Fluke 9103 User manual

9103
Dry-Well
User’s Guide
2005 Rev. 1, 9/21
© 2005-2021 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Each Fluke product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and
service. The warranty period is one year and begins on the date of shipment. Parts, product repairs, and services
are warranted for 90 days. This warranty extends only to the original buyer or end-user customer of a Fluke
authorized reseller, and does not apply to fuses, disposable batteries, or to any product which, in Fluke's opinion,
has been misused, altered, neglected, contaminated, or damaged by accident or abnormal conditions of operation
or handling. Fluke warrants that software will operate substantially in accordance with its functional specifications
for 90 days and that it has been properly recorded on non-defective media. Fluke does not warrant that software
will be error free or operate without interruption.
Fluke authorized resellers shall extend this warranty on new and unused products to end-user customers only but
have no authority to extend a greater or different warranty on behalf of Fluke. Warranty support is available only if
product is purchased through a Fluke authorized sales outlet or Buyer has paid the applicable international price.
Fluke reserves the right to invoice Buyer for importation costs of repair/replacement parts when product purchased
in one country is submitted for repair in another country.
Fluke's warranty obligation is limited, at Fluke's option, to refund of the purchase price, free of charge repair, or
replacement of a defective product which is returned to a Fluke authorized service center within the warranty
period.
To obtain warranty service, contact your nearest Fluke authorized service center to obtain return authorization
information, then send the product to that service center, with a description of the difficulty, postage and insurance
prepaid (FOB Destination). Fluke assumes no risk for damage in transit. Following warranty repair, the product will
be returned to Buyer, transportation prepaid (FOB Destination). If Fluke determines that failure was caused by
neglect, misuse, contamination, alteration, accident, or abnormal condition of operation or handling, including
overvoltage failures caused by use outside the product’s specified rating, or normal wear and tear of mechanical
components, Fluke will provide an estimate of repair costs and obtain authorization before commencing the work.
Following repair, the product will be returned to the Buyer transportation prepaid and the Buyer will be billed for the
repair and return transportation charges (FOB Shipping Point).
THIS WARRANTY IS BUYER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. FLUKE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY
SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, INCLUDING LOSS OF
DATA, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR THEORY.
Since some countries or states do not allow limitation of the term of an implied warranty, or exclusion or limitation
of incidental or consequential damages, the limitations and exclusions of this warranty may not apply to every
buyer. If any provision of this Warranty is held invalid or unenforceable by a court or other decision-maker of
competent jurisdiction, such holding will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.
11/99
Fluke Corporation
P.O. Box 9090
Everett, WA 98206-9090
U.S.A.
Fluke Europe B.V.
P.O. Box 1186
5602 BD Eindhoven
The Netherlands

iii
Table of Contents
Title Page
Introduction.......................................................................................................... 1
Contact Fluke Calibration .................................................................................... 2
Safety Information ............................................................................................... 2
Service Information.............................................................................................. 2
Specifications and Environmental Conditions ..................................................... 3
Specifications ............................................................................................... 3
Environmental Conditions............................................................................. 4
Quick Start........................................................................................................... 4
Unpacking..................................................................................................... 4
Setup ............................................................................................................ 4
Power ........................................................................................................... 4
Set the Temperature............................................................................................ 5
Parts and Controls............................................................................................... 5
Rear Panel.................................................................................................... 5
Thermal Electric Devices (TED) ................................................................... 6
Front Panel ................................................................................................... 7
Constant Temperature Block Assembly .............................................................. 8
Probe Sleeves .............................................................................................. 8
General................................................................................................................ 9
Change the Display Units ............................................................................. 9
Controller Operation ............................................................................................ 9
Well Temperature ......................................................................................... 9
Temperature Set-point.................................................................................. 9
Programmable Set-points...................................................................... 11
Set-point Value ............................................................................................. 11
Temperature Scale Units....................................................................... 11
Scan ............................................................................................................. 12
Scan Control.......................................................................................... 12
Scan Rate.............................................................................................. 12
Temperature Display Hold............................................................................ 12
Enable the Hold Temperature Display................................................... 13
Mode Setting ......................................................................................... 13
Switch Wiring......................................................................................... 13
Switch Test Example............................................................................. 13
Set-point Resistance .................................................................................... 14

