Isotech Fast-Cal Series Operating instructions

Page 1 of 29
Fast Cal Series Iss.07 –08/13
FAST-CAL SERIES
TEMPERATURE CALIBRATOR
User Maintenance Manual/Handbook
Isothermal Technology Limited, Pine Grove, Southport, PR9 9AG, England
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Internet: www.isotech.co.uk E-mail: [e-mail]
The company is always willing to give technical advice and assistance where appropriate. Equally, because of the programme of continual
development and improvement we reserve the right to amend or alter characteristics and design without prior notice. This publication is for
information only.

Page 2 of 29
Fast Cal Series Iss.07 –08/13
CONTENTS
EMC INFORMATION .................................................................................................................4
ELECTRICAL SAFETY ........................................................................................................................4
Environmental Ratings .................................................................................................................................................................... 4
HEALTH AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ...........................................................................................5
‘DO’S AND DON’TS’ ........................................................................................................................6
GUARANTEE ....................................................................................................................................7
CAUTIONARY NOTE .......................................................................................................................8
UNPACKING AND INITIAL INSPECTION .........................................................................................9
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.......................................................................................................................9
INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................................10
COMPARISON CALIBRATION ...................................................................................................................................................... 10
Basic ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Site or Self-contained Calibrators................................................................................................................................................. 10
External Standards + Basic .......................................................................................................................................................... 10
MODE OF OPERATION ..................................................................................................................11
FAST-CAL HTM 2010...................................................................................................................................................................... 11
FAST-CAL......................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
How to measure the true temperature inside the block.............................................................................................................. 11
How to measure the true temperature inside the block.............................................................................................................. 11
The Controller ............................................................................................................................................................................. 11
The Reference Thermometer ...................................................................................................................................................... 12
The Industrial Thermometer........................................................................................................................................................ 12
SPECIFICATIONS (HTM 2010 & LOW MODELS) .............................................................................13
SPECIFICATIONS (MEDIUM & HIGH MODELS)...............................................................................14
OPERATING THE FAST-CAL...........................................................................................................15
FRONT PANEL LAYOUT ............................................................................................................................................................... 15
The Temperature Controller ....................................................................................................................................................... 15
Altering the Setpoint .................................................................................................................................................................... 15
ADVANCED CONTROLLER FEATURES ...................................................................................................................................... 15
Setpoint Ramp Rate...................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Instrument Address ...................................................................................................................................................................... 16
MONITORING THE CONTROLLER STATUS .............................................................................................................................. 16
Units ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
THE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR (SITE (S) MODELS ONLY) ................................................................................................... 16

Page 3 of 29
Fast Cal Series Iss.07 –08/13
Setting the Input Type .................................................................................................................................................................. 16
ENABLING/DISABLING CUSTOM CALIBRATION ...................................................................................................................... 17
INSTRUMENT ADDRESS................................................................................................................................................................17
MONITORING THE INDICATOR STATUS .................................................................................................................................. 18
Units ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
ADVANCED INDICATOR OPERATION ....................................................................................................................................... 18
CALIBRATION DATA EXAMPLE .....................................................................................................19
CONNECTING A CURRENT TRANSMITTER (UP TO 20MA) ...................................................................................................19
TESTING THERMAL SWITCHES WITH FAST-CAL...................................................................................................................... 20
USING THE PC INTERFACE............................................................................................................21
CONNECTIONS .............................................................................................................................................................................21
CAL NOTEPAD...............................................................................................................................22
DEVELOPMENT ..............................................................................................................................................................................22
HOW TO INSTALL CAL NOTEPAD ................................................................................................23
PROTOCOL ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
DIAGNOSTIC ALARMS ...................................................................................................................24
INITIAL TESTING............................................................................................................................25
IMPORTANT NOTICE................................................................................................................................................................ 25
MAINTENANCE .............................................................................................................................26
APPENDIX 1: TROUBLE SHOOTING..............................................................................................27
Unit fails to operate...................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Unit unstable ................................................................................................................................................................................ 27
Cannot establish PC Communications ......................................................................................................................................... 27
APPENDIX 2: INDICATOR CONFIGURATION (REFERENCE ONLY)...............................................28
Input ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 28
Calibration.................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Comms......................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
APPENDIX 3: ACCESSORIES PARTS LIST ........................................................................................29

