AMALGAMATED INSTRUMENT HH4-TC Guide

HH4-TC
Hand Held
Digital Thermometer
Operation and Instruction Manual

Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Read this first . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Push Button Location & Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Setting up the Instrument. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Step 1, Entering the function mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Step 2, Stepping through the settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Step 3, Making changes to the settings . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Programming Functions: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Function Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Preparing to initialise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Initialising the calibration mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Entering the calibration mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Returning to the normal measure mode . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Errors and Status Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Guarantee and Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Page 1 of 11 HH4TCMAN-1.0-2

1 Introduction
This manual contains information for the operation of the AIC
HH4 Intelligent Digital Thermometer. The HH4 is a general purpose temperature
monitor which may be configured to accept inputs from all common thermocouples
(types B, E, J, K, N, R, S and T). The instrument may be calibrated to display the
temperature in °C, °F or °K (absolute) with a resolution of 1 or 0.1°
Unless otherwise specified at the time of order, your HH4 has been factory
set to a standard configuration (see “Read this first” in the “Operation” chapter). Like
all other HH4 series instruments the configuration and calibration is easily changed
by the user. General setup changes can be made via the instruments push buttons.
Calibration changes require dismantling the instrument to gain access to the internal
security pushbutton referred to in this manual as the PROGRAM pushbutton.
An automatic turn off function turns the instrument off after a preset time
period - this feature is ideal for saving power.
By pressing the PEAK HOLD button the peak temperature may be held on
the display - the peak reading may be configured for maximum or minimum
temperature peak reading.
The HH4 series of Hand Held Digital Thermometers are designed for high
reliability in industrial applications. The high contrast LCD display provide good
visibility and are ideal for battery powered applications.
Page 1 of 11 HH4TCMAN-1.0-2

2 Operation
The HH4 digital thermometer is operated by pressing the on/off button. The
following display sequence is executed during startup:
8.8.8.8 Display check
AIC Company name
tcX.X Software version number
t8 t Thermocouple type selected (type T example shown
here)
This sequence will take approximately eight seconds then the display will
indicate the current temperature at the probe. If peak hold is required then press the
PEAK HOLD button. The message hoId will be displayed every eight seconds.
Make sure a probe of the correct type is plugged into the thermocouple connector.
Place the probe in the environment to be measured and wait for the reading to
stabilise or for the peak reading to be registered.
Note: When in the peak hold mode you may alternately display the current
temperature by pressing the PEAK HOLD button (the display will alternate between
LIUE and hoId each time the button is pressed momentarily. To reset the peak
hold (to take a new peak reading) press and hold down the PEAK HOLD button for 2
seconds.
The instrument features an automatic turn off feature and will automatically
turn off after a predetermined number of minutes (note: see chapter on setting up the
instrument). This feature is ideal for saving power, when the instrument is
accidentally left turned on. The automatic turn off function, may be disabled by
selecting 0minutes when setting up the instrument.
2 .1 Read this first
Your new HH4 has been supplied factory configured (unless otherwise
specified), as follows:
Input: Type K thermocouple
Calibration: -100 to 1372°C
Decimal point: Nil
Digital filter: Set to 3 (range 0 to 8, 8=max)
Auto turn off: 10 minutes
Peak Hold: Set to high i.e. maximum temperature
Note: the thermocouple socket should be fitted to match the selected
thermocouple type. Where more than one type of thermocouple is to be used, a
special copper socket is available.
Page 2 of 11 HH4TCMAN-1.0-2

3 Push Button Location & Function
The location and function of the instruments pushbuttons is indicated below
use details in conjunction with chapters “Setting up the instrument” and “Calibration”.
To gain access to the program button (only required for access to certain
functions) - remove the four recessed self tapping screws, located on the rear of the
case. When replacing the screws take care not to over tighten, as this may damage
the plastic case material.
Page 3 of 11 HH4TCMAN-1.0-2
PROGRAM
button located
inside the
instrument case.
Required to access
calibration functions.
PEAK HOLD button
use as down button
when setting up
Thermocouple
socket
ON/OFF button
use as up button
when setting up
ON
OFF
PEAK
HOLD
HH4-TC DIGITAL THERMOMETER
FRONT VIEW REAR VIEW (INTERNAL)
WITH REAR COVER REMOVED

