Practical Instrument Electronics PIE 434 Automated Diagnostic 4-20 mA Calibrator Manual

• EASY TO USE

PIECAL 434

Automated Diagnostic 4-20 mA Calibrator

Operating Instructions

PIECAL 434

Automated Diagnostic 4-20 mA Calibrator

Operating Instructions

With the PIECAL 434 you can check, calibrate and measure all your current signal instruments
in a 4 to 20 milliamp DC 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 PIECAL 434 to simultaneously
power your 2 Wire Transmitter and measure its output.

• EASY TO READ

Turn on the backlight to easily read the display in
dark areas of the plant.

• TROUBLESHOOT LOOP PROBLEMS

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

• SOURCE MILLIAMPS

Calibrate recorders, digital indicators, stroke
valves or any instruments that get their input
from a 4 to 20 mA loop. Easily set any value
quickly to within 0.001 mA with the adjustable
digital potentiometer “DIAL” or use preset 4.000
mA (0.00%) and 20.00 0 mA (100.00%)
EZ-CHECK™ settings.

• AUTOMATIC OUTPUT STEPPING & RAMPING

Press & hold the dial to automatically step from 4
to 20 in 2, 3 or 5 steps or choose a continuous
ramp.

• CALIBRATE USING LOOP POWER

Check loop wiring and receivers by using the
PIECAL 434 in place of a 2 Wire transmitter. The
PIECAL 434 uses any loop power from 2 to 60 V
DC.

• READ LOOP CURRENT

Check controller outputs or measure the milliamp
signal anywhere in the loop. The PIECAL 434
measures 0.000 to 24.000 mA (-25.00 to 125.00%)
signals with greater accuracy than a typical multimeter.

• POWER & MEASURE 2 WIRE TRANSMITTERS

The PIECAL 434 can simultaneously output 24V DC to power any and all devices in a process
loop using the internal batteries and internal switching power supply, while measuring the output
of a 2 Wire Transmitter and any other loop devices. Powers HART™ transmitters with built-in 250
ohm resistor simplifying hookups with HART communicators.

• READ DC VOLTS

The PIECAL 434 can measure from -60.00 to +60.00 VDC with 10mV resolution. Use it to check
loop power supplies, I/V converters, 1 to 5 Volt signals, and other voltages making it
unnecessary to carry an additional multimeter.

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

Copyright © 2011 All rights reserved • 434-9002 - Rev C 13 July 2011

Practical Instrument Electronics

Page 1

Basic Operation

Power 2 Wire

Transmitters

Dial Output to
FULL SCALE to
Power 2 Wire

Transmitters

DIAL

AUTOMATED DIAGNOSTIC CALIBRATOR

4-20 mA

Push & Hold

to

Store/Step

Push & Turn

for

Fast Dialing

Double Click

for Options

VDC %mA

mA OFF

100%

0%

OUT

mA

20.000

3

5

w SOURCE / READ / 2 WIRE SWITCH

Select “SOURCE” to output in mA or percent.
Select “READ” to read in mA or percent.
Select “2 WIRE” to simulate a 2 Wire Transmitter.

e EZ-CHECK™ SWITCH

Instantly output 4.000 mA or 20.000 mA by moving
the EZ-CHECK™ switch to the “4.00mA” /“0.0%”
position or “20.00mA”/“100.0%” position.
three point checks select the “DIAL” position.
The PIECAL 434 will remember the last “DIAL”
value, even with the power off.

Note: The same “DIAL” value is stored for both
mA and %. The recalled value will be displayed
in the units selected.

r DIAL KNOB

Turn the knob to adjust output level. Turn
clockwise to increase the output, counter
clockwise to decrease the output 0.001 mA
(0.01%) at a time. Push and turn the knob for
faster dialing adjusting 0.100 mA (1.00%) at a
time. Press and Hold the knob to start automatic
stepping or ramping. Double click the knob for
stepping and Ground Leak Detection setup.

t EXTERNAL POWER JACK (Not Shown)

q POWER SWITCH

Select “mA” to display and calibrate in milliamps.
Select “% 4 to 20 mA” to display and calibrate
in percent. Select “READ VDC” to read volts
DC. Return the slide switch to the “OFF”
position when not in use.

