FLIR DM166 User manual

USER MANUAL
FLIR MODEL DM166
Thermal Imaging Digital MultiMeter with IGMTM

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Table of Contents
1. ADVISORIES 4
1.1 Copyright 4
1.2 Quality Assurance 4
1.3 Documentation 4
1.4 Disposal of Electronic Waste 4
2. SAFETY 5
3. INTRODUCTION 7
3.1 Key Features 7
4. METER DESCRIPTION AND REFERENCE GUIDE 8
4.1 Front and Back Meter Descriptions 8
4.2 Function Switch Positions 9
4.3 Function Buttons 10
4.3.1 MODE/Hz Button Sequence of Operations 10
4.4 Display Icons and Status Indicators 11
5. METER POWER 12
5.1 Powering the Meter 12
5.2 Intelligent Auto Power OFF (APO) 12
6. MULTIMETER OPERATION 13
6.1 Auto/Manual Range Modes 13
6.2 Probe Connection Alert 13
6.3 Out of Range Warning (OL) 14
6.4 Data (Display) Hold 14
6.5 MIN-MAX-AVG Mode 14
6.6 Relative Mode 14
6.7 Test Lead Holder Accessory 14
6.8 Voltage (AC/DC), VFD, and Frequency (Hz) Measurements 15
6.9 Non-Contact Voltage Detector 16
6.10 Resistance Measurements 17
6.11 Continuity Test 18
6.12 Diode Test 18
6.13 Capacitance Measurements 19
6.14 Type K Temperature Measurements 20
6.15 Current and Frequency Measurements (A, mA, µA) 20
6.15.1 Test Lead Current Measurements (A, mA, and µA) 20

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6.15.2 FLEX Clamp Adaptor Current and Frequency Measurements 22
7. IGMTM THERMAL IMAGER OPERATION 23
7.1 IGMTM (Infrared Guided Measurements) Basics 23
7.1.1 Thermal Image Display Description (refer to Fig. 7-1 for the list below) 23
7.1.2 Thermal Imager Operation 23
7.2 Using the Multimeter in the IGMTM mode 25
7.3 Emissivity Factors for Common Materials 25
7.4 Infrared Energy and Thermal Imaging Overview 26
8. MAINTENANCE 27
8.1 Cleaning and Storage 27
8.2 Battery Replacement 27
8.3 Fuse Replacement 27
8.4 Disposal of Electronic Waste 27
9. SPECIFICATIONS 28
9.1 General specifications 28
9.2 Thermal Imaging Specifications 30
9.3 Electrical Specifications 30
10. TECHNICAL SUPPORT 34
11. WARRANTIES 35

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1. Advisories
1.1 Copyright
© 2017, FLIR Systems, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. No parts of the software
including source code may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed or translated into
any language or computer language in any form or by any means, electronic, magnetic,
optical, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of FLIR Systems.
The documentation must not, in whole or part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced,
translated or transmitted to any electronic medium or machine readable form without
prior consent, in writing, from FLIR Systems.
Names and marks appearing on the products herein are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of FLIR Systems and/or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, trade names or
company names referenced herein are used for identification only and are the property
of their respective owners.
1.2 Quality Assurance
The Quality Management System under which these products are developed and
manufactured has been certified in accordance with the ISO 9001 standard.
FLIR Systems is committed to a policy of continuous development; therefore, we reserve
the right to make changes and improvements on any of the products without prior
notice.
1.3 Documentation
To access the latest manuals and notifications, go to the Download tab at:
http://support.flir.com. It only takes a few minutes to register online. In the download
area you will also find the latest releases of manuals for our other products, as well as
manuals for our historical and obsolete products.
1.4 Disposal of Electronic Waste
As with most electronic products, this equipment must be disposed of in an
environmentally friendly way, and in accordance with existing regulations for
electronic waste.
Please contact your FLIR Systems representative for more details.

