Kurt J. Lesker 520TC Series User manual

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Copyright ©1996-2016 Kurt J. Lesker Company® All rights reserved.
YOU MUST READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE USE
Instrument Repeatable Accuracy
Instrument Accuracy with Random Tube

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Copyright ©1996-2016 Kurt J. Lesker Company® All rights reserved.
The Field Analysis Vacuum Meter®is a rugged, portable vacuum measurement
instrument designed specifically for the demands of field use. It is a highly accurate
digital vacuum gauge using field-proven thermocouple vacuum sensor technology. The
Field Analysis Vacuum Meter offers several viewing options including numeric, bar
graph, line graph and pumpdown graph display.
Portable
●Rugged design that offers a super-strong magnet for hands-free vacuum
measurement
●Field-proven thermocouple vacuum sensing technology
Precise
●Bullseye accuracy available in 12 different measurement units (microns, millitorr,
Torr, mm of Hg, mbar, bar, kPa, Pa, PSIA, inches of Hg, mm and inches of water)
●Field calibratable
Reliable
●70 hour battery life
●Protective rubber boot
●Simple easy to use design
Features:
●Auto Off
●On/Off soft switch
●Battery level indication
●Good/Bad sensor (tube) indication
●Self test mode
●Field replaceable sensor
●3 different graphical displays of vacuum pressure (pump-down, line, or bar
graph)
●Vacuum analytics for leak, outgassing and pump-down
●Available with hard or soft protective travel cases (options)
●Bluetooth connectivity to smart phone (option)

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Copyright ©1996-2016 Kurt J. Lesker Company® All rights reserved.
A feature-rich yet easy to use digital vacuum gauge that is ideal for field use.
Unpack and Confirm: verify you’ve received everything you ordered
The vacuum instrument contains the following components:
1. Vacuum gauge with amber backlight and blue rubber boot attached to 7’ of coiled cable
with Octal connector
2. Thermocouple Plus vacuum sensor, part number SEN-VGT500
3. Quick Start guide or (this) User Manual
Easy to use steps:
1. Remove protective boot.
2. Remove the battery cover and install 4 AA batteries
3. Plumb the thermocouple sensor into the system to be measured, taking care to keep the
stem down
4. Power on the device by pressing the “PWR” button. It will take about 5 seconds to turn
on.
5. If need be, turn on the backlight. The backlight does not affect gauge reading or
accuracy
6. Read vacuum!
Feel free to explore the latest copy of this manual at https://www.lesker.com for all the features
that make this a truly useful vacuum measurement and system analysis tool.

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Copyright ©1996-2016 Kurt J. Lesker Company® All rights reserved.

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Copyright ©1996-2016 Kurt J. Lesker Company® All rights reserved.
The Field Analysis Vacuum Meter has four display modes: one numeric, and three graphical. The
numeric display has three numeric formats: Low Resolution, High Resolution, and Scientific
Notation. Display modes are selected from the settings menu “Display”, and numeric formats
are selected from the Setting option “display”. The SEL button enters and traverses the Settings
menu.
Display Large number
Numeric display with the “High Resolution” format
Large number display with the “scientific” format
The numeric display shows the currently configured units, in these examples the vacuum
pressure units are “microns” or “torr”.
In any display mode, the UP and DOWN buttons turn the backlight on and off (respectively),
the SEL button enters the configuration menu, and the ENT button turns the gauge on or off.

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Copyright ©1996-2016 Kurt J. Lesker Company® All rights reserved.
The battery indicator shown at full strength
Vacuum Range Indicator
Bar Graph Level
Vacuum Range
Full bar
Greater than (>) 525 Torr
2/3 bar (pictured)
Between 525Torr - .0750 Torr
1/3 bar
Less than (<) .750 Torr or >_0.025 Torr
Empty box
< 0.025 Torr
In practice, this indicator changes based on the current level of pressure.
The numeric display shows when the vacuum sensor tube is disconnected, failed or when an
over-range condition exists (pressure above 1000 Torr).

