Prostat PFM-711A User manual

User Manual
PFM-711A
ELECTROSTATIC FIELD METER

PROSTAT® PFM711A ELECTROSTATIC FIELD METER
Sec on Topic Page
I. Introduc on 4
II. Cau ons & Warnings 4
III. Equipment Inspec on & Ini al Prepara on for use 4
IV. Applica on 6
V General Opera on 6
VI. Maintenance & User Adjustment 8
General Specifi ca ons 10
Table of Contents
Copyright © 2011 by Prostat® Corpora on. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this
manual may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without wri en permission. For informa on contact
Prostat Corpora on, 1072 Tower Lane, Bensenville, IL 60106 USA
Prostat is the registered trademark of Prostat® Corpora on

I. Introduc on
The PFM-711A is an accurate, compact electrosta c fi eldmeter used for loca ng and measuring sta c
charge poten als. Other types of electrosta c measurements may also be made using the PFM-711A and
its accessories.
A. The PFM-711A features SAMPLE and HOLD measurement modes that allow measurements to be
made in places that would be diffi cult to reach or see with other instruments.
B. Range switching is provided with the PFM-711A. In V/inch mode, the digital display covers the
range of 0 ±1999 volts in one volt increments. In kV/inch mode, it covers the range of 10 volts to
20kV in ten volt increments.
1. An analog output jack provides a 1 volt output corresponding to 10kV, which is independent of
the range selected and meter indica on.
2. The circuitry is a digital, electronic chopper design and subsequently, the instrument is useful
for making electrosta c fi eld measurements in areas where ionized air is present.
3. For accurate, repeatable performance, the PFM-711A must be grounded during normal
opera ons.
II. Cau ons & Warnings
A. Do not point the PFM-711A Field Meter Ranging Lights into anyone’s eyes.
CAUTION
Do not point ranging lights into anyone’s eyes.
B. Do not store or use instruments in damp environments.
C. The PFM-711A Field Meter case must be grounded for proper opera on.
CAUTION
Ground Case of PFM-711A Field Meter for proper opera on.
D. Turn OFF all instruments when in storage or transit. Remove ba eries when instruments are in-
tended for long-term storage, i.e. six months or longer.
III. Equipment Inspec on & Ini al Prepara on for use
A. PFM-711A Field Meter – Equipment and Accessories
• One PFM-711A Field Meter
• One 9 Volt DC ba ery
• One 36 inch analog output test cable equipped with two male banana plug
4Rev. D / October 4, 2018
PFM-711A Electrosta c Field Meter

DIGITAL DISPLAY
ANALOG OUTPUT
RANGE/POWER SWITCH (s1)
PANEL ZERO (r16)
INTERNAL ZERO
ADJUSTMENT (r27)
INTERNAL GAIN
ADJUSTMENT (r10)
SAMPLE/HOLD
BUTTON (s2)
B. PFM-711A Field Meter Prepara on for use
1. Install 9 Volt ba ery provided by sliding ba ery com-
partment open and fi rmly snapping ba ery terminals
to the appropriate connectors. Ba ery can only be
connected in one way. Carefully reclose the ba ery
compartment.
2. Before opera ng, the PFM-711A, the operator should
select and wear a wrist strap that is confi rmed func-
 onal and properly grounded.
OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENT
Case of PFM-711A Field Meter MUST be grounded for
proper opera on.
3. With the operator’s fi ngers contac ng the grounding
snap on the back of the unit, slide the three posi on
RANGE/POWER Switch (s1) (kV/inch, OFF, V/inch) to
the kV/inch posi on.
a. Confi rm that the instrument’s display is ac vated
and that the ba ery low indica on (BATT) is not
displayed. If low ba ery is displayed, replace the
ba ery.
5
Rev. D / October 4, 2018
PFM-711A Electrosta c Field Meter

