PCE Instruments PCE-HDM 20 User manual

Thermal Imager PCE-HDM 20
User Manual
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Last change: 24 July 2018
v1.0
English

© PCE Instruments
Contents
1Safety notes........................................................................................... 1
1.1 Safety symbols................................................................................................................. 2
1.2 IEC1010 overvoltage installation categories..................................................................... 2
2Device description................................................................................3
2.1 Meter................................................................................................................................ 3
2.2 Keys................................................................................................................................. 4
2.3 Display............................................................................................................................. 4
2.4 Rotary switch ................................................................................................................... 5
3DMM Measurement and Setup............................................................. 6
3.1 D C Voltage Measurements ............................................................................................. 6
3.2 AC+DC Voltage Measurements ....................................................................................... 6
3.3 AC Voltage Measurements............................................................................................... 7
3.4 Frequency Measurements................................................................................................ 7
3.5 Resistance Measurements............................................................................................... 8
3.6 Continuity Check.............................................................................................................. 8
3.7 Diode Test........................................................................................................................ 9
3.8 Capacitance Measurements............................................................................................. 9
3.9 Temperature Measurements ...........................................................................................10
3.10 Flexible Coil Current Measurements................................................................................10
3.11 DC Current Measurements..............................................................................................11
3.12 AC Current Measurements..............................................................................................11
3.13 AC+DC Current Measurements.......................................................................................12
3.14 Using RANGE.................................................................................................................12
3.15 Hold Mode.......................................................................................................................13
3.16 Capturing Minimum and Maximum Values ......................................................................13
3.17 Relative Values...............................................................................................................13
3.18 Capturing Peak Values....................................................................................................14
3.19 Non-Contact AC Voltage Detector (100 to 1000V AC).....................................................14
4Thermal imager and DMM operation.................................................15
4.1 Thermal imager description.............................................................................................15
4.2 Using the thermal imager ................................................................................................16

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4.3 Using the multimeter with the thermal imager..................................................................17
5Settings menu .....................................................................................17
5.1 Using settings menus......................................................................................................17
5.2 Settings details................................................................................................................18
5.3 Temp unit........................................................................................................................18
5.4 Measure .........................................................................................................................18
5.5 Emissivity .......................................................................................................................18
5.6 Language .......................................................................................................................19
5.7 Setup ..............................................................................................................................19
5.8 Bluetooth connect ...........................................................................................................20
5.9 Time/date .......................................................................................................................21
5.10 Photo .............................................................................................................................21
5.11 Sys Info...........................................................................................................................22
5.12 Factory Set .....................................................................................................................22
5.13 Record measurements....................................................................................................22
6Image Browser ....................................................................................25
7Technical specifications ....................................................................26
8Delivery contents................................................................................30
9Warranty...............................................................................................30
10 Disposal ...............................................................................................30

© PCE Instruments
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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 devicemust only beused as described inthis instructionmanual. 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.
•NEVER apply voltage or current to the meter that exceeds 2. the specified maximum:
Input Protection Limits
Function
Maximum input
V DC or V AC
1000 VDC/AC RMS
mA AC/DC
800 mA 1000 V fast acting fuse
A AC/DC
10 A 1000 V fast acting fuse
Frequency, resistance, capacitance,
duty cycle, diode test, continuity
1000 VDC/AC rms
Temperature
1000 VDC/AC RMS
Surge protection
1000 VDC/AC RMS
•USE EXTREME CAUTION when working with high voltages.
•DO NOT measure voltage if the voltage on the “COM” input jack exceeds 1000 V above
earth ground.
•NEVER connect the meter leads across a voltage source while the function switch is in
the current, resistance, or diode mode. Doing so can damage the meter.
•ALWAYS discharge filter capacitors in power supplies and disconnect the power when
making resistance or diode tests.
•ALWAYS turn off the power and disconnect the test leads before opening the covers to
replace the fuse or batteries.
•NEVER operate the meter unless the back cover and the battery and fuse covers are
in place and fastened securely.
•If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection
provided by the equipment may be impaired.
•Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to
the user.

