Hobbico DIGITAL R/C MULTI-METER User manual

PLEASE READ THESE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
Misuse and/or abuse of this instrument may cause injury and/or damage to
the meter or the equipment under measurement. Please read and follow all
instructions carefully. Please inspect the meter and test probes for wear or
abnormalities prior to every use. If a flaw exists, do not attempt to take any
measurements. Replace the damaged equipment. Never touch exposed
wiring, connection, or line circuit conductors when attempting to take
measurements. Damage resulting from a failure to follow instructions will
void the warranty. HCAZ3064 for HCAP0360© Copyright 1999 Printed in China
DIGITAL R/C MULTI-METER
OPERATION MANUAL

·Pocket-size
·Simple operation
·300 hour battery life
·Maximum 10A DC current range
·Recessed safety designed input terminals
·Built-in table stand
·Overload protection on all ranges
·Diode test function
·Audible continuity buzzer
·R/C battery test function with 250mA simulated load and
go/no-go LED
·15 minute auto-off function
Display: 3-½ digit LCD, 0.5" numerals,
maximum reading “1999” with
automatic polarity sign and
weak LCD battery indicators
Overrange Indication: A “1” will blink in the most
significant digit
Sampling Rate: 2.5 times per second
Operating Environment: 32° to 122°F (0° to 50°C) at less
than 70% relative humidity
Storage Environment: -4° to 140°F (-20° to 60°C) at
less than 80% relative humidity
Power Source: One 9V carbon zinc battery
Power Consumption: 30mW typical
Battery Life: 300 hours typical
Sleep Mode: 15 minute auto-off timer
Low Battery Indicator: Battery symbol in LCD window
SPECIFICATIONS
FEATURES
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Max. Common Mode Volts: 500V DC or AC peak voltage
Accuracy Temp. Coefficient: (10°C-18°C and 28°C-50°C)
less than 0.1x applicable
accuracy specification per
degree C
Fuse: 0.8A, 250V, 5 x 20mm fast
acting cylindrical glass
Dimensions: 5.0" x 2.8" x 1.4"
Weight: Approximately 7.0oz. (200g)
including battery
Accuracies are +/- (% of reading + number of digits) at 23°C
(+/-5°C), less than 75% relative humidity.
R/C Battery Check
Range Resolution Red LED Green LED
4.8V 0.01V 2.0 - 4.7V 4.9V or higher
6.0V 0.01V 2.0 - 5.9V 6.1V or higher
9.6V 0.01V 2.0 - 9.5V 9.7V or higher
Overload protection: 0.8A / 250V fuse on mA inputs.
Load current each selection: 250mA
DC Voltage
Range: 2V, 20V, 200V +/- (0.8% of
reading + 1 digit)
Overload protection: 1000V DC or 750Vrms AC for
15 seconds
Impedance: 10M
AC Voltage (50-400Hz)
200V selection: +/- (1.5% of reading + 4 digits)
RANGES
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500V selection: +/- (2.0% of reading + 4 digits)
Overload protection: 1000V DC or 750Vrms AC for
15 seconds
Impedance: 10M
DC Current
Range: 2mA, 20mA, 500mA +/- (1.2%
of reading + 1 digit)
10A selection: +/- (2.0% reading + 3 digits)
Overload protection: 0.8A / 250V fuse, no protection
for 10A selection
Resistance
200 selection: +/- (1.5% reading + 3 digits)
2k , 20k , 200k , 2M : +/- (1.0% of reading + 1 digit)
Overload protection: 400V DC / AC rms
Diode Test
Test current: 1.0mA +/- 0.6mA
Test voltage: 3.2V maximum
Continuity Test
Audible indication: less than 50 approx.
1. Read these operating instructions thoroughly and completely
before operation. Pay close attention to the WARNINGS and
CAUTIONS which will inform of potentially dangerous
procedures.
2. Always inspect your meter, test probes and accessories for
any sign of damage or abnormality before every use. If any
abnormal conditions exist (broken test probes, cracked plugs,
SAFETY RULES
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faulty display, etc.), do not attempt to take any measurements.
Refer to the Troubleshooting Guide at the rear of this manual
for further information.
3. Never ground yourself when taking electrical measurements.
Do not touch exposed metal pipes, outlets, fixtures, etc.,
which might not be at ground potential. Keep your body
isolated from ground by using dry clothing, rubber shoes,
rubber mats, or any approved insulating material.
4. Never touch exposed wiring, connections or any live circuit
conductors when attempting to take measurements.
5. Never replace the protective fuse inside the meter with a fuse
of a different rating.
6. When testing for voltage, make sure the voltage function is
operating properly by reading a known voltage in that range
before assuming that a zero reading indicates a no-voltage
condition.
7. Calibration and repair on the meter itself should be performed
only by a qualified technician.
8. To avoid electric shock use CAUTION when working with
voltages above 40V DC or 20V AC. Such voltages pose a
shock hazard, and should always be considered dangerous.
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6
Digital
Display
Rotary
Selector
Switch
R/C Battery
Load Test
Range With
2-color
Go/No-Go
LED Input
Terminals
Figure 1

