Ametek JF Instruments MTC-140 A User manual

User Manual
Temperature Calibrator
MTC-140/320/650 A
Copyright 2001 AMETEK DENMARK A/S

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About this manual….
• The structure of the manual
This user manual is aimed at users who are familiar with
Ametek calibrators, as well as those who are not. The manual is
divided into 10 chapters which describe how to set up, operate,
service and maintain the calibrator. The technical specifications
are described and accessories may be ordered from the list of
accessories.
• Safety symbols
This manual contains a number of safety symbols designed to
draw your attention to instructions which must be followed when
using the instrument, as well as any risks involved.
Warning
Events which may compromise the safe use of
the instrument and result in considerable
personal or material damage.
Caution…
Events which may compromise the safe use of
the instrument and result in slight personal or
material damage.
Note…
Special situations which demand the user’s
attention.

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List of contents
1.0 Introduction ..............................................................................4
2.0 Safety instructions ...................................................................6
3.0 Setting up the calibrator ........................................................10
3.1 Receipt of the calibrator.............................................................. 10
3.2 Preparing the calibrator .............................................................. 12
3.3 Choice of insertion tube .............................................................. 13
3.4 Inserting the sensor .................................................................... 14
4.0 Operating the calibrator.........................................................17
4.1 Keyboard, display and connections............................................ 17
4.2 Starting the calibrator.................................................................. 20
4.3 Selecting the set-temperature .................................................... 20
4.4 Using the SWITCH TEST ........................................................... 22
4.5 Using the AUTO STEP ............................................................... 26
4.6 Using the MENU ......................................................................... 29
4.6.1 Adjusting the temperature unit ....................................... 30
4.6.2 Adjusting the max-temperature ...................................... 31
4.6.3 Adjusting the SWITCH TEST slope rate ........................ 31
4.6.4 Adjusting the extra stability time..................................... 32
4.6.5 Adjusting the temperature resolution ............................. 32
4.7 Simulation/training ...................................................................... 33
5.0 Storing and transporting the calibrator ...............................34
6.0 Errors.......................................................................................36
7.0 Setting the mains voltage and replacing the fuses............38
7.1 Returning the calibrator for service............................................. 39
8.0 Maintenance............................................................................41
8.1 Cleaning...................................................................................... 41
8.2 Adjusting and calibrating the instrument..................................... 42
8.2.1 Adjusting the calibration date ......................................... 44
8.2.2 Calibrating/adjusting the instrument............................... 45
9.0 Technical specifications........................................................49
10.0 List of accessories .................................................................55

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1.0 Introduction
Congratulations on your new Ametek JF
Instruments MTC-Calibrator!
With the Ametek JF Instruments calibrator, you have chosen an
extremely effective instrument which we hope will live up to all your
expectations. Over the past many years, we have acquired extensive
knowledge of industrial temperature calibration. This expertise is
reflected in our products which are all designed for daily use in an
industrial environment. Please note that we would be very interested in
hearing from you if you have any ideas or suggestions for changes to
our products.
This user manual applies to the following instruments:
• MTC-140 A (with RS232)
• MTC-320 A (with RS232)
• MTC-650 A (with RS232)
)ISO-9001 certified
Ametek Denmark A/S was awarded the
ISO-9001 certificate in September 1994 by
BVQI - Bureau Veritas Quality International.

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)CE-label
Your new calibrator bears the CE label and
conforms to the EMC directive and the Low-
voltage Directive.
)Technical assistance
Please contact the dealer from whom you acquired the instrument
if you require technical assistance.
)Guarantee
According to current terms of sale and delivery.
This guarantee only covers defects in manufacture and becomes
void if the instrument has been subject to unauthorised
intervention and/or misuse.

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2.0 Safety instructions
Read this manual carefully before using
the instrument!
Please follow the instructions and procedures described
in this manual. They are designed to allow you to get
the most out of your calibrator and avoid any personal
injuries and/or damage to the instrument.
Warning……
About the use:
• The calibrator must not be used for any purposes
other than those described in this manual.
• The calibrator is designed for interior use only and
should not be used in risk-prone areas, where
vapour or gas leaks, etc. may constitute an
explosives hazard.
• The calibrator must be kept clear within an area of
20 cm on all sides and 1 metre above the calibrator.
• Never use heat transfer fluids such as silicone, oil,
paste, etc.
These fluids may penetrate the calibrator and cause
damage or create poisonous fumes.
• The calibrator must be switched off before any
attempt to service the instrument is made.
• When cleaning the well, REMEMBER, wear goggles
when using compressed air!
About the frontpanel:
• The connectors, on the front panel of the calibrator,
must NEVER be connected to a voltage source.
• Thermostats must not be connected to any other
voltage source during a test.

