Elcomponent SPCMini User manual

SPCMini
USER MANUAL
www.spcmini.com

ii
SPCMini User's Guide
Copyright © 2010 Elcomponent Ltd
All Rights Reserved.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Elcomponent Ltd has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this manual. However,
Elcomponent Ltd makes no warranties with respect to this documentation and disclaims
any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Elcomponent Ltd assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this
document.
Trademarks
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
All other product names are copyright and may be trademarks and/or registered
trademarks of their respective companies.
Symbols:
The following symbols may be used in this manual
WARNING: Failure to follow the instructions may result in personal injury or damage to
the instrument.
PC Specification:
The SPCMini has a large memory capacity and utilises USB as its communication and data
transfer protocol. This requires a PC of the following minimum specification to make best
use of the product’s capabilities.
Windows: Windows XP/ Vista/W7
Processor: Pentium 4 or Centrino mobile 2.0 GHz+
RAM: 512MB+
Display: 32 bit colour 1024 x 768 minimum
01.08.2012

iii
CONTENTS
SPCMini “At A Glance” …………01
INTRODUCTION ……………02
Description ……………03
SETTINGS & USE ……………04
Changing the Battery …………04
The Clip-On Ammeter …………05
Making Single Phase Measurements ……05
Making 3 Phase Measurements ……07
The DataLogger …………08
Switching the Unit Off…………11
POWERPACK SOFTWARE …………13
Loading the Software …………13
PowerPack Pro “At A Glance”………14
Communicating with the SPCMini ……15
Status …………16
Set-Up ……………17
Download …………17
USING THE GRAPHING PACKAGE ………20
Selecting the Measurement Unit ……21
Using the Graph Tools…………21
Chart Tab …………21
Zoom ………21
Show Data Values ……23
Show Alarm Values ……23
Show Gridlines ……24
Additional Graph Functions ………24
Export to Microsoft Office ……24
Set Graph Options ………24
Summary Tab ……………25

iv
Data Tab ……………26
Selecting Data …………26
Exporting Data ………27
Statistics Tab ……………27
Costs Tab ……………28
Adding & Amending Tariffs ……28
Alarms Tab ……………29

1
SPCMini - ‘At A Glance’
Large jaw provides access for cables
up to 40mm diameter
On/Off Switch / Digital Display
Large 3 ½ digit display shows
load in amps
Selector switch for display
current range
‘Survey Running’ indicator and
data overwrite warning indicator
Large jaw provides access for
cables up to 40mm diameter
On/Off / Digital Display Switch
USB Socket

2
The SPCMini and its dedicated PC software package ‘PowerPackPro’
combine new technology and years of experience into an unbeatable low-
cost package.
It has a large clear display, a massive ‘Flash’ memory, and set-up and data
download is via USB, compatible with virtually any PC running Windows XP
or later. The SPCMini is also extremely versatile and will provide accurate
results on loads as small as 2 amps, right up to a maximum of 500 amps.
The logging interval is fully adjustable.
The SPCMini is easy to use –clip it on, check the load with the on-board
display, set it to log, press the start button and you’re done! It’s also
clever –it won’t overwrite any previous surveys without warning you, and
the logger electronics auto-ranges to ensure the highest levels of
measurement accuracy at all times.
The ‘PowerPackPro’ PC software package has been developed specifically
for the SPCMini and is streets ahead of the competition. Designed by Mike
Matthews, the architect of our acclaimed MeterRing MM aM&T package it
combines outstanding ease-of-use with many powerful features for
effective energy management.
INTRODUCTION

3
DESCRIPTION
The SPCMini combines the functions of a clip-on ammeter for measuring
AC current, with a sophisticated data logger to record the measured
current at the desired storage interval. The unit’s communications are via
USB which provides connection to the PC, allowing the user to set up and
download the logger via the PowerPackPro utility software supplied with
the SPCMini.
The SPCMini features simple controls (see ‘At A Glance ‘ on page 1) and
may be used either as a simple clip-on ammeter or as a datalogger, as
detailed below.

