Dranetz DranTech Xtra User manual

DranTech X TRA
TRMS Digital Multimeter
User’s Guide
P/N M240H
©2007 Rev. A

2DranTech X TRA User’s Guide
Standard Equipment Contact Persons
Standard Equipment
1multimeter
1 KS17S measurement cable set
2 batteries
1 abbreviated operating instructions
1 CD ROM (contents: amongst other topics operating
instructions and data sheet)
1 DKD calibration certificate
1)
For 15,400 measured values, sampling rate adjustable from 0.1 second to 9 hours
2)
IP 65 in preparation
Function DranTech X TRA
V AC / Hz TRMS
(Ri ≥9 MΩ) •
Filter
V AC TRMS
(Ri = 1 MΩ) •
Filter
V AC+DC TRMS
(Ri ≥9 MΩ) •
V DC (Ri ≥9 MΩ)•
... 1 MHz 5 V AC •
Keying ratio as % •
Hz (V AC) ... 100 kHz
Bandwidth, V AC 15 Hz ... 20 kHz
A AC / Hz TRMS 100 μA
1/10/100 mA
1 A / 10 (16) A
A AC+DC TRMS
A DC
Fuse 10 A/1000 V
1kHz
1kHz
Transformation factor
—
A AC / Hz TRMS —
A AC+DC TRM S—
A DC
—
Hz (A AC) ... 30 kHz
Resistance Ω•
Continuity •
Diode ... 5,1 V •
Temperature TC (K) •
Temperature RTD
•
Capacitance •
MIN/MAX / data hold •
4 MBit memory
1)
•
IR Interface •
Power pack adapter
socket •
Protection IP52
2)
Measuring category 1000 V CAT III
600 V CAT IV
Function DranTech X TRA

DranTech X TRA User’s Guide 3
Contact Persons
Accessories (sensors, plug inserts, adapters, consumable materials)
The accessories available for your instrument are checked for compli-
ance with currently valid safety regulations at regular intervals, and
are expanded as required for new applications. Currently up-to-date
accessories which are suitable for your measuring instrument are
listed at the following web address along with photo, order number,
description and, depending upon the scope of the respective accessory,
data sheet and operating instructions: www.dranetz-bmi.com
See also chapter 10 on page 64.
Product Support
Technical Queries
(use, operation, software registration)
If required please contact:
Dranetz-BMI
1000 New Durham Road
Edison, NJ 08818-4019 USA
Phone: [phone] or 732-287-3680
Fax: [phone]
www.dranetz-bmi.com
Software Enabling for DranWin 10
Dranetz-BMI
1000 New Durham Road
Edison, NJ 08818-4019 USA
Phone: [phone] or 732-287-3680
Fax: [phone]
www.dranetz-bmi.com
Training
On-site training at customer facilities (scheduling, prices, registration,
travel, accommodation). If required, please contact Dranetz-BMI.

4DranTech X TRA User’s Guide
Standard Equipment Contact Persons
Repair and Replacement Parts Service
DKD Calibration Laboratory* and Rental Instrument Service
If required please contact:
Dranetz-BMI
1000 New Durham Road
Edison, NJ 08818-4019 USA
Phone: [phone] or 732-287-3680
Fax: [phone]
www.dranetz-bmi.com
This address is only valid in United States. Please contact our
representatives or subsidiaries for service in other countries.
* Calibration laboratory for measured electrical quantities,
DKD – K – 19701, accredited in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC
17025:2005
Accredited quantities: direct voltage, direct current value, direct current
resistance, alternating voltage, alternating current value, AC active power,
AC apparent power, DC power, capacitance, frequency, temperature
Competent Partner
GMC-I Gossen-Metrawatt GmbH is certified in accordance with
DIN EN ISO 9001:2000.
Our calibration laboratory is accredited per DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025
by the Physikalisch-Technischen Bundesanstalt (German Federal In-
stitute of Physics and Metrology) and the Deutscher Kalibrierdienst
(German Calibration Service) under registration number DKD-K-
19701.
We offer a complete range of expertise in the field of metrology: from
test reports and factory calibration certificates, right on up to DKD
calibration certificates.
Our spectrum of offerings is rounded out with free test equipment
management.
As a full service calibration lab, we can calibrate instruments from
other manufacturers as well.