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About insertion tubes and insulation plugs:
• Never leave hot insertion tubes which have been
removed from the calibrator unsupervised – they
may constitute a fire hazard.
If you intend to store the calibrator in the aluminium
carrying case after use, you must ensure that the
instrument has cooled to a temperature below
100°C/212°F before placing it in the carrying case.
About the fuses:
• The fuse box must not be removed from the power
control switch until the mains cable has been
disconnected.
• The two main fuses must be identical and correspond
to the chosen voltage.

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Caution – Hot surface
This symbol is engraved in the grid plate.
• Do not touch the grid plate, the well or the insertion
tube as the calibrator is heating up – they may be
very hot.
• Do not touch the tip of the sensor when it is
removed from the insertion tube/well – it may be very
hot.
• Do not touch the handle of the calibrator during use
– it may be very hot.
• Over 100°C/212°F
If the calibrator has been heated up to temperatures
above 100°C/212°F, you must wait until the
instrument reaches a temperature below
100°C/212°F before you switch it off.
Below 0°C/32°F (applies only to the MTC-140 A
model)
If the calibrator has reached a temperature below
0°C/32°F, ice crystals may form on the insertion tube
and the well. This, in turn, may cause verdigris to
form on the material.
To prevent this from happening, simply heat up the
calibrator to 50°C/122°F.

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Caution…
About the use:
• Do not use the instrument if the ventilator is out of
order.
• Before cleaning the calibrator, you must switch it off,
allow it to cool down and remove all cables.
About the well, insertion tube and grid plate:
• The well and the insertion tube must be clean before
use.
• Scratches and other damage to the insertion tubes
should be avoided by storing the insertion tubes
carefully when not in use.
• The insertion tube must never be forced into the
well. The well could be damaged as a result, and the
insertion tube may get stuck.
• The insertion tube must always be removed from the
calibrator after use.
The humidity in the air may cause verdigris to form
on the insertion tube inside the instrument. There is
a risk that the insertion tube may become stuck if
this is allowed to happen.
• If the calibrator is to be transported, the insertion
tube must be removed to avoid damage to the
instrument.
Note…
The product liability only applies if the instrument is
subject to a manufacturing defect. This liability becomes
void if the user fails to follow the maintenance
instructions set out in this manual or uses unauthorised
spare parts.

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3.0 Setting up the calibrator
3.1 Receipt of the calibrator
The calibrator is supplied in an aluminium carrying case.
When you receive the instrument…
• Carefully unpack and check the calibrator and the accessories.
• Check the parts off against the list shown below.
If any of the parts are missing or damaged, please contact the
dealer who sold the calibrator.
You should receive:
• 1 calibrator
• 1 mains cable
• 1 set of test cables (1 black, 1 red)
• 3 pcs. insulation plugs for 6, 10, 13 mm sensors
(MTC-140 A only)
CALIBRA
TIONINSTRUMENTS

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• 1 insertion tube (user specified)
• 1 tool for insertion tube
• 1 traceable certificate
• 1 user manual
• 1 RS 232 serial cable
• 1 CD-ROM containing software package
“JofraCal”.
When reordering, please specify the parts number found
in the list of accessories, section 10.0.

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3.2 Preparing the calibrator
Warning
• The calibrator must not be used in areas prone to
explosives hazards.
• The calibrator must be kept clear within an area of 20
cm on all sides and 1 metre above the calibrator.
Note…
The instrument must not be exposed to draughts.
Fig. 1
When setting up the calibrator, you must…
place the calibrator on an even horizontal surface in the spot
you intend to use it.

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Caution…
Do not use the instrument if the ventilator is out of order.
ensure a free supply of air to the ventilator located at the
bottom of the instrument.
check the voltage of the power control switch (on/off switch
(230V/115V)). If the voltage of the power control switch
differs from the line voltage, you must adjust the voltage of
the power control switch as follows (see Fig. 1):
A. Open the fuse box lid using a screwdriver.
B. Take out the fuse box.
C. Remove both fuses and insertion tube two new fuses.
These must be identical and should correspond to the
line voltage. See section 10.0.
B. Turn the fuse box 180° and slide it into place.
check that the earth connection for the instrument is present
and attach the cable.
gselect an insertion tube with the correct bore diameter. See
section 3.3 for information on how to select insertion tubes.
The calibrator is now ready for use.
3.3 Choice of insertion tube
Insertion tubes are selected on the basis of the diameter of the sensor
to be calibrated.
Use the table for insertion tubes in section 10.0 to find the correct
parts number.
Alternatively, you may order an undrilled insertion tube and drill the
required hole yourself. The finished dimension should be as follows:
• Sensor diameter +0.2 +0.05/-0 mm.