b. Cycle the SAMPLE/HOLD bu on (s2) by pushing it a few  mes; note the HOLD indica on
on the meter’s display. Release SAMPLE/HOLD so that the meter is free to measure fi elds.
c. Hold a fl at sheet of material in front of the meter’s sensing plate to confi rm opera on of
the red ranging Bull’s Eye light system. A circle with a spot in the middle should clearly ap-
pear on the material surface when held one inch from the meter’s sensing plate.
d. Point the unit away from surfaces and objects, and rotate the Black Panel (r16) ZERO knob
un l the display indicates 0.00
e. Experiment with the meter by measuring the surface of a charged material.
f. Slide the three way RANGE/POWER Switch (s1) to the V/inch posi on. Allow the display to
se le to a stable indica on; this should require four to eight seconds.
g. Point the unit away from surfaces and objects, and rotate the Black Panel ZERO knob (r16)
un l the display indicates 000.
h. Experiment with the meter by measuring the surface of a charged material.
OPERATIONAL NOTE
The case of PFM-711A Field Meter is conduc ve and part of the instrument’s
grounding circuit. If one holds the meter in one hand, and a empts to measure
voltage on the other hand, no reading can be obtained regardless of body voltage.
C. Confi rming PFM-711A Field Meter Analog Func on.
1. Connect the analog cable to the PFM-711A kV/inch output jack.
2. Connect the RED output banana plug to the Posi ve (+) input of an X-Y plo er or digital Mul -
meter (DMM).
3. Connect the BLACK output banana plug to the Nega ve (-) input of the X-Y plo er or Mul me-
ter (DMM).
When the PFM-711A displays 1,000 volts, the analog should be approximately 0.1 volts.
IV. Applica on
The PFM-711A Field Meter is an accurate electrosta c fi eld measuring device. Used by itself, the PFM-
711A will measure electrosta c fi elds emana ng from virtually any fl at surface or object. In V/inch mode,
the digital display covers the range of 0 ±1999 volts in one volt increments. In kV/inch mode, it covers the
range of 10 volts to 20kV in ten volt increments at one inch distance from the charged surface.
V. General Opera on
A. Field Measurements using the PFM-711A Field Meter
1. Before opera ng the PFM-711A, the operator should select and wear a fully func onal wrist
strap that is properly grounded.
6Rev. D / October 4, 2018
PFM-711A Electrosta c Field Meter

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENT
Case of PFM-711A Field Meter MUST be grounded for proper opera on
2. With the operator’s fi ngers contac ng the grounding
snap on the back of the unit, slide the three posi on
(kV/inch, OFF, V/inch) RANGE/POWER switch (s1) to
the kV/inch posi on.
a. Confi rm that the instrument’s display is ac vated
and that the ba ery low indica on (BATT) is not
displayed. If low ba ery indica on is displayed,
replace the ba ery.
b. Insure the HOLD feature is OFF. Turn the HOLD
feature OFF by pushing the SAMPLE/HOLD (s2)
control bu on once.
c. Hold the unit away from surfaces and objects, and
rotate the Black Panel ZERO knob (r16) un l the
display indicates 0.00.
3. Posi on the front sensor of the PFM-711A Field Meter approximately one inch from the sur-
face or object being measured. Move the instrument toward, or away from the surface un l
the RED Bulls Eye is focused on the test surface.
CAUTION
Do not shine the RED Bull’s Eye Ranging lights into
yours or anyone else’s eyes.
4. Once the instrument is properly posi oned, the PFM-711A will indicate the electrosta c fi eld
measured on its display. If desired, push the SAMPLE/HOLD bu on (s2) once to lock the indica-
 on on the display. The HOLD indica on will also appear on the instrument display.
5. For very low voltage measurements, repeat the procedure with the PFM-711A in its low range.
Slide the RANGE/POWER switch (s1) to V/inch posi on. Re-zero the instrument and repeat the
meter posi oning and measurement procedures in points 2-4, above.
6. PFM-711A Controls
The PFM-711A has two switches and a rotary knob. A three-posi on slide switch (s1) provides
Range Selec ons and ON/OFF control. A rotary ZERO adjust control (r16) is also provided. The
7
Rev. D / October 4, 2018
PFM-711A Electrosta c Field Meter

SAMPLE/HOLD push bu on switch has two posi ons: depressing the bu on latches it into
the lower Sample posi on. Pressing it again releases it into its upper HOLD posi on. The ZERO
knob may be turned to the le or right to change the zero se ng of the display. The unit must
be operated while grounded.
7. Turning The PFM-711A Field Meter ON and OFF
Push the slide switch RANGE/POWER (s1) to its upper posi on (towards the display) to select
kV/inch. The display will come ON, a decimal point will be displayed, and the meter will mea-
sure up to 19.99kV at one inch in 10 volt increments. Placing the slide switch in the lower posi-
 on will select V/inch. There will be no decimal point in the display and the meter will measure
up to 1999 volts at one inch, in one volt increments. Moving the switch to its center posi on
will turn the meter OFF.
8. Zero The PFM-711A Field Meter
Ground the case by wearing a func onal wrist strap that is properly grounded. Turn the meter
on by selec ng the desired range. Press the SAMPLE/HOLD bu on down so that it latches in
the lower or SAMPLE posi on, and HOLD is not indicated in the meter display. Adjust the dis-
play to zero (0) volts by rota ng the ZERO control.
IMPORTANT: The PFM-711A meter case is conduc ve. It provides the ground reference for
its measuring circuit. For accurate measurements, it is necessary that the person holding the
meter be properly grounded, or the meter has a ground connec on made to the metal snap on
the case.
9. Take An Electrosta c Field Measurement with the PFM711-A Field Meter
Turn the meter ON to the desired range. Hold the front of the meter approximately one inch
from the surface to be measured. Adjust the distance from the test surface un l the RED rang-
ing lights form a Bull’s Eye. Allow the instrument to stabilize. Record the Measurement.
10. HOLD A PFM-711A Measurement
With the meter in the measurement posi on described above, press the SAMPLE/HOLD but-
ton so that it latches in the upper or hold posi on. This will freeze the reading on the display,
allowing the meter to be moved to a posi on where it may be more easily read and document-
ed. When the meter is in the HOLD posi on, the word “HOLD” will appear In the display.
VI. Maintenance & User Adjustment
A. The PFM-711A is factory calibrated and other than ba ery replacement, external cleaning, and oc-
casional adjustment of the front panel Zero knob range posi on, general user maintenance is not
required. The case has been sealed and BREAKING THE SEALS WILL VOID THE WARRANTY. If for
any reason you believe the meter is not working correctly, contact Prostat Corpora on for assis-
tance.
USER CAUTION
Other than ba ery replacement & front panel zero range adjustment, there are no
user serviceable parts. Any unauthorized service will void the warranty and result in
addi onal repair charges.
8Rev. D / October 4, 2018
PFM-711A Electrosta c Field Meter

