PCE Health and Fitness PCE-COM 20 User manual

© PCE Instruments
PCE-COM 20 Conductivity Tester
User Manual
User manuals in various languages (Deutsch,
français, italiano, español, português, nederlands,
türk, polski, русский, 中文) can be downloaded here:
www.pce-instruments.com
Last change: 12 October 2017
v1.0
English

© PCE Instruments
Contents
1Safety notes........................................................................................... 1
2Specifications........................................................................................ 2
2.1 Technical specifications ................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Delivery content ............................................................................................................... 3
2.3 Accessories...................................................................................................................... 4
3System description............................................................................... 5
3.1 Device.............................................................................................................................. 5
3.2 Connections and sensors................................................................................................. 6
3.3 Function keys................................................................................................................... 6
4Getting started.......................................................................................7
4.1 Power supply ................................................................................................................... 7
5Operation ............................................................................................... 7
5.1 On / off............................................................................................................................. 7
5.2 Measurement................................................................................................................... 8
5.3 Notes on the measurement.............................................................................................. 9
5.4 Settings...........................................................................................................................10
5.5 Software manual.............................................................................................................18
6Calibration ........................................................................................... 26
7Maintenance ........................................................................................28
7.1 Storage...........................................................................................................................28
8Warranty...............................................................................................28
9Disposal ...............................................................................................28

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1 Safety notes
Please read this manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time.
The device may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments
personnel. Damage or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual are excluded from our
liability and not covered by our warranty.
The device must only be used as described in this instruction manual. If used
otherwise, this can cause dangerous situations for the user and damage to the meter.
The instrument may only be used if the environmental conditions (temperature,
relative humidity, …) are within the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Do
not expose the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity or
moisture.
Do not expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.
The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.
Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.
You must not make any technical changes to the device.
The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral
cleaner, no abrasives or solvents.
The device must only be used with accessories from PCE Instruments or equivalent.
Before each use, inspect the case for visible damage. If any damage is visible, do not
use the device.
Do not use the instrument in explosive atmospheres.
The measurement range as stated in the specifications must not be exceeded under
any circumstances.
Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to
the user.
We do not assume liability for printing errors or any other mistakes in this manual.
We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our general terms of
business.
If you have any questions please contact PCE Instruments. The contact details can be found at
the end of this manual.

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2 Specifications
2.1 Technical specifications
Measuring frequency
60 KHz, sine wave
Conductivity
measurement range
0.5 … 112 % IACS
0.3 … 65 MS/m
Resistance: 0.015388 … 3.33333 Ω*mm²/m
Resolution
0.01 % IACS (at <51 % IACS)
0.1 % IACS (at 51 % IACS ... 112 % IACS)
Accuracy
±0.5 % at +20 °C
±1 % at 0 ... +40 °C
Lift-off compensation
Probe compensation of 0.5 mm
Temperature
measurement range
0 … 50 °C
Temperature
accuracy
±0.5 °C
Automatic
compensation
Conductivity reading is automatically adjusted to the value at 20 °C
Operating conditions
0 … 50°C, 0 … 95 % relative humidity
Display
LCD, backlit
Power supply
Internal rechargeable battery unit
Probe
Ø14 mm
Memory
Up to 500 data records
Interface
Mini USB
Dimensions
220 x 95 x 35 mm
Weight
415 g (with probe)

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2.2 Delivery content
1 x conductivity meter PCE-COM 20
1 x probe
1 x data cable
1 x user manual
1 x mains adaptor
3 x conductivity standard
1 x Allen key
1 x factory calibration certificate
1 x software
1 x carrying case

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2.3 Accessories
As an addition to the included standard conductivity blocks, further blocks can be purchased.
The following list shows the available materials and the approximate conductivity values.
Material
Conductivity
MS/m
Conductivity %
IACS
Titanium
0.60
1.03
Bronze
4.70
8.11
Bronze
6.91
11.93
Bronze
8.03
13.85
Brass
12.63
21.78
Copper
34.85
60.08
Copper
50.00
86.21
Copper
58.00
100.00
Aluminium
18.82
32.46
Aluminium
24.00
41.38
Aluminium
33.00
56.90
Aluminium
9.22
15.90
Magnesium
6.70
11.55
Magnesium
18.85
32.50

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3 System description
3.1 Device
01 Calibration key 05 Save key 09 Menu key
02 Arrow key “Up“ 06 Delete/unit key 10 Backlight key
03 Measuring key 07 Probe 11 a0key
04 Arrow key “Down“ 08 Confirmation key 12 On / off key

