Elcomponent SPCMini User manual

SPCMini
USER MANUAL
www.spcmini.com

ii
SPCMini User's Guide
Copyright © 2006 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
Bluetooth®is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG. Inc.
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 also utilises Bluetooth 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 Home or Professional
Processor: Pentium 4 or Centrino mobile 2.0 GHz+
RAM: 256MB+
Display: 32 bit colour 1024 x 768 minimum
Bluetooth: Pre-installed or via unused USB port.
A lower spec PC may provide satisfactory performance, but Bluetooth pairing will
take longer, and the graphing capability, particularly with larger surveys will be
slower. PCs running W2000 will also function with the SPCMini and PowerPackPro,
and may be used at the user’s discretion.

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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 … … … 09
POWERPACK SOFTWARE … … … 10
Loading the Software … … … 10
PowerPack Pro “At A Glance” … … 11
Communicating with the SPCMini … 12
Status … … … … 16
Set-Up … … … … 16
Download … … … … 17
USING THE GRAPHING PACKAGE … … 19
Selecting the Measurement Unit … … 20
Using the Graph Tools … … … 20
Chart Tab … … … … 20
Zoom … … … 20
Show Data Values … … 21
Show Alarm Values … … 22
Show Gridlines … … 23
Additional Graph Functions … … 23
Export to Microsoft Office … … 23
Set Graph Options … … … 23
Summary Tab … … … … 24
Data Tab … … … … … 25
Selecting Data … … … 25

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Exporting Data … … … 25
Statistics Tab … … … … 25
Costs Tab … … … … … 26
Adding & Amending Tariffs … … 26
Alarms Tab … … … … … 27
BLUETOOTH TROUBLESHOOTING … … 28
Installing Bluetooth on your PC … … 28

1
SPCMini - ‘At A Glance’

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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 an integrated Bluetooth communication
chip, compatible with virtually any PC running Windows. The
SPCMini is also extremely versatile and will provide accurate results
on loads as small as 1 amp, right up to a maximum of 600 amps.
The logging interval is fully adjustable from 1 second all the way to
30 minutes for ultra-long-term surveys.
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. Connection to
the PC is via Bluetooth – just like a mobile phone – so there’s no
need to plug cables into hard to reach sockets.
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

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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 contains
a Bluetooth communications module which provides wireless
communication to any Bluetooth equipped PC running Windows XP,
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.

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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

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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
600A 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

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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.
Live Neutral Earth
L
N
E

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NOTE: Clipping the unit around the live and neutral conductors
together will not work. The SPCMini must be clipped around the live
cable only.
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
PH 1 PH2 PH3 N
PH 1 PH2 PH3
N

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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.
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. See page 01 for details of this procedure.
Switch the slide switch to ‘log’ mode (up). The ‘reset/start’ and
Bluetooth l.e.d.s will illuminate briefly to indicate that the logger
electronics have been initiated.
NOTE: Ensure that the battery in the SPCMini has sufficient charge
before starting a survey.
Clip the SPCMini around the desired cable/conductor and press and
hold the reset/start button until the red l.e.d. goes out to initiate
logging. Refer to the ‘Clip-on Ammeter’ instructions on page 5 for
further details on installing the unit onto a conductor.

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NOTE: The red ‘Log on’ l.e.d. will behave differently depending on
the memory status of the logger. If the logger memory already
contains data that have not been downloaded the l.e.d. will warn
by flashing quickly. 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.
This is indicated by the l.e.d. producing a short flash every 5
seconds whilst logging is taking place.
If there are no unrecovered records in the logger memory the l.e.d.
will respond by illuminating for approximately 2 seconds before
logging is initiated.
Check the l.e.d. is showing a short flash every 5 seconds to verify
that logging is actually enabled. If the storage period is set to less
than 5 seconds, the l.e.d. will flash each time a record is stored.
NOTE: The display does not function in ‘log’ mode, and the rotary
‘range switch’ is inoperative. It is not necessary to select a range as
the datalogger is fully auto ranging and will provide maximum
accuracy and resolution under all load conditions.
The unit may be left to complete the programmed survey, at which
point the logger will enter a dormant mode, or the survey may be
downloaded/terminated at any point. For instructions on
downloading the SPCMini, refer to page 17.
SWITCHING THE UNIT OFF
When not in use the SPCMini should be switched ‘off’ using the slide
switch (middle position). This will switch off both the display and the
datalogger to preserve the battery.
NOTE: Any data stored in the datalogger will not be lost when the
unit is switched off. They are retained for future download.

