GW Instek GDM-834X Series User manual

Dual Measurement Multimeter
GDM-834X Series
USER MANUAL
GW INSTEK PART NO. 82DM-83420EC1
ISO-9001 CERTIFIED MANUFACTURER

This manual contains proprietary information, which is protected by
copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this manual may be
photocopied, reproduced or translated to another language without
prior written consent of Good Will company.
The information in this manual was correct at the time of printing.
However, Good Will continues to improve products and reserves the
rights to change specification, equipment, and maintenance
procedures at any time without notice.
Good Will Instrument Co., Ltd.
No. 7-1, Jhongsing Rd., Tucheng Dist., New Taipei City 236, Taiwan.

Table of Contents
3
Table of Contents
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ................................................... 5
GETTING STARTED ......................................................... 10
Characteristics ..........................................11
Appearance ...............................................14
Set Up.......................................................24
OPERATION .................................................................... 29
Basic Measurement Overview ...................31
AC/DC Voltage Measurement....................33
AC/DC Current Measurement ...................38
Resistance Measurement ..........................43
Diode Test ................................................45
Capacitance Measurement ........................46
Continuity Test ..........................................48
Frequency/Period Measurement ...............51
Temperature Measurement .......................53
Dual Measurement Overview ....................57
Advanced Measurement Overview ............62
dBm/dB/W Measurement .........................63
Max/Min Measurement.............................66
Relative Measurement ..............................67
Hold Measurement ...................................69
Compare Measurement .............................70
Math Measurement...................................72
SYSTEM/DISPLAY CONFIGURATION .............................. 76
View Serial Number ..................................77
View Version Number ...............................77
Brightness Settings ...................................78
Input Resistance Settings .........................79

GDM-834X Series User Manual
4
Frequency/Period Input Jack Settings........80
Compatibility Settings ...............................81
Restore Factory Default Settings ...............82
USB STORE ..................................................................... 83
USB Store Overview ..................................84
REMOTE CONTROL .......................................................101
Configure Remote Control Interface ........102
Return to Local Control ...........................105
COMMAND OVERVIEW .................................................106
Command Syntax ....................................106
Command List.........................................111
FAQ ...............................................................................142
APPENDIX .....................................................................143
System Menu Tree...................................143
Factory Default Settings ..........................144
Replacing the AC Source Fuse .................145
Replacing the Input Fuse.........................146
Status system .........................................148
Specifications .........................................149
Dimensions ............................................155
Declaration of Conformity .......................156
INDEX............................................................................157

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
5
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This chapter contains important safety instructions that you
must follow during operation and storage. Read the following
before any operation to ensure your safety and to keep the
instrument in the best possible condition.
Safety Symbols
These safety symbols may appear in this manual or on the
instrument.
WARNING
Warning: Identifies conditions or practices that
could result in injury or loss of life.
CAUTION
Caution: Identifies conditions or practices that
could result in damage to the DMM or to other
properties.
DANGER High Voltage
Attention Refer to the Manual
Protective Conductor Terminal
Earth (ground) Terminal
Do not dispose electronic equipment as unsorted
municipal waste. Please use a separate collection
facility or contact the supplier from which this
instrument was purchased.

GDM-834X Series User Manual
6
Safety Guidelines
General
Guideline
CAUTION
Make sure that the voltage input level does not
exceed DC1000V/AC750V.
Make sure the current input level does not
exceed 12A.
Do not place any heavy object on the
instrument.
Avoid severe impact or rough handling that can
lead to damaging the instrument.
Do not discharge static electricity to the
instrument.
Use only mating connectors, not bare wires, for
the terminals.
Do not block or obstruct the cooling fan vent
opening.
Do not perform measurement at the source of a
low-voltage installation or at building
installations (Note below).
Do not disassemble the instrument unless you
are qualified as service personnel.
Make sure that the COM terminal to earth is
limited to 500Vpk.
(Note) EN 61010-1:2010 specifies the measurement categories and
their requirements as follows. The GDM-834X falls under category II
600V.
Measurement category IV is for measurement performed at the
source of low-voltage installation.
Measurement category III is for measurement performed in the
building installation.
Measurement category II is for measurement performed on the
circuits directly connected to the low voltage installation.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
7
Power Supply
WARNING
AC Input voltage: 100/120/220/240 V AC
50/60Hz
The power supply voltage should not fluctuate
more than 10%.
Connect the protective grounding conductor of
the AC power cord to an earth ground, to avoid
electrical shock.
Fuse
WARNING
Fuse type: 0.125AT 100/120VAC
0.063AT 220/240 VAC
Make sure the correct type of fuse is installed
before power up.
To avoid risk of fire, replace the fuse only with
the specified type and rating.
Disconnect the power cord before fuse
replacement.
Make sure the cause of a fuse blowout is fixed
before fuse replacement.
Cleaning the
Instrument
Disconnect the power cord before cleaning.
Use a soft cloth dampened in a solution of mild
detergent and water. Do not spray any liquid.
Do not use chemicals containing harsh material
such as benzene, toluene, xylene, and acetone.
Operation
Environment
Location: Indoor, no direct sunlight, dust free,
almost non-conductive pollution (Note below)
Temperature: 0°C to 50°C
Humidity: 0~35°C: < 80%RH
>35°C: <70%RH
Altitude: <2000m