DranTech X TRA User’s Guide 5
Contact Persons

6DranTech X TRA User’s Guide
Table of Contents
Contents Page Contents Page
1 Safety Features and Precautions .................................8
1.1 Use for Intended Purpose ....................................................... 10
1.2 Meanings of Danger Symbols ................................................ 10
1.3 Meanings of Acoustic Warning Signals ................................. 10
2 Operating Overview – Connections, Keys, Rotary
Switch, Symbols
.....................................................................12
3 Initial Start-Up ............................................................16
3.1 Inserting Batteries or Rechargeable Batteries ........................ 16
3.2 Activation ............................................................................... 16
3.3 Setting the Operating Parameters ........................................... 16
3.4 Switching the Instrument Off ................................................. 17
4 Control Functions .......................................................18
4.1 Selecting Measuring Functions and Measuring Ranges ........ 18
4.1.1 Automatic Range Selection .................................................... 18
4.1.2 Manual Measuring Range Selection ...................................... 18
4.1.3 Quick Measurements .............................................................. 19
4.2 Zero Offset / Relative Measurements .................................... 19
4.3 Display (LCD) ........................................................................ 20
4.3.1 Digital Display ....................................................................... 20
4.3.2 Analog Display ....................................................................... 20
4.4 Measured Value Storage: DATA (auto-hold / compare) ....... 21
4.4.1
Saving Minimum and Maximum Values – MIN/MAX Function ... 22
4.5 Measurement Data Recording ................................................ 23
5 Measurements ............................................................ 26
5.1 Voltage Measurement .............................................................26
5.1.1 Direct and Pulsating Voltage Measurement, V DC and V
(DC+AC) ................................................................................27
5.1.2 Alternating Voltage Measurement with 1 M
W
Load
Resistance and Frequency Measurement with Selectable
Low-Pass Filter .......................................................................28
5.1.3 Alternating Voltage and Frequency Measurement V AC and Hz
with Selectable Low-Pass Filter ..............................................30
5.1.4 Transient Overvoltages ...........................................................32
5.1.5 Voltage Measurements at Above 1000 V ...............................32
5.1.6 Frequency and Keying Ratio Measurements ..........................33
5.2 Resistance Measurement, Ω ....................................................34
5.3 Continuity Test ......................................................................35
5.4 Diode Testing with a Constant Current of 1 mA ...................36
5.5 Temperature Measurement .....................................................37
5.5.1 Measurement with Thermocouples, Temp TC .......................37
5.5.2
Measurement with Resistance Thermometers ..............................38
5.6 Capacitance Measurement ......................................................39
5.7 Current Measurement .............................................................40
5.7.1 Direct and Pulsating Current Measurement, Direct Connection,
A DC and A (DC+AC) ............................................................41
5.7.2 Alternating Current and Frequency Measurement, Direct Con-
nection, A AC and Hz only) ....................................................42

DranTech X TRA User’s Guide 7
Table of Contents
Contents Page Contents Page
6 Device and Measuring Parameters ...........................44
6.1 Paths to the Various Parameters ............................................ 45
6.2 List of All Parameters ........................................................... 45
6.3 Querying Parameters – InFo Menu (as moving letters) ......... 46
6.4 Entering Parameters – SETUP Menu ..................................... 46
6.5 Default Settings ...................................................................... 48
7 Interface Operation ....................................................50
7.1 Activating the Interface .......................................................... 50
7.2 Configuring Interface Parameters .......................................... 51
8 Technical Data ..........................................................52
9 Maintenance and Calibration ....................................60
9.1 Displays – Error Messages .................................................... 60
9.2 Batteries ................................................................................. 60
9.3 Fuse ........................................................................................ 61
9.4 Housing Maintenance ............................................................ 62
9.5 Return and Environmentally Sound Disposal ........................ 62
9.6 Recalibration Service ............................................................. 62
9.7 Manufacturer’s Guarantee ...................................................... 63
10 Accessories ..................................................................64
10.1 General ................................................................................... 64
10.2 Technical Data for Measurement Cables
(included: KS17-2 safety cable set) ....................................... 64
10.3 NA⏐X-
TRA Power Pack (not included) ................................. 64
10.4 Interface Accessories ............................................................. 65
11 Index ............................................................................ 66

