Analog Technologies VC97 User manual

Copyrights 2000 – 2012, Analog Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Updated on 11/22/2012 1
A
nalog Technologies VC97
Multimeter
2352 Walsh Ave. Santa Clara, CA 95051. U. S. A. Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone] www.analogtechnologies.com
Figure 1. The Photo of Actual VC97
Figure 2. The Photo of Actual Accessories
Figure 3. The Photo of Actual VC97
FEATURES
Display: 3 3/4 Digit LCD with a Max Readings of 3999,
Automatic Negative Polarity Indication
Measuring Method: Dual-slop Integrating A/D Converter
System
Sampling Rate: Approx. 3times/second
Over Range Indication: “OL” Display
Low Battery Indication: The LCD Display “ ” Symbol
Power: 2pcs 1.5V AAA 7# Battery
APPLICATIONS
It’s widely used for measuring DCV, ACV, DCA, ACA,
resistance, capacitance, frequency, temperature, etc.
DESCRIPTION
VC97 is a high performance, high accuracy, 3 3/4-digit,
32mm digit high by LCD displaying meter. The function
includes DCV, ACV, DCA, ACA, resistance, capacitance,
frequency, temperature, duty cycle measurement, triode,
diode and continuity test. Also with the function of unit
signal displaying, relative value measurement, auto range/
manual range switch, auto power off and warning function,
etc.
SAFETY INFORMANTION
The meter meets with IEC1010 standard. Read the notes
before operation.
Before measuring, check the test leads carefully.
Do not input a value over allowable limited when
measuring to avoid electric shock meter damage.
Be careful when measuring voltage over DCV60V and
ACV40V.
To select correct function.
The test leads should be taken away from the testing
point when changing function.
Never take measurement when the test leads are in
current terminal.
Do not try to modify the circuit.

Copyrights 2000 – 2012, Analog Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Updated on 11/22/2012 2
A
nalog Technologies VC97
Multimeter
2352 Walsh Ave. Santa Clara, CA 95051. U. S. A. Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone] www.analogtechnologies.com
GENERAL SPECIFICATONS
Table 1.
Display 3 3/4digit LCD with a max readings of 3999
Automatic negative polarity indication
Measuring method Dual-slop integrating A/D converter system
Sampling rate Approx. 3times/second
Over range indication “OL” display
Low battery Indication The LCD display “ ” symbol
Operating environment Temperature: 0℃-40℃
Relative humidity<80%RH
Storage environment Temperature: -10℃-50℃
Relative humidity<80%RH
Power 2pcs 1.5V AAA 7# battery.
Dimension 185(L)×93(W)×35(H)mm
Weight Approx. 290g (including battery)
Accessories Manual, gift box, holster, TP01 temperature probe, test leads
and 2pcs 1.5V battery.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Accuracy: ± (a% × reading + digits) at 23±5 , <75%RH℃
Table 2. DCV
Range Accuracy Resolution
400mV ±(1.5%+6d) 0.1mV
4V
±(0.8%+6d)
1 mV
40V 10 mV
400V 100 mV
750V ±(1.0%+6) 1V
Input Impedance: 400MV Range>40MΩOther range: 10MΩ.
Overload Protection: 1000V DC or 700V AC peak value
Table 3. ACV
Range Accuracy Resolution
400mV ±(1.5%+6d) 0.1mV
4V
±(0.8%+6d)
1 mV
40V 10 mV
400V 100 mV
750V ±(1.0%+6) 1V
Input Impedance: 400mv Range>40MΩOther Range: 10MΩ.
Overload Protection: 1000V DC or 700V AC peak value
Frequency Response: 750V Range: 40~100Hz Other Range: 40~400Hz
Displaying: sinewave RMS (average value response)

