Ametek mAcal User manual

User Manual
mAcal
mA loop Calibrator
Copyright 2005 AMETEK DENMARK A/S

103887 01 1
LIST OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 PACKING LIST ...............................................................................2
2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS....................................................2
3. OPERATION ........................................................................4
3.1 DISPLAY AND KEYBOARD...........................................................4
3.2 SWITCHING THE MACAL ON/OFF .................................................6
3.3 HOW THE CURRENT IS GENERATED.........................................6
3.4 HOW THE CURRENT IS MEASURED...........................................7
3.5 HOW THE VOLTAGE IS MEASURED...........................................7
3.6 HOW NEW PARAMETERS ARE SELECTED (SETUP)...............8
3.6.1 SELECTION OF MODE...........................................................8
3.6.2 SELECTION OF SLOPE TIME................................................8
3.6.3 SELECTION OF STEP SIZE...................................................9
3.6.4 SELECTION OF STEP TIME ..................................................9
3.6.5 SELECTION OR DE-SELECTION OF AUTOMATIC OFF FUNCTION 9
4. ERROR SITUATIONS........................................................10
4.1 TEST FOR “OPEN LOOP”...........................................................10
4.2 TEST FOR INCORRECT POLARITY...........................................10
4.3 TEST FOR “OVERRANGE”.........................................................10
4.4 INDICATION OF BATTERY STATUS..........................................11
5. HOW mAcal IS ADJUSTED (service mode) ....................12
6. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (23°C±3°C)....................14

2 103887 01
1. INTRODUCTION
The mAcal is a loop calibrator for measuring and generating mA. The
mAcal is specially designed for use in industrial plants with 4-20mA
signals. The mAcal can be operated with one hand, and operation is simple
and intuitive.
1.1 PACKING LIST
When the instrument is received, the box should contain the following:
 mAcal
 Bag
 2 test leads with crocodile clip
 4 batteries, type LR6, AA
 This user’s guide
2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read this manual carefully before using the instrument!
In order to avoid any personal injuries and/or damage to the instrument
all safety instructions and warnings must be observed.
Disposal – WEEE Directive
These calibrators contain Electrical and Electronic circuits and must be
recycled or disposed of properly (in accordance with the WEEE
Directive 2002/96/EC).
WARNING:
 The calibrator must not be used for any purposes other than those
described in this manual.
 Follow all equipment safety procedures.
 The calibrator has been designed for interior use only and should
not be used in hazardous areas, where vapour or gas leaks, etc.
may constitute a danger of explosion.
 Do not apply more than the rated voltage. See specifications for
supported ranges.

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 Do not use the calibrator if it is damaged. Before you use the
calibrator, inspect the case. Look for cracks or missing plastic. Pay
particular attention to the insulation surrounding the connectors.
 Select the proper function and range for your measurement.
 Make sure the battery cover is closed and latched before you
operate the calibrator.
 Remove test leads from the calibrator before you open the battery
door.
 Inspect the test leads for damaged insulation or exposed metal.
Check test leads continuity. Replace damaged test leads before
you use the calibrator.
 When using the probes, keep your fingers away from the probe
contacts. Keep your fingers behind the finger guards on the probes.
 Do not use the calibrator if it operates abnormally. Protection may
be impaired. When in doubt, have the calibrator serviced.
 Disconnect test leads before changing to another measure or
source function.
 To avoid false readings, which could lead to possible electric shock
or personal injury, replace the battery as soon as the battery
indicator appears.
 To avoid personal injury or damage to the calibrator, use only the
specified replacement parts and do not allow water into the case.
Caution…
 Disconnect the power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors
before testing resistance or continuity.
 Use the proper jacks, function and range for your measurement or
sourcing application.
 To avoid damaging the plastic lens and case, do not use solvents
or abrasive cleansers.

4 103887 01
3. OPERATION
3.1 DISPLAY AND KEYBOARD
The various keys on the keyboard have the following functions (cf. Fig. 1 on the cover of
the user’s guide):
ITEM KEYBOARD Description:
ON/OFF Switching instrument on/off.
% mA / SETUP Alternating between readout in mA and %. If
the key is held down for more than 2 sec., a
change to SETUP takes place. Under SETUP
this key is used to select next parameter.
AUTO AUTO ramp or AUTO-STEP function is started
or stopped.
DOWN ARROW “Less” key. If the key is held down, the key
press is repeated.
UP ARROW “More” key. If the key is held down, the key
press is repeated.
STEP The STEP function is activated or de-activated.
FUNC. (FUNCTION) Change-over takes place between SOURCE
mA, MEASURE mA and MEASURE Volt
function.
PWR. (POWER) Change-over takes place between EXT. (the
+24VDC of the current loop is generated by an
external power supply) and INT. (the +24VDC
of the current loop is generated by the mAcal
itself).
The various segments of the display indicate the following (cf. Fig. 1 on the cover of the
user’s guide):
ITEM DISPLAY SEGMENT Description:
Shows numerical value in mA, %, V or sec.,
and for readout of error codes etc.
EXT (EXTERNAL) External loop supply is selected.
INT (INTERNAL) Internal loop supply is selected, the internal
+24VDC of the mAcal being used to supply the
current loop with power.
MEASURE Measurement of current or voltage is selected
(indicated by unit).
SOURCE Generation of current is selected.
STEP The STEP function is active. When the
segment flashes, this indicates that the AUTO-
STEP function is activated.
%, s, V or mA Indication of unit for readout numerical values.