8DranTech X TRA User’s Guide
Safety Precautions
1 Safety Features and Precautions
You have selected an instrument which provides you with a high level
of safety.
This instrument fulfills the requirements of applicable European and
national EC directives. This is confirmed by means of the CE mark. A
corresponding declaration of conformity can be requested from Dran-
etz-BMI.
The TRMS digital multimeter has been manufactured and tested in ac-
cordance with the following safety regulations:
IEC 61010–1:2001 / DIN EN 61010–1/VDE 0411–1:2002.
When used for its intended purpose (see page 10), safety of the opera-
tor, as well as that of the instrument, is assured. Their safety is how-
ever not guaranteed, if the instrument is used improperly or handled
carelessly.
In order to maintain flawless technical safety conditions, and to
assure safe use, it is imperative that you read the operating in-
structions thoroughly and carefully before placing your instru-
ment into service, and that you follow all instructions contained
therein.
The multimeter is equipped with an automatic socket blocking mecha-
nism for your safety, and in order to safeguard your instrument. This
mechanism is linked to the rotary switch and only allows access to
those jacks which are actually required for the selected function. It
also prevents the user from turning the rotary switch to impermissible
functions after the measurement cables have already been plugged in.
Measuring Categories and their Significance per IEC 61010-1
The measuring category and the maximum rated voltage which are
printed on the device apply to yourmeasuring instrument, for example
1000 V CAT III.
Observe the following safety precautions:
• The multimeter may not be used in potentially explosive atmos-
pheres.
• The multimeter may only be operated by persons who are capable
of recognizing contact hazards and taking the appropriate safety
precautions. Contact hazards according to standard exist anywhere,
where voltages of greater than 33 V RMS or 70 V DC may occur.
Avoid working alone when taking measurements which involve
contact hazards. Be certain that a second person is present.
•Maximum allowable voltage between the voltage measuring ter-
minals, and between all connections and earth is 1000 V for meas-
uring category III, or 600 V for measuring category IV.
CAT Definition
I
Measurements in electrical circuits which are not directly connected to
the mains:
for example electrical systems in motor vehicles and aircraft, batteries
etc.
II Measurements in electrical circuits which are electrically connected to the low-voltage mains:
with plugs e.g. at home, in the office or laboratory etc.
III Measurements in building installations: stationary power consumers, distributor terminals, devices connected
permanently to the distributor
IV Measurements at power sources for low-voltage installations:
meters, mains terminals, primary overvoltage protection devices

DranTech X TRA User’s Guide 9
Safety Precautions
• Be prepared for the occurrence of unexpected voltages at devices
under test (e.g. defective devices). For example, capacitors may be
dangerously charged.
• Make certain that the measurement cables are in flawless condition
e.g. no damage to insulation, no interruptions in cables or plugs etc.
• No measurements may be made with this instrument in electrical
circuits with corona discharge (high-voltage).
• Special care is required when measurements are made in HF elec-
trical circuits. Dangerous pulsating voltages may be present.
• Measurements under moist ambient conditions are not permitted.
• Be absolutely certain that the measuring ranges are not overloaded
beyond their allowable capacities. Limit values are included in
chapter 8, “TechnicalData”, in thetable entitled “Measuring Func-
tions and Measuring Ranges” in the “Overload Capacity” column.
• The multimeter may only be operated with installed batteries
or rechargeable batteries. Dangerous currents and voltages are
otherwise not indicated, and the instrument may be damaged.
• The instrument may not be operated if the fuse cover or the battery
compartment lid has been removed, or if its housing is open.
• The input for the current measuring range is equipped with a fuse
link.
Maximum permissible voltage for the measuring circuit (= rated
voltage of the fuse) is 1000 V AC/DC.
Use specified fuses only (see page 57)! The fuse must have a
breaking capacity of at least 30 kA.
Repair and Parts Replacement
When the instrument is opened, voltage conducting parts may be ex-
posed. The instrument must be disconnected from the measuring cir-
cuit before the performance of repairs or the replacement of parts. If
repair of a live open instrument is required, it may only be carried out
by trained personnel who are familiar with the dangers involved.
Defects and Extraordinary Strains
If it may be assumed that the instrument can no longer be operated
safely, it must be removed from service and secured against uninten-
tional use.
Safe operation can no longer be relied upon:
• If the device demonstrates visible damage
• If the instrument no longer functions, or if malfunctioning occurs
• After long periods of storage under unfavorable conditions, e.g.
humidity, dust or extreme temperature (see “Ambient Conditions”
on page 58)