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2. Safety
Safety Notes
Before operating the device, you must read, understand, and follow all instructions,
dangers, warnings, cautions, and notes.
FLIR Systems reserves the right to discontinue models, parts or accessories, and other
items, or to change specifications at any time without prior notice.
Remove the batteries if the device is not to be used for an extended period of time.
Warning Statements
Do not operate the device if you do not have the correct knowledge. Incorrect operation
of the device can cause damage, shock, injury or death to persons.
Do not start a measuring procedure before you have set the function switch to the
correct position. Failure to do so can cause damage to the instrument and can cause
injury to persons.
Do not change to the resistance mode when measuring voltage. This can cause damage
to the instrument and can cause injury to persons.
Do not measure the current on a circuit when the voltage increases to more than 1000 V.
This can cause damage to the instrument and can cause injury to persons.
You must disconnect the test leads from the circuit under test before you change the
range. Failure to observe this warning can damage the instrument and cause bodily
injury.
Do not replace the batteries before you remove the test leads. This can cause damage to
the instrument and can cause injury to persons.
Do not use the device if the test leads and/or the device show signs of damage. Injury to
persons can occur.
Be careful performing measurements if the voltages are > 25 VAC rms or 35 VDC. There is
a risk of shock from these voltages. Injury to persons can occur.
Do not do diode, resistance or continuity tests before you have removed the power from
capacitors and other devices under test. Injury to persons can occur.
Be careful when performing voltage checks on electrical outlets. These checks are
difficult because of the uncertainty of the connection to the recessed electrical contacts.
You must not rely solely on this this device when determining if the terminals are not
“live”. There is a risk of electrical shock. Injury to person can occur.
Do not touch expired/damaged batteries without gloves. Injury to persons can occur.
Do not cause a short circuit of the batteries. This can cause damage to the instrument
and can cause injury to persons.
Do not put the batteries into a fire. Injury to persons can occur.
Use extreme caution when the laser pointer is on.
Do not point the beam toward anyone's eye or allow the beam to strike the eye from a
reflective surface.
Do not use the laser near explosive gases or in other potentially explosive areas.
Refer to the CAUTION statement label (shown below) for critical safety information.

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Note: The manufacturer’s address label is located inside the battery compartment.
Cautions
Do not use the device in a manner not specified by the manufacturer. This can cause damage to
the protection provided.
This symbol, adjacent to another symbol or terminal, indicates that the user
must refer to the user manual for further information.
This symbol, adjacent to a terminal, indicates that, under normal use, hazardous
voltages may be present.
Double insulation.
UL listing is not an indication or a verification of the accuracy of the meter

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3. Introduction
Thank you for selecting the FLIR DM166 True RMS Digital MultiMeter with IGMTM
(Infrared Guided Measurement) Thermal Imaging. The DM166 can measure voltage up
to 600V AC/DC and includes a VFD function (low pass filter). The thermal imager
measures surface temperature, offers adjustable emissivity, and features a laser pointer
and cross hairs for precise targeting. This device is shipped fully tested and calibrated
and, with proper use, will provide years of reliable service.
3.1 Key Features
6000 count 2.4” digital TFT display, 320x240 pixels.
IGMTM Infrared imager with selectable color palette, laser pointer, cross hairs targeting, and
adjustable emissivity measures surface temperature
Thermal imager (80x60 pixels) offers a 30:1 distance-to-spot ratio and a 50ox 38.6ofield-of-
view
DMM measures AC/DC Voltage (V, mV), AC/DC Current (A, mA, µA), Frequency, Resistance,
Continuity, Diode, Capacitance, and Type-K Temperature
Built-in non-contact voltage detector (NCV)
Flex Clamp adaptor direct input
Automatic and Manual ranging
Input over-voltage warning (OL)
Input warning when test leads are incorrectly connected to meter
MIN-MAX-AVG memory
Relative offset mode
Variable-frequency drive ‘VFD’feature (low-pass filter)
Data (Display) Hold
Intelligent Auto Power OFF (APO), customizable
Safety Category Rating: CAT IV-300V, CAT III-600V.
Equipped with batteries, test leads, pouch, and Quick Start booklet.

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4. Meter Description and Reference Guide
4.1 Front and Back Meter Descriptions
Fig. 4-1 Front View
1. NCV sensor
2. LCD display
3. MODE/Hz button
4. RANGE button
5. Palette/Emissivity button
6. Function Switch
7. Positive (+) Probe Input Jack for µA/mA
(Current)
8. Positive (+) Probe Input Jack for Amps
(Current)
9. COM (-) Probe Input Jack
10. Positive (+) Probe Input Jack for all inputs
except Amps, mA, and µA
11. Relative (REL) button
12. Laser pointer ON/OFF button
13. MIN-MAX/APO button
14. HOLD/Temperature units button
15. Thermal Image mode button
1. Laser lens
2. Thermal imaging lens
3. Test Lead holder mounts
4. Tripod mount
5. Tilt stand
6. Battery/Fuse compartment
7. Battery/Fuse door lock
Fig. 4-2 Rear View