Page 4 of 29
Fast Cal Series Iss.07 –08/13
EMC INFORMATION
This product meets the requirements of the European Directive on Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) 89/336/EEC
as amended by EC Directive 92/31/EEC and the European Low Voltage Directive 73/25/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC.
To ensure emission compliance please ensure that any serial communications connecting leads are fully screened.
The product meets the susceptibility requirements of EN 50082-1, criterion B.
Symbol Identification
Publication
Description
ISO3864
Caution (refer to manual)
IEC 417
Caution, Hot Surface
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
This equipment must be correctly earthed.
This equipment is a Class 1 Appliance. A protective earth is used to ensure the conductive parts can not become live in
the event of a failure of the insulation.
The protective conductor of the flexible mains cable which is coloured green/yellow MUST be connected to a suitable
earth.
The blue conductor should be connected to Neutral and the Brown conductor to Live (Line).
Warning: Internal mains voltage hazard. Do not remove the panels.
There are no user serviceable parts inside. Contact your nearest Isotech agent for repair.
Voltage transients on the supply must not exceed 2.5kV.
Conductive pollution, e.g. Carbon dust, must be excluded from the apparatus. EN61010 pollution degree 2.
Environmental Ratings
Operating Temperature 0-50°C
Relative Humidity 5-95%, non condensing

Page 5 of 29
Fast Cal Series Iss.07 –08/13
HEALTH AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read this entire manual before use.
2. Wear appropriate protective clothing.
3. Operators of this equipment should be adequately trained in the handling of hot and cold items and liquids.
4. Do not use the apparatus for jobs other than those for which it was designed, i.e. the calibration of
thermometers.
5. Do not handle the apparatus when it is hot (or cold), unless wearing the appropriate protective clothing and
having the necessary training.
6. Do not drill, modify or otherwise change the shape of the apparatus.
7. Do not dismantle the apparatus.
8. Do not use the apparatus outside its recommended temperature range.
9. If cased, do not return the apparatus to its carrying case until the unit has cooled.
10. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Contact your nearest Isotech agent for repair.
11. Ensure materials, especially flammable materials are kept away from hot parts of the apparatus, to prevent fire
risk.

Page 6 of 29
Fast Cal Series Iss.07 –08/13
‘DO’S AND DON’TS’
DO ensure that after use the equipment is returned to ambient temperature and allowed to reach with 10°C of this
temperature before transporting the equipment or returning to its carrying case.
DO NOT handle the accessories when they are very hot or very cold.
DO NOT place hot or cold accessories back in the carrying case.
DO use that pocket for pre-warming, pre-cooling or storage.
DO NOT rely on the controller to tell you the temperature of the block. Its job is only to provide an isothermal volume. It
is the calibrated working standard that is used to measure actual temperature.
DO NOT calibrate very large sensors in the Fast-Cal units unless you can accept large immersion errors. We have larger
products for larger sensors.
DO NOT try to straighten the working standard, it is deliberately bent so that it does not interfere with the sensors you
are calibrating.

Page 7 of 29
Fast Cal Series Iss.07 –08/13
GUARANTEE
This instrument has been manufactured to exacting standards and is guaranteed for twelve months against electrical
break-down or mechanical failure caused through defective material or workmanship, provided the failure is not the
result of misuse. In the event of failure covered by this guarantee, the instrument must be returned, carriage paid, to
the supplier for examination and will be replaced or repaired at our option.
FRAGILE CERAMIC AND/OR GLASS PARTS ARE NOT COVERED BY THIS GUARANTEE
INTERFERENCE WITH OR FAILURE TO PROPERLY MAINTAIN THIS INSTRUMENT MAY INVALIDATE THIS
GUARANTEE
RECOMMENDATION
The life of your ISOTECH Instrument will be prolonged if regular maintenance and cleaning to remove general dust
and debris is carried out.
ISOTHERMAL TECHNOLOGY LTD.
PINE GROVE, SOUTHPORT
PR9 9AG, ENGLAND
TEL: [phone]/544611
FAX: [phone]
The company is always willing to give technical advice and assistance where appropriate. Equally, because of the
programme of continual development and improvement we reserve the right to amend or alter characteristics and
design without prior notice. This publication is for information only.

