Analog Technologies VC99 User manual

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Copyrights 2000 – 2012, Analog Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Updated on 11/22/2012 1
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nalog Technologies VC99
Multimeter
Figure 1. The Photo of Actual VC99
Figure 2. The Photo of Actual VC99
Figure 2. The Photo of Actual VC99
FEATURES
LCD Display
Max Display: 6000(3 6/7) Digits Automatic Polarity, Unit
Symbol and 61 Section Analog Display
Measurement Method: Double Integral A/D Conversion
Sampling Rate: Approx.3 times/sec
Over-Range Display: “OL” Displayed in the Highest Digit
Low Battery Display: “ ”
APPLICATIONS
It’s widely used for measuring DCV, ACV, DCA, ACA,
resistance, capacitance, frequency, temperature, duty cycle,
transistor , diode and continuity performance test.
DESCRIPTION
VC99 is a steady performance, battery-driven 3 6/7 digital
multimeter. It uses the LCD with 23mm-high figure to make
the reading clear and make operation more convenient.
VC99 has the function of measuring DCV, ACV, DCA,
ACA, resistance, capacitance, frequency, temperature, duty
cycle, transistor, diode and continuity performance test. The
meter can provide functions including analog bar and unit
symbol display, data holding, relative value measuring,
maximal/minimal value measuring, auto/manual range
switching (RANGE), auto power off and warning functions.
It adopts double integral A/D converter as its core. It is an
ideal tool for labs, factories and radio-technology.
SAFTY INFORMATION
The instrument is designed according to IEC1010 standard
(safety standard issued by International Electro technical
Committee). Please read the following information before
operation.
1. Check the connection and insulation of test leads to
avoid electric shock.
2. Do not input a limited voltage higher than DC 1000V or
AC 750V when measuring ranges.
3. When measuring voltage higher than DC 60Vand AC
40V, please be careful.
4. Select correct function and range to avoid fault
operation.
5. Please move the test leads away from test points when
switching the function.
6. Please don’t input voltage value when measuring
current.
7. Please don’t modify the circuit.
8. Introduction for safety symbol in table 1.

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nalog Technologies VC99
Multimeter
Table 1. Safety Symbol
High Voltage
GND
Dual Insulation
Refer to Manual
Low Battery
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Tabel 2.
Display LCD display
Max Display 6000(3 6/7) digits automatic polarity, unit symbol and
61 section analog display
Measurement Method Double integral A/D conversion
Sampling Rate Approx.3 times/sec
Over-Range Display “OL” displayed in the highest digit
Low Battery Display
Working Environment Temperature: 0-40
Relative humidity: <80%
Store Environment Temperature: -10-40
Relative humidity:<80%
Power Supply 2pcs 1.5V battery (“AAA” 7# battery)
Dimension 185 (L)×93 (W)×35 (H)mm
Weight Approx.290g (including battery)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Accuracy: ± (a% × reading data + digits), environment temperature at (23±5) ℃, relative humidity<75%.
Table 3. DC Voltage (DCV)
Range Accuracy Resolution
600mV
±(0.5%+3)
0.1mV
6V 1mV
60V 10mV
600V 100mV
1000V ±(0.8%+3) 1V
Input Impedance: Approx. 10MΩ
Overload Protection: 1000V DC or 750V AC

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nalog Technologies VC99
Multimeter
Table 4.AC Voltage (ACV)
Range Accuracy Resolution
6V
±(0.8%+5)
1mV
60V 10mV
600V 100mV
750V ±(1.0%+5) 1V
Input Impedance: Approx. 10MΩ
Overload Protection: 1000V DC or 750V AC
Frequency Response: (40-200) Hz under 750V, other range: (40-400) Hz.
Sine Wave RMS (Average Value Response)
Table 5. DC Current (DCA)
Table 6. AC Current (ACA)
Range Accuracy Resolution
600uA
±(1.2%+5)
0.1μA
6000uA 1μA
40mA 10μA
600mA 100μA
6A ±(2.0%+15) 1mA
20A 10mA
Max Measurement Voltage Drop: Full range mA: 400mV, A: 200mV
Max input current: 20A (within 15 seconds)
Over Load Protection: 500mA/ 250V fast molten fuse and 13A/250V fast
molten fuse
Frequency Response: 20A range: 40-100Hz, other range: 40-400Hz.
Table 7. Resistance (Ω)
Range Accuracy Resolution
600Ω±(0.8%+5) 0.1Ω
6kΩ
±(0.8%+3)
1Ω
60kΩ10Ω
600kΩ100Ω
6MΩ1kΩ
Range Accuracy Resolution
600uA
±(1.0%+3)
0.1μA
6000uA 1μA
60mA 10μA
600mA 100μA
6A ±(2.0%+5) 1mA
20A 10mA
Max Measurement Voltage Drop: Full range mA: 300mV, A: 100mV.
Max Input Current: 20A (within 15 seconds)
Over Load Protection: 500mA/ 250V fast molten fuse and 13A/250V fast
molten fuse.

