PIE (Practical Instrument Electronics) 520B-P, 520B-N, 521B, 520B-B, 520B-R User manual

PIECAL 520B & 521B

Thermocouple Source

Operating Instructions

PIECAL 520B & 521B

Thermocouple Source

Operating Instructions

(Shown without optional boot)

(Shown with optional boot)

Product Description

• Easy to use

With the PIECAL 520B/521B you can check & calibrate all your thermocouple instruments.

• Take it into the shop, plant or field

Carry it without worry - protect it with an optional rubber boot and rugged, low profile switches.
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 520B/521B works
with the thermocouples you use including types J, T, E, K, R, S, B, N, G, C, D, L (J-DIN), U
(T-DIN) and Platinel II. 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.

• 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.

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

Copyright © 2011 All rights reserved • 520B/521B-9002 - Rev C 13 July 2011

Practical Instrument Electronics

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

Page 1

THERMOCOUPLE SOURCE

HI

322.1

TYPE K °C

TYPES

J‐T‐E‐K‐R‐S‐B‐N‐G‐C‐D‐L‐U‐P‐mV

SOURCE

HI

SET

OFF

LO

Push & Turn

for
Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

to Store
Double Click
for Options

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.

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.

Double click the knob to get into the PIECAL
520B/521B Configuration Mode. Use
configuration to select °C or °F, T/C Type (521
Only) and Auto Off On/Off.

(Optional Boot Shown)

q EZ-CHECK™ SWITCH

SOURCE: Instantly output two preset thermocouple

temperatures by moving the EZ-CHECK™ switch to
the “LO” position or “HI” position.
point checks select the “DIAL” position. The
PIECAL 520B/521B 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.

For fast three

CHANGING BATTERIES

Low battery is indicated by “BAT” on the display.
Approximately one to four hours of typical
operation remain before the PIECAL 520B/521B
will automatically turn off. To change the batteries;
remove the optional 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

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

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Configuration

Configure the Calibrator

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

MODEL 51#B V#.##

DOUBLE CLICK

EZ-DIAL KNOB

FOR CONFIGURATION

Setup

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

> EXIT 15
TEMP UNITS °C
T/C K
AUTO OFF ON

e DIAL KNOB at any time the

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 ­520: pressing the knob will toggle between the
factory configured T/C Type and mV.

521: pressing the knob will cycle through T/C
types J, T, E, K, R, S, B, N, G, C, D, L (J-DIN), U
(T-DIN), Platinel II and mV.

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.

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

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

settings.

Connections

Simulating thermocouples requires the use of
thermocouple or extension grade thermocouple
wire.

Plug thermocouple wires into the female
miniature thermocouple connector mounted in
the top end of the housing.

The PIECAL 520B/521B has two banana jacks
mounted in the top end of the housing. These
are not temperature compensated and are to be
used only for millivolt signals.

Banana jacks and female thermocouple

connector on the top of the calibrator

Thermocouple Wire

THERMOCOUPLE SOURCE

HI

322.1

TYPE K °C

TYPES

J‐T‐E‐K‐R‐S‐B‐N‐G‐C‐D‐L‐U‐P‐mV

SOURCE

HI

SET

OFF

LO

Push & Turn

for
Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

to

Store/Ramp
Double Click

for Options

(Optional Boot Shown)

Device

Requiring

Calibration

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

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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

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) may be
connected with a copper (white) miniature T/C
connector or the banana jacks with copper wire.

The output is adjusted in 0.1° (or 0.001 mV)
increments by turning the knob
EZ-CHECK™ switch

q is in the “HI”, “LO” or “SET”

position. Press and turn the knob for faster dialing
with 10° (or 0.100) increments.

w.

e while the

THERMOCOUPLE SOURCE

HI

322.1

TYPE K °C

TYPES

J‐T‐E‐K‐R‐S‐B‐N‐G‐C‐D‐L‐U‐P‐mV

SOURCE

HI

SET

OFF

LO

Push & Turn

for
Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

to Store
Double Click
for Options

(Optional Boot Shown)

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

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.