Page 8 of 29
Fast Cal Series Iss.07 –08/13
CAUTIONARY NOTE
ISOTECH PRODUCTS ARE INTENDED FOR USE BY TECHNICALLY TRAINED AND COMPETENT PERSONNEL
FAMILIAR WITH GOOD MEASUREMENT PRACTICES.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT PERSONNEL USING THIS EQUIPMENT WILL BE COMPETENT WITH THE
MANAGEMENT OF APPARATUS WHICH MAY BE POWERED OR UNDER EXTREMES OF TEMPERATURE, AND
ARE ABLE TO APPRECIATE THE HAZARDS WHICH MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH, AND THE PRECAUTIONS TO
BE TAKEN WITH, SUCH EQUIPMENT.

Page 9 of 29
Fast Cal Series Iss.07 –08/13
UNPACKING AND INITIAL INSPECTION
Our Packing Department uses custom designed packaging to send out your unit, but as accidents can still happen in transit,
you are advised, after unpacking the unit, to inspect it for any sign of shipping damage, and confirm that your delivery is in
accordance with the packing note. If you find any damage or that part of the delivery is missing notify us or our agent, and
the carrier immediately. If the unit is damaged you should keep the packing for possible insurance assessment.
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
Before connecting to the electricity supply please familiarize yourself with the parts of the manual relevant to your model.
Your unit's supply voltage requirement is specified on a plate on the instrument along with the serial number. All Fast-Cal
units will work on an electricity supply frequency of 50Hz or 60Hz. The apparatus is provided with an approved power
cord. If the plug is not suitable for your location then the plug should be removed and replaced with an appropriate plug.
Take care to ensure the old plug is disposed safely.
The cable is colour coded as follows:
COLOUR
FUNCTION
Green/yellow
Earth (Ground)
Brown
Live (line)
Blue
Neutral
Please ensure that your unit is correctly connected to the electricity supply.
THE APPARATUS MUST BE CORRECTLY EARTHED (GROUNDED)
The units’on/off switch is located on the power inlet. Take care NOT to switch the unit off when it is hot - allow to cool
first.

Page 10 of 29
Fast Cal Series Iss.07 –08/13
INTRODUCTION
The Fast-Cal units allow flexibility for the calibration of temperature sensors.
COMPARISON CALIBRATION
By definition, one compares industrial thermometers to a calibrated standard.
There are 3 methods commonly used.
Basic
Using the controller as the “calibrated standard” this method means that the complete bath is calibrated by comparing the
controller reading to a calibrated standard placed in the bath.
This is a common method but is unsafe since the control sensor is inaccessible
For these reasons it fails to satisfy ISO9000 and gives large uncertainties.
Site or Self-contained Calibrators
In these an Indicator and external calibrated sensor are used to measure the temperature of the block. This
arrangement gives good accurate and reliable results. To recalibrate however it does mean sending the whole
calibrator back to the calibration laboratory. This, the calibrator is self-contained, self sufficient and meets ISO9000
requirements.
External Standards + Basic
Here a separate indicator and calibrated sensor are used to measure the block temperature. This can give the most
accurate and reliable results, depending on the indicator.
It means that the calibrator does not need calibrating only the indicator and it’s calibrated sensor need re-calibration,
but this option is more bulky, expensive and less portable than 2) above. It also meets ISO9000 requirements.

