Vanguard Instruments Company RFD-200 User manual

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
For the
Model RFD-200
Portable Relay Test Set
Vanguard Instruments Company
1710 Grevillea Court
Ontario, California 91761
TEL: [phone] June 2003
FAX: [phone] Rev 1

RFD-200 Operating Instructions
I
SAFETY WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
Only trained operators shall use this device. All circuit relays under test shall be off line and
fully isolated.
Do Not Service or Test Alone
Do not perform test procedures or service unless another person is also present who is
capable of rendering aid and resuscitation.
Do Not Modify Test Equipment
Due to the added risk of introducing additional or unknown hazards, do not install substitute
parts or perform any unauthorized modification to any RFD-200 test unit. To ensure that all
designed safety features are maintained, it is recommended that repairs be performed only by
Vanguard Instruments Company’s factory personnel or by an authorized repair service center.
Unauthorized modifications can cause serious safety hazards and will nullify the
manufacturer's warranty.
Follow Exact Operating Procedures
Any deviation from the procedures described in the operator’s manual may create one or more
safety hazards, damage the RFD-200 and the test transformer, or cause errors in the test
results. Vanguard Instruments Company, Incorporated assumes no liability for unsafe or
improper use of the RFD-200.

RFD-200 Operating Instructions
II
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction...........................................................................................................................1
2.0 DIGITMR Description............................................................................................................1
2.1 Online Timing (Quick-Shot) Mode.............................................................................1
2.2 Time-Versus-Travel Circuit Breaker Analyzer Mode..................................................1
2.2.1 Contact Timing Channels............................................................................1
2.2.2 Analog Voltage Monitoring Channel............................................................1
2.2.3 Digital Voltage Monitoring Channel.............................................................1
2.2.4 Trip/Close Current Monitoring.....................................................................1
2.2.5 Travel Transducer Input Channels..............................................................1
2.2.6 Breaker Initiate Capability...........................................................................1
2.2.7 Built-in Thermal Printer...............................................................................1
2.2.8 Computer Interface Capabilities..................................................................1
2.2.9 Timing Shots Storage Capabilities..............................................................1
2.2.10 Breaker Test Plan Storage Abilities ..........................................................2
2.2.11 Diagnostic Capabilities..............................................................................2
2.2.12 DIGITMR Display and Control Switches....................................................2
3.0 Test Result Tabulation..........................................................................................................2
3.1 Electrical Measurement Results................................................................................2
3.2 Mechanical Measurement Results.............................................................................2
3.3 Analog Voltage Input Results....................................................................................2
3.4 Digital Voltage Input Results .....................................................................................2
3.5 Initiate Current Results..............................................................................................2
3.6 Slow-Close Test........................................................................................................2
4.0 Test Result Graphics............................................................................................................2
4.1 Thermal Printer Graphic Printout...............................................................................2
5.0 DIGITMR Controls and Display.............................................................................................2
6.0 DIGITMR Analyzer Specifications.........................................................................................5
7.0 DIGITMR Special Features...................................................................................................6
7.1 DIGITMR Supplied Cables........................................................................................6
7.2 DIGITMR Operating Voltages ...................................................................................7
7.3 DIGITMR Main Power Fuse ......................................................................................7
7.4 DIGITMR Printer and Printer Paper...........................................................................8
7.5 DIGITMR Printer Paper Control.................................................................................8
7.6 Replacing DIGITMR Thermal Paper..........................................................................8
7.7 DIGITMR LCD Contrast Control................................................................................8
8.0 Test Hook-up Connections ...................................................................................................9
8.1 Contact Cable Hookup..............................................................................................9
8.2 Initiate Cable Hookup..............................................................................................10
8.3 Analog Voltage Monitor Hookup..............................................................................12
8.4 Digital Voltage Monitor Hookup...............................................................................12
8.5 External Trigger Input..............................................................................................13
8.6 AC Current Sensor Hookup.....................................................................................14
8.7 Transducer Connection...........................................................................................15
9.0 OPERATING PROCEDURES.............................................................................................16
9.1 Timing a Circuit Breaker..........................................................................................17

