Picotest M3500A User manual

PICOTEST
®
®®
®
M3500A
6.5 Digit Digital Multimeter
User’s Manual
Version: 1.06

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M3500A DMM
User’s Manual

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Table of Contents
1 G N RAL INFORMATION............................................................................................... 6
1.1 F EATURE O VERVIEW ..................................................................................................... 6
1.2 W ARRANTY I NFORMATION ........................................................................................... 7
1.3 P RECAUTION OF O PERATION ...................................................................................... 8
1.4 U PKEEP OF M3500A ................................................................................................... 9
1.5 S AFETY I NFORMATION .................................................................................................. 9
1.6 S YMBOLS AND T ERMS ................................................................................................ 10
1.7 I NSPECTION ................................................................................................................ 11
1.8 A CCESSORIES ............................................................................................................. 12
1. M3500A’ S D IMENSION ............................................................................................. 13
2 OV RVI W ........................................................................................................................... 14
2.1 S ETTING UP Y OUR M3500A D IGITAL M ULTIMETER .................................................. 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 F EATURES ....................................................................................................................... 26
2.3 M3500A F UNCTION I NTRODUCTION ....................................................................... 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 ear Panel .............................................................................................. 32
3 BASIC M ASUR M NT FUNCTION.......................................................................... 34
3.1 V OLTAGE M EASUREMENTS (DC & AC).................................................................... 34
3.2 C URRENT M EASUREMENTS (DC & AC) ................................................................... 36
3.3 R ESISTANCE M EASUREMENTS (2 & 4- WIRE ).......................................................... 38
3.4 F REQUENCY & P ERIOD M EASUREMENTS ................................................................... 40
3.5 C ONTINUITY M EASUREMENTS .................................................................................... 41
3.6 D IODE M EASUREMENTS ............................................................................................. 42
3.7 T EMPERATURE M EASUREMENTS ................................................................................. 43
3.7.1 Thermocouple Measurements ........................................................... 44

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3.7.2 TD Measurements ............................................................................... 44
3.7.2.1 2-Wire RTD Measurements.................................................................. 45
3.7.2.2 3-Wire RTD Measurements.................................................................. 46
3.7.2.3 4-Wire RTD Measurements.................................................................. 48
4 FRONT PAN L OP RATIONS...................................................................................... 51
4.1 M EASUREMENT C ONFIGURATION .............................................................................. 51
4.1.1 Set ADC (Auto Zero)............................................................................. 51
4.1.2 Filter ............................................................................................................ 53
4.1.2.1 AC Filter ......................................................................................................54
4.1.2.2 Digital Filter.................................................................................................. 55
4.1.3 esolution Setting (Digits) ................................................................. 57
4.1.4 DC Input esistance ............................................................................. 59
4.1.5 Threshold esistance (Continuity)................................................... 60
4.1.6 ange (Manual & Auto) ....................................................................... 61
4.1.7 ate (Integration Time)....................................................................... 63
4.1.8 Sensor Selection for Temperature Measurements...................................... 65
4.1.9 emote Interface Selection................................................................ 69
4.1.10 Input Terminal Switch ....................................................................... 69
4.2 T RIGGER O PERATIONS ............................................................................................... 70
4.2.1 Trigger Mode............................................................................................ 71
4.2.2 Trigger Source......................................................................................... 72
4.2.3 Trigger Setting ........................................................................................ 74
4.3 M ATH O PERATIONS .................................................................................................... 79
4.3.1 atio............................................................................................................ 79
4.3.2 % (Percent).............................................................................................. 80
4.3.3 Min/Max ..................................................................................................... 82
4.3.4 Null .............................................................................................................. 83
4.3.5 Limits Test ................................................................................................ 85
4.3.6 MX+B .......................................................................................................... 87
4.3.7 dB/dBm ...................................................................................................... 90
4.4 O THER S YSTEM R ELATED O PERATIONS .................................................................... 94
4.4.1 Display........................................................................................................ 94
4.4.2 Beeper ........................................................................................................ 96
4.4.3 eading Memory (Store & ecall) ................................................... 97
4.4.4 Sensitivity Band (Hold) ........................................................................ 99
4.4.5 Scanning (Scan) ................................................................................... 100

