Cole Parmer PC Series User manual

PCR Series
PC Series
PCD Series
P Series
16 Series
Digital Pressure and Vacuum
Gauges and Controllers
Operating Manual
PCD Series
PC3 Series

08/06/2008 Rev.5 DOC-PPCMAN16CP
Conformity / Supplemental Information:
The product complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC (including 93/68/EEC) and carries the CE Marking accordingly.
Contact the manufacturer for more information.
Notice: The manufacturer reserves the right to make any changes and improvements
to the products described in this manual at any time and without notice. This manual
is copyrighted. This document may not, in whole or in part, be copied, reproduced,
translated, or converted to any electronic medium or machine readable form, for
commercial purposes, without prior written consent from the copyright holder.
Note: Although we provide assistance on our products both personally and through
our literature, it is the complete responsibility of the user to determine the suitability
of any product to their application.
The manufacturer does not warrant or assume responsibility for the use of its
products in life support applications or systems.
Warranty
This product is warranted to the original purchaser for a period of one year from the date
of purchase to be free of defects in material or workmanship. Under this warranty the
product will be repaired or replaced at manufacturer’s option, without charge for parts or
labor when the product is carried or shipped prepaid to the factory together with proof of
purchase. This warranty does not apply to cosmetic items, nor to products that are damaged,
defaced or otherwise misused or subjected to abnormal use. See “Application” under the
Installation section. Where consistent with state law, the manufacturer shall not be liable
for consequential economic, property, or personal injury damages. The manufacturer does
not warrant or assume responsibility for the use of its products in life support applications
or systems.

Table of Contents Page
Installation 5
Plumbing 5
Mounting 6
Using P and PC Series Instruments with Fluids 6
Special Configurations 6
External Sense Port 6
Differential Pressure 6
Power and Signal Connections 7
Analog Input Signal 8
RS-232 Digital Input Signal 8
RS-232 Digital Output Signal 8
Standard Voltage (0-5 Vdc) Output Signal 9
Optional 0-10 Vdc Output Signal 9
Optional Current (4-20 mA) Output Signal 9
Optional 2nd Analog Output Signal 9
P Series Pressure Gauge Operation 11
Main Mode 11
Tare 11
Flashing Error Message 12
Select Menu Mode 12
Communication Select Mode 13
Unit ID 13
Baud 13
Data Rate 13
Manufacturer Data Mode 14
Miscellaneous Mode 14
LCD Contrast 15
Display Zero Deadband 15
Pressure Averaging 15
Flow Averaging 15
PC, PCR and PCD Series Pressure Controller Operation 16
Main Mode 16
Line Pressure 16
Set Pt. 16
Flashing Error Message 16
Select Menu Mode 16
Control Setup Mode 17
Input 17
Loop 17
Select 18
Communication Select Mode 18
Manufacturer Data Mode 18
Miscellaneous Mode 18
Pressure Control Application: Upstream Valve 19
Back Pressure Control Application: Downstream Valve 19
PC3 Series Pressure Controllers 20

Table of Contents Page
Differential Pressure Gauges 21
Differential Pressure Controllers 21
PCD Series Dual Valve Controller Operation 22
RS-232 Output and Input 23
Configuring HyperTerminal® 23
Changing from Streaming to Polling Mode 23
Tareing via RS-232 24
Sending a Set-Point via RS-232 24
Adjusting P & D Terms via RS-232 25
Collecting Data 25
Data Format 25
Sending a Simple Script File to HyperTerminal® 27
Troubleshooting 28
Maintenance and Recalibration 29
Technical Specifications 30
Dimensional Drawings 32
Additional Information
Option: Battery Pack 37
Option: Local Set-Point Module 39
Accessory: Flow Vision 40
Accessory: BB-9 Multi-Drop Box 41
Accessories 41
Fow Conversion Table 41
Pressure Conversion Table 41
Table of Figures
Figure 1. 8 Pin Mini-DIN Connector 7
Figure 2. Simple Method for Providing Set-Point to Controllers 8
Figure 3. Mini-DIN to DB-9 Connection for RS-232 Signals 9
Figure 4. Typical Multiple Device (Addressable) Wiring Configuration 10
Figure 5. Optional Industrial Connector 10
Figure 6. Main Mode Display, P Series Pressure Gauge 11
Figure 7. Proper Set Up for Remote Tare on Meters 12
Figure 8. Select Menu Display 12
Figure 9. Communication Select Display 13
Figure 10. Manufacturer Data Display 14
Figure 11. Miscellaneous Mode Display 15
Figure 12. Main Mode Display, PC Series Pressure Controller 16
Figure 13. PC Series Select Menu Display 17
Figure 14. PC Series Control Setup Display 17
Figure 15. Upstream and Downstream Valve Diagram 19
Figure 16. Typical PC3 Application Diagram 20
Figure 17. Differential Pressure Gauge 21
Figure 18. Differential Pressure Controller 21
Figure 19. PCD Plumbing Diagram 22

