B+K precision 878A User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIÓNES
Dual Display LCR Meter
Model 878A / 879
Medidor LCR de Doble Exhibicion
Visual
Modelos 878A/ 879

1
DUAL DISPLAY L/C/R METER
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Model-A = 879
Model-B = 878A

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Safety
3
Introduction
5
Front Panel Illustration
6
LCD Display Illustration
7
How to Operate
9
Operating Instructions
13

Data Hold
13

Static Recording
13

Dissipation Factor / Quality Factor/ Phase Angle
13

Test Frequency
14

L/C/R function selector
14

Relative
14

Tolerance
14

Auto/manual ranging
15

Automatic Fuse Detection
15
Parallel / Series Mode 15

Calibration
16

Auto Power Off/ Disable Auto Power Off
17

Low Battery Indication
17

Backlit Display
17

Communication
18
General Specification
19
Electrical Specification
20
Maintenance
28
Spanish Manual
33

3
SAFTEY
Read "SAFETY INFORMATION" before using this meter.
NOTE
The meter is a hand-held, battery-operated instrument for testing
inductance, capacitance and resistance. If this device is damaged or
something is missing, contact the place of purchase immediately.
This manual contains information and warnings must be followed to
ensure safe operation as well as to maintain the meter in a safe
condition. Some common international electrical symbols used in this
manual are shown below Table:
DC - Direct Current
See Explanation In The Manual
Table 1-1. International Electrical Symbols
Before using the meter, read the following safety information carefully.
In this manual, "WARNING", is reserved for conditions and actions
that pose hazard(s) to the user; "CAUTION", is reserved for conditions
and actions that may damage your meter.

4
SAFETY INFORMATION
To ensure that you use this device safely, follow the safety guidelines
listed below:
•This meter is for indoor use, altitude up to 2,000 m.
•The warnings and precautions should be read and well
understood before the instrument is used.
•Use this device only as specified in this manual; otherwise,
the protection provided by the meter may be impaired.
•When measuring in-circuit components, first de-energize the
circuits before connecting to the test leads.
•Discharge capacitor before testing.
•The meter is safety-certified in compliance with EN61010
(IEC 1010-1) Installation Category II (CAT. II) 50 V,
Pollution Degree 2 environment.
•Use the meter only as specified in this manual. Otherwise,
the protection provided by the meter may be impaired.
•The power for the meter is supplied with a single standard
9V battery. But also a line operation is possible using a 12V
AC to DC adaptor. If a power adaptor is selected, please be
sure to use fulfilled the safety requirements of a relevant IEC
standard.

5
INTRODUCTION
This 19,999-count L/C/R hand-held meter is a special microprocessor-
controlled meter for measuring functions of inductance, capacitance and
resistance. Extremely simple to operate, the instrument not only takes
absolute parallel mode measurements, but also capable of series mode
measurement. The meter provides direct and accurate measurements of
inductors, capacitors and resistors with different testing frequencies. It is
selectable for auto and manual ranging.
Front panel pushbuttons maximize the convenience of function and
feature selection such as data hold; maximum, minimum and average
record mode; relative mode; tolerance sorting mode; frequency and
L/C/R selection.
The test data can be transferred to PC through an optional full isolated
optical RS232C interface.
Backlight display for easy reading in dark places (Model-Aonly).
A tilt stand provides position flexibility for viewing and operating the
meter. The over-molding rubber case protects the meter to be stronger.
With single 9V battery operation is standard for the meter, a DC 12V
power adaptor can also be used as an optional power input.

6
FRONT PANEL ILLUSTRATION
1. LCD display
2. Power ON/OFF button
3. RS232 and Backlit button
4. Dissipation factor, Quality factor and Phase angle selection
button
5. Test frequency selection button
6. Inductance, Capacitance and Resistance function selection
button. Parallel and series mode selection button
7. Tolerance mode selection button
8. Data hold, Maximum, Minimum and Average reading selection
button
9. Range selection button
10. Relative mode and Calibration selection button
11. DC 12V adaptor input
12. Input sockets and Terminals
REL
CAL
AUTO
TOL
AUTO
TOL
REL
CAL
RS232 HOLD
REC
HOLD
REC
RS232
1
8
9
10
11
2
3
4
5
6
7
12
u
u
RS232 RS232
u
u
Figure-1. Front panel for Model-A and Model-B.