1. Cleaning the PFM-711A Case & Display
Clean the meter case and display lens with a dry, so non-scratching cloth.
a. DO NOT USE SOLUTION TO WET THE CASE, DISPLAY OR CONTROLS.
b. Carefully wipe the case and display un l dust and dirt are removed.
USER CAUTION
In rare cases cleaning the PFM-711A, case and display with a slightly dampened cloth
may be required. Should this be required, use a very weak solu on of liquid soap and water.
The cloth should be barely damp. DO NOT allow the instrument to become wet with the
cleaning solu on. DO NOT allow cleaning solu on to enter the unit through control or circuit
zero adjustment openings. Should the unit become damaged with cleaning solu ons, the
warranty is voided.
2. Adjus ng PFM-711A Field Meter Front Panel Zero to Range.
The front Black panel Zero knob (r16) adjustment range is less than a full turn. Occasionally, it
may need to be adjusted to its midpoint due to environmental temperature varia ons.
a. Select the kV/inch range using the three posi on Range/Power opera on switch (s1).
b. Turn the Black Panel knob (r16) fully counter clockwise.
c. Using a small blade screwdriver, adjust the Internal calibra on adjustment (r27) (located
next to Zero Knob) un l the display reads “-1.60 kV/inch”.
d. Rotate the Black Panel Zero Knob (r16) fully clockwise. The display should indicate approxi-
mately +1.60 (+/-0.10) kV/inch.
e. Rotate the Black Panel Zero Knob (r16) to mid posi on, approximately ½ turn, un l the
display indicates 0.00.
f. This completes the Black Panel Zero Knob (r16) adjustment
9
Rev. D / October 4, 2018
PFM-711A Electrosta c Field Meter

Specications for the PFM-711A Electrostatic Field Meter
Overall Range
High Range 0 V to ±19.99 kV (at 1” distance):
Least signicant digit indicates volts at one inch (kV/in) in 10 Volt increments
Low Range 0 V to ±1,999 V (at 1” distance):
Least signicant digit indicates volts at one inch (V/in) in 1 Volt invrements.
Measures higher voltages at greater distances, e.g., at 2” double indicated voltage, at
4” multiply indicated voltage by four.
Instrument Tolerance
±5% from 0 V to 10 kV
Tolerance at > 10 kV depends on conditions and handling
Accuracy unaected by the presence of air ionization.
Note: Performance when mounted in laboratory xture positionned 1 inch from a 6”x6” reference plate
Range Lights Red “Bulls Eye” at 1” distance
Meter Display 3½ digit Liquid Crystal Display with 0.4” digit height.
Automatic polarity, HOLD and LOW BATTERY indicators
Response
Digital display updates three (3) times per second.
Analog Output Time Constant: Either Range 0.1 sec.
Display Time Constants: High Range 0.2 sec.
Low Range 2.0 sec.
Output Analog signal output and 30” two conductor cable provided.
±10.0 kV meter reading equals ±1.0 Volt output
Controls
ree position slide switch: KV/INCH - OFF - V/INCH
Sample/HOLD push button, and ZERO adjust knob
Grounding Meter circuit grounded through the conductive case and 10 mm snap fastener
mounted on back of case
Power 9 Volts alkaline battery.
Battery life minimum 40 hours
Dimension (LxWxH) 2.4” x 4.2” x 0.9” (6.1 cm x 10.7 cm x 2.3cm)
1.3” deep with zero knob and snap fastener (3.3 cm)
Weight 5 oz with battery installed (142g)
10 Rev. D / October 4, 2018
PFM-711A Electrosta c Field Meter

Specifi ca ons are subject to change without no ce.
All Prostat trademarks and trade names are the property of Prostat Corpora on.
All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respec ve companies.
PROFESSIONAL STATIC CONTROL PRODUCTS
Prostat Corpora on
630-238-8883 • Fax: [phone] • 1-855-STATIC1 • www.prostatcorp.com