© PCE Instruments
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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.
1.1 Safety symbols
This symbol adjacent to another symbol, terminal or operating device
indicates that the operator must refer to an explanation in the user manual to
avoid personal injury or damage to the meter.
This WARNING symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if
not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
This CAUTION symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if
not avoided, may result in damage to the product.
This symbol advises the user that the terminal(s) so marked must not be
connected to a circuit point at which the voltage with respect to earth ground
exceeds (in this case) 1000 VAC or VDC.
This symbol adjacent to one or more terminals identifies them as being
associated with ranges that may, under normal use, be subject to particularly
hazardous voltages. For maximum safety, the meter and its test leads should
not be handled when these terminals are energized.
This symbol indicates that a device is protected throughout by double
insulation or reinforced insulation.
1.2 IEC1010 overvoltage installation categories
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY I
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY I is equipment for connection to circuits in which
measures are taken to limit the transient overvoltages to an appropriate low level.
Note-Examples include protected electronic circuits.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY II
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY II is energy-consuming equipment to be supplied
from the fixed installation.
Note-Examples include household, office, and laboratory appliances.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III is equipment in fixed installations.
Note-Examples include switches in the fixed installations and some equipment for industrial use
with permanent connection to the fixed installation.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY IV
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY IV is for use at the origin of the installation.
Note-Examples include electricity meters and primary over-current protection equipment.

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2 Device description
2.1 Meter
Front
1-NCV detector area
2 -LCD
3 -Navigation/Menu buttons
4 -MODE button
5 -RANGE button
6 -Rotary function switch
7 -Positive (+) probe input jack for A
(current)
8 -Positive (+) probe input jack for
mA (current)
9 -COM (-) probe input jack
10-Positive (+) probe input jack for all
inputs except A and mA
11-Thermal mode/Light button
12-Hold/Capture button
Back
1 -No-slip slope
2-Thermal imager lens
3-Lens cover
4-Work light
5-Laser
6-Stand
7-Battery cover lock

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2.2 Keys
The 9 keys on the front side of the meter activate features that augment the function selected
using the rotary switch, navigate menus or control power to meter circuits.
Key
Function
Freezes the present reading in the display and allows the displayed to be saved.
Also switches device back on when in Auto Power Off mode
Switches the functions
Manual range
Enter (confirms menu selections)
Switches DMM MODE and IR+DMM MODE
Navigation keys
Select menu item, adjust displaycontrast, scroll through information, perform data
entry select REL function
select MAX function
select PEAK function
2.3 Display
DMM Mode
1. Battery level
2. Reading
3. Automatic/Manual mode
4. Analogue bar graph
5. Functions of navigation keys
6. System time
7. Measuring unit
IR + DMM mode
8. SD card
9. Temperature reading
10. Automatic/Manual mode
11. Temperature unit
12. IR image
13. Measuring unit
14. Reading

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Icons on LCD
Voltage is over 30 V (AC or DC)
AC voltage or current
Warming
DC voltage or current
Flexible coils
AC+DC voltage or current
Traditional clamps
Continuity function
Relative
Diode function
High Edge time
Ohms
2.4 Rotary switch
Select a primary measurement function by positioningthe rotary switch to one of the icons around
its perimeter. For each function, the Meter presents a standard display for that function (range,
measurement units, and modifiers). Button choices made in one function do not carry over into
another function.
AC voltage measurements
DC and AC+DC voltage measurements
Frequency and duty measurements
Resistance, diode test, capacitance and continuity measurements
Temperature measurements
AC, DC and AC+DC amps measurements
AC, DC and AC+DC milliamps measurements
AC, DC and AC+DC microampere measurements up to 6,000 μA
Flexible coils current

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3 DMM Measurement and Setup
3.1 D C Voltage Measurements
: Do not measure DC voltages if a
motor on the circuit is being switched ON or
OFF. Large voltage surges may occur that
can damage the meter.
• Set the function switch to the VDC position.
• Insert the black test lead banana plug into
the negative COM jack.
• Insert the red test lead banana plug into the
positive V jack.
• Read the voltage in the display.
3.2 AC+DC Voltage Measurements
: Do not measure DC voltages if a
motor on the circuit is being switched ON or
OFF. Large voltage surges may occur that
can damage the meter.
• Set the function switch to the VDC position.
• Insert the black test lead banana plug into
the negative COM jack. Insert the red test
lead banana plug into the positive V jack.
• Press the MODE key to switch the
V AC+DC voltage functions.
• Read the AC+DC voltage in the display.

