Seneca MSC User manual

1MI004962-EMSC
USER MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION P.06
SAFETY INFORMATION P.10
USER GUIDE P.12
CALIBRATOR FUNCTIONS P.15
ERRORS TABLE APP P.35
CONNECTION DIAGRAMS P.36
USING THE APP P.40
SUMMARY OF FEATURES P.50
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS P.52
USER INTERFACE P.54
TROUBLESHOOTING P.56
FIRMWARE UPDATE P.59

6MI004962-E MSC
The MSC calibrator is a portable multi-function instrument for the
generation and measurement of signals commonly found in auto-
mation environments.
It was designed to help professionals who have to verify and de-
velop signal processing equipment connected to automatic control
devices.
Unlike what the market offers, the MSC calibrator combines
simulations and measurements in one instrument using the user’s
smartphone, tablet or Windows PC (via the USB cable) for an
intuitive and modern interface.
The MSC multifunction process calibrator is a hand-held instru-
ment, powered by rechargeable batteries, used to measure and
generate electrical quantities.
In addition to the functions described in the "FUNCTIONS" para-
graph (page 15), the calibrator has the following characteristics:
• Input/output terminal for thermocouples (TC) and isothermal
internal block with automatic temperature compensation of the
reference junction.
• 4 standard 4mm diameter bushings for 2-3-4 wire sizes.
• Protection against overvoltages up to 250 Vac.
• Lithium battery power supply, with up to 14h autonomy.
• Bluetooth connection with tablet and smartphone.
• Management of universal signals (analogue, digital, pulse,
electrical, weight, temperature)
• High accuracy class: 0.05% basic class for each type of input/
output.
• Data always available thanks to the dedicated app.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

7MI004962-EMSC
• Micro USB connector for power supply and PC connection.
The analogue signals managed both in measurement and genera-
tion are:
• Milliamperes (dc)
• Volts, millivolts (dc)
• Thermocouples, two/three or four-wire heating elements
• 350 Ω bridge extensometer (LOAD CELL)
The following are also managed:
• Pulse generation with duration, voltage amplitude and variable
duty cycle
• Pulse measurement with adjustable threshold
• Frequency measurement and generation
The device is protected against damage due to incorrect connec-
tions such as short circuits and overvoltages applied to the inputs
(e.g. 230 Vac).
The simplicity of use of the connections and the protections against
overload make the device suitable even for the less experienced
and in a hobby and educational environment.
It is possible to connect multiple calibrators to a smartphone and
control them individually.
Electrical and electronic waste disposal (applicable in the European Union and other countries with
recycling). The symbol on the product or its packaging shows the product must be surrendered to a
collection centre authorized to recycle electrical and electronic waste.
Damaged parts must be replaced by the manufacturer, who is also responsible for repairing the
device. The product is sensitive to electrostatic discharges. Take appropriate measures during any
operation.

8MI004962-E MSC
1
13
2
3
4
5
12
11
10
6
7
8
9
14
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
15 RESET button
Power/communication micro USB connector
Socket for thermocouple measurement/generation
Bluetooth RESET button
ON/OFF button
PWR ON Led
Established connection Bind Led
Battery status indicator Led
Bluetooth/USB communication Led
Data recording Led
Error message Led
Measurement/generation bushing -EX
Measurement/generation bushing -SN
Measurement/generation bushing +SN
Measurement/generation bushing +EX
16 Battery charge warning Led

-EX -SN +SN +EX
2
3
4
5
12
10
8
6
13
11
9
7
1
14 16
15
9MSC

10 MI004962-E MSC
This manual contains safety rules that must be complied with to
safeguard personal safety and to prevent damage to property. The
indications to be followed to guarantee personal safety are high-
lighted by a triangle with the following meanings:
WARNING
the symbol associated with the word ‘warning’ indicates conditions
or actions that put the user's safety at risk.
CAUTION
The symbol associated with the word ‘caution’ indicates conditions
or actions that might damage the calibrator or equipment tested.
Qualied personnel
The product covered by this documentation may only be used by
qualied personnel for the respective assigned task, in compliance
with the documentation relating to the task, and especially with the
safety warnings and the precautions contained therein. By virtue of
their training and experience, qualied personnel can recognize the
risks related to the use of this product and avoid possible dangers.
Disclaimer
We have checked that the contents of this documentation corre-
spond to the hardware and software described. However, since
we cannot rule out any differences, we cannot guarantee a perfect
match. However, the content of this documentation is periodically
checked and any corrections or changes are inserted in subse-
quent editions.
SAFETY INFORMATION