10 DranTech X TRA User’s Guide
Safety Precautions
1.1 Use for Intended Purpose
• The respective multimeter is a portable device which can be held in
the hand during the performance of measurements.
• Only those types of measurements described in chapter 5 may be
performed with the measuring instrument.
• The measuring instrument, including measurement cables and
plug-on test probes, may only be utilized within the specified
measuring category (see page 57 and the table on page 8 regarding
significance).
• Overload limits may not be exceeded. See technical data on page
52 for overload values and overload limits.
• Measurements may only be performed under the specified ambient
conditions. See page 58 regarding operating temperature range and
relative humidity.
• The measuring instrument may only be used in accordance with the
specified degree of protection (IP code) (see page 58).
1.2 Meanings of Danger Symbols
Warning concerning a point of danger (attention: observe
documentation!)
Warning concerning dangerous voltage at the meas-
urement input: U > 55 V AC or U > 70 V DC
1.3 Meanings of Acoustic Warning Signals
Voltage warning: > 1000 V (intermittent acoustic sig-
nal)
Current warning: > 10 A (intermittent acoustic signal)
Current warning: > 16 A (continuous acoustic signal)
!

DranTech X TRA User’s Guide 11
Safety Precautions

12 DranTech X TRA User’s Guide
Operating Overview – Connections, Keys, Rotary Switch, Symbols
2 Operating Overview – Connections, Keys, Rotary Switch, Sym b ols
1 Display (LCD) (see page 13 for significance of symbols)
2MAN / AUTO shift key for manual/automatic measuring range
selection
UIncrease parameter values
Operating mode menu: Select individual menu entries against direction of flow
3 ON / OFF | LIGHT key for switching device and display illumina-
tion on and off
4FUNC | ENTER multifunction key
Operating mode menu: Acknowledge entry (ENTER)
5Z
Increase measuring range or move decimal point to the right (MAN func-
tion)
6 Rotary switch for measuring functions (see page 15 for significance of
symbols)
7 DKD calibration mark
8 Connector socket for ground
9 Connec
tor socket for current measurement with automatic blocking
10 Connector socket for voltage, resistance, temperature, diode and
capacitance measurement with automatic blocking
11 DATA / MIN / MAX key for freezing, comparing and deleting
measured value, and for Min/Max
VDecrease values
Operating mode menu: Select individual menu entries in direction
of flow
12 MEASURE | SETUP key for switching back and forth between
measuring and menu function
13 ZERO | ESC key for zero balancing
Operating mode menu: Exit current menu level and return to a
higher level, exit parameters configuration without saving data
14 Y Decrease measuring range or move decimal point to the left (MAN
function)
15 Connector for power pack
16 Infrared interface
1
3
4
16
5
6
9
→ chapter 4.3
→ chapter 3
→ chapter 5
→ chapter 7
→ chapter 6
→
chapter 3 ff.
→ chapter 3
14
12
→ chapter 4.1
10
2→
chapter 4.1.2
15
8
Max. 1000 V!
12
15
chapter 4.1 ←
chapter 4.4←
chapter 6←
chapter 3←
chapter 3.1 ←
chapter 6←