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Copyright ©1996-2016 Kurt J. Lesker Company® All rights reserved.
Display Bar Graph
The bar graph visualizes the current sensor reading with a 6-stage stepped bar.
Display Pump-down graph
The pump-down graph plots time horizontally and logs pressure vertically. The horizontal time
scale is selected using the configuration option “Pump-down time”. The vertical pressure scale
is logarithmic, indicating order of magnitude from one micron to atmosphere.
The top left is the current vacuum pressure display figure. In the center of the first line is the
Vacuum System Analysis, “PUMP”, and to the right is one of either the pump down rate in
units per minute, or the data set window size in hours, minutes and seconds. The
“STABLE” case shows data set window size.

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Copyright ©1996-2016 Kurt J. Lesker Company® All rights reserved.
Display Line graph
The auto-scaling (or, auto-ranging) time graph is a microscope into the pump down data.
In this mode, the pump down graph is shown with a linear pressure scale that is fit to the
pressure range of the data set.
The height of the graph display is the pressure range of the data set in a linear scale (not log).
The top left figure is the maximum value in this range, and the bottom left figure is the
minimum value in this range. The top right figure is the current or most recent value in the
instrument.
Please Note: Sometimes this visualization is not useful, showing noise. This noise comes from
the instrument’s process of measurement, as well as the vacuum system under measurement.
The auto scaling graph is a data visualization microscope, in this sense.
Useful Quick Tip: This visualization can show a very small climbing or descending trend that
the vacuum analysis algorithm has not declared as a leak or pumping.
Current or most
recent pressure
Maximum &
Minimum value in
measured range

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Copyright ©1996-2016 Kurt J. Lesker Company® All rights reserved.
Display
Pressing the SEL button from the vacuum display screen will present three submenus: Settings,
Calibration and Set-points.
The settings menu is a linear series of menu options that are stepped or skipped through using
the SEL button.
Above each button is a utility hint to indicate specific button function. The SKIP hint is above
the SEL button to indicate that the SEL button is used to step or skip to the next menu screen
with no configuration change. The ENTER hint above the ENT button indicates that this button
is used to enter the display mode as shown in the menu screen. Using the UP or DOWN
buttons will change the option available on the menu screen.
In the example above, the configuration menu is ready to change the display to the Pumpdown
Graph. In this state pressing the ENTER button will change the display to the Pumpdown
Graph, or pressing the SKIP button will ignore the state of the menu screen and leave the
display mode unchanged.
Number format
The number format setting defines the vacuum pressure number format throughout all modes
of display.
The UP and DOWN buttons select a format type from “High Resolution”, “Scientific” and “Low
Resolution”, and the ENT button saves the current choice.

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Copyright ©1996-2016 Kurt J. Lesker Company® All rights reserved.
High Resolution
The High Resolution format has three digits of precision. For example, an internal vacuum value
of 1234 microns (µm Hg) would be displayed as 1.23 torr in the High Resolution format with torr
units. Additionally, this format gives the raw vacuum measurement data which may be useful
for trending, but could also result in a noisier reading.
Low Resolution
The Low Resolution format has two digits of precision. For example, an internal vacuum value
of 1234 microns (µm Hg) would be displayed as 1.2 torr in the Low Resolution numeric format
with torr units. This number format also gives a filtered number depending on the accuracy of
the gauge in the pressure range of measurement. For example, it may count by 100 Torr
increments around 400 Torr since the accuracy in this range is +/- 100 Torr, which results in a
‘quieter’ gauge.
Scientific
The scientific format has two digits of precision with a base ten exponent following
conventional usage. For example, an internal vacuum value of 1234 microns (µm Hg) would be
displayed as 1.2 x 100torr. For any resolution below 2 millitorr, the scientific format must
be used.
Set-point value
The Set Point Value is defined in terms of the current vacuum pressure units.
The Set Point indicates a pump down to configured pressure state according to the setting of
the Set Point Action. See “Set Point Operation” for more detail.
Set-point action
The Set Point Action is defined as one of a set of choices, including: None, Beep, Beep and
Flash, or Flash.
For details of operation, refer to the section “Set Point Operation”.