Copyrights 2000 – 2012, Analog Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Updated on 11/22/2012 3
A
nalog Technologies VC97
Multimeter
2352 Walsh Ave. Santa Clara, CA 95051. U. S. A. Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone] www.analogtechnologies.com
Table 4. DCA
Table 5. ACA
Range Accuracy Resolution
400uA
±(1.5%+5)
0.1μA
4000uA 1μA
40mA 10μA
400mA 100μA
4A 1mA
20A ±(2.0%+10) 10mA
Max. Measuring Volt Drop: 400mV under mA range, 200mV under A range.
Max. Input Current: 20A (less than 15sec)
Overload Protection: 0.5A/250V fuse, 13A/250V fuse
Frequency Response: 40~100Hz under 10A range, 40～400Hz at other range.
Table 6. Resistance
Range Accuracy Resolution
400Ω±(0.8%+5) 0.1Ω
4kΩ
±(0.8%+1)
1Ω
40kΩ10Ω
400kΩ100Ω
4MΩ1kΩ
40MΩ±(1.2%+5) 10kΩ
Open Circuit Voltage: 400mV
Overload Protection: 250V DC/AC peak value
Table 7. Capacitance
Range Accuracy Resolution
4nF ±(2.5%+6) 1pF
40nF ±(3.5%+8) 10pF
Range Accuracy Resolution
400uA
±(1.0%+5)
0.1μA
4000uA 1μA
40mA 10μA
400mA 100μA
4A 1mA
20A ±(2.0%+5) 10mA
Max. Measuring Volt Drop: 400mV under mA range, 200mV under A range.
Max. Input Current: 20A (less than 15sec)
Overload Protection: 0.5A/250V fuse, 13A/250V fuse.

Copyrights 2000 – 2012, Analog Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Updated on 11/22/2012 4
A
nalog Technologies VC97
Multimeter
2352 Walsh Ave. Santa Clara, CA 95051. U. S. A. Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone] www.analogtechnologies.com
400nF
±(3.5%+8) 100pF
4μF 1nF
40μF 10nF
200μF ±(5.0%+8) 100nF
Overload Protection: 250V DC/AC peak value
Warning: Do not input any voltage at this range! When measuring, the capacitor should
be completely released and the power must be turned off.
Table 8. Frequency
Range Accuracy Resolution
10Hz
±(0.5%+4)
0.001Hz
100Hz 0.01Hz
1000Hz 0.1Hz
10kHz 1Hz
100kHz 10Hz
1MHz 100Hz
30MHz 1kHz
Input Sensor: 0.7V
Overload Protection: 250V DC/AC peak value
Table 9. hFE
Range Accuracy Test condition
hFE NPN or PNP 0~1000 Current is 15uA, Vce is
approx. 4.5V.
Table 10. Diode and Continuity Test
Range Accuracy Resolution
Diode forward volt drop Forward DCV is approx. 0.5mA,
reversed voltage is approx. 1.5V.
If the resistance of the two
tested points is less than
(70±10) Ω, buzzer sounds.
Open Circuit Voltage: 0.5V
Overload Protection: 250V DC/AC peak value
Warning: Do not input any voltage at this range.
Table 11. TEMP.
Range Accuracy Resolution
-40℃-1000℃<400 ±(0.8%+4)℃
≥400 ±(1.5%+15)℃1℃
Thermocouple: K type
Warning: Do not input any voltage at this range.