4 Setting up the Instrument
The HH4 meter has three modes of operation. Measurement mode is the
mode used for everyday temperature measurement use. If the instrument is simply
switched on then the display will be in measurement mode. Function mode allows
access to certain setup functions and calibration mode allows access to all setup and
calibration functions. Setting up and calibrating the HH4 is extremely easy, since the
functions are changed or viewed by pressing the pushbuttons. Several functions are
available to allow the operator to set up the operating modes, as follows:
4 .1 Step 1, Entering the function mode
To enter the function mode, a simple pushbutton sequence is necessary.
With the instrument switched off press and hold in the PEAK HOLD button then press
ON/OFF button to switch the instrument on. The display will now read FUNC followed
by the first setup function thereby indicating that you have entered the function mode.
You can now release all buttons. Once in function mode the ON/OFF button is used
as an up button and the PEAK HOLD button is used as a down button.
4 .2 Step 2, Stepping through the settings
The display of FUNC is followed by the first setup message tyPE (this
means thermocouple type). As with all other messages the first display lets you know
which parameter will be affected when changes are made. Use one or other of the
push buttons to change the setting if required. To step to the next function both the
PEAK HOLD and ON/OFF buttons must be pressed simultaneously.
When moving to the next function care must be taken to ensure that the
function you are leaving is set as required. For example if at the tYPE function t6 R
is required and selected then attempting to move to the next function may result in
the selection being changed due to fact that one button has been pressed before the
other i.e. they have not been pressed simultaneously. Once the end of the functions
is reached the display returns to reading the normal temperature measurement.
4 .3 Step 3, Making changes to the settings
Whilst still in the function mode, press the PEAK HOLD and ON/OFF buttons
simultaneously until you reach the parameter you wish to change. Initially the display
will indicate the particular function (e.g. unit), this will be followed by a display
showing the current status of that setting (e.g. oC) - press the ON/OFF or PEAK
HOLD pushbutton until the desired selection is displayed. You may then proceed
through the functions (by pressing the buttons simultaneously) until you reach the
next function that you wish to change or until you exit the function mode.
Page 4 of 11 HH4TCMAN-1.0-2

4 .4 Programming Functions:
The functions are described as follows:
tyPE (set thermocouple type)
Press the ON/OFF or PEAK HOLD buttons to select one of eight
types. The display will show tN X, where N is the number (1 to 8)
and X is the thermocouple type (note type K cannot be displayed).
type B = t1 b type N = t5 N
type E = t2 E type R = t6 r
type J = t3 J type S = t7 S
type K = t4 type T = t8 t
unit (set temperature unit)
Press the ON/OFF or PEAK HOLD buttons to select the temperature
display units i.e.; degrees Celsius oC, Fahrenheit oFor Kelvin oA.
drnd (display rounding)
Press the ON/OFF or PEAK HOLD buttons to select the display
rounding value. Display rounding is useful for reducing the
instrument resolution without loss of accuracy, in applications where
it is undesirable to display to a fine tolerance. (example if set to 10
the instrument will display the temperature in multiples of 10o.
dCPt (decimal point selection)
Press the ON/OFF or PEAK HOLD buttons to select the decimal
point position, may be set to 1" or 0.1". Note: when 0.1 is
selected the maximum temperature display is limited to 999.9.
FLtr (digital filter)
Press the ON/OFF or PEAK HOLD buttons to select the digital
filtering value. Digital filtering is used to reducing susceptibility to
short term interference. The digital filter range is selectable from 0
to 8, where
0= none and 8= most filtering. A typical value for the digital filter
would be 3.
APdt (set Auto Power Down Time)
Press the ON/OFF or PEAK HOLD buttons to select the Automatic
Power Down Time (auto turn off time). The time is programmable
over the range of 0to 250 minutes. Note: if continuous operation is
required, select 0to disable the auto turn off function.
Calibration functions:
Accessible in calibration mode only - refer to calibration chapter
P.hId (set peak hold, high or low)
CaL (calibrate current thermocouple)
ICE (calibrate cold junction compensation)
UCAL (uncalibrate unit)
Page 5 of 11 HH4TCMAN-1.0-2

5 Function Table
Page 6 of 11 HH4TCMAN-1.0-2
Function table for HH4-TC Digital Thermometer
Initial display Meaning of
display Next display Record Your Settings
tyPE
Set Thermocouple
type
note: when selecting
t4 (type K) “K” is not
displayed
t1 b = type B
t2 E = type E
t3 J = type J
t4 = type K
t5 N = type N
t6 R = type R
t7 S = type S
t8 t = type T
unit Set Temperature
Unit
oC,oFor oA
drnd Display Rounding
Selects Resolution
Value in
in Memory
dCPt Display Decimal
Point 1or 0.1
FLtr Digital Filter
Range 0 to 8
0to 8
(8= most filtering)
APdt Set Auto
Turn Off Time
0to 250
minutes
P.hId Peak Hold
Max or Min
High (maximum)
or
LO (minimum)
CAL Calibration See section on
calibration
ICE Cold Junction
Calibration
See section on
calibration
UCAL Uncalibration See section on
calibration
Note: Functions shown shaded are accessible only when in calibration mode see
“Calibration” chapter.

