Practical Instrument Electronics PIE 211 Automated RTD Calibrator Manual

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Product Description

PIECAL 211

Automated RTD Calibrator

Operating Instructions

PIECAL 211

Automated RTD Calibrator

Operating Instructions

• Easy to use

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

• Take it into the shop, plant or field

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

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

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

• Calibrate quickly with automatic output stepping

Choose between 2, 3, 5, 11 and 21 steps to
automatically increment the output in 100%, 50%,
25%, 10% or 5% of span. Select the step time to
match your system from 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25,
30 and 60 seconds.

• Compatible with all process instruments

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

• Measure RTD Sensors

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

Copyright © 2015 All rights reserved • 211-9002 - Rev E 8 December 2015

Page 1

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Basic Operation

w SOURCE/OFF/READ Switch

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

322-1

   

3 2 1 4

HI

100.0

Pt100 α=385

THERMOCOUPLE

AUTOMATED

CALIBRATOR

J, T, E, K, mV

CALIBRATOR

MAX

HI

READ

SET

MIN

LO

OVERLOAD

+--+

°C

RTD

SOURCE

OFF

READ

Push & Turn

for
Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

to

Store/Step

Double Click

for Options

q EZ-CHECK™ SWITCH

SOURCE: Instantly output two preset RTD

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

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

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
stepping.

READ: Press and hold to transfer the current
temperature into the EZ-Check™ HI/LO points.
This clears the HI/LO temperature readings
which will update as the temperature changes.

Double click the knob to get into the PIECAL 211
menu. Use the menu to select RTD or Ohms, °C
or °F, 400Ω or 2000Ω, RTD Type, Backlight On/
Off, Step Size, Step Time and Auto Off On/Off.

CHANGING BATTERIES

Low battery is indicated by a battery symbol on
the display. Approximately one to four hours of
typical operation remain before the PIECAL 211
will automatically turn off. To change the batteries;
remove the rubber boot, remove the battery door
from the back of the unit by sliding the door
downward. This allows access to the battery
compartment. Replace with four (4) “AA” 1.5V
batteries being careful to check the polarity.
Replace the battery door and replace the boot. All
stored configuration options (RTD Type,
EZ-CHECK Memories, etc., are reset to factory
settings when the batteries are removed.

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

Page 2

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Configuration

Power on & MAIN manu

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

DOUBLE CLICK

EZ-DIAL KNOB

FOR CONFIGURATION

V#.##

Double click the
15 seconds:

MAIN

>EXIT (1/2)
FUNCTION RTD OHMS
UNITS °C °F
RTD Pt 100 a=3850 [*RTD Types - See Read RTD]

MAIN

>EXIT (1/2)
FUNCTION RTD OHMS
UNITS °C °F

RTD Pt 100 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

Turn the
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).

FUNCTION - pressing the knob will toggle between RTD and OHMS.

e DIAL KNOB at any time the unit is on and the following displays will appear for

Source RTD

Read RTD

Source Ohms

>EXIT (1/2)
FUNCTION OHMS
RANGE 400Ω 2000Ω

Read Ohms

MAIN

>EXIT (1/2)
FUNCTION OHMS
RANGE 400Ω 2000Ω

Pt 1000 a=3850, Pt 1000 a=3750,

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

UNITS/RANGE - pressing the knob will toggle between °C and °F for RTD or 400Ω and 2000Ω for
OHMS.

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

DISPLAY OHMS - If DISPLAY OHMS is ON the resistance associated with the RTD temperature will
appear in small digits on the display.

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

Page 3

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

FEATURES - Auto Off, Backlight & Automatic Stepping

EXIT MENU - exits this menu immediately and saves any
changes. Menu will automatically exit after 30 seconds of
inactivity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

to factory defaults.

FEATURES
> EXIT (2/2)
AUTO OFF ON OFF
BACKLIGHT ON OFF
STEPS 3
STEP TIME 5

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 by placing the EZ-CHECK Switch into the HI or LO position then press and
hold the
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 after 3 seconds

e DIAL KNOB for 3 seconds.