iv
9103
User’s Guide
Temperature Scale Units............................................................................... 14
Secondary Menu ........................................................................................... 14
Thermal Electric Devices (TED) .................................................................... 14
Proportional Band.......................................................................................... 15
Controller Configuration ................................................................................ 16
Operating Parameters ................................................................................... 16
Serial Interface Parameters........................................................................... 16
BAUD Rate............................................................................................. 16
Sample Period........................................................................................ 17
Duplex Mode ................................................................................................. 17
Linefeed.................................................................................................. 17
Calibration Parameters.................................................................................. 18
R0........................................................................................................... 18
ALPHA.................................................................................................... 18
DELTA.................................................................................................... 18
BETA ...................................................................................................... 18
Digital Communication Interface........................................................................... 18
Serial Communications ................................................................................. 19
Wiring ..................................................................................................... 19
Setup ...................................................................................................... 20
Serial Operation ..................................................................................... 21
Interface Commands ..................................................................................... 21
Test Probe Calibration.......................................................................................... 23
Calibrate a Single Probe ............................................................................... 23
Stabilization and Accuracy ............................................................................ 23
Calibration and Adjustment Procedure................................................................. 24
Calibration Points .......................................................................................... 24
Calibration Procedure.................................................................................... 24
Compute DELTA .................................................................................... 25
Compute R0 and ALPHA ....................................................................... 26
Compute BETA ...................................................................................... 26
Accuracy and Repeatability.................................................................... 27
Maintenance ......................................................................................................... 27
Troubleshooting Problems, Possible Causes, and Solutions ............................... 28

1
Introduction
The Fluke Calibration 9103 Dry-Well (the Product or the Calibrator) is a small portable instrument for
quick on-site checks and calibration of thermocouple and RTD temperature probes. The Product is
small enough to use in the field, and accurate enough to use in the lab. Calibrations can be done from
-25 °C to 140 °C (-13 °F to 284 °F). Temperature display resolution is 0.1 °.
The Product features:
• Convenient handle
• RS-232 interface
• Universal ac input
Built-in programmable features include:
• Temperature scan rate control
• Temperature switch hold
• Eight set-point memory
• Adjustable readout in °C or °F
The Fluke Calibration hybrid analog/digital controller accurately controls the temperature. The
controller uses a precision platinum RTD as a sensor and controls the well temperature with pulsed-
driven Thermal Electric Devices (TED).
The LED front panel shows the current well temperature. Use the controller keypad to set temperature
to any desired temperature within Product range. Multiple fault protection devices ensure user and
Product safety and protection.
The Product is portable, low cost, and easy to operate. With proper use and maintenance, the Product
provides continued accurate calibration of temperature sensors and devices. Read all safety guidelines
and operating procedures of the calibrator as described in this manual and the Safety Information that
ships with the Product.

9103
User’s Guide
2
Contact Fluke Calibration
Fluke Corporation operates worldwide. For local contact information, go to our website:
www.flukecal.com
To register your product, view, print, or download the latest User’s Guide or manual supplement, go to
our website.
Fluke Corporation
P.O. Box 9090
Everett, WA 98206-9090
[phone]
[email protected]
Safety Information
A Warning identifies conditions and procedures that are dangerous to the user. A Caution identifies
conditions and procedures that can cause damage to the Product or the equipment under test.
General Safety Information is located in the printed Safety Information document that ships with the
Product. It can also be found online at www.Flukecal.com. More specific safety information is listed
where applicable.
Service Information
Contact an authorized Fluke Calibration Service Center if the Product needs calibration or repair during
the warranty period. Please have Product information such as the purchase date and serial number
ready when you schedule a repair.

