PIE Practical Instrument Electronics 311, 311 Plus Operating Manual

Model 311

Diagnostic RTD

& Milliamp Calibrator

Operating Instructions

• Two Calibrators in One!

Calibrate all your RTD instruments AND your milliamp
loops with the PIE 311Plus. It has all the functions of a 12
type RTD calibrator and can source 0 to 24 milliamps or
simulate a two wire transmitter like a milliamp calibrator.
You may also perform stand alone calibrations of two wire
transmitters by simultaneously supplying the RTD input
signal while supplying the 24 volts to power up the
transmitter and monitoring the milliamp output signal.
Powers HART™ transmitters with built-in 250 ohm resistor
simplifying hookups with HART communicators.

• Troubleshoot loop problems

Quickly diagnose ground fault and current leakage with the
patented loop diagnostic technology (US Patent 7,248,058).

• Troubleshoot RTD sensors

Troubleshoot sensor connections and find broken wires
with patented technology. Connect your two, three or four
wire RTDs and the PIE 311Plus automatically detects the
connections. Secondary display shows the resistance
value corresponding to the RTD temperature.

• Easy to use in the shop, plant, or field

With the PIE 311Plus you can check & calibrate all your
RTD instruments, measure RTD Sensors, and calibrate 4
to 20 milliamp instruments. Automatic indication of
connections on the display for simple hookups. Carry it
without worry - it comes protected with a rubber boot and
rugged, low profile switches. Easy to operate even in dark
areas with the backlit display.

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

Stop carrying around a decade box and RTD resistance tables. The PIE 311Plus works with the
RTDs you use including Platinum 10, 50, 100, 200, 500 & 1000 (alpha = 3850), Pt 100 Ohm
(alpha=3902, 3916, 3926), Copper 10 & 50 Ohm, and Nickel 120 Ohm. Easily set any value quickly
to within 0.1° with the adjustable digital potentiometer “EZ-DIAL” plus store any three temperatures
for instant recall with the EZ-CHECK™ switch. And from 0.00 to 401.00 and 0.0 to 4010.0 Ohms.

• Checkout all your 4 to 20 mA loops & instruments

With the built-in milliamp calibrator you can check, calibrate and measure all your current signal
instruments in a 4 to 20 milliamp loop. It can be used at any access point in your loop. Source &
Read 0.000 to 24.000 mA, Simulate a 2 Wire Transmitter or use the PIE 311Plus to simultaneously
power your 2 Wire Transmitter and measure its output while simulating the sensor input

• Fast calibration 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, 9, 10, 15, 20,
25, 30 and 60 seconds.

• Compatible with ALL process instruments

No competitor’s calibrator is compatible with as many 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.

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

Copyright © 2017 All rights reserved • 311Plus-9002 - Rev A 26 July 2017

Practical Instrument Electronics

.

Page 1

Deluxe Hands Free

Carrying Case (Included)

Evolution RTD Test

Leads (Included)

Magnetic Hanging Strap

(Optional)

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 2

Basic Operation

+

-

100.0

2, 3, 4 Wire Detection

MAX

HI

READ
MIN

LO

+

°C

SOURCE

OFF

READ

Double Click

Menu

Push & Turn

Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

Store/Step

for

to

   

-

3 2 1 4

Diagnostic RTD &

Milliamp Calibrator

Loop Leak Detect ∙ Transmitter Supply

SET

OVERLOAD

q EZ-CHECK™ SWITCH

SOURCE: Instantly output two preset RTD

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

For fast three point checks select the

position.
“SET” position. The PIE 311Plus 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.

READ: Slide the switch to the SET position. The PIE
311Plus will display the current temperature from the
RTD sensor or the current milliamp value. Slide the
switch to HI and the highest value measured since
turn-on or reset will be displayed; slide the switch to
LO and the lowest value measured since turn-on or
reset will be displayed.

w SOURCE/OFF/READ Switch

Select “SOURCE” to output in °C, °F, Ohms or
milliamps.
Select “READ” to read a RTD sensor, Ohms or
milliamps. Select “OFF” to turn the unit off.

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°,

0.01 Ω or 0.001 mA 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 SOURCE
mode. Continue to press and hold the knob for
three more seconds to start the automatic
stepping or ramping.

READ: Press and hold the knob for two seconds
to transfer the current measured value into the
EZ-Check™ HI/LO points. This clears the HI/LO
readings which will update as the measured
value changes.

