Owon OW18 Series User manual

OW18 Series Digital Multimeters
User Manual
OW18A
OW18B
OW18D
OW18E
www.owon.com.cn

Nov 2019 edition V1.1.0
Copyright © LILLIPUT Company. All rights reserved.
The LILLIPUT's products are under the protection of the patent rights, including ones which have
already obtained the patent rights and those which are applying for. The information in this manual
will replace all materials published.
The information in this manual was correct at the time of printing. However, LILLIPUT will continue to
improve products and reserves the rights to change specification at any time without notice.
is the registered trademark of the LILLIPUT Company.
Fujian LILLIPUT Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
No. 19, Heming Road
Lantian Industrial Zone, Zhangzhou 363005 P.R. China
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Web: www.owon.com.cn E-mail: [e-mail]

General Warranty
OWON warrants that the product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase of the product by the original purchaser
from the OWON Company. This warranty only applies to the original purchaser and is not
transferable to the third party, and does not apply to fuses, disposable batteries or to any
product which has been misused, altered, neglected or damaged by accident or
abnormal conditions of operation or handling.
If the product proves defective during the warranty period, OWON either will repair the
defective product without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a replacement in
exchange for the defective product. Parts, modules and replacement products used by
OWON for warranty work may be new or reconditioned like new performance. All
replaced parts, modules and products become the property of OWON.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify OWON of the defect
before the expiration of the warranty period. Customer shall be responsible for
packaging and shipping the defective product to the service center designated by OWON,
and with a copy of customer proof of purchase.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or
improper or inadequate maintenance and care. OWON shall not be obligated to furnish
service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting from attempts by personnel
other than OWON representatives to install, repair or service the product; b) to repair
damage resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; c) to
repair any damage or malfunction caused by the use of non-OWON supplies; or d) to
service a product that has been modified or integrated with other products when the
effect of such modification or integration increases the time or difficulty of servicing the
product.
Please contact the nearest OWON's Sales and Service Offices for services.
For better after-sales service, please visit www.owon.com.cn and register the purchased
product online.
Excepting the after-sales services provided in this summary or the applicable warranty statements,
OWON will not offer any guarantee for maintenance definitely declared or hinted, including but not
limited to the implied guarantee for marketability and special-purpose acceptability. OWON should
not take any responsibilities for any indirect, special or consequent damages.

Table of Contents
1.Safety Information ....................................................................................................1
Safety Considerations ......................................................................................................... 1
Measurement Category....................................................................................................... 3
Safety Terms and Symbols................................................................................................... 4
2.Quick Start................................................................................................................5
General Inspection.............................................................................................................. 5
Install the Batteries............................................................................................................. 5
Adjusting the Tilt Stand....................................................................................................... 6
Power On ........................................................................................................................... 6
Sleep Mode ........................................................................................................................ 6
LCD Backlight and Flashlight ................................................................................................ 6
Selecting the Range............................................................................................................. 7
Multimeter in Brief ............................................................................................................. 7
Front panel ............................................................................................................................................... 7
Rotary switch............................................................................................................................................ 8
Keypad...................................................................................................................................................... 9
Display screen........................................................................................................................................... 9
Input terminals....................................................................................................................................... 11
3.Making Measurements ............................................................................................12
Measuring AC or DC Voltage...............................................................................................12
Measuring Resistance ........................................................................................................12
Testing for Continuity.........................................................................................................13
Testing Diodes ...................................................................................................................13
Measuring Capacitance ......................................................................................................13
Measuring Frequency.........................................................................................................14
Measuring Temperature.....................................................................................................14
Non-Contact Voltage Detect (NCV) .....................................................................................14
Measuring Transistor — Only for specific models................................................................15
Measuring DC or AC Current...............................................................................................15
4.Multimeter Features................................................................................................16
Data Hold Mode.................................................................................................................16
Making Relative Measurements .........................................................................................16
Buzzer Feature...................................................................................................................16
i

