QuadTech 1865 User manual

1865 Megohmmeter/IR Tester
Instruction Manual
Form 150073/D5
©QuadTech, Inc., 1992
5 Clock Tower Place, 210 East
Maynard, Massachusetts, U.S.A. 01754
October, 2006
Telephone [phone]
Sales 800-253-1230
Facsimile 978-461-4295
Website www.quadtech.com
The material in this manual is for informational purposes only and is subject to change, without
notice. QuadTech assumes no responsibility for any error or for consequential damages that may
result from the misinterpretation of any procedures in this publication.
WARNING
Potentially dangerous voltages may be present on front and rear panel terminals. Follow all
warnings in this manual when operating or servicing this instrument. Dangerous energy levels
may be stored in capacitors tested by this unit. Always make sure the high voltage indicator is
not on when connecting or disconnecting the unknown.
!Product will be marked with this symbol (ISO#3684) when it is necessary for the user to
refer to the instruction manual in order to prevent injury or equipment damage.
Product marked with this symbol (IEC417) indicates presence of direct current.
Product will be marked with this symbol (ISO#3684) when voltages in excess of 1000V
are present.

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Contents
Warranty ............................................................................................................7
Specifications............................................................................................................9
Accessories ............................................................................................................11
Safety Precautions ...................................................................................................13
Condensed Operating Instructions ........................................................................15
Introduction - Section 1
1.1 Unpacking and Inspection .............................................................................21
1.2 Product Overview ..........................................................................................21
1.3 Controls and Indicators..................................................................................22
1.3.1 Front Panel Controls and Indicators .................................................22
1.3.2 Rear Panel Controls and Connectors ................................................24
1.4 Installation .....................................................................................................25
1.4.1 Dimensions ........................................................................................25
1.4.2 Instrument Positioning.......................................................................25
1.4.3 Power Requirements..........................................................................25
1.4.4 Safety Inspection................................................................................27
Operation - Section 2
2.1 Terms and Conventions .................................................................................29
2.2 Startup............................................................................................................29
2.3 Zeroing...........................................................................................................30
2.4 Connection to Device Under Test..................................................................30
2.5 Measurement Procedure ................................................................................32
2.5.1 General...............................................................................................32
2.5.2 Default Measurement Conditions......................................................33
2.5.3 Automatic Measurement Mode..........................................................34
2.5.4 Manual Measurement Mode..............................................................36
2.6 Menu Functions .............................................................................................36
2.6.1 General...............................................................................................36
2.6.2 Setup Menu........................................................................................37
2.6.2.1 Voltage..................................................................................37
2.6.2.2 Charge Time..........................................................................38
2.6.2.3 Dwell Time ...........................................................................38
2.6.2.4 Measure Time .......................................................................38
2.6.2.5 Discharge Time.....................................................................39
2.6.2.6 Mode.....................................................................................39
2.6.2.7 Range ....................................................................................40
2.6.2.8 Limit......................................................................................43
2.6.2.9 Stop on Pass..........................................................................44
2.6.2.10 # to Average........................................................................44

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Contents (Continued)
Operation - Section 2 (Continued)
2.6.3 I/O Menu............................................................................................45
2.6.3.1 Display Type.........................................................................45
2.6.3.2 Result Format........................................................................46
2.6.3.3 RS-232 ..................................................................................47
2.6.3.4 IEEE-488...............................................................................48
2.6.3.5 Handler..................................................................................48
2.6.3.6 Results to Floppy ..................................................................48
2.6.4 Utilities Menu....................................................................................50
2.6.4.1 Save Setup.............................................................................51
2.6.4.2 Recall Setup..........................................................................53
2.6.4.3 Zero.......................................................................................54
2.6.4.4 Lock Out ...............................................................................55
2.6.4.5 Calibration ............................................................................55
2.6.4.6 Set Time/Date .......................................................................56
2.6.4.7 Elapsed Time ........................................................................57
2.6.4.8 Calibration Date....................................................................57
2.6.4.9 Set Contrast...........................................................................58
2.6.4.10 LCD Backlite......................................................................58
2.7 Input/Output Interface....................................................................................58
2.7.1 I/O Interface.......................................................................................58
2.7.2 IEEE-488 Interface ............................................................................60
2.7.3 Sample Program for National Instruments GPIB Card......................65
2.7.4 Sample Program for IO Tech GPIB Card..........................................66
2.7.5 RS232 Interface .................................................................................67
2.7.6 Sample Program for RS232...............................................................68
2.7.7 Results to Printer................................................................................69
2.8 Error Messages ..............................................................................................70
Applications - Section 3
3.1 Insulation Resistance Testing ........................................................................73
3.2 Test Sample Resistivity Measurements.........................................................74
3.3 Capacitor Insulation Resistance.....................................................................75
3.3.1 General...............................................................................................75
3.3.2 Charge Time Constant .......................................................................76
3.3.3 Discharge Time..................................................................................76
3.4 Resistance Measurements..............................................................................77
3.5 Measurement of Voltage Coefficient.............................................................77
3.6 Guarded, 3 Terminal Measurements..............................................................78

