Escort 3136A User manual

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50000 COUNT
DUAL DISPLAY MULTIMETER
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Op pe er ra at ti io on na al l M Ma an nu ua al l

Table of Contents
Section 1. Introduction
1-1 Introducing the 50,000 Count Dual Display Multimeter 1
1-2 Features 2
1-3 Options and Accessories 3
1-4 How to use this manual 4
1-5 Safety 5
Section 2. Getting Started
2-1 Introduction 7
2-2 Getting Started 7
2-3 Turning the Meter ON 11
2-4 Selecting Current Input Terminals and 11
Measurement Range
2-5 Using the Pushbuttons 11
2-6 Basic Measurement Examples 12
2-7 Rack Mounting 18
Section 3. Front Panel Operation
3-1 Introduction 19
3-2 Front Panel Operations 19
3-3 Primary and Secondary Displays 20
3-4 Input Terminals 22
3-5 Initialization of Measurement Conditions 23
3-6 Selecting A Measurement Function 23
3-7 Selecting Measurement Range 26
3-8 Selecting Secondary Display 27
3-9 Entering Setup Mode 29
3-10 Selecting Local Operation Mode 31
3-11 Operating Arithmetic Functions 31
3-12 Selecting Trigger Mode 38
Section 4. Measurement Applications Examples
4-1 Introduction 41
4-2 Applications for Using Dual Display 41
4-2-1 Dual Display Operation Examples 42
4-3 Measuring Resistance 45
4-4 Measuring True RMSAC+DC 46
I

Section 5. Calibrating the Meter
5-1 Introduction 47
5-2 Environment Condition 47
5-3 Warm up 47
5-4 Recommended Test Equipment 48
Section 6. RS-232 Remote Operation
6-1 Introduction 49
6-2 RS-232 Interface Overview 49
6-3 RS-232 Interface Parameter Set up 49
6-4 Using Commands 51
6-4-1 Types of Commands 51
6-4-2 Command Syntax 52
6-5 Instructions of Command Sets 53
6-5-1 Key Commands 53
6-5-2 Set Commands 54
6-5-3 Query Commands 59
6-6 Remote Program Examples Using RS-232 interface 65
Section 7. GPIB Remote Operation
7-1 Introduction 71
7-2 Description of the GPIB 71
7-3 GPIB Interface Parameters Setup 71
7-4 Commands Summary 72
7-4-1 Overview of Command Type and Formats 72
7-4-2 Response Message Data Types 73
7-4-3 Status Reporting 73
7-5 Instructions of Command Sets 77
7-5-1 IEEE 488.2 Common Commands 77
7-5-2 SCPI Commands 79
7-5-3 SCPI Commands Summary 87
7-6 Remote Program Examples Using GPIB interface 89
Appendices
A. Specifications 93
B. Maintenance 101
II

Section 1
Introduction
1-1 Introducing the 50,000 Count Dual Display Multimeter
NOTE
1. This operation manual contains information and warning that must
be followed to ensure user operation safety and to retain the meter
safety condition.
Precaution!
TO ENSURE PERSONAL SAFETY AND TO AVOID DAMAGING THE
METER AND THE EQUIPMENT CONNECTED, READ “GETTING
STARTED” IN SECTION 2-2 BEFORE USING THE METER.
The meter is 50,000 count Dual Display Multi-meter. The meter is designed for
bench-top, field service, and system applications with a high
performance/price ratio.
With the RS-232 computer interface (standard), the meter is fully
programmable for use on the RS-232 interface.
With the IEEE-488 computer interface (optional) installed, the meter is fully
programmable for use on IEEE-488.1 interface bus (1978). The meter is also
designed in compliance with supplemental standard IEEE-488.2 (1987).
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2
1-2 Features
The main features provided by the meter are:
 50,000 Count Dual Display
 Vacuum-fluorescent Display (VFD)
 Low Cost and High Performances
 DCV, ACV, DCA, ACA, Frequency, Diode Continuity
 DCV Measurement to 1000V, ACV to 750V (Up 1200Vdc, 1000Vac are
measurable)
 AC/DC Current Measurements to 10A (Up to 20A is measurable in less
than 20 seconds).
 True RMS (AC, AC+DC), 30Hz to 100kHz Measurement Bandwidth.
 AC Current Measurement Bandwidth from 30Hz to 20kHz.
 Frequency Measurements Up to 500KHz, 0.01 Hz Resolution.
 Resistance Measurement Up to 50 M Ω, 10m ΩResolutions.
 dBm measurement with variable reference impedance from 2 Ωto 8000Ω.
 Auto or Lock Ranging Relative Calculation.
 Auto or Lock Ranging Dynamic Recording (MIN/MAX) with elapsed
time.
 Compare (Hi/Lo/Pass) function for quick in-tolerance test.
 Percentage function transfers the measuring value to proportional
percentage (%) display.
 Fast Electronic and Closed-case calibration.
 Data Hold to freeze displayed value.
 Refresh Hold for difficult measuring place.
 External trigger a one-time measurement to get the result as your needs.
 RS 232 Interface.
 GPIB Interface (Option).

