Extech Instruments PRC70 User manual

User Guide
Multifunction Process Calibrator
Model PRC70

Page 2 PRC70-EN-V2.1 12/11
1 Introduction
This multifunction process calibrator is a handheld, battery-operated instrument that measures and sources electrical and
physical parameters. (See Table 1)
Table 1 - Source and Measurement Functions
DCI CONT.Measurement
Function
Sourcing
Function
DCV
LOOP OFF LOOP ON
OHM FREQ TC RTD SWITCH
DCV ●●●●●●●●●
RAMP ON × × × × × × × × ×DCI
RAMP OFF ●●●●●●●●●
OHM ●●●●●●●●●
FREQ ●●●●× ●●●●
PULSE ●●●●× ●●●●
SWITCH ●●●●× ●●●●
TC ●●●●●× × ●●
RTD ●●●●●× × ●●
In addition to the functions listed in Table 1, the calibrator includes the following features:
zMeasure and source simultaneously. The upper LCD area displays measurement information and the lower section
displays source information.
zThermocouple measurement/source terminals and built-in lead connector (with RJ compensation)
zManual step source, auto-step, and sweeping-step source
zRoom temperature monitoring for all operations
zMeasurement/source temperature monitoring function
zMeasurement/source mA% display
zMeasurement wave-filter function
zMeasurement manual-hold function

Page 3 PRC70-EN-V2.1 12/11
Supportline(781)8907440
Technical Support: Extension 200; E-mail: suppo[email protected]
Repair & Returns: Extension 210; E-mail: [email protected]
Product specifications subject to change w ithout notice
For the latest version of this User Guide, Software updates, and other
up-to-the-minute product information, visit our website: www.extech.com
Extech Instruments Corporation, 285 Bear Hill Road, Waltham, MA 02451
ISO9001 Certified
2 Warranty and Support Information
Warranty
EXTECH INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION (A FLIR COMPANY) warrants this instrument to be free of defects in parts and
workmanship for one year from date of shipment (a six month limited warranty applies to sensors and cables). If it should become
necessary to return the instrument for service during or beyond the warranty period, contact the Customer Service Department at (781)
890-7440 ext. 210 for authorization or visit our website www.extech.com for contact information. A Return Authorization (RA) number
must be issued before any product is returned to Extech. The sender is responsible for shipping charges, freight, insurance and
proper packaging to prevent damage in transit. This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from action of the user such as
misuse, improper wiring, operation outside of specification, improper maintenance or repair, or unauthorized modification. Extech
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Page 4 PRC70-EN-V2.1 12/11
4 Safety Information
For the correct and safe use of the instrument, be sure to follow the cautionary notes stated in this manual whenever
handling the instrument. Extech Instruments shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from use of the instrument in a
manner other than prescribed in the cautionary notes.
A Warning identifies conditions and actions that pose hazards to the user; a Caution identifies conditions and actions that
may damage the meter or the equipment under test.
Refer to Table 2 for the international electric symbols adopted by the calibrator.
Table 2 - International Electrical Symbols
EARTH GROUND
WARNING
INFORMATION
Warning
To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury:
zDo not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked on the calibrator, between terminals or between any terminal and
earth ground;
zBefore use, verify the meter’s operation by measuring a known voltage;
zFollow all equipment safety procedures;
zDo not connect the probe of the test leads with any live power when the other end has been inserted into the current
jack;
zDo not use the meter if it is damaged. Before using the meter, inspect the case. Look for cracks or missing plastic. Pay
particular attention to the insulation surrounding the connectors;
zSelect the proper function and range for the measurement;
zMake sure the battery door is closed and latched before operating the meter;
zRemove test leads from the meter before opening the battery door;
zInspect the test leads for damaged insulation or exposed metal. Check test lead continuity. Replace damaged test leads
before using the meter;
zWhen using the probes, keep fingers behind the finger guards on the probes;
zConnect the common test lead before connecting the live test lead. When disconnecting test leads, disconnect the live
test lead first;
zDo not use the meter if it operates abnormally. Protection may be impaired. When in doubt, have the meter inspected;
zDo not operate this instrument in areas where inflammable or explosive gases or vapor exists. It is extremely hazardous
to use the instrument under such environments;
zDo not operate the meter near explosive gas, vapor, or dust;
zUse only four (4) AAA 1.5V batteries, properly installed in the meter case, to power the meter;
zDisconnect the test leads before shifting to different source or measurement functions;
zWhen servicing the meter, use only specified replacement parts.
zTo avoid false readings, which could lead to possible electric shock or personal injury, replace the batteries as soon as
the low battery indicator ( ) appears.
Caution
To avoid possible damage to meter or to equipment under test:
zDisconnect the power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing resistance or continuity.
zUse the proper jacks, functions, and ranges for the measurement or source operation.