11MI004962-EMSC
• Do not apply different voltages or higher voltages than indicated
between terminals, or between any terminal and earth (voltages
greater than 50Vdc)
• Do not use the calibrator if damaged, or if signs of possible dam-
age are visible on it.
• Do not remove the internal battery.
• Do not use the calibrator if it runs abnormally.
• Use the reset button if there is an anomaly in the operation.
• Do not touch the calibrator terminals during use.
• To carry out the measurements, use the cables supplied or any-
way adequate for the measurements to be taken.
• Select the appropriate range for the desired measurement or generation.
• Make sure the internal battery is charged if you intend to use the
calibrator without power from the USB port.
• Use the calibrator as described in this manual.
• Before each measurement or generation, refer to the electrical
connections shown in the manual.
• Do not use the calibrator in environments containing combustible/
explosive dust, gas or vapour.
The MSC calibrator has been designed according to EN 6101-1 standards
CAUTION
WARNING

12 MI004962-E MSC
USER GUIDE
The calibrator is a device that can measure or generate electrical
quantities to test devices.
To proceed with the correct use of the instrument, make sure to
follow the following steps:
• Turn on the device and connect with the APP via Bluetooth.
• Wait 5 minutes for the appliance temperature to stabilize.
• Connect the cables correctly, according to the type of meas-
urement/generation to be carried out: refer to the connection
diagrams on p. 36.
It is however necessary, before use, to make sure that the battery
is fully charged so as to guarantee its life for the generations or
measurements that will be carried out. Before each use it is advis-
able to recharge the instrument using the USB cable supplied, until
the LED battery charge indicator on the bottom of the calibrator
goes off, as shown in the diagram on page 9.
The calibrator can maintain the signals to be generated (set by the
user) within a determined error range.
During generation, the calibrator will constantly check the generat-
ed signal, warning about any generation error (where provided for)
by notifying it on the APP.
The calibrator is protected against the risk of applying temporary
overvoltages. However, it is good to remember that in this case the
device needs 15-20 minutes to restore the normal conditions.
If this period of time is not observed, the accuracy of the measure-
ments and/or generations cannot be guaranteed.
CAUTION

13MI004962-EMSC
Be careful when using the calibrator with devices that have earth
connections. Connections 1 and 2, shown in FIG. 1, can exist, but
not simultaneously.
This working condition can interfere with the correct operation of
the calibrator and the Bluetooth connection.
If this connection is made during the generation of an electrical
quantity, internal protections may intervene, in which case, once
the correct electrical connection between the devices has been
restored, it is necessary to leave the calibrator inactive for about
15-20 minutes to go back to normal conditions.
In order to achieve proper PC//measurement systems (EUT)
isolation and to protect the USB port of your PC, you must use the
USB-ISO accessory as shown in Fig. 2.
FIG. 1
1 2
FIG. 2
USB-ISO

14 MI004962-E MSC
USING THE CALIBRATOR
-EX -SN +SN +EX
CABLES SUPPLIED
WHITE CABLE WITH 4MM BLACK PLUG BLACK CABLE WITH 4MM BLACK PLUG
RED CABLE WITH 4MM RED PLUG WHITE CABLE WITH 4MM RED PLUG

15MI004962-EMSC
CALIBRATOR FUNCTIONS
MEASUREMENT FUNCTIONS:
The MSC calibrator allows measuring the following signals:
• passive current
• active current
• HiRange voltage
• LowRange voltage
• thermocouple
• resistance thermometer
• load cell
• frequency/pulses
For correct measurement, connect the cables as shown in the
diagrams on page 36 and page 37.
GENERATION FUNCTIONS:
The MSC calibrator allows measuring the following signals:
• passive current
• active current
• HiRange voltage
• LowRange voltage
• thermocouple
• resistance thermometer
• load cell
• frequency/pulses
For correct measurement, connect the cables as shown in the
diagrams on page 38 and page 39.