Dry-Well
Specifications and Environmental Conditions
3
Specifications and Environmental Conditions
Specifications
Specifications are in Table 1.
Table 1. Specifications
Range -25 °C to 140 °C (-13 °F to 284 °F), at 23 °C ambient
Accuracy ±0.25 °C (±1.0°C in holes >6.4 mm (1/4 in))
Stability ±0.02 °C at –25 °C
±0.04 °C at 140 °C
Resolution 0.1 °C or °F
Well-to-Well Uniformity ±0.1 °C with similar probes
Thermal Electric Devices (TED) 150 W
Heating Time 18 minutes from ambient to 140 °C
Cooling Time 20 minutes from ambient to -25 °C
Stabilization Time 7 minutes
Immersion Depth 124 mm (4.875 in)
Power Requirements 115/230 V ac (±10 %), 50/60 Hz, 250 VA
Fuse Rating F, 3 A, 250 V
Removable Inserts A, B, C, or D See Figure 3.
Computer Interface RS-232
Size (HxWxD) 261 mm x 143 mm x 245 mm (10.25 in x 5.63 in x 9.63 in)
Environmental Conditions
Ambient Temperature Range
Ambient Relative Humidity
Pressure
Altitude
5 °C to 45 °C (41 °F to 113 °F)
maximum 80 % for temperature <31 °C, decreasing linearly to 35 % at 40 °C
75 kPa to 106 kPa
<2000 m
Weight 5.7 kg (12 lb)
Safety General IEC 61010-1: Overvoltage Category II, Pollution Degree 2
Heating IEC 61010-2-010
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
International................................. IEC 61326-1: Basic Electromagnetic Environment
CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A
Group 1: Equipment has intentionally generated and/or uses conductively-coupled radio
frequency energy that is necessary for the internal function of the equipment itself.
Class A: Equipment is suitable for use in all establishments other than domestic and those
directly connected to a low-voltage power supply network that supplies buildings used for
domestic purposes. There may be potential difficulties in ensuring electromagnetic
compatibility in other environments due to conducted and radiated disturbances.
Caution: This equipment is not intended for use in residential environments and may not
provide adequate protection to radio reception in such environments.
Emissions that exceed the levels required by CISPR 11 can occur when the equipment is
connected to a test object.
The equipment may not meet the immunity requirements of this standard when test leads
and/or test probes are connected.
Korea (KCC) ............................... Class A Equipment (Industrial, Broadcasting, &
Communication Equipment)
Class A: Equipment meets requirements for industrial electromagnetic wave equipment and
the seller or user should take notice of it. This equipment is intended for use in business
environments and not to be used in homes.
USA (FCC).................................. 47 CFR 15 subpart B. This product is considered an exempt
device per clause 15.103.

9103
User’s Guide
4
Environmental Conditions
Although the Product has been designed for optimum durability and trouble-free operation, handle the
Product with care.
WCaution
To avoid damaging the Product:
• Do not operate the Product in an excessively dusty or dirty environment.
• Minimize vibrations in the calibration environment.
• Use the Product indoors only.
For Maintenance and cleaning recommendations, see Maintenance.
Quick Start
Unpacking
Unpack the Product carefully and inspect it for any damage that may have occurred during shipment. If
there is shipping damage, notify the carrier immediately.
Verify that the following components are present:
• 9103 Dry-Well
• Insert for configuration ordered
• Mains power cable
• 9103 Safety Information
• Insert Removal Tongs
• Serial cable
Setup
Place the Product on a flat surface with at least 15.24 cm (6 in) of free space around the Product. Plug
the power cord into a grounded mains outlet. Observe that the nominal voltage corresponds to that
indicated on the Product.
Power
See Table 1, for power details. Turn on the Product with the power switch located on the rear of the
Product. The Product heats to the previously-programmed temperature set-point. The display indicates
the actual Product temperature.
Once the Product is on, the fan begins to quietly blow air through the Product and the controller display
illuminates after 3 seconds. After a brief self-test the Product begins normal operation. If the unit fails to
operate, check the power connection.

Dry-Well
Set the Temperature
5
Set the Temperature
Temperature Set-point explains in detail how to set the temperature set-point on the Product front
panel. The procedure is summarized here:
1. Push SET twice to access the set-point value.
2. Push UP or DOWN to change the set-point value.
3. Push SET to program in the new set-point.
4. Push EXIT to return to the temperature display.
When you change the set-point temperature the controller switches the well TEDs on or off to raise
or lower the temperature. The displayed well temperature gradually changes until it reaches the
set-point temperature. The well can require 25 minutes to reach the set-point depending on the
span. Another 6 minutes to 10 minutes is required to stabilize within ±0.1 °C of the set-point.
Ultimate stability can take 20 minutes to 30 minutes more of stabilization time.
Parts and Controls
The user should become familiar with the Product and its parts (See Figure 1and Figure 2).
Rear Panel
Mains power cable - The removable mains power cable attaches to the rear of the Product. The Cable
plugs into an IEC grounded socket.
Power Switch - The power switch is on the power entry module (PEM). The PEM also houses the
voltage selector and main fuses.
To change the mains voltage selection, replace the fuses and place the voltage selector in the correct
position.
1. Insert a small flat head screwdriver at the bottom of the PEM and lift the fuse holder cover from the
PEM.
2. With the screwdriver, lift the fuse holder from the PEM.
3. Install the correct fuse:
• 115 V or 250 V Fluke part number 109199. Fuse, 0.25x31.75 mm, 3 A, 250 V, fast blow.
4. Once installed, put the fuse holder back into the PEM. Make sure that the correct voltage shows on
the closed fuse cover.
Serial Port - A DB-9 male connector connects the Product to a computer or terminal with serial RS-232
communications.
Fan - The fan inside the Product runs continuously as the Product operates and provides cooling for
the Product. At high temperatures or during heating, the fan slows down. Slots at the top and around
the two corners of the Product are provided for airflow. Keep the area around the calibrator clear to
allow adequate ventilation. The airflow is directed up.