5.To Connect with Mobile Device – Only for OW18B/OW18E ......................................17
Android App ......................................................................................................................18
How to Connect with Android Device .................................................................................................... 18
User Interface in Android App................................................................................................................ 19
Operations in Android App..................................................................................................................... 20
Multimeter Offline Record (Android)..................................................................................................... 22
iOS App .............................................................................................................................23
How to Connect with iOS Device............................................................................................................ 23
User Interface in iOS App ....................................................................................................................... 25
Operations in iOS App ............................................................................................................................ 27
Multimeter Offline Record (iOS) ............................................................................................................ 28
6.To Connect with Computer – Only for OW18B/OW18E.............................................31
How to Connect with Computer ............................................................................................................ 31
Step 1: Install multimeterBLE software................................................................................................................31
Step 2: Install driver of Bluetooth USB adapter ...................................................................................................31
Step 3: Connect to multimeterBLE software........................................................................................................37
User Interface in MultimeterBLE Software ............................................................................................ 39
Operations in MultimeterBLE Software ................................................................................................. 40
Multimeter Offline Record (PC Software) .............................................................................................. 40
7.Technical Specifications ..........................................................................................43
8.Appendix.................................................................................................................47
Appendix A: Enclosure .......................................................................................................47
Appendix B: General Care and Cleaning ..............................................................................47
ii

1.Safety Information
1. Safety Information
Safety Considerations
Before any operations, please read the following safety precautions to avoid any
possible bodily injury and prevent damage to this product or any other products
connected. To avoid any contingent danger, use this product only as specified.
EC Declaration of Conformity:
Meets intent of Directive 2004/108/EC for Electromagnetic Compatibility.
Limit operation to the specified measurement category, voltage, or amperage ratings.
Do not use the multimeter if it is damaged. Before you use the multimeter, inspect
the case. Look for cracks or missing plastic. Pay particular attention to the insulation
surrounding the connectors.
Do not use the test leads provided for other products. Use only the certified test
leads specified for this product.
Inspect the test leads for damaged insulation or exposed metal.
Before use, verify the multimeter's operation by measuring a known voltage.
Only the qualified technicians can implement the maintenance.
Always use the specified battery type. The power for the multimeter is supplied with
a battery. Observe the correct polarity markings before you insert the batteries to
ensure proper insertion of the batteries in the multimeter.
Check all Terminal Ratings. To avoid fire or shock hazard, check all ratings and
markers of this product. Refer to the user's manual for more information about
ratings before connecting to the multimeter.
Do not operate the multimeter with the cover or portions of the cover removed or
loosened.
Use Proper Fuse. Use only the specified type and rating fuse for the multimeter.
Do not operate if in any doubt. If you suspect damage occurs to the multimeter,
have it inspected by qualified service personnel before further operations.
To avoid electric shock, do not operate this product in wet or damp conditions.
Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.
Keep product surfaces clean and dry.
Do not apply more than the rated voltage (as marked on the multimeter) between
terminals, or between terminal and earth ground.
When measuring current, turn off the circuit power before connecting the
multimeter in the circuit. Remember to place the multimeter in series with the
circuit.
1

1.Safety Information
When servicing the multimeter, use only the specified replacement parts.
Use caution when working above 60 V DC, 30 V AC RMS, or 42.4 V peak. Such
voltages pose a shock hazard.
When using the test leads, keep your fingers behind the finger guards on the test
leads.
Remove the test leads from the multimeter before you open the battery cover.
To avoid false readings, which may lead to possible electric shock or personal injury,
replace the battery as soon as the low battery indicator appears and flashes.
Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing
resistance, continuity, diodes, or capacitance.
Use the proper terminals, function, and range for your measurements.When the
range of the value to be measured is unknown, set the rotary switch position as the
highest range, or choose the auto ranging mode. To avoid damages to the multimeter,
do not exceed the maximum limits of the input values shown in the technical
specification tables.
Connect the common test lead before you connect the live test lead. When you
disconnect the leads, disconnect the live test lead first.
Before changing functions, disconnect the test leads from the circuit under test.
2

