Ametek CSC201 User manual

User Manual
Compact Signal Calibrator
CSC201

Ametek JOFRA CSC201 Reference Manual
1. Introduction ..................................................... 1
1.1 Contacting Ametek.................................................. 1
1.2 Standard Equipment................................................. 1
1.3 Safety information................................................... 2
2. Calibrator Interface ............................................... 5
2.1 Main Display ...................................................... 7
3. Using Measure Modes ........................................... 11
3.1 Measuring Temperature ............................................. 11
3.2 Measuring Pressure ............................................... 12
4. Using Source Modes ............................................. 14
4.1 Setting 0% and 100% Output Parameters .............................. 14
4.2 Using Auto Output Functions ......................................... 14
4.3 Sourcing Thermocouples............................................ 15
4.4 Sourcing Ohms/RTDs .............................................. 16
5. Remote Operation ............................................... 18
6. Specifications ................................................... 19
7. Maintenance ................................................... 22
7.1 Replacing Batteries ................................................ 22
7.2 Cleaning the Unit .................................................. 22
7.3 Service Center Calibration or Repair .................................. 22
7.4 Replacement Parts & Accessories .................................... 23

1
1. Introduction
The AMETEK CSC201 Compact Signal Calibrator is a handheld, battery-
operated instrument that measures and simulates physical and electrical
parameters. The calibrator has the following features and functions:
• A large easy to read display used to display all supported physical and
electrical parameters.
• Temperature measurement and simulation using resistance temperature
detectors (RTDs), thermocouples (TCs) and thermistors.
• Signal measurement and sourcing capabilities for resistance and voltage
(millivolts) in the RTD and TC mode.
• Extended and comprehensive pressure measurement capabilities with
JOFRA APM
• A thermocouple (TC) input/output terminal with automatic reference-junction
temperature compensation.
• An interactive menu
• Complete RS232 interface for remote control
1.1 Contacting Ametek
US, Canada, Latin America AMETEK TCI at 1-800-527-9999
Europe, Africa, Middle East AMETEK Denmark A/S at
+ 45 4816 8000
Asia AMETEK Singapore Pte. Ltd. at
+ 65 (64) 842 388
1.2 Standard Equipment
Check to see if your calibrator is complete. It should include:
CSC201 Calibrator
Instruction Manual
Test Leads

2
1.3 Safety information
Symbols Used
The following table lists the International Electrical Symbols. Some or all of
these symbols may be used on the instrument or in this manual.
Symbol Description
AC (Alternating Current)
AC-DC
Battery
CE Complies with European Union Directives
DC
Double Insulated
Electric Shock
Fuse
PE Ground
Hot Surface (Burn Hazard)
Read the User’s Manual (Important Information)
Off
On
Canadian Standards Association
This calibrator must be recycled or disposed of properly (2002/96/EC).

3
The following definitions apply to the terms “Warning” and “Caution”.
• “Warning” identifies conditions and actions that may pose hazards to the
user.
• “Caution” identifies conditions and actions that may damage the
instrument being used.
Use the calibrator only as specified in this manual, otherwise injury and
damage to the calibrator may occur.
!Warning
The CSC201 is designed to calibrate and measure low voltage process
signals. To ensure the safety of the operator, DO NOT connect the CSC201
to inputs greater than 30 Volts.
!Warning
To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury:
• Do not apply more than the rated voltage. See specifications for
supported ranges.
• Follow all equipment safety procedures.
• Never touch the probe to a voltage source when the test leads are
plugged into the current terminals.
• 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.
• Connect the common test lead before you connect the live test lead.
When you disconnect test leads, disconnect the live test lead first.
• Do not use the calibrator if it operates abnormally. Protection may be
impaired. When in doubt, have the calibrator serviced.
• Do not operate the calibrator around explosive gas, vapor, or dust.

• When using a pressure module, make sure the process pressure line is
shut off and depressurized before you connect it or disconnect it from the
pressure module.
• Disconnect test leads before changing to another measure or source
function.
• When servicing the calibrator, use only specified replacement parts.
• 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 a violent release of pressure in a pressurized system, shut off the
valve and slowly bleed off the pressure before you attach the pressure
module to the pressure line.
• To avoid personal injury or damage to the calibrator, use only the
specified replacement parts and do not allow water into the case.
!Caution
To avoid possible damage to calibrator or to equipment under test:
• 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.
• If the message changes to "OL" the range limit is exceeded and the
pressure source must immediately be removed from the APM to prevent
damage to the pressure transducer inside.
• Maximum torque allowed is 13.5 Nm/10 ftlbs. NEVER exceed the torque
allowed.
• To avoid damaging the plastic lens and case, do not use solvents or
abrasive cleansers.
Clean the calibrator with a soft cloth dampened with water or water and mild
soap.
4