5
Thank you for purchasing a P Series Pressure Gauge or PC Series Vacuum and Pressure Controller.
Please take the time to find and read the information for your specific device. This manual covers the
following Cole-Parmer instruments:
P Series 16 Bit Digital Pressure Gauges P-XXPSIG-D
P-XXPSIA-D
PC Series 16 Bit Vacuum and Pressure Controllers PC-XXPSIG-D
PC-XXPSIA-D
PCR Series 16 Bit High Flow Vacuum and Pressure Controllers PCR-XXPSIA-D
PCR-XXPSIG-D
PCD Series 16 Bit Dual Valve Pressure Controllers PCD-XXPSIA-D
PCD-XXPSIG-D
The 16 Series data presentation format utilizes a full graphic display that allows viewing of all operating
parameters. The installation (plumbing, mounting and power/signal connection instructions are
applicable to all P, PC (includes PC3), PCR and PCD series devices. Unless specifically noted, all
instructions for PC Series Controllers are applicable to PC3, PCR and PCD controllers as well.
Installation
Plumbing
All P Series Gauges and PC Series Controllers are equipped with female inlet and outlet port connections.
No straight runs of pipe are required upstream or downstream of the gauge. The inlet and outlet ports are
equal in size and symmetric (in-line). The port sizes (process connections) and mechanical dimensions
for different pressure ranges are shown on pages 30 & 31. Pressure Gauges are shipped with a plug
for static pressure measurement. This plug may be removed for flow through operation.
On all gauges/controllers, avoid the use of pipe dopes or sealants on the ports, as these compounds
can cause permanent damage should they get into the flow stream. Use of thread sealing Teflon tape is
recommended to prevent leakage around the threads. When applying the tape, avoid wrapping the first
thread or two to minimize the possibility of getting a piece of shredded tape into the flow stream. When
changing fittings, always clean any tape or debris from the port threads.
For additional notes on PCD (dual valve controller) plumbing see page 22.
For gas applications, it is recommended that a 50 micron filter be installed upstream of P and PCR
Series instruments and a 20 micron filter be installed upstream of PC and PCD Series instruments.
For liquid applications, see “Using P and PC Series Instruments with Fluids”, page 6.

