PCE Instruments PCE-RTD 20 User manual

© PCE Instruments
Calibrator PCE-RTD 20
User Manual
User manuals in various languages (français,
italiano, español, português, nederlands, türk, polski,
русский, 中文) can be found by using our
product search on: www.pce-instruments.com
Last change: 10 August 2018
v1.0
English

© PCE Instruments
Contents
Safety notes........................................................................................... 1
PCE-TTC 30 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
Start Up and Basic Operations............................................................9
3.1 Power ON or OFF ............................................................................................................ 9
3.2 User Interface .................................................................................................................10
MENU Layout.......................................................................................18
4.1 MENU page ....................................................................................................................18
4.2 MEASURE Page .............................................................................................................18
4.3 SOURCE Page ...............................................................................................................20
4.4 DISPLAY Page................................................................................................................26
4.5 DATA LOGGING Page ....................................................................................................29
4.6 SETTING Page ...............................................................................................................32
Maintenance & Troubleshooting .......................................................34
5.1 Common Problems .........................................................................................................34
5.2 Replacing the Battery ......................................................................................................34
Technical Specifications....................................................................35
Warranty...............................................................................................37
Disposal ...............................................................................................37

© PCE Instruments
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.
• 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.

© PCE Instruments
2
PCE-TTC 30 Hardware Parts and Accessories
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection
At the factory each new PCE-RTD 20 passes a careful inspection. It should be free of scrapes
and scratches and in proper operation order upon receipt. The receiver 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 specifications, contact the purchasing sales office as soon as possible.
Delivery contents:
1 x RTD Calibrator PCE-RTD 20
3 x Laboratory cables with 2 mm plug
3 x 2 mm laboratory cables with alligator clips
3 x Adapter 2 mm on 4 mm laboratory cable
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.

© PCE Instruments
3
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-RTD 20 in this manual)
has an example configuration of modules. The configuration of your PCE-RTD 20 may vary
significantly from the one in the picture.
1 Terminal Connection for RTD Measure and
Source and EM Measure
2 Keypad Section
3 Color Display
4 USB Connection Slot for PC Communication
and Charging

© PCE Instruments
4
2.2.1 Terminal Connections
EM Measure Terminals
Input Terminal for measuring voltage, current and supplying loop power.
EM Measure Terminals
mA
Range: 0.000 … 24.000 mA
Resolution: 0.001 mA
mA(24V)
Range: 0.000 … 24.000 mA
Resolution: 0.001 mA
V
Range: 0.000 … 30.000 V
Resolution: 0.001 V
Current Measurement
The PCE-RTD 20 supports current measurement using either PCE-RTD 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-RTD 20 does not provide any supply voltage. For proper measurement
the external device should capable of providing the voltage supply. If the external device should
not capable, an external Power Supply should be connected in series.

© PCE Instruments
5
mA Read Power Current Measurement
In this mode, the PCE-RTD 20 works as Loop Power Supply while at the same time measuring
the current.
Voltage Measurement
The PCE-RTD 20 is capable of voltage Measurement with two voltage measurement ranges.
The following picture displays the connection for Voltage Measurement for different mode.
RTD Terminals
Terminals for measuring and simulating RTD. For RTD/Ω types refer to the specifications.
RTD/Resistance simulation
The PCE-RTD 20 is capable of RTD/Resistance generation. The following picture displays the
connection for RTD and Resistance simulation. In RTD simulation RTD 20 mimics an RTD. The
instrument under test generates the current for the RTD measurement.
The PCE-RTD 20 controls the voltage across its terminals so that the resistance (voltage to
Current ratio) corresponds to the simulated temperature. Use of 2-, 3-or 4-wire connection is up
to the receiver instrument. Use only the two leftmost terminals with every wiring option. Connect
the possible third and fourth wire according to the
Requirements of the connected instrument but use only the two left most terminals.

© PCE Instruments
6
RTD/Resistance measurement
The PCE-RTD 20 is capable of RTD/Resistance measurement. The following picture displays
the connection for RTD and Resistance measurement.
2-Wire RTD Measurement
Two leftmost terminals are used in 2-wire systems. The PCE-RTD 20 displays the selected
wiring system in run page. PCE-RTD 20 sources current through the resistor and measure the
voltage drop across same terminals. The result is acceptable, if the resistance of the connection
wires is significantly smaller than actual measured resistance.
3-Wire RTD Measurement
The PCE-RTD 20 sources current through the resistor and measure the voltage drop across the
entire current loop and across the upper side connection wire as shown in figure. If both left side
connection wires are identical, the PCE-RTD 20 can compensate for the resistance of the
connection wires.
4-Wire RTD Measurement
The PCE-RTD 20 sources current through the resistor from two left side terminals and measure
the voltage drop across the resistor from the two right side terminals. The 4-wire method gives
the resistance between the terminals of the resistor; it is insensitive to the resistance of the
connection wires.

© PCE Instruments
7
2.2.2 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 mode and log mode
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
2.2.3 Display
• LCD with a 2.4” color display
• Resolution of 240x320 pixels
• Supporting 262K colors
2.2.4 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.

© PCE Instruments
8
2.2.5 Stand for Table Top Use
• This stand offers the best support for table top use which gives good viewing angle when
the PCE-RTD 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.
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 explosion or fire, use only the supplied battery, battery charger and USB 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.