16 MI004962-E MSC
MEASUREMENTS
Checks common to all measurements
The following are the checks that are common to all measure-
ments:
Sample screen from the APP:
The images and diagrams shown must be considered as indicative and not binding
since they are subject to possible updates.

17MI004962-EMSC
In the sample screen it is possible to distinguish the checks that
are common to all the measurements (red) and those common to
analogue measurements (orange) only.
In red you can identify the checks that have the following mean-
ings:
• Zeroing of MIN / AVG / MAX measurements, for analogue
measurements
• Count zeroing for pulse measurement
• Pausing of analogue or digital measurements
• Sharing the measurements taken. This button allows for exam-
ple sharing a memo of the measurements just made.
• Datalogger: the activation of this function allows starting to
record the measurements that are being taken.
The MIN / AVG / MAX measurements are identied in orange and
the check allows changing the display from primary to second-
ary measurement and vice versa.

18 MI004962-E MSC
CURRENT / VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS
The calibrator can measure voltages and currents that are applied
to the two innermost bushings (SN+ SN-) according to the following
ranges.
For the voltages, two measurement scales are available:
• Voltage -10÷90 mV ( LowRange)
• Voltage 0÷27 V ( HiRange)
To carry out the voltage measurement, connect the calibrator
according to gures M5 or M7 while, to make a current measure-
ment, connect the calibrator according to FIG. M1 or M3 (page 36).
Once the calibrator is connected and the Bluetooth connection is
working, press M (Measurement) on the Home screen of the APP
and select "CURRENT / VOLTAGE".
Then select the desired size.
Since the measurements are homogeneous in the way they are
presented by the APP, a measurement is then taken into considera-
tion; then choose "VOLTAGE 0.27 V".
The calibrator starts displaying the values related to the voltage
applied to the input bushings in Volts. The default value displayed
is in Volts. The measurement can be displayed as a percentage of
the full scale by pressing the P9 button (double arrow symbol)
If the measurement is unstable, ltering can be applied. To activate
it, follow the following steps by pressing:
1. Settings (refer to image on page 47)
2. AVG lter settings
Then select the desired ltering time between: 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8
seconds.

19MI004962-EMSC
FREQUENCY MEASUREMENTS
The calibrator allows the measurement of the voltage pulses
applied in the two innermost bushings (SN+ SN-). The electrical
connections are shown in FIG. M8
Once the calibrator is connected and the Bluetooth connection
works, press M (Measurement) on the APP Home screen and then
choose "FREQUENCY"
To correctly detect a frequency of a voltage signal applied to the
bushings, it is important to choose an appropriate trigger threshold
by going to:
1 Settings
2 Set trigger level
The calibrator shows the frequency in Hz.

20 MI004962-E MSC
The calibrator allows the temperature measurement with thermo-
couples which are connected via connector 1 (diagram on page 9).
The electrical connections are shown in FIG. M2 (page 36).
For the types of supported thermocouples, refer to TAB 1 (page
50).
Once the calibrator is connected and the Bluetooth connection
works, press M (Measurement) on the APP Home screen and then
choose "THERMOCOUPLE". Then select the type of thermocouple
you wish to take the measurement with.
In measurement mode the temperature value in °C (and mV) is
shown. The displayed temperature value is the real temperature
measured by the thermocouple, including the cold junction com-
pensation (depending on the set conguration). This last value is
shown on the display with the wording
“C.J. Read”.
On the other hand, the value in mV is the real voltage value read
by the terminals without any compensation.
If the measurement is unstable, ltering can be applied.
To activate it, follow the following steps by pressing:
1. Settings
2. AVG lter settings
Then select the desired ltering time between: 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8
seconds.
THERMOCOUPLE MEASUREMENTS