PIE PIECAL 211 Operating Instructions Manual

Practical Instrument Electronics

82 East Main Street Suite 3.14 • Webster, NY 14580 Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • [e-mail] • www.piecal.com

Page 1

Product Description

• Easy to use

With the PIECAL 211 you can check & calibrate all
your RTD instruments and measure RTD Sensors.
Automatic indication of connections on the display for
simple hookups.

• Take it into the shop, plant or field

Carry it without worry - it comes protected with a
rubber boot and rugged, low profile switch. Easy to
operate even in the dark areas of the plant with the
backlit display.

• Calibrate directly in temperature (°C & °F)

Stop carrying around a decade box and RTD
resistance tables. The PIECAL 211 works with the
RTDs you use including Platinum 100 (alpha = 3850,
3902, 3926) & 1000 (alpha = 3850, 3750) Ohm,
Copper 10 & 50 Ohm, Nickel 100 and 120 Ohm.
Easily set any value quickly to within 0.1° with the
adjustable digital potentiometer “DIAL” plus store any
three temperatures for instant recall with the
EZ-CHECK™ switch.

• Calibrate quickly with automatic output stepping

Choose between 2, 3, 5, 11 and 21 steps to
automatically increment the output in 100%, 50%,
25%, 10% or 5% of span. Select the step time to
match your system from 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30
and 60 seconds.

• Compatible with all process instruments

Connect directly to the RTD inputs of smart
transmitters, PLCs, DCS and multichannel recorders and verify their outputs or
displays. Works with older instruments with fixed excitation currents and newer
multichannel instruments that switch the excitation current between input channels.

• Measure RTD Sensors

Trouble shoot sensor connections and find broken wires with patented technology. Connect your
two, three or four wire RTDs and the PIECAL 211 automatically detects the connections and
measures the RTD in degrees C or F.

PIECAL 211

Automated Universal RTD Calibrator

Operating Instructions

PIECAL 211

Automated Universal RTD Calibrator

Operating Instructions

Copyright © 2011 All rights reserved • 211-9002 - Rev D 13 July 2011

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Practical Instrument Electronics

82 East Main Street Suite 3.14 • Webster, NY 14580 Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • [e-mail] • www.piecal.com

Page 2

q EZ-CHECK™ SWITCH

SOURCE: Instantly output two preset RTD

temperatures by moving the EZ-CHECK™ switch to
the “LO” position or “HI” position.

For fast three
point checks select the “DIAL” position. The
PIECAL 211 will remember the last “DIAL”
value, even with the power off.
These values can easily be changed to suit the
calibration requirements. The temperatures stored in
the HI and LO positions are also used for Auto
Stepping.

READ: Slide the switch to the DIAL position. The
PIECAL 211 will display the current temperature from
the RTD sensor. Slide the switch to HI and the
highest temperature measured since turn-on or reset
will be displayed; slide the switch to LO and the
lowest temperature measured since turn-on or reset
will be displayed.

w SOURCE/OFF/READ Switch

Select “SOURCE” to output in °C, °F or ohms.
Select “READ” to read an RTD sensor or ohms.

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 0.1°
steps 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 SIMULATE
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™ HI/LO points.
This clears the HI/LO temperature readings
which will update as the temperature changes.

Double click the knob to get into the PIECAL 211
Configuration Mode. Use configuration to select
°C or °F, T/C Type, Backlight On/Off, Step Size,
Step Time and Auto Off On/Off.

CHANGING BATTERIES

Low battery is indicated by “BAT” on the display.
Approximately one to four hours of typical
operation remain before the PIECAL 211 will
automatically turn off. To change the batteries;
remove the rubber boot, 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 (RTD Type,
EZ-CHECK Memories, etc., are reset to factory
settings when the batteries are removed.

Note: Alkaline batteries are supplied and
recommended for maximum battery life and
performance.