DranTech X TRA User’s Guide 13
Operating Overview – Connections, Keys, Rotary Switch, Symbols
Symbols Used in the Digital Display 1 Battery level indicator
2 ON: continuous operation (automatic shutdown deactivated)
3 MAN: manual measuring range selection is active
4 Digital display with decimal point and polarity display
5 max/min: Min/Max value storage
6 DATA: display memory, “freeze” measured value
7 STORE: memory mode active
8 ISO: no function here
9 IR: infrared interface display
10 Scale for analog display
11 Pointer for analog display (bar graph – pointer) depending upon
setting in SETmenu for the A.diSPparameter
Triangle appears: indicates overranging
12 Diode measurement selected
13 Selected type of current
14 TRMS measurement
15 Pt100(0): selected platinum resistance thermometer with auto-
matic recognition of Pt100/Pt1000
16 Type K: temperature measurement with type K (NiCr-Ni) ther-
mocouple
17 sec (seconds): unit of time
18 ΔREL: relative measurement with reference to offset
19 Unit of measure
20 ZERO: zero balancing active
21 Warning regarding dangerous voltage: U > 55 V AC or U >
70 V DC
22 Continuity test with acoustic signal is active
23 h (hours): unit of time
129
11
12
13
14
15
19 16
21
22
765
1820
8
3
11
17
23
4
Battery full
Battery OK
Battery weak
Battery (almost) dead, U < 1.8 V
Active data transmission ↓ to / ↑from multimeter
IR interface in stand-by mode
(ready to receive starting commands)
Battery level indicator
Interface indicator

14 DranTech X TRA User’s Guide
Operating Overview – Connections, Keys, Rotary Switch, Symbols
Symbols of Rotary Switch Positions
Switch FUNC Display Measuring Function DranTech X TRA
V~ 0/4 V~ AC TRMS Alternating voltage, TRMS AC, full bandwidth •
Hz (V) 1 Hz ~ AC Voltage frequency, full bandwidth •
V~ 2 V Fil ~ AC TRMS Alternating voltage, TRMS AC, with low-pass (1 kHz) •
Hz (V) 3 Hz Fil ~ AC Voltage frequency, with low-pass (1 kHz) •
V~ 1 MΩ0/4 V~ AC TRMS Alternating voltage, TRMS AC, full bandwidth, input 1 MΩ•
V~ 1 V Fil ~ AC TRMS Alternating voltage, TRMS AC, up to 1 kHz, input 1 MΩ•
Hz (V) 2 Hz Fil ~ AC Voltage frequency, up to 1 kHz, input 1 MΩ•
Hz (V) 1 MΩ3 Hz ~ AC Voltage frequency, full bandwidth, input 1 MΩ•
V 0/2 V DC Direct voltage •
V1 V DC AC TRMS Pulsating voltage, TRMS ( ) •
MHz 0/2 MHz (High) frequency @ 5 V~ •
%1 % Keying ratio @ 5 V~ •
Ω—Ω(Direct current) resistance •
0/2 ΩContinuity testing Ω with acoustic signal •
1V DC Diode voltage •
Temp TC 0/2 °C Typ-K Temperature thermocouple Type K •
Temp RTD 1°C Pt 100/1000 Temperature with resistance thermometer Pt 100/Pt 1000 •
— nF Capacitance •
A0/2 A DC Direct current value •
A1 A DC AC TRMS Pulsating current value, TRMS AC DC •
A~ 0/2 A~ AC TRMS Alternating current value, TRMS AC •
Hz (A) 1 Hz ~ AC Current frequency •
0/2 A DC Direct current value with AC DC clip-on current sensor 1 V:1/10/
100/1000 A —
1 A DC AC TRMS
Pulsating current value, TRMS, with AC DC clip-on current sensor, see
above
—
0/2 A~ AC TRMS
Alternating current strength, TRMS, with clip-on current sensor, see
above
—
Hz ( ) 1 Hz ~ AC Current frequency —
1kHz
1kHz
1kHz
1kHz
A
CDC VAC2VDC
2
+=
A
A
A
A