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3.3 AC Voltage Measurements
: Risk of Electrocution. The probe tips
may not be long enough to contact the live
parts inside some 240 V outlets for
appliances because the contacts are
recessed deep in the outlets. As a result, the
reading may show 0 volts when the outlet
actually has voltage on it. Make sure the
probe tips are touching the metal contacts
inside the outlet before assuming that no
voltage is present.
: Do notmeasure AC voltages if a motor
on the circuit is being switched ON or OFF.
Large voltage surges may occur that can
damage the meter.
• Set the function switch to the VAC position.
• Insert the black test lead banana plug into
the negative COM jack. Insert red test lead
banana plug into the positive V jack.
• Read the voltage in the main display.
3.4 Frequency Measurements
• Set the function switch to the Hz% position.
• Insert the black test lead banana plug into
the negative COM jack. Insert the red test
lead banana plug into the positive V jack.
• Read the frequency in the display.
• Press the MODE key to switch the duty
functions.
• Read the duty in the display.

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3.5 Resistance Measurements
To avoid electric shock, disconnect
power to the unit under test and discharge all
capacitors before taking any resistance
measurements. Remove the batteries and
unplug the line cords.
• Set the function switch to the
position.
• Insert the black test lead banana plug into
the negative COM jack. Insert the red test
lead banana plug into the positive Ω jack.
• Read the resistance in the display.
3.6 Continuity Check
: To avoid electric shock, disconnect
power to the unit under test and discharge all
capacitors before taking any resistance
measurements. Remove the batteries and
unplug the line cords.
• Set the function switch to the
position.
• Insert the black test lead banana plug into
the negative COM jack. Insert the red test
lead banana plug into the positive jack.
• Press the MODE key to switch the continuity
functions.
• If the resistance is less than approx.. 50 Ω,
the audible signal will sound. If the circuit is
open, the display will indicate “OL”.

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3.7 Diode Test
• Set the function switch to the
position.
• Insert the black test lead banana plug into
the negative COM jack and the red test lead
banana plug into the positive V jack.
• Press the MODE key to switch the diode
functions.
• Forward voltage will typically indicate 0.400
to 3.000 V. Reverse voltage will indicate
“OL”. Shorted devices will indicate near 0V
and an open device will indicate “OL” in both
polarities.
3.8 Capacitance Measurements
: To avoid electric shock, disconnect
power to the unit under test and discharge all
capacitors before taking any capacitance
measurements. Remove the batteries and
unplug the line cords.
• Set the rotary function switch to the
position.
• Insert the black test lead banana plug into
the negative COM jack. Insert the red test
lead banana plug into the positive V jack.
• Press the MODE key to switch the
capacitance functions.
• Read the capacitance value in the display.

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3.9 Temperature Measurements
• Set the function switch to the TEMP (°C or
°F) position.
• Insert the temperature probe into the input
jacks, making sure to observe the correct
polarity.
• Read the temperature in the display.
• Press the MODE key to switch the Unit (°C
or °F).
3.10 Flexible Coil Current Measurements
• Set the function switch to the flexible coil position.
• Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack. Insert the red test lead banana
plug into the positive V jack.
• Read the current in the display.
• Press the MODE key to switch the AC ,DC and AC+DC current.
• Press the RANGE key to switch range:1000mA,10A,30A,40A,100A,300A,400A,1000A,3000A.

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3.11 DC Current Measurements
• Insert the black test lead banana plug into
the negative COM jack.
• For current measurements up to 6000 μA
DC, set the function switch to the μA position
and insert the red test lead banana plug into
the μA/mA jack.
• For current measurements up to 600 mA
DC, set the function switch to the mA
position and insert the red test lead banana
plug into the μA/mA jack.
• For current measurements up to 10 A DC,
set the function switch to the 10 A position
and insert the red test lead banana plug into
the 10 A jack.
• Press the MODE button to indicate on
the display.
•Read the current in the display.
3.12 AC Current Measurements
: Do not make 10 A current
measurements for longer than 30 seconds.
Exceeding 30 seconds may cause damage to
the meter and/or the test leads.
• Insert the black test lead banana plug into
the negative COM jack.
• For current measurements up to 6000 μA
AC, set the function switch to the yellow μA
position and insert the red test lead banana
plug into the μA/mA jack.
• For current measurements up to 600 mA
AC, set the function switch to the yellow mA
position and insert the red test lead banana
plug into the μA/mA jack.
• For current measurements up to 10 A AC,
set the function switch to the yellow 10 A
position and insert the red test lead banana
plug into the 10 A jack.
• Press the MODE button to indicate on
the display.
• Read the current in the display.