Note:

Percent mode can also be used with chart
recorders, valves or current trips that display in
percent.

Page 2

100.00% = 20.000 mA

75.00% = 16.000 mA

50.00% = 12.000 mA

25.00% = 8.000 mA

0.00% = 4.000 mA

Practical Instrument Electronics

To convert from Milliamps to Percent:

Percent = (Milliamps - 4) / 0.16

To convert from Percent to Milliamps:

Milliamps = Percent / 6.25 + 4

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

When used with the optional AC Adaptor, the
external power jack will eliminate the drain on
your batteries. This is handy for jobs that require
extended bench use of the PIECAL 434.
See accessories (page 10) for ordering information.

Note: This feature does not charge the batteries,
it only supplies power to the PIECAL 434.

CHANGING BATTERIES

Low battery is indicated by “BAT” on the display.
Approximately one to four hours of typical
operation remain before the 434 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 & replace the boot. All stored configuration
options are reset to factory settings when the
batteries are removed.

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

For fast

Configuration

Configure the Calibrator

Move q POWER SWITCH to “mA”, “% 4 to 20
mA” or “READ VDC”.

The following display will appear for 3 seconds:

MODEL 434 REV #.#

Double click the
unit is on and the following display will appear
for 30 seconds:

> EXIT MENU

STEPS 5

GND LEAK DET OFF
BACKLIGHT OFF

HART MODE OFF

> EXIT MENU

AUTO OFF OFF

Turn the
menu. Press the r DIAL KNOB to toggle
between OFF and ON. 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.

r DIAL KNOB at any time the

r DIAL KNOB to move through the

STEPS - pressing the knob will cycle from 2, 3,
5 steps and RAMP.

2 steps will automatically switch between 4 &
20 mA (0 & 100%).

3 steps between 4, 12 & 20 mA (0, 50 &
100%).

5 steps between 4, 8, 12, 16 & 20 mA (0, 25,
50, 75 & 100%).

RAMP will continuously ramp the output
between 4 & 20 mA (0 & 100%).

GROUND LEAK DETECTION - when ON the
PIECAL 434 has the ability to check for current
leaks caused by ground faults, moisture or
corrosion. This operates in Power/Measure
mode while powering up a 2-wire transmitter or
loop.

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 PIECAL 434 in areas with
enough ambient light to read the display.

HART MODE - when ON a 250 Ohm resistor is
automatically inserted in series with the leads in
all modes. This allows a HART Communicator to
communicate with a HART Transmitter without
adding an external resistor in the loop.

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.

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 Milliamps

mA OUT, % OUT (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.

1) Disconnect one or both input wires from
the device to be calibrated.

2) Select “mA” or “% 4 to 20mA” with slide

3) Select “SOURCE” using slide switch w.

4) Connect the output leads of the PIECAL

The output is adjusted in 0.001 mA (0.01%)
increments by turning the knob
EZ-CHECK™ switch
position, or the current can be set at the fixed
points of 4.000mA (0.00%) or 20.000mA
(100.00%) with switch e. Press and turn the
knob for faster dialing with 0.100 (1.00%)
increments.

q.

switch

434 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.

r while the

e is in the “DIAL”

20.000

AUTOMATED DIAGNOSTIC CALIBRATOR

4-20 mA

VDC %mA

mA OFF

Power 2 Wire
Transmitters

DIAL

Dial Output to
FULL SCALE to
Power 2 Wire
Transmitters

Milliamp Receiver Input

OUT

mA

100%

3

0%

Push & Turn

for
Fast Dialing
Push & Hold

to
Store/Step
Double Click
for Options

Controller

Transmitter

Computer

Logger

I/P

DCS

Start automatic stepping or ramping by pressing and holding the

r DIAL KNOB for 3 seconds. The

word STEPPING or RAMPING will flash on the display anytime the selected automatic function is
running. The PIECAL 434 will automatically step or ramp between 4mA & 20mA (or 20mA & 4mA)
for 30 seconds then reverse direction. Stop the stepping or ramping by pressing or turning the knob
or moving any switch.

Using Automatic Stepping & Ramping

Using Automatic STEP & RAMP output

Move q POWER SWITCH to “mA”, or “% 4 to 20 mA” and
the w SOURCE / READ / 2 WIRE SWITCH to “SOURCE” or “2 WIRE”.