Double click the knob to get into the PIE 311Plus
Configuration Mode.

CHANGING BATTERIES

Low battery is indicated by a battery symbol on
the display. Approximately one hour of typical
operation remain after the first time the low
battery symbol appears. 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 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. Purchase the optional Ni-MH
rechargeable batteries for maximum battery life.

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 3

Configuration

Double Click Menus - MAIN Page

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

DOUBLE CLICK

EZ-DIAL KNOB

FOR CONFIGURATION

V#.##

Read mA, Power/Measure

Transmitters & Leak Detect

MAIN

> EXIT (1/3)
FUNCTION mA
MODE READ PWR MEAS
UNITS mA %
HART 250Ω ON OFF

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.
Available choices are shown in grey.

Source RTDs

MAIN

>EXIT (1/3)
FUNCTION RTD
UNITS °C °F
RTD Pt 10 0 a=3850

[*See Read RTD]

Read RTDs

MAIN

>EXIT (1/3)
FUNCTION RTD
UNITS °C °F

RTD Pt 100 a=3850,

Pt 500 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,

Source & Read Ohms

MAIN

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

Source mA &

Simulate 2 Wire Transmitters

MAIN

> EXIT (1/2)
FUNCTION mA
MODE SOURCE 2W SIM
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.

Double Click Menu - RTD DISPLAY

RTD DISPLAY (SOURCE)

> EXIT (2/4)
DISPLAY OHMS OFF ON
SENSOR mA* OFF ON

RTD DISPLAY (READ)

> EXIT (2/3)
DISPLAY OHMS OFF ON

DISPLAY OHMS - If DISPLAY OHMS is ON the

Ohms value corresponding to the sourced or
measured temperature is displayed.

SENSOR mA - If SENSOR mA is ON the
excitation current supplied from the RTD
measuring instrument is displayed (SOURCE
only).

Double Click Menu - OHMS DISPLAY

OHMS DISPLAY

> EXIT (2/4)
SENSOR mA* OFF ON

SENSOR mA - If SENSOR mA is ON the

excitation current supplied from the resistance
measuring instrument is displayed (SOURCE
only).

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 4

Configuration

Double Click Menu - mA DISPLAY

mA DISPLAY (For RTD)

> EXIT (3/4)
MODE
HART 250Ω ON OFF

LEAK DETECT OFF ON

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

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 311Plus. Choose READ%
to display in percent of 4-20 milliamps.

PWRM is POWER MEASURE which uses the
internal loop supply of the 311Plus 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 311Plus. 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 311Plus 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.

OFF READ PWRM READ% PWRM%

Double Click Menu - FEATURES

FEATURES

> EXIT (4/4)
AUTO OFF ON OFF
BACKLIGHT ON OFF
STEPS/RAMP 2 3 5 11 RAMP
STEP/RAMP TIME 5 6 7 8 9 10 15 20 25 30 60

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.

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/RAMP - pressing the knob will cycle
through 2, 3, 5, 11 and RAMP. The endpoints
of the steps or ramp 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%).

RAMP continuously ramps up and down
between the HI and LO EZ-CHECK outputs.

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

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 5

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 RTD sensors.

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

e EZ-Dial knob until the desired temperature is on the display. Press and hold the

e EZ-Dial knob until the desired temperature is on the display. Press and hold the

Automatic Stepping

To change the Automatic Stepping settings

Double click the e DIAL KNOB at any time the unit is on and the menu will appear for 15 seconds.

Turn the e DIAL KNOB to move through down
to the third (FEATURES) 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
15 seconds of inactivity.

STEPS - pressing the knob will cycle through 2, 3, 5 and 11 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%).

RAMP continuously between the HI and LO EZ-CHECK.

FEATURES

> EXIT (3/3)
AUTO OFF ON OFF
BACKLIGHT ON OFF
STEPS/RAMP 2
STEP/RAMP TIME 5 6 7 8 9 10 15 20 25 30 60

3 5 11 RAMP

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
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 6 seconds (the word STORE will appear on the display

e DIAL KNOB for 3 seconds.

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 6

Connections

The PIE 311Plus has four standard banana jacks for
2, 3 or 4 wire instruments or sensors. All connections
are made at the top of the calibrator where the jacks
are numbered for ease of use.

SOURCE - Plug in the 2, 3 or 4 wires to match the
connection on the instrument being calibrated.