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4.4.6 Stepping (Step) .................................................................................... 104
4.4.7 Initial Mode............................................................................................. 105
4.4.8 Language................................................................................................. 107
4.4.9 Error Condition...................................................................................... 107
4.4.10 Firmware evision............................................................................. 108
4.4.11 Calibration Information ................................................................... 109
4.4.12 Self-Test .............................................................................................. 110
5 R MOT INT RFAC OP RATIONS.......................................................................... 115
5.1 P ASS /F AIL O UTPUT VIA USB C ONNECTOR ............................................................ 117
5.2 S ETTING U P FOR R EMOTE I NTERFACE .................................................................... 118
5.3 R EMOTE I NTERFACE C OMMANDS ............................................................................. 119
6 RROR M SSAG S ......................................................................................................... 131
6.1 E RROR T YPE .............................................................................................................. 131
6.1.1 Execution Errors ................................................................................... 131
APP NDIX............................................................................................................................... 136
A. S PECIFICATION L IST ..................................................................................................... 136
B. G ENERAL S PECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................... 140
C. R EMOTE I NTERFACE R EFERENCE ................................................................................. 141
C.1 An Introduction to the SCPI Language .............................................. 141
C.2 Output Data Formats ................................................................................ 145
C.3 The MEASure? Command........................................................................ 145
C.4 The CONFigure Command....................................................................... 147
C.5 The Measurement Configuration Command..................................... 149
C.6 The Math Operation Command ............................................................. 156
C.7 The Triggering Commands...................................................................... 159
C.8 The System- elated Commands .......................................................... 160
C.9 The SCPI Status Pattern .......................................................................... 162
C.10 Status eporting Commands............................................................... 170
C.11 SCPI Compliance Information ............................................................. 172
C.12 IEEE-488 Compliance Information.................................................... 174
D. A BOUT A PPLICATION P ROGRAMS ................................................................................ 176

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1 General Information
This section contains general information about PICOTEST M3500A
Multimeter. The information is shown below:
Feature Overview
Warranty Information
Safety Information
Symbols and Terms
Specifications
Inspection
Options 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 10kΩ range. 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.
DC voltage: 0.1V, 1V, 10V, 100V & 1000V.
AC voltage: 0.1V, 1V, 10V, 100V & 750V.
DC current: 10mA, 100mA, 1A & 3A.
AC current: 1A & 3A.
2 & 4-wire resistance: 100Ω, 1KΩ, 10KΩ, 100KΩ, 1MΩ, 10MΩ &
100MΩ.

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Frequency: From 3Hz to 300kHz.
Period measurement.
Diode measurement.
Continuity measurement for resistance.
Thermocouple temperature & RTD measurements.
Some additional capabilities of M3500A include:
Full math functions – dB, dBm, MX+B, ratio, %, Max/Min, null &
limits.
Optional multipoint scanner card – For internal scanning options
including M3500–opt01 (a 10-channel) & M3500-opt0 (a 20-channel)
general-purpose cards.
USB and GPIB/RS-232 (Optional) remote control interfaces.
Through Microsoft Office Word & Excel for remotely storing and
recalling the measured values.
Through 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. xcluded Items: This warranty does not include consumptive parts

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such as fuses, buttons and relays. Neither does this warranty cover
defects caused by improper installation, improper or insufficient
maintenance, unauthorized modification, improper operation,
ignorance of environmental specifications or improper software or
interfacing.
4. Remarks:
No other warranty is expressed or implied, except for the above
mentioned.
The 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
your abnormal operations.
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
Please carefully read the manual before operating this device.
This manual is for reference only. Please consult your local service
representative for further assistance.
The contents of this manual may be amended by the manufacturer
without notice.
Never dismantle the equipment by any unauthorized personnel, or

