transmiters ............................ 34

Using Ground Leak Detection ...............................................36

Specifications

General ............................................................................38-41

Thermocouple Ranges & Accuracies...............................42-44

RTD Ranges & Accuracies ..............................................46-47

Warranty

Warranty & Additional Information ........................................ 49

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

General Information

Calibrate all your T/C, RTD & mA Instruments

• Easy to use

Single calibrator that combines ALL the
functions of a diagnostic milliamp calibrator with
the accuracy of a laboratory thermocouple and
RTD calibrator.

• Protect instruments & technicians from
(potentially dangerous) catastrophic failures
due to hidden loop problems

Quickly diagnose ground fault and current
leakage often caused by water in conduits and
junction boxes with patented loop diagnostic
technology (US Patent# 7,248,058).

Calibrate T/C instruments to 0.1 & 0.01 °F & °C

•

The PIE 525Plus works with the thermocouples
you use including types J, K, T, E, R, S, B, N, G,
C, D, L (J-DIN), U (T-DIN) and P (Platinel II). Or
calibrate from -13.0000 to +80.0000 mV.

• Calibrate RTD instruments to 0.1 & 0.01 °F & °C

Stop carrying around a decade box and RTD
resistance tables. The 525Plus works with the
RTDs you use including Platinum 10, 50, 100,
200, 500 & 1000 Ohm (alpha = 3850), Platinum
100 Ohm (alpha = 3902, 3916, 3926), Copper 10
& 50 Ohm, and Nickel 120 Ohm. Or calibrate from

0.000 to 400.000 and 0.00 to 4000.00 Ohms.

Page 1

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

• Fast calibration with automatic output
stepping

Easily set any value quickly to within 0.1° or 0.01°
with the adjustable digital potentiometer “DIAL”
plus store any three temperatures for instant
recall with the EZ-CHECK™ switch. Choose
between 2, 3, 5, 11 steps and ramp to
automatically increment the output in 100%, 50%,
25%, 10% or 5% of span. Select step time from
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 & 60 seconds.

• Compatible with ALL process instruments

No competitor’s calibrator is compatible with as
many process instruments! Connect directly to the
temperature inputs of transmitters, PLCs, DCS &
multichannel recorders to verify their outputs or
displays. RTD simulation works with older
instruments with fixed excitation currents and newer
multichannel instruments that switch the excitation
current between input channels.

• Measure thermocouple & RTD sensors

The PIE 525Plus measures probes to 0.1 or 0.01
°C or °F. For thermocouples a secondary
display shows the millivolts corresponding to the
sensor temperature. Also displays the cold
junction temperature measured by the calibrator.

For RTDs a secondary display shows the
resistance corresponding to the sensor
temperature.

Page 2

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

• Find problems with troubleshooting tools

Troubleshoot thermocouple probes by
measuring the resistance of the cables and
sensing element. Probes with high resistance
should be replaced before they burn out. Open
thermocouples and thermocouples that have
high resistance indicating impending failure are
indicated by OPEN TC and the resistance value
on the display.

Troubleshoot RTD sensor connections and find
broken wires with patented technology. Connect
your two, three or four wire RTDs and the PIE
525Plus automatically detects the connections.

For troubleshooting RTD measuring instruments
the 525Plus displays the fixed or pulsed sensor
excitation current outputted by the instrument.

• Calibration Lab Accurate & Stable

The internal cold junction thermistor is accurate
to ±0.05°C and is traceable to NIST. A stable
voltage reference and low drift components make
it more accurate than most other TC calibrators.

• Perform Heat Treating Uniformity Surveys and
System Accuracy Tests

The PIE 525Plus is capable of meeting the
requirements of an AMS 2750 Field Test Instrument
when certified by an accredited laboratory.

Become a troubleshooting technician with

Patented Diagnostic Technology - Available only

with PIE Calibrators!

Page 3

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

Connections

Simulating or reading thermocouples requires the use of
thermocouple or extension grade thermocouple wire. Plug
thermocouple wires into the miniature thermocouple jack.

The PIE 525Plus has two banana jacks (1+ & 2-) mounted in the
top end of the housing. These are not temperature compensated
and are to be used only for millivolt signals or thermocouple
signals with the cold junction turned off. The two banana jacks
(5+ and 6-) are for all milliamp signals.