READ - Plug in the 2, 3 or 4 wires from the sensor
and the PIE 311Plus will automatically detect the
correct setting for 2, 3 or 4 wire simulation using a
patented circuit.

Milliamp - All milliamp connections are connected to
the banana jacks labeled 5 (+) and 6 (-).

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 7

Troubleshooting RTD Sensors

Problem found with RTD Sensor Wiring

Here is an example of the PIE
311Plus reading a sensor with all 4
wires connected.

Here is an example where
connections are made to a 4 wire
sensor and the 311Plus indicates that
only Wires 1, 2 & 4 are connected.
There may be a loose connection or
a break in wire 3 somewhere between
the sensor and the 311Plus.

Only a calibrator with PIE’s patented 2, 3 & 4 wire detection
makes troubleshooting sensor wiring quick, easy and automatic.
This is much simpler and faster than going through the process
of testing each pair of wires to figure out which, if any,
connection is loose or which wire is broken.

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 8

°C

00.21mA FIXED

289.27 Ω

525.00

01.15mA PULSE

289.27 Ω

525.00

°C

Troubleshooting RTD Instruments

Troubleshooting RTD Instruments

When you are having an issue where an
instrument won't read an RTD sensor or you
don't know if the calibrator is connected properly
the PIE 311Plus has a function to measure and
display the fixed or pulsed sensor (excitation)
current that the instrument uses to measure the
resistance of the RTD sensor.

Double click 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
menu until the cursor is pointing at SENSOR
mA. Press the e DIAL KNOB to toggle SENSOR
mA ON.

Disconnect all sensor wires from the devices to be
calibrated and connect the PIE
inputs of the device using 2, 3 or 4 wires. The sensor
current generated by the instrument will be indicated
on the display followed by the word FIXED or
PULSE. Older single channel RTD instruments used
a constant (fixed) current source to measure an RTD
sensor. Smart transmitters, multichannel recorders
and PLC or DCS input cards switch the current
source sequentially through the channels which is
seen as an intermittent (pulsed) current.

e DIAL KNOB at any time the

e DIAL KNOB to move through the

311Plus

to the

Instrument with RTD Input

Controller

Temperature Transmitter

Temperature Indicator

Temperature Trip or Alarm

+

-

+

   

-

3 2 1 4

01.15mA PULSE

289.27 Ω

°C

100.0

Pt 100 α=3850

Diagnostic RTD &

Milliamp Calibrator

2, 3, 4 Wire Detection

Loop Leak Detect ∙ Transmitter Supply

SOURCE

MAX

HI

READ

SET

OFF

MIN

LO

READ

Double Click

OVERLOAD

Menu

Push & Turn

Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

Store/Step

for

to

Excitation current generated

by the RTD Instrument

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

Practical Instrument Electronics

Excitation current generated

by the RTD Instrument

Page 9

Operating Instructions

RTD Source

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

Move the power switch
Turn the knob to scroll through the settings and press the knob to make your selection. Select RTD
for the FUNCTION, °F or °C for the UNITS, and RTD Type (Pt 100 a=3850, Pt 200 a=3850, Pt
500 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).

Connect the PIE 311Plus to the inputs of the device being calibrated 2, 3 or 4 wires.

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. The output is adjusted in 0.1° increments by turning the knob
turn the knob for faster dialing with 10.0° increments.

w to SOURCE then Double Click the EZ-DIAL knob to get into the menu.

e. Press and

+

-

   

-

3 2 1 4

100.0

Diagnostic RTD &

Milliamp Calibrator

2, 3, 4 Wire Detection

Loop Leak Detect ∙ Transmitter Supply

MAX

HI

READ

SET

MIN

LO

OVERLOAD

+

°C

SOURCE

OFF

Double Click

Push & Turn

Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

Store/Step

Instrument with RTD Input

Controller

Temperature Transmitter

Temperature Indicator

Temperature Trip or Alarm

READ

Menu

for

to

+

-

  

-

3 2 1

100.0

Diagnostic RTD &

Milliamp Calibrator

2, 3, 4 Wire Detection

Loop Leak Detect ∙ Transmitter Supply

MAX

HI

READ

SET

MIN

LO

OVERLOAD

°C

SOURCE

OFF

Double Click

Menu

Push & Turn

Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

Store/Step

READ

for

to

Read RTD Sensors

Choose this function to measure temperatures with a RTD probe, sensor or any device that output
a RTD signal.