GDM-834X Series User Manual
8
(Note) EN 61010-1:2010 specifies the pollution degrees and their
requirements as follows. The GDM-8342/8341 falls under degree 2.
Pollution refers to “addition of foreign matter, solid, liquid, or
gaseous (ionized gases), that may produce a reduction of
dielectric strength or surface resistivity”.
Pollution degree 1: No pollution or only dry, non-conductive
pollution occurs. The pollution has no influence.
Pollution degree 2: Normally only non-conductive pollution
occurs. Occasionally, however, a temporary conductivity caused
by condensation must be expected.
Pollution degree 3: Conductive pollution occurs, or dry, non-
conductive pollution occurs which becomes conductive due to
condensation which is expected. In such conditions, equipment
is normally protected against exposure to direct sunlight,
precipitation, and full wind pressure, but neither temperature
nor humidity is controlled.
Storage
environment
Location: Indoor
Temperature: -10°C to 70°C
Humidity: 0~35°C: <90%RH
>35°C: <80%RH
Disposal
Do not dispose this instrument as unsorted
municipal waste. Please use a separate collection
facility or contact the supplier from which this
instrument was purchased. Please make sure
discarded electrical waste is properly recycled to
reduce environmental impact.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
9
Power cord for the United Kingdom
When using the unit in the United Kingdom, make sure the power
cord meets the following safety instructions.
NOTE: This lead/appliance must only be wired by competent persons
WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED
IMPORTANT: The wires in this lead are coloured in accordance with the
following code:
Green/ Yellow:
Earth
Blue:
Neutral
Brown:
Live (Phase)
As the colours of the wires in main leads may not correspond with
the coloured marking identified in your plug/appliance, proceed
as follows:
The wire which is coloured Green & Yellow must be connected to
the Earth terminal marked with either the letter E, the earth symbol
or coloured Green/Green & Yellow.
The wire which is coloured Blue must be connected to the terminal
which is marked with the letter N or coloured Blue or Black.
The wire which is coloured Brown must be connected to the
terminal marked with the letter L or P or coloured Brown or Red.
If in doubt, consult the instructions provided with the equipment
or contact the supplier.
This cable/appliance should be protected by a suitably rated and
approved HBC mains fuse: refer to the rating information on the
equipment and/or user instructions for details. As a guide, a cable
of 0.75mm2should be protected by a 3A or 5A fuse. Larger
conductors would normally require 13A types, depending on the
connection method used.
Any exposed wiring from a cable, plug or connection that is
engaged in a live socket is extremely hazardous. If a cable or plug is
deemed hazardous, turn off the mains power and remove the cable,
any fuses and fuse assemblies. All hazardous wiring must be
immediately destroyed and replaced in accordance to the above
standard.

GDM-834X Series User Manual
10
GETTING STARTED
This chapter describes the GDM-8342 and GDM-8341
multimeters in a nutshell, including accessories, and package
contents, their main features and front / rear panel introduction.
Characteristics ................................................................ 11
Accessories................................................................. 12
Package Contents....................................................... 13
Appearance ..................................................................... 14
GDM-8342/8341 Front Panel .................................... 14
Display Overview ....................................................... 20
Rear Panel .................................................................. 22

GETTING STARTED
11
Characteristics
The GDM-8342 and GDM-8341 are portable, dual-display digital
multimeters suitable for a wide range of applications, such as
production testing, research, and field verification.
Performance
DCV accuracy: 0.02%
High current range: 10A
High Voltage range: 1000V
High ACV frequency response: 100kHz
Features
50000 count display
Multi functions: ACV, DCV, ACI, DCI, R, C, Hz,
Temp*, Continuity, Diode test, MAX/MIN, REL,
dBm, Hold, MX+B, 1/X, REF%, dB, Compare.
Manual or Auto ranging
AC true RMS
Data Logging to USB*
Data logging to PC using an Excel Add-In
Interface
Voltage/Resistance/Diode/Capacitance/
Temperature* input
Current input
USB device port as standard for remote control
USB host* for data logging
Optional GPIB* (factory install)
Calibration port (for service operators only)
Excel Add-In for easy-to-use remote control,
data logging and for saving/recalling setups
* These features are only available on the GDM-
8342

