GxT, Inc. Ferret 95 User manual
1
Operator’s Manual
Automotive Analyzer
It’s More than a Multimeter
2
Table of Contents
Specifications...........................................................................3
Static Discharge Notice............................................................3
Battery Replacement / Optional Battery ..................................4
Function Buttons......................................................................5
ON/OFF ............................................................................5
2C/4C ...............................................................................5
Hold ..................................................................................5
Min/Max............................................................................5
Range ...............................................................................5
REL Zero...........................................................................5
Key Combinations & Special Functions ...................................6
Backlight Control..............................................................6
Power up Status...............................................................6
Software Version ..............................................................6
Volts..........................................................................................7
Ohms........................................................................................8
Amps ........................................................................................9
Lo Amps .................................................................................10
Volts • Amps...........................................................................11
Time........................................................................................12
Fuel ........................................................................................13
Coil ........................................................................................14
KV Test Instructions........................................................15
Fuel Injector Testing .......................................................16
Ignition Coil Testing ........................................................17
Parts & Accessories ...............................................................18
Warranty Statement................................................................20
Safety Precautions .................................................................21
© Copyright 2006, GxT, Inc., All Rights Reserved
3
Specifications
DC Volts........................................3 Ranges ............ 1 mV to 50V
AC Volts (True RMS) .....................3 Ranges ............ 1 mV to 50V
AC Volts Peak to Peak .................3 Ranges ............ 1 mV to 50V
Low Amps DC ..............................2 Ranges ..........10 mA to 17A
Low Amps AC (True RMS)............2 Ranges ..........10 mA to 17A
Low Amps AC Peak to Peak ........2 Ranges ..........10 mA to 17A
High Amps DC................................1 Range .............1 A to 600A
High Amps AC (True RMS) .............1 Range .............1 A to 600A
High Amps AC Peak to Peak .........1 Range ..............1A to 600A
Ohms............................................5 Ranges ...........1 Ωto 40MΩ
Continuity ........................ Beeper/Bargraph ................ .0 - 100Ω
Diode Volts .....................................1 Range .......0 to 1.999 Volts
Frequency.....................................5 Ranges ...............0 to 2KHz
Pulse Width (Up or Down) ............2 Ranges .......0 mS to 200mS
RPM Inductive........................ 2 or 4 Stroke .....0 to 10,000 RPM
Fuel Pump RPM ...........................4 Ranges ........................RPM
Dwell Milliseconds..........................1 Range ..............0 to 100%
Peak Amps .....................................1 Range ....... 0 to 20.0 Amps
Build Time ......................................1 Range .......... 0 - 200 mSec
Drive Time ......................................1 Range .......... 0 - 200 mSec
KiloVolts (Optional) .........................1 Range .............. 0 - 40.0 kV
Operating Temp.......................... 0° to 45°C ...........32° to 120° F
Storage Temp ..........................-20° to 60°C ......... -20° to 140° F
Case Size ................................ 21x10x5 cm ....... 10x16.5x9.5 in.
Lead Length .......................................1.8 m ......................6 Feet
Weight ................................................655 g ............. 1.6 Pounds
Power Requirements 1, Internal 9 V Battery Optional Second 9V
Displays............................................ Backlit ..... 4 and 3 1/2 Digit
.................................................... Bar Graph ............ 31 Segment
Input Impedance .............. High Impedance ............ 10 Megohm
PC Interface...................................... RS232w/ Optional Software
Extreme Static Discharge
In the event that the analyzer is exposed to an extreme static
discharge, readings may appear to freeze. Although the until will
not be damaged by static, you may need to press any function
key to restart measurements.
4
Battery Replacement / Optional Battery
When the LOBAT indicator comes on the display, you will need
to replace the two 9 Volt batteries. Remove the 4 screws holding
the boot on the unit, and remove the boot. Replace both batteries
and reattach the boot.
To replace the battery, remove the 4 screws holding the protective
boot to the front panel. Remove the front panel. On the back
of the display board located at the bottom of the board is the
primary battery location. This position must be filled with a full
sized 9 volt battery. A second position towards the top of the
analog board will hold a second 9 volt battery. This is an auxiliary
battery that is not required for use. However, for extended battery
life when connected to a PC, or extended use of the backlight a
second battery is recommended.
5
Function Buttons
Press this button to turn the multimeter on and off.
Press this button to set configure the RPM to read in 2
Cycle or 4 Cycle mode. Distributorless Ignition Systems
should be set to 2 Cycle mode to correctly read RPM.