5
2. Calibrator Interface
Figure 1 shows the location of the input and output connections on the
calibrator, while Table 1 describes their use.
Figure 1. Input/Output Terminals
Table 1: Input and Output Terminals
No. Name Description
1TC input/output Terminal for measuring, or simulating thermocouples.
Accepts miniature polarized thermocouple plugs with flat
in-line blades spaced 7.9 mm (0.312 in) center to center.
2,3 Source/Measure
RTD 2W
Terminals for sourcing and measuring 2W RTDs and
resisitance. Sense terminals for 4W RTD and resisitance
measurement
4,5 Measure RTD
3W 4W
Terminals for performing RTD measurements with 3-wire
or 4-wire setups.
6Pressure module
connector/Serial port
Connects calibrator to a pressure module for pressure
measurements or connects calibrator to a PC for remote
control.
F1 F2 F3
HOME
3W
4W
RTD
TC
6
5
432
1

Figure 2 shows the location of the keys on the calibrator. Table 2 lists the
functions of each key.
Table 2. Key Functions
No. Name Function
1Function Keys These keys are used in various ways, primarily to con-
figure the calibrator
2ON/OFF Key This key is used to turn the calibrator on and off
3Home Returns to home menu on the menu bar.
4Backlight Key This key is used to turn the backlight on and off
5Cursor Keys These keys are used for setting user inputed values
6
Figure 2. Keypad
F1 F2 F3
HOME
1
4
5
3
2

7
2.1 Main Display
Figure 3. Display
The display of the calibrator, shown in Figure 3, is divided into two sections:
the main display and the menu bar.
The main display is used for both measuring and sourcing.
The menu bar is used to setup the display to perform the desired function.
Table 3 explains the different parts of the display:
Table 3: Display Functions
No. Name Description
1Primary Parameters Determines what parameter is going to be measured or
sourced.
The available options are TC (thermocouple), RTD, and
PRESSURE.
2Input/Output control Switches the display between input mode (read), and
output mode (source).
3Additional Settings Available only for TC (thermocouple), and RTD mea-
surements. For TC this setting turns the CJC (Cold
Junction Connection) on and off.
For RTD measure [RTD IN], his setting sets the number
of wires used in the measurement (2-wire, 3-wire, or
4-wire)
4 Units Shows what unit the measurement or source value is in.
Available options are °C, °F and K for RTD and TC.
5Sensor Types Allow for measurements to be made for different types
of RTDs and TCs. All types are shown in the
Specifications.
6Numeric Displays Display the numeric values of the signal being mea-
sured, or sourced. An “OL” reading indicates an out of
range or overload condition.
RTD IN 4W P100(90)385
CONFIG
0.0 °C
1
4
5
6
23
MORE

8
2.2 Menu Bar
The parameters on the display are controlled by the menu bar, which is
located at the bottom of the LCD. The function keys (F1, F2, and F3) are
used to navigate through all the levels and choices of the menu bar. Refer to
the menu tree for a clarification on the layout of all the levels.
The top level of the menu is the home menu. It can be accessed anytime by
pressing the HOME key. There are two variations of the home menu: the
input home menu and the output home menu.
There are up to three options for the input home menu. They are
[CONFIG], [ZERO] and [MORE]. [CONFIG] is used to enter the parameter
selection menu. [ZERO] is only available when the pressure mode is
selected. [MORE] allows access to further menus.
In the output home menu there are three active options, [CONFIG], [STEP]
or [RAMP] and [MORE]. [CONFIG] and [MORE] serve the same purpose as
in the input home menu. STEP or RAMP either steps or ramps the output.
The contrast menu is usually the next menu level. Its options are
[CONTRAST], [NEXT], and [DONE]. The [CONTRAST] option is used to
adjust contrast. [NEXT] proceeds to the auto off main menu, and [DONE]
returns to home menu. Contrast is adjusted using the cursor keys.
The auto off main menu contains the options [AUTO OFF], [NEXT], and
[DONE].
The [AUTO OFF] option is used to turn the automatic shutoff on and off and
set the amount of time the unit needs to stay dormant to shut off. [NEXT]
and [DONE] return to the home menu.
CONFIG ZERO MORE
CONFIG RAMP MORE

9
When the calibrator is in any source mode, the auto output main menu is
added. The options available on this menu are [AUTO FUNC], [NEXT] and
[DONE]. The [AUTO FUNC] option allows you to turn the RAMP/STEP
functions on or off. [NEXT] is used to access the contrast main menu and
done returns to the home menu.
AUTO FUNC NEXT DONE