RFD-200 Operating Instructions
III
Table of Contents
9.1.1 Timing an OPEN Operation With No Insertion Resistors..........................18
9.1.2 Timing an OPEN Operation With Insertion Resistors................................19
9.1.3 Timing CLOSE-OPEN Operation Using Contact Channel #1....................20
9.1.4 Timing OPEN-CLOSE-OPEN Operation...................................................21
9.2 Get Tabulated Timing Results Using the Thermal Printer .......................................22
9.2.1 Tabulated Results Interpretation...............................................................24
9.3 Get Graphic Timing Results Using the Thermal Printer...........................................25
9.4 Save Timing Shots in the EEPROM........................................................................30
9.5 Printing Timing Shot Directory Stored in the EEPROM ...........................................31
9.6 Recalling a Timing Shot ..........................................................................................33
9.7 Deleting a Timing Shot............................................................................................34
9.8 Recalling a Breaker Test Plan.................................................................................35
9.9 Print a Breaker Test Plan........................................................................................36
9.10 Print Breaker Test Plan Directory..........................................................................38
9.11 Shot Description....................................................................................................39
9.12 Computer Interface ...............................................................................................41
9.13 Breaker Travel Analysis ........................................................................................42
9.13.1 Breaker Stroke........................................................................................42
9.13.2 Breaker Over-Travel Distance ................................................................42
9.13.3 Breaker Bounce-Back Distance..............................................................42
9.13.4 Contact Wipe..........................................................................................42
9.13.5 Breaker Velocity......................................................................................42
9.13.6 Analysis Point Selections........................................................................42
9.13.7 Analysis Point No.1 (AP1).......................................................................43
9.13.8 Analysis Point No. 2 (AP2)......................................................................43
9.14 Set-Up Open Analysis Points ................................................................................45
9.15 English/Metric or Rotary Transducer Selection......................................................47
9.16 Set DIGITMR Internal Clock..................................................................................48
9.17 Slow-Close Test....................................................................................................49
9.18 Transducer Self-Test.............................................................................................50
9.19 Check Cable Hookup ............................................................................................51
9.20 Automatic Print Setting..........................................................................................52
10.0 DIGITMR Trouble Shooting Guide....................................................................................53

RFD-200 Operating Instructions
IV
List of Figures
Figure 1.0 DIGITMR Control Panel............................................................................................3
Figure 2.0 Voltage Selection Jumper.........................................................................................7
Figure 3.0 Contact Cable Connection........................................................................................9
Figure 4.0 DC Trip and DC Close, Initiate Circuit Cable Hook-Up............................................10
Figure 5.0 DC Trip and AC Close, Initiate Circuit Cable Hook-Up............................................11
Figure 6.0 Voltage Monitoring Cable Hook-Up.........................................................................12
Figure 7.0 External Trigger Cable Hook-Up.............................................................................13
Figure 8.0 Typical CT Connection............................................................................................14
Figure 9.0 Transducer Connection ..........................................................................................15
Figure 10.0 DIGITMR Operating Steps....................................................................................16
Figure 11.0 Typical Tabulated Printout of an Open Operation From the Thermal Printer ........23
Figure 12.0 Typical Graphic Result From the Thermal Printer.................................................26
Figure 13.0 Expansion Graph From 0 to 200ms From the Thermal Printer..............................27
Figure 14.0 Graphical Interpretation of an Open, Timing Shot.................................................28
Figure 15.0 Graphical Interpretation of a Close, Timing Shot ..................................................28
Figure 16.0 Graphical Interpretations of an Open-Close and a Close-Open, Timing Shots .....29
Figure 17.0 Printout of the Timing Shot Directory From the Thermal Printer............................32
Figure 18.0 Typical Test-Plan Printout From the Thermal Printer............................................37
Figure 19.0 Typical Test Plan Directory Printout......................................................................38
Figure 20.0 Typical Slow-Close Test Report............................................................................50