1.Safety Information
Measurement Category
The multimeter has a safety rating of 1000 V, CAT III and 600 V, CAT IV.
Measurement category definition
Measurement CAT I applies to measurements performed on circuits not directly
connected to the AC mains. Examples are measurements on circuits not derived from the
AC mains and specially protected (internal) mains- derived circuits.
Measurement CAT II applies to protect against transients from energy-consuming
equipment supplied from the fixed installation, such as TVs, PCs, portable tools, and
other household circuits.
Measurement CAT III applies to protect against transients in equipment in fixed
equipment installations, such as distribution panels, feeders and short branch circuits,
and lighting systems in large buildings.
Measurement CAT IV applies to measurements performed at the source of the low-
voltage installation. Examples are electricity meters and measurements on primary over
current protection devices and ripple control units.
3

1.Safety Information
Safety Terms and Symbols
Safety Terms
Terms in this Manual. The following terms may appear in this manual:
Warning: Warning indicates the conditions or practices that could result in
personal injury or death.
Caution: Caution indicates the conditions or practices that could result in
damage to this product or other property.
Terms on the Product. The following terms may appear on this product:
Danger: It indicates an injury or hazard may immediately happen.
Warning: It indicates an injury or hazard may be accessible potentially.
Caution: It indicates a potential damage to the instrument or other property might occur.
Safety Symbols
Symbols on the Product. The following symbol may appear on the product:
Direct current (DC) Fuse
Alternating current (AC)
Caution, risk of danger (refer to this
manual for specific Warning or
Caution information)
Both direct and alternating
current
Category II overvoltage protection
Ground terminal Category III overvoltage protection
Conforms to European Union
directives
Category IV overvoltage protection
Equipment protected throughout
by double insulation or
reinforced insulation
4

2.Quick Start
2. Quick Start
General Inspection
After you get a new multimeter, make a check on the instrument according to the
following steps:
1. Check whether there is any damage caused by transportation.
If it is found that the packaging carton or the foamed plastic protection cushion has
suffered serious damage, do not throw it away first till the complete device and its
accessories succeed in the electrical and mechanical property tests.
2. Check the Accessories
The supplied accessories have been already described in the Appendix A: Enclosure
of this Manual. You can check whether there is any loss of accessories with reference
to this description. If it is found that there is any accessory lost or damaged, please
get in touch with the distributor of OWON responsible for this service or the
OWON's local offices.
3. Check the Complete Instrument
If it is found that there is damage to the appearance of the instrument, or the
instrument can not work normally, or fails in the performance test, please get in
touch with the OWON's distributor responsible for this business or the OWON's local
offices. If there is damage to the instrument caused by the transportation, please
keep the package. With the transportation department or the OWON's distributor
responsible for this business informed about it, a repairing or replacement of the
instrument will be arranged by the OWON.
Install the Batteries
The multimeter is powered by a 9V (6F22) battery.
Warning: To avoid false readings, which could lead to possible electric shock
or personal injury, replace the battery as soon as the low battery
indicator appears.
Before replacing the battery, turn off the meter,
disconnect test
leads and any connectors from any c
ircuit under test, remove test
leads from the input terminals. Use only the specified battery type.
Use the following procedure to install the batteries.
(1) Ensure that the rotary switch is at the position. Remove test leads and any
connectors from the input terminals.
5