Copyrights 2000 – 2012, Analog Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Updated on 11/22/2012 5
A
nalog Technologies VC97
Multimeter
2352 Walsh Ave. Santa Clara, CA 95051. U. S. A. Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone] www.analogtechnologies.com
OPERATION
Table 12. Panel Description
1 LCD Display
2
Function Keys
2-1 RST key When the meter is under sleep or lock state, press this key
and then the meter will be activated.
2-2 Hz/DUTY key
When measuring the AC voltage or AC current, it can
switch frequency/duty cycle/voltage (current). When
measuring the frequency, it can switch frequency/duty
cycle (1-99%).
2-3 REL key Press this key, clear the reading to Zero, and enter relative
value measuring.
2-4 HOLD key
Press the key, the present measuring value is held on LCD
and display “HOLD”; press it again will exit the function
and “HOLD” disappear.
2-5 Range key Select auto range or manual range
2-6 DC/AC key Select DC/AC mode
3 Knobe: Change measuring function and range.
4 Temperature jack.
5 Voltage, Current, Resistance, Frequency, GND jack
6 Battery case
DCV Measurement
1. Insert the black lead to “COM” socket and the red one
to “VΩHz” socket.
2. Set the function switch to “V” range and press DC/AC
key to select DC measuring mode.
3. The default state is auto range, display “AUTO”
symbol. Press “range” key to select manual range, you
can choose 400mV, 4V, 40V, 400V and 1000V range.
4. Connect the test leads to the test point, voltage and
polarity of the point which connect with red test leads
will be displayed on LCD.
Note
1. If “OL” displays, it means over-range, set the range
knob to a higher range.
2. The tested voltage cannot be over 1000V DC. When
changing function and range, the leads must be away
from the testing point.
ACV Measurement
1. Insert the black lead to “COM” socket and the red one
to “VΩHz” socket.
2. Set the function switch to “V” range and press DC/AC
key to select AC measuring mode.

Copyrights 2000 – 2012, Analog Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Updated on 11/22/2012 6
A
nalog Technologies VC97
Multimeter
2352 Walsh Ave. Santa Clara, CA 95051. U. S. A. Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone] www.analogtechnologies.com
3. The default states is auto range, display “AUTO”
symbol. Press “range” key to select manual range,
you can choose 400mV, 4V, 40V, 400V and 750V
range.
4. Connect the test leads to the test point, voltage and
polarity of the point which connect with red test leads
will be displayed on LCD.
Note
1. The 400mV range only has the manual range, if you
need to use 400mV range, press “RANGE” key to
select this range.
2. If “OL” displays, it means over-range, please set the
range knob to a higher range.
3. The tested voltage cannot be over 750V AC. When
changing function and range, the leads must be away
from the testing point.
4. Be careful when measuring high voltage.
DCA Measurement
1. Insert the black lead to “COM” socket and the red one
to “mA” or “20A” socket.
2. Set the function switch to “A” range, press DC/AC
key to select DC working mode, connect the test leads
across to the circuit under tested, the current value and
polarity of the point which red lead connect will
display on LCD.
Note
1. If the measured current is unsure beforehand, please
set the range knob to a higher range, then switch to a
proper range according to the displayed value.
2. If “OL” displays, it means over-range, please set the
range knob to a higher range.
3. When tested current ≥10A under 20A range, the
buzzer will sound.
4. Max. input current is 400mA or 20A (subject to where
red lead insert), excessive current will blow the fuse.
Be careful when measuring 20A due to un-fused.
Continuously measuring large current may heat the
circuit, affect the accuracy, and even damage the
meter.
ACA Measurement
1. Insert the black lead to “COM” socket and the red one
to “mA” or “20A” socket.
2. Set the function switch to “A” range, press DC/AC
key to select AC working mode, connect the test leads
across to the circuit under tested, the current value and
polarity of the point which red lead connect will
display on LCD.
Note
1. If the measured current is unsure beforehand, please
set the range knob to a higher range and then switch to
a proper range according to the displayed value.
2. If “OL” displays, it means over-range, please set the
range knob to a higher range.
3. When tested current ≥10A under 20A range, buzzer
will sound.
4. Max. input current is 400mA or 20A (subject to where
red lead insert) excessive current will blow the fuse.
Be careful when measuring 20A due to un-fused.
Continuously measuring large current may heat the
circuit, affect the accuracy, and even damage the
meter.
Resistance Measurement
1. Insert the black lead to “COM” socket and the red one
to “VΩHz” socket.
2. Set the function switch to “Ω” range, if the resistance
under measured f unknown, set to a higher range.
3. Press “Range” key to select auto range or manual
range mode.
4. If measuring the small resistance, should short-circuit
at first, press “REL” key, and then measuring the
unknown resistance, its actual resistance will be
displayed on the LCD.
Note
1. If the measured resistance is unsure beforehand, set the
range knob to a higher range and then switch to a
proper range according to the displayed value.
2. If “OL” displays, it means over-range, the range knob
should be set to a higher range. When the resistance is
over 1MΩ, the reading should take a few seconds to
be stable. It is normal at high resistance measurement.
3. When input terminal is open circuit, “OL” displays.
4. When measuring in-line resistance, be sure that the
power has been turned off and all capacitors are fully
released.
5. Do not input voltage at this range.
Capacitance Measurement
1. Set the function switch to “” range.
2. Insert the black lead to “COM” socket and the red one
to “VΩHz” socket.
3. If the LCD does not display zero, press “REL” key to
clear zero.
4. Insert the capacitor to “Cx” socket according to the
polarity, the value will display on LCD.