Simulating or reading RTDs uses copper wire.

Plug 2, 3 or 4 wires into the corresponding jacks on the
calibrator. For RTD source the PIE 525Plus simulates the (+)
RTD from jacks 1 & 4 and the (-) RTD from jacks 2 & 3.

When reading an RTD sensor the PIE 525Plus uses patented
circuitry to automatically detect if 2, 3 or 4 wires are connected.
This is helpful to troubleshoot sensor connection (see
Troubleshooting an RTD Sensor).

Page 4

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

Accessories

INCLUDED:

Four “AA” Alkaline batteries, Certificate of Calibration

Evolution Hands Free Carrying Case Part No. 020-0211

Dark Blue Rubber Boot Part No. 020-0213

Test Leads - one pair with Part No. 020-0207
banana plug & alligator clips

Evolution RTD Wire Kit Part No. 020-0208
2 Red & 2 Black Leads with
Banana Plugs & Spade Lugs

OPTIONAL:

Ni-MH 1 Hour Charger with 4 Ni-MH AA Par t No. 020-0103

Batteries (100-120 V AC input for North America Only)

T/C Wire Kit 1* for Types J, K, T & E Part No. 020-0202

T/C Wire Kit 2* for Types B, R/S & N Part No. 020-0203

*Three feet (1 meter) of T/C extension wire, stripped on one
end with a miniature T/C male connector on the other end.

Magnet Strap Part No. 020-0236

Page 5

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

Operating Instructions

FIELD & BENCH USE

PIE 525Plus comes with a carrying case designed for hands­free operation and a rubber boot with a built-in tilt stand. The PIE
525Plus is held in the case by elastic straps for use with the
carrying case open. The tilt stand is easily raised by pulling the
stand until it locks into place.

Deluxe Hands Free Carrying

Case (Included)

Magnetic

Hanging Strap

(020-0236 Optional)

Page 6

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

Operating Instructions

CHANGING BATTERIES

Low battery is indicated by a battery symbol on the display.
Approximately one to four hours of typical operation remain before
the PIE 525Plus will automatically turn off. To change the batteries
remove the rubber boot and remove the battery door from the
back of the unit by sliding the door downward. This allows access
to the battery compartment. Replace with four (4) “AA” 1.5V
batteries being careful to check the polarity. Replace the battery
door and replace the boot. All stored configuration options (T/C
Type, EZ-CHECK Memories, etc.) are reset to factory settings
when the batteries are removed.
Note: Alkaline batteries are supplied and recommended for
typical battery life and performance. Optional rechargeable
batteries (charged externally) are available.

STORING HI and LO EZ-CHECK Source Outputs

Speed up your calibration by storing Span & Zero output setting
for instant recall with the EZ-CHECK switch.

1) Store your high (SPAN) output temperature by moving the

EZ-CHECK switch to the HI position and turning the EZ-Dial
knob until the desired output value is on the display. Press
and hold the EZ-Dial knob until STORED appears to store
the value. Release the EZ-Dial knob.

2) Store your low (ZERO) output value by moving the EZ-CHECK

switch to the LO position and turning the EZ-Dial knob until
the desired output value is on the display. Press and hold the
EZ-Dial knob until STORED appears to store the value.
Release the EZ-Dial knob.

3) Instantly output your SPAN and ZERO output settings by

moving the EZ-CHECK switch between HI and LO. You may
also select any third output setting (such as mid-range) using
the SET position on the EZ-CHECK switch.

Page 7

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

Operating Instructions

Basic Operation

+

-

22.4°C

T/C

43.307mV

1052.50

HI

Diagnostic Thermocouple

RTD & Milliamp Calibrator

2, 3, 4 Wire Detection

Loop Leak Detect ∙ Transmitter Supply

HI

SET

LO

OVERLOAD

°C

TYPE K

SOURCE

MAX

READ

OFF

MIN

READ

Double Click

Menu

Push & Turn

for
Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

to

Store/Step

q EZ-CHECK™ SWITCH

SOURCE: Instantly output two preset settings by moving the

EZ-CHECK™ switch to the “LO” position or “HI” position.
three point checks select the “SET” position. The PIE 525Plus
will remember the last “SET” value, even with the power off.
These values can easily be changed to suit the calibration requirements.
The values stored in the HI and LO positions are also used for Auto
Stepping.