Page 11 of 29
Fast Cal Series Iss.07 –08/13
MODE OF OPERATION
FAST-CAL HTM 2010
The metal block function of the Fast-Cal HTM 2010 is well suited for fast, convenient, mess free calibration of temperature
sensors.
The thermometers under test are placed into suitable holes in the block.
For the S models a calibrated reference probe should be placed into the block and the actual temperature can be read from
the temperature indicator.
For the B models an external temperature indicator should be used.
For traceable calibration the actual value of the insert temperature should be recorded along with the values from the
sensors under test.
FAST-CAL
The metal block function of the Fast-Cal is well suited for fast, convenient, mess free calibration of temperature sensors.
The Fast-Cal metal insert is placed into the calibration well.
The thermometers under test are placed into suitable holes in the metal insert.
For the S models a calibrated reference probe should be placed into the block and the actual temperature can be read from
the temperature indicator.
For the B models an external temperature indicator should be used.
For traceable calibration the actual value of the insert temperature should be recorded along with the values from the
sensors under test.
How to measure the true temperature inside the block
The controller of the Fast-Cal HTM 2010 controls and reads the temperature of the calibration volume.
How to measure the true temperature inside the block
The controller of the Fast-Cal controls and reads the temperature of the block surrounding the 25mm diameter x 148mm
deep calibration well.
Remember the following:-
The Controller
The controller is used to set a constant temperature and create an Isothermal environment for the comparison calibration
of temperature sensors.

Page 12 of 29
Fast Cal Series Iss.07 –08/13
The Reference Thermometer
The Reference Thermometer is placed in the insert and measures the True Temperature inside the block.
The Industrial Thermometer
The Industrial Thermometer is placed in the calibration volume and is compared to the True Temperature as indicated by
the Reference Thermometer. An insert will typically have a 1% immersion error. For more details see - Depths of
Immersion. Tavener J. P. Volume 9.2. Isotech Journal of Thermometry pages 79-87.

Page 13 of 29
Fast Cal Series Iss.07 –08/13
SPECIFICATIONS (HTM 2010 & LOW MODELS)
HTM 2010
LOW
Voltage
230VAC or 115VAC
see ratings plate
230VAC or 115VAC
see ratings plate
Power
150W
150W
Supply Frequency
50/60Hz
50/60Hz
Maximum Operating Temperature
140°C
140°C
Minimum Operating Temperature
-55°C below ambient
-55°C below ambient
Stability (Absolute over 30 minutes) Basic / Site
0.02°C
0.02°C
Accuracy - Basic
- Site
±0.2°C
±0.15°C
±0.2°C
±0.15°C
Calibration Volume
5 x 148mm wells
25mm dia x 148mm
Standard Block Hole Dimensions:
1 x 8.0mm dia +
1 x 6.50mm dia +
3 x 4.50mm dia
(Fixed Block)
1 x 8.0mm dia +
1 x 6.50mm dia +
2 x 4.50mm dia
Dimensions (not including handle)
Height 228mm
Width 248mm
Depth 143mm
Height 228mm
Width 248mm
Depth 143mm
Weight
6.60Kg
6.60Kg

Page 14 of 29
Fast Cal Series Iss.07 –08/13
SPECIFICATIONS (MEDIUM & HIGH MODELS)
MEDIUM
HIGH
Voltage
230VAC or 115VAC
see ratings plate
230VAC or 115VAC
see ratings plate
Power
750W
750W
Supply Frequency
50/60Hz
50/60Hz
Maximum Operating Temperature
350°C
650°C
Minimum Operating Temperature
30°C
35°C
Stability (Absolute over 30 minutes) Basic / Site
0.03°C
0.03 to 0.5°C
Accuracy - Basic
- Site
±0.3°C
±0.2°C
±1°C (500°C)
±2°C (6 50°C)
±0.5°C
Calibration Volume
25mm dia x 148mm
25mm dia x 148mm
Standard Block Hole Dimensions:
1 x 8.0mm dia +
1 x 6.50mm dia +
2 x 4.50mm dia
1 x 8.0mm dia +
1 x 6.50mm dia +
2 x 4.50mm dia
Dimensions (not including handle)
Height 228mm
Width 248mm
Depth 143mm
Height 228mm
Width 248mm
Depth 143mm
Weight
6.35Kg
6.35Kg