GDM-834X Series User Manual
12
Accessories
Standard
Accessories
Part number
Description
82DM-83420Ex1
User Manual CD
82DM-83421Mx1
Safety Instruction Sheet
GTL-207
Test leads: 1x red, 1x black
Optional
Accessories
Part number
Description
1040-8342020
GPIB (Factory installed,
GDM-8342 only)
GTL-246
USB Cable
GTL-205
Temperature Probe Adapter
with Thermal Coupling (K-
type)
Download
Name
Description
gdmvcp.inf (In GDM-834X
USB DRIVER.ZIP)
USB driver
GDM-834x Excel Addins
Data logging Excel Add-In
logs measurements to a PC
by remote control via the
USB interface only. This
Excel Add-In can’t be used
via the GPIB interface.

GETTING STARTED
13
Package Contents
Check the contents before using the instrument.
Opening the box
Contents
(single unit)
Main unit
Test leads (red x1,
black x1)
Power cord x1 (region
dependent)
User manual CD
Safety instruction
sheet

GDM-834X Series User Manual
14
Appearance
GDM-8342/8341 Front Panel
Function keys and
Arrow keys
DC/AC 0.5A Terminal,
AMPS Fuse Holder
Power Switch, USB Host
port (GDM-8342 only)
Main
Display
DC/AC 12A
Terminal
COM
Terminal
V
Terminal
TEMP
DC + AC
Auto
CAT 600V
COM
250V
W
V
T0.5A
FUSE
INPUT
MAX
500Vpk
12A
MAX
750V
1000V
MAX
0.5A
MAX
USB STOINT/EXTCOMPMATHREL#
LOCAL
dBmdBACIDCI
50000 Counts Dual Measurement Multimeter
GDM-8342
POWER
Enter
RANGE
RANGE
SHIFT
EXIT
MENUTRIGHOLDMX/MNREL
2NDHz/P
/
W/
ACVDCV
W
Power Switch
POWER
Turns On or Off the main
power. For the power up
sequence, see page 25.
USB Host Port
The Host port is a type A USB port
for logging data. See the USB Store
chapter for more details, page 83.
Note: GDM-8342 only.
Main Display
Shows measurement results and parameters. For
display configuration details, see page 78 (light
setting).
For an overview of the main display, see page 20.

GETTING STARTED
15
W
V
Input
Terminal
CAT 600V
COM
250V
W
V
T0.5A
FUSE
INPUT
MAX
500Vpk
12A
MAX
750V
1000V
MAX
0.5A
MAX
This terminal is used for all
measurements except for DC/AC
current measurements.
COM Terminal
CAT 600V
COM
250V
W
V
T0.5A
FUSE
INPUT
MAX
500Vpk
12A
MAX
750V
1000V
MAX
0.5A
MAX
Accepts ground (COM) line in all
measurements.
The maximum withstand voltage
between this terminal and earth is
500Vpk.
DC/AC 0.5A
Terminal
AMPS Fuse
Holder
CAT 600V
COM
250V
W
V
T0.5A
FUSE
INPUT
MAX
500Vpk
12A
MAX
750V
1000V
MAX
0.5A
MAX
Low current measurement
terminal. Accepts DC/AC Current
input. For details see page 38.
DC: 500μA~0.5A
AC: 500μA~0.5A
As a fuse, protects the instrument
from over-current. Rating: T0.5A,
250V.(This terminal accepts
DC/AC current input)
For the fuse replacement
procedure, see page 146.
DC/AC 12A
Terminal
CAT 600V
COM
250V
W
V
T0.5A
FUSE
INPUT
MAX
500Vpk
12A
MAX
750V
1000V
MAX
0.5A
MAX
High range current measurement
terminal. Accepts DC/AC Current
input. For DCI or ACI details, see
page 38.

GDM-834X Series User Manual
16
Measurement
Keys
The top row of measurement keys are used for
basic DMM measurements such as voltage,
current, resistance, capacitance and frequency. The
bottom row of measurement functions are used for
more advanced functions.
Each key has a primary and secondary function.
The secondary function is accessed in conjunction
with the SHIFT key.
Upper Measurement keys
DCV
DCV
DCI
Measures DC Voltage (page 33).
DCI
(SHIFT→DCV)
SHIFT
EXIT
→
DCV
DCI
Measures DC Current (page
38).
ACV
ACV
ACI
Measures AC Voltage (page 33).
ACI
(SHIFT→ACV)
SHIFT
EXIT
→
ACV
ACI
Measures AC Current (page
38).
DCV + ACV
DCV
DCI
+
ACV
ACI
Measures DC + AC voltage
(page 33).
DCI+ACI
SHIFT
EXIT
→
DCV
DCI
+
ACV
ACI
Measures DC +
AC current
(page 38).