For fast

READ: Slide the switch to the SET position. The PIE 525Plus will
display the current reading from the sensor or device being measured.
Slide the switch to MAX and the highest value measured since turn-on
or reset will be displayed; slide the switch to MIN and the lowest value
measured since turn-on or reset will be displayed.

Page 8

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

Operating Instructions

Basic Operation

w SOURCE/OFF/READ Switch

Select “SOURCE” to output mV, T/C, Ω or RTD and output/2-Wire
simulate mA.
Select “READ” to read mA, mV, T/C, Ω or RTD and read/Power­Measure mA.
Select “OFF” to turn off the 525Plus.

e EZ-DIAL™ KNOB

SOURCE: Turn the knob to adjust the output level. Turn clockwise to
increase the output, counter clockwise to decrease the output in one
least significant digit step at a time. Push down and turn the
EZ-DIAL knob for faster dialing.
Press and hold the knob for two seconds to store desired
EZ-Check™ HI/LO points in SOURCE mode. Continue to press and
hold the knob for two more seconds to start the automatic ramping.

READ: Press and hold to transfer the current temperature into
the EZ-Check™ MIN/MAX points. This clears the MIN/MAX
readings which will update as the input value changes.

SELECTING FUNCTIONS

The EZ-DIAL knob is used to setup the PIE 525Plus to match the
instrument to be calibrated or signal to be measured. Each time you
turn it on it displays the following screen for about 1 second followed
by operating in the function used the last time it was operated.

DOUBLE CLICK

EZ-DIAL KNOB

FOR CONFIGURATION

V ##.##

Double Click the EZ-DIAL knob to change the function of the
calibrator and to select ranges, units and other user settings.
Each function (mV, T/C, Ohms, RTD) has up to three pages of
menus. The first menu page has settings for the function and the
last menu page has settings for STEPPING, AUTO OFF and
BACKLIGHT. Settings are remembered even with the power off
but are reset when the batteries are changed.

Page 9

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

Operating Instructions

Double Click Menus - MAIN Page

Double click the EZ-DIAL knob to access the Double Click

Menus. Shown are the MAIN menus for each function. Turn the
knob to scroll thru the menus and press the knob to select. Default
values are in black and available choices are shown in grey.

Source V

>EXIT (1/4)
FUNCTION V
RANGE 80mV

>EXIT (1/3)
FUNCTION V
RANGE 80mV

Read V

Source & Read Thermocouples

>EXIT (1/4 for SOURCE, 1/3 for READ)
FUNCTION T/C
UNITS °C °F
T/C TYPE J K E T R S B N L U G C D P
COLD JUNC ON OFF

Source Ohms

>EXIT (1/4)
FUNCTION OHMS
RANGE 400Ω 4000Ω

>EXIT (1/3)
FUNCTION OHMS
RANGE 400Ω 4000Ω

Read Ohms

Source RTD

>EXIT (1/4)
FUNCTION RTD
UNITS °C °F
RTD Pt 100 a=3850 [*RTD Types - See Read RTD]

Read RTD

>EXIT (1/3)
FUNCTION RTD
UNITS °C °F

RTD Pt 100 a=3850,

Pt 1000 a=3850, Pt 100 a=3902, Pt 100 a=3916,
Pt 100 a=3926, Cu 10 a=4274, Cu 50 a=4280, Ni 120 a=6720
Pt 10 a=3850, Pt 50 a=3850

Pt 200 a=3850, Pt 500 a=3850,

Page 10

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

Operating Instructions

Double Click Menus - MAIN Page

Source mA &

Simulate 2 Wire Transmitters

MAIN

> EXIT (1/2)
FUNCTION mA
mA MODE SOURCE 2W SIM
UNITS mA %
HART 250Ω ON OFF

Read mA, Power/Measure Transmitters & Leak

Detect

MAIN

> EXIT (1/2)
FUNCTION mA
mA MODE READ PWR MEAS
UNITS mA %
HART 250Ω ON OFF

Turn the e DIAL KNOB to move through the two to four pages
of menus. Press the e DIAL KNOB to toggle between OFF and
ON or to scroll through the settings.

Page 11

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

Operating Instructions

Double Click Menu - DISPLAY Page

Double click the e DIAL KNOB at any time the unit is on and
then turn the e DIAL KNOB to move to the second menu page
so the word DISPLAY appears at the top of the menu.
Turn the e DIAL KNOB to move through the menu. Press the e
DIAL KNOB to toggle between LOW and HIGH or OFF and ON.