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nalog Technologies VC99
Multimeter
60MΩ±(1.2%+5) 10kΩ
Open Circuit Voltage: 600mV
Over Load Protection: 250V DC or AC peak value
Note: At range 600 Ω, short-circuit the test leads to measure the wire
resistance and then subtracts it from the real measurement. Or press “REL”
to clear the wire resistance and read the value directly.
Table 8. Capacitance (C)
Range Accuracy Resolution
40nF ±(2.5%+6) 10pF
400nF
±(2.5%+5)
100pF
4μF 1nF
40μF 10nF
400μF
±(5.0%+8)
100nF
2000μF 1uF
Overload Protection: 250V DC or AC peak value
Table 9. Frequency (F)
Range Accuracy Resolution
10Hz
±(0.5%+4)
0.01Hz
100Hz 0.1Hz
1000Hz 1Hz
10kHz 10Hz
100kHz 100Hz
1MHz 1kHz
60MHz 10kHz
Input Sensitivity: 0.7V
Over Load Protection: 250V DC or AC peak value
Table 10. Transistor (hFE)
Table 11. Diode and Continuity Performance Test
Range Value Testing Condition
Forward voltage drop of
diode
Forward DCA is approx. 0.5mA, and
the backward voltage is approx 1.5V.
Buzzer makes a long
sound while resistance is
less than (50±10)Ω.
Open circuit voltage is approx. 0.5V.
Over Load Protection: 250V DC or AC peak value
Caution: DO NOT INPUT VOLTAGE AT THIS RANGE!
Range Value Testing Condition
NPN or PNP 0-1000 Basic current approx.15μA,
Vce approx.4.5V

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nalog Technologies VC99
Multimeter
Table 12. Temperature ()
OPERATION
Table 13. Panel Description
1 LCD: Display the measuring value and unit.
2
Function Key
2-1
HOLD key: Press it, the presently measured value is held on LCD and
HOLD symbol displays. Press it again, HOLD symbol disappears, and
the meter is exited the holding mode.
2-2
REL key: Press it, reading clear, turn into relative value measurement
states, “REL” symbol displays. Press it again, “REL” symbol
disappears, and the meter is exited the relative mode.
2-3
Hz/DUTY key: When measuring the AC Voltage (Current), press it, it
will switch Frequency/duty cycle/Voltage (Current). When measuring
the Frequency, it will switch frequency/duty cycle (1~99%).
2-4 DC/AC key: Switch DC and AC work mode.
2-5
RANGE key: Select auto range or manual range mode. Auto range is
the original states, it will display “AUTO” symbol, press it change to
manual range. Press it more than 2 seconds, it will return to auto range
states.
2-6
MAX/MIN key: Press it, turn into MAX mode, it will hold the max
value of measuring. Press it again, turn into MIN mode, it will hold the
min value of measuring. No auto power off and analog bar display
under this mode. Press it more than 2 seconds, it will exit MAX/MIN
states.
Range Value Resolution
-40-1000<400±(0.8%+4)
≥400±(1.5%+15) 1
0°F -1832°F <750°F ±(0.8%+5)
≥750°F ±(1.5%+15) °F
Sensor: TP01 (K type thermocouple)
Caution: DO NOT INPUT VOLTAGE AT THIS RANGE!