Move the power switch

w to READ then Double Click the EZ-DIAL knob to get into the Double Click

Menu. Turn the knob to scroll through the settings and press the knob to make your selection. Select
RTD for the FUNCTION, °F or °C for the UNITS, and RTD Type (Pt 100 a=3850, Pt 200
a=3850, Pt 500 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).

Connect the PIE 311Plus to the RTD sensor being measured. If no sensor is connected, a wire is
broken or the sensor is burned out, CHECK CONNECTIONS will appear on the display along with
an indication of which wires are connected. Signals above the maximum scale are limited by
protection circuitry with “OVER RANGE” on the display and the OVERLOAD LED blinks red.

The PIE 311Plus measures the input signal and constantly updates the display with the current
reading. Move the EZ-CHECK switch

q to MAX to see the highest reading and to MIN to see the

lowest reading. Press and hold the knob e to clear the MAX and MIN readings.

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 10

Operating Instructions

OHMS SOURCE

Choose this function to provide an output from 0.00 to 4010.0 ohms.

Move the power switch
Turn the knob to scroll through the settings and press the knob to make your selection. Select
OHMS for the FUNCTION and 400Ω or 4000Ω for the RANGE.

Connect the output leads of the PIE 311Plus to the inputs of the device being calibrated.

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. The output is adjusted in 0.01 Ω increments by turning the knob
and turn the knob for faster dialing with 1.00 Ω increments.

+

-

 

2 1

mV

40.000

Diagnostic RTD &

Milliamp Calibrator

2, 3, 4 Wire Detection

Loop Leak Detect ∙ Transmitter Supply

SOURCE

MAX

HI

READ

SET

OFF

MIN

LO

READ

Double Click

Menu

OVERLOAD

Push & Turn

for
Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

to

Store/Step

w to SOURCE then Double Click the EZ-DIAL knob to get into the Menu.

e. Press

All RTD & Ohms Connections

Voltage Receiver Input

Controller

Transmitter

Computer

Logger

DCS

Voltage Output Signal

-

 

2 1

42.345

Diagnostic RTD &

Milliamp Calibrator

2, 3, 4 Wire Detection

Loop Leak Detect ∙ Transmitter Supply

MAX

HI

READ

SET

MIN

LO

OVERLOAD

+

mV

SOURCE

OFF

READ

Double Click

Menu

Push & Turn

for
Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

to

Store/Step

Controller

Transmitter

Power Supply

Read Ohms

Choose this function to measure from 0.00 to 4010.0 ohms.

Move the power switch

w to READ then Double Click the EZ-DIAL knob to get into the Menu. Turn

the knob to scroll through the settings and press the knob to make your selection. Select OHMS for
the FUNCTION and 400Ω or 4000Ω for the RANGE.

Connect the input leads of the PIE 311Plus to the resistance being measured.

Signals above the maximum scale are limited by protection circuitry with “OVER RANGE” flashed on
the display and the red OVERLOAD LED lit.

The PIE 311Plus measures the input signal and constantly updates the display with the current
reading. Move the EZ-CHECK switch

q to MAX to see the highest reading and to MIN to see the

lowest reading. Press and hold the knob e to clear the MAX and MIN readings.

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 11

Operating Instructions

mA SOURCE/ % SOURCE (Percent of 4 to 20 mA)

Choose this function to provide an output from 0.000 to 24.000 milliamps. The compliance voltage
is a nominal 24 VDC to provide the driving power to your milliamp receivers.

Move the power switch
Turn the knob to scroll through the settings and press the knob to make your selection. Select mA
for the FUNCTION and SOURCE for the MODE. Choose either mA or % and whether you need
the 250Ω HART resistor active in the loop.

Connect the output leads of the PIE 311Plus to the inputs of the device being calibrated, making
sure to check polarity. Red lead to the plus (+) input and black lead to the minus (-) input.

Instantly output your SPAN and ZERO output settings by moving the EZ-CHECK switch between HI
and LO (defaults to 20 & 4 mA). You may also select any third output setting (such as mid-range)
using the SET position on the EZ-CHECK switch. The output is adjusted in 0.001 mA (0.01%)
increments by turning the knob
increments.