Press this button to freeze and unfreeze the display.
Pressing the Min/Max button while in certain tests
will have set up the meter to capture minimum and
maximum readings. Continue to press this button to
view the min and max readings on the top display. Press
any other test button to stop capturing minimums and
maximums.
Press the Range button to manually set the range of
most tests. Press any other test button to return to auto
ranging.
Press the REL Zero button to zero out the reading on the
bottom display. Use this button to zero the low and high
amps probe, or zero out the ohm meter. This function
can also be used to set a base measurement as zero.
Then all readings will be +/- from the base reading.
ON
OFF
2C/4C
HOLD
Min
Max
Range
REL
Zero
6
Key Combinations & Special Functions
Backlight Control
Press the HOLD button and the Min/Max
button at the same time to turn the backlight
on or off.
Power up Status
Press the Volts and V•A buttons at the same
time to disable the auto power off function.
Turn the unit off, then back on. The meter will
remain on until you turn it off, or the batteries
run down.
Software Version
Press the V•A, Time, Fuel
and Coil buttons at the same
time to display the software
version of the multimeter.
Volts
V•A
V•A
Time
Fuel
Coil
Min
Max
HOLD
7
Volts
Pressing the button will
cycle you through DC
Volts, AC volts, and AC
Peak to Peak functions.
The bargraph is an easy way to see
trends in voltage being measured.
The DC volts function is a 10 meg
high impedance voltmeter. The AC
functions use a certified true RMS
chip for accurate measurements of
irregular shaped AC waveforms. The
Peak to Peak function is the best
measurement tool to determine the
amplitude of any signal.
Note: AC auto ranging takes more
time to occur than DC auto ranging. This is to allow the AC peak
and rms circuits to settle after the abrupt change in scaling.
Supported Functions:
Volts
LOBAT
MAX
MIN
RPM
4C
AUTO
V
HOLD
REL 0
DC Voltage Display
LOBAT
MAX
MIN
RPM
4C
AUTO
V
HOLD
REL 0
AC Voltage Display
2C/4C
HOLD
Min
Max
Range
REL
Zero
8
LOBAT
MAX
MIN
Ω
HOLD
Continuity Display
Ohms
The highest Ohms range
allows up to 40M Ohms
to be measured. All of the
ranges except the lowest
use a low current source that will not
forward bias semiconductor junctions.
The lowest Ohms range does use
source current that can cause
semiconductor junctions to conduct
and affect the readings.
The Diode Volts range will measure
semiconductor junction voltages up to
1.999 In the reverse direction an OFL
indication is expected.
The continuity test, indicated by both
the beeper symbol and the Ohms
symbol being active, uses the lowest
Ohms range. Anytime the reading goes
below 100 the beeper will sound.
Note: The meter is equipped with a self
protection device that will protect the
ohms function in case the test leads
are connected to battery voltage.
Supported Functions:
Ohms
LOBAT
MAX
MIN
AUTO
MΩ
HOLD
REL 0
Ohms Display
LOBAT
MAX
MIN
HOLD
Diode Display
HOLD
Min
Max
Range
REL
Zero
9
Amps
When the test is first
selected the message
“PLUG In HI” will be
briefly displayed to
remind the user that the High range
Amps probe should be plugged into
the Amps socket. Pressing the button
will cycle you through DC Amps, AC
Amps, and AC Peak to Peak Amps.
The bargraph is a easy way to see
trends in amps being measured.
The DC Amps function can measure
up to +/- 600 Amps. The AC functions
use a certified true RMS chip to
provide accurate interpretations of AC
waveforms. The Peak to Peak function
(not shown) is the best measurement
tool to determine the amplitude of the
signal.
Note: AC auto ranging takes more time to occur than DC auto
ranging. This is to allow the AC peak and rms circuits to settle
after the abrupt change in scaling.
Supported Functions:
Amps
2C/4C
HOLD
Min
Max
REL
Zero
DC Amps Display
LOBAT
MAX
MIN
RPM
x10
2C
AUTO
A
HOLD
REL 0
4C
AC Amps Display
LOBAT
MAX
MIN
RPM
2C
AC
AUTO
A
HOLD
REL 0
x10
4C
10
Lo Amps
When the test is first
selected the message
“PLUG In LO” will be
briefly displayed to remind
the user that the Low range Amps
probe should be plugged into the
Amps socket. Pressing the button will
cycle you through DC Lo Amps, AC Lo
Amps, and AC Peak to Peak Lo Amps.