The starting point for automatic stepping & ramping is based

e EZ-CHECK SWITCH. Place the EZ-CHECK switch

on the

STEPPING OUT

at 20 mA and the automatic stepping or ramping will start at

20.000 mA (100.00%) and the values will decrease. Place the
EZ-CHECK switch at 4 mA and the automatic stepping or

12.000 mA

ramping will start at 4.000 mA (0.00%) and the values will
increase.

Start automatic stepping or ramping by pressing and holding the

r DIAL KNOB for 3 seconds. The

word STEPPING or RAMPING will flash on the display anytime the selected automatic function is
running. The PIECAL 434 will automatically step or ramp between 4mA & 20mA (or 20mA & 4mA)
for 30 seconds then reverse direction. Stop the stepping or ramping by pressing or turning the knob
or moving any switch.

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 4

Simulate 2-Wire Transmitters

2 Wire mA, 2 Wire % (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 100 VDC

1) Disconnect one or both input wires
from the device to be calibrated.

2) Select “mA” or “% 4 to 20mA” with
slide switch

q.

3) Select “2 WIRE” using slide switch

w.

4) Connect the red input lead of the
434 to the plus (+) input of the field
connections and the black lead to
the minus (-).

Receiver

Powers External

2-Wire Transmitter

Power Supply

(2 to 100 VDC)

2 WIRE

12.004

AUTOMATED DIAGNOSTIC CALIBRATOR

4-20 mA

VDC %mA

mA OFF

Power 2 Wire
Transmitters

DIAL

Dial Output to
FULL SCALE to

Push & Turn

Power 2 Wire

Fast Dialing

Transmitters

Push & Hold

Store/Step
Double Click
for Options

mA

100%

0%

for

to

Loop current is adjusted in 0.001 mA (0.01%) increments by turning the knob

To

Sensor

Transmitter

(Disconnected)

r while the

+ IN - REF +OUT-

Typical
2-Wire

EZ-CHECK™ switch e is in the “DIAL” position, or the current can be set at the fixed points of

4.000mA (0.00%) or 20.000mA (100.00%) with switch

e. Press and turn the knob for faster dialing

with 0.100 (1.00%) increments.

Start automatic stepping or ramping by pressing and holding the r DIAL KNOB for 3 seconds. The
word STEPPING or RAMPING will flash on the display anytime the selected automatic function is
running. The PIECAL 434 will automatically step or ramp between 4mA & 20mA (or 20mA & 4mA)
for 30 seconds then reverse direction. Stop the stepping or ramping by pressing or turning the knob
or moving any switch.

Setting Up Automatic Stepping & Ramping

To change the Automatic Stepping & Ramping settings

Double click the r DIAL KNOB at any time the unit is on and the following display will appear for 30
seconds:
Turn the
and ON or to change the steps setting. These settings are remembered even with the power off.

r DIAL KNOB to move through the menu. Press the r DIAL KNOB to toggle between 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 from 2, 3, 5 steps and RAMP.

2 steps will automatically switch between 4 & 20 mA (0 & 100%).

3 steps between 4, 12 & 20 mA (0, 50 & 100%).

5 steps between 4, 8, 12, 16 & 20 mA (0, 25, 50, 75 & 100%).

RAMP will continuously ramp the output between 4 & 20 mA (0 & 100%).

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 5

Reading Milliamp Outputs

Voltage to be Measured

Battery

Loop Power Supply

Transmitter Voltage Drop

1 to 5 Volt Loops

Power 2 Wire
Transmitters

Dial Output to
FULL SCALE to
Power 2 Wire
Transmitters

DIAL

AUTOMATED DIAGNOSTIC CALIBRATOR

4-20 mA

Push & Hold

to

Store/Step

Push & Turn

for

Fast Dialing

Double Click
for Options

VDC %mA

mA OFF

100%

0%

24.34

READ

V

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%.

1) Open the current loop at any conve­nient point along the signal path.

2) Select “mA” or “% 4 to 20mA” with slide

q.

switch

3) Select “Read” using slide switch w.