© PCE Instruments
9
2.4.1 Charging time
Charging method
Charging time (to full capacity)
External Charging Adaptor
≈ 5 hours
Note:
USB mini Type B connector charges the battery when the instrument is off and increases the
battery life when the instrument is on.
2.4.2 Operating Time
Operation
Battery Duration
Continuous operation (measure or source)
>18 hours
Continuous operation (12mA (24V) measure)
> 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 low value for the 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 and the usage of the 24 V transmitter
supply affect the maximum operating time.
Notes:
• The PCE-RTD 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-RTD 20 is not in use.
• Do not leave the PCE-RTD 20 without a Battery Pack or an Empty Battery for a long
time. The PCE-RTD 20 may lose its settings if it is left without a support voltage for an
extended period.
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.

© PCE Instruments
10
3.2 User Interface
Everytime the PCE-RTD 20 is switched on, the startup message ends in RUN Page.
3 display modes are available in RUN Page.
1. RTD Measure/Source Mode
2. EM Measure Mode
3. RTD Measure/Source + EM Measure Mode
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. But Which Information to be shows can be selectable in Display
Mode Menu.
3.2.1 Status Bar
The status bar at the top of the display is visible only in RUN Page. It is divided into five main
sections.
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 5 Maintenance & 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

© PCE Instruments
11
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
3.2.2 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.
3.2.3 Display Mode
RTD Mode

© PCE Instruments
12
RTD Display Mode
RTD Mode
Shows the Current RTD Mode
RTD Measure Mode
RTD Source Mode
Output Type
Shows the current RTD Type
Source Reading
Shows the RTD Source reading according to RTD Type
STEP/RAMP
Icon
Shows the Icon indicating STEP/RAMP mode. Only applicable if RTD
mode is SOURCE
Manual Step
Rising Ramp
Step UP
Falling Ramp
Step DOWN
Ramp Hold @
0%
Ramp Hold @
100%
Additional Info
Shows the Addition Information according to TC Mode & Additional Info
selected in MENU →DISPLAY→TC terminal
Bar Graph
Horizontal Bar graph according to RTD Percentage Value (0.00% …
100.00%). The value scales according to RTD reading and Input 0%
and 100% value as set in MENU →DISPLAY→RTD terminal Menu
Percentage
Value
The Percentage Value in according to RTD Reading
Wire Select
Shows which RTD configuration is used (2-wire, 3-wire, 4-wire)
Source Display
Mode
Shows which display mode is selected either percentage or actual
Actual Value
When display mode percentage Actual value bar display the actual
source value
Source Info
When RTD is in source mode it shows the excitation current which
comes from the measure device

© PCE Instruments
13
EM Measure Mode
Measure Window
Input Type
The Input Type
mA
mA Current Input
mA(24V)
mA Current (Read Power-24V) Input
V
V Voltage Input
Measure Display Mode
The Measure Reading Display Mode
Actual
Displays the Raw Input Value without
any scaling
Percentage
Displays the Percentage Value.
Scaled
Displays the Scaled Value
Measure Reading
The Reading as per the Measure Display Mode
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)
Bar Graph
Horizontal Bar graph according to Input Percentage Value
(0.00% … 100.00%).
Percentage Value
The Percentage Value in Percentage according to Input
Value.
Tare
The Tare Value Set from MENU→DISPLAY→EM Terminal-
Tare page
Actual Value
The Raw Input Value without any scaling
This will appear only if Main Display in
MENU→DISPLAY→EM Terminal 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.

© PCE Instruments
14
RTD + EM Mode
RTD + EM Mode
Output Type
Source Reading
STEP/RAMP Icon
Source window
Refer RTD Display Mode above
Input Type
Measure Reading
HART Icon
Refer EM Display Mode above
3.2.4 Display Operations
There are mainly four types of widgets available in the Device Menu.
i. ListBox
ii. EditBox
iii. CheckBox
iv. RadioButtonBox
The below section will show how to change the value of the different widgets.

© PCE Instruments
15
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 ListBoxList opens when you press the F1key. Use 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 V.
This Option is available in MENU→EM SETUP Page
ii. EditBox
EditBox is used where a large range of value can be possible for a parameter.
To edit the value of an EditBox press F1 key. After that EditBox enters into the Edit mode where
F1&F2 keys are works 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.

© PCE Instruments
16
The above figure shows the example how to change Input High (100%) Range from 24.000 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.
Examples Scaled Low (0%) &High (100%) etc.
The below figure shown 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.

© PCE Instruments
17
iii. CheckBox
CheckBox is used where Binary Value (1/0, True/False) is available for any parameter.
To change the CheckBox status press F1 key. This will enter into the edit mode. In this mode
status can be toggled by pressing F1 key. Press MENU/ENT key to store new status.
iv. RadioButtonBox
RadioButtonBox is used where very few values can be possible and all the available values
need to be visible.
In this device, two types of RadioButtonBox are available. One with 1 value can be selectable
and the other where 1 or 2 values can be selectable at a time.
In RadioButtonBox, the other option can be selected by pressing MENU/ENT key on that option.
When pressing this key the new option will be selected and the other option will be disabled.
Below an example is given, how to change RTD Source Mode from STEP to RAMP.

© PCE Instruments
18
MENU Layout
4.1 MENU page
There are mainly six Menus in this device.
To enter into the MENU page press MENU/ENT key and press F2 key to come out from Menu
page.
EM SETUP
Contains Parameters related to EM Measure Mode like Input Type,
Range etc.
RTD SETUP
Contains Parameters related to RTD like RTD Mode, RTD Type
etc.
DISPLAY
Contains Parameters related to different display mode for RUN
page
LOGGING
Contains Parameters related to Data Logging.
Wire Select
Contains Parameters related to wire selection mode
SETTINGS
Contains Parameters related to General Settings of the device like
display, Date/Time, Calibration, Reset, etc.
4.2 MEASURE Page
This Page is appears in RUN →MENU →EM SETUP.