PCE Instruments PCE-LOC 20 User manual

© PCE Instruments
PCE-LOC 20 Loop Calibrator
PCE-LOC 20
User manuals in various languages (français,
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Last change: 10 August 2018
v1.0
English

© PCE Instruments
Contents
1Safety notes........................................................................................... 1
2PCE-LOC 20 Hardware Parts and Accessories..................................2
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection................................................................................................ 2
2.2 Operational Sections and Connections............................................................................. 3
2.3 Power Options.................................................................................................................. 8
2.4 Battery ............................................................................................................................. 8
3Start Up and Basic Operations............................................................9
3.1 Power ON or OFF ............................................................................................................ 9
3.2 User Interface .................................................................................................................. 9
4Menu Layout........................................................................................20
4.1 MENU page ....................................................................................................................20
4.2 MEASURE Page.............................................................................................................20
4.3 SOURCE Page ...............................................................................................................22
4.4 DISPLAY Page................................................................................................................27
4.5 DATA LOGGING Page....................................................................................................33
4.6 ALARM Page..................................................................................................................35
4.7 SETTING Page...............................................................................................................37
5Maintenance and Troubleshooting ................................................... 39
5.1 Common Problems .........................................................................................................39
5.2 Replacing the Battery......................................................................................................40
6Technical Specifications....................................................................40
7Warranty...............................................................................................42
8Disposal ...............................................................................................42

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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 be used as described inthis 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.
•To prevent electrical shocks or damage to the instrument, do not connect more than 30
V between the terminals, or between the terminals and the ground.
•This instrument uses a Lithium-Ion battery pack. To prevent an explosion or fire, do not
short circuit, do not disassemble and keep it safe from damage.
•To prevent battery leakage or heat generation, only use the battery charger in the
temperature range 0 …45 °C (32 …113 °F).
•To make sure the display shows the correct data, disconnect the test leads before you
set the power to on or change to another measure or source function.
•To prevent damage to the display, do not use sharp objects on the screen.
•Only sufficiently skilled persons may use the meter. Qualifications from an approved
training establishment may be necessary.
•Follow good engineering practice at all times.
•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 PCE-LOC 20 Hardware Parts and Accessories
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection
At the factory each new PCE-LOC 20 passes a careful inspection. It should be free of scrapes
and scratches and in proper operation order upon receipt. The recipient should, however, inspect
the unit for any damage that may have occurred during transit. If there are signs of obvious
mechanical damage, package contents are incomplete, or the instrument does not operate
according to its specifications, please contact PCE Instruments as soon as possible.
Delivery contents:
1 x Calibrator PCE-LOC 20
2 x Laboratory cables with 2 mm plug
2 x Adapter 2 mm on 4 mm laboratory cable
2 x Alligator clips
1 x Mini USB cable
1 x Power supply 5V / 1 A
1 x Carrying bag
1 x User manual
The software can be downloaded here: https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/download-
win_4.htm
If you have to return the instrument to the factory for any reason, use the original packing
whenever possible. Include a detailed description of the reason for the return, templates are
available from PCE Instruments.

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2.2 Operational Sections and Connections
All sections and connections are presented in detail on the next pages.
Note: Keep in mind that the next picture (as well as all pictures of PCE-LOC 20 in this manual)
has an example configuration of modules. The configuration of your PCE-LOC 20 may vary
significantly from the one in the picture.
1 Terminal Connection for Measure and Source
2 Keypad Section
3 Color Display
4 USB Connection Slot for PC Communication
and
Charging
Terminal Connections
Source Terminals
mA
Range: 0.000 …24.000 mA
Resolution: 0.001 mA
mA(2W)
Range: 0.000 …24.000 mA
Resolution: 0.001 mA
mV
Range: 0.00 …250.00 mV
Resolution: 0.01 mV
V
Range: 0.000 …12.000 V
Resolution: 0.001 V