4
CHANGING THE BATTERY
The SPCMini is powered by a PP3 type 9VDC alkaline battery (Duracell
MN1604 or equivalent).
The battery powers both the clip-on ammeter display and the datalogger.
A fully charged battery will give many hours of display time when the
SPCMini is being used as a clip-on ammeter. A low battery condition is
indicated by the ‘LOBAT’ warning appearing in the bottom left of the
ammeter display.
The battery voltage is also monitored by the PowerPackPro utility software
(see page 16) allowing the user to assess the battery condition prior to
initiating a survey. The datalogger features extremely efficient low power
circuitry as well as a totally secure memory (recorded data are not
dependent on the battery condition or presence) and a fully charged
battery should provide sufficient energy for a survey lasing 4 weeks or
more. However, it is recommended that a new battery be installed before
starting a survey.
To change the battery, the cover on the back of the unit is removed using a
Phillips type screwdriver. The battery is then clipped onto the terminal
block, ensuring that the correct polarity is respected. Replace the cover,
ensuring that no cables are trapped or misplaced.
0.00
LOBAT
SETTINGS & USE

5
THE CLIP-ON AMMETER
To use the SPCMini in ammeter mode, the selector switch should be set to
‘display’ (down) and the current selector switch set for the desired range.
NOTE: If the load to be measured is not known, set the unit to the 500A
range and reset it as necessary
WARNING: Do not alter the range setting whilst a load is being
measured as this could damage the unit. Always remove the SPCMini from
the cable before resetting the range switch.
Clip the unit around the conductor to be measured and read the current in
amps on the LCD display.
WARNING: Take care when working near live parts. Ensure that the
power is turned off before exposing live parts. The SPCMini should be
used on insulated conductors only.
MAKING SINGLE PHASE MEASUREMENTS:
The SPCMini is a single input device, and is therefore suitable for the direct
measurement of single phase supplies. Single phase cables in the UK will
conform to the following colour codes:
Installations prior to 2005/06
Live Neutral Earth

6
Installations after 2005/06
Appliance Cables
In all cases, it is the ‘live’ cable only that must be measured. In the case of
appliance cables this is easily achieved utilising the SPC Cable Splitter
which is available as an accessory from Elcomponent.
NOTE: Clipping the unit around the live and neutral conductors together
will not work. The SPCMini must be clipped around the live cable only.
Live Neutral Earth
L
N
E

7
MAKING 3 PHASE MEASUREMENTS:
Despite its single input limitation, the SPCMini may also be used to make
measurements of 3 phase supplies as detailed below. Three phase
systems in the UK will conform to the following colour codes:
Installations prior to 2005/06
Installations after to 2005/06
As the current flowing in each of the three phases can differ it is
recommended that the SPCMini be utilised in display mode to establish
the actual phase loadings, and if they differ, the ‘middle’ loaded phase
should be logged. Some loads such as electric motors have all three
phases loaded equally. These loads are generally referred to as ‘balanced’
and can be logged using any of the three conductors. ‘Unbalanced’ loads
cannot be measured 100% accurately by the SPCMini, but any inaccuracy is
minimised by logging the ‘middle’ loaded phase.
In all cases it is imperative that the unit is clipped around one phase only.
PH 1 PH2 PH3 N
PH 1 PH2 PH3 N

8
THE DATA LOGGER
To use the SPCMini as a data logger it must first be set to the desired
storage interval using the PowerPackPro utility software supplied.
i. Install the PowerPackPro software onto your PC.
ii. Install a PP3 battery into the SPCMini.
iii. Switch the SPC Mini on by briefly pressing the ‘On/Off’ button.
Both l.e.d.s will flash twice to indicate that the logger is powered
up, and the digital display will be energised. The blue l.e.d. will
continue to flash to indicate that the unit is in Standby (no logging)
mode. The logger is switched of by briefly pressing the ‘on/off
button. Both l.e.d.s will flash once and the digital display will be
extinguished.
Connect the SPC Mini in standby mode to an unused USB port on
your PC. Windows will configure the USB interface for first time
use. A “Found New Hardware” dialogue box at the bottom left of
the screen will confirm “Your New Hardware is now ready for use”.
If the hardware interface is not successfully loaded, windows may
ask for a disk, or for permission to carry out a web search or the
relevant driver. The driver is present on the CD supplied with the
product under the “Drivers” Folder.
iv. With the logger connected to the USB port of your PC, open
PowerPackPro. If a ‘Bluetooth Scan’ window appears, this should
be cancelled. Within a few seconds the logger will be found by the
PC.