1. Digital Display: A 3-½ digit liquid crystal display (LCD), with
0.5" numerals, maximum reading of “1999” with automatic
polarity sign and low battery indicator (see figure 1).
2. Rotary Selector Switch: Select desired measurement by
rotating dial to the appropriate position.
3. Input Terminals: Color coding of the measurement selections
helps determine which banana jacks (recessed for safety) the
probes should be connected to for measurement.
This meter has a self-contained 9V battery which can be easily
replaced if necessary. When the low battery indicator appears
on the LCD, or if the LCD will not illuminate in any way, the internal
9V battery is likely in need of replacement (see figure 2).
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
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WARNING: Before attempting to replace the battery, first
disconnect the test probes from any energized circuit and then
disconnect the test probes from the instrument.
1. Disconnect the test probes from any energized circuit, and
from the meter.
2. Turn the dial to the “OFF” position.
3. Remove the single screw from the rear of the case with a
Phillips screwdriver.
4. Remove the battery from the case, and disconnect the
connector.
5. Replace the battery with another 9V type battery. These
batteries can be found at any local convenience or
department store.
6. Reverse the above procedure to close the meter’s case.
A 0.2A, 250V, 5 x 20mm fast acting glass fuse is installed inside
the meter and is used to protect the ampere ranges (but NOT
including the 10A range). If the DC Current ranges (except the
“10A ONLY” range) do not operate, the internal fuse may need to
be replaced. Refer to figure 2.
WARNING: Before attempting to replace the fuse, disconnect the
test probes from any energized circuit and then disconnect the test
probes from the instrument. Replace the fuse only with a fuse with
equivalent ratings. Always use fast acting type fuses.
1. Disconnect the test probes from any energized circuit and
then from the meter.
2. Turn the dial to the “OFF” position.
3. Remove the single screw from the rear of the case with a
Phillips screwdriver.
FUSE REPLACEMENT
8

4. Remove the battery from the battery clip.
5. Remove the fuse from the clips located in the center of the
p.c. board.
6. Install the replacement fuse (making certain it is of the same
specifications as the original fuse). Prior to inserting the fuse,
make sure each clip is crimped so that the fuse will be held
tightly inside the clips when inserted. A loose fuse inside the
clips will cause intermittent operation of the meter.
7. Replace the battery and rear cover by reversing the above
procedure.
The Digital R/C Multi-Meter’s selection ranges and input jacks are
color coded for convenience and safety. The red test probe
should always be inserted in the input jack whose color
matches the color of the range in which the dial is positioned.
If the dial is set anywhere in the yellow range, for example, the red
test probe must be in the jack marked yellow, and so on. Before
making any measurements always examine the meter and
accessories for damage, contamination (like dirt, oil, or water, etc.)
and defects. Examine the test probes for cracked or frayed
insulation and make sure the probes plug snugly into the meter’s
jacks. If any abnormal conditions exist do not attempt to make any
measurements and refer to the Troubleshooting Guide in the rear
of this manual for further instructions.
AC or DC Voltage Measurements
1. Insert the black probe into the black “GROUND” jack, and the
red probe into the red “VOLTS AND ” jack.
2. Move the dial to the 200V DC position if DC volts are to be
measured, or into the 500V AC position if AC volts are to be
measured. Always start in the highest range of the function
OPERATION
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being measured and work down from there. Note these areas
of the selection range are red in color, to match the color of
the proper jack in which the red test probe should be inserted
for this type of measurement. CAUTION: To avoid possible
electric shock, instrument and/or equipment damage, do not
attempt to take any voltage measurements if the voltage is
above 200V DC or if the voltage is unknown. The “GROUND”
jack potential should not exceed 500V measured to ground.
3. Apply the test probes to the two points at which the voltage
reading is to be taken. Be careful not to touch any energized
conductors with any parts of your body.
4. Turn the dial to the next lower range for a more accurate
reading only if the reading is within that next lower range.
5. When measurements are completed, disconnect the test
probes from the circuit under test.
DC Current Measurements
WARNING: This meter is NOT designed to measure AC current.
Attempts to measure AC current could cause permanent damage
to the meter and/or the equipment under test and void the warranty.
1. Always start at the highest range of the function to be
measured and move down from there.
2. Insert the black probe into the black “GROUND” jack, and the
red probe into the blue “10A ONLY” jack.
3. Adjust the dial to the blue “10A” position. Note this area of the
selection range is blue in color to match the color of the
proper jack in which the red test probe should be inserted for
this type of measurement only. CAUTION: The 10A range is
NOT protected in any way and has a very low internal
resistance. Do not attempt to take a current measurement if
the current is unknown or above 10A DC. The “GROUND”
terminal potential should not exceed 500V measured to ground.
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