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equipment may be damaged.
The equipment has been strictly tested for quality before delivery
from our factory. However, this equipment must not be used in
dangerous situations where damage may result.
This product should be placed in a safe area in case of unpredictable
personnel use.
The rear protective conduct terminal needs to be connected to the
actual earth ground or electric shock may occur.
The 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
Although M3500A multimeter is very durable and weather resistant,
care should be taken not to expose it to severe impact or pressure.
Keep M3500A far from water and damp environment.
Calibration will be taken every year. Please contact with your local
service representative for more information.
If the incorrect display or abnormal beeps occurred you should stop
using the equipment at once.
Do not use the Meter around explosive gas or inflammable vapor.
Wipe 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:
Follow 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

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all the devices are in the proper positions.
Do not apply excessive voltage to the Multimeter. Apply voltage
within the rated range only.
Use caution when measuring voltages above 30 V RMS, 42 V peak, or
60 V DC. These voltages pose an electric shock hazard.
When using the probes, always keep your fingers behind the finger
guards.
Always 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.
Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors
before testing resistance, continuity, diodes or capacitance.
If 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.
When replacing fuses, use only the same type and same rating as
specified.
Do 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.

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This symbol indicates “Protective Conductor Terminal”.
This symbol indicates earth (ground) terminal.
This symbol indicates this product complies with the essential
requirements or the applicable European laws or directives with
respect to safety, health, environment and consumer protections.
Note: Full M3500A specifications are included in Appendix A.
1.7 Inspection
Your product package is supplied with the following items:
One M3500A Multimeter unit. (224mm x 113mm x 373mm, approx.
4.3 Kg)
One power line cord.
One USB cable.
Standard Test Leads
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One CD (including this electronic User's Manual and software
applications).
Optional accessories as you ordered. (Refer to the section 1.8
“Accessories”)
1. The M3500A is provided with a Standard Test lead set, described below.
Test Lead Ratings:
IEC 61010-031 CAT III
Operating Voltage: 1000V DC
Current: 10 Ampers
UL/CE Rated
Material:
Probe Body: Outer Insulation-Santoprene Rubber.

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Banana Plug: Body Brass, Nickel Plated Spring Beryllium Copper, Nickel Plated.
Insulation: Polypropylene Resin Flasme Retardant Grade 2038.
Others
If any part of the Test Lead Set is damaged, please do not use and replace with
a new set.
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※ Warning: If you use the Test Lead Set which is not qualified by
Picotest Corp., the protection of the Test Lead Set could be impaired. In
addition, please don’t use a damaged Test Lead Set against the
instrument break or personal injury.
1.8 Accessories
The following accessories are available from PICOTEST for use with the
Model M3500A. Please refer to the following Table 1-1.
Table 1-1
Part Name Part Number
10-Channel Multi-point Scanner Card M3500-opt01
Thermocouple adapter M3500-opt02
Adapters (Banana to BNC Adapter) M3500-opt03
GPIB Card M3500-opt04
RTD Probe Adapter M3500-opt05
RS232 Adapter M3500-opt06
Kelvin Probe M3500-opt07
4-Wire Test Leads M3500-opt08
20-Channel Multi-point Scanner Card M3500-opt0
Shorting Plug M3500-opt10
K Type Thermocouple Lead M3500-opt11
10-Channel TC-Scanner Card M3500-opt12