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Current Generation
The PCE-LOC 20 is able to generate current both in source and sink mode. In source mode, the
PCE-LOC 20 provides the supply power to the loop. In sink mode, an external power supply is
used and the PCE-LOC 20 controls the current flow.
The following picture displays the connection for current source for different mode.
mA Current Source
mA 2-Wire Simulation
Voltage Generation
The PCE-LOC 20 is capable of voltage generation with two voltage generation ranges.
The following picture displays the connection for voltage source for both mV & V Output Type.
Measure Terminal
mA
Range: 0.000 …24.000 mA
Resolution: 0.001 mA
mA(24V)
Range: 0.000 …24.000 mA
Resolution: 0.001 mA
mV
Range: 0.000 …250.00 mV
Resolution: 0.01 mV
V
Range: 0.000 …30.000 V
Resolution: 0.001 V
Switch
Test
Potential free contacts
Trigger level: 24V, 24mA (2V)
Voltage level detection
Trigger level: 0 …30V in 1V steps
Input impedance: >1MΩ

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Current Measurement
The PCE-LOC 20 supports current measurement using either PCE-LOC 20 as the loop power
supply while at the same time measuring the current or simply measuring the current while an
external power supply is used.
The following picture displays the connection for Current Measurement for different mode. And
also different ways of providing the supply power to the loop.
mA Current Measurement
In this mode, the PCE-LOC 20 is not providing any supply voltage. For proper measurement, the
external device should be capable of providing the voltage supply. If the external device is not
capable, an external Power Supply should be connected in series.
mA Read Power Current Measurement
In this mode, the PCE-LOC 20 works as a Loop Power Supply while at the same time measuring
the current.
Voltage Measurement
The PCE-LOC 20 is capable of voltage Measurement with two voltage measurement ranges.
The following picture displays the connection for Voltage Measurement for different mode.

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Switch Test
The PCE-LOC 20 is capable of detecting switch’s state both when the switch is free of external
potential or switches with DC voltages within the range 0 V …+30 V.
Switch Mode: 2V (24VDC, 30mA)
Switch Mode: Voltage Trigger
KeyPad
The PCE-LOC 20 has six different keys. The key description is given below.
This key has different functionalities in different menus.
These are shown in the bottom left part of the display.
This key has different functionalities in different menus.
These are shown in the bottom left part of the display.
- Scroll down to next parameter
- Decrease value of digit in Editbox
- Scroll down to previous parameter
- Increase value of digit in Editbox
- Enter menu when in Run mode
- Save edited parameter to memory
- Log current reading in memory if device is in Run modeand logmode
is manual
- When not in Run mode, this key is used to enter Run mode
- Press and hold (approx. 2 s) to turn meter on/off

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Display
•LCD with a 2.4” color display
•Resolution of 240x320 pixels
•Supporting 262K colors
USB Connection
•The USB connection is located at the top of the PCE-LOC 20. It is a USB mini B-Type female
connector.
•It can be used for PC communication and for charging the device.
•The USB cable supplied with the device is USB A-type male to USB B-type male. It is used
for connecting charger and PC.
Stand for Table Top Use
•This stand offers the best support for table top use which gives good viewing angle when
the PCE-LOC 20 is placed on a table.
•Procedure to open stand:
is being engraved on the top of the stand.
You should pull a bit first.
is being engraved on the bottom of the
stand. Now during first pull of above you
can release this lower part easily so that you
can
maneuver the stand as you like.

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2.3 Power Options
There are three power options:
•Lithium-Ion battery: All the instrument functions are available with a charged battery.
•5 V DC charging adaptor: It supplies power to the instrument and charges the battery at the
same time. It charges the battery when the instrument is on or off.
•USB mini Type B connection: This charges the battery when the instrument is off and
increases the battery life when the instrument is on.
2.4 Battery
The Device uses 2300mAh Lithium-Ion battery.
WARNING
•To prevent an explosion or fire, do not short circuit, do not disassemble, and keep it safe
from damage.
•To prevent an explosionor fire, use only the suppliedbattery, battery charger andUSB cable.
•To prevent battery leakage or heat generation, only use the battery charger in the
temperature range 0 …45 °C (32 …113 °F).
When you set the power on, the battery symbol at the top of the display shows the charging status.
To get more information on the battery, go to the Battery Info Page in the Setting menu.
Charging time
Charging method
Charging time (to full capacity)
External charging adaptor
≈ 5 hours
USB mini Type B connector
≈ 6 hours (with 500 mA supply)
(When device is Off)
Operating time
Operation
Battery duration
Continuous operation (measure)
>18 hours
Continuous operation (measure and source (@12 mA))
>8 hours
These are typical operating times for a new, fully charged Li-Ion battery pack with these settings:
•Backlight Intensity set to 5 % (Default: 100 %)
•Backlight Timeout set to 0 (0=Infinite) (Default: 0)
Power saving options: To get the best battery duration, set a lowvalue forthe Backlight Intensity
(40 %) and a short Timeout. The maximum operating time without recharging varies depending
on the usage and brightness setting of the display light. Also the generated output current and
the usage of the 24 V transmitter supply affect the maximum operating time.