LOW resolution is 0.001 mV, 0.01Ω in 400Ω Range, 0.1Ω in
4000Ω Range and 0.1° for T/C & RTD. HIGH resolution is 0.0001
mV, 0.001Ω in 400Ω Range, 0.01Ω in 4000Ω Range and 0.01° for
T/C & RTD. Milliamp always has resolution of 0.001 mA/0.01%.

> EXIT (2/4 SOURCE, 2/3 READ)
RESOLUTION LOW HIGH

T/C DISPLAY
> EXIT (2/4 SOURCE, 2/3 READ)
RESOLUTION LOW HIGH

DISPLAY mV OFF ON
DISPLAY CJ OFF ON [Cold Junction Temperature]
TC PROBE Ω OFF ON

V DISPLAY

[Probe Resistance - Read Only]

> EXIT (2/4 SOURCE, 2/3 READ)
RESOLUTION LOW HIGH

SENSOR mA* OFF ON

RTD DISPLAY
> EXIT (2/4 SOURCE, 2/3 READ)
RESOLUTION LOW HIGH

DISPLAY OHMS OFF ON
SENSOR mA* OFF ON [Source Ohm & RTD Only]

EXIT MENU - exits this menu immediately and saves any

changes. Menu will automatically exit after 15 seconds of
inactivity. Settings are remembered even with the power off.

OHMS DISPLAY

Page 12

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

Operating Instructions

Double Click Menu - mA Display

mA MODE - pressing the knob will cycle through READ,
PWRM, READ%, PWRM% and OFF.

mA DISPLAY (For RTD, T/C, V & OHMS)

> EXIT (3/4)
mA MODE
HART 250Ω ON OFF

LEAK DETECT OFF ON

READ turns on the mA display and indicates current passing
through the loop proportional to the input of the transmitter
which is controlled by the output of the 525Plus. Choose

READ% to display in percent of 4-20 milliamps.

PWRM is POWER MEASURE which uses the internal loop

supply of the 525Plus to power up the transmitter while
indicating the current passing through the loop proportional to
the input of transmitter which is controlled by the output of the
525Plus. Choose PWRM% to display in percent of 4-20
milliamps.

If PWRM or PWRM% is selected an additional menu
selection of LEAK DETECT will appear. When LEAK
DETECT is turned on the 525Plus will display LEAK and
the amount of current that is uncontrolled in the loop. This may
be due to a faulty transmitter, corrosion causing a bridge to
ground or moisture present at some connection point. When
LEAK DETECT tests a loop with leakage the loop mA
signal will be affected.

HART 250Ω - turn on the 250Ω resistor if you are powering
up a HART transmitter. This provides the loop load required for
HART communication.

[SOURCE ONLY]

OFF READ PWRM READ% PWRM%

Page 13

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

Operating Instructions

Double Click Menu - FEATURES

To change the Automatic Stepping settings

Double click the e DIAL KNOB at any time the unit is on and
the following typical display (will be different for each FUNCTION)
will appear for 15 seconds:

MAIN
> EXIT (1/3)
FUNCTION T/C
UNITS °C
T/C TYPE J
COLD JUNC ON

Turn the
RTD, V & Ohms or the second menu page for mA so the word
FEATURES appears at the top of the menu.

Turn the e DIAL KNOB to move through the menu. Press the e
DIAL KNOB to toggle between OFF and ON or to change the
STEPS/RAMP and the STEP/RAMP TIME settings. These
settings are remembered even with the power off.

EXIT MENU - exits this menu immediately and saves any
changes. Menu will automatically exit after 15 seconds of
inactivity.

e DIAL KNOB to move to the third menu page for T/C,

FEATURES

> EXIT (2 or 3/2,3 or 4)
AUTO OFF ON
BACKLIGHT ON
STEPS/RAMP 3
STEP/RAMP TIME 5

[SOURCE ONLY]
[SOURCE ONLY]

AUTO OFF - If AUTO OFF is ON, the unit will turn off after 30

minutes of inactivity to save battery life. If AUTO OFF is OFF the
unit will stay on until the POWER SWITCH is moved to the off
position.

Page 14

Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com