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nalog Technologies VC99
Multimeter
3 hFE Transistor COM: Measure transistor magnification value.
4 Knob: Switch measuring function and range.
5 Temperature COM
6 Voltage, current, resistance, frequency and GND COM.
7 Battery case
DCV Measurement
1. Select the knob to range.
2. Insert the black test lead to “COM” terminal and the red one to “V/Ω/Hz” terminal.
3. Auto range is the original states, it will display “AUTO” symbol. Press “RANGE” key change to manual range mode,
600mV, 6V, 60V, 600Vand 1000V range is selective.
4. Connect the leads crossly to the electric circuit under test. LCD displays polarity and voltage under test connected by the
red test lead.
Note
1. Firstly users should select the knob to the highest range, if users had no idea about the range of voltage under test, and then
select the proper range based on displaying value. If LCD displays “OL”, it means meter is over the Max. value of this
range, thus should select the knob to a higher range.
2. Do not input a voltage over DC 1000V.
3. Be carefully while measuring a high voltage. DO NOT touch the high voltage circuit.
4. When the measuring voltage larger than DC 1000V, the built –in buzzer will sound.
ACV Measurement
1. Select the knob to “ ” range.
2. Insert the black test lead to “COM” terminal and the red one to “V/Ω/Hz” terminal.
3. Auto range is the original states, it will display “AUTO” symbol. Press “RANGE” key change to manual range mode, 6V,
60V, 600V and 750V range is selective.
4. Connect the leads crossly to the electric circuit under test, LCD displays voltage by the test lead.
Note
1. Firstly users should select the knob to the highest range, if users had no idea about the range of voltage under test, and then
select the proper range based on displaying value. If LCD displays “OL”, it means meter is over the Max. value of this
range, thus select the knob to a higher range.
2. Do not input a voltage over AC 750V.
3. Be carefully while measuring a high voltage. DO NOT touch the high voltage circuit.
4. When the measuring voltage larger than AC 750V, the built –in buzzer will sound.
DCA Measurement
1. Insert the black test lead to “COM” terminal and the red one to “mA” terminal (the Max. 600mA) or to “20A” (the
Max.20A).
2. Select the knob to a proper DCA range and press “DC/AC” key to select the measurement mode, and then connect the
leads crossly to the electric circuit under test. LCD displays polarity and current under test connected by the red test lead.
Note
1. Firstly users should select the knob to the highest range, if users had no idea about the range of current under test, and then
select the proper range based on displaying value.

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nalog Technologies VC99
Multimeter
2. If the LCD displays “OL”, it means the current is over range. Now you need to select the knob to the higher.
3. Max. input current is 600mA or 20A (subject to where the red test lead insert to), too large current will damage the fuse.
ACA Measurement
1. Insert the black test lead to “COM” terminal and the red one to “mA” terminal (the Max. 600mA) or to “20A” (the
Max.20A).
2. Select the knob to a proper ACA range, press “DC/AC” key to select the measurement mode, and connect the leads crossly
to the electric circuit under test. LCD displays current by the test lead.
Note
1. Firstly users should select the knob to the highest range, if users had no idea about the range of current under test, and then
select the proper range based on displaying value.
2. If the LCD displays “OL”，it means the current is over range. Now you need to select the knob to the higher.
3. Max. input current is 600mAor 20A (subject to where the red test lead insert to), too large current will damage the fuse.
Resistance Measurement
1. Select the knob to a proper resistance range, and connect the leads crossly with the resistor under tested.
2. Insert the black lest lead to “COM” terminal and the red one to “V/Ω/Hz” terminal.
3. Auto range is the original states, press “RANGE” key change to manual range mode.
4. When measuring the Min. resistance, please short-circuit the test leads at first, press “REL”, then test the resistance, it will
display the actual resistance.
Note
1. Firstly users should select the knob to the highest range, if users had no idea about the range of resistance under test, and
then select the proper range based on displaying value.
1. The LCD displays “OL” when the resistance is over the selected range. The knob should be adjusted to a higher range.
When measuring value is over 1MΩ, the reading will take a few seconds to be stable. It’s normal for high resistance
measuring.
2. When input terminal is in open circuit, overload displays “OL”.
3. When measuring in line resistor, be sure that the power is off and all capacitors are released completely.
4. Do not input any voltage at resistance range even the meter has voltage protection functions at this range!
Capacitance Measurement
1. Select knob to “ ” range.
2. Insert the black lest lead to “COM” terminal and the red one to “V/Ω/Hz” terminal.
3. If the LCD doesn’t display “0”, press “REL” to clear the reading.
4. Select the knob to proper capacitance range, and insert the measuring accessories or test leads into “COM” and “VΩHz”
terminal. (Note: the red test leads is for positive pole ○
＋). LCD displays capacitance value.
Note
1. Don’t input voltage or current to the “VΩHz” terminal when measuring the capacitance or the capacitance isn’t away from
the “Cx” terminal.
2. In order to assure the accuracy, please press “REL” to clear the reading before testing.
3. There is only the auto range mode under the capacitance range.
4. The capacitance must be complete discharge before testing.
5. The reading of 400uF range delay 15 seconds.