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ITEM DISPLAY SEGMENT Description:
LOW BAT (LOW
BATTERY)
When this segment is lit, the voltage in the batteries
is less than 3.5 V, and they should be replaced.
When the segment flashes, the voltage is less
than 3.1 V and the instrument cannot be operated.
0-20 0-20mA is selected as the range, which affects the
readout in %, as well as STEP values.
4-20 4-20mA is selected as the range, which affects the
readout in %, as well as STEP values
FLOW FLOW transmitters are selected, which affects the
readout in %, as well as STEP values.
VALVE Proportional transmitters are selected, which
affects STEP values and the AUTO-STEP function.
ITEM CONNECTIONS Description:
- Connection of black test lead -
+Connection of red test lead +
Connectio230mA.n to mains adaptor
6V DC, 230mA.
Note : The mains adapter does not charge
rechargeable batteries.

6 103887 01
3.2 SWITCHING THE mAcal ON/OFF
Press and the unit is switched on/off.
When the unit is switched on, the present battery voltage appears in the display for approx.
1 second.
Fit the red test lead into the connector marked “+”.
Fit the black lead into the connector marked “-“.
The mAcal is now ready for use. The unit automatically starts up in the function (SOURCE
mA, MEASURE mA or MEASURE Volt) which was active when it was last switched off.
3.3 HOW THE CURRENT IS GENERATED
Connect the mAcal to the instrument to be tested as shown in Fig. 3 or Fig. 4 on the cover
of the user’s guide and switch the unit on.
Press until the display shows SOURCE mA or SOURCE%.
Press for selection of INT or EXT (the present selection is shown in the
display).
If INT. is selected, the +24VDC of the current loop is generated by the mAcal itself. If EXT is
selected, the +24VDC of the current loop is generated by an external power supply.
Press for selection of readout in mA or %.
The display has the following appearance when 4mA is generated with internal loop supply:
Press and the generated current is increased.
Press and the generated current is decreased.
Press for activation of pre-defined current values (values depend
on selection of MODE and STEP SIZE).

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Press for automatic changing of current value. If STEP is selected
(the AUTO-STEP function), change-over takes place automatically between the pre-
defined current values. For proportional transmitters (VALVE), change-over takes
place between 3.8 - 4 - 4.2 - 4..... and 19 - 20 - 21 - 20..... mA
(the range is selected using the “up arrow” or “down arrow” keys).
The mAcal now generates the current shown in the display.
3.4 HOW THE CURRENT IS MEASURED
Connect the mAcal to the transmitter to be tested as shown in Fig. 5 or Fig. 6 on the cover
of the user’s guide and switch the unit on.
Press until the display shows MEASURE mA or MEASURE %
Press for selection of INT or EXT (the present selection is
shown in the display).
If INT is selected, the +24VDC of the current loop is generated by the mAcal itself. If EXT is
selected, the +24VDC of the current loop is generated by an external power supply.
Press for selection of readout in mA or %.
The display thus has the following appearance in the measurement of 20mA in the current
loop.
The current is printed out with a resolution of 0.001mA:
The mAcal now measures the current shown in the display.
3.5 HOW THE VOLTAGE IS MEASURED
Connect the mAcal to the instrument to be tested as shown in Fig. 7 on the cover of the
user’s guide and switch on the unit.
Press until the display shows MEASURE V. Readout in %
cannot be selected.
The display thus has the following appearance in the measurement in V. The voltage is
printed out with a resolution of 0.1Volt:

8 103887 01
The mAcal now measures the voltage shown in the display.
3.6 HOW NEW PARAMETERS ARE SELECTED (SETUP)
Press for approx. 2 seconds. The present selection of
MODE is now shown in the display, e.g.
mA.
3.6.1 Selection of MODE
It is possible to choose between 5 different MODES:
 4-20mA LIN
 0-20mA LIN
 4-20mA FLOW
 0-20mA FLOW
 4-20mA VALVE
LIN - % calculated linearly.
FLOW - % calculated logarithmically.
VALVE - % not calculated.
AUTO-STEP function 3.8 - 4 - 4.2 - 4..... or 19 - 20 - 21 - 20..... mA.
Press or for selection of new MODE.
Press to save the present selection.
3.6.2 Selection of SLOPE TIME
After MODE has been selected, SLOP TIME (ramp time in the case of AUTO) can be
changed.
The text sis shown on the display for approx. 1 second.
Press or for setting of SLOPE TIME. The time can be
adjusted between 30 - 999 S.

P
ress to cancel a selection. SETUP is exited and it is necessary to
start all over again. This option can be selected at any time.