7
LCD DISPLAY ILLUSTRATION
12
13
14
15
22
24
23
21
25
26
1
16
17
18
19
20
23 4 6 10 119875
RS232
u
u
Figure 2. LCD Display.
1. AUTO: Auto-ranging indicator
2. LCR: L, C or R function indicator
3. MAX: Maximum reading indicator
4. AVG: Average reading indicator
5. REL: Relative mode indicator
6. MIN: Minimum reading indicator
7. DH: Data hold indicator
8. Θ: Phase angle indicator (Model-A only )
9. Q: Quality factor indicator
10. D: Dissipation factor indicator
11. :Secondary display
12. : Beeper tone indicator for tolerance mode
13. %: Tolerance (percentage) indicator
14. deg: Phase Angle degree indicator (Model-A only )
15. kHz: Frequency indicator
16. MAX AVG MIN: Recording mode indicators
17. TOL: Tolerance mode indicator
18. 1%5%10%20%: Tolerance sorting (percent) indicator

8
19. :Auto power- off indicator
20. :Low battery indicator
21. PAL: Parallel mode indicator
22. SER: Series mode indicator
23. MkΩ: Resistance (Ohm) indicator
24. :Inductance (Henry) indicator
25. :Capacitance (Farad) indicator
26. :RS232 indicator
Special Indication Characters
: Indicates short connectors
: Indicates open connectors
: Indicates calibration mode
: Indicates damaged or open fuse

9
HOW TO OPERATE Caution
•When measuring within a circuit, the circuit must be de-
energized before connecting the test leads.
•The instrument that used in dusty environment should be
wiped and cleaned regularly.
•Do not leave the instrument exposed to direct heat from the
sun or beat source for long periods.
•Before removing the cover, ensure that the instrument is
disconnected from any circuit and in power "OFF" position.
Note: For achieving optimum precision for all L, C and R
measurements at either the highest or lowest ranges, it is
recommended to calibrate the meter before testing.

10
Inductance Measurement
1. Press the "POWER" button to turn on the meter.
2. Press “L/C/R” button to select inductance measurement.
3. Insert an inductor into component receptacle socket or connect the
test clip to the component leads as required.
4. Press “FREQ” button to select testing frequency.
5. Press “D/Q” button to select Q factor for secondary display.
6. Read the display readings for inductance value and quality factor.
AUTO
TOL
REL
CAL
HOLD
REC
RS232
u
Figure-3. Inductance Measurement.

11
Capacitance Measurement
1. Press "POWER" button to turn on the meter.
2. Press “L/C/R” button to select capacitance measurement.
3. Insert a capacitor into the component receptacle socket or connect
the test clip to the component leads as required.
4. Press “FREQ” button to select testing frequency.
5. Press “D/Q” button to select D factor for secondary display.
6. Read the display readings for capacitance value and dissipation
factor.
Warning
To avoid electrical hazards, discharge the capacitor to be tested before
measuring.
AUTO
TOL
REL
CAL
HOLD
REC
RS232
Figure-4. Capacitance Measurement.

12
Resistance Measurement
1. Press "POWER" button to turn on the meter.
2. Press “L/C/R” button to select Resistance measurement.
3. Insert a resistor into the component receptacle socket or connect
the test clip to the component leads as required.
4. Press “FREQ” button to select testing frequency (this meter will
not give you the DC resistance of a component).
5. Read the display readings for resistance value.
AUTO
TOL
REL
CAL
HOLD
REC
RS232
Figure-5. Resistance Measurement.