6
Mounting
All P Series Gauges and PC Series Controllers have mounting holes for convenient mounting to flat
panels. These meters are position insensitive and can be mounted in any orientation. The sizes and
dimensions for the mounting holes are shown on pages 32 to 36.
P Series Pressure Gauges may be connected into your system with the flow going in either direction
for ease of viewing the display. These units are shipped with a plug for dead end applications. This plug
should be removed for flow through applications.
PC Series Vacuum and Pressure Controllers are normally intended to control the process pressure
downstream of the controller. In order for this to occur the controller should be mounted so the flow
goes from left to right as you look at the front of the unit. This puts the measuring portion of the device
between the valve and the leakage point where you are attempting to control the pressure application.
Back-pressure controllers reverse this configuration (see Fig. 15, page 19).
Using P and PC Series Instruments with Fluids
All of these devices may by used with chemically compatible liquids providing a couple of things are
taken into account:
1. Water is about 50 times more viscous than air. This is important when sizing a pressure controller.
The PC Series which can be used to flow up to 20 SLPM of gas, will be limited to roughly 0.5
LPM of water-like fluid. The PCR will be limited to roughly 30 LPM of water-like fluid.
2. The factory PID tune is established using air flow. It may be necessary to adjust the PID tuning
parameters if you will be using a controller with liquids.
Special Configurations
P, PC, and PCR Series pressure devices are occasionally ordered with special configurations which
are covered here:
1. External Sense Port: Occasionally it is necessary or desirable to sense the pressure at some
point other than at the location of the pressure device. All P, PC, or PCR Series pressure devices
can be ordered with an additional NPT port which is connected directly with the pressure sensor
of the device. In these devices the flow path through the device is NOT connected to the pressure
sensor. See “PC3 Series Pressure Controllers” – page 20.
2. Differential Pressure: Occasionally it is necessary or desirable to monitor or control a differential
pressure. P, PC, and PCR Series pressure devices can be ordered as low differential pressure
devices (usually 1 to 5 PSID). These devices have two ports located on the front face of the unit
for connection to the points in the system where the differential pressure is to be measured. The
upstream port is for the higher pressure and the downstream port is for the lower pressure. In
these devices the flow path through the device is NOT connected to either leg of the differential
pressure sensor. See “Differential Pressure Gauges and Differential Pressure Controllers” –
page 21.

7
Power and Signal Connections
Power can be supplied to your gauge or controller through either the AC/DC adapter jack or through the
8 pin Mini-DIN connector as shown in Figure 1.
A 2.1mm, positive center, 7-30 Vdc AC/DC adapter rated for at least 100 mA is required to use the
adapter jack in a P Series pressure gauge.
A 2.1mm, positive center, 12-30 Vdc AC/DC adapter rated for at least 250 mA is required to use the
adapter jack in a PC or PCD Series pressure controller. Note: 4-20mA output requires at least 15
Vdc.
A 2.1mm, positive center, 24-30 Vdc AC/DC adapter rated for at least 500 mA is required to use the
adapter jack in a PCR Series pressure controller.
Cables can be purchased from the manufacturer (see Accessories on page 41) or they are available
from electronics suppliers. Alternatively, power can be supplied through the Mini-DIN connector as
shown below:
7
8
1 2
3 4 5
AC/DC Adapter Jack
6
1
3
2
4 5
678
Pin Function Mini-DIN cable
color
1 Inactive or 4-20mA Primary Output Signal Black
2Static 5.12 Vdc or Secondary Analog Output (4-20mA, 5Vdc, 10Vdc)
or Basic Alarm Brown
3 RS-232 Input Signal Red
4Analog Input Signal = Remote Tare (Gauges - see Figure 7)
= Set-Point In (Controllers - see Figure 2) Orange
5 RS-232 Output Signal Yellow
60-5 Vdc (or 0-10 Vdc) Output Signal Green
7 Power In (as descibed above) Blue
8 Ground (common for power, communications and signals) Purple
Note: The above pin-out is applicable to all pressure gauges and controllers available with the Mini-DIN
connector. The availability of different output signals depends on the options ordered.
Underlined Items in the above table are optional configurations that are noted on the unit’s calibration
sheet.
Figure 1. 8 Pin Mini-DIN Connector
CAUTION:Do not connect power to pins 1 through 6 as permanent damage can occur!
Note: Upon initial review of the pin out diagram in Figure 1, it is common to mistake Pin 2 (labeled
5.12 Vdc Output) as the standard 0-5 Vdc analog output signal! In fact Pin 2 is normally a constant
5.12 Vdc that reflects the system bus voltage and can be used as a source for the input signal. This
allows the user in the field to run this output through a 50K ohm potentiometer and back into the analog
set-point pin to create a 0-5 Vdc set-point source (see Figure 2).
AC/DC Adapter Jack