9103
User’s Guide
6
Thermal Electric Devices (TED)
The power of the Product is precisely controlled by the temperature controller to maintain a constant
temperature. Power is controlled by periodically switching the TEDs on for a certain amount of time
using power transistors.
Figure 1. Back Panel
115V
RS-232
FLUKE CALIBRATION
6920 SEAWAY BLVD, M/S 143F
EVERETT, WA 98203
www.ukecal.com
ASSEMBLED IN USA
F 3 A, 250 V
POWER
115/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 250 VA

Dry-Well
Parts and Controls
7
Front Panel
WCaution
Always leave enough clearance in front of the calibrator to allow for safe and easy
installation and removal of probes.
Figure 2. Front Panel
Display - The digital display shows set and actual temperatures and also indicates various Product
functions, settings, and constants. The display shows temperatures in units according to the selected
scale °C or °F.
Controller Keypad - The four-button keypad allows easy setting of the set-point temperature. Use the
control buttons (SET, DOWN, UP, and EXIT) to set the Product temperature set-point, access, and set
other operating parameters, and calibration parameters.
Set the control temperature directly in degrees of the current scale. Set the temperature to one-tenth of
a degree Celsius or Fahrenheit.
The functions of the buttons are:
SET – Used to display the next parameter in the menu and to store parameters to the displayed value.
DOWN – Used to decrement the displayed value of parameters.
UP – Used to increment the displayed value.
EXIT – Used to exit a function and to skip to the next function. Any changes made to the displayed
value are ignored. Hold EXIT for about a 1/2 a second to return control to the main display.
SWITCH HOLD – Use these terminals to connect and test external thermal switches and cutouts.
SWITCH
HOLD
SET DOWN UP EXIT
Smoked Display Window
9103
DRY-WELL CALIBRATOR –25°C to 140°C
104.6 C
DR Y-WELL CALIBR ATOR –25°C to 140°C
910 3

9103
User’s Guide
8
Constant Temperature Block Assembly
The Block is made of aluminum and provides a relatively constant and accurate temperature
environment. Insert the sensor to be calibrated inside the block. The 1.25 in diameter well is used for
sensors of that size or can be sleeved down with various sized multi-hole probe sleeves. TEDs
surround the block assembly and provide even heat to the sensor. A high-temperature platinum RTD
embedded at the base of the block assembly senses and controls the temperature of the block. The
entire assembly is suspended in an air-cooled chamber thermally isolated from the chassis and
electronics.
Probe Sleeves
The probe sleeves are show in Figure 3.
The Product comes with a multiple-hole aluminum probe sleeve for insertion into the calibrator well and
tongs for removing sleeves. Probe sleeves of various hole sizes are available and allow the probe to fit
snugly into the well whatever the diameter of the probe.
One insert (whichever is ordered) is shipped with the unit. The insert types:
• Insert A (variety block): 1/2 in, 3/8 in, 1/4 in, 3/16 in, 1/8 in, and 1/16 in holes
• Insert B (comparison block): 2 each 3/8 in, 2 each 1/4 in, and 2 each 3/16 in holes
• Insert C (1/4 in comparison block): 6 each 1/4 in holes
• Insert D: 2 each 3 mm, 2 each 4 mm, and 2 each 6 mm holes
Figure 3. Interchangeable Inserts Available for the Block Assembly
1/4"
3/16"
1/8"
1/2"
1/16"
3/8" 3/8" 3/8"
1/4"
1/4" 3/16"
3/16" 1/4"
6mm
4mm
6mm
3mm
3mm
4mm
ABCBD

