Picotest M3500A User manual

PICOTEST®
M3500A
6.5 Digit Digital Multimeter
User’s Manual
Printed date: 04/2008
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
Phone [phone]
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431
Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com
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M3500A DMM
User’s Manual
Table of Contents

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1 GENERAL INFORMATION...............................................................................................6
1.1 FEATURE OVERVIEW.....................................................................................................6
1.2 WARRANTY INFORMATION ...........................................................................................7
1.3 PRECAUTION OF OPERATION ....................................................................................... 8
1.4 UPKEEP OF M3500A...................................................................................................9
1.5 SAFETY INFORMATION.................................................................................................. 9
1.6 SYMBOLS AND TERMS ................................................................................................10
1.7 INSPECTION ................................................................................................................11
1.8 OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES.....................................................................................12
1.9 M3500A’S DIMENSION............................................................................................. 13
2 OVERVIEW ...........................................................................................................................14
2.1 SETTING UP YOUR M3500A DIGITAL MULTIMETER ..................................................14
2.1.1 To adjust the handle.............................................................................14
2.1.2 To connect the power...........................................................................17
2.1.2.1 To convert the voltage..........................................................................17
2.1.2.2 To change the fuse.................................................................................20
2.1.3 Factory Default When Power-ON .....................................................24
2.2 FEATURES.......................................................................................................................26
2.3 M3500A FUNCTION INTRODUCTION ....................................................................... 26
2.3.1 The Front Panel ............................................................................................. 26
2.3.2 The Display ....................................................................................................30
2.3.2.1 Annunciators at Upper Side.................................................................31
2.3.2.2 Annunciators at Right Side..................................................................31
2.3.3 The Rear Panel ..............................................................................................32
3 BASIC MEASUREMENT FUNCTION..........................................................................34
3.1 VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS (DC &AC)....................................................................34
3.2 CURRENT MEASUREMENTS (DC &AC) ...................................................................36
3.3 RESISTANCE MEASUREMENTS (2 &4-WIRE)..........................................................38
3.4 FREQUENCY &PERIOD MEASUREMENTS...................................................................40
3.5 CONTINUITY MEASUREMENTS....................................................................................41
3.6 DIODE MEASUREMENTS.............................................................................................42
3.7 TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS ................................................................................43
3.7.1 Thermocouple Measurements ...........................................................44
3.7.2 RTD Measurements............................................................................... 44
3.7.2.1 2-Wire RTD Measurements..................................................................45

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3.7.2.2 3-Wire RTD Measurements..................................................................46
3.7.2.3 4-Wire RTD Measurements..................................................................48
4 FRONT PANEL OPERATIONS......................................................................................51
4.1 MEASUREMENT CONFIGURATION ..............................................................................51
4.1.1 Set ADC (Auto Zero & Auto Gain)...................................................51
4.1.2 Filter............................................................................................................54
4.1.2.1 AC Filter......................................................................................................54
4.1.2.2 Digital Filter..................................................................................................55
4.1.3 Resolution Setting (Digits).................................................................57
4.1.4 DC Input Resistance..............................................................................59
4.1.5 Threshold Resistance (Continuity)...................................................60
4.1.6 Range (Manual & Auto)........................................................................61
4.1.7 Rate (Integration Time).......................................................................62
4.1.8 Sensor Selection for Temperature Measurements....................64
4.1.9 Remote Interface Selection................................................................ 68
4.1.10 Input Terminal Switch .......................................................................68
4.2 TRIGGER OPERATIONS...............................................................................................69
4.2.1 Trigger Mode............................................................................................69
4.2.2 Trigger Source.........................................................................................71
4.2.3 Trigger Setting........................................................................................72
4.3 MATH OPERATIONS ....................................................................................................77
4.3.1 Ratio............................................................................................................77
4.3.2 % (Percent)..............................................................................................78
4.3.3 Min/Max.....................................................................................................80
4.3.4 Null ..............................................................................................................81
4.3.5 Limits Test................................................................................................83
4.3.6 MX+B..........................................................................................................84
4.3.7 dB/dBm......................................................................................................86
4.4 OTHER SYSTEM RELATED OPERATIONS....................................................................90
4.4.1 Display........................................................................................................90
4.4.2 Beeper........................................................................................................92
4.4.3 Reading Memory (Store & Recall) ...................................................93
4.4.4 Sensitivity Band (Hold)........................................................................ 95
4.4.5 Scanning (Scan)..................................................................................... 96
4.4.6 Stepping (Step).................................................................................... 100
4.4.7 Initial Mode.............................................................................................102