Basic Operation

322-1

THERMOCOUPLE

CALIBRATOR

J, T, E, K, mV

HI

Pt100 α=385

AUTOMATED

RTD

CALIBRATOR

READ

SOURCE

HI

SET

LO

MAX

READ

MIN

OVERLOAD

Push & Hold

to

Store/Step

Push & Turn

for

Fast Dialing

Double Click

for Options

OFF

°C

3W 2W 1W 4W

   

100.0

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Page 3

Configuration

Configure the Calibrator

Move w POWER SWITCH to “SOURCE” or
“READ”.

Setup

Double click the

e DIAL KNOB at any time the

unit is on and the following displays will appear
for 15 seconds:

Turn the

e DIAL KNOB to move through the

menu. Press the e DIAL KNOB to toggle
between OFF and ON or to scroll through the
settings.

MODEL 211 V#.##

DOUBLE CLICK

EZ-DIAL KNOB

FOR CONFIGURATION

> EXIT 15
TEMP UNITS °C
RTD Pt 100 a=3850
BACKLIGHT ON

> EXIT 15
STEPS 3
STEP TIME 8
AUTO OFF ON

EXIT MENU - exits this menu immediately and

saves any changes. Menu will automatically exit
after 15 seconds of inactivity (countdown timer is
displayed).

TEMP UNITS - pressing the knob will toggle
between °C and °F.

RTD - pressing the knob will cycle through the
various RTD (Pt, Cu & Ni) at different base
resistances and alpha values.

BACKLIGHT - If BACKLIGHT is ON the
backlight will light all the time the unit is powered
up. For maximum battery life turn the backlight
off when using the calibrator in areas with
enough ambient light to read the display.

STEPS - pressing the knob will cycle through 2,
3, 5, 11 and 21 steps. The endpoints of the steps
are based on the values stored in the HI and LO
EZ-CHECK outputs.

STEP TIME - pressing the knob will cycle
through 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 60
seconds.

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.

Note: All settings are remembered even with the
power off. Removing the batteries resets the
values to factory defaults.

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Page 4

SOURCE

Choose this function to provide a simulated RTD signal into controllers, temperature transmitters,
indicators or any input devices that measure thermocouple sensors.

1) Disconnect the RTD sensor from the device to

be calibrated.

2) Select “SOURCE” with slide switch

w.

3) Connect the PIECAL 211 to the device using 2,

3 or 4 wires matching the connections of the
sensor that was just removed.

The output is adjusted in 0.1° (or 0.01/0.1 ohm)
increments by turning the knob

e while the

EZ-CHECK™ switch

q is in the “HI”, “LO” or “SET”

position. Press and turn the knob for faster dialing
with 10° (or 1.00/10.0 ohm) increments.

The OVERLOAD indicator will light if excessive
voltage or current is detected by the calibrator.

Calibrating RTD Instruments

322-1

THERMOCOUPLE

CALIBRATOR

J, T, E, K, mV

HI

Pt100 α=385

AUTOMATED

RTD

CALIBRATOR

READ

SOURCE

HI

SET

LO

MAX

READ

MIN

OVERLOAD

Push & Hold

to

Store/Step

Push & Turn

for

Fast Dialing

Double Click

for Options

OFF

°C

3W 2W 1W 4W

   

100.0

READ

Choose this function to measure temperatures with an RTD probe or sensor.

1) Disconnect the RTD sensor from any other device.

2) Select “READ” with slide switch

w.

3) Place the EZ-CHECK switch into the READ position.

4) Connect the PIECAL 211 to the device using 2, 3 or 4 wires.

The PIECAL 211 measures the temperature signal and constantly updates the display with the
current temperature reading. Move the EZ-CHECK switch to MAX to see the highest temperature
reading and to MIN to see the lowest temperature reading. Press and hold the knob

e to clear the

MAX and MIN readings.

The OVERLOAD indicator will light if excessive voltage or current is detected by the calibrator.