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1.9 M3500A’s Dimension
Please get the dimension’s information in the following different ways.
1. The dimension without the handle and the front & Rear Bumpers is in
the following Picture 1. (LxWxD - 213.6x88.6x370 mm)
2. The dimension with the handle and the front & Rear Bumpers is in the
following Picture 2. (LxWxD - 255x113x373 mm)
3. The dimension with the front & Rear Bumpers, but without the handle
is in the following Picture 3. (LxWxD - 224x113x373 mm)
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2 Overview
This chapter will give you an overview of M3500A’s basic features and
guide you through the basics of M3500A digital multimeter. You will
become familiar with those features after reading this chapter.
2.1 Setting up Your M3500A Digital Multimeter
You may want to check if your multimeter is ready for measurement. In
fact, all of the Picotest products are inspected perfectly before being
shipped to our customers. If you find any damaged or missing parts,
please contact your local service representative immediately and do not
attempt to operate the damaged product. If having any doubt of your
products, you are encouraged to contact the local service representative.
2.1.1 To adjust the handle
You may adjust the carrying handle to suit your needs. The following
figures show you how to adjust the handle.
I. Taking off the handle from the Multimeter
【 Step 1 】 (Turn up the handle)
Pull slightly outward on both sides of the handle and slowly rotate it up as
shown in Figure 1-1.

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Figure 1-1
【 Step 2 】 (Pull out the handle)
When the handle is turned up to 0° with the multimeter please pull out
the handle from the multimeter as shown in Figure 1-2.
Figure 1-2
Ⅱ
ⅡⅡ
Ⅱ. Adjusting the position for your convenience
Here are some referable positions for your reference.
【 Position 1 】
The default position is for packing as shown in Figure 1-3 。

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Figure 1-3
【 Position 2 】
The adjusted position is for operation as shown in Figure 1-4 。
Figure 1-4
【 Position 3 】
The carrying position is with the handle as shown in Figure 1-5 。
Figure 1-5

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2.1.2 To connect the power
Check the power-line voltage on the rear panel to see if voltage setting is
correct for your area. Change the setting if it is not correct or the fuse is
broken. Please follow the steps below.
2.1.2.1 To convert the voltage
Warning! In some areas, the power supplied voltage is 240V or
120V; in others, the power supplied voltage is 220 V or 100 V. Please
refer to your local power supplied voltage to see if you have the right
setting.
Warning! Before changing the setting, make sure the multimeter is
disconnected from the AC power. An incorrect voltage setting may cause
severe damage to your instrument.
Warning! The power cord supplied with M3500A contains a
separate ground wire for use with grounded outlets. When proper
connections are made, instrument chassis is connected to power line
ground through the ground wire in the power cord. Failure to use a
grounded outlet may result in personal injury or death due to electric
shock.
Suppose your condition is in AC 100V and you want to convert the
voltage to the 220V. Follow these steps to change the voltage setting.
【 Step 1 】
Verify that the meter is disconnected as shown in Figure 2-1.

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Figure 2-1
【 Step 2 】
Open the voltage setting selector cap as shown in Figure 2-2. (You
might need a screwdriver to do so.)
Figure 2-2
【 Step 3 】
Remove the red voltage setting selector from the right middle seam as
shown in Figure 2-3. (You might need a screwdriver to do so.)

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Figure 2-3
【 Step 4 】
Turn it over to 220V position as shown in Figure 2-4.
Figure 2-4
【 Step 5 】
Insert the voltage setting selector back into the socket and close the cap
as shown in Figure 2-5.
Figure 2-5

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2.1.2.2 To change the fuse
Warning! Before replacing the power-line fuse, make sure the
multimeter is disconnected from the AC power. You must be a qualified
personnel to perform this action.
Warning! For continued protection against fire or instrument
damage, only replace fuse with the same type and rating. If the
instrument repeatedly blows fuses, locate and correct the cause of the
trouble before replacing the fuse.
Verify that the power-line fuse is good. Replace the fuse if it is damaged.
Use only the same type and same rating fuse noted on the rear panel.
Please follow the steps below to change the fuse.
【 Step 1 】
Verify that the meter is disconnected as shown in Figure 2-6.
Figure 2-6