+

-

 

SOURCE

HART

5 6

mA

20.000

HI

Diagnostic RTD &

Milliamp Calibrator

2, 3, 4 Wire Detection

Loop Leak Detect ∙ Transmitter Supply

SOURCE

MAX

HI

READ

SET

OFF

MIN

LO

READ

Double Click

Menu

OVERLOAD

Push & Turn

for
Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

to
Store/Step

w to SOURCE then Double Click the EZ-DIAL knob to get into the menu.

e. Press and turn the knob for faster dialing with 0.100 mA (1.00%)

Milliamp Receiver Input

Controller

Transmitter

Computer

Logger

I/P

DCS

+

-

 

READ

HART

5 6

19.997

Diagnostic RTD &

Milliamp Calibrator

2, 3, 4 Wire Detection

Loop Leak Detect ∙ Transmitter Supply

MAX

HI

READ

SET

MIN

LO

OVERLOAD

mA

SOURCE

OFF

READ

Double Click

Menu

Push & Turn

for
Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

to
Store/Step

All Milliamp Connections

Milliamp Output Signal

Controller

Transmitter

P/I

DCS

READ mA, READ % (Percent of 4 to 20 mA)

Choose this function to measure from 0.000 to 24.000 milliamps or -25.00 to 125.00%.

Move the power switch

w to READ then Double Click the EZ-DIAL knob to get into the Menu. Turn

the knob to scroll through the settings and press the knob to make your selection. Select mA for the
FUNCTION and SOURCE for the MODE. Choose either mA or % and whether you need the

250Ω HART resistor active in the loop.

Connect the red input lead (+) of the PIE 311Plus to the more positive point of the break and the
black input to the more negative point.

Signals below 0 mA or open circuits are indicated by 0.000 mA (-25.00%) on the display. Signals
above 24 mA are current limited by protection circuitry with “OVERRANGE” flashed on the display
and the red OVERLOAD LED lit.

The PIE 311Plus measures the input signal and constantly updates the display with the current
reading. Move the EZ-CHECK switch
lowest reading. Press and hold the knob

q to MAX to see the highest reading and to MIN to see the

e to clear the MAX and MIN readings.

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 12

Operating Instructions

Power/Measure mA, Power/Measure % (Percent of 4 to 20 mA)

Choose this function to simultaneously supply power to a 2 Wire Transmitter while displaying the

4.000 to 20.000 mA output of the transmitter.

Move the power switch
the knob e to scroll through the settings and press the knob to make your selection. Select mA for
the FUNCTION and PWR MEAS for the MODE. Choose either mA or % and whether you need
the 250Ω HART resistor active in the loop.

Disconnect one or both input wires from the device to be calibrated. Connect the red source lead of
the PIE 311Plus to the plus (+) input of the device and the black source lead to the minus (-).

The PIE 311Plus supplies a nominal 24 volts DC at 24 mA to the 2 Wire Transmitter. The current
passed by the transmitter will be accurately displayed by the PIE 311Plus. Calibrate the transmitter
in the usual manner and disconnect the PIE 311Plus. Signals above 24 mA are current limited by
protection circuitry with “OVERRANGE” flashed on the display and the red OVERLOAD LED lit.

Transmitter Input

Sensor

Process Signal

Simulated Input

w to READ then Double Click the EZ-DIAL knob to get into the menu. Turn

 

PWRM

HART

5 6

11.997

+ IN - REF -OUT+

Typical
2-Wire

Transmitter

mA

All Milliamp Connections

Receiver

Powers External

2-Wire Transmitter

Power Supply

(2 to 60 VDC)

 

5 6

12.422

2-WIRE

To

Sensor

mA

+ IN - REF +OUT-

Typical
2-Wire

Transmitter

(Disconnected)

2 Wire SIM mA, 2 Wire SIM % (Percent of 4 to 20 mA)

Choose this function to simulate a 2 Wire Transmitter output from 0.000 to 24.000 milliamps.
Operates in loops with power supply voltages from 2 to 60 VDC.

Move the power switch

w to SOURCE then Double Click the EZ-DIAL knob to get into the Menu.

Turn the knob to scroll through the settings and press the knob to make your selection. Select mA
for the FUNCTION and 2W SIM for the MODE. Choose either mA or % and whether you need
the 250Ω HART resistor active in the loop.

Connect the output leads of the PIE 311Plus to the inputs of the device being calibrated, making sure
to check polarity. Red lead to the plus (+) input and black lead to the minus (-) input.

