Ametek JOFRA ASC300 User manual

Reference Manual
Advanced Signal Calibrator
AMETEK JOFRA ASC300
 Copyright 2005 AMETEK Denmark A/S

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
2.2 Menu Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
3. Using Measure Modes (Lower Display) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
3.1 Measuring Volts and Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
3.2 Measuring mA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
3.3 Measuring Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
3.4 Measuring Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
4. Using Source Modes (Lower Display) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
4.1 Setting 0 % and 100 % Output Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
4.2 Using Auto Output Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
4.3 Sourcing mA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
4.4 Simulating a Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
4.5 Sourcing Volts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
4.6 Sourcing Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
4.7 Sourcing a Pulse Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
4.8 Sourcing Thermocouples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
4.9 Sourcing Ohms/RTDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
5. Using Isolated Measure Modes (Upper Display) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
5.1 Measuring Volts and mA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
5.2 Measuring Current with Loop Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
5.3 Measuring Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
6. Using the Upper and the Lower Display for Calibration and Testing24
6.1 Testing an Input or Indicating Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
6.2 Calibrating an I/P Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
6.3 Calibrating a Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
6.4 Calibrating a Pressure Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
7. Remote Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
7.1 Setting up the RS-232 Port for Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
7.2 Changing Between Remote and Local Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
7.3 Using Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
7.4 Remote Commands and Error Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
7.5 Entering Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
8. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
9. Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

1. Introduction
The Ametek ASC 300 Multifunction Process Calibrator is a handheld, battery-
operated instrument that measures and sources electrical and physical
parameters. The calibrator has the following features and functions:
• A dual display. The upper display is used for the measurement of volts,
current, and pressure. The lower display can be used to measure volts,
current, pressure, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), thermocouples,
frequency, and resistance, and to source pulse trains
• A thermocouple (TC) input/output terminal with automatic reference-junction
temperature compensation.
• Five setpoints in each range for increasing/decreasing output
• An interactive menu
• Complete RS323 interface for remote control
• Isolated read back for transmitter calibration.
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:
ASC 300 Calibrator
Instruction Manual
Test Leads
Carrying Case
1.21 Optional Rechargeable Battery Pack
The ASC 300 can be operated from an optional rechargeable battery pack.
This pack can be ordered by contacting Ametek using the above contact
information. Please reference the following part numbers when ordering the
optional battery pack and charger.
SPK-ASC-001 Operating Manual
SPK-ASC-002 Rechargeable battery pack
SPK-ASC-003 Charger 115/230 VAC
1

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 (2002/95/EC).

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 ASC300 is designed to calibrate and measure low voltage process
signals. To ensure the safety of the operator, DO NOT connect the ASC300
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.
3
!
!

• 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.
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2. Calibrator Interface
Figure 1 shows the location of the input and output connections on the
calibrator, while Table 1 describes their use.
Table 1: Input and Output Terminals
No. Name Description
1, 2 Measure Isolated V, Input terminals for measuring current,
mA terminals voltage, and supplying loop power.
3 TC input/output Terminal for measuring, or simulating ther-
mocouples. Accepts miniature polarized
thermocouple plugs with flat in-line blades
spaced 7.9 mm (0.312 in) center to center.
4,5 Source/Measure Terminals for sourcing and measuring
V,RTD 2W, Hz, voltage, frequency, pulse train, and RTDs
6,7 Source/Measure Terminals for sourcing and measuring
mA terminals, 3W 4W current, and performing RTD measurements
with 3-wire or 4-wire setups.
8 Pressure module connector Connects calibrator to a pressure module for
pressure measurements.
9 Serial port Connects calibrator to a PC for remote con-
trol.
5
Figure 1. Input/Output Terminals

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
1 Function Keys F1, F2, F3 Used to operate the menu bar at the bottom
of the calibrator display. F1 is used for
selecting options in the left box, F2 for the
center box, and F3 for the right box.
2 Back Light Turns back light on and off.
3 Home Returns to home menu on the menu bar.
4 Power Turns calibrator on and off.
5 0% Recalls from memory a source value corre-
sponding to 0% of the span and sets it as
the source value. Sets to 0% of span a value
entered through the keypad.
6 25% Cycles through the output span in 25%
increments.
7 100% Recalls from memory a source value corre-
sponding to 100% of the span and sets it as
the source value. Sets to 100% of span a
value entered through the keypad.
8 Numeric Keypad Allows user to enter Numeric values.
6
Figure 2. Keypad