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Contents (Continued)
Theory Section 4
4.1 General...........................................................................................................79
4.2 Instrument Description ..................................................................................79
4.2.1 Basic I2000 Instrument Architecture.................................................79
4.2.2 1865 Instrument Modules..................................................................80
4.2.3 I2000 Instrument Options..................................................................81
Maintenance/Calibration - Section 5
5.1 General...........................................................................................................83
5.2 Instrument Return ..........................................................................................83
5.3 Routine Maintenance.....................................................................................83
5.3.1 Battery Replacement..........................................................................84
5.3.2 Resetting of Time and Date ...............................................................85
5.3.3 Loss of Display Contrast....................................................................85
5.3.4 Preventive Maintenance/Cleaning.....................................................86
5.4 Calibration .....................................................................................................86
5.4.1 General...............................................................................................86
5.4.2 Calibration Procedure........................................................................86

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Warranty
QuadTech warrants that Products are free from defects in material and workmanship and,
when properly used, will perform in accordance with QuadTech's applicable published
specifications. If within one (1) year after original shipment it is found not to meet this
standard, it will be repaired, or at the option of QuadTech, replaced at no charge when
returned to a QuadTech service facility.
Changes in the Product not approved by QuadTech shall void this warranty.
QuadTech shall not be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages,
even if notice has been given of the possibility of such damages.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including, but
not limited to any implied warranty or merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose.
SERVICE POLICY
QuadTech’s service policy is to maintain product repair capability for a period of at least
five (5) years after original shipment and to make this capability available at the then
prevailing schedule of charges.

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Specifications
Resistance Range: 1 x103to > 1x1014 Ω(dependent on test voltage)
1x106- >1x1014 Ωat 1000VDC
1x105- 1x1013 Ωat 100VDC
1x104- 1x1012 Ωat 10VDC
1x103- 1x1011 Ωat 1VDC
(7 ranges or auto ranging)
Resistance Accuracy:* ±[0.45% +{(Rx/Vx)(0.0005 FS + 2pA) + 30Ω/Rx}100%]
Rx: Measured resistance in ohms
Vx: Programmed voltage in volts
FS: Full scale current range in amperes
Voltage Range: 1 to 1000, Volts programmable in two ranges
Voltage Accuracy:* 1 - 100V: 1% of setting +1V
25mV resolution
100 - 1000V: 1% of setting +2V
250mV resolution
Output Voltage
Impedance: 1 kΩ±5%
Current Limited: < 2mA
Current Measure: 1x10-13 to 1x10-3 amps
Current Accuracy:* 1nA to 1mA: ±[0.5% + (0.0005FS + 2pA)]
100pA to 1nA: ±[1% + (0.0005FS + 2pA)]
1pA to 100pA: ±[10% + (0.0005FS + 2pA)]
Input Impedance: 5 kΩ±5%
Measure Limits: Pass/Fail (1 limit)
Display: LCD graphic display
Voltage warning indicator
Pass/Fail indicator
*specified at front panel connectors

