PIE Practical Instrument Electronics 322 Operating Manual

PIECAL 322

Automated Thermocouple Calibrator

Operating Instructions

PIECAL 322

Automated Thermocouple Calibrator

Operating Instructions

Product Description

• Easy to use

With the PIECAL 322-1 you can check & calibrate all
your thermocouple instruments and measure
thermocouple Sensors. Automatic indication of
connections on the display for simple hookups.

• Take it without 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 millivolt source and
thermocouple tables. The PIECAL 322-1 works with
the T/Cs you use including types J, K, T & E. 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 thermocouple inputs of smart
transmitters, PLCs, DCS and multichannel recorders
and verify their outputs or displays.

• Measure Thermocouple Sensors

Trouble shoot sensor connections and find broken wires or high resistance junctions. Connect
your sensor and the PIECAL 322 automatically measures the thermocouple in degrees C or F.

841 Holt Road #1 • Webster, NY 14580 Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • [e-mail] • www.piecal.com

Copyright © 2010 All rights reserved • 322-1-9002 - Rev C 9 Feb 2010

Practical Instrument Electronics

Page 1

Basic Operation

w SOURCE/OFF/READ Switch

Select “SOURCE” to output in °C, °F, or millivolts.
Select “READ” to read a thermocouple sensor
or millivolts.

HI

322.1

TYPE K °C

THE RM OCO UP LE

CAL IB RATO R

J, T, E, K, mV

SOURCE

MAX

HI

READ

SET

OFF

MIN

LO

OVERLOAD

READ

Push & Turn

Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

Store/Ramp
Double Click

for Options

for

to

q EZ-CHECK™ SWITCH

SOURCE: Instantly output t wo preset thermocouple

temperatures by moving the EZ-CHECK™ switch to
the “LO” position or “HI” position.
point checks select the “DIAL” position. The
PIECAL 322-1 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 322-1 will display the current temperature
from the thermocouple 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.

For fast three

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 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™ HI/LO points.
This resets the HI/LO temperature readings
which will update as the temperature changes.

Double click the knob to get into the PIECAL
322-1 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 322-1 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 (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 maximum battery life and
performance.

Practical Instrument Electronics

841 Holt Road #1 • Webster, NY 14580 Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • [e-mail] • www.piecal.com

Page 2

Configuration

Configure the Calibrator

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

MODEL 322 V#.##

DOUBLE CLICK

EZ-DIAL KNOB

FOR CONFIGURATION

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.

T/C - pressing the knob will cycle through T/C
types J, K, T, E and mV.

Setup

Double click the

e DIAL KNOB at any time the

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

> EXIT 15
TEMP UNITS °C
T/C K
BACKLIGHT ON

> EXIT 15
STEPS 3
STEP TIME 8
AUTO OFF ON

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.

Basic Operation

Connecting the Calibrator

Thermocouple

Sourcing or reading thermocouples requires the
use of thermocouple or extension grade
thermocouple wire between the PIECAL 322 and
the device being calibrated.
The PIECAL 322 has a female miniature
thermocouple connector mounted in the top end
of the housing for fast, easy connection of wires.

Millivolt
The PIECAL 322 has two banana jacks mounted
in the top end of the housing. These jacks are not
temperature compensated and are to be used
only for generating and measuring millivolt signals.

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.

Thermocouple Wire

HI

322.1

TYPE K °C

THER MOC OUP LE

CALI BRAT OR

J, T, E, K, mV

SOURCE

MAX

HI

READ

SET

OFF

MIN

LO

READ

Push & Turn

Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

Store/Ramp
Double Click
for Options

for

to

OVERLOAD

Device

Requiring

Calibration

Practical Instrument Electronics

841 Holt Road #1 • Webster, NY 14580 Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • [e-mail] • www.piecal.com

Page 3

Sourcing Thermocouple

SOURCE

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

1) Disconnect the thermocouple sensor from the
device to be calibrated.

2) Select “SOURCE” with slide switch

w.

3) Connect a thermocouple wire (matching the type
of wire to sensor being simulated) with miniature
male T/C connector to the inputs of the device
being calibrated, making sure to check polarity.
Millivolt outputs (without cold junction compen­sation) may be connected with a copper (white)
miniature thermocouple connector or through
the banana jacks with cooper wire.

The output is adjusted in 0.1° (or 0.001 mV)
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

HI

322.1

THE RM OCO UP LE

CAL IB RATO R

J, T, E, K, mV

MAX

HI

READ

SET

MIN

LO

OVERLOAD

TYPE K °C

SOURCE

OFF

Push & Turn

Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

Store/Ramp
Double Click

for Options

READ

for

to

with 10° (or 0.100) increments.

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

Reading Thermocouple Sensors

READ

Choose this function to measure temperatures with a thermocouple probe or sensor.