2.Quick Start
(2) Lift the tilt stand and loosen the screws with a suitable Phillips screwdriver and
remove the battery cover.
(3) Observe the battery polarity indicated inside the battery compartment, Insert the
batteries.
(4) Place the battery cover back in its original position and tighten the screws.
Caution
: To avoid instruments being damage from battery leakage, always remove
the batteries and store them separately if the multimeter is not going to be
used for a long period.
Adjusting the Tilt Stand
Pull the tilt stand outward to its maximum reach (about 85° to the meter body).
Power On
(1) To power ON the multimeter, turn the rotary switch to any other position except
.
(2) To power OFF the multimeter, turn the rotary switch to the position.
Sleep Mode
The multimeter automatically enters the sleep mode if the rotary switch is not moved or
a key is not pressed for 30 minutes. (When the Bluetooth is activated, this function is
disabled.)
Pressing or turn the rotary switch will turn the multimeter back to operation
mode from the sleep mode.
One minute before Auto Power-off, the buzzer will beep five times to warn. Before shutoff,
the buzzer will emit a long beep, and then the multimeter will shut off.
Note: In sleep mode, the multimeter will still consume a little p ower. I f the multimeter is
not going to be used for a long period, the power should be turned off.
LCD Backlight and Flashlight
To implement the test among darkness, you can activate the LCD backlight and flashlight
by pressing for more than 2 seconds. The backlight and flashlight will last for one
minute. To turn off manually, pressing for more than 2 seconds.
6

2.Quick Start
Selecting the Range
Auto ranging is set as default when the meter is powered on, is displayed.
When auto ranging is enabled, press to enter the manual range mode.
In manual range, each additional press of sets the multimeter to the next
higher range, unless it is already in the highest range, at which point the range
switches to the lowest range.
When manual range is enabled, press for more than 2 seconds to enter the
auto ranging mode.
Note: Manual range is not available when measuring capacitance.
Multimeter in Brief
Front panel
1
2
3
4
5
6
7 8
Figure 2-1 Front panel overview
(OW18B with hFE is shown for example)
7

2.Quick Start
No.
Description
Details
①
Display screen
Page 9
②
Keypad Page 9
③
Rotary switch
Page 8
④
Input terminals Page 11
⑤
Transistor test holes (only for specific models) Page 15
⑥
LED indicator
⑦
Non-contact voltage detector (NCV)
Page 14
⑧
Flashlight Page 6
Rotary switch
Position
Description
Details
Power off
Page 6
DC or AC voltage measurement
Page 12
*
DC or AC voltage measurement
(For OW18A/OW18B: up to 600 millivolts
For OW18D/OW18E: up to 200 millivolts)
Resistance measurement
Page 12
Continuity test
Page 13
Diode test
Page 13
Capacitance measurement
Page 13
Frequency measurement
Page 14
Temperature measurement
Page 14
Non-contact voltage detect
Page 14
*
Transistor measurement
Page 15
DC or AC current measurement
(For OW18A/OW18B: up to 6000
microamperes;
For OW18D/OW18E: up to2000
microamperes)
Page 15
DC or AC current measurement
(For OW18A/OW18B: up to 600
8

2.Quick Start
milliamperes;
For OW18D/OW18E: up to200
milliamperes.
DC or AC current measurement
*The model with function does not have the position.
Keypad
Key
Description
Details
Select DC or AC
Select Resistance/Continuity /Diode
Auto/Manual range Page 7
Backlight & Flashlight
Page 6
Data Hold
Page 16
Select frequency/duty cycle
Page 14
Measuring frequency in AC voltage/current mode
Relative Measurements
Page 16
Bluetooth (only for OW18B/OW18E)
Page 17
Display screen
Figure 2-2 Display screen（For OW18D/E）
9

2.Quick Start
Symbol
Description
Details
Auto range Page 7
Sleep mode
Page 7
Relative enabled
Page 16
Data hold enabled Page 16
Diode test selected
Page 13
Continuity test selected
Page 13
Bluetooth enabled Page 17
DC
Page 12 and
Page 14
AC
Measurement display
("OL" is short for overload,
indicates the reading exceeds the
display range)
Battery is low Page 5
True RMS
Measuring units Page 10
Measurement units
Sign Description
M Mega 1E+06 (1000000)
k kilo 1E+03 (1000)
m milli 1E–03 (0.001)
µ micro 1E–06 (0.000001)
n nano 1E–09 (0.000000001)
Sign Description Measurement type
℃ Degree Celsius Temperature
℉ Degree Fahrenheit
V Voltage Voltage
10