Dry-Well
General
9
General
Change the Display Units
The temperature units are factory defaulted to Celsius. To change to Fahrenheit or back to Celsius:
1. Push SET and UP simultaneously. The temperature display changes units.
or
1. Push SET three times from the temperature display to show
Un= C
2. Push UP or DOWN to change units.
3. Push SET to store the changes.
Controller Operation
Use the front panel to monitor the well temperature, adjust the set-point temperature in degrees C or F,
monitor the heater output power, adjust the controller proportional band, operating parameters, serial
interface configuration, and controller calibration parameters. Operation of the functions and
parameters are shown in Figure 4. Copy this chart for reference.
In the subsequent discussion, the word SET, UP, DOWN or EXIT indicates the panel button, next to
the display reading. Explanations of the button or display readings are to the right of each button or
display value.
Well Temperature
The well temperature value normally shows on the display. The units of the temperature value (C or F)
show at the right. For example,
100.0 C Well temperature in degrees Celsius
To access the temperature display from any other function, hold and release EXIT.
Temperature Set-point
The temperature set-point can be set to any value within the range and with resolution as given in the
specifications. Be careful not to exceed the safe upper temperature limit of any device inserted into the
well.
To set the temperature, select the set-point memory and adjust the set-point value.

9103
User’s Guide
10
Figure 4. Operational Flowchart
UP UP
NWODNWOD
SET
Operating
Parameters
Menu
SET
SET
Cal
Menu
ALPHA
DELTA
Adj. R0
LAUNAMEES.SEULA
VESEHTEGNAHCTONOD
ON
ODL
AUNAM
EES
.SEULA
VESEHT
EG
NAH
C
T
Adj. ALPHA
Serial
Interface
Menu
BAUD
Rate
Adjust
BAUD Rate
Sample
Period
Adj. Sample
Period
Duplex
Mode
Adj. Duplex
Mode
Linefeed
Adjust
Linefeed
BETA
Adjust
BETA
EXITEXIT
EXIT
EXIT
EXIT
UP
DOWN
DOWN
SET
SET
SET
UP
+
+
+
Display Power
Toggles °C / °F
SET
SET
Select Setpoint
Adjust Setpoint
Units °C/°F
Scan On/Off
Scan Rate
Display
Temperature
Configuration Menu
Secondary Functions
X5
HL
Adj.HL
Displays Set-Point Resistance
Hold Temperature Display
EXIT
Set Proportional Band
R0
Adj. DELTA
Press “SET” to step through the menu and
to store the parameter value.
Press “EXIT” briefly to skip a parameter
without storing the parameter value.
Hold “EXIT” to exit the menu and display
the temperature
M
Me en nu u L Le eg ge en nd d: :

Dry-Well
Controller Operation
11
Programmable Set-points
The controller stores 8 set-point temperatures in memory. The set-points can be quickly recalled to
conveniently set the Product to a previously-programmed temperature set-point.
To set the temperature, first select the set-point memory. Push SET from the temperature display
function to access this function. The number of the set-point memory currently in use is shown at the
left on the display followed by the current set-point value.
100.0 C Well temperature in degrees Celsius
SET Access set-point memory
1. 25 Set-point memory 1, 25.0 °C currently used
To change to another set-point memory location, push UP or DOWN.
4. 120 New set-point memory 4, 120.0°C
Push SET to accept the new selection and access the set-point value.
SET Accept selected set-point memory
Set-point Value
Adjust the set-point after you select the set-point memory and push SET.
4 120 Set-point value in °C
If the set-point value is correct, hold EXIT to resume displaying the well temperature. Push UP or
DOWN to adjust the set-point value.
125.0 New set-point value
When the desired set-point value is reached, push SET to accept the new value and access the
temperature scale units. Push EXIT to ignore any set-point changes.
SET Accept new set-point value
Temperature Scale Units
To change the display temperature units, see Change the Display Units.