Page 15 of 29
Fast Cal Series Iss.07 –08/13
OPERATING THE FAST-CAL
FRONT PANEL LAYOUT
The Temperature Controller
The controller has a dual display, the upper display indicates the nominal block temperature, and the lower display indicates
the desired temperature or setpoint.
Altering the Setpoint
To change the setpoint of the controller simply use the UP and DOWN keys to raise and lower the setpoint to the required
value. The lower display changes to indicate the new setpoint.
ADVANCED CONTROLLER FEATURES
Setpoint Ramp Rate
By default the Dry Blocks are configured to heat and cool as quickly as possible. There may be some calibration applications
where it is advantageous to limit the heating or cooling rate.
An example might be when testing bimetallic thermostats; by forcing the Dry Block to heat at a controlled rate it is easier to
determine the temperature at which the thermostat changes state.
The Dry Block can have its heating rate limited with the Setpoint Ramp Rate feature. This feature is accessed from the
Scroll key. Depress the key until the display shows,
SP.RAT
The upper display will show the current value, and is adjustable from OFF to 999.9. The units are °C/min and are adjustable
via the UP/DOWN keys.
When the SP.RAT is active the lower setpoint display will now automatically update with the current value, known as the
working setpoint. The setpoint can be seen by pressing either the UP and DOWN key.
The Setpoint ramp rate operates when the bath is heating and cooling.

Page 16 of 29
Fast Cal Series Iss.07 –08/13
Instrument Address
The controller has a configurable "address" which is used for PC communications. Each instrument has an address; this
allows several instruments to be connected in parallel on the same communications bus. The default value is 1. This address
would only need to be changed if more than one Dry Block is connected to the same PC port.
To check the Address value press the scroll key until the lower display indicates,
ADDR
The upper display will show the current value that can be modified with the UP and DOWN keys.
MONITORING THE CONTROLLER STATUS
A row of beacons indicate the controllers status as follows,
OP1 Heat Output
OP2 Cool Output (only for models which operate below 0°C)
REM This beacon indicates activity on the PC interface
For models fitted with cool down fans, such as the Calisto and Jupiter, the lower display will alternate between the setpoint
and the message, cooling to temperature. This message is not an error but is showing that the cooling fan is operating. It
will automatically switch off when the temperature is within 5°C of the setpoint.
Units
Momentary pressing of the Scroll key will show the controller units °C or °F.
THE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR (SITE (S) MODELS ONLY)
The site models include an electronic temperature indicator. The indicator can be configured for the desired sensor type,
and for custom calibration data. The customer calibration data can be set ON or OFF.
Setting the Input Type
A 100 Ohm resistance thermometer can be connected to the PRT Connector or a thermocouple may be connected to the
miniature TC Connector.
Ensure that only a PRT or a TC is connected at any one time. If a PRT and TC are connected simultaneously the
indicator will read in error.
Check that any sensor placed into the equipment is suitable for the temperature range. Sensors can be damaged if taken
outside their normal operating limits.
The desired sensor type is easily set, press the Scroll key until the lower display indicates,
In.Typ