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Press to save the present selection.
3.6.3 Selection of STEP SIZE
After SLOPE TIME has been selected, STEP SIZE (step size in % of range) can be
selected for the transmitter types LIN and FLOW. If MODE 4-20mA VALVE is selected, a
fixed STEP SIZE is applied. The text is shown in the display for approx. 1 second.
Press or for setting of STEP SIZE. A choice can be
made between the step sizes 5%, 10%, 20%, 25%, 50% and 100%.
Press to save the present selection.
3.6.4 Selection of STEP TIME
After STEP SIZE has been selected, STEP TIME (the time between changes in the
AUTO-STEP function) can be changed. Either sor sis shown in the display.
Press or for setting of STEP TIME.
Press to save the present selection.
3.6.5 Selection or de-selection of automatic OFF function
After STEP TIME has been selected, it is possible to select or de-select the AUTOMATIC
OFF function (mAcal automatically switched off approx. 30 minutes after a key has last
been activated).
The text is shown in the display for approx. 1 second. Alongside, the text or
appears.
Press and AUTOMATIC OFF is selected. appears in the
display.
Press and AUTOMATIC OFF is deselected. appears in the
display.
Press to save the present selection.
SETUP is exited and the mAcal is now ready for normal operation with new parameters.

10 103887 01
4. ERROR SITUATIONS
4.1 TEST FOR “OPEN LOOP”
The text flashes in the display:
CAUSE The unit is unable to generate the desired current.
The current loop is probably open or selection of PWR is
incorrect.
REMEDY  Check whether instrument is connected correctly.
 Check that PWR selection is correct.
4.2 TEST FOR INCORRECT POLARITY
The text flashes in the display:
CAUSE The unit measures a negative current.
REMEDY The test leads + and - are probably to be changed over.
4.3 TEST FOR “OVERRANGE”
The text flashes in the display:
CAUSE The unit measures a current which is greater than 24mA or a
voltage which is greater than +45Volts or less than -45Volts.
REMEDY  Measure only voltages in the range -45 to +45 Volts.
 Measure only in current loops, where the current is less
than 24mA.
 Check that the instrument is connected properly.
See Fig. 3 to Fig. 7 on the cover of the user’s guide.

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4.4 INDICATION OF BATTERY STATUS
The text “LOW BAT” lights up in the display:
The text “LOW BAT” flashes in the display:
CAUSE “LOW BAT” lights up:
The batteries are about to be used up. However, the
instrument can still be used.
“LOW BAT” flashes:
The batteries are used up. The instrument cannot be used.
The display goes out. However, the keyed-in values are
retained.
REMEDY “LOW BAT” lights up:
Change the batteries. See Fig. 2 on the cover of the user’s
guide.
“LOW BAT” flashes:
The batteries must be changed. See Fig. 2 on the cover of the
user’s guide.
The 4 used LR6, AA batteries are removed and new ones
inserted.

12 103887 01
5. HOW mAcal IS ADJUSTED (service mode)
Connect the mAcal to an external precision instrument (with an accuracy higher than
0.02% of F.S.) as shown in Fig. 3 on the cover of the user’s guide.
Hold down and press
3 images appear in the display:
The first display image shows the software version.
After approx. 1 second, the serial number of the pcb is shown.
After another approx. 1 second, the text is shown (code must be keyed in).
Press to exit service mode. This option can be selected at any
time.
Key in the following code:
Press 3 times.
Press 5 times.
Press Twice.
Press Once.
The following display image appears:
Press or until the display shows the same value
as that measured with the external
precision instrument.
Press to approve the value.

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The following display image appears:
Press or until the display shows the same value
as is measured with the external
precision instrument.
Press to approve the value.
The mAcal now carries out a self-calibration and adapts its circuits to that measured.
Switch on the mAcal. It is now adjusted and ready for use.

14 103887 01
6. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (23°C±3°C)
Current generation :
Range : 0-24mA
Resolution : 0.01mA
Accuracy (k=2) : 0.05% F.S.
Max. load : 900 Ohm
Current measurement :
Range : 0-24mA
Resolution : 0.001mA
Accuracy (k=2) : 0.05% F.S.
Input impedance : 10 Ohm
Voltage measurement :
Range : OV to +45V
Resolution : 0.1V
Accuracy : 0.5V
Operation temperature :-10°C to +40°C
Storage temperature :-20°C to +50°C
Battery life : 200 hours with external loop pwr.
20 hours with 12mA
output/internal loop pwr.
Battery types : 4 types LR6, AA, 1.5V – Alkaline
Mains adapter : 103950, 6V DC/230mA EURO
with 1.3 mm DC female connector
103957, 6V DC/230mA UK,
with 1.3mm DC female connector
103964, 6V DC/240mA US/JAPAN
with 1.3 mm DC female connector
Dimensions l x w x h :174 x 66 x 26mm
Weight (inc. batteries,
bag and test leads) :
Standard complied with
Warrenty : (89/336/EEC), EN50081-1, EN50081-2,
EN50082-1, EN50082-2, (91/157/EEC)
According to current terms of sale and
Delivery. The guarantee only applies to
factory faults and ceases to apply if the
instrument has been subjected to un-
authorised interference and/or incorrect
operation.