DranTech X TRA User’s Guide 15
Operating Overview – Connections, Keys, Rotary Switch, Symbols
User Interface Symbols in the Following Chapters
Z... ZScroll through main menu
V... VScroll through sub-menu
YZSelect decimal point
UV Increase/decrease value
time Sub-menu/parameter (7-segment font)
1nFo Main menu (7-segment font, boldface)
Symbols on the Device
Warning concerning a point of danger
(attention: observe documentation!)
Ground
CAT III / IV Measuring category III or IV device, see also
“Measuring Categories and their Significance per IEC
61010-1” on page 8
Continuous, doubled or reinforced insulation
Indicates EC conformity
▲IR ▼Position of the infrared interface, window on the top of the
instrument
Position of the power pack connector socket,
see also chapter 3.1
Fuse for current measuring ranges, see chapter 9.3
The device may not be disposed of with the trash.
Further information regarding the WEEE mark can be
accessed on the Internet at www.dranetz-bmi.com (see
also chapter 9.5).
Calibration seal (red seal):
see also “Recalibration Service” on page 62
!
5 V / 600 mA
Consecutive number
Registration number
Date of calibration (year – month)
German Calibration Service – Calibration Laborator
y
B0730
01-04
DKD-K -
19701

16 DranTech X TRA User’s Guide
Initial Start-Up – Setup
3InitialStart-Up
3.1 Inserting Batteries or Rechargeable Batteries
Be certain to refer to chapter 9.2 regarding correct battery installa-
tion.
Momentary battery voltage can be queried in the Info menu (see chap-
ter 6.3).
Attention!
!
Disconnect the instrument from the measuring circuit before
opening the battery compartment lid in order to replace the bat-
teries.
Operation with the Power Pack
Installed batteries are disconnected electronically if the NA⏐X-
TRA
power pack is used, and need not be removed from the instrument.
If rechargeable batteries are used, they must be recharged externally.
If the external power supply is switched off, the device is automati-
cally switched to battery operation without interruption.
3.2 Activation
Switching the Instrument On Manually
∞Press the ON / OFF | LIGHT key until the display appears.
Power-up is acknowledged with a brief acoustic signal. As long as
the key is held depressed, all of the segments at the liquid crystal
display (LCD) are illuminated.
The LCD is depicted on page 13.
The instrument is ready for use as soon as the key is released.
Display Illumination
After the instrument has been switched on, background illumination
can be activated by briefly pressing the ON / OFF | LIGHT key. Illu-
mination is switched back off by once again pressing the same key, or
automatically after approximately 1 minute.
Switching the Instrument On via PC
The multimeter is switched on after transmission of a data block from
the PC, assuming the “irStb” has beensetto“iron” (see chapter 6.4).
However,we recommend using the power saving mode: “iroff”.
Note!
Electrical discharge and high frequency interference may cause
incorrect displays to appear, and may disable the measuring
sequence.
Disconnect the device from the measuring circuit. Switch the
instrument off and back on again inorder to reset. If the problem
persists, briefly dislodge the battery from the connector contacts
(see alsochapter 9.2).
3.3 Setting the Operating Parameters
Setting Time and Date
See the “tiME” and “dAtE” parameter inchapter 6.4.
Display Modes for the Analog Display
Selection can be made from two different display modes (see “A.diSP”
parameter in chapter 6.4).
Display Modes for the Digital Display
Selection can bemadefrom two different display modes (see “0.diSP”
parameter in chapter 6.4).