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nalog Technologies VC99
Multimeter
Frequency Measurement
1. Insert the black lest lead to “COM” terminal and the red one to “V/Ω/Hz” terminal.
2. Select the knob to “Hz” range, insert the test leads or shielded cable to the signal source or the load which is tested.
3. Press “Hz/DUTY” key to switch frequency/duty cycle, it will display the frequency or duty cycle of the signal source
which is tested.
Note
1. There is only the auto range mode under the frequency range.
2. The meter can still work if the input is higher than 10Vrms, but the accuracy is not guaranteed.
3. In noise environment, it's better use shield cable to measure a low signal.
4. When measuring high voltage circuit, any parts of your body should not touch the high voltage circuit.
5. Don’t input voltage higher than 250V DC or AC peak value, or it may damage the meter.
Transistor hFE Measurement
1. Select the knob to hFE range.
2. Define the transistor is NPN or PNP type. Insert the emitter, base and collector separately to the correct hole, and the
approx. value will be displayed on LCD.
Diode and Continuity Performance Test
1. Insert the black test lead to “COM” terminal and the red one to “V/Ω/Hz” terminal (the polarity of red lead is “+”).
2. Select the knob to range, press “DC/AC” key to select the measurement mode, and connect test leads with the diode
under tested.
3. Forwarder measuring: insert the red test leads connect to diode positive polarity, the black test leads to diode cathode
polarity, and the reading is the approx. value of diode forward volt drop.
4. Backward measuring: the red test connect to diode cathode polarity, the black test leads to diode positive polarity, and the
LCD displays “OL”.
5. The complete diode testing includes forward and backward measurement, if the result does not meet the above, it means
the diode is bad.
5. Press “DC/AC” key to select the Continuity measurement mode.
6. Insert test leads to two points of tested circuit, if the inner buzzer sounds, the resistance is less than (50±10)Ω.
Note
1. Don’t input voltage at “ ” range.
2. Make sure be power off and discharge the capacitors, any AC signal will make the buzzer sound.
Temperature Measurement
1. Select the knob to “ /” range.
2. Insert the cold point of thermocouple to “K Temp” socket, and put the working end (temperature measurement end) of
thermocouple on the surface or inside the object to be tested. Then you can read temperature from the screen, and the data
is in Centigrade. Press “DC/AC” key to select Fahrenheit, the data is in Fahrenheit.
Note
1. If insert the thermocouple opposite, it will display the mistake value. When the temperature is rising, the value will be
down.
2. When the input terminal open-circuit, it will display the normal temperature.
3. Don’t change the temperature probe optionally, or the value accuracy isn’t within guarantee.

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nalog Technologies VC99
Multimeter
4. Don’t input voltage at temperature range.
Data Holding
Press HOLD key, presently measured value is held on LCD and HOLD symbol displays. Press it again, the function is
canceled.
Auto Power Off
1. When the meter stops working about 15 minutes, the built-in buzzer will be sound 5 times and turn into sleeping mode, 1
minute later, the buzzer sounds a long voice 1 time, the meter will be power off. Press any key to restart the power.
2. Press “DC/AC” key and then turn on, the auto power off function will be canceled.
METER MAINTENANCE
1. Don’t input the voltage value higher than DC 1000V or AC 750V
2. Don’t measure the voltage at current, resistance, diode and continuity rage.
3. Don’t use the meter when the battery isn’t installed or the back case isn’t firm.
4. When replacing fuse, please take away the test leads from the measuring point and power off at first.
5. Keep the meter away from water, dust and shock.
6. Do not store and operate the meter under the condition of high temperature, high humidity, combustible, explosive and
strong magnetic place.
7. Wipe the case with a damp cloth and detergent. Do not use abrasives and alcohol.
8. If do not operate for a long time, please take out the battery to avoid leakage.
9. When“ ” symbol displays, replace the battery following the steps, see table 14.
10. Fuse change: When replacing fuse, please change another same type and specification fuse.
Table 14. Step
1 Move holster at first.
2 Unlock the button and remove the battery case.
3 Take out the old battery and replace the new one. It's better to use alkaline battery for longer life.

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nalog Technologies VC99
Multimeter
4 Fit on battery case and bolt.
5 See the picture to fit on the holster
TROUBLE SHOOTING
If the meter does not work properly, check the meter as following:
Table 15.
ORDERING INFORMATION
Table 16. Unit Price
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.
Fault Solution
No Reading on LCD
Turn on the power
Replace battery
Displaying Replace battery
No Current or Temperature Input Replace fuse
Big Error Value Replace battery
ACV Big Error Value
The voltage was measured and the frequency is higher than
400Hz.
Part# 1-2 ≥3
VC99 $34.55 $33.55