Instantly output your SPAN and ZERO output settings by moving the EZ-CHECK switch between HI
and LO (defaults to 20 & 4 mA). You may also select any third output setting (such as mid-range)
using the SET position on the EZ-CHECK switch. The output is adjusted in 0.001 mA (0.01%)
increments by turning the knob

e. Press and turn the knob for faster dialing with 0.100 mA (1.00%)

increments.

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 13

Operating Instructions

Calibrate a 2-Wire RTD Transmitter by sourcing the input while monitoring the output.

Move the power switch w to SOURCE and Double click the e DIAL KNOB and the MAIN menu for
the function in use will appear for 15 seconds:
Turn the e DIAL KNOB to move to FUNCTION. Select RTD for the FUNCTION, °F or °C for the
UNITS, and RTD Type (Pt 100 a=3850, Pt 200 a=3850, Pt 500 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). Turn the e DIAL KNOB to move to the third menu page so the word mA
DISPLAY appears at the top of the menu.

MAIN
> >EXIT (1/4)

FUNCTION RTD
UNITS °C °F

RTD Pt 100 a=3850,

Pt 500 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,

Turn the
and ON or to change the MODE setting.

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

HART 250Ω - turn on the 250Ω resistor if you are powering up a HART transmitter. This provides

the loop load required for HART communication.

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

e DIAL KNOB to move through the menu. Press the e DIAL KNOB to toggle between OFF

mA DISPLAY

> EXIT (3/4)
MODE OFF READ PWRM READ% PWRM%

HART 250Ω OFF ON
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 311Plus. Choose READ% if your
would like the mA display in percent of 4-20 milliamps.

PWRM is POWER MEASURE which uses the internal loop supply of the 311Plus 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 311Plus. Choose PWRM% if your would like
the mA 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 311Plus 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.

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 14

Operating Instructions

+ IN - REF -OUT+

Typical
2-Wire

Transmitter

5 6

HART

00.51 mA LEAK

PWRM

12.523 mA

311.2 °F

Pt 100 a=3850

(Enlarged Display)

 

PWRM

HART

5 6

00.51 mA LEAK

12.523 mA

311.2

Pt 100 α=3850

°F

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 15

Operating Instructions

Using Ground Leak Detection
mA OUT, % OUT (Percent of 4 to 20 mA)

Find current leaks in loops caused by ground faults, moisture or corrosion. The 311Plus
simultaneously supplies power to a 2 Wire Transmitter (or loop with a transmitter) while displaying
the 4 to 20 mA output and the amount of current leaking in the loop.

1) Move the power switch
Turn the knob
mA for the FUNCTION and PWR MEAS for the MODE. Choose either mA or %.

2) Turn the knob e until the menu to the right appears.

3) Turn the knob e to scroll through the settings and press the
knob to make your selection. Turn on the LEAK DETECT.

4) Connect the red source lead from the mA (+) jack of the
311Plus to the plus (+) input of the device and the black source lead from the mA (-) to the minus
(-).

The PIE 311Plus supplies a nominal 24 volts DC at 24 mA to the 2 Wire Transmitter or loop. The
current passed by the transmitter will be accurately displayed by the 311Plus along with an indication
of leakage current at the top of the display. If there is an uncontrolled loop caused by a transmitter
with upscale burnout and a sensor that is burned out or missing, or a short in the loop wiring, the
311Plus will display "OVER RANGE”

e to scroll through the settings and press the knob to make your selection. Select

w to READ then Double Click the EZ-DIAL knob to get into the Menu.

mA DIAGNOSTIC

> EXIT (2/3)
LEAK DETECT OFF ON

Typical Error Conditions

5 6

HART

PWRM LEAK

00.51 mA

12.506 mA

The PIE 311Plus is supplying the loop voltage.
A calibrated transmitter is limiting the loop
current to 12.00 mA. An additional 0.51 mA is
not controlled by the transmitter and is leaking
somewhere in the loop.

PWRM

5 6

HART

OVER RANGE

mA

The PIE 311Plus is supplying the loop voltage.

All Milliamp Connections

There is a control loop error. This may be a
transmitter (set for upscale burnout) with a
bad or missing sensor, or a short in the loop.
The red ERROR LED will also flash.

Note: Many loops with installed transmitters will
normally indicate 0.01 to 0.02 mA leakage
without significant control problem. Unstable
readings may indicate loose connections or the
presence of moisture.