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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, but may also be used on W2000 platforms.
PowerPackPro is a task-orientated program and is extremely easy to
drive, even for new users.
LOADING THE SOFTWARE
PowerPackPro uses Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to the
SPCMini, which means no cable connection is necessary or
available for the SPCMini. Before loading PowerPackPro it’s
important to establish if your PC has Bluetooth installed. (See page
ii for recommended PC specification).
If your PC has Bluetooth already installed, it should not require any
additional configuration to work with the SPCMini & PowerPackPro.
See the troubleshooting guide at the back for this user manual for
further information on Bluetooth issues.
If your PC does not have Bluetooth installed, an accessory kit is
available form Elcomponent which includes a plug-in Bluetooth USB
module. Alternatively, Bluetooth modules are available from your PC
supplier. Please refer to the documentation included with your
Bluetooth hardware for installation instructions, which is normally a
simple ‘Plug and Play’ procedure.
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

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

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COMMUNICATING WITH THE SPC MINI
Click the desktop icon to open PowerPackPro.
The software will automatically open the ‘Searching for Loggers’
dialog box.
Switch the SPCMini to ‘log’ and press the Bluetooth button to enable
discovery.
NOTE: The Bluetooth l.e.d. will come on and remain illuminated for
approximately 20 seconds to indicate that the unit is in ‘discovery’
mode. If the SPCMini has not linked to the PC within this time, press
the Bluetooth button a second time to re-enable discovery.
After approximately 10-20 seconds, the software should find the
logger and establish a connection with it. This is confirmed by the
window shown below:

13
NOTE: The SPCMini will also appear on the device tree when it links
to the host PC.
You may also see other Bluetooth devices appearing (usually mobile
phones) and these may be found more quickly than the SPCMini.
This is normal, and a function of the fact that the SPCMini and PC
must ‘find’ each other, then ‘pair’ with each other, and finally set up a
communication link before the device is confirmed as linked. Once
the SPCMini appears on the tree, it will remain connected to the PC
for a maximum of 20 seconds unless a dialogue box is present on
the desktop to maintain device communication. If the SPCMini
disappears, the ‘search’ mode must be restarted using the button
top left of the icon bar.
If the software does not find any Bluetooth devices, you may have a
Bluetooth module that is not compatible with this function in
PowerPackpro. Normally, this incompatibility is easy to spot, as the
Bluetooth icon will not appear in the device tree.
If this happens, it is necessary to approach the initial logger
connection slightly differently. Close PowerPackPro, and utilise the
Bluetooth utility already present on the PC to search for available

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devices. The Utility is usually opened via a Bluetooth icon in the
System Tray at the bottom right hand side of the PC screen,
although it may also appear as a desktop icon or as a ‘Bluetooth
Services’ icon in the Control Panel.
If the Bluetooth function is working on your PC, the utility search will
find any available devices including the SPCMini which will appear in
a window similar to that shown below:
Highlight the SPCMini and click ‘next to proceed. The Utility will
allocate a COM port to the device, which is confirmed by the
following screen:

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Click ‘next’ to display the available devices and/or close the utility. At
this point some utilities allow the user to specify an action to be
completed after the connection is made. If this option exists, specify
the opening of:
C:\ProgramFiles\Elcomponent\PowerPackPro\PowerPackPro.exe as
the desired action. PowerPackPro will then open automatically
whenever an SPCMini Bluetooth connection is established.
Re-open PowerPackPro, noting that the available COM ports will
appear on the tree, including the port that has been allocated to the
SPCMini. Right click on this port and select ‘Discover Logger’.
This will add the SPCMini to the tree and open the dialogue window
as shown on page 13.
NOTE: The Bluetooth Utility supplied with your PC may differ in
detail from that shown above, but the principle remains the same. If
PowerPackPro does not show a Bluetooth icon on the tree, and does
not find the logger, use the utility preloaded onto your PC to
establish a link with the SPCMini, and to allocate a COM port to it.

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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)