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3.2 Connections and sensors
01 Probe connection
02 Temperature sensor
03 Connection for Mini USB cable
04 Connection for mains cable
3.3 Function keys
Key
Function
“MEAS“
Measurement
“SAVE“
Storage of measurement data
“CAL“
Calibration
“MENU“
Function set-up / settings
“OK“
Confirmation
“DEL/UNIT“
DEL: Deletion (in viewing mode)
UNIT: Change of unit (in measurement mode)
“a0“
Selection of temperature coefficient
“ “
Backlight
“ “
On / off
“▲“
Increasing in steps or moving upwards
“▼“
Decreasing in steps or moving downwards

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4 Getting started
4.1 Power supply
The device is powered by the included AC mains adaptor (input: 100 … 240 V AC; 50/60 Hz;
output: 4.2 V DC / 1 A). The mains adaptor is connected at the bottom of the device. During
operation, the integrated 2200 mAh lithium battery can be used.
When the battery level is below 1/3, the device will emit two beep tones every 30 seconds to
remind you to charge the battery.
When the meter is connected to the power supply, a red LED on the adaptor will start glowing. It
will turn green when the battery is fully charged. A complete charging process takes five to six
hours.
5 Operation
5.1 On / off
When the meter is switched off, press and hold the ““ key for two seconds to switch it on. The
following start screen will be displayed (Image 1):
Image 1
Now press the “MEAS“ key to enter the measurement screen or wait until you are automatically
directed from the start screen to the measurement screen.
In order to switch off the device, press and hold the “ ” key fort wo seconds. The settings
made are saved automatically.

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5.2 Measurement
By pressing the „MEAS“ key, you can directly enter measurement mode from the welcome
screen, from the calibration menu or from the settings screen (Image 2).
Image 2
Notes
In the upper area of the display (cf. „MEASUREMENT“) Image 2), you can
see in what mode you currently are.
The battery icon shows the remaining battery power.
In the middle of the display, you can see the conductivity value of the tested
sample at +20°C in the unit MS/m or % IACS (if you want to change the
unit, please see „DEL/UNIT“ at the bottom of this page and chapter 5.4.7 of
this manual).
In the lower area of the display on the left-hand side, you can find the
conductivity value “σ(28) = …“ at the current temperature. The unit of
measurement is identical with the unit in the middle of the display at 20 °C.
The value within brackets shows the compensated temperature. Further
information about this can be found in chapter 5.4.3.
“TA = …°C“ at the bottom of the display on the left-hand side shows the
current ambient temperature.
In the lower, right-hand area of the display, “f = … kHz“ shows the operating
frequency of the probe.
In the lower right corner, “a0“ shows the current temperature coefficient of
the tested sample. Further information about this can be found in chapter
“5.4.4“.
To change the unit of measurement, press the “DEL/UNIT“ key. With each keystroke, the device
changes to the other unit or format. When you switch on the device again or have left
measurement mode, the unit will automatically change back to the unit originally set.

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In order to make a measurement, the probe must be placed vertically and directly on the sample
material for two seconds. The meter will then emit a sound to signalise that the conductivity
measurement is completed. The measured data are automatically shown in the display and do
not disappear before a new measurement is made.
Make sure that you have set the correct temperature coefficient and that you adapt the value to
the compensation temperature of the material during the measurement. If this is not ensured,
the measuring accuracy will suffer. In the chapters 5.4.3 and 5.4.4, you can see how to set
these values correctly.
5.3 Notes on the measurement
During a calibration or measurement, the probe must be held in a way that it
always touches the material to be tested vertically and with moderate
pressure. It is also important that the probe is moved to and away from the
material carefully.
Do not hold the probe in your hands for too long as your body temperature
would make the temperature value of the meter increase. This will have a
negative effect on the measuring accuracy.
It is important to keep the probe, the sample, the device and the calibration
body at a constant ambient temperature level.
The device and the calibration body should only be used and stored in areas
where it is not exposed to corrosion, shocks and electromagnetic fields.
A measurement should only be carried out within the normal temperature
range of 0 … 40 °C.
A measurement should only be made if no radiator or electric fan is in the
direct environment and if the instrument is not exposed to direct sunlight.
Do not touch the tip of the probe, the calibration block and the area of the
material you wish to test with your fingers.
If grease or dirt is on the probe, the calibration block or the sample material,
make sure to clean the parts affected immediately.
The meter and the probe must be protected from shocks and vibration. There
must not be any scratches on the surface of the calibration block.
If the end of the probe is worn, replace the probe.
Do not touch the temperature sensor with your fingers.