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4.4.8 Language.................................................................................................103
4.4.9 Error Condition......................................................................................103
4.4.10 Firmware Revision............................................................................. 104
4.4.11 Calibration............................................................................................105
4.4.12 Self-test...............................................................................................106
5 REMOTE INTERFACE OPERATIONS..........................................................................110
5.1 PASS/FAIL OUTPUT FROM USB CONNECTOR........................................................110
5.2 SETTING UP FOR REMOTE INTERFACE....................................................................111
5.3 REMOTE INTERFACE COMMANDS.............................................................................112
6 ERROR MESSAGES.........................................................................................................125
6.1 ERROR TYPE..............................................................................................................125
6.1.1 Execution Errors...................................................................................125
APPENDIX...............................................................................................................................130
A. SPECIFICATION LIST.....................................................................................................130
B. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................................... 134
C. REMOTE INTERFACE REFERENCE .................................................................................135
C.1 An Introduction to the SCPI Language ..............................................135
C.2 Output Data Formats................................................................................139
C.3 The MEASure? Command........................................................................ 140
C.4 The CONFigure Command....................................................................... 141
C.5 The Measurement Configuration Command.....................................143
C.6 The Math Operation Command.............................................................150
C.7 The Triggering Commands...................................................................... 153
C.8 The System-Related Commands..........................................................154
C.9 Status Reporting Commands.................................................................157
C.10 SCPI Compliance Information.............................................................159
C.11 IEEE-488 Compliance Information....................................................160
D. ABOUT APPLICATION PROGRAMS................................................................................163

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1General Information
This section contains general information about PICOTEST M3500A
Multimeter. The information is shown below:
zFeature Overview
zWarranty Information
zSafety Information
zSymbols and Terms
zSpecifications
zInspection
zOptions and Accessories
If you have any questions after reading this information, please contact
your local service representative.
1.1 Feature Overview
M3500A is a 6.5 digit digital multimeter. It has 0.0015% 24-hour basic
DC voltage accuracy at 10V range and 0.002% 24-hour basic resistance
accuracy at 10kΩrange. At 6.5 digit, the multimeter delivers 50
triggered RDGS/sec via remote interface. At the fast 4.5 digit, it reads
over 2000 RDGS/sec into its internal buffer. M3500A provides wide
measurement ranges:
※Note: The 24-hour measurement is subject to calibration accuracy.
zDC voltage: 0.1V, 1V, 10V, 100V & 1000V.
zAC voltage: 0.1V, 1V, 10V, 100V & 750V.
zDC current: 10mA, 100mA, 1A & 3A.
zAC current: 1A & 3A.
z2 & 4-wire resistance: 100Ω, 1KΩ, 10KΩ, 100KΩ, 1MΩ, 10MΩ&

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100MΩ.
zFrequency: From 3Hz to 300kHz.
zPeriod measurement.
zDiode measurement.
zContinuity measurement for resistance.
zThermocouple temperature & RTD measurements.
Some additional capabilities of M3500A include:
zFull math functions – dB, dBm, MX+B, ratio, %, Max/Min, null &
limits.
zOptional multipoint scanner card – For internal scanning, options
include M3500–opt01, a 10-channel, general-purpose card.
zUSB and GPIB (Optional) remote control interface.
zThrough Microsoft Office Word & Excel for remotely storing and
recalling the measured values.
zThrough M3500 AP software for simulating the real operation on PC.
1.2 Warranty Information
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer,
the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
1. Warranty: PICOTEST CORP. guarantees that this product meets its
published specifications at the time of shipment from the factory.
Under proper installation it should work as expected.
2. Warranty Period: This equipment is warranted against defects in
material and manufacturing for a period of one year from the date of
shipment. During the warranty period, PICOTEST is responsible for
necessary repairs as long as the product can be proved to be
defective.
For warranty service or repair this product must be returned to a
service facility designated by PICOTEST. Please contact your local
service representative.
3. Excluded Items: This warranty does not include consumptive parts
such as fuses, buttons and relays. Neither does this warranty cover