3
1-3 Options and Accessories
At the moment, one option is available for the meter, which option can be
installed at the factory and a field installable retrofit kit option is also
available:
 IEEE-488 interface (Optional) provides full programmability. There are
two types of programming commands: IEEE 488.2 Common Commands
and Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI). The
SCPI commands used in this device is conformance with the SCPI
Standard Version 1993.0.
Standard accessories come with the meter are:
 Power cord
 Protective holsters (Front and Rear)
 Operation Manual
 Test leads (Tip-type probe)
Available optional accessories are listed as below:
 Test leads (Lantern-type probe)
 Test leads (Tip-type probe)
 Insulation piercing clip
 RS-232 PC Link software and cable
 IEEE-488 Interface
 Rack-mount kit (used for single meter)

4
1-4 How to use this manual
This manual is designed to help the user to get a quick start. Though it is not
necessary to read the entire manual to operate the unit effectively, we recommend
the manual to be read thoroughly in order to use the meter to its full advantages.
First scan the Tables of contents to be familiar with the outline of the manual.
Then read “Getting Started” in Section 2-2. Refer to the appropriate section of the
manual as needed. The contents of each section are summarized below.
Section 1. Introduction
Introducing the general information of features, options, accessories, and
operation manual for the 50,000 count Dual Display Multi-meter.
Section 2. Getting Started
Introducing how to prepare the meter for operation and to start taking basic
front panel operations and measurements quickly.
Section 3. Operating the Meter from the Front Panel
Providing a complete description of each operation, which can be performed by
using the pushbuttons on the front panel. All related information for operations
and functions are grouped together.
Section 4. Measurement Application Examples
Describing how to use the meter in more advanced and sophisticated operations
and applications.
Section 5. Calibrating the Meter
Describing the basic information to calibrate the meter if necessary.
Section 6. RS-232 Remote Operation
Describing how to connect the meter to a terminal or a host computer and operate
the meter via RS-232 interface.
Section 7. GPIB Remote Operation (Option)
Describing how to connect the meter to a terminal or a host computer and operate
the meter via GPIB interface.
Appendices
Appendix A: Specifications
Appendix B: Maintenance

1-5. SAFETY
This meter has been designed and tested according to EN61010-1 (IEC1010-1), Safety
Requirements for Electronic Measuring Apparatus. This manual contains information and
warns which must be followed to ensure safe operation and retain the meter in safe
condition. Use of this instrument in a manner not specified herein may impair the
protection provided by the equipment. Some common international electrical symbols used
in this manual are shown below Table:
Table 1-1. International Electrical Symbols
AC - Alternating Current
DC - Direct Current
AC and DC - Alternating and Direct Current
Ground
See Explanation In The Manual
Before using the meter, read the following safety information carefully. In this manual,
"WARNING", is reserved for conditions and actions that pose hazard(s) to the user;
"CAUTION", is reserved for conditions and actions that may damage your meter.
WARNING
TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR OTHER INJURY:
 Be sure the meter is in good operating condition and avoid working alone.
 Follow all safety procedures for equipment being tested.
 Inspect the test leads for damaged insulation or exposed metal. Check test lead
continuity. Damaged leads should be replaced.
 This equipment operates from a power source that does not apply more than 250V
rms between the supply conductors or each supply conductor and ground. A
protective ground connection by way of the grounding conductor in the power cord is
essential for safe operation.
 This equipment is grounded through the grounding conductor of the power cord. To
avoid electrical shock, plug the power cord into a properly wired receptacle before
connecting to the equipment input or output terminals.
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6
 To avoid explosion, do not operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.
 To avoid personal injury, do not remove the cover or panel. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel.
 Select the proper function for your measurement.
 To avoid electrical shock, use caution when working above 60V dc or 30V ac RMS.
 Disconnect the live test lead before disconnecting the common test lead.
 Disconnect the power and discharge high-voltage capacitors before testing in Ωand
diode.
 When making a current measurement, turn the circuit power off before connecting the
meter in the circuit.
 To avoid fire hazard, always use a specified fuse.
 Use clamp-on probes when measuring circuits exceeding 10 amps.
 When servicing the meter, use only the replacement parts specified.
 Do not allow meter to be used if it is damaged or if its safety is impaired.
 The meter is safety-certified in compliance with EN61010-1 and EN61010-2-31
(IEC1010-1 & IEC1010-2-31) Installation Category ΙΙI 600V and CAT II 1000V
Pollution Degree 2. In order to maintain its insulation properties, please be sure to use
with the standard or compatible test probes.
 CE requirement: Under the influence of R.F field according to standard, the supplied
test leads will pick up induced noise. To have better shielding effect, a short-twisted
lead should be used.