Page 17 of 29
Fast Cal Series Iss.07 –08/13
The upper display will show the current set sensor type,
J.tc J thermocouple
K.tc K thermocouple
L.tc L thermocouple
r.tc R thermocouple (Pt/Pt13%Rh)
b.tc B thermocouple (Pt30%Rh/Pt6%Rh)
n.tc N thermocouple
t.tc T thermocouple
S.tc S thermocouple (Pt/Pt10%Rh)
PL.2 PL 2 thermocouple
rtd 100 Ohm platinum resistance thermometer.
T012 E thermocouple
Again the value can be modified with the UP and DOWN keys.
ENABLING/DISABLING CUSTOM CALIBRATION
Custom calibration allows the indicator to be programmed to suit a particular temperature sensor. This allows the indicator
to automatically show the true temperature, without having to manually apply a correction.
When the Custom or User Calibration is active the indicator will show the REM beacon lit continuously. The use of User
calibration can make a significant difference to the accuracy of the instrument, and this REM beacon provides a clear and
continuous indication of the calibration status. Isotech will configure and set user calibration when the Dry Block is ordered
with a temperature sensor.
To alter the calibration status press the Scroll key until the lower display shows,
UCAL
The upper display will indicate either,
ON for user calibration
Or
OFF for factory calibration of the indicator
Use the UP and DOWN keys to toggle between the two values.
When calibrating an unknown sensor against a calibrated probe it may be necessary to switch the calibration off for the
unknown, and on for the calibrated probe.
INSTRUMENT ADDRESS
Like the controller, the indicator has a configurable "address" which is used for PC communications. Each instrument has an
address; this allows several instruments to be connected in parallel on the same communications bus. The default value is 2
(The controller defaults to 1). This address would only need to be changed if more than one Dry Block is connected to the
same PC port.
To check the Address value press the scroll key until the lower display indicates,
ADDR

Page 18 of 29
Fast Cal Series Iss.07 –08/13
The upper display will show the current value that can be modified with the UP and DOWN keys.
MONITORING THE INDICATOR STATUS
For the indicator the REM beacon is lit continuously when the user calibration is active, the REM beacon flashes when
the PC communications port is active.
Units
Momentary pressing of the Scroll key will show the controller units °C or °F.
ADVANCED INDICATOR OPERATION
The indicator can be configured with up to five custom calibration points; the points contain "data pairs". First the
temperature (point) and secondly the Error (offset) at this temperature point. Isotech Dry Block calibration certificates will
show the values to suit a particular sensor.
These values can be inspected, and modified with the following procedure,
Hold the PAGE key down until the display indicates,
CONF
GOTO
then
0
CODE
Set the Code to 2 with the UP key
The display reads,
CONF
Press the Page Key until the controller shows
CAL
Now use the Scroll key to examine the data pairs. The values Pnt 1- Pnt 5 and Ofs 1 to Ofs 5 can be modified with the
UP and DOWN keys.
To exit this mode hold the Page key until the top display shows,
CONF
GOTO
And then set the upper display to Lev 1. While in this mode take care not to modify other parameters.

Page 19 of 29
Fast Cal Series Iss.07 –08/13
CALIBRATION DATA EXAMPLE
A maximum of five points may be entered, shown as Pnt 1 to Pnt 5 for the temperature point and Ofs 1 to Ofs 5 for
the offset values.
The Pnt values must be entered in ascending order.
Set a Pnt to a value lower than the previous point to disable it.
The indicator would be programmed with the following data:
Pnt 1 100 Ofs 1 0.8
Pnt 2 300 Ofs 2 1.1
Pnt 3 500 Ofs 3 2.1
Pnt 4 -999 Ofs 4 0
Pnt 5 -999 Ofs 5 0
CONNECTING A CURRENT TRANSMITTER (UP TO 20MA)
The transmitter should be powered externally, a 2.49Ohm current sense resistor is fitted internally and this allows the
indicator to read mA.
To scale the Linear input:
1 From the input type menu select “mV”.
2 The scaling can be configured in the CAL menu, accessed as described above..
3 Access the Input sub-menu by pressing the Page button
4 Set the input type to mV
5 Press again to enter the mv.hi value
6 Press again to enter the mv.lo value
7 Press again to enter the rng.hi value
8 Press again to enter the rng.lo value
9 To exit press Page and Scroll buttons together and select level 1 using the up/down buttons

Page 20 of 29
Fast Cal Series Iss.07 –08/13
TESTING THERMAL SWITCHES WITH FAST-CAL
The site Model Fast-Cal’s include a switch test facility which is used in conjunction with the supplied Cal Notepad
Software. See Cal Note Pad manual or instructions on how to use this.