2.1 Main Display
Figure 3. Display
The display of the calibrator, shown in Figure 3, is divided into three main
sections: the upper display, the lower display, and the menu bar.
The upper display is used for measuring dc voltage, dc current with and
without loop power, and pressure.
The lower display can be used for both measuring and sourcing.
The menu bar is used to setup both the upper and the lower display to
perform the desired function.
Table 3 explains the different parts of the display:
Table 3: Display Functions
No. Name Description
1 Primary Parameters Determine what parameter is going to be
measured or sourced.
The available options for the upper display
are:VOLTS IN, PRESSURE, mA IN, and mA
LOOP.
The available options for the lower display
are:VOLTS, TC (thermocouple), RTD, FREQ
(frequency), PULSE, PRESSURE, mA, and
mA 2W SIM.
2 Input/Output control Switches the lower display between input
mode (read), and output mode (source).
3 Additional Settings Available only for TC (thermocouple), and
RTD measurements. 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 measure-
ment (2-wire, 3-wire, or 4-wire)
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8
4 Span Indicator Available only for mA and mA LOOP. Shows
where in the preset span the measured
value falls. Fixed for mA at 4 (0%) and 20
(100%).
5 Units Shows what unit the measurement or
source value is in. Available options are for
RTD and TC (°C or °F), and for FREQ and
PULSE (CPM, Hz, or KHz)
6 Sensor Types Allow for measurements to be made for dif-
ferent types of RTDs and TCs. All types are
shown in the Specifications. Also, displays
the amplitude of the pulse and frequency
source, and pressure units.
7 Numeric Displays Display the numeric values of the signal
being measured, or sourced. An “OL” read-
ing indicates an out of range or overland
condition.
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 three variations of the home menu: the
input home menu, the output home menu, and the pulse home menu.
In the input home menu the only active option available is [MENU]. This
option is used to enter the next level of the menu bar, the main menu. Press
the corresponding function key (F1) to enter the main menu.
There are two versions of the output home menu. In the first output home
menu there are three active options, [MENU], [ ↑], and [ ↓]. [MENU]
serves the same purpose as in the input home menu. The arrow choices are
used to increase and decrease the output respectively. Holding the arrow
option scrolls the output.
The second version of the output home menu has three active options,
[MENU], [STEP], and [RAMP]. The [STEP] function automatically steps

9
between the 0% and 100% values in 25% increments. The[RAMP] function
ramps the input between the 0% and 100% value and back again.
The pulse home menu also has three active options, [MENU], [TRIG], and
[COUNTS]. The [TRIG] and [COUNTS] options are used for pulse
simulation. The function of these options is explained in Section 4.7
(Sourcing a Pulse).
The next level of the menu bar is the main menu. The levels under the main
menu depend on what mode the calibrator is in.
The main menu has three active options [UPPER], [LOWER], and [MORE].
Choosing [UPPER] calls up the parameter selection menu for the upper
display. Choosing [LOWER] calls up the parameter selection menu for the
lower display. [MORE] enters the next menu level.
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 arrow options, which
are available after choosing [CONTRAST].
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] both return to home menu.
When the lower display is in any source mode except pulse mode, the auto
output main menu is added. The options available on this menu are [AUTO
OUT], [NEXT] and [DONE]. The [AUTO OUT] 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.

When the lower display is in the frequency or pulse mode, the frequency
level menu is added after the auto output main menu. The options available
in this menu are [FREQ LEVEL], [NEXT], and [DONE]. The [FREQ LEVEL]
option is used to adjust the amplitude of the wave. [NEXT] is used to access
the contrast main menu, and [DONE] returns to the home menu.
When the calibrator is in RTD CUSTOM mode, the RTD custom setup menu,
is inserted after the main menu. Options [SET CUSTOM], [NEXT], and
[DONE] are available. [SET CUSTOM] is used to enter a custom PRT into
the calibrator. Refer to Section 4.1-8a for instructions. [NEXT] is used to
enter the contrast main menu, and [DONE] to return to the home menu.
The pressure zeroing main menu is the final variation to choosing [MORE] in
the main menu. It has the options [ZERO ], used to zero pressure,
[NEXT] and [DONE], which have the same function as above. Refer to the
Section 5.3 for instructions on zeroing.
The parameter selection menu is called up when [UPPER] or [LOWER] is
selected from the main menu. It contains the following options: [SELECT],
[NEXT], and [DONE]. When the display is selected, a parameter will start to
flash. Use the [SELECT] option to change the parameter, and the [NEXT]
option to switch to another variable. [DONE] returns to the home menu and
enables the selected mode.
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11
Figure 4. The Menu Tree