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

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Specifications

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

General

Accuracy ±(0.015% of Reading + 0.009 mV)

Cold Junction Compensation ± 0.45°F (±0.25 °C)

Millivolt Range -13.000 to 80.000 mV

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

Temperature Drift ≤ 50 ppm of range (includes mV and Cold Junction)

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

Size
With Boot

Weight
With Boot

Batteries Four “AA” Alkaline 1.5V (LR6)

Battery Life 50 Hours

Optional NiMh

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

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

Display High contrast graphic liquid crystal display. LED backlighting

Rechargeable battery kit

70 % RH for 1 year from calibration)

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

4.96 x 2.73 x 1.79 inches, 126 x 69 x 45 mm (L x W x H)

5.67 x 3.06 x 2.05 inches, 144 x 78 x 52 mm (L x W x H)

8.4 ounces, 0.24 kg (including batteries)
11 ounces, 0.32 kg (including batteries)

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

for use in low lit areas.

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

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.

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

Page 5

Ranges & Accuracies

T/C

Type

Degrees C

Range

J -200.0 to -180.0 ±0.5° -346.0 to -292.0 ±0.9° +Iron

-180.0 to -50.0 ±0.4° -292.0 to -58.0 ±0.7°

-50.0 to 500.0 ±0.3° -58.0 to 932.0 ±0.5°

500.0 to 1200,0 ±0.4° 932.0 to 2192.0 ±0..7°

Accuracy Degrees F

Range

Accuracy T/C

-Connstantan

Material

Jacket

ISA/ANSI

Color

White

Red

Black

K -230.0 to -100.0 ±0.8° -382.0 to -148.0 ±1.4° + Chromel®

-100.0 to 1050.0 ±0.4° -148.0 to 1922.0 ±0.7°

1050.0 to 1371.1 ±0.5° 1922.0 to 2500.0 ±0.9°

T -260.0 to -200.0 ±1.2° -436.0 to -328.0 ±2.2° +Copper

-200.0 to -50.0 ±0.7° -328.0 to -58.0 ±1.3°

-50.0 to 0.0 ±0.4° -58.0 to 32.0 ±0.7°

0.0 to 400.0 ±0.3° 32.0 to 752.0 ±0.5°

E -240.0 to -200.0 ±0.6° -400.0 to -328.0 ±1.1° +Chromel

-200.0 to -100.0 ±0.4° -328.0 to -148.0 ±0.7°

-100.0 to 850.0 ±0.3° -148.0 to 1562.0 ±0.5°

850.0 to 1000.0 ±0.4° 1562.0 to 1832.0 ±0.7°

R -13.3 to 250.0 ±1.4° -1.0 to 482.0 ±2.5° +Pt/13Rh

250.0 to 750.0 ±0.8° 482.0 to 1382.0 ±1.4°

750.0 to 1600.0 ±0.7° 1382.0 to 2192.0 ±1.3°

1600.0 to 1767.8 ±0.8° 2192.0 to 3214.0 ±1.4°

S -18.3 to 100.0 ±1.4° -1.0 to 212.0 ±2.5° +Pt/10Rh

100.0 to 400.0 ±1.0° 212.0 to 752.0 ±1.8°

400.0 to 1700.0 ±0.8° 752.0 to 3092.0 ±1.4°

1700.0 to 1767.8 ±0.9° 3092.0 to 3214.0 ±1.6°

-Alumel®
Jacket

-Constantan
Jacket

-Constantan
Jacket

-Platinum
Jacket

-Platinum

Jackrt

Yellow

Red

Yellow

Blue

Red

Blue

Purple

Red

Purple

Black

Red

Green

Black

Red

Green

B 315.6 to 550.0 ±2.0° 600 to 1022.0 ±3.6° +Pt/30Rh

550.0 to 900.0 ±1.3° 1022.0 to 1652.0 ±2.3°

900.0 to 1150.0 ±0.9° 1652.0 to 2102.0 ±1.6°

1150.0 to 1820.0 ±0.8° 2102.0 to 3308.0 ±1.5°

(Cold Junction Accuracy not included)

-Pt/6Rh
Jacket

Grey

Red

Grey

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

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Ranges & Accuracies

T/C

Type

(W)

(W5)