RFD-200 Operating Instructions
V
List of Tables
Table 1.0 DIGITMR Controls and Displays................................................................................4
Table 2.0 DIGITMR Cable set.....................................................................................................6
Table 3.0 Voltage Selection Jumper Setting..............................................................................7
Table 4.0 Open Operation With No Insertion Resistors...........................................................18
Table 5.0 Open Operation With Insertion Resistor ..................................................................19
Table 6.0 Close-Open Operation Using Contact Channel #1...................................................20
Table 7.0 Open-Close-Open Operation Using Delay...............................................................21
Table 8.0 Get Tabulated Results.............................................................................................22
Table 9.0 Plot Chart and Tabulated Report .............................................................................25
Table 10.0 Save Timing Shot In EEPROM ..............................................................................30
Table 11.0 Print Timing Shot Directory....................................................................................31
Table 12.0 Recalling a Timing Shot.........................................................................................33
Table 13.0 Deleting a Timing Shot...........................................................................................34
Table 14.0 Recalling a Test Plan.............................................................................................35
Table 15.0 Print a Breaker Test Plan.......................................................................................36
Table 16.0 Print a Breaker Test Plan Directory........................................................................38
Table 17.0 Entering Shot Identification Header........................................................................39
Table 18.0 Selecting or Aborting Computer Control.................................................................41
Table 19.0 Setting Up "OPEN" Analysis Points Using Distance...............................................45
Table 20.0 Select Metric Units of Measure ..............................................................................47
Table 20.1 Select Rotary Transducer ......................................................................................47
Table 21.0 Setting the Clock and Calendar .............................................................................48
Table 22.0 Performing a Slow-Close Test ...............................................................................49
Table 23.0 Performing a Transducer Self Test........................................................................50
Table 24.0 Checking the Cable Hookup ..................................................................................51
Table 25.0 Automatic Print Setting ..........................................................................................52

RFD-200 Operating Instructions
VI
Appendix
APPENDIX A ITE Circuit Breaker model 14.4K Timing Chart..................................................56
APPENDIX B DIGITMR Test Plan for ITE Circuit Breaker model 14.4K..................................57
APPENDIX C DIGITMR Timing Chart for ITE Circuit Breaker Model 14.4K.............................58
APPENDIX D DIGITMR Tabulated Report for ITE Circuit Breaker Model 14.4K......................59
APPENDIX E Timing Chart for Siemens TCP-149 Circuit Breaker.........................................60
APPENDIX F DIGITMR Test Plan for Siemens TCP-140 Circuit Breaker................................61
APPENDIX G DIGITMR Transducer Illustration........................................................................62

RFD-200 Operating Instructions
1
1.0 Introduction
The Vanguard Instruments Co. Model RFD-200 is a portable relay test set for testing
electromechanical, electronic and micro-processor-based protective relays. This easy-to-use,
rugged, test set is designed for testing relays that are used in both indoor and outdoor
applications.
The Model RDF-200 (henceforth, RDF-200) main output consists of one Variable AC
current source (0-250A), one variable AC voltage source (0-240Vac), and one variable DC
voltage source (0-250Vdc). Solid-state and microprocessor relays can also be powered by the
RDF-200 auxiliary DC power supply (0-240Vdc).
A built-in digital timer displays tested timing results in both milliseconds and cycles.
Besides the internal current meter (0-250A), an external current meter (0-6A) is also available
to the user. Test voltage can be monitored using the external voltmeter (0-600V).
Test results display on a 2-line by 16-character, back lighted LCD.
The front panel control arrangement is designed to allow a user to intuitively operate the
RDF-200 with a minimum of training.
The RFD-200 features are shown as follows:
A built-in Timer displays contact time in both cycles and milliseconds.
Provides variable ac current source (up to 250 amps)
Provides variable ac voltage source (up to 240 Vac)
Provides variable dc voltage source (up to 300 Vdc)
Auxiliary dc supply (programmable from 20 to 240 Vdc)
Results display on 2-line by character back lighted LCD
Test current transformer saturation
Test transformer turns ratio
Timer triggered by voltage transitions, dry-contact transitions, or other events.
Timer trigger output can trigger other RFD-200 or other external devices
2.0 RFD-200 Description
2.1 RFD-200 AC current source
A variable AC current source with three different output ranges (0-10A, 0-40A, 0-100A) is
available on the RDF-200. Output current is set by the Output-Control knob (Fig 2.0). Current
source can be turned on or off accordingly with the preset control function (Fig. 4.0)
Fig 1.0 Current and Voltage Output Terminals.
.