9
v. Press OK and the logger will be added to the tree on the upper left
hand side of the desktop.
Example of typical tree diagram
In rare cases, particularly on Windows 7 machines, the PC
may not recognise that the SPC Pro has been connected. If
this happens, ensure that the CD is present in your CD drive
and the SPC Pro is connected to your PC. Then proceed as
follows:
Open “Control Panel” from the Windows ‘Start’ button.
In XP, select ‘System’ and click the ‘Hardware’ tab, and then
device Manager’. In Vista & W7 select ‘Device Manager’
directly.
From the Device Manager list, select ‘Other Devices’. Note:
There will be a yellow warning triangle showing, which may be
identified as ‘SPC Pro’. Click on the yellow triangle, and click
‘Update Driver’
Select the option which allows the driver to be installed from a
location on the PC (not the automatic search).
Browse to the CD location [DRIVE]:\V.2.**.**\SPC----Drivers\
and click ‘next’.
Click install, and exit when complete.
Note: It may be necessary to load a second driver for the COM
port. If the Device Manager list shows a second yellow triangle,
click on this and repeat the above procedure
vi. Right click on the highlighted logger and select “Set Up Survey”

10
vii. The set-up window will then appear
viii. Enter the survey duration and click ‘set logger. The screen will
show:
ix. Select “Yes” and the logger will be set ready for the survey
Issue 1
06.07.2010

11
NOTE: Setting the logger will synchronise the logger clock to the PC
clock time and delete any records in the logger memory.
x. The logger is now set and can be switched off at this point. The PC
software can now be closed down. The SPC Mini is utilised in the
same way as a standard clip-on ammeter. The load to be
measured will show in the digital display while the logger is in
“standby” mode. The correct range must be selected for the
display function to operate properly.
WARNING: Refer to connection information in the User
Manual before using the logger to make electrical
measurements.
xi. To start data logging, press and hold the ‘Log’ button until the red
‘logging’ l.e.d. stops flashing, and then release the button. Logging
mode is confirmed by the display extinguishing and the ‘logging’
l.e.d. flashing every few seconds.
Check the l.e.d. is showing a short flash every few seconds and the
display is ‘off’, to verify that logging is actually enabled.
NOTE: If the logger memory already contains data that have not been
downloaded this action will erase the memory. Releasing the button
whilst the l.e.d. is still flashing will retain the data, allowing the user to
download it before proceeding. If the button is pressed and held for
approximately 5 seconds the l.e.d. will cease flashing, any existing data
will be erased and a new survey will commence.
xii. When the desired survey period is complete, press and hold the
log button until the display is initiated and the ‘log’l.e.d. ceases to
flash. The logger may be switched off if immediate download is
not required.
NOTE: Any data stored in the datalogger will not be lost when the
unit is switched off. They are retained for future download.

12
xiii. SPC Mini is downloaded as follows:
Open PowerPackPro on the PC and establish communication with
the logger as detailed above. Click ‘download data” and follow the
on screen instructions to download and display your survey.

13
OVERVIEW
The SPCMini is shipped complete with a dedicated PC utility program
which provides communication, set up and data presentation capabilities.
PowerPackPro is designed to run on Windows XP, or later Windows
Platforms.
PowerPackPro is a task-orientated program and is extremely easy to drive,
even for new users.
LOADING THE SOFTWARE
To load PowerPackPro install the CD and follow the on-screen instructions.
NOTE: PowerPackPro is available for free download at www.spcmini.com.
Check the website for free upgrades!
POWERPACKPRO SOFTWARE

14
Main Toolbar
POWEPACKRO –‘AT A GLANCE’
Data Presentation
Window
List of downloaded
Surveys

15
COMMUNICATING WITH THE SPC MINI
Click the desktop icon to open PowerPackPro.
i. With the logger connected to the USB port of your PC, open
PowerPackPro. If a ‘Bluetooth Scan’ window appears, this should
be cancelled. Within a few seconds the logger will be found by the
PC.
ii. Press OK and the logger will be added to the tree on the upper left
hand side of the desktop.
Example of typical tree diagram

16
Right click the highlighted logger on the tree for the following window:
This provides three options:
Status (also available via the icon)
Battery Voltage should read over 7.5V. If the reading is lower than this, replace
the battery.
Serial number/Logger Name shows the logger serial number by default. This can
be changed to reflect your desired name (up to 14 characters).
The status window will show a red bar if logging is ‘off’, green if it is ‘on’.
Setup (Also via icon)