8
Analog Input Signal
Apply analog input to Pin 4 as shown in Figure 1.
Unless ordered otherwise, 0-5 Vdc is the standard analog input signal. Apply the 0-5 Vdc input signal
to pin 4, with common ground on pin 8. The 5.12 Vdc output on pin 2 can be wired through a 50K ohm
potentiometer and back to the analog input on pin 4 to create an adjustable 0-5 Vdc input signal source
as in Figure 2 below.
76
543
21
8
5.12 Vdc
50 KOhm
Potentiometer
0-5 Vdc
Figure 2. Simple Method for Providing Set-Point to Controllers
Optional 0-10 Vdc: If specified at time of order, a 0-10 Vdc input signal can be applied to pin 4, with
common ground on pin 8.
Optional 4-20 mA: If specified at time of order, a 4-20 mA input signal can be applied to pin 4, with
common ground on pin 8.
RS-232 Digital Input Signal
If you will be using the RS-232 output signal, it is necessary to connect the RS-232 Output Signal (Pin
5), the RS-232 Input Signal (Pin 3), and Ground (Pin 8) to your computer serial port as shown in Figure
3. Adapter cables are available from Cole-Parmer (see Accessories page 41) or they can be constructed
in the field with parts from an electronics supply house. In Figure 3, note that the diagrams represent
the “port” side of the connections, i.e. the connector on top of the gauge and the physical DB-9 serial
port on the back of the computer. The cable ends will be mirror images of the diagram shown in Figure
4. (See page 22 for details on accessing RS-232 output and input.)
RS-232 Digital Output Signal
If you will be using the RS-232 output signal, it is necessary to connect the RS-232 Output Signal
(Pin 5), the RS-232 Input Signal (Pin 3), and Ground (Pin 8) to your computer serial port as shown in
Figure 3. Adapter cables are available from the manufacturer or they can be constructed in the field with
parts from an electronics supply house. In Figure 3, note that the diagrams represent the “port” side of
the connections, i.e. the connector on top of the gauge and the physical DB-9 serial port on the back of
the computer. The cable ends will be mirror images of the diagram shown in Figure 3. (See page 23 for
details on accessing RS-232 output.)

9
Standard Voltage (0-5 Vdc) Output Signal
All P and PC Series pressure gauges/controllers have a 0-5 Vdc (optional 0-10 Vdc) output signal
available on Pin 6. This is generally available in addition to other optionally ordered outputs. This
voltage is usually in the range of 0.010 Vdc for zero pressure and 5.0 Vdc for full-scale pressure. The
output voltage is linear over the entire range. Ground for this signal is common on Pin 8.
Optional 0-10 Vdc Output Signal
If your gauge/controller was ordered with a 0-10 Vdc output signal, it will be available on Pin 6. (See the
Calibration Data Sheet that shipped with your gauge to determine which output signals were ordered.)
This voltage is usually in the range of 0.010 Vdc for zero pressure and 10.0 Vdc for full-scale pressure.
The output voltage is linear over the entire range. Ground for this signal is common on Pin 8.
Optional Current (4-20 mA) Output Signal
If your gauge/controller was ordered with a 4-20 mA current output signal, it will be available on Pin 1.
(See the Calibration Data Sheet that shipped with your device to determine which output signals were
ordered.) The current signal is 4 mA at 0 pressure and 20 mA at the gauge’s full scale pressure. The
output current is linear over the entire range. Ground for this signal is common on Pin 8. (Current output
units require 15-30Vdc power.)
Note: This is a current sourcing device. Do not attempt to connect it to “loop powered “ systems.
Optional 2nd Analog Output Signal
You may specify an optional 2nd analog output on Pin 2 at time of order. (See the Calibration Data
Sheet that shipped with your device to determine which output signals were ordered.) This output may
be a 0-5 Vdc, 0-10 Vdc, or 4-20 mA analog signal that can represent any measured parameter.
Note: This is a current sourcing device. Do not attempt to connect it to “loop powered “ systems.
7
4
6
21
DB-9 Serial Port
5
5----------Ground--------------------------------------Ground----------8
3----------Transmit------------------------------------Receive---------3
2----------Receive-------------------------------------Transmit--------5
8 Pin Mini-DIN Port
8
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9
3
45
678
2
Figure 3. Mini-DIN to DB-9 Connection for RS-232 Signals