Page 5 PRC70-EN-V2.1 12/11
5 Calibrator Description
Refer to Figure 1
1. LCD display
2. Digit up/down adjust buttons
3. Control keypad
4. Measurement terminals
5. Source terminals
Figure 1 – Meter Description
5.1 Measurement/ Source Terminals
Figure 2 shows the calibrator’s measurement /source terminals. Table 3 explains their use.
Figure 2 - Measurement/ Source Terminals
Table 3 - Measurement/ Source Terminals
Terminal Function
1 Common (COM) return（-）terminal for all
measurement functions
2 Measurement Signals（+）：DCV, OHM, FREQ,
TC, RTD, SWITCH, and CONT (continuity)
3 Measurement Signal（+）：mADC
4
3W Terminal：measurement terminal of the 3W
OHM, RTD
LOOP Terminal：+24VDC Loop Power Terminal
5 Source Signal:（+）DCmA
6 Source Signals：（-）OHM、RTD
7 Common (COM) return（-）terminal for source
functions
8
Source Signal（+）DCV, OHM, TC, RTD, XMT,
FREQ, CYC, and SWITCH
Source Signal:（-）mADC
1
2
4
3
5

Page 6 PRC70-EN-V2.1 12/11
5.2 Keys
Figure 3 lists the calibrator’s function keys and Table 4 explains their use.
Figure 3 – Calibrator Function Keys
Table 4 – Function Key D escriptions
No. Name Function
1~5 Source value set key Increment source set point
6~10 Source value set key Decrement source set point
11 Measurement ON key Switch measurement functions ON or OFF
12 Source ON key Switch source function ON or OFF
13 Power key Switch the power ON or OFF
14 Backlight Switch the backlight ON or OFF
15 Measurement FUNC Key Select measurement function
16 Source FUNC Key Select source function
17 TEMP Key Switch room temperature monitoring function ON or OFF
In TC source or measurement mode, switch the RJ compensation ON/OFF
18 ZERO Key Set the source value to zero-point; In pulse source function, set the pulse number.
19 Measurement RANGE Key Select measurement range; Measurement mA and percentage shifting.
20 Source RANGE Key Select source range; Source mA and percentage shifting.
21 AVG Key Measuring average value
22 25/100% key In mA source function, select 25% or 100% manual step output mode.
In pulse number, frequency or switch source, set the frequency value.
23 HOLD Key Freeze measured value
24 START Key Source auto-pulse number, switch ON mA auto-stepping or sweeping function.
Convert sourced TC temperature and mV, and sourced RTD temperature and Ohms.
25 LOOP Key 24v Loop circuit power: Convert the measured TC temperature and the mV, the
measured RTD temperature and the Ohms.
26
Key
In DCmA source mode, select auto-wave; In frequency/pulse source mode, set
amplitude