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4.2 Function Switch Positions
Detect AC voltage through the non-contact sensor at the top of the meter
FLEX Direct: Auxiliary channel for use with optional Flexible Current clamp or
standard clamp adaptors when > 600A measurements are required. In this
mode, the meter will display true rms ACA measurements from the connected
device. Long press MODE to see the Frequency (Hz).
Meter is switched OFF and in full power-saving mode.
Measure AC voltage (V) through the probe inputs. Use the MODE button to
select the VFD (low pass filter) function
Measure DC voltage (V) through the probe inputs.
Measure low voltage (mV) through the probe inputs. Use the MODE button to
select AC/DC milli-volts.
Measure temperature through the probe inputs using a thermocouple
adaptor. Use the MODE button to select temperature.
Measure resistance, continuity (use MODE button to toggle function).
Measure capacitance, or diode through the probe inputs. Use the MODE
button to select the desired function.
Measure µA current through the probe inputs. Use the MODE button to select
AC or DC.
Measure current through the probe inputs (A or mA). Use the MODE button to
select AC or DC.
Fig. 4-3 Rotary Function Switch

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4.3 Function Buttons
Short press to toggle VFD on/off in AC Voltage mode or to toggle functions at
a two-function switch position. Long press to view Frequency (Hz) in AC
modes. Short press to step through AC/DC mV, and temperature when the
function switch is set to the mV/Temp position. See Section 4.3.1, MODE
Button Sequence of Operations.
From Auto range mode, short press to select Manual range mode.
In Manual mode, short press to change range; long press to return to Auto
range.
In thermal image mode, short press to select a color palette.
Long press to open the emissivity adjustment menu, then short press to select
emissivity value and long press to exit.
Short press to enable/disable Relative mode.
Short press to activate the Thermal Imager. Short press again to clear image
of all text/icons. Short press a third time to exit the Thermal Imager mode.
Press and hold to activate laser pointer. Release button to deactivate.
Short press to switch ON/OFF the MIN-MAX-AVG display.
Long press to open the Auto Power OFF (APO) settings menu, then short press
to select APO time and long press to exit.
Short press freezes/unfreezes display (DMM or thermal image mode).
Long press toggles oC and oF temperature units in Thermal Image mode only.
4.3.1 MODE/Hz Button Sequence of Operations
Measurement
MODE/Hz button sequence of operations
ACA < > Frequency (long button press)
ACV < > Frequency (long press)
AC mV > DC mV > °C > °F (short press)
AC mV < > Frequency (long press)
Resistance < > Continuity (short press)
Capacitance < > Diode (short press)
ACµA < > DCµA (short press)
AC < > DC (short press); ACA/ACmA < > Frequency (long press)

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4.4 Display Icons and Status Indicators
For the non-contact voltage detector, the display bars and beeper
represent the strength of the sensed voltage. Number of bars and
beeper rate increase relative to voltage strength.
Lo
Low sensitivity mode for non-contact voltage detector (80~1000V
range). Use the RANGE button to toggle Hi/Lo setting.
Hi
High sensitivity mode for non-contact voltage detector (20~1000V
range). Use the RANGE button to toggle Hi/Lo setting.
MAX reading displayed (available in DMM and Thermal Image modes)
MIN reading displayed (available in DMM and Thermal Image modes)
AVG reading displayed (available in DMM and Thermal Image modes)
Auto range mode
VFD (low pass filter)
Data (display) HOLD for DMM and Thermal Image mode
Relative mode (available in DMM and Thermal Image mode)
Ԑ
Emissivity setting
Battery status
AC current or voltage
DC current or voltage
Flex Clamp or standard clamp adaptor direct input
Continuity mode
Resistance mode

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Diode test mode
Capacitance mode
External Type K Thermocouple probe mode
oC/oF
Temperature units
5. Meter Power
5.1 Powering the Meter
1. Set the function switch to any position to switch on the meter.
2. If the battery indicator shows that the battery voltage is low, if a Low Battery
warning screen appears, or if the meter does not power on, replace the batteries in the
rear compartment. See Section 8.2, Battery Replacement. If using the Model TA04
charging system, please recharge the battery pack.
5.2 Intelligent Auto Power OFF (APO)
The meter enters sleep mode after a programmable period of inactivity, to customize
this setting:
1. Long press the APO button to open the APO menu
2. Short press the APO button to step to the desired APO time or to OFF
3. Long press the APO button to exit
4. The last APO selection saved becomes the default APO time
5. The DM166 has an ‘intelligent’ APO feature where the meter will not power
down if any of the following conditions exist:
Rotary switch or push button is operated
Significant measurement > 8.5% of ranges
Non-OL readings for Resistance, Continuity or Diode function
Non-zero readings for Hz function
Electric field signal present for NCV function