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Notes:
•The PCE-LOC 20’s memory and the internal clock/calendar use a small amount of
power although the calibrator is switched off. Remember to check the capacity of the
batteries from time to time although the PCE-LOC 20 is not in use.
•Do not leave the PCE-LOC 20 without a battery pack or an empty battery for a long
time. The PCE-LOC 20 may lose its settings if it is left without a support voltage for an
extended period.
3 Start Up and Basic Operations
3.1 Power ON or OFF
To power ON the instrument, press and release the LOG/Power button until the display comes
on. During the power on sequence, the instrument shows a startup message and then shows the
applicable data.
To power OFF the instrument, press and hold (≈ 2 seconds) the same button again. When the
power is off, the last set of configuration options stays in memory.
3.2 User Interface
Everytime the PCE-LOC 20 is switched on, the startup message ends in RUN Page.
4 display modes are available in the RUN page.
1. Measure + Source
2. Measure Only
3. Source Only
4. Switch Test + Source
This display mode can be selected from MENU →DISPLAY Page.
In case of Dual Mode display, screen is divided into two parts. Due to that only few additional info
will appear on RUN Page. The information to be shown can be selected in Display Mode menu.

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Not all possible elements are included in the previous picture, but the most important ones are
discussed in the following chapters.
The Status Bar
The status bar at the top of the display is visible only in RUN Page. It is divided into five main
sections.

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1
Time in HH:MM:SS format
Available in two formats
1. 24 hour (default)
2. 12 hour
This setting is available in Date/Time in Settings Menu
2
Error Code Indicator
This icon is visible if any on-board peripherals like RTC, ADC, DAC,
etc. are not working properly, see chapter 4.7.6 About Calibrator
This Page illustrates the Connection diagrams for valid connections to this device.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting.
The List of error codes available in this device is given below.
Error code
Description
0
Memory corrupted or device unable to read/write it
1
RTC not working properly
2
Device unable to read battery information
3
Measure mode not working
4
Device unable to get source feedback reading
5
Data log memory corrupt
6
Source mode not working
9
More than one error from above list is occurring
3
USB Connection Status Icon
Icon is visible if USB charging adaptor or USB data cable is connected to the device.
Icon is different for both indications, see below.
USB data cable is connected and communication with PC
is available
USB charging adaptor is connected.
Battery starts charging.
4
Battery Charge Percentage Indicator
Always visible in Run page; battery % is shown in the centre of the icon and the icon
background is filled with green, yellow or red color if battery % is >= 50%, >= 20 and
<20 respectively.
5
Data Logging Enable Status Indicator
Icon is visible if data logging is enabled and will flash when a data log is stored to the
memory

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Function Key Bar
The function key bar at the bottom of the display is visible all the time. 2 function keys are
available. The meaning of the function keys varies depending on the situation. A blank function
key text means that the function is disabled at the moment.
Display Mode
1. Measure + Source
Measure Window
Input Type
The Input Type
mA
mA Current Input
mA(24V)
mA Current (Read Power-24V) Input
mV
mV Voltage Input
V
V Voltage Input
Measure Display Mode
The Measure Reading Display Mode
Actual
Displays the Raw InputValue without any
scaling
Percentage
Displays the Percentage Value in
(0.00% …100.00%)
Scaled
Displays the Scaled Value
Measure Reading
The Reading as per the Measure Display Mode
Measure Info 1
Shows the One of the available Addition Information
This can be selected by Additional Info. 1 List in
MENU →DISPLAY →MEASURE page.
Measure Info 2
Shows the One of the available Addition Information
This can be selected by Additional Info. 2 List in
MENU →DISPLAY →MEASURE page.
This will disable if Bargraph is selected as Additional Info1 in
MENU →DISPLAY →MEASURE page.