4) Connect the red input lead (+) of the
PIECAL 434 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 52 mA are current

READ

4.340

mA

AUTOMATED DIAGNOSTIC CALIBRATOR

4-20 mA

VDC %mA

mA OFF

Power 2 Wire
Transmitters

DIAL

Dial Output to
FULL SCALE to

Push & Turn

Power 2 Wire

Fast Dialing

Transmitters

Push & Hold

Store/Step
Double Click
for Options

100%

0%

for

to

Milliamp Output Signal

Controller

Transmitter

P/I

DCS

limited by protection circuitry and
“OVERRANGE” is flashed on the display.

Read DC Volts

READ V

Choose this function to measure from -99.99 to +99.99V DC.

1) Select “VDC” with slide switch

q.

2) Connect the red (+) and black (-) leads of the PIECAL 434
across the voltage source to be measured.

Any DC voltage from -60.00 to +60.00 volts may be
measured. Loop power supplies, signal voltages at receivers,
batteries and transmitter voltage drops may be measured.
Signals exceeding ±60.00 VDC are indicated by i on the
display. Signals exceeding ±99.99 VDC will be indicated by
“OVERRANGE” flashing on the display.

READ i

72.83 V

Signals exceeding ±60.00 VDC are indicated

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

Page 6

by i on the display.

Practical Instrument Electronics

Power & Measure 2-Wire Transmitters

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

Choose this function to simultaneously supply power to a 2 Wire Transmitter while displaying the 4
to 20 mA output of the transmitter.

1) Disconnect one or both input wires from
the device to be calibrated.

2) Select “mA” or “% 4 to 20mA” with slide

3) Select “SOURCE” using slide switch w.

4) Press and turn the knob

5) Connect the red source lead of the PIECAL

The PIECAL 434 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 PIECAL 434. Calibrate the transmitter
in the usual manner and disconnect the PIECAL 434. If Ground Leak Detection is enabled the
amount of milliamps leaking in the transmitter or loop is indicated on the display.

q.

switch

r clockwise

several times until full scale output
mA/125.00%) is obtained. The display will
indicate “PWR MEASURE”.

434 to the plus (+) input of the device and
the black source lead to the minus (-).

(24.000

Transmitter Input

Sensor
Process Signal
Simulated Input

+ IN - REF +OUT-

Typical

2-Wire

Transmitter

25.42

AUTOMATED DIAGNOSTIC CALIBRATOR

4-20 mA

VDC %mA

mA OFF

Power 2 Wire
Transmitters

Dial Output to
FULL SCALE to
Power 2 Wire
Transmitters

OUT

%

100%

DIAL

0%

Push & Turn

for

Fast Dialing

Push & Hold

to
Store/Step
Double Click
for Options

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 7

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 434 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) Disconnect one or both input wires from
the device to be calibrated.

2) Select “mA” or “% 4 to 20mA” with slide

q.

switch

3)

Select “SOURCE” using slide switch w.

4) Turn the knob r clockwise several times
until full scale output (>24.000
mA/125.00%) The display will indicate
“PWR MEASURE” and “LEAKAGE:”

5) Connect the red source lead of the PIECAL

12.280

INDICATOR

Transmitter Input

Sensor
Process Signal
Simulated Input

PROCESS

+ IN - REF +OUT-

Typical
2-Wire

Transmitter

PWR MEASURE OUT

12.280

LEAKAGE: 00.28mA

AUTOMATED DIAGNOSTIC CALIBRATOR

4-20 mA

VDC %mA

mA OFF

Power 2 Wire
Transmitters

Dial Output to
FULL SCALE to
Power 2 Wire
Transmitters

mA

100%

DIAL

0%

Push & Turn

for

Fast Dialing

Push & Hold

to
Store/Step
Double Click
for Options

434 to the plus (+) input of the device and
the black source lead to the minus (-).

The PIECAL 434 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 PIECAL 434 along with an indication of leakage current at the bottom of
the display. If there is an uncontrolled loop, a transmitter with upscale burnout and bad or missing
sensor or a short the display shows “iLOOP > 24mA”

Note: Many installed transmitters will normally indicate 0.01 to 0.10 mA leakage without significant
control problem. Unstable readings may indicate loose connections or the presence of moisture.