10
5
3
2
Purple
Red
Yellow
Purple
Red
Yellow
54321
9876
Unit C
Unit B
Unit A
Female Serial Cable Front
Purple (Ground)
Red
Yellow
Figure 4. Typical Multiple Device (Addressable) Wiring Configuration
Note: The easiest way to connect multiple devices is with a Multi-Drop Box (see page 41).
An optional industrial connector is also available:
1
6
5
4
3
2
Pin Function Cable Color
1Power In ( + ) Red
2 RS-232 Output Blue
3 RS-232 Input Signal White
4 Remote Tare (Ground to Tare) Green
5 Ground (common for power,
communications and signals)
Black
6 Signal Out (Voltage or Current as ordered) Brown
Figure 5. Optional Industrial Connector
Note: The above pin-out is applicable to all the pressure gauges and controllers ordered with the
industrial connector. The availability of different output signals depends on the options ordered.

11
P Series Gas Pressure Gauge Operation
The P Series can have several screen “modes” depending on how the device is ordered. All P Series
Gauges have a default Main Mode, Select Menu Mode, a Communication Select Mode, a Manufacturer
Data Mode and a Miscellaneous Mode. The device defaults to Main Mode as soon as power is applied
to the gauge.
Note: P Series Pressure Gauges may also be powered with the 9 Volt Battery Pack (BPACK) described
on page 37.
Main Mode
The main mode screen shows the pressure in the units specified at time of order.
PSIG Tare
+0.00
Press.
PSIG
Main
Figure 6. Main Mode Display, P Series Pressure Gauge
The “MODE” button in the lower right hand corner toggles the display between modes.
Tare – P Series gauges which reference atmospheric pressure as zero (gauge pressure devices)
have a tare button. Pushing the dynamically labeled Tare button in the upper right hand corner tares
the pressure gauge and provides it with a reference point for zero pressure. This is a very simple but
important step in obtaining accurate measurements. It is good practice to “zero” the gauge any time
the gauge does not read zero when exposed to atmospheric pressure. If the unit reads a significant
negative value when it is exposed to atmospheric pressure, it is a good indication that it was given a
false tare.
Note: A remote tare can be achieved by momentarily grounding pin 4 to tare as shown in Figure 7 on
page 12.

12
Figure 7. Proper Set Up for Remote Tare on Gauges (Momentarily ground Pin 4 to Tare)
Flashing Error Message: Our pressure gauges and controllers display an error message (POV =
pressure overrange) when a the pressure exceeds the range of the sensors in the device. When any
item flashes on the display, the pressure measurement is not accurate. Reducing the pressure to within
specified limits will return the unit to normal operation and accuracy.
Select Menu Mode
Pushing “Mode” once will bring up the “Select Menu” display. Push the button nearest your selection to
go to the corresponding screen. Push “Mode” again to return to the Main Mode display.
Misc
SELECT
MENU
Comm. Mfg.
RS-232 Data Menu
Figure 8. Select Menu Display

