Hastings VT-5 User manual

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VT/CVT SERIES
VACUUM GAUGES
and CONTROLLERS
HASTINGS
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL

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Manual Print History
The print history shown below lists the printing dates of all revisions and addenda created for this
manual. The revision level letter increases alphabetically as the manual undergoes subsequent
updates. Addenda, which are released between revisions, contain important change information that
the user should incorporate immediately into the manual. Addenda are numbered sequentially.
When a new revision is created, all addenda associated with the previous revision of the manual are
incorporated into the new revision of the manual. Each new revision includes a revised copy of this
print history page.
evision A (Document Number 146-0497) .................................................................... April 1997
evision B (Document Number 146-0999) ...........................................................September 1999
evision C (Document Number 146-032001) ............................................................. March 2001

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Table of Contents
1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION ............................................................ 5
1.1 Features ...............................................................................................................................5
1.2 Specifications .......................................................................................................................5
1.3 Accessories ...........................................................................................................................5
2.0 INSTALLATION ................................................................................. 7
2.1 Panel Mount Vacuum Gauge and Controller ........................................................................7
2.2 Cabinet Mount Vacuum Gauge ............................................................................................8
2.3 Cabinet Models With Internal Switching ...............................................................................8
2.4 External Cables And Wiring..................................................................................................9
2.5 Vacuum Gauge Tube ..........................................................................................................11
3.0 VACUUM GAUGE OPERATION ................................................. 1 3
3.1 Meter Mechanical Zero......................................................................................................13
3.2 AC Input Power .................................................................................................................13
3.3 Pressure Measurement .......................................................................................................13
3.4 Controller Set Points ..........................................................................................................13
3.5 Operation And Performance Check ....................................................................................13
3.6 Gauge Tube Operating Principle ........................................................................................14
3.7 Calibration .........................................................................................................................14
3.7.1 Calibration Using A Vacuum System ......................................................................14
3.7.2 Calibration Using A Hastings eference Tube.........................................................14
4.0 WARRANTY and REPAIR .............................................................. 1 7
4.1 Warranty epair .................................................................................................................17
4.2 Non-warranty epair .........................................................................................................17
Hastings Instruments reserves the right to change or modify the design of its equipment
without any obligation to provide notification of change or intent to change.

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General Information
SECTION 1
This manual contains technical and general information relating to the installation, operation, and
calibration of Hastings Vacuum Gauges, Controllers, and Gauge Tubes.
For best performance, Hastings vacuum gauges should be operated with the appropriate Hastings
gauge tube. Attempting to use a Hastings vacuum gauge with other manufacturers tubes may
result in damage to both the gauge and tube.
1.1 Features
Hastings vacuum gauges and controllers are self-contained instruments that offer extreme versatil-
ity for most vacuum applications. The electronic design assures long life and minimal maintenance.
Compact VT & CVT Models are ready for mounting onto a panel.
Hastings vacuum gauges and controllers utilize Hastings rugged but sensitive gauge tubes which
are designed specifically for each of the three available pressure ranges (consult Hastings Ordering
and Dimension guide).
1.2 Specifications
Pressure range:
VT-4 series, CVT-14/24, ..................................................................... 0-20 Torr or 0-20 mbar
VT-5, CVT-15/25, .........................................................................0-100 mTorr or 0-0.1 mbar
VT-6series, CVT-16/26, .................................................................. 0-1000 mTorr or 0-1 mbar
Input power ........................................................................................... 115 or 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Output signal ..................................................................................... 0-1 VDC (analog, non-linear)
Control relays ................................................................................... 5A @ 250 VAC (resistive load)
5A @ 30 VDC (resistive load)
Cables ................................................................................................................. 6 ft (1.8 m) power
8 ft (2.4 m) gauge tube
Weight:
Panel mount meters........................................................................... 1.78 lb (0.81 kg) w/cables
Panel mount controllers ..................................................................... 2.13 lb (0.97 kg) w/cables
Cabinet models.................................................................................... 4.25 lb (2.0 kg) w/cables
1.3 Accessories
Gauge tube extension cables are available in 8, 25, 50, & 100 foot lengths. Other installation
accessories include various drop out traps, quick disconnects and filters. Please consult your factory
representative or the Hastings Ordering and Dimension guide for information
concerning these accessories.