7
Section 2
Getting Started
2-1 Introduction
Section 2 describes the front panel operational keys, displays, input
terminals and rear panel of the meter, adjusting handle, explains general
operating features.
2-2 Getting Started
 Unpacking and Inspecting the Meter
Carefully remove the meter from its shipping container and inspect it for
possible damage or missing items. If the meter is damaged or something
is missing, contact the place of purchase immediately. Save the container
and packing material in case user has to return the meter.
 Front Panel
The front panel (shown in Figure 2-1) has three main elements: the input
terminals on the left, the primary/secondary displays, and the
pushbuttons. The pushbuttons are used to select major functions, ranging
operations, and function modifiers. These elements are described in
detail in Section 3.
POWER
Front Panel
Protective Holster
mA Fuse
Receptacle
2n
d
Display
Selection
Power
Switch
Shift
Button
Arithmetic
Buttons
Ranging
Buttons
Function
Buttons
Secondary
Display
Primary
Display
Input
Terminals
Figure 2-1. Front Panel

 Rear Panel
The rear panel (shown in Figure 2-2) contains a line fuse, the power-line
cord connector, an RS-232 interface connector, and a cutout for
IEEE-488 interface (optional) connector.
 Line Power
 Figure 2-2 illustrates the location of the Line Voltage Selector with
Fuse Holder housing. If user has already done so, plug the line cord
into the connector on the rear of the meter. The meter will operate at
any line voltage between 90Vac and 264Vac when “line voltage
selector” is set properly, and its frequency range is at 50/60Hz. For
operation safety, DO NOT APPLIES a line voltage that exceeds the
range specified to line cord connector on the rear panel of the meter.
~LINE VOLTAGE FUSE
16VA 50-60Hz WARNING
RS-232C
GPIB
Line Voltage Selector with
Fuse Holder Housing Line Voltage Fuse Selection Table Real Panel
Protective Holster
Earth Ground Terminal Screw
*Available with IEEE-488 Interface Option only.
Otherwise covered with Plastic Decal.
IEEE-488 I/F Connector *
RS-232 Connector
Power-Line Cord Connector
Figure 2-2. Rear Panel
CAUTION!
BEFORE TURNING THE METER ON, MAKE SURE THE LINE VOLTAGE
SELECTOR IS SET TO THE CORRECT POSITION FOR APPLIED LINE
VOLTAGE TO THE POWER-LINE CORD CONNECTOR.
8

 The “line voltage selector” is settable for 100Vac, 120Vac, 220Vac,
and 240Vac line voltages.
 The correct fuse ratings: 250mA fuse for 100Vac or 120Vac is selected,
and 125mA fuse for 220Vac or 240Vac is selected.
 Case, Panels and Holsters
To avoid electric shock or injury, do not operate the meter without panels
or case in place.
The meter is provided with special designed anti-slippery protective
holsters on the front and rear panel sides (shown in Figure 2-1 and 2-2).
The holsters provide a protection to both front and rear panels of the meter
as well as its corners. User may stack up one meter on the top of the other
without concerning the slide off of the units (shown in Picture 2-1).
The holsters can be easily removed when install the rack-mounted ears to
the meter in order to mount the meter into a 19-inch standard rack. Refer
to Section 2-7 for Rack Mounting procedures.
Picture 2-1. Stack up the Meters with Holsters
9

 Grounding the Meter
The meter is grounded through power cord. To avoid electric shock or
injury, grounding wire in the power line cord must be connected.
 Operating in Explosive Atmospheres
The meter does not provide explosion protection for explosive gasses or
arcing components. Do not operate the meter in such circumstances.
 Adjusting Handle
For bench-top use, the handle can be adjusted to provide three viewing
angles. For viewing positions, pull the ends out to a hard stop (about 1/4
inch on each side) and rotate it to one of four stop positions (shown in
Figure 2-3).
WARNING
Be sure to put the meter on a table before removing the handle.
To remove the handle, adjust it to the vertical stop position and pull the
ends all the way out.
3. Remove Handle Position
2. Carrying Position
1. Viewing Position 1 4. Viewing Position 2
5. Viewing Position 3
Figure 2-3. Adjusting Handle
10