13
Communication Select Mode
The Communication Select mode is accessed by pressing the button below “Comm. RS-232” on the
Select Menu display. The screen will appear as shown in Figure 9 below.
Select
>
Unit ID (A).....A
Baud (19200)....19200
Data Rate......Fast
Comm.
UP DOWN RS-232
Figure 9. Communication Select Display
Unit ID – Valid unit identifiers are letters A-Z and @ (see Note below). This identifier allows the user
to assign a unique address to each device so that multiple units can be connected to a single RS-232
port on a computer. The Communication Select Mode allows you to view and/or change a unit’s unique
address. To change the unit ID address, press the “Select” button in the upper left corner of the display
until the cursor arrow is in front of the word “Unit ID”. Then, using the UP and DOWN buttons at the
bottom of the display, change the unit ID to the desired letter. Any ID change will take effect when the
Communication Select Screen is exited by pushing the MODE button.
Note: When the symbol @ is selected as the unit ID, the device will go into streaming mode when the
Communication Select Mode is exited by pushing the MODE button. See the RS-232 Communications
chapter in this manual for information about the streaming mode.
Baud – The baud rate (bits per second) determines the rate at which data is passed back and forth
between the instrument and the computer. Both devices must send/receive at the same baud rate in
order for the devices to communicate via RS-232. The default baud rate for these devices is 19200
baud, sometimes referred to as 19.2K baud. To change the baud rate in the Communication Select
Mode, press the “Select” button in the upper left corner of the display until the cursor arrow is in front
of the word “Baud”. Then, using the UP and DOWN buttons at the bottom of the display, select the
required baud rate to match your computer or PLC. The choices are 38400, 19200, 9600, or 2400 baud.
Any baud rate change will not take effect until power to the unit is cycled.
Data Rate – Changing the Data Rate affects the rate at which the instrument dumps its data. Slow
mode inserts idle characters between the data characters. The speed of the Fast rate is determined by
the selected baud rate. It is sometimes desirable to reduce the data rate if the communication speed
bogs down the computer’s processor (as is not uncommon in older laptops), or to reduce the size
of data files collected in the streaming mode. To change the data rate in the Communication Select
Mode, press the “Select” button in the upper left corner of the display until the cursor arrow is in front
of the word “Data Rate”. Then, using the UP and DOWN buttons at the bottom of the display, select
either Fast or Slow. Any data rate change will be effective immediately upon changing the value
between Fast and Slow.

14
Manufacturer Data Mode
“Manufacturer Data” is accessed by pressing the “Mfg. Data” button on the Select Menu display (Figure
8). The “Mfg 1” display shows the name and telephone number of the manufacturer. The“Mfg 2” display
shows important information about your pressure device including the model number, serial number,
and date of manufacture.
Main
Cole-Parmer
Ph 800-323-4340
Fax [phone]
Mfg 1
Main
Model P-10PSIG-D
Serial No 27117
Date Mfg.11/07/2007
Calibrated By.DL
Software GP07R23
Mfg 2
Figure 10. Manufacturer Data Displays
Miscellaneous Mode
The Miscellaneous mode is accessed by pressing the button above the “Misc” label in the upper right
hand corner of the Select Menu display. The screen will appear as shown in Figure 11. Push the
button above “Select” to move the cursor even with the item you wish to adjust. Then use the “UP” and
“DOWN” buttons to make the adjustment.
NOTE: All Miscellaneous changes are recorded when you exit the Miscellaneous display.

15
Select Main
>
LCD Contrast(10). 10
PVM DBand (0.5
%
FS)
PRESS Avg (008) . . . 008
FLOW Avg (100) . . . . 100
UP DOWN Misc
Figure 11. Miscellaneous Display
LCD Contrast: The Liquid Crystal Display Contrast can be adjusted between 0 and 30 with zero being
the lightest contrast and 30 being the darkest contrast. To change the contrast, press the “Select”
button in the upper left hand corner of the display until the cursor arrow is in front of the words “LCD
Contrast (X)”. Then using the UP and DOWN buttons at the bottom of the display, change the contrast
value as desired. The change is immediate and the effect can be monitored as the value is changed.
Display Zero Deadband: Zero deadband refers to a value below which the display simply jumps to
zero. This deadband is often desired to prevent electrical noise from showing up on the display as minor
flows or pressures that do not actually exist, especially in high noise (electrical) environments. This
display deadband does not affect the analog or digital signal outputs — there is no zero deadband on the
output signals. The display zero deadband can be adjusted between 0 and 3.2% of the Full Scale (FS)
of the sensor. PVM refers to Pressure, Volumetric Flow, and Mass Flow, the three parameters to which
the deadband applies. Note: Only the Pressure parameter is applicable to and adjustable in pressure
devices.To adjust the display zero deadband, press the “Select” button in the upper left hand corner of
the display until the cursor arrow is in front of the words “PVM DBand (X %F.S.)”. Then using the UP
and DOWN buttons at the bottom of the display, change the display zero deadband value as desired.
Pressure Averaging: It is sometimes advantageous to apply an averaging factor to the pressure output
(and display) to make it easier to read and interpret rapidly fluctuating pressures. Pressure averaging
can be adjusted between 1 (no averaging) and 256 (maximum averaging). This is a geometric running
average where the number between 1 and 256 can be considered very roughly equivalent to the
response time constant in milliseconds. This can be very effective at “smoothing” high frequency process
oscillations such as those caused by diaphragm pumps. To adjust the pressure averaging, press the
“Select” button in the upper left hand corner of the display until the cursor arrow is in front of the words
“PRESS Avg (XXX)”. Then using the UP and DOWN buttons at the bottom of the display, change the
pressure averaging value as desired.
Flow Averaging: While “Flow Avg” appears on the display, this adjustment has no application in
pressure devices. Changing it will have no effect on the operation of a pressure device.