Degrees C

Range

N -230.0 to -180.0 ±1.2° -382.0 to -292.0 ±2.2° +Nicrosil

-180.0 to -50.0 ±0.7° -292.0 to -58.0 ±1.3°

-50.0 to 1100.0 ±0.4° -58.0 to 2012.0 ±0.7°

1100.0 to 1300.0 ±0.5° 2012.0 to 2372.0 ±0.9°

G

100.0 to 150.0 ±1.4° 212.0 to 302.0 ±2.5° +Tungsten

150.0 to 400.0 ±1.0° 302.0 to 752.0 ±1.8°

400.0 to 1700.0 ±0.6° 752.0 to 3092.0 ±1.1°

1700.0 to 2320.0 ±0.9° 3092.0 to 4208.0 ±1.6°

C

-1.1 to 1500 ±0.7° 30.0 to 2372.0 ±1.3° +W5/Re

1500 to 1900 ±0.8° 2372.0 to 3452.0 ±1.4°

1900.0 to 2100.0 ±0.9° 3452.0 to 3812.0 ±1.6°

2100.0 to 2320.0 ±1.1° 3812.0 to 4208.0 ±2.0°

Accuracy Degrees F

Range

Accuracy T/C

Material

-Nisil
Jacket

-W26/Re
Jacket

-W26/Re
Jacket

ISA/ANSI

Color

Orange

Red

Orange

White

Red

White/Blue

White

Red

White/Red

D -1.0 to 50.0 ±0.8° 30.0 to 122.0 ±1.4° +W3/Re

50.0 to 1400.0 ±0.6° 122.0 to 2552.0 ±1.3°

1400.0 to 1800.0 ±0.7° 2552.0 to 3272.0 ±1.3°

1800.0 to 2320.0 ±1.1° 3272.0 to 4208.0 ±2.0°

-217.8 to -150.0 ±0.8° -360.0 to -238.0 ±1.4°

P

Platinel®

J-DIN

T-DIN

-150.0 to -50.0 ±0.6° -238.0 to -58.0 ±1.1°

-50.0 to 1000.0 ±0.4° -58.0 to 1832.0 ±0.7°

1000.0 to 1395.0 ±0.5° 1832.0 to 2543.0 ±0.9°

DIN Colors

L

-200.0 to -50.0 ±0.4° -328.0 to -58.0 ±0.7° +Iron

-50.0 to 500.0 ±0.3° -58.0 to 932.0 ±0.5°

500.0 to 750.0 ±0.4° 932.0 to 1382.0 ±0.7°

U

-200.0 to -75.0 ±0.5° -328.0 to -103.0 ±0.9° +Copper

-75.0 to 100.0 ±0.4° -103.0 to 212.0 ±0.7°

100.0 to 600.0 ±0.3° 212.0 to 1112.0 ±0.5°

(Cold Junction Accuracy not included)

-W25/Re
Jacket

+Pd55/Pt31/Au14

-Au65/Pd35
Jacket

-Connstantan
Jacket

-Constantan
Jacket

White

Red

White/Yellow

Yellow

Red

Black

Red
Blue
Blue

Red

Brown
Brown

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

www.GlobalTestSupply.com

Page 7

Ordering Information

PIECAL 520B (Choose one of the ordering codes below):

PIECAL 520B-J
PIECAL 520B-K
PIECAL 520B-T
PIECAL 520B-E
PIECAL 520B-R
PIECAL 520B-S
PIECAL 520B-B

PIECAL 521B:

Includes all fourteen T/C Types listed above

PIECAL 520B-G
PIECAL 520B-C
PIECAL 520B-D
PIECAL 520B-N
PIECAL 520B-L
PIECAL 520B-U
PIECAL 520B-P

Accessories

Included: Part Number

Four “AA” Alkaline batteries, Certificate of Calibration
Evolution mV Wire Kit 020-0207

1 Red & 1 Black Lead with Retractable Shield Banana Plugs & Alligator Clips

Optional: Part Number

T/C Wire Kit 1 for Types J, K, T & E (for PIECAL 521) 020-0202
T/C Wire Kit 2 for Types B, R/S & N (for PIECAL 521) 020-0203
Individual T/C wire (for PIECAL 520B) 020-0210-*
*Insert T/C Type J, K, T, E, N, R/S or B

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

Rubber Boot 020-0209
Small Carrying Case with PIE Logo (fits unit with or without boot) 020-0205
Ni-MH 1 Hour Charger with 4 Ni-MH AA Batteries 020-0103
(100-120 V AC input for North America Only)

More Than a Simple Boot

The optional boot provides
more than just protection. Flip
out the tilt stand and free up
both hands for calibration
adjustments.

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

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