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Specifications (Continued)
Test Cycle: Manual: Charge, Measure, Discharge
Automatic: Charge time: 0 -300 sec
Dwell time: 0 - 300 sec
Measure time: 0 - 300 sec (0 – 999 on later units)
Discharge time: 0 - 300 sec
I/O Interface: Standard -RS232
I/O Port (w/safety interlock)
Optional -1865-01 - IEEE-488, factory installed at unit purchase
1865-02 - Floppy Drive, 3.5", factory installed only
1865-03 - Rear panel input terminals, factory installed at purchase
1865-70 - IEEE-488, field retrofit
Input Terminals: Four sheathed banana plugs, front or rear mount (optional)
+ unknown (red) - unknown (black)
guard (blue) ground (green)
Dimensions: Bench with tilt back bail
(133.4mm high x 444.5mm wide x 406.4mm deep)
(5 1/4" x 17 1/2" x 16")
Weight: Approximately 8.2 kg (18 lbs) - Net
Approximately 11.8 kg (26 lbs) - Shipping
Environmental: MIL-T-28800D, Type 3, Class 5, Style E & F
Operating: 0°C to 50°C, stated accuracy <45% RH
Storage: -40°C to 71°C
Altitude: <2000m, Installation Category 1, Pollution Degree 1
Power: •90 - 250V •47 - 63Hz •40W max
General: •Fully programmable via menu
•Zeroing
•Stored test conditions and results
•Selected measurement units (engineering or scientific)
Accessories •Instruction Manual •AC Power Cable
Supplied: •Calibration Certificate •1 MΩand 100 kΩCapacitor Adapters
•Interlock Connector
Accessories •1865-50 Rack Mount Kit •1865-51 Shielded Lead Set
Available: •1865-52 Component Test Fixture

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Accessories
Accessories Included
Item Quantity QuadTech P/N
U.S. AC Power Cable (3-prong) 1 4200-0300
T2.5A 250V 5X20mm Line Fuse 1 520049
1MΩCapacitor Adaptor 1 800015
100kΩCapacitor Adaptor 1 800014
Interlock Connector 1 630019
Instruction Manual 1 150073
Calibration Certificate 1 N/A
Accessories/Options Available
Item Quantity QuadTech P/N
IEEE-488 Interface (factory installed) 1 1865-01
3.5” Floppy Drive Option (factory installed) 1 1865-02
Rear Panel Input Option (factory installed) 1 1865-03
Rack Mount Kit 1 1865-50
Shielded Lead Set 1 1865-51
Component Test Fixture 1 1865-52
IEEE-488 Interface (Field Retro-Fit Option) 1 1865-70
Resistivity Test Cell Fixture 1 1865-11

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Safety Precautions
WARNING
The 1865 Megohmmeter/IR Tester can provide an output voltage as high as 1000VDC to
the external device under test (DUT).
Although the 1865 unit is designed with full attention to operator safety, serious hazards
could occur if the instrument is used improperly and these safety instructions are not
followed.
1. The 1865 unit is designed to be operated with its chassis connected to earth
ground. The 1865 instrument is shipped with a three-prong power cord to provide
this connection to ground. The power cord should only be plugged in to a
receptacle that provides earth ground. Serious injury can result if the Sentry unit
is not connected to earth ground.
2. Tightly connect cable(s) to the (green) GND terminal. If this is not done, the
DUT’s casing can be charged to the high voltage test level and serious injury or
electrical shock hazards could result if the DUT is touched.
3. Never touch the metal of the High Voltage probe directly. Touch only the
insulated parts of the lead(s).
4. Never touch the test leads, test fixture or DUT in any manner (this includes
insulation on all wires and clips) when the high voltage is applied and the red
CAUTION HIGH VOLTAGE LED is lit.
5. Before turning on the 1865 unit, make sure the AC power cord is plugged into
the proper voltage source and that there is no device (DUT) or fixture connected
to the test leads.
6. After each test, press the [STOP] (red) button for safety. This terminates the high
voltage being applied to the output terminals.
7. When the CAUTION HIGH VOLTAGE LED is lit NEVER touch the device
under test, the lead wires or the output terminals.
8. Before touching the test lead wires or output terminals make sure:
a) The red [STOP] button has been pressed.
b) The CAUTION HIGH VOLTAGE LED is OFF.
c) The output voltage display is 0 (zero).
9. In the case of an emergency, turn OFF the [POWER] switch using a“hot stick”
and disconnect the AC power cord from the wall. DO NOT TOUCH THE 1865
INSTRUMENT.
10. If the CAUTION HIGH VOLTAGE LED does not go off when the [STOP]
button is pressed, immediately stop using the tester. It is possible that the output
voltage is still being delivered regardless of the TEST ON/OFF control signal.
11. When the 1865 instrument is used in remote control mode, be extremely careful.
The High Voltage Output is being turned on and off with an external signal.