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Copyright ©1996-2016 Kurt J. Lesker Company® All rights reserved.
Pumpdown time
The pump-down time configuration option defines the width of the Pumpdown Graph and
pumpdown rate window.
The pumpdown rate is the difference between the start and end of the pressure data shown in
the pumpdown graph. For example using a pump down time of ten minutes, a system pump
down from atmospheric pressure to one torr in ten minutes has a pump down rate of 760 torr
per ten minutes or 76 torr per minute.
Auto Off time
Use this setting to save battery power during periods of inactivity. The figure zero will disable
the auto off battery saver feature. To see the specifics of this feature, look at the Auto Off
Operation section. With a positive (non-zero) value, the unit will indicate the Auto Off.
Backlight time
Use this setting to save battery power during periods of inactivity. The setting of “0”will never
turn off the backlight. Set the Backlight time to a specific number of minutes to determine
when the backlight will turn off, which can help conserve battery life.
Sound
The two sound configurations determine the audible Set Point Alarm and Calibration Storage
Acknowledgement tones, named “Sound SP” and “Sound Cal” respectively.
The Set Point Alarm sound is typically configured to a different value from the Calibration
Acknowledgement sound.

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Copyright ©1996-2016 Kurt J. Lesker Company® All rights reserved.
Self-Test
The self-test function reviews the Tube and Battery status, and resets the internal Elapsed
Time Clock, Pump Down Data, and Auto Off subsystems. Enter the Self-Test sequence with this
option. Refer to the section “Self-Test Operation” for more detail.
Measurement Units
The units settings permits numeric vacuum values to be displayed in any one of a 12 available
vacuum pressure units including microns, millitorr, millimeters of mercury, Torr, mbar, Bar, Pa,
kPa, inches of mercury, mm of water, inches of water and PSIA. Note that inches of mercury and
inches of water is zero referenced to 760 Torr absolute pressure .
Useful Quick Note: A negative number indicates vacuum, a positive number indicates
pressure relative to sea level.
Units pumpdown rate
The Units Pump-down configuration option permits the pumpdown rate figure displayed in
the Pumpdown Graph to employ identical or different units from the numeric vacuum units.
Use this option to change the pumpdown rate units—allowing you to sync with your standard
operating procedures for your particular vacuum system.
The “Sync” option, shown in this example (above), maintains the pumpdown rate units as
identical to the primary vacuum units. Note: “Sync” is the recommended configuration—
employing mixed units could be a source of misinterpretation.

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Calibration
This configuration option is available from the main menu and will enter the field calibration
mode.
Refer to the section “Field Calibration” for a complete description of the operation of the
Calibration function.
Version
The last step in the configuration menu reports the software version identifier.
Useful Quick Tip: This software version identifier is useful for communicating with the factory
or distributor support.
Factory Defaults
The last step in the settings screen will return all the settings to factory defaults. This does not
affect calibration. Tap the “reset” button to restore factory defaults.
Auto Off Operation
The auto off feature will engage only in the unattended mode of operation. The Field Analysis
Vacuum Meter will not turn itself off when:
●connected to a system under vacuum (less than 100 Torr, pump down feature set)
●any button activity on instrument will reset “auto-off” time elapse
●in calibration mode
Set Point Operation
A Set Point can be enabled to alert the user when a specific vacuum level is reached. Enter the
menu option “Setpoints”. Adjust to the desired setpoint using the Up and Down arrows. Then
press Next and use the Up and Down arrows to choose the desired alert; Beep, Flash, or
Beep/Flash. The unit will alert the user when the defined vacuum level is reached. Press any
button to silence the alert.

