Extech Instruments EA30 User manual

User's Guide
EasyView Digital Light Meter
Model EA30

EA30 V2.0 06/062
Warranty
EXTECH INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION 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
[phone] 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
specifically disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for a specific
purpose and will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages.
Extech's total liability is limited to repair or replacement of the product. The warranty set
forth above is inclusive and no other warranty, whether written or oral, is expressed or
implied.
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech EasyView Digital Light Meter which
measures light level (illuminance). This device measures up to 40,000 Fc and 400,000
Lux. Careful use of this meter will provide years of reliable service.

EA30 V2.0 06/063
Specifications
Ranges and Resolution Accuracy
Lux
40.00, 400.0, 4000, 40.00k, 400.0kLux ± (3% Rdg + 0.5% FS)
±( 4% Rdg + 0.5%FS, if > 10,000 lux)
Foot candles
40.00, 400.0, 4000, 40.00kfc ± (3% Rdg + 0.5% FS)
±( 4% Rdg + 0.5%FS, if > 1,000 fc)
General Specifications
Display Multi-function 3-3/4 (3999) digit LCD with Bargraph indicator
Over range indication LCD displays ‘OL’
Spectral response CIE photopic (CIE human eye response curve)
Spectral accuracy CIE Vfunction (f1 ï 6%)
Measurement Repeatability±2%
Temperature coefficient ±0.1% per oC
Sampling rate 13.3 times per second (bargraph); 1.3 times per second (digital
display)
Photo detector Silicon photo-diode with spectral response filter
Peak hold Capture light peaks to 100uS
Operating conditions Temperature: 32 to 104oF (0 to 40oC); Humidity: < 80% RH
Storage conditions Temperature: 14 to 140oF (-10 to 50oC); Humidity: < 80% RH
Dimensions 5.91 x 2.8 x 1.4" (150 x 72 x 33mm)
Weight Approx. 11.3 oz. (320g) with battery
Low battery indication “BT” appears on the LCD
Power supply 6 ‘AAA’ cells; Battery life approx 400 hours

EA30 V2.0 06/064
Meter Description
1. LCD display
2. Range button
3. Power ON/OFF button
4. Peak hold button
5. Lux select button
6. Photo sensor (lens cover not shown)
7. Sensor input to top of meter
8. Data HOLD button
9. MAX/MIN button
10. fc foot candle select button
11. RELATIVE function button
Note: Battery compartment is located
on the rear of the instrument
Operation
Turn Power ON or OFF
1. Press the button to turn power on or off. The meter will perform a short self-test
when turned on.
Light sensor
1. The light sensor is permanently attached to the meter. A coiled cable attaches the
sensor to the meter.
2. The white domed light sensor lens is a photo diode and resides underneath the
protective cap.
3. The meter automatically zeroes, therefore a zero calibration is not necessary.
4. The back of the sensor has a tripod mounting hole.
Taking light measurements
1. Remove the protective cap from the sensor and face the white domed light sensor
toward the source of light to be monitored. For overhead lighting, the sensor can be
placed on a desk or table top.
2. The light being measured must encompass the entire white sensor dome.
3. Read the light level on the LCD. If the light measurement is out of range an “OL”
indication will appear on the display. If the ‘OL’ appears, select another range by
pressing the RANGE button.
Selecting Lux or Foot candle units of measure
Press the LUX button to select lux units and the fc button to select foot candle units.
MX MN Function (stores/recalls highest MX and lowest MN readings)
Press the MX/MN button once to put the meter in MX mode. The meter will now display
only the highest reading (MX is displayed on the upper left-hand portion of the LCD). Press
MX/MN again to put the meter in MN mode where the meter displays only the lowest
reading (MN icon is displayed). Press MX/MN again to have the meter continue to record
the highest and lowest readings but display only the current reading (both MX and MN
icons appear flashing), then use the MX/MN button to scroll through the highest and lowest
readings. To exit the MX MN mode, press and hold the MX/MN button until the MX and MN
icons completely disappear.
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EA30 V2.0 06/065
Data Hold
Press the HOLD button to freeze the displayed reading. The 'H' hold icon will appear on
the upper right-hand side of the display. Press the HOLD button again to return to normal
operation (the 'H' hold icon will disappear). When hold function is enabled the analog bar
graph will continue to display level changes.
Peak Hold
The Peak Hold feature allows the meter to captures light level changes that occur in as
little time as 100us. Press the PEAK button momentarily and the ‘P+’ icon will appear on
the LCD. The meter can now measure a fast acting light peak and display it on the LCD.
To exit the Peak Hold mode, press and hold the PEAK button until the ‘P+’ icon
disappears.
NOTE: If the PEAK button is pressed momentarily rather then pressed and held when
exiting the Peak mode, the meter will display ‘P-‘ which is a function reserved for future use
and should be ignored.
Relative mode
Measurements can be displayed as a difference between actual light level and a stored
reference value. To store a reading as a reference, press the REL button when the desired
reference measurement is on the LCD (the triangle icon will appear steady in the upper
left-hand corner of the LCD). All subsequent displayed readings will be “relative” to the
stored reference value. For example, if the reference value is 100 and the actual light level
is 125, the meter will display 25. To view the reference value, press the REL button again
so that the triangle icon begins to flash. The displayed value will be the reference value. To
exit the Relative mode, press and hold the REL button until the triangle icon disappears.