12
3. Using Measure Modes (Lower Display)
3.1 Measuring volts and frequency
Electrical parameters volts and frequency can be measured using the lower
display. To make the desired measurements, follow these steps:
1. Switch to the lower display [LOWER] from Main Menu.
2. Select the desired parameter for measurement.
3. Connect leads as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5. Measuring Volts and Frequency with Input/Output Terminals
3.2 Measuring mA
To measure mA follow these steps:
1. Switch to lower display and select mA.
2. Make sure the input/output control is set to IN.
3. Connect leads as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6. Measuring mA with Input/Output Terminals

3.3 Measuring Temperature
3.3-1 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 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 7.
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. Switch to lower display from Main Menu.
3. Select TC from the primary parameters. Choose [IN] in the input/output
control, and than the thermocouple type from the sensor types. The
temperature unit may also be changed from Celsius to Fahrenheit.
The calibrator can also measure the mV of 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 from sensor
types.
Figure 7. Measuring Temperature Using Thermocouple Terminals
13
Note: The TC wire
used must match the
thermocouple type
being calibrated.

3.3-2 Using Resistance-Temperature-Detectors (RTDs)
The supported types of RTDs are shown in Section 8. Specifications.
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. Switch to lower display [LOWER] from Main Menu.
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 8.
Figure 8. 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.
3.4 Measuring Pressure
Note: Pressure is not read from modules with frequency or pulse train
mode enabled. 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.
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!

15
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 9.
The calibrator can measure pressure on both the upper and the lower
display. This makes it possible to measure pressure in two different units
at the same time.
2. Switch to either upper or lower display from the Main Menu.
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 9. Connections for Measuring Pressure
!

3.4-1 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:
1. Enter the pressure zeroing menu.
2. Select [ZERO ]. [SET REFERENCE ABOVE] will appear. Enter the
pressure using the keypad.
3. 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 (Lower Display)
The calibrator can generate calibrated signals for testing and calibrating
process instruments. It can source voltages, currents, resistances,
frequencies, pulses, and 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. Select the lower display [LOWER] from Main Menu, and choose the
desired primary parameter.
2. Select output [OUT] from the input/output control, and enter the desired
value. For example select [VOLTS OUT].
3. Enter 5 V with the keypad, and instead of pressing the ENTER key,
press the 0% key. This will set 5 V as the 0 % point.
4. Enter 20 V and press the 100% key. This will set 20 V as the 100 %
point.
5. Use the 25% key to cycle 5 V and 20 V in 25 % increments.
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4.1-1 Manually stepping the current output
To use the 25 % function with mA output, follow these steps:
1. Select the lower display from the Main Menu, and choose mA.
2. Use the 25% key to cycle between 4 mA and 20 mA in 25 % intervals.
4.2 Using Auto Output Functions
The Auto Output functions, when selected replace the scrolling functions on
the Source Home Menu. 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 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.
Note: Auto Output options are not available for the Pulse Output function.
4.3 Sourcing mA
To source a current, follow these steps:
1. From the Main Menu select lower display [LOWER]. Choose [mA] from
the primary parameters.
2. Switch to input/output control, and select output [OUT].
3. Connect the leads to the mA terminals, as shown in Figure 10.
4. Enter the desired current using the keypad.
Figure 10. Connections for Sourcing Current
4.4 Simulating a Transmitter
To have the calibrator supply a variable test current to a loop in place of a
transmitter, follow these steps:
1. Select lower display from the Main Menu.

2. Choose mA simulation from the primary parameters [mA 2W SIM], and
enter the desired current.
3. Connect the 24V loop as shown in Figure 11.
Figure 11. Connections for Simulating a Transmitter
4.5 Sourcing volts
To source volts follow these steps:
1. Select lower display from the Main Menu.
2. Choose [VOLTS] from the primary parameters. Switch to input/output
control and select output [OUT].
3. Connect the leads for the voltage source terminals, as shown in Figure 12.
4. Enter the voltage using the keypad.
Figure 12. Connections for Sourcing Voltage and Frequency
4.6 Sourcing frequency
To source a signal use these steps:
1. Switch to the lower display and select frequency from the primary
parameters.
2. Select output, and than choose the frequency units.
3. Connect the leads to the frequency output terminals as shown in Figure 12.
4. Enter the desired frequency using the keypad.
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