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The result of the Vacuum System Analysis is one of “PUMP”, “LEAK”, “OUTGAS” or “STABLE”
and is shown in some display modes.
Internally, one data set serves the Pump down and Time Auto line graphs as well as the Vacuum
System Analysis. The data is visualized in the Pump down and Time Auto line graphs. The
data set is maintained continuously in every mode of operation.
Graphing Emailed Pump Down Date | Available with Bluetooth option: Review this manual
to learn how you can take the emailed data from the Field Analysis Vacuum Meter and create a
graph to illustrate a vacuum pump down curve for base line or troubleshooting; or to help
understand the leak rate for transformer, enclosure, HVAC system or other type of repair. This
data can also act as proof of ultimate vacuum level achieved.
Data set size
The width of the data set in time is configured with the option “Pumpdown time”. This figure
is employed to determine the time slices that are accumulated at a rate of roughly three
updates per second. A small difference will accrue depending on the actual data set span in
hours, minutes, and seconds. The Pump down graph with a “STABLE” case (under 100 torr) will
display the actual time window size in hours, minutes and seconds.
Differential Analysis
The Vacuum System Analysis looks at the last quarter of the pump down data set to determine
the state of the system under test. The whole analysis is recomputed approximately three times
per second.
▪The “LEAK” result indicates pressure increasing towards atmosphere with rates that are not
typically indicative of outgassing alone.
▪The “PUMP” result indicates a strong pressure descent to vacuum as for a system under
vacuum pump down.
▪The “OUTGAS” result indicates evidence of outgassing. Evidence of outgassing is a pressure
trend that is ascending at a rate that is decreasing. Eventually the rate of ascent decreases
until the pressure stabilizes.
▪The “STABLE” result indicates no particular evidence of venting (LEAK) or outgassing, and
is shown for slow pump down rates.
Reset Historical Data
The pump down data set is cleared in power-off states: turned off, or dead or missing batteries.

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The Self-Test feature is available from the Configuration option “Self-Test”, pictured below.
From this Configuration option, press the ENT button to enter the “Self-Test”sequence.
The Self-Test sequence will then start after you press any other button.
Step 1. Performs tests of the Battery level and Tube connection
Step 2: Pressing any button will initiate the second step, shown below. The second step reviews
the detailed results of the tests performed in the preceding step. Pressing any button will
proceed to the third step.
Step 3: Reports the overall condition as GOOD or NOT GOOD, based on the results reviewed in
the previous step. Pressing any button will exit the Self-Test and reset the Elapsed Time Clock
and dependent subsystems including the Pump Down Data Set—as occurs on any power off
state (turned off or batteries dead or missing).

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From the Settings view, choose “Calibration”, pictured below, press the ENT button to enter the
field calibration mode.
The calibration screen, shown below, shows digital signal counts and torr pressure times 10,000
(“Torr x 10+4”). For example, one micron (or millitorr) is “10” in the “Torr x 10+4” scale.
Keep in mind that this procedure must be performed with:
• A leak-free vacuum system capable of achieving pressures of 2 Torr, 730 Torr and 2 millitorr,
and capable of holding vacuum and remaining stable at those pressures for around a minute.
• Another vacuum gauge whose readings you trust.
Resetting Calibration Offsets Before Field Calibration
First, you must make sure the calibration offsets shown in the menu (the negative or positive
numbers next to ATM, MID, and VAC) are reset to zero before performing the field calibration.
• Turn on gauge using rightmost PWR/Ent button, wait for unit to boot up. Press circular arrow
button to access menu, press the down key, then Enter to access calibration screen.
• Use the circular arrow button to scroll through option until text on right-hand side of screen
below battery indicator reads F/ATM.
• Press the two leftmost buttons at the same time. The number next to the ATM option will
become zero.
• Press the circular arrow button once so the text on right-hand side of screen below battery
indicator reads F/MID.
• Press the two leftmost buttons at the same time. The number next to the MID option will
become zero.