9103
User’s Guide
12
Scan
Set and enable the scan rate so that when the set-point is changed the calibrator heats or cools at a
specified rate (degrees per minute) until it reaches the new set-point. With the scan disabled, the
calibrator heats or cools at the maximum possible rate.
Scan Control
The scan is controlled with the scan on/off function that appears in the main menu after the set-point
function.
Sc=OFF Scan function off
Push UP or DOWN to toggle the scan on or off.
Sc=On Scan function on
Push SET to accept the present setting and continue.
SET Accept scan setting
Scan Rate
The scan rate can be set from .1 to 99.9 °C/minute. The maximum scan rate is actually limited by the
natural heating or cooling rate of the Product. This rate is often <100 °C/minute, especially when
cooling.
The scan rate function appears in the main menu after the scan control function. The scan rate units
are in degrees C or F per minute, depending on the selected units.
Sr=10.0 Scan rate in °C/min
Push UP or DOWN to toggle the scan on or off.
Sr=2.0 New scan rate
Push SET to accept the new scan rate and continue.
SET Accept scan rate
Temperature Display Hold
The Product has a display hold function which allows an external switch to freeze the displayed
temperature and stop the set-point from scanning. Use this function to test thermal switches and
cutouts. This section explains the functions available to operate the temperature hold feature.
A subsequent example shows how to set up and use the hold feature to test a switch.

Dry-Well
Controller Operation
13
Enable the Hold Temperature Display
Push UP when the temperature shows to enable the Hold Temperature Display feature. The Hold
Temperature Display shows the hold temperature on the right and the switch status on the left. The
status c means the switch is closed and omeans the switch is open. The status flashes when the
switch is in its active position (opposite the normal position). The hold temperature display shows what
the temperature of the well was when the switch changed from its normal position to its active position.
While the switch is in the normal position the hold temperature will follow the well temperature.
If the Scan Control is OFF and the Hold Temperature Display is in use, the temperature at which the
switch is activated does not affect the set-point temperature. However, if the Scan Control is ON and
the Hold Temperature Display is being used, the temperature at which the switch is activated is stored
as the new set-point temperature.
Operation of the hold temperature display is outlined below.
103.5C Well temperature display
UP Access hold display
c 103.5 Switch status and hold temperature
To return to the normal well temperature display, push DOWN.
Mode Setting
The Hold Temperature Display function is always in the automatic mode. In this mode the normal
position is set to whatever the switch position is when the set-point is changed. For example, if the
switch is currently open when the set-point is changed, the closed position then becomes the new
active position.
The normal position is set automatically under any of these conditions:
• a new set-point number is selected
• the set-point value is changed
• a new set-point is set through the communications channels
Switch Wiring
The thermal switch or cutout is wired to the Product at the two terminals on the front of the calibrator
labeled SWITCH HOLD. The switch wires can be connected to the terminals either way. Internally the
black terminal connects to ground. The red terminal connects to +5 V through a 100 kΩresistor. The
calibrator measures the voltage at the red terminal and interprets +5 V as open and 0V as closed.
Switch Test Example
This section describes a possible application for the switch hold temperature display feature and how
the instrument is set up and operated. Suppose you have a thermal switch which is supposed to open
at about 75 °C and close at about 50 °C and you want to test the switch to see how accurate and
repeatable it is. You can use the temperature hold feature and the scan function to test the switch.
Measurements can be made by observing the display or, preferably, by collecting data using a
computer connected to the RS-232 port.

9103
User’s Guide
14
To set up the test:
1. Connect the switch wires to the terminals on the front of the Product and place the switch in the
well.
2. Enable set-point scanning by setting the scan to ON in the primary menu (see Scan Control).
3. Set the scan rate to a low value, say 1.0°C/min. (see Scan Rate). If the scan rate is too high you
can lose accuracy because of transient temperature gradients. If the scan rate is too low the
duration of the test may be longer than is necessary. Experiment to find the best scan rate.
4. Set the first program set-point to a value above the expected upper switch temperature, say 90°C.
5. Set the second program set-point to a value below the expected lower switch temperature, say
40°C, in the program menu.
6. Collect data on a computer connected to the RS-232 port. Refer to Digital Communication Interface
for instructions on configuring the RS-232 communications interface.
Set-point Resistance
To display set-point resistance, push SET and DOWN simultaneously when the temperature appears.
When SET and DOWN are released, the temperature appears again.
Temperature Scale Units
To toggle between °C and °F, push SET and UP simultaneously when the temperature appears.
Secondary Menu
Functions which are used less often are accessed within the secondary menu. To access the
secondary menu, push SET and EXIT simultaneously and then release. The first function in the
secondary menu is the heater power display (see Figure 4).
Thermal Electric Devices (TED)
The temperature controller controls the temperature of the well by pulsing the TED on and off. The total
power being applied to the TED is determined by the duty cycle or the ratio of TED on time to the pulse
cycle time. By knowing the amount of heating, the user can tell if the calibrator is heating up to the set-
point, cooling down, or controlling at a constant temperature. Monitoring the percent heater power
allows the user to know the stability of the well temperature. With good control stability the percent
heating power should not fluctuate more than ±5 % within one minute.
The heater power display is accessed in the secondary menu. Push SET and EXIT simultaneously and
release. The heater power displays as a percentage of full power.
100.0 Well temperature
SET+EXIT Access heater power in secondary menu
SEC Flashes
12.0P Heater power in percent
To exit from the secondary menu, push EXIT. To continue on to the proportional band setting function,
push SET.