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6. MultiMeter Operation
Caution: Before operating the device, you must read, understand, and follow all
instructions, safety warnings, cautions, and notes.
Caution: When the meter is not in use, the function switch should be set to the OFF
position.
Caution: When connecting the probe leads to the device under test, connect the COM
(negative) lead before connecting the positive lead. When removing the probe leads,
remove the positive lead before removing the COM (negative) lead.
6.1 Auto/Manual Range Modes
In Auto range mode , the meter automatically selects the most appropriate
measurement scale. In Manual range mode, the user can adjust the range (scale).
Auto range mode is the default mode of operation.
1. To use Manual range, short press the RANGE button to enter the manual range
mode, and short press again until the desired range appears.
2. To return to the Auto range mode, long press the RANGE button until the Auto
Range indicator appears.
6.2 Probe Connection Alert
When the probe leads are not plugged into the correct jacks for the measurement
selected by the function switch, a display alert is shown and the beeper sounds. The
warning shown in Figure 6-1, below left, appears when a test lead is plugged into the ‘A’
or ‘µA/mA’ input terminals with the rotary switch set to any function other than ‘µA’,
‘mA’, or ‘A’. The warning shown in Figure 6-1, below right, appears when the test lead is
plugged into the ‘A’ input terminal with the rotary switch set to the ‘µA’terminal. In
these cases, switch the meter off and correctly connect the test leads before attempting
to make measurements.
Fig. 6-1 Probe Connection Alert Screens

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6.3 Out of Range Warning (OL)
If the input is outside the selected range in Manual mode, or if the signal has exceeded
the maximum input in Auto range mode, ‘OL’ appears.
6.4 Data (Display) Hold
In Hold mode, the displayed reading freezes (DMM mode) or the thermal image freezes
(Thermal Image mode). To enter/exit Hold mode, short press the button. The
indicator appears in the Hold mode.
6.5 MIN-MAX-AVG Mode
Short press the MIN/MAX button to start recording/viewing the lowest , highest ,
and average readings. Each time a memory display is updated the meter beeps. Short
press MIN/MAX to return to the normal operating display.
6.6 Relative Mode
In Relative mode, you can compare measurements to a stored reference. For example,
if the stored reference value is 10VDC and you take a measurement of 50VDC, the
meter will display 40VDC (50V actual minus the 10V reference.).
Take a measurement and short press the REL button to store the reading (stored
reading appears on the lower right corner of the display).
Now, subsequent measurements will display ‘relative’ to the stored reference.
Short press REL to return to the normal operating mode.
6.7 Test Lead Holder Accessory
Connect the test lead holder accessory (optional) to the two slots on the back of the
meter (item 3 in Fig. 4-2) and to the tripod mount (item 4 in Fig. 4-2). The test lead
holder is ergonomic and protects the thermal imaging and laser pointer lenses.

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6.8 Voltage (AC/DC), VFD, and Frequency (Hz) Measurements
Fig. 6-2(a) AC Voltage/HZ Measurements
1. Set the function switch to one of the following positions:
(VDC) or (VAC) for high voltage
measurements. Short press MODE to
switch to VFD mode for VAC
measurements. Press again to exit.
(milli-volts) for low voltage
measurements. Short press MODE to select
AC or DC for milli-volt measurements.
2. The indicator appears for AC
measurements. The indicator appears
for DC measurements.
3. Insert the black probe lead into the
negative COM terminal and the red probe
lead into the positive terminal.
4. Connect the probe leads in parallel to the
part under test.
5. Read the measured voltage value on the
display. The meter defaults to Auto Range
mode. To use Manual Range mode: short
press the Range button or refer to Section
6.1, Auto/Manual Range Modes.
6. If ‘OL’ appears, the signal being measured is out of the
range of the meter’s capability. In this case, stop the
test immediately and review the application.
7. Short press the HOLD button to freeze/unfreeze the
displayed reading.
8. To view the Frequency (Hz) of the measured AC
voltage, long press the Hz button. Long press again to
return to the voltage measurement.
9. For additional functionality, refer to Section 6.5, MIN-
MAX-AVG Mode and Section 6.6, Relative Mode.
Fig. 6-2(b) DC Voltage Measurements

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6.9 Non-Contact Voltage Detector
Warning: For safety, always test the voltage detector on a known live circuit before
using the voltage detector on unknown voltage potentials.
1. Set switch to the NCV position. See Figure 6-3.
2. Be sure to remove the test leads from the meter.
3. Short press the RANGE button to toggle the Hi (20~1000V) and Lo (80~1000V)
sensitivity modes.
4. Position the top of the meter close to a source of voltage.
5. When the meter detects a voltage, it beeps and displays a blue bar animation. The
tone rate and the bar number will increase relative to the detected voltage.
Fig. 6-3 Non-Contact Voltage Detector