Page 4

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Storing EZ-CHECK Outputs

STORING HI and LO EZ-CHECK Outputs

Choose this function to select commonly used temperature output values, and set high and low
values for stepping.

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.

322-1

   

3 2 1 4

+--+

HI

100.0

Pt100 α=385

THERMOCOUPLE

AUTOMATED

CALIBRATOR

RTD

J, T, E, K, mV

CALIBRATOR

MAX

HI

READ

SET

MIN

LO

°C

SOURCE

OFF

READ

Push & Turn

OVERLOAD

for

Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

to

Store/Step

Double Click

for Options

Page 5

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Connections

Connecting 2, 3 or 4 Wire instruments or sensors

The PIECAL 211 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 PIECAL 211 will automatically detect the correct
setting for 2, 3 or 4 wire simulation using a patented circuit.

23

Ω

RTD

41

Page 6

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Calibrating RTD Instruments

SOURCE

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

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

2) Select “SOURCE” with slide switch

3) Connect the PIECAL 211 to the device using 2,
3 or 4 wires matching the connections of the
sensor that was just removed.

The output is adjusted in 0.1° (or 0.01/0.1 ohm)
increments by turning the knob
EZ-CHECK™ switch

q is in the “HI”, “LO” or “SET”

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

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

w.

e while the

322-1

   

3 2 1 4

HI

OVERLOAD

100.0

Pt100 α=385

THERMOCOUPLE

AUTOMATED

CALIBRATOR

RTD

J, T, E, K, mV

CALIBRATOR

MAX

HI

READ

SET

MIN

LO

+--+

SOURCE

OFF

Push & Turn

Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

Store/Step

Double Click

for Options

°C

READ

for

to

Instrument with RTD Input

322-1

   

3 2 1 4

HI

OVERLOAD

100.0

Pt100 α=385

THERMOCOUPLE

AUTOMATED

CALIBRATOR

RTD

J, T, E, K, mV

CALIBRATOR

MAX

HI

READ

SET

MIN

LO

+--+

°C

SOURCE

OFF

Push & Turn

Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

Store/Step

Double Click

for Options

READ

Temperature Trip or Alarm

for

to

Controller

Temperature Transmitter

Temperature Indicator

Page 7

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Reading RTD Sensors

READ

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

1) Disconnect the RTD sensor from any other device.

2) Select “READ” with slide switch

w.

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

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

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

e to clear the

MAX and MIN readings.

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

   

3 2 1 4

OVERLOAD

322-1

100.0

Pt100 α=385

THERMOCOUPLE

AUTOMATED

CALIBRATOR

RTD

J, T, E, K, mV

CALIBRATOR

MAX

HI

READ

SET

MIN

LO

+--+

SOURCE

OFF

°C

READ

Push & Turn

for

Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

to

Store/Step
Double Click

for Options

Page 8

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Troubleshooting RTD Sensors

Troubleshooting RTD Sensors

When troubleshooting a problem with an RTD input it is useful to check that the sensor and the
wiring to the instrument is operating properly.

The PIE 211 automatically detects 2, 3 and 4 wire RTD connections with a patented circuit. It will
also display the connections on the display and indicate when there is a missing connection due to
a loose connector, corrosion or a broken wire.

Here is an example of the PIECAL 211 reading a
sensor with all 4 wire connected.

Here is an example where connections are made to a
4 wire sensor and the 211 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 211.

This is much simpler and quicker 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.