2.Quick Start
A Ampere Current
Ω
Ohm Resistance
Hz Hertz Frequency
% Percent, Duty cycle
F Farad Capacitance
Input terminals
The terminal connections for the different measurement functions of the multimeter are
described in the table below.
Warning:
Before starting any measurement,
observe the rotary switch
position of the multimeter, and then
connect the test leads to the
correct terminals.
Caution
: To avoid damaging the multimeter, do not exceed the rated input limit.
Rotary switch
position
Input terminals Overload protection
( )
750 VAC/1000 VDC
250 VAC/300 VDC
Model with
OW18A/OW18B:
400mA/250V;
OW18D/OW18E:
200mA/250V.
resettable fuse
Model without
OW18A/OW18B:
1A/1000V;
OW18D/OW18E:
0.5A/1000V
fast-acting fuse
Model with
20A/250V,
fast-acting fuse
Model without
15A/1000V,
fast-acting fuse
11

3.Making Measurements
3. Making Measurements
Measuring AC or DC Voltage
Warning: Do not measure any voltage of over 1000 Vdc or 750 Vac rms to
avoid instrument damage or electric shock.
Do not apply more than 1000 Vdc or 750
Vac rms between the
common terminal and the earth ground to avoid instrument damage
or electric shock.
This multimeter displays DC voltage values as well as their polarity. Negative DC voltages
will display a negative sign on the left of the display.
(1) Rotate the rotary switch to or ( is only for specific models). Default is
DC measurement mode, will be displayed. Press to switch into AC
measurement mode, will be displayed.
(2) Connect the black test lead to the terminal and the red test lead to the
terminal.
(3) Probe the test points and read the display. Press to enable and cycle through
the manual ranges.
Note: When measuring AC voltage, press to cycle through frequency measuring,
duty cycle measuring, and original measuring.
Measuring Resistance
Caution
:
To avoid possible damage to your multimeter or to the equipment under
test, disconnect the circuit power and discharge all high-voltage
capacitors before measuring resistance.
(1) Rotate the rotary switch to .
(2) Connect the black test lead to the terminal and the red test lead to the
terminal.
(3) Probe the test points and read the display. Press to enable and cycle through
the manual ranges.
12

3.Making Measurements
Testing for Continuity
Caution
:
To avoid possible damage to your multimeter or to the equipment under
test, disconnect the circuit power and discharge all high-voltage
capacitors before testing for continuity.
(1) Rotate the rotary switch to . Press once to enter continuity testing mode,
will be displayed.
(2) Connect the black test lead to the terminal and the red test lead to the
terminal.
(3) Probe the test points to measure the resistance in the circuit. If the reading is below
30 Ω, the multimeter will beep continuously.
Testing Diodes
Caution
:
To avoid possible damage to your multimeter or to the equipment under
test, disconnect the circuit power and discharge all high-voltage
capacitors before testing diodes.
(1) Rotate the rotary switch to . Press twice to enter diode testing mode,
will be displayed.
(2) Connect the black test lead to the terminal and the red test lead to the
terminal.
(3) Connect the red test lead to the positive terminal (anode) of the diode and the black
test lead to the negative terminal (cathode). The cathode of a diode is indicated with
a band.
(4) Read the diode forward bias. If the test lead connection is reversed, the multimeter
will display "OL".
Measuring Capacitance
Caution:
To avoid possible d
amage to the multimeter or to the equipment under
test, disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-
voltage capacitors
before measuring capacitance. Use the DC voltage function to confirm
that the capacitor is fully discharged.
(1) Rotate the rotary switch to .
(2) Connect the black test lead to the terminal and the red test lead to the
terminal.
13