RFD-200 Operating Instructions
1
2.2 RFD-200 AC & DC Voltage sources
A 0-250Vac or 0-300Vdc voltage source is also available (Fig. 1.0). Output voltage is set by
the Output-Control knob (Fig. 2.0). Voltage control output can be turned on or off accordingly
with the Current/Voltage Source Control function (Fig. 4.0).
2.1RFD-200 AC Current and Voltage Source Control
The Output-Control knob allows the user to set the AC current, AC voltage source, or DC
voltage source shown in Figure 1.0. The START/STOP switch turn on or off the
current/voltage sources. The START/STOP switch works in conjunction with the Control Mode
Switch setting (Fig 4.0).
Fig. 2.0 Current and Voltage Output-Control knob.

RFD-200 Operating Instructions
1
2.2 Timer Start/Stop Input
Fig 3.0 Timer Start/Stop Input
A built-in time/cycle counter allows the user to time events in milli second and cycles. Both the
timer start and stop inputs can be initiated by the following conditions: Internal trigger, dry
contact input or wet contact input.
1. Internal trigger condition:
Timer will start or stop if the current voltage source is turned on or off accordingly
with the Control Mode setting (Fig. 4.0).
2. Dry contact input condition:
Timer will start or stop on a dry contact input changes status (i.e. open to close or
close to open).
3. Wet contact input condition:
Timer will start or stop on a change of the voltage input status (i.e. voltage to no-
voltage or no-voltage to voltage).
The user can select each of the start/stop condition using the Mode Select switch (in the Timer
Start or Timer Stop input box). The current setting for the timer start and stop mode is
indicated by the back lit LED.
Note
1. A change in the dry/wet contact status causes the RDF-200 buzzer to beep and the Dry
Contact Led to blink.
Mode Select
Switch

RFD-200 Operating Instructions
1
2.2.1 Current/Voltage Source Control Mode
Current/voltage control mode allows the user to select four possible modes: START-ON, ON,
MOM, START-OFF
1. START-ON mode will start the timer when the current/voltage source is turned on.
The voltage/current source is turned on by the START/STOP switch (Fig. 2.0).
2. ON mode will turn on the voltage/current source by the START/STOP switch.
3. In MOM mode, the voltage/current source is turned on when the START/STOP
switch is depressed.
4. START-OFF mode will start the timer when the current/voltage source is removed.
The user shall press the START/STOP switch to turn on the current/voltage source
the press the START/STOP switch again to remove the current/voltage source and
start the timer.
Fig 4.0 Control Mode
Select Switch

RFD-200 Operating Instructions
1
2.2.2 Test Complete and Fault status Indicator.
Test Complete LED is flashing at the end of a test. The beeper will also beeps at a 1-second
on/off rate at the end of test.
Fault indicator LED is lit indication the following fault conditions:
-Auxiliary power supply is overloaded.
-Main AC or DC current source is overloaded.
2.2.3 Voltmeter Input Channel.
One voltmeter-input channel is available on the RFD-200. Voltage input range is 1 to 600
Vac/dc. Voltage measurement is true RMS for AC/DC.
Voltage reading is latched on LCD at the end of each test.

RFD-200 Operating Instructions
1
2.2.4 External Current Input.
One external current input channel is available on the RFD-200. Input range is 0 to 6
Amperes. This current input channel is protected by a 10 A circuit breaker.
Current selector switch allows the RFD-200 to display the internal current source or external
current input.
2.2.5 Travel Transducer Input Channels
2.2.6 Breaker Initiate Capability
2.2.7 Built-in Thermal Printer
2.2.8 Computer Interface Capabilities
2.2.9 Timing Shots Storage Capabilities
Ext input current indicator

RFD-200 Operating Instructions
2
2.2.10 Breaker Test Plan Storage Abilities
2.2.11 Diagnostic Capabilities
2.2.12 DIGITMR Display and Control Switches
3.0 Test Result Tabulation
3.1 Electrical Measurement Results
3.2 Mechanical Measurement Results
3.3 Analog Voltage Input Results
3.4 Digital Voltage Input Results
3.5 Initiate Current Results
3.6 Slow-Close Test
4.0 Test Result Graphics
4.1 Thermal Printer Graphic Printout
5.0 DIGITMR Controls and Display