Reading RTD Sensors

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Page 5

To change the Automatic Stepping settings

Double click the e DIAL KNOB at any time the unit is on and the following display will appear for 30
seconds:
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 and the STEP 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 30 seconds of
inactivity.

STEPS - pressing the knob will cycle through 2, 3, 5, 11 and 21 steps then reverse direction. The
endpoints of the steps are based on the values stored in the HI and LO EZ-CHECK outputs.

2 steps will automatically switch between the values stored in the HI & LO EZ-CHECK (0 &
100%).

3 steps between the HI, Midpoint and LO EZ-CHECK (0, 50 & 100%).

5 steps between the HI and LO EZ-CHECK in 25% increments (0, 25, 50, 75 & 100%).

11 steps between the HI and LO EZ-CHECK in 10% increments (0, 10, 20...80, 90 &100%).

21 steps between the HI and LO EZ-CHECK in 5% increments (0, 5, 10... 90, 95 & 100%).

STEP TIME - pressing the knob will cycle through 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 60 seconds.

To start the Automatic Stepping

Start automatic stepping or ramping by placing the EZ-CHECK Switch into the HI or LO position
then press and hold the

e DIAL KNOB for 6 seconds (the word STORE will appear on the display

after 3 seconds and continue to press the DIAL KNOB) until the word STEPPING appears on the
display. The word STEPPING will appear on the display anytime the selected automatic function is
running. Stop the stepping by again pressing and holding the e DIAL KNOB for 3 seconds.

Automatic Stepping

Storing EZ-CHECK Outputs

STORING HI and LO EZ-CHECK Outputs

Choose this function to provide a simulated RTD signal into controllers, temperature transmitters,
indicators or any other input device that measure thermocouple sensors.

1) Store your high (SPAN) output temperature by moving the EZ-CHECK switch to the HI position
and turn the

e EZ-Dial knob until the desired temperature 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 temperature by moving the EZ-CHECK switch to the LO position
and turn the

e EZ-Dial knob until the desired temperature 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 temperature outputs by moving the EZ-CHECK switch
between HI and LO. You may also select any third temperature output (such as mid-range) using
the SET position on the EZ-CHECK switch.

EXIT 15
> STEPS 3
STEP TIME 8
AUTO OFF ON

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Page 6

RTD
Type

Alpha Degrees C

Range

Accuracy

°C

Degrees F

Range

Accuracy

°F

Pt 100 Ohm (DIN/IEC/JIS 1989)

Based on ITS-90

1.3850

(0.00385)

-200.0 to 200.0

200.0 to 600.0

600.0 to 850.0

±0.3°
±0.4°
±0.5°

-328.0 to 392.0

392.0 to 1112.0

1112.0 to 1562.0

±0.5°
±0.7°
±0.8°

Pt 100 Ohm (Burns) 1.3902

(0.003902)

-195.6 to 200.0

200.0 to 648.9

±0.3°
±0.4°

-320.0 to 392.0

392.0 to 1200

±0.5°
±0.7°

Pt 100 Ohm (Old JIS 1981) 1.3916

(0.003916)

-200.0 to 200.0

200.0 to 648.9

±0.3°
±0.4°

-328.0 to 392.0

392.0 to 1200

±0.5°
±0.7°

Pt 100 Ohm (US Lab) 1.3926

(0.003926)

-200.0 to 100.0

100.0 to 700.0

700.0 to 862.2

±0.3°
±0.4°
±0.5°

-328.0 to 212.0

212.0 to 1292.0

1292.0 to 1584.0

±0.5°
±0.7°
±0.8°

Pt 1000 Ohm 1.3850

(0.00385)

-200.0 to 200.0

200.0 to 266.0

±0.3°
±0.4°

-328.0 to 392.0

392.0 to 511.0

±0.5°
±0.7°

Pt 1000 Ohm Hy-Cal HVAC 1.3750

(0.00375)

-200.0 to 200.0

200.0 to 274.0

±0.3°
±0.4°

-328.0 to 392.0

392.0 to 525.0

±0.5°
±0.7°

Copper 10 Ohm (Minco) 1.4274

(0.004274)