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 16

PIE 311Plus Specifications

Unless otherwise indicated all specifications (except Cold Junction) are rated from a nominal 23 °C, 70 % RH for 1 year from calibration

General

Operating Temperature
Range

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

Temperature Drift

Size

Weight 12.1 ounces, 0.34 kg (including boot & batteries)

Batteries Four “AA” Alkaline 1.5V (LR6)

Battery Life 25 Hours RTD, 8 Hours milliamp

Isolation: Voltage 60V rms between all milliamp functions and Source/Read RTD/Ohms

Normal Mode Rejection 50/60 Hz, 50 dB

Common Mode Rejection 50/60 Hz, 120 dB

-25 to 60 °C (-10 to 140 °F)

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

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

5.63 x 3.00 x 1.60 in, 143 x 76 x 41 mm (L x W x H)

Optional NiMh
Rechargeable battery kit

Low Battery Low battery indication with nominal 1 hour of operation left

Protection against
misconnection

Display High contrast graphic liquid crystal display. LED backlighting for use in low

Source Ohms & RTD

3 & 4 Wire Accuracy

From 1 to 10.2 mA

External Excitation Current

Below 1 mA of External
Excitation Current

2 Wire Accuracy

Resistance Ranges 0.00 to 401.00, 0.0 to 4010.0 Ohms

Allowable Excitation

Current Range

Pulsed Excitation Current
Compatibility

Read Ohms & RTD

3 Wire & 4 Wire Accuracy
2 Wire Accuracy

Resistance Ranges 0.00 to 401.00, 0.0 to 4010.0 Ohms

Excitation Current

Charger, four

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

lit areas.

±(0.015% of Reading + 0.05 Ohms)

±(0.015% of Rdg + + 0.05 Ohms)

Add 0.1 Ohms to 3 Wire & 4 Wire Accuracy

0 to 400 Ohm: 10.2 mA max; steady or pulsed/intermittent
401 to 4000 Ohms: 1 mA max; steady or pulsed/intermittent

DC to 0.01 second pulse width

±(0.015% of Reading + 0.05 Ohms)
±(0.015% of Reading + 0.15 Ohms)

0.9 mA to 401 Ohms, 0.4 mA to 4010 Ohms (nominal)

NiMh batteries [Part # 020-0103]

0.025 mV

mA Excitation Current

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 17

PIE 311Plus Specifications

Unless otherwise indicated all specifications (except Cold Junction) are rated from a nominal 23 °C, 70 % RH for 1 year from calibration

Read mA

Ranges and Resolution

Accuracy ≤ ± (0.02 % of Reading + 0.003 mA)

Voltage burden ≤ 2V at 24 mA

Overload/Current limit
protection

Source mA / Power & Measure Two Wire Transmitters & PWRM LEAK

Ranges and Resolution

Accuracy ≤ ± (0.02 % of Reading + 0.003 mA)

Loop compliance voltage

Loop drive capability 1200 Ω at 20 mA for 15 hours nominal;

mA 2-Wire Transmitter Simulation

Accuracy Same as Source/Power & Measure

Voltage burden ≤ 2V at 20 mA

Overload/Current limit
protection

Loop voltage limits 2 to 60 VDC (fuse-less protected from reverse polarity connections)

0.000 to 24.000 mA or -25.00 to 125.00% of 4-20 mA

25 mA nominal

0.000 to 24.000 mA or -25.00 to 125.00% of 4-20 mA

≥ 24 DCV @ 20.00mA

950 Ω with Hart Resistor or leak detection running

24 mA nominal

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 18

RTD

Type

Pt 100 Ohm

DIN/IEC/JIS 1989

ITS-90

Pt 10 Ohm

DIN/IEC/JIS 1989

Based on

ITS-90

Pt 50 Ohm

DIN/IEC/JIS 1989

ITS-90

Pt 200 Ohm

DIN/IEC/JIS 1989

ITS-90

Pt 500 Ohm

DIN/IEC/JIS 1989

ITS-90

Pt 1000 Ohm

DIN/IEC/JIS 1989

ITS-90

Pt 100 Ohm

(Burns)

Pt 100 Ohm

(Old JIS

1981)

Pt 100 Ohm

(US Lab)

Copper 10

Ohm (Minco)

Copper 50

Ohm

Ni 120 Ohm

(Pure)

RTD Ranges & Accuracies

Table based on 3 & 4 Wire RTD Accuracy:

≤ ± (0.015 % of Reading +0.05 Ohms)

[Read based on 1.0 mA of fixed excitation current]

Alpha Degrees C

Range

1.3850

(0.00385)