DranTech X TRA User’s Guide 17
Initial Start-Up – Setup
3.4 Switching the Instrument Off
Switching the Instrument Off Manually
∞Press the ON / OFF | LIGHT key until 0FF appears at the display.
Shutdown is acknowledged with a brief acoustic signal.
Automatic Shutdown
The instrument is switched off automatically if the measured value re-
mains unchanged for a long period of time (maximum measured value
fluctuation of approx. 0.8% of the measuring range per minute, or 1°
C or 1°F per minute), and if none of the keys or the rotary switch have
been activated before a selected period of time in minutes has elapsed
(see “APoFF” parameter on page 47.) Shutdown is acknowledged with
a brief acoustic signal.
Exceptions include:
Transmission and memory mode operation, continuous operation and
whenever a dangerous voltage is applied to the input (U > 55 V AC or
U > 70 V DC).
Disabling Automatic Shutdown
The instrument can be set to continuous operation.
∞Simultaneously press the and keys to this
end.
The “Continuous On” function is indicated at by means of the
ON
display to the right of the battery symbol.
The “Continuous On” setting can only be cancelled by chang-
ing the respective parameter, and not by switching the instru-
ment off (see “APoFF” on page 47).
ON / OFF
LIGHT
FUNC
ENTER
ON / OFF
LIGHT
Auto-Range
8.8.8.8.8
Illumination On
000.00
ON / OFF
LIGHT
Illumination Off
000.00
ON / OFF
LIGHT
0FF
ON / OFF
LIGHT
Long
(1 s)

18 DranTech X TRA User’s Guide
Control Functions
4 Control Functions
4.1 Selecting Measuring Functions and Measuring Ranges
The rotary switch is linked to the automatic socket blocking mecha-
nism, which only allows access to two connector jacks for each func-
tion. Be certain to remove the appropriate plug from its respective jack
before switching to and from the “A” functions. The socket blocking
mechanism prevents the user from inadvertently turning the selector
switch to impermissible functions after the measurement cables have
been plugged in to the instrument.
4.1.1 Automatic Range Selection
The multimeter is equipped with auto-ranging for all measuring func-
tions, except for temperature measurement, diode and continuity test-
ing, and the MHz measuring function. Auto-ranging is active as soon
as the instrument is switched on. The instrument automatically selects
the measuring range which allows for highest possible resolution of
the applied quantity. When the instrument is switched to frequency
measurement, the previously selected voltage measuring range re-
mains active.
The Auto-Ranging Function
The multimeter is switched automatically to the next higher range at
±(11999d + 1 d → 01200 d), and to the next lower range at ±(01100 d -
1 d →10990 d).
Exception, capacitance measurement:
The multimeter is switched automatically to the next higher range at
±(1199d + 1 d → 0120d), and to the next lower range at ±(0110 d - 1 d
→1099d).
4.1.2 Manual Measuring Range Selection
Auto-ranging can be deactivated and measuring ranges can be se-
lected manually in accordance with the following table by pressing the
MAN / AUTO button.
The desired measuring range can then be selected with the or 
scroll key.
The instrument is automatically returned to range selection when the
MAN / AUTO key is pressed, the rotary switch is activated or the in-
strument is switched off and back on again.
Overview: Auto-Ranging and Manual Range Selection
* Via manual measuring range selection only
Function Display
MAN /
AUTO
Manual mode active:
utilized measuring range is fixed MAN
or 
Range switching sequence for:
V: 100 mV*
↔ 1 V ↔ 10 V ↔ 100 V ↔ 1000 V
Hz: 100 Hz
↔ 1 kHz ↔ 10 kHz ↔ 100 kHz
Ω:100 Ω
↔ 1 kΩ ↔ 10 kΩ ↔ 100 kΩ ↔ 1 MΩ ↔
10 MΩ ↔ 40 MΩ
A: 100 μA
↔ 1 mA ↔ 10 mA
↔ 100 mA ↔ 1 A ↔ 10 A (16 A)
F:
10 nF ↔ 100 nF ↔ 1 μ F ↔ 10 μ F ↔ 100 μ F ↔ 1000 μ F
MAN
MAN /
AUTO
Return to automatic measuring range selection —