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2.1 Panel Mount Vacuum Gauge and Controller
efer to figures 2.1 and 2.2 for outline dimensions of Hastings VT and CVT series units, to be
used when considering mounting locations. Use dimensional drawing (figure 2.3) to cut-out and
drill the gauge/controller mounting panel. Install gauge or controller onto panel using hardware
supplied with your unit.
SECTION 2
Installation
figure 2.1; VT series outline dimensions
figure 2.2; CVT series outline dimensions

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2.2 Ca inet Mount Vacuum Gauge
Hastings cabinet models require only installation of a Hastings gauge tube.
2.3 Ca inet Models With Internal Switching
Hastings cabinet model vacuum gauges can be obtained with 2-position or 5-position tube switch-
ing functions that will allow the user to display pressure from one or more selected tubes. No
special installation is necessary, simply connect the power cord and the gauge tube cables.
Note: All of the gauge tube cables on either a 2-position or a 5-position unit must be equal
in length. Mixing cable lengths on a particular unit will produce a calibration error due to
the different resistances of the cables.
figure 2.3; CVT/VT series mounting dimensions (not to scale)

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2.4 External Ca les And Wiring
WA NING: To prevent shock hazard to personnel, always install protective cover before
application of AC power or prior to placing instrument in- service.
VT series units
Connect the AC power cable, gauge tube cable, and analog output (analog output is only available
on units configured from the factory with 0-1 VDC ) as detailed in figure 2-4. The terminal block
protective cover must be removed to access screw terminals.
Terminal Function Description
3 Gauge tube cable HTD T.C. (blk wire)
4 AC power cable 115 VAC (blk wire)
5 Gauge tube cable HTD T.C. (wht wire)
6 Gauge tube cable C MP T.C. (green wire)
7 Analog output negative analog output terminal
8 Analog output positive analog output terminal
9 AC power cable Lo VAC (wht wire)
10 AC power cable 230 VAC (blk wire)
13 C M chassis ground
14 C M AC power ground (green/yellow wire)
14
13
34
10
9
8
7
6
5
WARNING:
When 115 VAC is connected to the
auto transformer, 230 VAC appears
at the 230 VAC terminal. The same
occurs when you attach 230 VAC to
the unit, 115 VAC appears at the 115
VAC terminal.
figure 2.4 ; VT series terminal lock

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CVT series units
Connect the AC power cable, gauge tube cable, control relay and analog output (analog output is
only available on units configured from the factory with 0-1 VDC ) as detailed in figure 2-5. The
terminal block protective cover must be removed to access screw terminals.
TE MINAL FUNCTION DESC IPTION
1 Lo set relay (N.C.) relay contact
2 Lo set relay (N. .) relay contact
3 Gauge tube cable HTD T.C. (blk wire)
4 AC power cable 115 VAC (blk wire)
5 Gauge tube cable HTD T.C. (wht wire)
6 Gauge tube cable C MP T.C. (green wire)
7 Analog output negative analog output terminal
8 Analog output positive analog output terminal
9 AC power cable Lo VAC (wht WIRE)
10 AC power cable 230 VAC (blk WIRE)
11 Spare no connection
12 Lo set relay (C M) relay contact
13 C M chassis ground
14 C M AC power ground (green/yellow wire)
15 Hi set relay (N.C.) relay contact
16 Hi set relay (N. .) relay contact
17 Hi set relay (C M) relay contact
6
1413
3
5
78
9
10
4
17
12
11
2
1
15 16
figure 2.5; CVT series terminal lock
WARNING:
When 115 VAC is connected
to the auto transformer,
230 VAC appears at the 230
VAC terminal. The same
occurs when you attach 230
VAC to the unit, 115 VAC
appears at the 115 VAC
terminal.