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5.4 Settings
1. Menu navigation
The shortcut “SET“ is available in every mode and directs you to the settings as shown in the
images 3-5.
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5

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Ten different settings are available. Use the arrow keys to navigate through the settings and to
highlight the desired option. You can confirm your selection by pressing the “OK“ key.
If you want to return from one of the options to the overview of the different setting options,
press the “SET“ or “MEAS“ key. If you press the “CAL” or “MEAS” key while you are in the
settings overview, you will directly get back to the previous screen.
2. Time setting
Image 6
When you are in the overview, press one of the arrow keys to select the option „TIME
SETTING“ and confirm your selection by pressing „OK“. The “OK” key is used to proceed and
save whereas the arrow keys are used to adjust the numbers. When all numbers have been
updated, you can leave the option by confirming again. The date format is YY-MM-DD, the time
is shown in 24-hour format: HH:MM:SS.
3. Temperature compensation
Image 7

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The current temperature “TA“ shows the ambient temperature during the measurement
(measured by the temperature sensor).
When you have selected “TC“ (underlined), press „OK“ to move the cursor to the displayed
number. You can now change the number by means of the arrow keys to enter the material
temperature. Press “OK“ to save the updated data and return to the main settings screen.
You can change the numbers more quickly by pressing and holding the respective arrow key.
When the temperature is moderate and no considerable fluctuations are expected, you can
make your measurement without changing the temperature settings.
This means that you enter 20 °C for “TC“ (the temperature coefficient of the sample will then be
irrelevant). Make sure that the temperatures of the calibration block and of the sample material
remain the same during the measurement. After a calibration of the device, you can measure
directly without having to consider the ambient temperature and the temperature coefficient.
If the temperature of the calibration block is different from the temperature of the tested material,
you can enter the temperature of the calibration block for “TC” before the calibration. After this,
you must return to the calibration screen. Enter the temperature of the sample under “TC” for
the next measurement. Then return to the measurement screen and select the temperature
coefficient a0. You can now start your measurements.
4. Temperature coefficient
Image 8
Eight numerical values for the temperature coefficient can be set for a sample during a
measurement. More detailed information on this setting can be found in chapter 5.4.12.
The values a1 and a2are particularly useful as a1represents the average value of the
temperature coefficient and a2is the coefficient of copper or aluminium. These values are
factory-set and cannot be changed but you can enter your own values for a3… a8.
To do so, first select one of the positions by placing the cursor on it, using the arrow keys.
After confirming your selection with “OK”, use the arrow keys to select a value within the range
of 0.0000 … 0.03000 and press “OK” again to confirm.
When setting this value, you can press and hold the arrow keys to increase/ decrease the
number more quickly.

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5. Calibration block
Image 9
The numerical values behind σHand σL can be set as conductivity values of the high-value
calibration block and of the low-value calibration block at a temperature of 20 °C and are used
for calibration. To select a unit, read chapter 5.4.7.
The values of aHand aL can be set as temperature coefficients of the respective block. These
positions are factory-set.
When you see the screen shown in image 9, you can move the cursor up and down by means
of the arrow keys to select the value you would like to adjust. After confirming your selection
with “OK”, you can change a value by using the arrow keys again. When you have entered the
desired value, press “OK“ to save the value. The cursor will then go to the next position.
You should correct the other values before you go back to the settings screen. If you want to go
back to the settings screen, press “OK“. To change the values more quickly, press and hold the
arrow keys.
The possible values for σH and σHrange from 4.50 to 64.0 MS/m and 7.70 to 111.0 %IACS.
The value σH must be higher than the value σT. For aHand aL, values from0.0000 to 0.0300 can
be selected.
Note:
To open this setting, press the “SAVE“ key four times. When you confirm with the “OK” key, the
values can be changed.

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6. Data storage mode
Image 10
For information on how to use this function, read chapter 5.4.11.
Use the arrow keys to select one of the two options and confirm with “OK”. You will then
automatically get back to the previous screen.
When you have switched the device off and back on, you will automatically be in manual
storage mode. Wenn Sie das Gerät
7. Unit selection
Image 11
When you have selected a unit of measurement, it will automatically be used for all information
on conductivity values.