Typical Error Conditions

PWR MEASURE OUT

12.280 mA

LEAKAGE: 00.28mA

The PIECAL 434 is supplying the loop voltage.
A calibrated transmitter is limiting the loop
current to 12.00 mA. An additional 0.28 mA is
not controlled by the transmitter and is leaking
somewhere in the loop.

PWR MEASURE OUT

24.179 mA

i LOOP > 24mA

The PIECAL 434 is supplying the loop
voltage. There is an control loop error. This
may be a transmitter (set for upscale burnout)
with a bad or missing sensor, or a short in the
loop.

Setting Up Ground Leak Detection

Enabling Ground Leak Detection

Double click the r DIAL KNOB at any time the unit is on and the following display will appear for 30
seconds:
Turn the r DIAL KNOB to move through the menu. Press the r DIAL KNOB to toggle between OFF
and ON or to change the steps setting. 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.

GROUND LEAK DETECTION - when ON the PIECAL 434 has the ability to check for current leaks
caused by ground faults, moisture or corrosion that bypass the current control element or transmitter.

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 8

Application Notes

GROUND LEAK DETECTION

Have you ever replaced a “faulty” transmitter
only to find the problem was somewhere else in
the loop? And did you end up throwing the
transmitter away after you fixed the other
problem “just in case” the transmitter was faulty?

If you find a loop where the transmitter is
calibrated correctly but all the readings
elsewhere in the loop have a fixed offset this is
due to a zero shift. This zero shift is typically
caused by some current in the loop bypassing
the transmitter. This might be caused by ground
faults, moisture or corrosion.

If you have some loops that are erratic after it
rains there may be moisture present in a junction
box or where insulation has broken down. Turn
on Ground Leak Detection and use the PIECAL
434 to power up the loop. Any current that isn’t
controlled by the transmitter or other current
control element will be indicated as leakage on
the PIECAL 434 display.

The PIECAL 434 powers up the 2-Wire
transmitter or loop and indicates the total current
and the uncontrolled current. This provides
information useful in troubleshooting loop errors.

POWER TRANSMITTER

Adjusting the SOURCE output to full scale (>24
mA) supplies a nominal 24V DC to power a 2
Wire Transmitter while simultaneously displaying
the 4 to 20 mA output of the transmitter.

READ MILLIAMPS

Select READ milliamps by moving slide switch

q to “mA” or “% 4 to 20mA” and moving slide

switch w to “READ”. Place the PIECAL 434 in
the loop in series with the current to be
measured.

SOURCE MILLIAMPS or 2-WIRE SIMULATOR

Select “SOURCE” using slide switch w to output
from 0.000 to 24.000 milliamps using the
PIECAL 434’s internal power source. This will
provide 24V DC. Select “2-WIRE” to control the
current in a loop that is using an existing power
supply.

To change the output current adjust the dial

r. Turning clockwise will increase the

knob
output value, turning counter-clockwise will
decrease the output value with 0.001 mA
(0.01%) resolution. Press and turn the knob for
faster dialing with 0.100 mA (1.00%) resolution.
The output is adjustable in all EZ-CHECK™
positions.

KEEPING THE PROCESS GOING

When an instrument in a critical control loop
develops a problem it is important to maintain
control of the process. The PIECAL 434 can be
substituted for a faulty controller or transmitter to
provide temporary manual control of the process.
One technician takes manual control of the
process while a second technician retrieves,
installs and configures a replacement instrument.

OUT OF RANGE SIGNALS

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 to approximately 25 mA.

OPEN LOOPS

The display will indicate ERROR and 0.000 mA
or -25.00% if there is an open loop or if the
polarity is reversed. Check all the connections in
the loop or try reversing the leads.

When returning to the “4.00mA”/“0.0%” and
“20.00mA”/”100%” positions they will always
return to 4.00 (0.0%) and 20.00 (100.0%) mA.
This method is superior to keypad units. The
zero and full scale positions can be adjusted
smoothly making easy valve end stop testing,
trip point testing, alarm testing, etc. There is
virtually no overshoot/undershoot simplifying
testing.

READ DC VOLTS

Select “VDC” using slide switch
DC. Clip the leads across the voltage to be
measured.

q to read volts

Practical Instrument Electronics

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

Page 9

Stroking Valves

SETTING UP VALVES

When setting up a valve it is important to correctly set the end stops. Use the PIECAL 434 to supply
the 4 to 20 mA control signal to stroke the valve. Select “SOURCE” and the PIECAL 434 will use the
internal power source for outputting current or switch to 2-WIRE SIMULATOR to stroke a valve using
any pre-existing installed loop power supply as the power source.