16
PC, PC3, PCR and PCD Series Pressure Controller Operation
All PC, PC3, PCR and PCD Series Controllers have a default Main Mode, a Select Menu Mode, a
Control Setup Mode, a Communication Select Mode, a Manufacturer Data Mode and a Miscellaneous
Mode. The device defaults to Main Mode as soon as power is applied to the controller.
PC Series Pressure Controllers are normally shipped with a 0.050” diameter valve orifice which permits
flows up to 20 SLPM (with inlet pressure 20 PSI over controlled pressure). For much smaller flows,
consult factory for details on specifying a smaller valve orifice. For larger flows, a PCR Series Pressure
Controller is recommended. For additional information specific to the PCD series (dual valve
controllers) see page 22.
Main Mode
The main mode screen shows the pressure in the units specified at time of order.
PSIG Set Pt.
+0.00 0.000
Press
PSIG
Main
Figure 12. Main Mode Display, PC Series Pressure Controller
The “MODE” button in the lower right hand corner toggles the display between the Main Display and
the Select Menu Display.
Line Pressure – Pressing the dynamically labeled PSIG button located in the upper left corner of the
display will move the line gauge pressure to the primary display.
Set Pt – The set-point is shown in the upper right corner of the display. The set-point cannot be adjusted
from the main mode screen. (For information on changing the set-point, see the Control Set Up Mode
below.)
Flashing Error Message: Our pressure gauges and controllers display an error message (POV =
pressure overrange) when the pressure exceeds the range of the sensors in the device. When the
pressure reading flashes on the display, the pressure measurement is not accurate. Reducing the value
of the line pressure to within specified limits will return the unit to normal operation.
Select Menu Mode
Pushing “Mode” once will bring up the “Select Menu” display (Figure 13, page 17). Push the button
nearest your selection to go to the corresponding screen. Push “Mode” again to return to the Main
Mode display.

17
Control Misc
Setup
SELECT
MENU
Comm. Mfg.
RS-232 Data Menu
Figure 13. PC Series Select Menu Display
Control Setup Mode
The Control Setup Mode is accessed by pressing the center button above “Control Setup” on the select
menu display. This mode allows the user to set up most parameters commonly associated with PID
control. PC Series Pressure Controllers allow the user to select how the set-point is to be conveyed to
the controller, what that set-point is if control is local, and what the Proportional and Differential terms
of the PID control loop will be. The UP and DOWN buttons for adjusting variables can be held down
for higher speed adjustment or pressed repeatedly for fine adjustment. If your controller is difficult to
reach or you prefer “dial up” set-point adjustment, please consider our Local Set-point Module (LSPM)
described on page 39.
Select Loop Input
>P 400 >Press >Analog
D 5000 Serial
AUT0off Local
Set 0.00
Control
Up Down Setup
Figure 14. PC Series Control Setup Display
Input – PC Series Pressure Controllers normally ship defaulted to analog control as indicated in Figure
14 above. To change how the set-point will be conveyed to the controller push the button in the upper
right hand corner just above the dynamic label “Input” until the arrow is directly in front of the desired
option. The controller will ignore any set-point except that of the selected input and it will remember
which input is selected even if the power is disconnected.