GETTING STARTED
17
Resistance/
Continuity)
/
W
dB
Measures resistance or continuity,
depending on the selected mode.
See page 43 and 48, respectively.
dB
(SHIFT→Ω/ )
SHIFT
EXIT
→
/
W
dB
Measures dB. See page 65.
Diode/
Capacitance
/
dBm
Tests diodes or measures
capacitance, depending on the
selected mode. See page 45 and 46,
respectively.
dBm
(SHIFT →
/
)
SHIFT
EXIT
→
/
dBm
Measures dBm. See page 63
Hz/P
Hz/P
TEMP
Measures the frequency or period
of a signal, depending on the
selected mode. See page 51.
TEMP
(SHIFT →Hz/P)
SHIFT
EXIT
→
Hz/P
TEMP
Measures temperature. See
page 53.
2ND
2ND
LOCAL
As the 2nd key, selects the
measurement item on the 2nd
display (page 57). Pressing and
holding for more than 1 second
turns off the 2nd display.
As the Local key, releases the
remote control and returns the
instrument to local panel
operation (page 105).

GDM-834X Series User Manual
18
Lower Measurement keys
REL
REL
REL#
Measures the Relative value (page
67).
REL#
(SHIFT→REL)
SHIFT
EXIT
→
REL
REL#
Manually sets the reference
value for the Relative value
measurement.
MX/MN
MX/MN
MATH
Measures the Maximum or the
Minimum value (page 66).
MATH
(SHIFT→
MX/MN)
SHIFT
EXIT
→
MX/MN
MATH
Enters the Math
measurement mode. The
supported math functions
include MX+B, REF% and
1/X. See page 72 for details.
HOLD
HOLD
COMP
Activates the Hold function (page
69).
COMP
(SHIFT→HOLD)
SHIFT
EXIT
→
HOLD
COMP
Activates the compare
measurement function. See
page 70.
TRIG
TRIG
INT/EXT
Triggers sample acquisition
manually when the trigger is set to
external triggering. See page 32.
(Note: Not supported for
capacitance measurement)
INT/EXT
(SHIFT→TRIG)
SHIFT
EXIT
→
TRIG
INT/EXT
Toggles the trigger source
as either internal or
external(manual trigger).

GETTING STARTED
19
MENU
MENU
USB STO
Enters the configuration menu for
System Settings, Measurement
Settings, Temperature
measurement settings, I/O
settings and USB storage settings.
See page 76 for the system menu.
USB STO
(SHIFT→MENU)
SHIFT
EXIT
→
MENU
USB STO
Logs measurement data to
a USB drive. This function
is only available for the
GDM-8342. See page 83.
SHIFT/EXIT
SHIFT
EXIT
When used as a SHIFT key, it is
used to access the secondary
functions associated with the
measurement keys.
When used as an EXIT key, it will
exit out of menu systems.
AUTO/ENTER
Auto
Enter
When used as an AUTO key, it
will set the range of the selected
function to autorange.
When used as an ENTER key, it
will confirm the entered value or
menu item.

GDM-834X Series User Manual
20
Arrow Keys
RANGE
RANGE
The arrow keys are used to
navigate the menu system and edit
values.
The Up and Down arrow keys will
also manually set the range for the
voltage and current
measurements.
The Left and Right arrow keys will
also toggle the refresh rate
between the fast, medium and
slow rates.
Display Overview
Primary Display
Secondary Display
Function status icons
Secondary
measurement units
Primary measurement units
Primary measurement
function icons
Secondary
measurement
function icons
REARGPIBUSBLANRS232FILTRCLSTOCOMP2ND
dBmEXTSHIFTERRLIMITAUTOMATH4W2WDCAC
AVmm
HzWkM
WSFC
mdB
%
AVmm
HzWkM
WSFC
RMTMAXMINRELHOLDSMFAUTO4W2WDCAC
USBSTO nμF MEMRATIO UNCAL
nμF
50000 Counts Dual Measurement Multimeter
GDM-8342
Primary
Measurement
Function Icons
Displays the primary measurement function.
Primary
Measurement
Units
Displays the units for the primary measurement
function.
Secondary
Display
Displays the results of the secondary
measurement.