13
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Data Hold
This data hold function allows the operator to freeze the display. To
enter this mode, press the “HOLD” pushbutton; press again to release.
Static Recording
Press the “REC” pushbutton for more than one second to enter the static
recording mode. The maximum and minimum readings are then stored
in memory, while a beeping tone is produced when a new tested value
has been recorded. Push the same button to cycle through the
maximum, minimum and average of the present readings. The MAX,
MIN or AVG indicators will display on LCD will turn on to indicate
what value is being displayed. Whenever the “MAX AVG MIN”
indicators appear on the LCD simultaneously, the display reading is
always a present value.
To exit this mode, press and hold the pushbutton for more than one
second.
Notes:
1. Static recording captures only stable values and updates the memory;
it will not record any “OL” (overload) value for any of the L/C/R
functions. In addition, the meter will not record which values are
below 50 counts in Capacitance measurement.
2. Static recording is only available in manual ranging; however,
activation while in auto-ranging will automatically set meter to
manual ranging and cause calibration prompts to be displayed in the
recommended ranges.
Dissipation Factor / Quality Factor/ PhaseAngle
The “D/Q/Θ” value can be displayed interchangeably by pressing the
“D/Q/Θ” button when the meter is set to Inductance or Capacitance
mode. It does not apply to resistance measurement. The phase angle is
available on Model-A only.

14
Test Frequency
Default testing frequency is 1KHz. Push “FREQ” key to select the
desired test frequency.
L/C/R Function Selector
Simply press the “L/C/R” pushbutton to select the desired L, C or R
function.
Relative
Press the “REL” key to enter the relative mode and stores the display
reading as a reference value. It will then display all subsequent readings
in relative to reference value. Press the button again to exit the relative
mode.
Notes:
1. The relative mode can’t be activated if the display value is either
“OL” or “0000”.
2. Relative mode is only available in manual ranging; however,
activation while in auto-ranging will automatically set the meter to
manual ranging and cause calibration prompts to be displayed in
the recommended ranges.
3. The relative mode cannot be activated if the meter is set at auto-
ranging with data hold activated.
Tolerance
There are 1%, 5%, 10% and 20% tolerance range. To enter this
tolerance mode, insert the appropriate component as a standard value
into the socket or connect the component to the test probes, then press
the “TOL” pushbutton to set this value, as the standard reference
tolerance. Similarly, any value which appears on the LCD display, such
as DH or MAX/MIN/AVG, can be used as a standard value to sort
components. Press this button again to cycle through 1%, 5%, 10% and
20% tolerance as desire.
This function is designed for convenient component sorting. An audible
tone will sound whenever the component under test exceeds the setting

15
tolerance. Conversely, a single tone of “Be” indicates the component is
within the setting tolerance.
Notes:
1. The tolerance mode can’t be activated if the tested display is either
“OL” or “0000”; nor can it be activated the tested capacitance
value is below 10 counts.
2. Tolerance mode is only available in manual ranging; however,
activation while in auto-ranging will automatically set the meter to
manual ranging and cause calibration prompts to be displayed in
the recommended ranges.
3. The tolerance mode can’t be activated if the meter is set at auto-
ranging with data hold mode activated.
4. For 20% selection is available on Model-A only.
Auto / Manual Range
The auto-ranging mode is default status when the meter is powered on.
For specific measurement, press “AUTO” button to select manual
ranging. To return to the auto-ranging mode, press and hold the
“AUTO” button for more than one second.
Automatic Fuse Detection
When the meter detects that the protective fuse is open, the “FUSE”
character will appear and an internal beep will sound continuously. In
this situation, none of the function keys can be operated and all other
meter functions will be discontinued. Fuse replacement is required.
Figure-6. Fuse Detection
Parallel / Series Mode
The meter is capable of displaying Parallel and Series mode data for all
ranges. The parallel mode is default for Capacitance and Resistance

16
measurements, and the series mode is default for Inductance
measurement. Press “L/C/R” button for more than 1 second to toggle
“SER” and “PAL” mode.
Calibration
Calibration is available to all ranges. Simply press and hold “CAL”
button for more than one second to enter the calibration mode and
calibration prompts will be displayed. Follow the prompts for open
connector ( ) or short connector ( ) connection and press the
“CAL” button. After calibration is completed, the meter will be
restored to normal display and ready for normal usage.
Figure-7. Open/ Short Calibration
The function calibrates the meter’s internal parameters as well as
external connector residues for further measuring. It is highly
recommended to calibrate extremely high or low ranges for L, C and R
before making precision measurements. Calibration prompts will be
displayed automatically every time those ranges are manually or
functionally selected, (e.g. REL, TOL, REC etc.), and calibration is
recommended. Simply follow the open connector ( ) or short
connector ( ) instruction and then press the “CAL” button. You
may skip the calibration by pressing the “D/Q” button.
Notes:
1. Changing measurement frequencies is handled the same as
selecting a different hardware range, and so automatic calibration
prompts will be displayed in the recommended ranges.