The bargraph is a easy way to see
trends in low amps being measured.
The DC Lo Amps function can measure
from 10 milliamps to 20 Amps. The AC
functions use a certified true RMS chip
to provide accurate interpretations
of AC waveforms. The Peak to Peak
function is the best measurement
tool to determine the amplitude of the
signal.
Note: AC auto ranging takes more time to occur than DC auto
ranging. This is to allow the AC peak and rms circuits to settle
after the abrupt change in scaling.
Supported Functions:
Lo A
LOBAT
MAX
MIN
RPM
2C
AUTO
m A
HOLD
REL 0
DC LoAmps Display
LOBAT
MAX
MIN
RPM
4C
AC
AUTO
m A
HOLD
REL 0
AC LoAmps Display
2C/4C
HOLD
Min
Max
Range
REL
Zero
11
Volts • Amps
Pressing the button will
cycle you through the
Volts•Amps Display and a
Battery/Starter Test. The
High range amp probe is used during
this test. The Volts•Amps function
displays Amps on the top display, and
battery voltage on the bottom display.
The Battery/Starter Test will display a Crank Engine message
(CrnEng). To set up the test, connect the test leads to the vehicle
battery terminals, and place the Amp Probe onto the negative
battery cable, and disable the ignition. To start the test, crank
the engine. After 15 seconds of cranking the freeze readings will
freeze
Supported Functions:
V•A
HOLD
Range
Volts Amps Display
LOBAT
MAX
MIN AMPS
V
HOLD
12
Time
Press the Time button to
cycle through Hertz, Pulse
Width (Up Slope), Pulse
Width (Down Slope), Dwell
milliseconds, and Dwell percent tests.
The RPM is detected using the Red
inductive spark pickup and all time
based measurements under this key
are made using the voltage test leads.
The Hertz test measures frequency or
cycles/second.
The Pulse Width test measures
milliseconds when triggered using a
positive or a negative slope. When
measuring the Fuel Injector pulse
width, a positive trigger will measure
the times between fuel injector firings,
and a negative trigger will measure the
on time of the injector.
The Pulse Width and Dwell milliSecond
tests both display in milliSeconds,
however, the Pulse Width test is
optimized for non-ignition signals, and
the Dwell millisecond test is optimized
for ignition signals.
The Dwell Percent display can be
used on engines with any number of
cylinders. If you have dwell specified in
degrees, convert degrees to percent. Degrees X The Number of
Cylinders / 3.6. If you have an 8 cylinder engine that is supposed
to have 12 degrees dwell, that would be 26.6% Dwell. 12 degrees
X 8 Cylinders / 3.6 = 26.6%
Supported Functions:
Time
LOBAT
MAX
MIN
RPM
4C
Hz
HOLD
REL 0
Hertz Display
LOBAT
MAX
MIN
RPM
2C
DWL
HOLD
mS
Dwell milliseconds Display
LOBAT
MAX
MIN
RPM
2C
HOLD
REL 0
mS
Pulse Width Display
LOBAT
MAX
MIN
RPM
x10
4C
DWL
%
HOLD
Dwell Percent Display
2C/4C
HOLD
Min
Max
REL
Zero
13
Fuel Test
The Black amps probe
will need to be connected
to the wire that supplies
battery power to the fuel
pump. Energize the pump to read
RPM and Amps, or RPM and AC Peak
Amps. When the pump is running,
the amperage must read as a positive
number or your Fuel Pump RPM will
not be correct, or stable.
If you are not able to read the RPM
confirm you are on the correct wire
and have the correct number of
commutators selected. The RANGE
key cycles through the commutator
settings. Most pumps have 6 or 8 communtators. Consult a
technical information source for the correct commutator count.
Each time the RANGE key is pressed the number of commutators
selected is advanced and displayed briefly on the upper display
preceded by an ‘r’.
Pressing the FUEL key alternates between viewing the DC and
AC amps readings on the lower display while the RPM is shown
on the upper display.
Supported Functions:
Fuel
Fuel Pump RPM Display
LOBAT
MAX
MIN
RPM
m A
HOLD
REL 0
Fuel Pump Amps Display
LOBAT
MAX
MIN
RPM
AC
m A
HOLD
REL 0
HOLD
Min
Max
REL
Zero
Range
14
Coil Test
Press this button to cycle
through two Current
Ramping tests (Peak
Amps, Build Time, Drive
Time), Ignition KV, and Differential
RPM.