DranTech X TRA User’s Guide 19
Control Functions
4.1.3 Quick Measurements
Measurements performed using a suitable fixed measuring range are
executed more quickly than those which utilize automatic range selec-
tion. Quick measurement is made possible with the following two
functions:
•Manual measuring range selection, i.e. selection of the measur-
ing range with the best resolution (see chapter 4.1.2).
or
•WiththeDATA function (see chapter 4.4). In this way, the appro-
priate measuring range is selected automatically after the first
measurement and the second measurement is executed more
quickly.
The selected measuring range remains active for the subsequent series
of measurements with these two functions.
4.2 Zero Offset / Relative Measurements
Depending upon deviation from the zero point, zero balancing or a
reference value for relative measurements can be stored to memory:
The applicable reference or correction value is deducted individually
for the respective measuring function as an offset from all subsequent
measurements, and remains in memory until deleted, or until the mul-
timeter is switched off.
Zero balancing and reference value adjustment can be used for auto-
ranging, as well as for manual measuring range selection.
Zero Balancing
∞Plug the measurement cables into the instrument and connect the
free ends to each other, except for capacitance measurement in
which case the ends of the cables are not connected to each other.
∞Briefly press the ZERO | ESC key.
The instrument acknowledges zero balancing with an acoustic sig-
nal, and the “ZERO ΔREL” symbol appears at the LCD. The value
measured at the moment the key is pressed serves as a reference
value.
∞Zero balancing can be cleared by once again pressing the ZERO |
ESC key.
Note!
As a result of TRMS measurement, the multimeter displays a
residual value of 1 to 30 digits with short-circuited measurement
cables as the zero point for V AC / I AC or V(AC+DC) / I
(AC+DC) measurements (non-linearity of the TRMS con-
verter). This has no influence on specified accuracy above 2% of
the measuring range (or 3% in the mV range).
Setting the Reference Value
∞Plug the measuring cables into the instrument and measure a refer-
ence value (max. 5000 digits).
∞Briefly press the ZERO | ESC key.
The instrument acknowledges storage of the reference value with
an acoustic signal, and the “ZERO ΔREL” or the “ΔREL” symbol
appears at the LCD. The value measured at the moment the key is
pressed serves as a reference value.
Deviation from zero
– With short-circuited measurement cables for V, Ω, A
– With open input for capacitance unit of measure F
Display
0 to 200 digits ZERO ΔREL
> 200 to 5000 digits ΔREL

20 DranTech X TRA User’s Guide
Control Functions
∞The reference value can be cleared by once again pressing the
ZERO | ESC key.
Notes Regarding Relative Measurement
• Relative measurement effects the digital display only. The analog
display continues to read out the original measured value.
• In the case of relative measurement, Ω/ F or AC quantities may
also appear as negative values.
4.3 Display (LCD)
4.3.1 Digital Display
Measured Value, Unit of Measure, Type of Current, Polarity
The measured value with decimal and plus or minus sign appears at
the digital display. The selected unit of measure and type of current
are displayed as well. A minus sign appears to the left of the value
during measurement of zero-frequency quantities, if the plus pole of
the measured quantity is applied to the “⊥” input.
The “0.diSP” parameter can be used to determine whether leading
zeros will appear or be suppressed at the measured value display (see
chapter 6.4).
Overranging
If the upper range limit of 12,000 digits is exceeded “0L” (overload)
appears at the display.
Exceptions: “0L” appears as of 1200 digits for capacitance
measurement, and as of 5100 digits for diode testing.
4.3.2 Analog Display
Measured Value, Polarity
The analog display demonstrates the dynamic performance of a mov-
ing-coil mechanism. This display is especially advantageous for ob-
serving measured value fluctuation, and for balancing procedures.
Two different display modes can be selected in the “SEt” menu with
the help of the “A.diSP ” parameter (see chapter 6.4):
• Bar graph
• Pointer: The current measured value is tracked in real-time.
The analog scale displays a negative range of 2 scale divisions for the
measurement of zero-frequency quantities, allowing for precise obser-
vation of measured value fluctuation around zero. If the measured
value exceeds the negative range of 2 scale divisions, polarity is re-
versed at the analog display.
Scaling of the analog scale is automatic. This is very helpful for man-
ual measuring range selection.
Overranging
Overranging in the positive range is displayed by means of the right
triangle symbol.
Refresh Rate
In the bar graph and pointer modes, the analog display is refreshed 40
times per second.