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2.5 Vacuum Gauge Tu e
All Hastings gauge tubes are shipped with a protective cap or cover at the evacuation port to
reduce contamination and prevent physical damage to the internal thermopile elements. Once the
protective cap or cover is removed, a tube can be installed in any convenient position in the
vacuum system without adversely affecting calibration or performance. The recommended
orientation is with the tube vertical and its stem down. This will aide in preventing condensable
materials from remaining in the gauge tube.
Hastings instruments also offers a wide variety of installation accessories for use with your vacuum
gauge tube. Please consult the Hastings Ordering and Dimension Guide or contact your factory
representative for information on these products.
WA NING: Compression seal fittings Quick-Connects are not for use in systems
where the tube can be pressurized above atmosphere.

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Operating Information
SECTION 3
3.1 Meter Mechanical Zero
With the gauge in its normal operating position (AC power removed), check that the meter pointer
covers the Dot at right-end of the dial face. If the Dot is not covered by the pointer, adjust screw
at the front of the meter until the pointer covers the Dot.
3.2 AC power Input
Connect the plug end of power cable into a single phase 115 or 230 V, 50/60 Hz power source (as
per unit configuration). When replacing the power cords standard plug with a plug to match a
particular system, care should be taken to connect the new plug in accordance with the terminal
block connections listed in section 2.4 of this manual.
3.3 Pressure Measurement
Connect gauge tube cables octal socket onto the octal base of a gauge tube installed in vacuum
system. The gauge will display the system pressure on the meter dial face. To check the accuracy
of the gauge, perform the required operations as specified in section 3.5 of this manual.
3.4 Controller Set Points (CVT units only)
The CVT series vacuum controllers, are provided with either single or double set points. On a
single set point controller, the right-front panel knob allows the user to adjust or position the
 ED pointer on the dial face where a desired control function will occur.
On the double set point controller, the left-front panel knob is added to allow the user to adjust or
position a second  ED pointer on the dial face where a desired control function will occur.
On those controllers configured with two front panel knobs; the left knob controls the LO Set
pressure ( elay K1), and the right knob controls the HI Set pressure ( elay K2).
Control logic determines that a relay will (energize) when the indicated pressure is lower than the
set-pressure, and de-energize when the indicated pressure is higher than the set-pressure or if their
is a loss of AC power to the unit.
3.5 Operation And Performance Check
All Hastings vacuum gauges, controllers, and tubes have been carefully calibrated and checked at
the factory before shipment. When a operational check or calibration is desired, refer to the
procedure outlined in this section.
The simplest and quickest way of checking the operation and performance of a gauge and/or gauge
tube is to maintain a new or known-good gauge tube on hand for use as a eference. To check
operation, install both the eference and suspect gauge tubes in a common vacuum system (locate
the gauge tubes as close as possible to each other), then evacuate the system until a stable base
pressure is obtained. Alternately connect the vacuum gauge to each gauge tube and record its
pressure readings. If the gauge tube-under-test produces a higher pressure reading than the
eference gauge tube, this indicates a calibration shift and is usually the result of contamination
(particulate, oil, or other chemical deposits). You can try to restore calibration of the contaminated
gauge tube by cleaning it internally with an appropriate solvent such as high-purity isopropyl
alcohol (flood interior cavity of gauge tube gently with solvent and allow it to stand and soak for
about 15 to 30-minutes). Drain the contaminated solvent and let gauge tube dry in ambient air
until all of the cleaning solvent has evaporated. To prevent mechanical damage to the thermopile
elements, do not use forced air to dry the gauge tube. Gauge tubes that remain out of calibration
after cleaning should be replaced.