Copyrights 2000 – 2012, Analog Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Updated on 11/22/2012 7
A
nalog Technologies VC97
Multimeter
2352 Walsh Ave. Santa Clara, CA 95051. U. S. A. Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone] www.analogtechnologies.com
Note
1. Don’t input voltage and current signal in the “VΩHz”
jack when measuring the capacitor.
2. Be sure to press “REL” to clear zero before measuring.
3. Capacitance range only has auto range working mode.
4. Release the capacitors completely to avoid damaging
the meter
5. 200uF range input reading steady large than 15 Sec.
6. Unit: 1uF=1000nF 1nF=1000pF
Frequency Measurement
1. Insert the black leads to “COM” socket and the red
one to “VΩHz” socket.
2. Set the range switch to “Hz” range.
3. The range is auto-range. Connect the leads across to
the signal under measured, the value will be displayed
on LCD.
Note
1. There is only auto-range at this range.
2. When input is over 10V Ac rms, reading is possible,
but maybe over-range.
3. It’s better to use shield cable when measuring small
signals in noisy place.
4. Be careful when measuring high voltage.
5. Do not input voltage over 250V DC/AC peak value.
hFE Measurement
1. Set the function switch to hFE range.
2. Define the transistor is NPN or PNP type. Insert
theemitter, base and collector separately to the correct
hole, then the approx. value will be displayed on
LCD.
Diode and Continuity Test
1. Insert the black leads to “COM” socket and the red
one to “VΩHz” socket (the polarity of the red one is
“+”).
2. Set the FUNCTION switch to “ ” position. Press
“DC/AC” key to select diode measuring.
3. Forward measurement: connect the red test leads to the
“+” polarity of the diode under tested and the black
one to “-”, the approx. forward voltage of this diode
will be displayed on LCD.
4. Backward measurement: connect the red test lead to
the “-” of the diode and the black one to “+”, and LCD
will displayed OL. The completely measurement
includes forward and backward measurement, if the
result cannot meet with the above, it means the diode
is workless.
5. Diode test include forward measurement and backward
measurement, if the result is different with above, the
diode is bad.
6. Press “DC/AC” key to select continuity test.
7. Continuity test: the buzzer sounds when the resistance
under measured is less than (70+10) Ω.
Note
1. Do not input voltage at this range.
2. Turn off the power and release all capacitors when
testing in line.
Temperature Measurement
1. Set the function switch to “ ” range.℃
2. Insert the cold point of thermocouple too “Temp”
socket and the working point to the place wanted to
take temperature, the value will be displayed on LCD.
Note
1. When the input terminal is in open circuit, it will
display the “normal temp”.
2. Do not change the thermocouple, or the accuracy
cannot be secured.
3. Do not input voltage at this range.
Data Hold
Press “HOLD” key once, the current data will be hold on
LCD; press it again, data is canceled.
Auto Power Off
1. When operating after 15 minutes, the meter will be
auto power off and into sleep mode. Press “POWER
AUTO OFF” key twice can turn the power on.
2. Press “DC/AC” key before turn on, it can cancel auto
power off function.
MAINTENANCE
Do not try to modify the inner circuit.
Note
1. Do not input a voltage over 1000V DC/AC peak value.
2. Do not measure voltage at current range, resistance
range, diode and buzzer range.
3. Do not use the meter if the battery is not replaced well
or the battery case is not fixed.
4. Before replacing battery or fuse, release the test leads
from the test point and turn power off.