Page 9

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Ranges & Accuracies

Table based on 3 & 4 Wire RTD (ITS-90) Accuracy*:

≤ ± (0.025 % of Reading +0.05 Ohms)

RTD

Type

Pt 100 Ohm (DIN/IEC/JIS 1989)

Based on ITS-90

Pt 100 Ohm (Burns)

Pt 100 Ohm (Old JIS 1981)

Pt 100 Ohm (US Lab)

Pt 1000 Ohm (DIN/IEC/JIS 1989)

Pt 1000 Ohm Hy-Cal HVAC

Copper 10 Ohm (Minco)

Copper 50 Ohm

Ni 120 Ohm (Pure)

Alpha Degrees C

Range

1.3850

(0.00385)

1.3902

(0.003902)

1.3916

(0.003916)

1.3926

(0.003926)

1.3850

(0.00385)

1.3750

(0.00375)

1.4274

(0.004274)

1.4280

(0.00428)

1.6720

(0.00672)

-200.0 to 160.0
1600 to 450.0

450.0 to 710.0

710.0 to 850.0

-195.6 to 170.0

170.0 to 460.0

460.0 to 648.9

-200.0 to 170.0

170.0 to 460.0

460.0 to 648.9

-200.0 to 170.0

170.0 to 460.0

460.0 to 720.0

720.0 to 850.0

-200.0 to 230.0

230.0 to 550.0

550.0 to 830.0

830.0 to 850.0

-200.0 to 200.0

200.0 to 274.0

-200.0 to -160.0

-160.0 to -30.0

-30.0 to 260.0

-50.0 to 150.0

-80.0 to 260.0

Accuracy°CDegrees F

Range

±0.2°
±0.3°
±0.4°
±0.5°
±0.2°
±0.3°
±0.4°
±0.2°
±0.3°
±0.4°
±0.2°
±0.3°
±0.4°
±0.5°
±0.1°
±0.2°
±0.3°
±0.4°

±0.3°
±0.4°

±1.2°
±1.3°
±1.4°

±0.3°

±0.1°

-328.0 to 320.0

320.0 to 842.0

842.0 to 1310.0

1310.0 to 1562.0

-320.1 to 338.0

338.0 to 860.0

860.0 to 1200.0

-328.0 to 338.0

338.0 to 860.0

860.0 to 1200.0

-328.0 to 338.0

338.0 to 860.0

866.0 to 1328.0

1328.0 to 1562.0

-328.0 to 446.0

446.0 to 1022.0

1022.0 to 1526.0

1526.0 to 1562.0

-328.0 to 392.0

392.0 to 525.0

-328.0 to -256.0

-256.0 to -22.0

-22.0 to 500.0

-58.0 to 302.0

-112.0 to 500.0

Accuracy

°F

±0.4°
±0.6°
±0.8°
±0.9°
±0.4°
±0.6°
±0.8°
±0.4°
±0.6°
±0.8°
±0.4°
±0.6°
±0.8°
±0.9°
±0.3°
±0.4°
±0.6°
±0.6°

±0.6°
±0.7°

±2.2°
±2.4°
±2.5°

±0.6°

±0.2°

*Read based on 1.0 mA of fixed excitation current

Page 10

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

PIECAL 211 Specifications

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

70 % RH for 1 year from calibration)

General

Accuracy ±(0.025% of Reading + 0.05 Ohms)

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

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

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

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

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

Weight 12.1 ounces, 0.34 kg (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

Excitation Current

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.

0.9 mA to 401 Ohms, 0.4 mA to 2010 Ohms (nominal)

NiMh

Source

3 Wire & 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 2010.0 Ohms

Allowable Excitation Current Range 400 Ohm Range:10.2 mA max; steady or pulsed/intermittent

Pulsed Excitation Current Compatibility DC to 0.01 second pulse width

±(0.025% of Reading + 0.05 Ohms)

±(0.025% of Reading + + 0.05 Ohms)

Add 0.1 Ohms to 3 Wire & 4 Wire Accuracy

2000 Ohms Range: 1 mA max; steady or pulsed/intermittent

0.025 mV

mA Excitation Current

Page 11

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Additional Information

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

Test Data is available for an additional charge.

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

representative for recalibration and repair services.

Accessories

Included:

Red Rubber Boot (020-0212), Four “AA” Alkaline batteries, Certificate of Calibration
Evolution Hands Free Carrying Case Part No. 020-0211
Evolution RTD Wire Kit Part No. 020-0208

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

Optional:

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

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.

Page 12