2-3 Turning the Meter ON
To turn the meter on, press the Power button to “IN” position located on the
lower right of the front panel. When the meter is turned on, the primary and
secondary displays light for about 2 seconds while an internal self-test
running by its digital circuitry. If the Hold button is pressed while the
power-up sequence is in progress, all segments and annunciators of the entire
display remain on until another button is pressed. Then the power-up
sequence continues.
After the meter completing its power-up sequence, it resumes the power-up
measurement configuration stored in non-volatile memory. The power-up
default configuration status set at factory is shown in Table 3-2.
2-4 Selecting Current Input Terminals and Measurement Range
If current (dc or ac) is being measured in the Auto-ranging mode, with a
signal input on the 500mA terminal, the meter will select the range
500µA~500mA automatically.
If a signal input is applied to the 10A input terminal, the meter will select the
5A or 10A range automatically.
2-5 Using the Pushbuttons
The meter functions and operations can be selected by pressing the
pushbuttons on the front panel select.
A summary of pushbuttons is shown in Figure 2-4.
Pushbuttons can be used in three ways. User can:
 Press a single button to select a function or operation.
EXAMPLE:
(Press) to select AC voltage measurement for the primary display.
 Press a combination of buttons, one after the other.
EXAMPLE:
then followed by to select dBm calculation.
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12
POWER
1. Power Switch 6. 2nd Display Selection / Escape key
2. Measurement Function Selection 7. Local / Setup key
3. Range Selection 8. Dynamic Recording / Comparator
4. Calibration Mode Button 9. Arithmetic Function Selection
5. Shift / Enter key 10. Hold / Trigger key
2 3 8 10 7 9 6 5 1
4
Figure 2-4. Front Panel Pushbuttons
 Press multiple buttons simultaneously.
EXAMPLE:
and simultaneously to select True RMS AC volts and DC
volts (calculated) on the primary display.
More detail operations are described in Section 3.
2-6 Basic Measurement Examples
This section describes the basic measurement procedures via operations in
front panel. These procedures as follows provide the user who wants to get a
quick start, but does not want to read the entire manual thoroughly. But it is
still recommended to read this manual thoroughly in order to fully utilize all
advantages in the meter.

13
 Voltage, Resistance or Frequency Measurements
Press the desired function button and connect the test leads as shown in
Figure 2-5 to measure voltage, resistance, or frequency. The meter will
select the appropriate range in the auto-range mode, and an annunciator
on the display will indicate measurement units.
NOTE
Excessive error may occur when making measurements with 10 to 100 µ V
resolutions after measuring high voltage up to 1000 volts dc. It requires
two minutes before making low-level measurements.
 Current Measurements
To measure current, connect the test leads to mA input terminal or 10A
input terminal for measured current above 500mA as shown in Figure 2-6.
Be sure to turn off the power in the circuit to be measured before taking
connection.
Break the circuit on the groundside to minimize the common mode
voltage) to be measured, and place the meter in series at that point.
Turn on power to the circuit, and then read the display. The meter will
select the appropriate range automatically, and an annunciator on the
display will indicate the units of the measurement value shown.
Turn off power to the circuit and disconnect the meter from the tested
circuit.
NOTE
After making a high current measurement using the 10A input, thermal
voltages are generated that may create errors when making
high-resolution low-level dc measurements of volts, amps, or ohms.
It requires ten minutes to allow the thermals to settle out before making
low-level measurements in order to obtain the best accuracy.

POWER
14
Figure 2-5. Voltage, Resistance or Frequency Measurements
POWER
Figure 2-6. Current or Frequency Measurements
 VFD Brightness Control
Press and hold, then press or step by step to select the VFD
brightness to darker level (4 steps in this function and factory setting is set at
highest light level),

15
 Overload Alert
The meter has provided an overload alert for voltage and current measurements.
The beeper sounds tones periodically once the measuring value is exceeded the
value shown as below Table 2-1:
Table 2-1. Beeper Responses for overload Alert Points
Measuring Function Start Alerting Value
DC V >1000V
AC V >750V
DC + AC V >750V
DC A >10A
AC A >10A
DC + AC A >10A
If the input values over above points, the beeper still sounds tones whatever the
beeper has been set to OFF state, or not.

 Diode Continuity Tests
Press to select diode continuity function, then connect the test leads
across the diode under test as shown in Figure 2-7 (Reversing the polarity
will reverse-bias the diode).
The diode test measures the forward voltage of a semiconductor junction
at approximately 0.5mA. The beeper generates a single beep tone when
the input voltage drops below +0.7V (approximately 1.4kΩ) and generates
a continuous beep tone when the input voltage drops below +50mV
(approximately 100Ω).
Readings are displayed in the 2.3V range. “OL” is displayed for voltage
above 2.3V. If the diode continuity test is performed, readings are
displayed in 0.1mV resolution on the 2.3000V range.
POWER
WARNING!
To avoid damaging to the meter, do not apply a voltage
exceeding 500 V peak between the input terminals.
Figure 2-7. Diode Continuity Test
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