18
Analog refers to a remote analog set-point applied to Pin 4 of the Mini-DIN connector as described
in the installation section of this manual. To determine what type of analog set-point your controller
was ordered with, refer to the Calibration Data Sheet that was included with your controller. 0-5 Vdc is
standard unless ordered otherwise. Note that if nothing is connected to Pin 4, and the controller is set
for analog control, the set-point will float at some positive value.
Serial refers to a remote digital RS-232 set-point applied via a serial connection to a computer or PLC
as described in the Installation and RS-232 sections of this manual.
Local refers to a set-point applied directly at the controller. For more information on changing the set
-point locally refer to the heading “Select” below. Local input must be selected prior to attempting to
change the set-point locally.
Loop – The PC Series is defaulted to pressure.
Select – To avoid accidental changing of the PID loop parameters or the set-point, the Control Setup
mode defaults with the selector on a null position. To change the set-point or the P and D PID loop
parameters, push the button in the upper left corner just above the dynamic label “Select” until the
selection arrow is pointing to the parameter you wish to change. When the parameter you wish to
change is selected, it may be adjusted up or down with the buttons under the display below the dynamic
labels “UP” and “DOWN”. Press the buttons repeatedly to make slow adjustments or hold them down
to make fast adjustments.
Prefers to the Proportional term of the PID loop. Before changing this parameter, it is good practice to
write down the initial value so that it can be returned to the factory settings if necessary.
Drefers to the Differential term of the PID loop. Before changing this parameter, it is good practice to
write down the initial value so that it can be returned to the factory settings if necessary.
Set refers to the Set-point. This parameter may only be changed if “Local” is selected as the Input. See
above for information on selecting the input. Using the UP and DOWN buttons, the set-point may be
adjusted between zero and the full-scale range of the controller. CAUTION! NEVER LEAVE ACONTROLLER
WITH ANY NON-ZERO SET-POINT IF NO FLOW IS AVAILABLE TO MAKE PRESSURE. THE CONTROLLER WILL APPLY FULL
POWER TO THE VALVE IN AN ATTEMPT TO REACH THE SET-POINT. WHEN THERE IS NO FLOW, THIS CAN MAKE THE VALVE
VERY HOT!
Communication Select Mode
The Communication Select mode is accessed by pressing the button below “Comm. RS-232” on the
Select Menu display. Please see page 13 for Communication Select mode instructions.
Manufacturer Data Mode
“Manufacturer Data” is accessed by pressing the “Mfg. Data” button on the Select Menu display
(Figure 12, page 16). The “Mfg 1” display shows the name and telephone number of the manufacturer.
The“Mfg 2” display shows important information about your pressure gauge including the model number,
serial number, and date of manufacture (Figure 10, page 14).
Miscellaneous Mode
The Miscellaneous mode is accessed by pressing the button above the “Misc” label in the upper right
hand corner of the Select Menu display. The screen will appear as shown in Figure 11. Push the
button above “Select” to move the cursor even with the item you wish to adjust. Then use the “UP” and
“DOWN” buttons to make the adjustment. See pages 14 & 15.
NOTE: All Miscellaneous changes are recorded when you exit the Miscellaneous display.

19
FLOW
Alicat Precision
Pressure Controller
Pressure Control Application, Upstream Valve
Back Pressure Control Application, Downstream Valve (DS)
Specify DS in part number adder code
Mechanical
Pressure
Regulator
Mechanical
Pressure
Regulator
Vent Flow
FLOW
Alicat Precision
Pressure Controller
Process
Process
Flow Exiting
Bleed Port
Figure 15. Upstream and Downstream Valve Diagram

20
PC3 Series Pressure Controllers:
The PC3 Series pressure controller is designed to change the flow to allow the control of pressure at
some point away from the body of the controller. This is most helpful when it is necessary to mount
pneumatic components such as valves, fittings or flow meters that introduce significant pressure drop
between pressure controller body and the point where pressure control is necessary. To accomplish
this, the PC3 has an external sensing port to which the pressure at the location where pressure is to be
controlled is piped back to the pressure sensor in the controller.
PC3 Series Pressure Controller Flow Meter (Pressure Drop)
Nozzle Under Test
Figure 16. Typical PC3 Application Diagram
P1 P2
P3 P3
P3