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HART Icon
HART Enable Status Icon
This icon will appear if HART is enabled from
MENU →SETTING →HART page. (This icon is visible for
mA(24V) Input Type only. For other Input Types this will
invisible regardless of HART settings)
Source Window
Output Type
The Output Type
mA
mA Current Output
mA(2W)
mA Current (2-Wire Simulation) Output
mV
mV Voltage Output
V
V Voltage Output
Source Display Mode
The Source Reading Display Mode
Actual
Displays the Raw Output Value without
any scaling
Percentage
Displays the Percentage Value in (0.00%
- 100.00%)
Scaled
Displays the Scaled Value
Source Reading
The Reading as per the Source Display Mode
Source Feedback
Reading
The Feedback ADC Reading in Output Unit
This will disable if Bargraph is selected as Additional Info1 in
MENU →DISPLAY →SOURCE page.
Source Info1
Shows the One of the available Addition Information
This can be selected by Additional Info. 1 List in
MENU →DISPLAY →SOURCE page.
STEP/RAMP Icon
Shows the Icon indicating STEP/RAMP mode.
Manual
Step
Rising
Ramp
Step UP
Falling
Ramp
Step
DOWN
Ramp Hold
@ 0%
Ramp Hold
@ 100%

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2. Measure Only
Measure Window
Input Type
Measure Display Mode
Measure Reading
HART Icon
See chart in 3.2.4 Display Mode 1 Measure + Source
Bar Graph
Horizontal Bar graph according to Input Percentage Value
(0.00% …100.00%).
Percentage Value
The Percentage Value in (0.00% …100.00%) according to
Input Value.
Tare
The Tare Value Set from MENU →DISPLAY →MEASURE-
Tare page
Actual Value
The Raw Input Value without any scaling
This will appear only if Main Display in
MENU →DISPLAY →MEASURE is set to
PERCENTAGE/SCALED.
Min
Displays the minimum value found after a measurement was
started or minimum was reset.
Max
Displays the maximum value found after a measurement was
started or maximum was reset.
Max-Min
Displays the Maximum-Minimum value found after a
measurement was started or Maximum-Minimum was reset.
Cumulative Average
Displays the Cumulative Average value found after a
measurement was started or Cumulative Average was reset.

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3. Source Only
Source Window
Output Type
Source Display Mode
Source Reading
Source FeedBack Reading
STEP/RAMP Icon
See chart in 3.2.4 Display Mode 1 Measure + Source
Bar Graph
Horizontal Bar graph according to Output Percentage Value
(0.00% …100.00%).
Percentage Value
The Percentage Value in (0.00% …100.00%) according to
Output Value.
Actual Value
The Raw Output Value without any scaling
This will appear only if Main Display in
MENU →DISPLAY →SOURCE is set to
PERCENTAGE/SCALED.

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4. Switch Test + Source
Switch Test Window
Switch Status
Switch Status Icon
Switch OPEN (OFF)
Switch CLOSE (ON)
Switch OPEN Reading
Displays the Source Reading value after the switch OPEN was
detected.
Switch CLOSE Reading
Displays the Source Reading value after the switch CLOSE
was detected.
Display Operations
Mainly, four types of widgets are available in the Device Menu.
i. ListBox
ii. EditBox
iii. CheckBox
iv. RadioButtonBox
The below section will show how to change the value of different widgets.

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i. ListBox
ListBox are used when there is a limited amount of preset values. You have to select one of the
available options. The list of available options is displayed in the centre part.
A ListBox list opens when you press the F1 key. Use the UP/DOWN key to scroll through the
available options. Select one of the options with the ENTER key.
Example: How to change of Input Type (I/P Type) from mA to mV. This Option is available in
MENU →MEASURE Page.
ii. EditBox
EditBox is used where a large range of values is possible for a parameter.
To edit the value of an EditBox, press F1 key. After that EditBox enters Edit mode where F1 and
F2 keys work as shifter. User can shift to desired digit and using UP or DOWN key digit value can
be incremented or decremented. The modified value can be saved using MENU/ENT key.

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The above figure shows the example how to change Input High (100%) Range from 20.000 to
10.000 mA.
There are mainly 2 types of EditBox in this device. In most of the EditBox changing of decimal
point and changing of sign is not allowed. But there are few EditBox, where these are allowed.
These types of EditBox are Scaled Low(0%) & High(100%) Range of measure & source, Alarm
Low & High value and Editing of Source Value in RUN Page.
The belowfigure shows the example how to change decimal point of the Input Scaled High(100%)
Range
To change the sign of the value, shift to the sign digit and pressing UP or DOWN key will toggle
the sign.