6 Calibration
To enter the calibration mode a special “power up procedure” must be
followed. This procedure prevents accidental alteration of calibration and provides a
degree of calibration security.
6 .1 Preparing to initialise
Turn instrument off by pressing the ON/OFF button.
6 .2 Initialising the calibration mode
Press and hold the program button whilst applying power to the instrument
(by pressing the ON/OFF button). The instrument will display CAL in the wake up
message, indicating that the calibration level of the function mode may be accessed.
You can release the program button when the CAL message is seen.
6 .3 Entering the calibration mode
Enter the Setup Mode by pressing the program button then pressing both the
ON/OFF button and the PEAK HOLD button simultaneously (within 2 seconds) and
then step through the functions by pressing and releasing the program button until
the display indicates either P.hId,CAL,ICE or UCAL depending on function
required.
P.hId (peak hold)
This function enables the display to show either the maximum (high) or
minimum (LO) value when the PEAK HOLD pushbutton is pressed in normal use.
Use the ON/OFF or PEAK HOLD button to make a selection.
CAL (temperature calibration)
To enter the calibration mode with the display showing CAL press the
ON/OFF and PEAK HOLD buttons simultaneously. The display will now indicate
CAL1 (calibration point) followed by the uncompensated temperature reading. Using
thermocouple millivolt tables, apply an input to the instrument from an accurate
millivolt source (note: the calibration temperature display does not include cold
junction compensation, and is therefore read directly from the thermocouple tables).
The millivolt value should be approximately 80 to 100% of the thermocouple
measuring range (this value is not critical and should ideally be close to the normal
measuring temperature of the instrument). When the reading has stabilised press the
program button. The display will indicate SCL1 (scale 1) followed by the scale value
in memory. Now press the ON/OFF or PEAK HOLD button to obtain the required
scale (calibration) value. Press the program button, the display will now read CAL
ENd indicating that the calibration is complete.
The display will return to the measure mode (with calibration access still
enabled).
Note: You must recalibrate the unit for each type of thermocouple that you
intend to use. Each type has its own calibration information stored separately. It is
not sufficient to calibrate for type K and then connect a type R thermocouple and just
change the type setting.
ICE (cold junction calibration)
Note: You must complete the thermocouple calibration on the previous page
before attempting to calibrate the cold junction. Ensure that the unit has been in a
stable temperature environment for at least an hour and that the thermocouple probe
Page 7 of 11 HH4TCMAN-1.0-2

has stabilised in the icepoint. Failure to do this will result in an error which will affect
all readings and all thermocouple types. Once the cold junction calibration has been
completed for one thermocouple type it will be correct for all other thermocouple
types available with the instrument.
This function sets the cold junction (reference junction) to 0°C. Connect a
thermocouple of the selected type to the instrument and immerse the thermocouple
in an ice point reference cell or alternatively place in a prepared mixture of 50%
shaved ice and water in an insulated container (with this method keep well stirred).
To enter the cold junction calibration mode follow the procedure described above but
skip the P.hId and CAL functions i.e. steps 6.4 and 6.5. Continue to press and
release until the display shows ICE (cold junction calibration). Now press the
ON/OFF and PEAK HOLD buttons simultaneously the display should now read 0"C
(32"F). Press the PROGRAM button the display will show CAL ENd. The display
will now return to the measure mode (with calibration access). If the display does not
indicate 0"C (32"F) it may be necessary to repeat the ice calibration procedure.
UCAL (uncalibration)
This function returns the calibration of all thermocouple types to that of an
ideal thermocouple and is useful when a temperature calibration error has occurred
due to miscalibration and the conditions do not allow on the spot recalibration. To
enter this mode follow the procedure described above but skip Steps 6.4, 6.5 and
6.6 continue to press and release the PROGRAM button until the display shows
UC"C now press the ON/OFF and PEAK HOLD simultaneously the display will show
CAL followed by CLR indicating that the calibration is cleared. The display will now
return to the measure mode (with calibration access).
6 .4 Returning to the normal measure mode
When the calibration procedure has been completed, it is advisable to return
the instrument to the normal mode (where calibration functions cannot be tampered
with). To return to the normal mode turn the instrument off by pressing the ON/OFF
button (to exit the calibration mode), wait a few seconds and then restore power. Do
not press the PROGRAM button during the start up sequence.
Page 8 of 11 HH4TCMAN-1.0-2