EA30 V2.0 06/066

Support line [phone]
Technical support: Extension 200; E-mail: [e-mail]
Repair & Returns: Extension 210; E-mail: [email protected]
Product specifications subject to change without notice
For the latest version of this User’s Guide, Software updates,and other
up-to-the-minute product information, visit our website: www.extech.com
Extech Instruments Corporation,285 Bear Hill Rd., Waltham, MA 02451
Maintenance
Cleaning and storage
1. The white plastic sensor dome should be cleaned with a damp cloth when necessary.
2. Store the meter in an area with moderate temperature and humidity (refer to the
operating and storage range in the specifications chart earlier in this manual).
Battery Replacement
When the battery power falls low, the ‘BT’ symbol will appear on the lower left-hand side of
the LCD. Replace the six (6) 1.5 ‘AAA’ batteries by removing the rear (center) battery
compartment screw and accessing the battery compartment. Observe polarity when
placing the batteries in the compartment. Ensure that the compartment cover is securely
fastened when finished.
Calibration and Repair Services
Extech offers repair and calibration services for the products we sell. Extech also
provides NIST certification for most products. Call the Customer Service Department for
information on calibration services available for this product. Extech recommends that
annual calibrations be performed to verify meter performance and accuracy.
Copyright ©2005 Extech Instruments Corporation.
All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.

EA30 V2.0 06/067
Appendix
Typical Light Levels
Lux Foot
Candles Lux Foot
Candles
Factories Home
20-75 2-7 Emergency Stairs, Warehouse 100-150 10-15 Washing
75-150 7-15 Exit/Entrance Passages 150-200 15-20 Recreational
Activities
150-300 15-30 Packing Work 200-300 20-30 Drawing Room,
Table
300-750 30-75 Visual Work: Production Line 300-500 30-50 Makeup
750-1,500 75-150 Typesetting: Inspection Work 500-1,500 50-150 Reading, Study
1,500-3,000 150-300 Electronic Assembly, Drafting 1,000-2,000 100-200 Sewing
Office Restaurant
75-100 7-10 Indoor Emergency Stairs 75-150 7-15 Corridor Stairs
100-200 10-20 Corridor Stairs 150-300 15-30 Entrance,
Wash Room
200-750 20-75 Conference,
Reception Room 300-750 30-75 Cooking Room, Dining Table
750-1,500 75-150 Clerical Work 750-1,500 75-150 Show Window
1,500-2,000 150-2000 Typing, Drafting
Store Hospital
75-150 7-15 Indoors 30-75 3-7 Emergency Stairs
150-200 15-20 Corridor/Stairs 75-100 7-10 Stairs
200-300 20-30 Reception 100-150 10-15 Sick Room,
Warehouse
300-500 30-50 Display Stand 150-200 15-20 Waiting Room
500-750 50-75 Elevator 200-750 20-75 Medical Exam
Room
750-1,500 75-150 Show Window,
Packing Table 750-1,500 75-150 Operating Room
1,500-3,000 150-300 Storefront, Show Window 5,000-10,000 500-1000 Eye Inspection
Spectral Sensitivity
400 450 500 550 600 650 700
Wavelength (nm)
- - - - - Light Meter Response _____ CIE Response
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