1.3850

(0.00385)

1.3850

(0.00385)

1.3850

(0.00385)

1.3850

(0.00385)

1.3850

(0.00385)

1.3902

(0.003902)

1.3916

(0.003916)

1.3926

(0.003926)

1.4274

(0.004274)

1.4280

(0.00428)

1.6720

(0.00672)

-200.0 to -150.0

-150.0 to 360.0

360.0 to 740.0

740.0 to 850.0

-200.0 to -120.0

-120.0 to 210.0

210.0 to 370.0

370.0 to 650.0

650.0 to 850.0

-200.0 to 200.0

200.0 to 550.0

550.0 to 850.0

-200.0 to -120.0

-120.0 to 180.0

180.0 to 450.0

450.0 to 680.0

680.0 to 850.0

-200.0 to -90.0

-120.0 to 180.0

180.0 to 450.0

450.0 to 680.0

680.0 to 850.0

-200.0 to 170.0

170.0 to 470.0

470.0 to 730.0

730.0 to 850.0

-195.6 to -100.0

-100.0 to 370.0

370.0 to 648.9

-200.0 to -140.0

-140.0 to 130.0

130.0 to 370.0

370.0 to 648.9

-200.0 to -140.0

-140.0 to 130.0

130.0 to 380.0

380.0 to 610.0

610.0 to 850.0

-200.0 to -150.0

-150.0 to 90.0

90.0 to 260.0

-50.0 to 150.0

-80.0 to 260.0

°C

±0.1°
±0.2°
±0.3°
±0.4°

±1.2°
±1.4°
±1.5°
±1.7°
±1.9°

±0.3°
±0.4°
±0.5°

±0.1°
±0.1°
±0.2°
±0.2°
±0.3°

±0.1°
±0.1°
±0.2°
±0.2°
±0.3°

±0.1°
±0.1°
±0.2°
±0.2°

±0.1°
±0.2°
±0.3°

±0.1°
±0.2°
±0.2°
±0.3°

±0.1°
±0.2°
±0.2°
±0.3°
±0.4°

±1.2°
±1.3°
±1.4°

±0.3°

±0.1°

Degrees F

Range

-328.0 to -238.0

-238.0 to 660.0

660.0 to 1364.0

1364.0 to 1562.0

-328.0 to -184.0

-184.0 to 410.0

410.0 to 698.0

698.0 to 1202.0

1202.0 to 1562.0

-328.0 to 392.0

392.0 to 1022.0

1022.0 to 1562.0

-328.0 to -184.0

-184.0 to 356.0

356.0 to 842.0

842.0 to 1256.0

1256.0 to 1562.0

-328.0 to -194.0

-184.0 to 356.0

356.0 to 842.0

842.0 to 1256.0

1256.0 to 1562.0

-328.0 to 338.0

338.0 to 878.0

878.0 to 1346.0

1346.0 to 1562.0

-320.1 to -148.0

-148.0 to 698.0

698.0 to 1200.0

-328.0 to -220.0

-220.0 to 266.0

266.0 to 698.0

698.0 to 1200.0

-328.0 to -220.0

-220.0 to 266.0

266.0 to 716.0

716.0 to 1130.0

1130.0 to 1562.0

-328.0 to -238.0

-238.0 to 194.0

194.0 to 500.0

-58.0 to 302.0

-112.0 to 500.0

°F

±0.2°
±0.4°
±0.6°
±0.7°

±2.2°
±2.6°
±2.8°
±3.1°
±3.4°

±0.6°
±0.8°
±1.0°

±0.1°
±0.2°
±0.3°
±0.4°
±0.5°

±0.1°
±0.2°
±0.3°
±0.4°
±0.5°

±0.1°
±0.2°
±0.3°
±0.4°

±0.3°
±0.4°
±0.6°

±0.2°
±0.3°
±0.4°
±0.6°

±0.2°
±0.3°
±0.4°
±0.5°
±0.7°

±2.2°
±2.4°
±2.4°

±0.5°

±0.2°

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 19

Accessories

Standard Test Leads (Included with calibrator) Part No. 020-0208
Two black and two red test leads

banana plug on the other end.

Magnetic Hanging Strap Part No. 020-0236
Optional Ni-MH 1 Hour Charger w/4 Ni-MH AA Batteries Part No. 020-0103

three feet (1 meter) long with a spade lug on one end and a

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.

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.

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 20