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Condensed Operating Instructions
WARNING
High voltage is applied to the measurement terminals of the 1865 any time the
CAUTION HIGH VOLTAGE LED is ON. While the current from the instrument is
limited, the energy stored in a capacitive device connected to the terminals may be lethal.
Always make sure the high voltage indicator is OFF when connecting or disconnecting
the unknown. A flashing CAUTION HIGH VOLTAGE light and/or DANGER on the
display indicates a defective unit with dangerously high voltages possible at the input
terminals. Power the unit down and do not use.
General Information
The 1865 Megohmmeter/IR Tester is a computer controlled measuring instrument for
direct readout of resistance and current. The voltage applied to the device under test
(DUT) is programmable from 1 to 1000 volts. A pass/fail indicator provides a visual
display of test results based on a preset limit. A set of power-up default test conditions
are stored in the unit and are as set by the factory (1V, test times zero) until
reprogrammed by the user.
Start-up
The 1865 can be operated from a power source between 90V and 250V AC at a power
line frequency of 47 to 63 Hz. The standard 1865 is shipped from the factory with a 2.5A
fuse in place for 115V or 220V operation. To change the fuse refer to paragraph 1.4.3.
Connect the instrument power cord to the source of proper voltage.
IMPORTANT
The interlock connector (included with the unit) needs to be installed on the rear panel
I/O Port connector if the interlock function is not being used.
When the 3.5" Floppy Drive Option is present ALWAYS MAKE SURE NO DISKS
ARE INSTALLED WHEN THE UNIT IS POWERED UP, otherwise information stored
on the disks could be lost.
Press the [POWER] button on the front panel to apply power. To switch power off press
the [POWER] button again or if measurements are to be made proceed with Zeroing the
instrument, discussed in the next paragraph.

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Condensed Operating Instructions
Zeroing
Before measuring, zero out test lead or fixture measurement errors as follows.
1. If test leads are to be used connect them to the 1865 input terminals, red to +
unknown, black to - unknown, with probes open and spaced some distance apart (or
fixture open).
2. Press [MENU] key to select menu display.
3. Press Right or Left Arrow key to select Utilities menu.
4. Press Up or Down Arrow key to select Zero in the sub menu.
5. Press [ENTER] key to activate the Zero routine and follow instructions on the
instrument display.
Auto Measurement Mode
In automatic mode, once the [START] button is depressed the instrument sequences
automatically through the test cycle phases, charge, dwell, measure and discharge and a
pre-stored set of test conditions are executed. These test conditions can be DEFAULT
(those at power up), set using menus or the operator can recall a previously stored setup.
1. Connect the device under test to the 1865 test leads or other fixture being used.
2. If the desired setup conditions are anything other than DEFAULT, set using menus
or proceed to Recalling Setups below before continuing with step 3.
3. Initiate the auto measurement mode by pressing [START]. The High Voltage
Indicator will remain on as the unit sequences automatically through all four phases
(charge, dwell, measure, discharge) of the test cycle.
4. The measurement can be aborted at any time during the test cycle by pressing
[STOP].
5. Once the High Voltage Indicator goes off the measurement is complete, the final
result remains displayed and the device can be removed.