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• Press the circular arrow button once so the text on right-hand side of screen below battery
indicator reads F/VAC. Press the two leftmost buttons at the same time. The number next to the
MID option will become zero.
• Press the circular arrow button once so the text on right-hand side of screen below battery
indicator reads F/STOR. Press the two leftmost buttons at the same time. This will save your
adjustments. Gauge should beep and screen should flash black and then back to orange.
Field Calibration
Pump your vacuum system down to 2 Torr and allow to settle for about 30 seconds. Use the
circular arrow button to scroll through option until text on right-hand side of screen below battery
indicator reads F/2T. Then press the two leftmost buttons at the same time. The number next to
the MID option will change, and the reading next to Torr + 4 should read at or very near 2000 0.
Pressurize vacuum system to 730 Torr. Press circular arrow button once so text below battery
indicator reads F/700T (This seems misleading, but the F/700T setting is actually made at 730
Torr). Allow gauge to settle for about 30 seconds. Process here is identical to the above –press
leftmost two buttons simultaneously, and the number next to the ATM option will change and the
Torr + 4 reading will read at or very near 700000 0.
Pump vacuum system down to 2 millitorr and allow gauge to settle for about 30 seconds. Press
circular arrow button so text below battery indicator reads F/2mT. procedure as before with two
leftmost buttons, Torr + 4 reading should read at or very near 2 0.
Press circular arrow button several times until text under battery indicator reads F/STOR. Press
two leftmost buttons simultaneously to save your changes. Gauge should beep and screen
should flash black and then back to orange. Exit using rightmost button, then check your
calibration from hard vacuum up to atmosphere.

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GAUGE TUBE SERVICING
In many cases, a gauge tube may become fouled with oil or other foreign matter. It is often
possible to restore the functionality of contaminated probes with cleaning. If the contaminant is
known, the tube should be filled with a fluid that is known to be a solvent to that contaminant.
As an example, ether is often effective in removing residues of some oils. Commercial carburetor
cleaners are very powerful solvents and are highly effective against some contaminants.
After cleaning with solvents, the gauge tube should be completely dried or flushed with a
volatile solvent to assure that it is dry prior to reinstalling it. If this is not done, contamination
of the system may result.
Maintenance
Your vacuum instrument should give you many years of trouble-free service. There are no
regularly scheduled maintenance intervals. If consistent accuracy is required, it is recommended
that the gauge, tube, cable and power supply be returned for a yearly calibration check.
NOTES ON CALIBRATION
The instrument is calibrated in nitrogen, which has thermal properties virtually identical to air.
Other gasses will affect the readings by an amount proportional to the thermal conductivity of
the gases. In most cases, the gases present in a vacuum system will be air, nitrogen, or oxygen,
and no appreciable errors will occur.
Certain other gases, however, have thermal conductivity significantly greater than air and will
cause the instrument to read higher than the actual amount of pressure.
Examples of such gases are water vapor, fluorocarbon refrigerants, and acetone. Conversely,
other gasses have thermal conductivity significantly lower than air and will cause the instrument
to read lower than actual pressure. Examples of such gases include helium, oxygen and to a
lesser extent, CO2.
When interpreting readings using gasses other than air, it should be borne in mind that the
Field Analysis Vacuum Meter reads absolute pressure—that is the opposite of vacuum. Thus, a
lower numerical reading actually is a higher level of vacuum. For more information, refer to
section 8.0.

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Instrument Repeatable Accuracy
Range
Accuracy
1~99 millitorr
+/- 2 millitorr or 20%
100~2000 millitorr
+/- 10%
2 ~ 6 Torr
+/- 25%
6~250 Torr
Continuous and monotonic
250 ~ 800 Torr
+/- 25%
Instrument Accuracy with Random Tube
This assumes the replacement Tube is the same type from the same manufacturer, MID and
VAC set to zero, ATM rough calibrated to 760 when tube exposed to ATM
Range
Accuracy
.001 to .030 Torr
+/- .015 Torr
.030 to 1.00 Torr
+/- 30% of reading
1.00 to 300 Torr
In range (1, 300 Torr), increasing pressure
results in increasing value
300 to 800Torr
+/- 30% of reading