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3.13 AC+DC Current Measurements
: Do not make 10 A current
measurements for longer than 30 seconds.
Exceeding 30 seconds may cause damage to
the meter and/or the test leads.
• Insert the black test lead banana plug into
the negative COM jack.
• For current measurements up to 6000 μA
AC+DC, set the function switch to the yellow
μA position and insert the red test lead
banana plug into the μA/mA jack.
• For current measurements up to 600 mA
AC+DC, set the function switch to the yellow
mA position and insert the red test lead
banana plug into the μA/mA jack.
• For current measurements up to 10 A
AC+DC, set the function switch to the yellow
10 A position and insert the red test lead
banana plug into the 10 A jack.
• Press the MODE button to indicate on
the display.
• Read the current in the display.
3.14 Using RANGE
Press the RANGE key to activate the manual
mode and to disablethe Auto Range function.
The message “Manual Range” appears on
the upper left part of the display instead of
“Auto Range”. In manual mode, press the
RANGE key to change the measurement
range: the relevant decimal point will change
its position. The RANGE key is not active in
positions % Temp°C°F 10A . In
Auto Range mode, the instrument selects the
most appropriate ratio for carrying out
measurement. If a reading is higher than the
maximum measurable value, the indication
“O.L” appears on the display. Press and hold
the RANGE key for more than 1 second to
exit manual mode and restore Auto Range
mode.

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3.15 Hold Mode
To freeze the display in any function, press
the HOLD key.
To releasefreeze, press the HOLDkey again.
3.16 Capturing Minimum and Maximum Values
The MAX MIN record mode captures
minimum and maximum input values. When
the input goes below the recorded minimum
value or above the recorded maximum value,
the multimeter beeps and records the new
value. This mode is for capturing intermittent
readings, recording minimum and maximum
readings unattended or recording readings
while equipment operation precludes
watching the meter. To activate MAX MIN
mode, press soft key labelled ◄. If the meter
is already in MAX MIN function, pressing ◄
causes the meter to turn off MAX MIN
function.
3.17 Relative Values
To activate the relative mode, press the soft
key labelled ▲. If the multimeter is already in
the relative function, pressing ▲ causes the
meter to turn off relative mode.

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3.18 Capturing Peak Values
To activate peak mode, press the soft key
labelled ►. If the meter is already in the peak
function, pressing ► causes the meter to turn
off peak mode.
3.19 Non-Contact AC Voltage Detector (100 to 1000V AC)
: Risk of Electrocution. Before use,
always test the voltage detector on a known
live circuit to verify proper operation.
: Insulation type and thickness,
distance from the source, and other factors
may affect operation. Always verify live
voltage using other methods before working
on electrical circuits.
• The non-contact voltage detector operates
when the meter is set to any measuring
function. The detector does not operate
when Auto Power Off turns the meter off or
when the rotary function switch is set to the
off position.
• Slowly move the detector probe closer to the
conductor being tested.
• If AC voltage within the specified range is
present, the indicator light will illuminate.
NOTES: The detector is designed with high
sensitivity. Static electricity and other sources
of electrical energy may randomly activate
the detector. This is normal operation. The
detector only activates the indicator light
when AC voltage is present. It does not
indicate the voltage level on the LCD.