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Condensed Operating Instructions
Manual Measurement Mode
In manual measurement mode each phase of a test cycle, charge, measure and discharge
is initiated manually at the users discretion. These test conditions can be DEFAULT
(those at power up), set using menus or the operator can recall a previously stored setup.
1. Connect the device under test to the 1865 test leads or other fixture being used.
2. Press [MENU] key to select menu display.
3. Press Right or Left Arrow key to select Setup menu.
4. Press Up or Down Arrow key to select Mode in the sub menu.
5. Press [ENTER] to activate the selection field.
6. Press Right or Left Arrow key to select Manual and press [ENTER].
7. If the desired setup conditions are anything other than DEFAULT, set using menus
or proceed to Recalling Setups below before continuing with step 8. (Setup
measurement times are ignored in manual mode).
8. Initiate the charge phase by pressing [START] to apply high voltage to the
device. The High Voltage Indicator will remain on as long as a voltage is applied.
The measurement can be aborted at any time during the test cycle by pressing [STOP].
9. Initiate a single measurement by pressing [START] again, The measured result
will be displayed on the LCD and will be updated each time [START] is pressed.
10. To discharge the device press [STOP].
11. Before removing the device press [STOP] again to end the discharge phase and turn
the High Voltage Indicator off.
Recalling Setups
1. To recall a set of test conditions previously stored:
Press [MENU] key to select menu display.
Press Right or Left Arrow key to select Utilities menu.
Press Up or Down Arrow key to select Recall Setup.
Press [ENTER] key to activate the recall entry field.
Press Up or Down Arrow key to select the desired setup. choices are:
- DEFAULT, if conditions are power up which can be changed by the
user.
- FLOPPY, if setup is to be recalled from the optional floppy drive.
- Setup Name stored in the instrument internal memory or floppy.
Once the desired setup is located press [ENTER] key to finalize recall of the
setup conditions.

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Condensed Operating Instructions
Saving Setups
1. To save the current set of test conditions as entered (conditions include, voltage, test
times, measurement range, limit, and display modes):
Press [MENU] key to select menu display.
Press Right or Left Arrow key to select Utilities menu.
Press Up or Down Arrow key to select Save Setup.
Press [ENTER] key to activate setup entry field.
Press UP or Down Arrow key to select the desired setup, choices are:
- NEW, if a setup is to be saved in instruments internal memory.
- DEFAULT, if conditions at power up are to be changed and restored.
- FLOPPY, if a new setup is to be stored or existing one changed on the
floppy.
- Setup Name if an existing set of conditions are to be changed in the
instrument internal memory or floppy.
Press [ENTER] key to activate the Save entry field selected above.
If NEW is selected (internal memory or floppy) enter the desired identifying
name, up to 8 characters, under which these set of test conditions will be stored.
Press [ENTER] key to finalize storage of the setup conditions or if DEFAULT
is selected one must answer Y or N to overwrite.
Changing Test Voltage
1. Set the desired test voltage:
Press [MENU] key to select menu display.
Press Right or Left Arrow key to select Setup menu.
Press Up or Down Arrow key to select Voltage.
Press [ENTER] key to activate the voltage entry field.
Enter desired test voltage (up to 5 digits with decimal) between 1 and 1000V.
Press [ENTER] key to finalize the voltage entry.
Changing Measurement Times
1. To set the desired measurement cycle times, charge, dwell, measure and discharge:
Press [MENU] key to select menu display.
Press Right or Left Arrow key to select Setup Menu.
Press Up or Down Arrow key to select desired time: charge, dwell, measure or
discharge.
Press [ENTER] key to activate the corresponding time entry field.
Enter the desired time between 0 and 300 seconds(measure, 0 – 999 on later units)
Press [ENTER] key to finalize the time entry.
2. Continue to set the other times as desired by repeating step 1.

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Condensed Operating Instructions
Setting Pass/Fail Limit
1. To enter a single measurement limit for resistance or current (depending on results
display selected):
Press [MENU] key to select menu display.
Press Right or Left Arrow to select Setup menu.
Press Up or Down Arrow key to select Limit in sub menu.
Press [ENTER] key to activate the limit entry field.
Enter the numerical value (up to 4 digits plus decimal point) of the limit
desired, then enter the exponential value after first pressing the eselect key
(use minus exponential value for current).
Press [ENTER] key to finalize the limit entry.
Changing Display Type and Units
1. To change displayed measurement results between Resistance, Current or Pass/Fail:
Press [MENU] key to select menu display.
Press Right or Left Arrow key to select I/O Menu.
Press Up or Down Arrow key to select Display.
Press [ENTER] key to activate the selection field.
Press Up or Down Arrow key to select desired measurement results,
Resistance, Current or Pass/Fail if a limit is to be used.
Press [ENTER] key to finalize the entry.
2. To change the measurement results format between Scientific or Engineering units:
Press [MENU] key to select menu display.
Press Right or Left Arrow key to select I/O Menu.
Press Up or Down Arrow key to select Result Format.
Press [ENTER] key to activate the selection field.
Press Right or Left Arrow to select desired results format, Sci for Scientific or
Eng for Engineering.
Press [ENTER] key to finalize the entry.