Example:

1) Disconnect the 4-20 mA control wires from the Current-to Pressure (I/P) converter or the actuator.

2) Connect the PIECAL 434 following the connection diagrams on the previous pages for Simulate
2-Wire Transmitters

3) Move the EZ-CHECK™ switch
actuator.

4) Turn the PIECAL 434’s knob r slowly counterclockwise and verify that the actuator and valve
don’t move. Repeat steps 3 & 4 until no movement is detected.

5) Move the EZ-CHECK™ switch
PIECAL 434’s knob r clockwise. The actuator and valve should begin to move.

6) Move the EZ-CHECK™ switch e to “20.00 mA”/”100.0%” and adjust the fully open stop on the
actuator.

7) Turn the PIECAL 434’s knob r slowly clockwise and verify that the actuator and valve don’t
move. Repeat steps 6 & 7 until no movement is detected.

8) Move the EZ-CHECK™ switch
the PIECAL 434’s knob counterclockwise. The actuator and valve should begin to move.

e to “4.00 mA”/”0.0%” and adjust the fully closed stop on the

e to DIAL and quickly back to “4.00 mA”/”0.0%” then turn the

e to DIAL and quickly back to “20.00 mA”/”100.0%” then turn

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

Page 10

PIECAL 434 Specifications

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

70 % RH for 1 year from calibration)

General

Operating Temperature Range -20 to 60 °C (-5 to 140 °F)

Storage Temperature Range -30 to 60 °C (-22 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)

Optional AC Adaptors 120 VAC 50/60 Hz [Part # 020-0100]

240 VAC 50/60 Hz [Part # 020-0101]

Optional NiMh

Low Battery Low battery indication with nominal 1 hour of operation

Protection against misconnection Over-voltage protection to 135 vrms (rated for 30 seconds)

Display High contrast graphic liquid crystal display with 0.315” (8.0

Rechargeable battery kit

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

left

or 240 vrms (rated for 15 seconds)

mm) high digits. LED backlighting for use in low lit areas.

NiMh

Read mA

Ranges and Resolution

Accuracy ≤ ± (0.01 % of Reading +0.002 mA)

Voltage burden ≤ 2V at 50 mA

Overload/Current limit protection 25 mA nominal

Battery life ≥ 125 Hours nominal

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

≥ 100 hrs with backlight on

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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PIECAL 434 Specifications (continued)

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

70 % RH for 1 year from calibration)

Source/Power & Measure Two Wire Transmitters

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

Accuracy ≤ ± (0.01 % of Reading +0.002 mA)

Noise ≤ ± ½ Least Significant Digit

Temperature effect ≤ ± 0.005 %/°C of FS

Loop compliance voltage

Loop drive capability - Leak Detection Off

Loop drive capability - Leak Detection On

Battery life ≥ 30 hrs at 12 mA nominal; ≥ 25 hrs with backlight on

2-Wire Transmitter Simulation

Accuracy Same as Source/Power & Measure

Voltage burden ≤ 2V at 20 mA

Overload/Current limit protection 24 mA nominal

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

Battery life ≥ 125 hours nominal; ≥ 100 hrs with backlight on

≥ 24 DCV @ 20.00mA

1200 Ω at 20 mA for 15 hours nominal;
950 Ω with Hart Resistor enabled
1000 Ω at 20 mA for 15 hours nominal;
750 Ω with Hart Resistor enabled

connections)

Voltage Read

Range and Resolution -60.00 to +60.00 VDC Full Span (FS)

Accuracy ≤ ± 0.05 % of FS

Temperature effect ≤ ± 100 ppm/°C of FS

Input resistance ≥ 2 MΩ

Battery life ≥ 125 hours nominal; ≥ 100 hrs with backlight on

Accessories

INCLUDED:
Carrying Case with Belt Loop Part No. 020-0205

OPTIONAL:
AC ADAPTOR (200 to 240 VAC) Part No. 020-0100
AC ADAPTOR (100 to 120 VAC) Part No. 020-0101
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

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