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4 Thermal imager and DMM operation
4.1 Thermal imager description
In thermal imaging and DMM mode, the user can measure a targeted surface’s temperature and
use the multimeter function at the same time. The measured result will display under the thermal
image.
• Press the red “IR” button to open the thermal imagerfunction. In the following picture,the thermal
image is set to colour palette IRON. Select other palettes in the Menu Settings.
• Open the protective lens cover on the back of the meter.
1. Battery level
2. SD card icon - if this icon is displayed, an SD card is inserted
3. Bluetooth icon, if this icon is displayed, the Bluetooth is activated
4. Selected emissivity value - use the Thermal Settings menu to change the emissivity value
5. Temperature unit - use the Thermal Settings menu to select °C, °F or K
6. Current time
7. Centre temperature - temperature at the point the target cross aims at
8. Highest temperature spot
9. Lowest temperature spot
10. Area currently scanned by the thermal imager
11. Range icon (Auto or Manual)
12. MAX soft button function
13. REL soft button function
14. PEAK soft button function
15. DMM reading
16. Unit
17. Lowest temperature reading shown on thermal scale
18. Thermal scale - the lighter the colour, the warmer the temperature; the darker the colour, the
cooler the temperature
19. Highest temperature reading shown on thermal scale

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4.2 Using the thermal imager
For basic operation, follow these steps:
1. Set the function switch to any position.
2. Press the “IR” button to switch ON the thermal imager. Target the object withthethermalimager
lens.
3. The display will show the temperature measurement in the upper left hand corner for the
targeted area along with the currently selected emissivity value.
4. In thermal imaging mode, the laser pointer and display cross hairs can be used to assist in
targeting. These tools can be switched ON or OFF in the Setting menu.
5. In Thermal imaging mode, the highest temperature will be auto marked by a red cross and the
lowest temperature will be auto marked by a blue cross. This can be switched ON or OFF in the
Setting menu.
6. In Thermal imaging mode, the meter continues to operate normally as a multimeter, allowing
any of the electrical functions to be used.
7. Press the HOLD button to holdthe thermal image frame, then press and hold the HOLD button.
You will capture the screen and save a bitmap with measurement data to the SD card. The
saved bitmap can be analysed later by the PC software or smartphone APPs.
8. The thermal imager’s FOV (Field of view) is 21 x 21 degrees.
9. FOV is the largest area that your imager can see at a set distance.
10. The following chart lists the horizontal lFOV, vertical FOV and IFOV for lens:
Focal length
Horizontal FOV
Vertical FOV
IFOV
7.5 mm
21 °
21 °
4.53 mrad
IFOV (Instantaneous Field of View) is the smallest detail within the FOV that can be detected or
seen at a set distance. The unit is rad. The formula is:
IFOV = ( Pixel Size )/ ( Lens focal length )
D:Stheoretical ( = 1/ IFOVtheoretical) is the calculated spot size based on the pixel size of the thermal
imager detector array and lens focal length.
Example: If the thermal imager uses a 9 mm lens because the pixel size of the detector is 34µm,
horizontal FOV is 21°, vertical FOV is 21°, the IFOV is 34µm/7.5mm = 4.53mrad;
D:Stheoretical ( = 1/ IFOVtheoretical) = 220:1
D:S ( = 1/ IFOV ) is the spot size needed to provide an accurate temperature measure. Typically,
D:Smeasure is 2 to 3 times smaller than D:Stheoretical, which means the temperature measurement
area of the target need to be 2 to 3 times larger than that determined by the calculated theoretical
D:S.

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4.3 Using the multimeter with the thermal imager
On IR+DMM mode, MODE key, RANGE key, HOLD key and REL function are the same as in
DMM mode.
Capturing MAXMIN values on IR+DMM
mode
1.To activate the maxmin mode, press the
softkey labeled◄ and display max value.
2. If the meter is already in the maxmin
function, then press the ◄ key to display
min value, then press the ◄ key to display
current measurement value. Next press
again display max value.
3. Then press and hold the ◄ key for more
than 1 second to make the meter turn off
maxmin.
Capturing Peak values on IR+DMM mode
1. To activate peak mode, press the softkey
labelled ►and display Peak max value.
2. If the meter is already in peak function,
then press the ►key to display Peak
min value, then press the ►key to display
current measurement value. Next press
again display Peak max value.
3.Then press and hold the ►key for more
than 1 second to make the meter turn off
peak.
5 Settings menu
5.1 Using settings menus
•Press MENU button to open the Settings menus, as show below.
• Press UP/DOWN button to select menu item or change the value of current focus item.
• Press RIGHT/MENU button to enter the submenu or set focus on the currently selected item.
Press LEFT button to return to the previous menu.
• If you want to exit the settings menus, press MODE/RANGE/HOLD/IR button or press LEFT
button in root menu.