17
2. Be sure to use same testing position after short calibration.
Auto Power Off/ Disable Auto Power Off
When the meter has not been used for five minutes after the last
operation was made, a long “beep” tone will sound. The meter will then
automatically enter a “sleep” mode and there will be no display on the
LCD. To reactivate the meter, simply press any pushbutton. After re-
activating.
When the meter is to be used for long period, the auto power-off can be
disabled by pressing and holding “L/C/R” button while turning meter
ON. Release the button, and press any button again. The symbol
will be disappeared to confirm that the auto power off has been disabled.
By using a 12V AC adaptor as an optional power source, auto power off
is disabled automatically.
Note: It is recommended that the meter should always be switched off
when not in use.
Low Battery Indication
When the “ “ symbol flashes on the display, the battery voltage is
below normal working voltage and is weakening. Replace battery with a
new one to maintain accuracy of the meter.
Backlit Display (Model-A only)
Press and hold “ “key for more than one second to toggle backlit
ON/OFF.

18
Communication
This meter has communication capability. By using the optional RS232
package (AK 87X), with full optical isolated cable and software. This
function will assist user to record data easily.
Referring the following procedures to set up the communication
between your meter and personal computer.
1. Fixes one side of cable to the meter, and the text side shall be
facing up. To connect the 9-pin’s terminal of cable to
communication port 1 or 2 of personal computer. See the Figure-
8.
2. Press “RS232” button to enable this interface. You will find that
the symbol of “ ” is lit on the display.
3. Execute the software to take the data for your applications.
4. Be sure to push the snap ends on the cable of meter side for
removing the cable.
Figure-8. Cable Connection Of Communication
The text
side shall
be facing

19
GENERAL SPECIFICATION
Items
879
878A
Parameters Measured
L/C/R/D/Q/Θ
L/C/R/D/Q
Measuring Circuit Mode
Inductance (L)
–Defaults to series mode
Capacitance/ Resistance (C/R)
-Defaults to parallel mode
Displays L/C/R: Maximum display 19999
D/Q: Maximum display 999 (Auto Range).
Ranging Mode
Auto & Manual
Measuring Terminals
3 terminals with sockets
Test Frequency
Accuracy:
±0.1 %
100Hz=100 Hz
120Hz= 120 Hz
1KHz =1010 Hz
10KHz= 9.6 KHz
120Hz= 120 Hz
1KHz =1010 Hz
Backlit display
Included
Excluded
Tolerance mode
1%, 5%, 10%, 20%
1%, 5%, 10%
Test Signal Level
0.6Vrms approx.
Measuring Rate
1 time/second, nominal
Response time
Approx. 1 second/ DUT (device under test)(@
manual range)
Auto Power-Off
5 minutes approx. without operation
Temperature Coefficient
0.15 x (Specified Accuracy) / °C(0-18°or 28-40°)
Operation Temperature
0°C to 40°C; 0-70% R.H.
Storage Temperature
-20°C to +50°C; 0-80% R.H.
Low Battery Indication
Approx. 6.8V
Power Consumption
Approx. 40mA for operation/ 0.08mA after Auto
Power-off.
Power Requirements
1) DC 9V Battery
2) Ext. DC Adaptor: DC 12Vmin –15Vmax.
(Load 50mA Min.)
Protective Fuse
0.1A/250V Fuse (input protective)
Standard Accessories Test alligator clips (pair)
DC 9V Battery.
User manual
Dimensions (L/W/H)
7.2 x 3.4 x 1.6” (184 x 87 x 41 mm)
Weight
11.6oz (330 grams)