1) Disconnect the thermocouple sensor from any other device.

2) Select “READ” with slide switch

w.

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

4) Connect a thermocouple probe (matching the type of wire to sensor being measured) with min­iature male T/C connector to the sensor, making sure to check polarity. Millivolt outputs (without
cold junction compensation) may be connected with a copper (white) miniature thermocouple
connector or through the banana jacks with cooper wire.

The PIECAL 322 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.

Practical Instrument Electronics

841 Holt Road #1 • Webster, NY 14580 Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • [e-mail] • www.piecal.com

Page 4

Storing EZ-CHECK Outputs

STORING HI and LO EZ-CHECK Outputs

Choose this function to provide a simulated thermocouple 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
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 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 dircetion. 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%).

EXIT 15
> STEPS 3
STEP TIME 8
AUTO OFF ON

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 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 - 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.

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

Practical Instrument Electronics

841 Holt Road #1 • Webster, NY 14580 Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • [e-mail] • www.piecal.com

Page 5

Ranges & Accuracies

T/C

Type

Degrees C

Range

J -200.0 to -180.0 ±0.3° -346.0 to -292.0 ±0.5 +Iron White

-180.0 to -50.0 ±0.2° -292.0 to -58.0 ±0.4 -Connstantan Red

-50.0 to 500.0 ±0.1° -58.0 to 932.0 ±0.2 Jacket Black

500.0 to 1200,0 ±0.2° 932.0 to 2192.0 ±0.4°

K -230.0 to -100.0 ±0.6° -382.0 to -148.0 ±1.1° + Chromel© Yellow

-100.0 to 1050.0 ±0.2° -148.0 to 1922.0 ±0.4° -Alumel© Red

1050.0 to 1371.1 ±0.3° 1922.0 to 2500.0 ±0.5° Jacket Yellow

T -260.0 to -200.0 ±1.0° -436.0 to -328.0 ±1.8° +Copper Blue

-200.0 to -50.0 ±0.5° -328.0 to -58.0 ±0.9° -Constantan Red

-50.0 to 0.0 ±0.2° -58.0 to 32.0 ±0.4° Jacket Blue

0.0 to 400.0 ±0.1° 32.0 to 752.0 ±0.2°

E -240.0 to -200.0 ±0.4° -400.0 to -328.0 ±0.7° +Chromel Purple

-200.0 to -100.0 ±0.2° -328.0 to -148.0 ±0.4° -Constantan Red

-100.0 to 850.0 ±0.1° -148.0 to 1562.0 ±0.2° Jacket Purple

850.0 to 1000.0 ±0.2° 1562.0 to 1832.0 ±0.4°

Accuracy Degrees F

Range

Accuracy T/C

Material

ISA/ANSI

Color

Accessories

T/C Wire Kit 1 for Types J, K, T & E Part No. 020-0202
Three feet (1 meter) of T/C extension wire,
stripped on one end with a miniature T/C
male connector on the other end.
Standard Test Leads Part No. 020-0207
Three feet (1 meter) of wire with an alligator
clip on one end and a spring loaded protected
banana plug on the other end.
Ni-MH 1 Hour Charger w/4 Ni-MH AA Batteries Part No. 020-0103
(100-120 V AC input for North America Only)

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

841 Holt Road #1 • Webster, NY 14580 Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • [e-mail] • www.piecal.com

Page 6

PIECAL 322-1 Specifications

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

70 % RH for 1 year from calibration)

General

Accuracy ±(0.008% of Reading + 0.006 mV)

Millivolt Range -13.000 to 80.000 mV

Cold Junction Compensation ± 0.1°F (±0.06 °C)

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

Low Battery Low battery indication with nominal 1 hour of operation

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

Display High contrast graphic liquid crystal display. LED backlighting

Read

Input Impedance

Open Thermocouple

Threshold
Pulse

Normal Mode Rejection 50/60 Hz, 50 dB

Common Mode Rejection 50/60 Hz, 120 dB

Rechargeable battery kit

120 VAC for North America Only; charger, four
batteries, AC & DC cords [Part # 020-0103]

left

for use in low lit areas.

> 10 Megohms

10,000 Ohms nominal
< 10 microamp pulse for 300 milliseconds

NiMh

Source

Output Impedance < 0.3 Ohms

Source Current > 20 mA (drives 80 mV into 10 Ohms)

Noise ≤ 4 microvolts p-p for frequencies of 10 Hz or below

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.

Practical Instrument Electronics

841 Holt Road #1 • Webster, NY 14580 Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • [e-mail] • www.piecal.com

Page 7

Practical Instrument Electronics

841 Holt Road #1 • Webster, NY 14580 Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • [e-mail] • www.piecal.com

Page 8