10
Figure 4. Simplified Menu Tree
SELECT
Parameter Selection
NEXT DONE
CONTRAST
Contrast Menu
NEXT DONE
AUTO OFF
Auto Off Menu
NEXT DONE
If calibrator is in
Source mode
If calibrator is in
Measure mode
AUTO FUNC
Auto Output Main Menu
NEXT DONE
CONFIG
Home Menu
MORE
Home Menu
Home Menu
Home Menu
CONFIG MORE
CONFIG MORE
CONFIG MORE

11
3. Using Measure Modes
3.1 Measuring Temperature
3.1-1 Using Thermocouples
The calibrator supports the following
thermocouple types: B, C, E, J, K, L, N, R,
S, T, U, BP, and XK. The characteristics of
all the types are described in the
Specifications section. The calibrator also
has a Cold Junction Compensation (CJC) function. Normally this function
should be ON and the actual temperature of the thermocouple will be
measured. With CJC OFF, the calibrator will measure the difference between
the thermocouple at the junction and at its TC input terminal.
Note: CJC off mode should only be used when calibration is being done
using an external ice bath.
To use the thermocouple to measure temperature, follow these steps:
1. Attach the thermocouple leads to the TC miniplug, and insert the plug
into the input/output of the calibrator, as in Figure 5.
Note: For best accuracy wait 2 to 5 minutes for the temperature between
the miniplug and the calibrator to stabilize before any measurements are
taken.
2. Press [CONFIG] to enter the configuration mode.
3. Select TC from the primary parameters. Choose [IN] in the input/output
control, and then the thermocouple type from the sensor types. The
temperature unit may also be changed from Celsius to Fahrenheit or
Kelvin.
The calibrator can also measure the mV signal from a Thermocouple, which
can be used along with a table in case the corresponding TC type is not
supported by the calibrator. To do so, proceed as above and choose mV as
a sensor type.
Figure 5. Measuring Temperature Using Thermocouple Terminals
3W
4W
RTD
+
–
TC PLUG Note: The TC wire
used must match the
thermocouple type
being calibrated.
TC IN CJC ON J
CONFIG
0.0 °C
MORE

12
3.1-2 Using Resistance-Temperature-Detectors (RTDs)
The supported types of RTDs are shown in the Specifications section.
RTDs are characterized by their 0°C resistance, R0. The calibrator
accepts two, three, and four wire inputs, with four wire input being the
most accurate.
To use the RTD option, apply the following steps:
1. Press [CONFIG] to enter the configuration mode..
2. Select RTD from the primary parameters. Select [IN] from input/
output control.
3. Choose 2, 3, or 4-wire connection [2W, 3W, 4W]. (4-wire allows for
the most precise measurement)
4. Select RTD type from the sensor types.
5. Attach RTD leads as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6. Measuring Temperature with RTD Connection
Resistance can also be measured using this function. To do so, use the
above procedure and choose OHMS from the sensor types. This option
can be used along with a table to measure an RTD which is not
programmed into the calibrator.
3.2 Measuring Pressure
!Warning!
To avoid a violent release of pressure in a pressurized system, shut off the
valve and slowly bleed off the pressure before you attach the pressure
module to the pressure line.
–
+
–
+
3W
4W
RTD
–
+
–
+
RTD
2W
3W
4W
RTD
RTD
RTD IN 4W P100(90)385
CONFIG
0.0 °C
MORE

13
!Caution
To avoid mechanically damaging the pressure module, never apply more
than 13.5 Nm/10 ftlbs. of torque between the pressure module fittings, or
between the fittings an the body of the module.
To avoid damaging the pressure module from overpressure, never apply
pressure above the rated maximum printed on the module.
To avoid damaging the pressure module from corrosion, use it only with
specified materials. Refer to the pressure module documentation for
material compatibility.
To measure pressure, follow these steps:
1. Connect the pressure module to the calibrator as shown in Figure 7.
2. Press [CONFIG] to enter the configuration mode.
3. Select [PRESSURE] from the primary parameters.
4. Select the desired measuring unit.
5. Zero the pressure module. The zero function on the calibrator can be
found in the pressure zeroing menu.
Figure 7. Connections for Measuring Pressure
3.2-1 Zeroing with Absolute Pressure Modules.
To zero, adjust the calibrator to read a known pressure, such as barometric
pressure.
To adjust the calibrator, follow these steps:
PRESSURE
MODULE
VALVE
F1 F2 F3
HOME

