Practical Instrument Electronics 422 User Manual

PIECAL 422

Automated Thermocouple Calibrator

Operating Instructions

PIECAL 422

Automated Thermocouple Calibrator

Operating Instructions

Product Description

• Easy to use

With the PIECAL 422 you can check & calibrate all
your thermocouple instruments and measure
thermocouple sensors.

• 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 422 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.

• 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. The PIECAL 422 measures the
thermocouple in degrees C or F. Secondary display shows the millivolt value corresponding to
the thermocouple temperature as well as the cold junction temperature measured by the
calibrator.

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

Copyright © 2011 All rights reserved • 422-9002 - Rev C 13 July 2011

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.

17.332mV 22.4°C

HI

422.1

TYPE K °C

AUTOMATED THERMOCOUPLE

CALIBRATOR

J‐T‐E‐K‐R‐S‐B‐N‐G‐C‐D‐L‐U‐P‐mV

SET

OVERLOAD

SOURCE

MAX

HI

READ

OFF

MIN

LO

READ

READ

Push & Turn

Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

Store/Step

Double Click

for Options

for

to

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 422 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 422 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 clears the HI/LO temperature readings
which will update as the temperature changes.

Double click the knob to get into the PIECAL 422
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 422 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.

Connections

Simulating or reading 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 422 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.

Practical Instrument Electronics

82 East Main Street Suite 3.14 • 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 422 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
CJC ON
BACKLIGHT ON

> EXIT 15

STEPS 3
STEP TIME 8
AUTO OFF ON

e DIAL KNOB at any time the

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

T/C - 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) and Platinel II.

CJC - Automatic CJC (Cold Junction
Compensation) may be turned on or off. It is
recommended that CJC be left on (default). CJC
should only be turned off if an external cold
junction compensator or ice bath is used with
the PIECAL 422.

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.

> EXIT 15

SHOW mV ON
SHOW CJ 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.

EXIT MENU - exits this menu immediately and
saves any changes. Menu will automatically exit
after 15 seconds of inactivity (countdown timer is
displayed).

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.

SHOW mV - If SHOW mV is ON the mV value
corresponding to the sourced or measured
temperature is displayed.

SHOW CJ - If SHOW CJ is ON the cold junction
temperature measured by the PIECAL 422 will
be displayed.

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

Practical Instrument Electronics

82 East Main Street Suite 3.14 • 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) 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”

e while the

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

17.332mV 22.4°C

HI

422.1

TYPE K °C

AUTOMATED THERMOCOUPLE

CALIBRATOR

J‐T‐E‐K‐R‐S‐B‐N‐G‐C‐D‐L‐U‐P‐mV

SET

OVERLOAD

SOURCE

MAX

HI

READ

OFF

MIN

LO

READ

READ

Push & Turn

Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

Store/Step

Double Click

for Options

for

to

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. Millivolt outputs (without cold junction) are connected
with a copper (white) miniature thermocouple connector or to 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.

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 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 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 3 seconds.

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

Practical Instrument Electronics

82 East Main Street Suite 3.14 • 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

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

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

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

Accuracy Degrees F

Range

Accuracy T/C

-Connstantan

Material

Jacket

ISA/ANSI

Color

White

Red

Black

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

-100.0 to 1050.0 ±0.2° -148.0 to 1922.0 ±0.4°

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

R -13.3 to 250.0 ±1.2° -1.0 to 482.0 ±2.2° +Pt/13Rh

250.0 to 750.0 ±0.6° 482.0 to 1382.0 ±1.1°

750.0 to 1600.0 ±0.5° 1382.0 to 2192.0 ±0.9°

1600.0 to 1767.8 ±0.6° 2192.0 to 3214.0 ±1.1°

S -18.3 to 100.0 ±1.2° -1.0 to 212.0 ±2.1° +Pt/10Rh

100.0 to 400.0 ±0.8° 212.0 to 752.0 ±1.4°

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

1700.0 to 1767.8 ±0.7° 3092.0 to 3214.0 ±1.3°

-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 ±1.8° 600 to 1022.0 ±3.2° +Pt/30Rh

550.0 to 900.0 ±1.1° 1022.0 to 1652.0 ±2.0°

900.0 to 1150.0 ±0.7° 1652.0 to 2102.0 ±1.3°

1150.0 to 1820.0 ±0.6° 2102.0 to 3308.0 ±1.1°

-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

Page 6

Ranges & Accuracies

T/C

Type

(W)

(W5)

Degrees C

Range

N -230.0 to -180.0 ±1.0° -382.0 to -292.0 ±1.8° +Nicrosil

-180.0 to -50.0 ±0.5° -292.0 to -58.0 ±0.9°

-50.0 to 1100.0 ±0.2° -58.0 to 2012.0 ±0.4°

1100.0 to 1300.0 ±0.3° 2012.0 to 2372.0 ±0.5°

G

100.0 to 150.0 ±1.2° 212.0 to 302.0 ±2.2° +Tungsten

150.0 to 400.0 ±0.8° 302.0 to 752.0 ±1.4°

400.0 to 1700.0 ±0.4° 752.0 to 3092.0 ±0.7°

1700.0 to 2320.0 ±0.7° 3092.0 to 4208.0 ±1.3°

C

-1.1 to 1500 ±0.5° 30.0 to 2372.0 ±0.9° +W5/Re

1500 to 1900 ±0.6° 2372.0 to 3452.0 ±101°

1900.0 to 2100.0 ±0.7° 3452.0 to 3812.0 ±1.3°

2100.0 to 2320.0 ±0.9° 3812.0 to 4208.0 ±1.6°

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 ±0.6° 30.0 to 122.0 ±1.1° +W3/Re

50.0 to 1400.0 ±0.4° 122.0 to 2552.0 ±0.7°

1400.0 to 1800.0 ±0.5° 2552.0 to 3272.0 ±0.9°

1800.0 to 2320.0 ±0.9° 3272.0 to 4208.0 ±1.6°

-217.8 to -150.0 ±0.6° -360.0 to -238.0 ±1.1°

P

Platinel®

J-DIN

T-DIN

-150.0 to -50.0 ±0.4° -238.0 to -58.0 ±0.7°

-50.0 to 1000.0 ±0.2° -58.0 to 1832.0 ±0.4°

1000.0 to 1395.0 ±0.3° 1832.0 to 2543.0 ±0.5°

DIN Colors

L

-200.0 to -50.0 ±0.2° -328.0 to -58.0 ±0.4° +Iron

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

500.0 to 750.0 ±0.2° 932.0 to 1382.0 ±0.4°

U

-200.0 to -75.0 ±0.3° -328.0 to -103.0 ±0.5° +Copper

-75.0 to 100.0 ±0.2° -103.0 to 212.0 ±0.4°

100.0 to 600.0 ±0.1° 212.0 to 1112.0 ±0.2°

-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

Page 7

PIECAL 422 Specifications

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

General

Accuracy ±(0.008% of Reading + 0.006 mV)

Cold Junction Compensation ± 0.16°F (±0.1 °C)

Millivolt Range -13.000 to 80.000 mV

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

Relative Humidity Range 10 % ≤RH ≤90 % (0 to 35 °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 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

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

70 % RH for 1 year from calibration)

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

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

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

Accessories

Optional: T/C Wire Kit 1 for Types J, K, T & E Part No. 020-0202
Optional: 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.
Standard Test Leads (Included with calibrator) 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.

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

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 8