Copyrights 2000 – 2012, Analog Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Updated on 11/22/2012 8
A
nalog Technologies VC97
Multimeter
2352 Walsh Ave. Santa Clara, CA 95051. U. S. A. Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone] www.analogtechnologies.com
5. Keep the multimember dry. Keep the multimeter away
from dust and dirt
6. Use and store the multimeter only in normal
temperature environments. Temperature extremes can
shorten the life of electronic devices, damage batteries,
and distort or melt plastic part.
7. Handle the multiyear gently and carefully. Dropping it
can damage the circuit boards and case and can cause
the multimeter to work improperly although the
holster can provide enough protection.
8. Wipe the multimeter with a damp cloth occasionally to
keep it looking new. Do not use harsh chemicals,
cleaning solvents, or strong detergents to clean the
multimeter.
9. Take out of the battery if do not use for a long time.
When LCD displays “ ”, the battery should be
replaced, see table 13.
10. Replace the fuse with same type and rating as the
replacements.
Table 13. Step
Item Description
1 Take out the holster.
2 Remove the screw on the bottom case and lift the bottom case.
3 Remove the spent battery and replace it with a battery of the same type.
4 Replace the fuse with same type and rating as the replacements.
5 Install the holster.

Copyrights 2000 – 2012, Analog Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Updated on 11/22/2012 9
A
nalog Technologies VC97
Multimeter
2352 Walsh Ave. Santa Clara, CA 95051. U. S. A. Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone] www.analogtechnologies.com
TROUBLE SHOOTING
If the meter does not work properly, check the meter as followings.
Table 14.
ORDERING INFORMATION
Table 15. Unit Price
Part# 1-2 ≥3
VC97 $26.87 $25.87
Note: If you buy 5 or more, please contact us for a better price.
NOTICE
1. ATI reserves the right to make changes to its products or to discontinue any product or service without notice, and advise
customers to obtain the latest version of relevant information to verify, before placing orders, that information being relied
on is current and complete.
2. All products are sold subject to the terms and conditions of sale supplied at the time of order acknowledgment, including
those pertaining to warranty, patent infringement, and limitation of liability. Testing and other quality control techniques are
utilized to the extent ATI deems necessary to support this warranty. Specific testing of all parameters of each device is not
necessarily performed, except those mandated by government requirements.
3. Customers are responsible for their applications using ATI components. In order to minimize risks associated with the
customers’ applications, adequate design and operating safeguards must be provided by the customers to minimize inherent
or procedural hazards. ATI assumes no liability for applications assistance or customer product design.
4. ATI does not warrant or represent that any license, either express or implied, is granted under any patent right, copyright,
mask work right, or other intellectual property right of ATI covering or relating to any combination, machine, or process in
which such products or services might be or are used. ATI’s publication of information regarding any third party’s products
or services does not constitute ATI’s approval, warranty or endorsement thereof.
5. IP (Intellectual Property) Ownership: ATI retains the ownership of full rights for special technologies and/or techniques
embedded in its products, the designs for mechanics, optics, plus all modifications, improvements, and inventions made by
ATI for its products and/or projects.
Conditions Solution
No Display
Power is off
HOLD key
Replace battery
Symbol Display Replace battery
Big Error Replace battery