Dry-Well
Controller Operation
15
Proportional Band
In a proportional controller such as this, the heater output power is proportional to the well temperature
over a limited range of temperatures around the set-point. This range of temperature is called the
proportional band. At the bottom of the proportional band, the heater output is 100 %. At the top of the
proportional band, the heater output is 0. Thus, as the temperature rises the heater power is reduced,
which consequently tends to lower the temperature back down. In this way the temperature is
maintained at a constant level.
The temperature stability of the well and response time depend on the width of the proportional band. If
the band is too wide, the well temperature deviates excessively from the set-point due to varying
external conditions. This is because the power output changes very little with temperature and the
controller cannot respond very well to changing conditions or noise in the system. If the proportional
band is too narrow, the temperature may swing back and forth because the controller overreacts to
temperature variations. For best control stability, the proportional band must be set for the optimum
width.
The proportional band width is set at the factory as printed on the Report of Calibration. The
proportional band width can be altered by the user if desired to optimize the control characteristics for a
particular application.
The proportional band width is easily adjusted from the front panel. The width can be set to discrete
values in degrees C or F depending on the selected units. The proportional band adjustment is
accessed within the secondary menu. Push SET and EXIT to enter the secondary menu and show the
heater power. Then push SET to access the proportional band.
SET+EXIT Access heater power in secondary menu
12.0 P Heater power in percent
SET Access set-point voltage
PrOP Flashes PrOP and the setting
15.0 Proportional band setting
To change the proportional band push UP or DOWN.
4.0 New proportional band setting
To store the new setting push SET. Push EXIT to continue without storing the new value.
SET Accept the new proportional band setting

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User’s Guide
16
Controller Configuration
The Product has a number of configuration and operating options and calibration parameters which are
programmable from the front panel. These are accessed from the secondary menu after the
proportional band function by pushing SET. push SET again to enter the first of three sets of
configuration parameters — operating parameters, serial interface parameters, and calibration
parameters. The menus are selected with UP and DOWN and then pushing SET. See Figure 4.
Operating Parameters
The operating parameters menu is indicated by:
PAr Operating parameters menu
The operating parameters menu contains the High Limit parameter.
The High Limit parameter adjusts the upper set-point temperature. The factory default and maximum
are set to 140 °C (284 °F). For safety, a user can adjust the High Limit down so the maximum
temperature set-point is restricted.
HL Flashes HL and then displays the setting
H=140 Current HL setting
Adjust the HL parameter with UP or DOWN.
H=90 New High Limit setting
To accept the new setting, push SET.
Serial Interface Parameters
The serial RS-232 interface parameters menu is indicated by:
SEriAL Serial RS-232 interface parameters menu
The serial interface parameters menu contains parameters which determine the operation of the serial
interface. The parameters in the menu are: BAUD rate, sample period, duplex mode, and linefeed.
Push SET to access the special parameters.
BAUD Rate
The BAUD rate is the first parameter in the menu. The BAUD rate setting determines the serial
communications transmission rate.
The BAUD rate parameter is indicated by:
bAUd Flashes bAUd and then displays the setting
2400 b Current BAUD rate
The BAUD rate of the serial communications can be programmed to 300, 600, 1200, 2400 (default),
4800, or 9600 BAUD. Use UP or DOWN to change the BAUD rate value.
4800 b New baud rate
Push SET to set the BAUD rate to the new value or EXIT to abort the operation and skip to the next
parameter in the menu.