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3.7 Cali ration
Using a vacuum system to calibrate a gauge or gauge/tube combination will result in a more
accurate pressure measurement. For instances where this is not possible, calibrating the gauge using
a Hastings reference tube provides the best alternative.
NOTE: For cabinet models, the top-cover must be removed to access the CAL control.
3.7.1 Calibration Using A Vacuum System
Install the gauge tube in a vacuum system (gauge connected to AC power and stabilized), then
evacuate to a pressure one decade or more below the gauge dial face resolution. Connect the gauge
to tube and wait until the displayed pressure is stable.
NOTE: When using a DV-4 type gauge tube, system pressure must be less than 1.0 x10-2 To r r .
When using DV-5, or DV-6 type gauge tubes, system pressure must be less than 1.0 x 10-5 To r r .
Adjust the gauge CAL.adjustment (figure 3.2) until the meter pointer indicates zero-left on the dial
face.
3.6 Gauge Tu e Operating Principle
Operation of the Hastings gauge tube is based on a low voltage AC bridge that heats a noble metal
thermopile. A change in pressure in the gauge tube changes the molecular collision rate and
therefore the thermal conduction of the gas or gas mixture surrounding the thermopile. This results
in a temperature shift in the AC heated thermocouples A and B (Fig. 3.1). The resultant temperature
shift causes a change in the DC output from couples A and B inversely with pressure changes. The
DC thermocouple C (when installed) is in series with the circuit load. Thermocouple C provides
compensation for transient changes in ambient temperature.
figure 3.1

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3.7.2 Calibration Using A Hastings eference Tube
Connect a Hastings reference tube to a stabilized vacuum gauge. Wait until the displayed pressure
is stable.
NOTE: The following table specifies the Hastings reference tube to be used in the calibration of a
gauge based upon the type of gauge tube being used:
Reference tube Gauge tube
DB-16D DV-4
DB-18 DV-5
DB-20 DV-6
Adjust the gauge CAL control (figure 3.2) until the meter pointer indicates the pressure specified
on the decal of the reference tube in use.
figure 3.2; VT/CVT cali ration points

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Maintainance and Repair 4-3

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Warranty and Repair
SECTION 4
4.1 Warranty Policy
Hastings Instruments warrants this product, for a period of one year from the date of shipment, to
be free from defects in material and workmanship. This warranty does not apply to defects or
failures resulting from unauthorized modification, misuse or mishandling of the product. This
warranty does not apply to batteries or other expendable parts, nor to damage caused by leaking
batteries or any similar occurrence. This warranty does not apply to any instrument which has had
a tamper seal removed or broken.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including any implied warranty
as to fitness for a particular use. Hastings Instruments shall not be liable for any indirect or conse-
quential damages.
Hastings Instruments will, at its option, repair, replace, or refund the selling price of the product if
Hastings Instruments determines in good faith, that it is defective in materials or workmanship
during the warranty period. Defective instruments should be returned to Hastings Instruments
together with a written statement of the problem and a eturn Material Authorization ( MA)
number. Please consult the factory for your MA number before returning any product for repair.
4.2 Non-Warranty Repair Policy
Any product returned for a non-warranty repair must be accompanied by a purchase order, MA
form and a written description of the problem with the instrument. If the repair cost is higher, you
will be contacted for authorization before we proceed with any repairs. If you then choose not to
have the product repaired, a minimum will be charged to cover the processing and inspection.
Please consult the factory for your MA number before returning any product for repair.
TET-HASTINGS INST UMENTS
804 NEWCOMBE AVENUE
HAMPTON, VI GINIA 23669 U.S.A.
ATTENTION: EPAI DEPA TMENT
TELEPHONE [phone]
1-800-950-2468
FAX [phone]
INTE NET ADD ESS http://www.hastings-inst.com
epair Forms may be obtained from the Information equest section of the Hastings
Instruments web site.