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defects caused by improper installation, improper or insufficient
maintenance, unauthorized modification, improper operation,
ignorance of environmental specifications or improper software or
interfacing.
4. Remarks:
zNo other warranty is expressed or implied, except for the above
mentioned.
zThe remedies provided herein are the buyer’s sole and exclusive
remedies. PICOTEST shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special,
incidental or consequential damages.
Limitation of warranty
1. Our warranties do not cover any damage resulting from unauthorized
modification or misuse.
2. Unless mentioned elsewhere in this document, our warranty does not
apply to fuses, probes, and problems arising from normal wear or
user’s failure to follow instructions.
3. Our warranties do not apply on any direct, incidental, special, or
consequential damages.
4. The above warranties are exclusive and no other warranty is
expressed or implied. PICOTEST disclaims any implied warranties of
MERCHANTABILITY, SATISFACTORY QUALITY, and FITNESS for any
particular reasons.
1.3 Precaution of Operation
zPlease carefully read the manual before operating this device.
zThis manual is for reference only. Please consult your local service
representative for further assistance.
zThe contents of this manual may be amended by the manufacturer
without notice.
zNever dismantle the equipment by any unauthorized personnel, or
equipment may be damaged.
zThe equipment has been strictly tested for quality before delivery

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from our factory. However, this equipment must not be used in
dangerous situations where damage may result.
zThis product should be placed in a safe area in case of unpredictable
personnel use.
zThe rear protective conduct terminal needs to be connected to the
actual earth ground or electric shock may occur.
zThe patent and related documents for the equipment belong to
PICOTEST CORP. and they aren’t allowed to be used by others
without permission.
1.4 Upkeep of M3500A
zAlthough M3500A multimeter is very durable and weather resistant,
care should be taken not to expose it to severe impact or pressure.
zKeep M3500A far from water and damp environment.
zCalibration will be taken every year. Please contact with your local
service representative for more information.
zIf the incorrect display or abnormal beeps occurred you should stop
using the equipment at once.
zDo not use the Meter around explosive gas or inflammable vapor.
zWipe the surface of M3500A multimeter with a piece of dry and clean
cloth.
1.5 Safety Information
Caution! Please read through the following safety information
before using the product.
To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, please read and follow
these guidelines carefully:
zFollow the guidelines in this manual and DO NOT use the Meter if the
case is damaged. Check the Meter case and terminals, and make sure
all the devices are in the proper positions.
zDo not apply excessive voltage to the Multimeter. Apply voltage

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within the rated range only.
zUse caution when measuring voltages above 30 V RMS, 42 V peak, or
60 V DC. These voltages pose an electric shock hazard.
zWhen using the probes, always keep your fingers behind the finger
guards.
zAlways connect the common test leads (black) before connecting the
live test leads (red), and disconnect the live test leads (red) before
disconnecting the common test leads (black). This will reduce the
chance of an electric shock.
zDisconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors
before testing resistance, continuity, diodes or capacitance.
zIf you need to open the Meter case or replace any parts, read the
instruction in this manual first. You must be a qualified personnel to
perform this action.
zWhen replacing fuses, use only the same type and same rating as
specified.
zDo not try to operate the Meter if it is damaged. Disconnect the power
from the equipment and consult the local service representative.
Return the product to PICOTEST service department if necessary.
1.6 Symbols and Terms
This symbol indicates hazards that may cause damages to the
instrument or even result in personal injury.
This symbol indicates high voltage may be present. Use extra
caution before taking any action.
This symbol indicates the frame or chassis terminal presented need
to be connected to the actual earth ground.
This symbol indicates “Protective Conductor Terminal”.