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3.4 Inserting the sensor
Before inserting the sensor and switching on the calibrator, please note
the following important warning:
Warning
• Never use heat transfer fluids such as silicone, oil,
paste, etc.
These fluids may penetrate the calibrator and cause
damage or create poisonous fumes.
Caution…
• The well and the insertion tube must be clean before
use.
• Scratches and other damage to the insertion tubes
should be avoided by storing the insertion tubes
carefully when not in use.
• The insertion tube must never be forced into the well.
The well could be damaged as a result, and the
insertion tube may get stuck.
•
Caution – Hot surface
• Do not touch the grid plate, the well or the insertion tube
as the calibrator is heating up – they may be very hot.
• Do not touch the tip of the sensor when it is removed
from the insertion tube/well – it may be very hot.
• Do not touch the handle of the calibrator during use – it
may be very hot.

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Insert the sensor as shown in Fig. 2.
Fig. 2
In order to spare the sensor and its connections it is recommended to
use a heat protection shield (104216) at high temperatures.
For MTC-140 A only.
Check that the insulation plug fits the diameter of the sensor.
Otherwise replace it.
Thermal protection shield
Insertion tube
Sensor under test

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If the design of the sensor permits it, you are advised to use an
insulation tube and insulation as shown in Fig. 3.
Fig. 3

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4.0 Operating the calibrator
4.1 Keyboard, display and connections
Keyboard
Fig. 4
Pos. Description
LCD.
SWITCH TEST button used to activate SWITCH TEST.
The function automatically detects the opening/closing
temperatures for thermostats.
AUTO STEP button used to activate AUTO STEP.
The function is used to switch between a series of set-
temperatures automatically.
ESC/MENU button used as Escape key or to activate the
menu system (hold button down for min. 2 seconds).
ENTER button used to accept chosen options.
DOWN ARROW button used to adjust temperature values
(value decreases) and to select menu options.
AUTO
STEP
SWITCH
TEST
ESC
MENU
CALIBRATION INSTRUMENTS

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UP ARROW button used to adjust temperature values
(value increases) and to select menu options.
Display
Fig. 5
Pos. Description
CHECKMARK displayed when the calibrator is stable.
SWITCH TEST input open.
SWITCH TEST input closed.
AUTO STEP symbol used to indicate that the function is
active (symbol flashes repeatedly).
Used to display set-temperatures, time-until-stable and
parameter values in the menu system.
Minute time unit for bottom display.
Fahrenheit temperature unit for bottom display.
Celsius temperature unit for bottom display.
Fahrenheit temperature unit for top display.

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Celsius temperature unit for top display.
Used to display Read-temperature and parameters in the
menu system.
Connections
Warning
• The connectors, pos. 2 on the front panel, must NEVER
be connected to a voltage source.
• Thermostats must not be connected to any other
voltage source during a test.
All connections are located on the front panel.
Fig. 6
Pos. Description
Power control switch with connection for cable and on/off
switch. Also contains the main fuse. See section 7.0 for
information on how to change the fuses and setting the
mains voltage.
Connection for thermostat test.
+-
Switch Test
230V 5AF/115V 10AF
115V
Fuse
RS232

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Connection for RS232 cable.
Note that all PC-equipment, which are connected to the
calibrator must observe the directive IEC950.
4.2 Starting the calibrator
Switch the calibrator on using the power control switch (pos.
1 in Fig. 6).
The instrument is initialised and the last calibration date is
displayed:
The calibration date will be displayed for approx. 2 seconds.
The initialisation process has been completed and the
calibrator is ready for use.
All settings are stored when the calibrator is switched off.
When the instrument is switched back on again, the status will
be the same as when it was switched off.
4.3 Selecting the set-temperature
Press or to adjust the set-temperature.
The current selection flashes in the bottom display:
°C
°
C
The starting point is the last chosen set-temperature (even if
the instrument has been switched off).