14
1. Select [ZERO ]. [SET REFERENCE ABOVE] will appear.
Enter the pressure using the cursor keys.
2. The calibrator stores the Barometric zero offset in non-volatile memory.
The zero offset is stored for one absolute pressure module at a time. If a
new absolute module is connected this process must be repeated.
4. Using Source Modes
The calibrator can generate calibrated signals for testing and calibrating. It
can simulate the electrical output of RTD and thermocouple temperature
sensors.
4.1 Setting 0% and 100% Output Parameters
To set the 0% and 100% points, use the following steps:
1. Use [CONFIG] to enter the configuration mode and choose the desired
primary parameter.
2. Select output [OUT] from the input/output control, and enter the desired
value. For example select [RTD OUT].
3. Press the right arrow key to bring up alternate functions for the function
keys. Use the arrow keys to adjust the value to the desired 0% value.
Press and hold the 0% key until “Set 0%” flashes on the screen.
4. Press the right arrow key to bring up alternate functions for the function
keys. Use the arrow keys to adjust the value to the desired 100% value.
Press and hold the 100% key until “Set 100%” flashes on the screen.
5. Use the F2 key to cycle from 0% to 100% in either 10% or 25%
increments, depending on which is selected.
4.2 Using Auto Output Functions
There are two Auto Output functions; [STEP] and [RAMP]. When the [STEP]
function is selected the calibrator steps from the 0% set source value to the
100% set source value in 10% or 25% increments. The word [STEP] turns to
[STEPPING] when the [STEP] function is active. The [RAMP] function ramps
the calibrator output from the 0% to 100% set source values. When the
[RAMP] function is active the word [RAMP] turns to [RAMPING]. Both the
[STEP] and [RAMP] functions will continue from 0% to 100% and back
again until a key is pressed.

15
Figure 8. Connections for Outputting Thermocouples
4.3 Sourcing Thermocouples
To source a thermocouple use the following steps:
1. Connect the thermocouple leads to the appropriate polarized TC
miniplug, and insert the plug into the TC terminals on the calibrator, as
shown in Figure 8.
2. Press [CONFIG] and choose thermocouple [TC] from the primary
parameters.
3. Choose output [OUT] from the input/output control.
4. Select the desired thermocouple type from the sensor types.
5. Enter the temperature using the cursor keys.
Figure 9. Connections for Outputting RTDs
3W
4W
RTD
–
+
+
–
TC PLUG
Note: TC wire used must match
the thermocouple type being calibrated.
3W
4W
RTD
TC OUT CJC ON J
CONFIG
100.0 °C
MORE

16
4.4 Sourcing Ohms/RTDs
To source an RTD, follow these steps:
1. Press [CONFIG] and choose [RTD] from the primary parameters.
2. Choose output [OUT] from the input/output control, and select RTD type
from the sensor types.
3. Connect the calibrator to the instrument being tested, as in Figure 19.
4. Enter the temperature or resistance using the cursor keys.
Figure 10. Using a 3- or 4-wire Connection for RTDs
Note: The calibrator simulates a 2-wire RTD. To connect 3- or 4-wire
transmitter, use stacking cables, as shown in Figure 10.
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
3W 4W
11
22
33
44
Use stackable
test leads for
shared connections
RTD OUT P100(90)385
CONFIG
100.0 °C
MORE

4.4-1 Custom RTD
A custom curve-fit PRT may be entered into the calibrator for sourcing
and measuring. To do so follow these steps:
1. Switch to lower display. Select RTD and set sensor type to
CUSTOM.
2. Custom Coefficients can only be entered through the serial port.
The custom function uses the Calendar-Van Dusen equation for
outputting and measuring custom RTDs. The coefficient C is only used
for temperatures below 0°C. Only A and B coefficients are needed for
the range above 0°C, so coefficient C should be set to 0. The R0 is the
resistance of the probe at 0°C. The ITS 90 coefficients for PT385,
PT3926, and PT3616 are shown in Table 4.
Table 4. RTD Coefficients
RTD Range(°C) R0 Coefficient A Coefficient B Coefficient C
PT385 -260 - 0 100 3.9083x10-3 -5.775x10-7 -4.183x10-12
PT385 0 - 630 100 3.9083x10-3 -5.775x10-7 ---
PT3926 Below 0 100 3.9848x10-3 -5.87x10-7 -4x10-12
PT3926 Above 0 100 3.9848x10-3 -5.87x10-7 ---
PT3916 Below 0 100 3.9692x10-3 -5.8495x10-7 -4.2325x10-12
PT3916 Above 0 100 3.9692x10-3 -5.8495x10-7 ---
17

1818
5. Remote Operation
The calibrator can be remotely controlled using a PC terminal, or by a
computer program running the calibrator in an automated system. It uses an
RS232 serial port connection for remote operation. With this connection the
user can write programs on the PC, with Windows languages like Visual
Basic to operate the calibrator, or use a Windows terminal, such as Hyper
Terminal, to enter single commands. Typical RS232 remote configurations
are shown in Figure 11.
Figure 11. Calibrator-to-Computer Connection
Optional RS-232 Cable
COMPORT
F1 F2 F3
HOME