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8. Memory
Image 12
In this option, you can see the saved data. Up to 500 data records can be saved.
In the upper part of the display, next to “QUERY“, you can find the date of storage of the data
record.
“N“ shows the memory location within the memory. The most recent record can be found at
memory location 1. The other data are saved in chronological order, starting with the lowest
number. This means that whenever a value is saved, the records will be shifted back by one
number.
To navigate through the records, use the arrow keys. By pressing the “OK” key, you can return
to the settings screen.
To delete a data record, press and release the “DEL/UNIT“ key. To clear the complete memory,
press and hold the same key for three seconds. When you have deleted all records, the word
“empty” will appear in the middle of the display. When you click on “OK“ then, you will get back
to the main settings screen.

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9. Data uploading
Image 13
Image 14
Image 15
This function is used to transfer measurement data to your connected computer. The transfer
starts with the most current position and ends with the last one.
When you are in the settings overview and click on “DATA UPLOADING“, “READY“ (see image
13) will appear in the display. Now you should take all preparatory measures like, e. g.
connecting the device with your computer. If you then press “OK”, the instrument will start
uploading. This will be indicated by the lettering “UPLOADING“ (see image 14).
When the upload is finished, “UPLOADED“ will appear in the display (see image 15). You can
now get back to the main settings screen by pressing “OK”.

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10. Language selection
Press one of the arrow keys to move the cursor within the overview and to select one of the
positions. Press “OK“ to confirm your language selection and get back to the settings screen.
You can select “German”, “English“ or “Chinese“.
11. Measurement data storage
As you can see in chapter 5.4.6, there are two methods to save data. Your setting only applies
to the main measurement function. The following current measurement data will be saved:
σ(20), σ(TC), unit of measurement, temperature, TA, measuring frequency f, a0 and date. You
can save up to 500 data records.
Manual storage:
When you press “SAVE“ after the measurement with the probe still on the tested material, the
result will be saved manually. This is shown by a flashing “N“ along with the assigned memory
location number in the middle of the display, on the right-hand side.
Auto storage:
Everytime new measurement data are added, a number displayed as “N = XXX“ will appear in
the middle of the display for a short time to confirm that the readings have been saved. It also
shows the number of data records saved.
When the device is restarted, it will be in manual storage mode.
When the memory contains 500 records, you should delete either all or certain data (see
chapter 5.4.8).
The device will then be able to save new readings.
The unit of conductivity saved will be the one that is used during the measurement and is
independent from the unit selected via “DEL/UNIT”.
12. Temperature coefficient setting
Press the a0 key on the keypad. A box around “a0“ will then appear. When you press the “OK“
key, a line will appear below the value after “a0”. The temperature coefficient can now be
adjusted by calling up the different values which have been set for “temperature coefficient“,
using the arrow keys (see 5.4.4). When you have selected a value, confirm with “OK“.
The measuring screen immediately changes to the original format but now shows the selected
a0 value instead of the old one. This value will remain until you make further changes. If you do
not press “OK“, you will automatically get back to normal measurement mode after five seconds,
without any changes.
During the measurement of an unknown material, you can enter an average temperature
coefficient of a = 0.0026. a3 …a8 are variable and can be changed by the user (see 5.4.4).

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5.5 Software manual
Requirements:
- a computer with Windows operating system, at least Windows XP SP3 with connected mouse,
keyboard, screen and a free USB port (2.0 or higher)
- installed Dot-NET framework 4.0
- minimum resolution of 800x600, 4 GB RAM recommended
- optional: printer
- digital conductivity meter "PCE-COM 20"
Installation
Please execute "Setup PCE-COM 20.exe" and follow the instructions of the setup.
Description of the interface
Fig. 1
The main window (Fig. 1) contains the following sections:
Below the title bar, there is a toolbar the icons of which can be selected and clicked on with your
mouse. These icons are grouped according to their functions.
Under this toolbar, on the left-hand side of the window, there is a list of series of measurements.
The right-hand side of the window is divided into an upper and a lower part.
The upper part shows the measurement values in a chart.
The lower part shows an overview of the statistical data.
At the lower edge of the main window, there are two status bars with important information, one
above the other.
The lower one shows the statistical settings of the programme which can be made via a settings
dialogue.
The upper status bar shows dynamic data like the connection status or an active data transfer
from the "PCE-COM 20" to your PC.