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5.3 Display Screen
Figure 4 - LCD display
a. Battery level indicator
b. Measure Mode icon
c. Measurement function ON
d. Measurement function OFF
e. Average value for measurement
f. Display HOLD for measured value
g. Switch measurement
h. Room temperature measurement
i. Beeper for measurement continuity
j. Measured value
k. Unit of measure
l. Dividing line between measurement and source mode displays
m. Type of RTD measurement / source
n. Dividing line between measurement and source mode displays
o. Type of Thermocouple (TC) measurement / source
p. Reference Junction Compensation ON
q. 24V Loop Power Supply ON
r. Source Mode icon
s. Source function ON
t. Source function OFF
u. Set -point for source
v. RUN icon for auto-step and auto-sweep
w. Unit of measure for setpoint of source
x. Not used
y. Not used
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Page 8 PRC70-EN-V2.1 12/11
6 Source/Measurement Preparations
Precautions for Safe Use of the Instrument
zWhen using the instrument for the first time, be sure to read the instructions given in Section 4 “Precautions for Safe
Use of the Instrument.”
zDo not open the instrument’s case. Contact the vendor for service.
zIn case of failure: Should the instrument begin to emit smoke, give off an unusual odor, or show any other anomaly,
immediately switch OFF the POWER. If using an AC Charger, disconnect the plug from the wall outlet. Also switch OFF
power to the object under test that is connected to the input terminals. Contact the vendor.
zCharger: Use an AC Charger dedicated to the instrument. Avoid placing any load on the Charger; prevent any heat-
emitting object from coming into contact with the adapter.
General Handling Precautions
zBefore transporting the instrument, switch OFF power to the object under test, and then power off the meter. When
using an AC Charger, disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet. Finally, detach all lead cables from the instrument.
Use a dedicated carry case when transporting the instrument.
zDo not bring any electrified object close to the input terminals, since this may damage the internal circuitry.
zDo not apply any volatile chemical to the instrument’s case or operation panel. Do not leave the instrument in contact
with any product made of rubber or vinyl for a prolonged period. Be careful not to let a soldering iron or any other heat-
emitting object come into contact with the operation panel (panel is made of thermoplastic resin).
zBefore cleaning the instrument’s case or operation panel, disconnect the power cord plug from the wall outlet if using an
AC Charger. Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe the outer surfaces of the instrument. Water that is allowed into the
instrument can result in malfunction.
zIf using an AC Charger, disconnect the power cord plug from the wall outlet when the meter is not in use.
zFor handling precautions regarding the batteries, see “Installing or Replacing the Batteries”.
zNever use the instrument with the cover of the battery holder opened.
Environmental Requirements
Use the instrument in locations that meet the following environmental requirements:
zAmbient temperature and humidity:
Ambient temperature range: 32 to 122oF (0 to 50oC); ambient humidity range: 30 to 80% RH; non-condensing.
zPlace the instrument on flat and level areas
Do not use the instrument in locations that are:
zExposed to direct sunlight or close to any heat source.
zExposed to frequent mechanical vibration.
zClose to an electrical noise source, such as high-voltage equipment or motive power sources.
zClose to any source of intensive electric or electromagnetic fields.
zExposed to large amounts of grease fumes, hot steam, dust or corrosive gases.
zExposed to unstable areas such as where a risk of explosion due to the presence of flammable gases exists.
Notes:
zUse the instrument under the following environmental conditions when precise measurements are required:
Ambient temperature range: 74oF (23oC) ±5o; ambient humidity range: 20 to 80% RH (non-condensing)
zWhen using the instrument within a temperature range of 32 to 64oF (0 to 18oC) or 82 to 122oF (28 to 50oC), add a value
based on the temperature coefficient shown in the “Specifications” section to the given accuracy rating.
zWhen using the instrument at an ambient humidity of 30% or lower, prevent electrostatic charges from being produced
by using an antistatic mat or other alternative means.

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zCondensation may occur if the instrument is relocated from places with low temperature and humidity to places with
high temperature and humidity, or if the instrument experiences a sudden temperature change. In these cases, leave
the instrument under the given ambient temperature for at least one hour to ensure that the instrument is free from
condensation before using the instrument.
Indication of Batter y Level
The battery replacement indicator shows the battery level in five steps according to the measured voltage of the batteries.
Full battery:
The battery level is below 50% full:
The battery level is below 25% full:
Low battery:
The battery icon flashes in sequence when charging.
Note that the battery replacement indicator is driven by directly measuring the battery voltage when the calibrator is in actual
operation. Consequently, the indicator may read differently depending on the battery load condition (e.g., the load condition
of the source output or on/off state of the measurement function).
Replace the batteries and fuses as described in the section “Replacing or installing batteries and fuses” toward the end of
this User Guide.
Connecting the Charger
Warning
zMake sure the voltage of the AC power source matches the rated supply voltage of the Charger before connecting the
Charger to the AC power source.
zDo not use a Charger other than the dedicated, supplied Charger.
zDo not charge non Ni-Cd, Ni-MH batteries.
Step 1: Ensure that the calibrator is OFF.
Step 2: Insert the plug of the optional Charger into the Charger connection jack.
Notes:
zSwitch OFF the calibrator before connecting or disconnecting the Charger from AC power.
zUnplug the Charger from the Charger connection jack of the calibrator when discharging.
zDo not charge the calibrator without batteries installed.

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Switching Power ON
Press the power key once to switch ON the calibrator. Press and hold the power key for 2 seconds to switch OFF the
calibrator.
Switching MEASURE Mode ON and OFF
The measurement function defaults to the OFF state each time the calibrator is switched ON.
zUse the MEASURE (ON) key to switch the MEASURE mode ON/OFF.
zIf the MEASURE function is not needed and therefore switched OFF, power to the measurement circuit is also switched
OFF within the calibrator. Thus, battery power is saved.
zTurning off the MEASURE function causes the on-screen measured value to switch off and the “OFF” indicator to
appear.
zTo resume measurement when the MEASURE function is off, press the MEASURE (ON) key again.
Automatic Power OFF
When the calibrator is running on battery power, and no key is pressed for approximately ten minutes, the calibrator switches
OFF automatically. The automatic power-off time can be programmed or set to the factory default state, see the
“Programming the Global Settings” section.
Switching the LCD Backlight ON and OFF
Press the backlight key to switch ON the backlight; press again to switch it OFF. Battery life is shortened by backlight
overuse.
Notes: The backlight automatically switches OFF after 30 seconds. The time can be programmed or reset to the factory
default condition, see the “Programming the Global Settings” section.