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6.10 Resistance Measurements
Warning: Do not test resistance/continuity before removing power from capacitors
and other devices under test during a measurement. Injury to persons can occur.
1. Refer to Fig. 6-4. Set the function switch to the resistance position.
2. Short press MODE to step to the resistance mode.
3. Insert the black probe lead into the negative COM terminal and red probe lead
into positive Ω terminal.
4. Touch the tips of the probe across the circuit or component under test.
5. Read the resistance value on the display. The meter defaults to Auto Range
mode. To use Manual mode short press the RANGE button or refer to Section
6.1, Auto/Manual Range Modes.
6. If ‘OL’ appears, the signal is out of range. In this case, stop the test immediately
and review the application.
7. Short press the HOLD button to freeze/unfreeze the displayed reading.
8. For additional functions, see Section 6.5, MIN-MAX-AVG Mode and Section 6.6,
Relative Mode.
Fig. 6-4 Resistance and Continuity Measurements

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6.11 Continuity Test
Warning: Do not perform continuity tests before removing the power from capacitors
and other devices under test during a measurement. Injury to persons can occur.
1. Refer to Fig. 6-4. Set the function switch to the continuity position.
2. Short press the MODE button to select continuity if necessary .
3. Insert the black probe lead into the negative COM terminal and the red probe
lead into the positive terminal.
4. Touch the tips of the probe across the circuit or component under test.
If the resistance is < 30Ω the meter beeps
If the resistance is > 480Ω the meter will not beep
If the resistance is > 30Ω but < 480Ω the beep stops at an unspecified point
6.12 Diode Test
Warning: Do not perform diode tests before removing the power to the diode or other
devices under test during a measurement. Injury to persons can occur.
1. Set the function switch to the diode position. Short press the MODE button to
select the diode test function if necessary.
2. Insert the black probe lead into the negative COM terminal and the red probe
lead into the positive
terminal.
3. Touch probe tips across the
diode or semiconductor
junction under test in one
polarity (direction) and then
in the opposite polarity as
shown in Fig. 6-5.
4. If the reading is between
0.400 and 0.800V in one
direction and OL (overload) in
the opposite direction, the
component is good. If the
measurement is 0V in both
directions (shorted) or OL in
both directions (open), the
component is bad.
Fig. 6-5 Diode Test

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6.13 Capacitance Measurements
Warning: Do not perform capacitance tests before removing power to the capacitor or
other devices under test during a measurement. Injury to persons can occur.
1. Set the function switch to the capacitance position.
2. Short press the MODE button to select the capacitance measurement if
necessary. The F(Farad) unit of measure appears.
3. Insert the black probe lead into the negative COM terminal and the red probe
lead into the positive terminal.
4. Touch the tips of the probe across the part under test.
5. Read the capacitance value on the display. Short press the HOLD button to
freeze/unfreeze the displayed reading.
6. For additional functionality, refer to Section 6.5, MIN-MAX-AVG Mode and
Section 6.6, Relative Mode.
Fig. 6-6 Capacitance Measurements
Note: For very large capacitance values, it may take several minutes for the
measurement to settle and the final reading to stabilize.

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6.14 Type K Temperature Measurements
1. Set the function to the Temperature position.
2. Short presses of the MODE button step to the °F or °C temperature mode.
3. While observing polarity, insert the
thermocouple adapter into the
negative COM terminal and the positive
terminal.
4. Touch the tip of the thermocouple to a
part under test or hold the
thermocouple in the surrounding air.
Wait until the reading stabilizes before
moving the thermocouple and
recording the reading.
5. Read the temperature value on the
display. Short press the HOLD button to
freeze/unfreeze the displayed reading.
6. To avoid electrical shock, disconnect
the thermocouple adapter before
turning the function switch to another
position.
Fig. 6-7 Temperature Measurements
6.15 Current and Frequency Measurements (A, mA, µA)
For test lead current measurements, disconnect the
part under test and connect the test leads in series with
the part, see Figure 6-8.
Fig. 6-8 Disconnected component
6.15.1 Test Lead Current Measurements (A, mA, and µA)
1. For test-lead measurements: ‘A’ (amperes) and ‘mA’ (milli-amperes) set the
function switch to the position. For ‘µA’ (microampere) measurements, set
the function switch to the position.
2. Insert the black probe lead into the negative COM terminal and the red probe
lead into one of the following positive terminals:
Afor high current measurements.
mA for lower current measurements.
µA for micro-amp measurements