-200.0 to 260.0 ±2.1° -328.0 to 500 ±4.1°

Copper 50 Ohm 1.4280

(0.00428)

-150.0 to 50.0 ±1.1° -58.0 to 302.0 ±1.1°

Ni 120 Ohm (Pure) 1.6720

(0.00672)

-80.0 to -315.6 ±0.2° -112.0 to 600.0 ±0.3°

Ni 110 (Bristol 7 NA) 1.5801

(0.005801)

-106.7 to 315.6 ±0.3° -160.0 to 600.0 ±0.3°

Ranges & Accuracies

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Page 7

General

Accuracy ±(0.025% of Reading + 0.05 Ohms)

Temperature Drift ± 0.01% of span outside of 23°C ±10 °C (73°C ±18 °F)

Operating Temperature Range -25 to 60 °C (-10 to 140 °F)

Relative Humidity Range 10 % ≤RH ≤90 % (0 to 35 °C), Non-condensing

10 % ≤RH≤ 70 % (35 to 60 °C), Non-condensing

Size L=5.63 x W=3.00 x H=1.60 inches

Weight 12.1 ounces (including boot & batteries)

Batteries Four “AA” Alkaline 1.5V (LR6)

Battery Life 50 Hours

Optional NiMh

Rechargeable battery kit

120 VAC for North America Only; charger, four

NiMh

batteries, AC & DC cords [Part # 020-0103]

Low Battery Low battery indication with nominal 1 hour of operation

left

Protection against misconnection Over-voltage protection to 60 V dc (rated for 30 seconds)

Display High contrast graphic liquid crystal display. LED backlighting

for use in low lit areas.

Read

Excitation Current

0.5 mA nominal

Normal Mode Rejection 50/60 Hz, 50 dB

Common Mode Rejection 50/60 Hz, 120 dB

PIECAL 211 Specifications

(Unless otherwise indicated all specifications are rated from a nominal 23 °C,

70 % RH for 1 year from calibration)

Source

Accuracy

From 1 to 10.2 mA External Excitation Current

Below 1 mA of External Excitation Current

±(0.025% of Reading + 0.05 Ohms)

±(0.025% of Reading + + 0.05 Ohms)

Resistance Ranges 0.00 to 410.00, 410.1 to 2001.0 Ohms

Allowable Excitation Current Range <410 Ohms: 10.2 mA max; steady or pulsed/intermittent

410 to 2001 Ohms: 1 mA max; steady or pulsed/intermittent

Pulsed Excitation Current Compatibility DC to 0.01 second pulse width

0.025 mV

mA Excitation Current

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Page 8

Warranty

Our equipment is warranted against defective material and workmanship (excluding batteries) for a
period of three years from the date of shipment. Claims under warranty can be made by returning
the equipment prepaid to our factory. The equipment will be repaired, replaced or adjusted at our
option. The liability of Practical Instrument Electronics (PIE) is restricted to that given under our
warranty. No responsibility is accepted for damage, loss or other expense incurred through sale or
use of our equipment. Under no condition shall Practical Instrument Electronics, Inc. be liable for any
special, incidental or consequential damage.

Additional Information

This product is calibrated on equipment traceable to NIST and includes a Certificate of Calibration.

Test Data is available for an additional charge.

Practical Instrument Electronics recommends a calibration interval of one year. Contact your local

representative for recalibration and repair services.

Accessories

Included:

Rubber Boot, Four “AA” Alkaline batteries, Certificate of Calibration
Small Carrying Case with PIE Logo Part No. 020-0205
Evolution RTD Wire Kit Part No. 020-0208

2 Red & 2 Black Leads with Retractable Shield Banana Plugs & Spade Lugs

Optional:

Ni-MH 1 Hour Charger with 4 Ni-MH AA Batteries Part No. 020-0103
(100-120 V AC input for North America Only)

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