Build time is the time it takes the current
driven into an injector or ignition coil
to reach its peak value. Build is the
equivalent to Dwell on a current limited
ignition. The upper display shows the
peak current that the coil was driven
to. Drive time is the entire time that the
injector is driven open or the ignition
coil is driven prior to firing. Drive time
is the equivalent to Dwell on a points
and ballast type ignition system.
An optional adapter is needed to
use the KV test. The adapter KV clip
is attached to a spark plug wire and
the magnitude of the KV peaks are
displayed on the lower display. The
BARGRAPH indicates activity of the KV input between numerical
updates. See the expanded section on KV to learn more
When using the Differential RPM test, RPM is shown on the upper
display and the lower display is normally blank. Pressing REL0
sets and reference RPM value. While the REL0 mode is indicated
the difference from the reference RPM is displayed on the lower
display. A negative number means that the current RPM is lower
than the reference RPM by that amount. A non-negative number
means that the current RPM is higher than the reference RPM.
Pressing REL0 will exit the mode and clear the lower display.
Supported Functions:
Coil
LOBAT
MAX
MIN PEAK
AMPS
BLD
HOLD
REL 0
mS
Peak Amps/Build Display
LOBAT
MAX
MIN PEAK
AMPS
DRV
HOLD
REL 0
mS
Peak Amps/Drive Display
LOBAT
MAX
MIN
RPM
2C 4C
K
V
HOLD
REL 0
x10
Ignition KV Display
HOLD
Min
Max
REL
Zero
15
Coil Test - KV Test (Requires Optional Adapter)
1. Unplug the Spark Pickup from the multimeter.
2. Connect the KV adapter to the multimeter.
3. Connect the Spark Pickup to the RPM input on the adapter.
4. Connect the ground lead to a good engine ground.
5. The capacitive pickup can be clipped on the spark plug wire
being tested, or held against the wire with your hand.
6. Access the KV test on the multimeter by pressing the Coil
Button three times.
If KV is low for one or more cylinders the cause could be:
• Open Plug Wire at the Coil (KV will be very low
downstream of the open)
• Narrow or Fouled Plug Gap
• Rich Mixture
If KV is High for one or more cylinders, the cause could be:
• Open Plug Wire at the Plug (KV will be very high upstream
of the open)
• Wide Plug Gap
• High Resistance in Plug or Wire
A momentary high KV reading could be an indication of an ignition
miss. The following graphic will show how to use the bargraphs.
LED Segment is
Momentarily ON
LED Segment is
Momentarily OFF
LED Segment is
Always ON
Peak
Firing KV
Average
Firing KV
Minimum
Firing KV
16
Coil Test - Fuel Injector Application
Peak Amps is the peak current driving
the injector. It is regulated by the driver.
Typical peak readings are from 1 to 4
amps for a current regulated injector
driver, and about 1 amp for a resistance
limited injector driver.
Build Time, is the time it takes the
amperage to reach its maximum. Build
Time is affected by the solenoid and pintle movement. Shorter
Build Time can be caused by a solenoid winding short or an injector
that is stuck. Longer build time could be from a bad driver or wire
connection.
Drive Time is the time the injector is actively driven. Use momentary
wide open throttle to see the Min and Max readings.
Analysis of Test Results
In general, a difference of 1 amp between injector banks on
resistance regulated injectors indicates that one or more injectors
is faulty in the bank with the higher amperage draw. In a current
regulated system, look for build time to be longer on the bank with
an open or high resistance injector. Build will be shorter on the
bank with a shorted injector.injector pattern.
LOBAT
MAX
MIN PEAK
AMPS
BLD
HOLD
REL 0
mS
Peak Amps/Build Display
17
Coil Test - Ignition Coil Application
Peak Amps is the peak current driving
the coil. It is regulated by the module.
A typical Peak Amp reading should be
about from 5 to 10 amps.
Build Time, or ramp time, is the time
it takes the amperage to reach its
maximum.
Drive Time is the time the coil is actively driven.
Analysis of Test Results
If Peak amps is low look for a bad connection between the module
and coil. Long Build Time may be caused by high resistance in
the connection from the ignition module to the coil. Short Build
Time may be caused by a shorted coil. Build Time will be slightly
longer during cranking.