3.Making Measurements
(3) Probe the test points and read the display.
Measuring Frequency
(1) Rotate the rotary switch to .
(2) Connect the black test lead to the terminal and the red test lead to the
terminal.
(3) Probe the test points and read the display.
(4) Press to switch between the frequency and duty cycle measurements.
Note: When measuring AC voltage or AC current, press to cycle through
frequency measuring, duty cycle measuring, and original measuring.
To measure the frequency of signal with large amplitude, it is recommended to press
to measure the frequency in AC voltage measurement mode.
Measuring Temperature
(1) Rotate the rotary switch to .
(2) Connect the red connection of the K-type thermocouple to the terminal
and the black connection to the terminal.
(3) Probe the test points and read the display.
Non-Contact Voltage Detect (NCV)
To detect the presence of AC voltage, place the top of the meter close to a voltage source.
When voltage is detected, the LED above the display will glow, and the meter will beep.
Warning:
Always test the NCV function on a known live circuit before use.
Do not attempt to use the meter as an AC Voltage Detector if the
battery is weak or bad.
Even without indication, voltage may still be present. Do not rely on
NCV detection to check the shielded wire. Detection could be
impaired by socket design, insulation thickness, or other factors.
External interference such as static electricity sources could
mistakenly trigger NCV indication.
(1) Rotate the rotary switch to .
(2) Test the NCV function on a known live circuit before use.
(3) Place the top of the meter very close to the voltage source as
shown in the figure.
(4) If voltage is detected, the LED above the display will flash, and
the meter will beep.
14

3.Making Measurements
Measuring Transistor — Only for specific models
(1) Rotate the rotary switch to .
(2) Verify the type of the transistor is NPN or PNP, and locate the Emitter, Base and
Collector leads. Insert leads of the transistor into the corresponding test holes on the
panel.
(3) Read the hFE value.
Measuring DC or AC Current
Warning: Never attempt an in-circuit current measurement where the open-circuit
potential to earth is greater than 250
V. Doing so will cause damage to
the multimeter and possible electric shock or personal injury.
Caution: To avoid possible damage to the multimeter or to the equipment under
test, check the multimeter’s fuse before measuring current. Use the
proper terminals, function, and range for your measurement. Never place
the test leads in parallel with any circuit or component when the leads are
plugged into the current terminals.
(1) Turn off the power of the measured circuit. Discharge all high- voltage capacitors.
(2) For OW18A/OW18B，connect the black test lead to the terminal. For currents
below 600 mA, connect the red test lead to the terminal; for currents
within 600 mA – 10 A, connect the red test lead to the terminal.
For OW18D/OW18E，connect the black test lead to the terminal. For currents
below 200 mA, connect the red test lead to the terminal; for currents
within 200 mA – 10 A, connect the red test lead to the terminal.
(3) Rotate the rotary switch to the appropriate position according to the measurement
range, , , or .
(4) Disconnect the circuit path to be tested. Connect the black test lead to one side of
the circuit (with a lower voltage); connect the red test lead to the other side (with a
higher voltage). Reversing the leads will produce a negative reading, but will not
damage the multimeter.
(5) Select DC or AC measurement mode. Default is DC measurement mode, will be
displayed. Press to switch into AC measurement mode, will be displayed.
(6) Turn on the power of the measured circuit, and read the display. Press to
enable and cycle through the manual ranges. If "OL" is displayed, it indicates the
input exceeds the selected range and the rotary switch should be set to the position
with higher range.
(7) Turn off the power of the measured circuit and discharge all high-voltage capacitors.
Remove the test leads and restore the circuit to the original condition.
Note: When measuring AC current, press to cycle through frequency measuring,
duty cycle measuring, and original measuring.
15