RFD-200 Operating Instructions
3
Figure 1.0 DIGITMR Control Panel

RFD-200 Operating Instructions
4
Table 1.0 DIGITMR Controls and Displays
Fig. 1.0
Index no.
PANEL MARKING
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
1
RS-232C
9-pin connector for serial, computer interface.
2
CONTACT INPUT
Female connector for the 3 contact channels.
3
300V MAX
V1 & V2
3-pin connectors. Each input is a voltage detector for
the timing voltages of the trip or close coil switching
during the active period. Voltage detection levels
ranges from 30 to 300 Vdc or peak.
4
300V MAX
TRIGGER
3-pin connector triggers timing functions. Voltage
levels ranging from 30 to 300 Vac, dc or peak.
5
CT
AC current sensor, input channel.
6
TRAVEL TRANSDUCER
16-pin connector. Each input is a travel encoder output
used for contact, motion data.
7
120/240Vac, 2A, 50-60Hz
Fuse: 250Vac, 3A Fast-
Blow
3-wire power plug. 3 Ampere, AC fuses. The ON/OFF
switch is a 2-pole rocker.
8
GROUND
Safety, ground terminal. 5/16-18 thread stud, with wing
nut.
9
INITIATE
4-pin connector used for the switching circuit for
operating the circuit breaker under test.
10
CLOSE, OPEN
250V, 5A SLOW-BLOW
Close circuit fuse: 5 Ampere, 250V, Slow-Blow.
Open Circuit fuse: 5 Ampere, 250V, Slow-Blow.
11
“PUSH” TO ARM
Spring-loaded, pushbutton switch. Press and hold to
complete the Trip or Close circuits for breaker tests.
12
(Printer; No panel marking)
Thermal printer. Microprocessor controlled printer that
uses specially treated, 4.5 inch wide paper.
13
1-9, 0, ENTER, START,
STOP, CLEAR,
PAPER LCD,
PAPER LCD
16 button keypad. The keys are momentary-contact,
pushbutton switches. Allows users to make menu
selections, enter alphanumeric data, adjust the LCD
contrast and reposition the printer paper.
14
(Display; no panel marking)
4-line by 20-character, backlit LCD. Displays menus,
options, prompts and test result data.

RFD-200 Operating Instructions
5
6.0 DIGITMR Analyzer Specifications
CONTACT TIMING Open, Close, Open-Close, Close-Open, and Open-Close-Open
SIZE & WEIGHT 16d by 14w by 11h (inches), less than 32 pounds
OPERATING POWER 2 Ampere, 90-120 Vac / 200-240 Vac 50/60 Hz
AC CURRENT SENSOR 0 to 25 Ampere, non-contact AC current sensor
TIMING WINDOW Selectable between: 1 second, 10 seconds or 20 seconds
RESOLUTION ±100 microseconds at 1 second duration
±1.0 millisecond at 10-secondsduration
±2.0 millisecond at 20-seconds duration
DRY-CONTACT INPUT 1 input for 3 contact channels. All contact inputs are grounded until testing
is started. Each contact detects main and insertion resistor contacts.
CONTACT RESISTANCE CLOSED: less than 20 Ohms
OPEN: greater than 10,000 Ohms
INSERTION RESISTANCE Ranges from 10 to 7,000 Ohms
TRIGGER INPUT Open/Close: 30 to 300 Vdc, peak Vac
VOLTAGE INPUTS 2 voltage inputs, sensitivity ranging from 1.0 to 300 Vdc, peak Vac
Analog voltage recording ranges from 1.0 to 255 Vdc
CURRENT-SENSOR INPUT 1 non-contact, hall-effect sensor ranging from 0.2 to 20 Amperes, DC to 5 kHz
BREAKER INITIATE Initiate Open, Close, Open-Close, Close-Open, Open-Close-Open
TRAVEL TRANSDUCERS 1 travel-transducer channel, linear motion ranges from 0.0 to 60.0 (±0.01) inches
Rotary ranges from 0 to 360o(± 0.36º)
BREAKER SLOW-CLOSE
TEST Measures contact point distance
BREAKER ANALYSIS Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, XP compatible
SOFTWARE (included) Analysis software runs on IBM-compatible PC for graphic display, numerical
reports and database utility for shop or office use.
COMPUTER INTERFACE RS-232C Port
DISPLAY Backlit LCD screen, 4-lines by 20-characters, sunlight viewable
HARD-COPY PRINTOUT Contact travel waveforms and tabulated results printout on 4.5 inch thermal paper.
CARRYING CASE (optional) Hard shipping case for DIGITMR and cables
Hard shipping case for Travel Transducers
WARRANTY One year warrantyon parts and labor. Post-warranty service contracts available.