Engine/ Peak Build Engine/ Peak Build
Company Amps mSec Company Amps mSec
Chrysler 3.3L 5.0 4.0 GM-2.0L 8.0 3.0
Chrysler 3.5L 5.0 4.0 GM-2.2L 9.0 3.0
Chrysler 3.8L 5.7 3.8 GM-2.3L,(Q4) 8.0 2.5
Ford 1.9L 5.0 3.1 GM-3.0L 6.5 3.8
Ford 3.0L 5.0 3.5 GM-3.1L 10.0 2.8
Ford 3.8L 5.0 3.5 GM-3.8L(Type I) 7.0 3.8
Ford 4.0L 5.0 3.5 GM-3.8L(Type II) 9.5 3.0
Ford 4.6L 5.5 3.3 Saturn 1.9L 7.6 3.3
For additional specifications, please consider purchased the
SmartSpec Database.
LOBAT
MAX
MIN PEAK
AMPS
BLD
HOLD
REL 0
mS
Peak Amps/Build Display
18
Parts & Accessories
Test Lead, P/N W090-92
6 foot Shielded Test lead. BNC connector
at one end, and banana jacks at the other
end.
Lo Amps Probe, P/N X926-00
Reads from 10 milliamps to 20 amps
inductively. 5 Feet long.
Hi Amps Probe, P/N X000-02
Reads from 1 amp to 600 amps inductively.
5 Feet long, opening is large enough to go
around 00 cable.
Spark Pickup, P/N X008-01
Reads RPM by connecting to any spark
plug wire. 5 feet long.
Test Clip, Black, P/N S011-30
Test Clip, Red, P/N S011-32
Plugs into the end of the test lead. Large
jaw opening makes it easy to connect to
the battery, or ground for testing.
Test Prod, Black, P/N S011-20
Test Prod, Red, P/N S011-22
Plugs into the end of the test lead. Needle
tip makes it easy to probe wires, or perform
pinpoint testing.
BNC Adapter, P/N S013-05
Adapts the meter to allow the connection
of any standard banana jack inputs, such
as third party temperature or pressure
transducers.
19
Parts & Accessories
Serial Lead, P/N V095-PC
Plugs into the Amps jack on the
meter and provides a Y adapter so
you can connect your amps probe
at the same time you connect to
the serial port of your computer.
Software is included with the cable.
Win98 Compatible.
KV Plate, P/N X015-05
A Flat metal plate that fits in the end
of the KV adapter. Helps to mea-
sure ignition KV on COP and inter-
nal coil ignition.
KV Adapter, P/N X095-K0
Plugs into the Tach jack on the me-
ter and provides a Y adapter so you
can connect the spark pickup to
read RPM while you are also read-
ing ignition KV’s.
Storage Case, P/N X095-09
Blow molded storage case holds all
of the test leads and meter.
Ferret Claws, P/N V911-01
2 3/4” Long, by 3/4” High, by 1/2”
Wide makes getting into tight spots
simple. Securely holds the wire
in place to make piercing the wire
simple and effective. Packaged in
a heavy duty nylon pouch. The set
includes a Red, Blue, Black, and
Yellow Ferret Claw.
20
Warranty
FERRET BRAND LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANTY
GxT, Inc. of Cheboygan Michigan, warrants to the original purchaser that
FERRET brand products are free from defects in materials and workman-
ship for a period of two years from date of purchase. Our sole obligation
for a product within the above warranties will be to repair or replace, at our
option, any defective parts and return the product to the sender within the
U.S.A., shipping prepaid, if it is sent to our Repair Department shipping
prepaid and accompanied by proof of purchase.
This Warranty does not apply to products which have been altered outside
the factory; or repaired by anyone other than the factory or its authorized
service centers; or which have been damaged from accidents, negligence,
or abuse; or have been used differently than described in the printed in-
structions. Please note that wear and tear on leads and replacement of
consumable items such as: NOx Sensors, Oxygen Sensors, and paper,
is not covered by warranty.
GxT Inc.’s sole liability and buyer’s exclusive remedy is limited to repair
or replacement of the product as stated in the Limited Product Warranty.
THERE ARE NO OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED
INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND GxT, INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE
SALE OR USE OF THE PRODUCT.
Some states do not allow limitations on the length of implied warranties
nor exclusion or limitations of incidental or consequential damages, so that
the above limitations and/or exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other
rights which may vary from state to state.
Technical Support & Service
Questions or inquiries about service can be answered by contacting GxT,
Inc., at: Toll Free (800) 627-5655. Fax: (231) 627-2727, or by e-mail
When sending an item to the factory address it to: GxT, Inc., 520 MM
Riggs Drive., Cheboygan, MI 49721-1061 Include a note describing
the problem.
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