RFD-200 Operating Instructions
6
7.0 DIGITMR Special Features
7.1 DIGITMR Supplied Cables
Table 2.0 DIGITMR Cable set
ITEM
DESCRIPTION
QTY
1
GND Cable
1
2
Power Cord
1
3
Contact Cable
1
4
Contact Extension Cable
1
5
Transducer cable
1
6
Voltage & Trigger Leads
3
7
Voltage & Trigger Extension cables
3
8
AC Current Transducer & Cable *
1
9
Initiate Lead
1
8
Initiate Extension Cable
1
10
RS-232C Cable
1
* Quick-Shot Option only.

RFD-200 Operating Instructions
7
7.2 DIGITMR Operating Voltages
The DIGITMR operating voltage is selectable between 110/120 Vac, 50/60 Hz or 220/240
Vac, 50/60 Hz. Voltage selection is set by one connector on the circuit board located at JP3.
Jumper setting for the connector is shown in Table 3.0.
Table 3.0 Voltage Selection Jumper Setting
VOLTAGE SELECTION
CONNECTOR PIN
110/120 Vac
Pin 1& 2, 3 & 4
220/240 Vac
Pin 2 & 3
Figure 2.0 Voltage Selection Jumper
NOTE
The factory sets the operating voltage.
7.3 DIGITMR Main Power Fuse
The DIGITMR uses an AC input, module containing the AC receptacle, power switch, and
protective fuses. The 3 Ampere replacement fuses should be 20mm, 250Vac, fast-blow types.
NOTE
The OPEN and CLOSE initiate needs 5 Ampere fuses that should be 3AG, 250Vac, slow-blow
types.
Voltage Selection Jumper

RFD-200 Operating Instructions
8
7.4 DIGITMR Printer and Printer Paper
The DIGITMR’s built-in, thermal printer uses 4.5 inch wide, thermal paper for printing test
results. To maintain the highest, quality printing and to avoid paper jamming, it is highly
recommended that the thermal paper be supplied by the factory. Additional paper can be
ordered from either of the two sources listed below:
Vanguard Instruments Co, Inc.
1710 Grevillea Court
Ontario, CA 91761
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Part Number: TP-4 Paper
OR
BG Instrument Co.
13607 E. Trent Avenue
Spokane, WA 99216
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Part Number: TP-4 paper
7.5 DIGITMR Printer Paper Control
To advance the paper from the printer, press and release the “PAPER LCD” switch, while
to retract the thermal paper from the printer, press and release the “PAPER LCD” button.
7.6 Replacing DIGITMR Thermal Paper
The roll of thermal paper resides inside a pocket underneath the printer cover. To replace
the paper, follow these steps:
Remove the printer cover.
Remove the leftover thermal paper roll from the paper holder.
Unroll the new thermal paper roll.
Feed the thermal paper into the slot between the paper pocket and the rubber
roller. The printer will automatically pull the paper under the thermal head.
Place the paper roll into paper holder.
Lift the thermal head and align the thermal paper if necessary.
Reinstall the printer cover.
NOTE
The thermal paper will show a red stripe to indicate that the roll is about to run out of paper.
7.7 DIGITMR LCD Contrast Control
To darken the LCD screen, press and hold the “PAPER LCD” button for two seconds,
while to lighten the LCD screen, press and hold the “PAPER LCD” switch for two seconds.