The structure of the manual This reference manual is aimed at users who are familiar with AMETEK signal calibrators, as well as those who are not. The manual is divided into 12 chapters, which describe how to set up, operate, service and maintain the signal calibrator. The technical specifications are described and accessories may be ordered from the list of accessories.
List of contents 1.0 Introduction ............................. 5 Warranty ..............................6 Receiving the Advanced Signal Calibrator ....................6 Dimensioning drawing ..........................7 2.0 Safety instructions .......................... 8 3.0 Calibrator Interface ........................10 Input/Output Connections .........................
Page 5
Using Scaled Current or Voltage when testing or calibrating a T/I Transmitter ........52 Using Percent Error when testing or calibrating a T/I Transmitter ............53 9.0 Maintenance ........................... 54 Returning the calibrator to service ......................54 ...
Introduction Congratulations on your new AMETEK JOFRA Advanced Signal Calibrator! With the AMETEK JOFRA Advanced Signal Calibrator, you have chosen an extremely effective instrument, which we are sure will perform according to your expectations. This ASC-400 signal calibrator is a handheld, battery or DC adaptor powered instrument that measures and sources electrical and physical parameters.
This instrument is warranted against defects in workmanship, material and design for two (2) years from date of delivery to the extent that AMETEK will, at its sole option, repair or replace the instrument or any part thereof which is defective, provided, however, that this warranty shall not apply to instruments subjected to tampering or, abuse, or exposed to highly corrosive conditions.
Safety instructions Read this manual carefully before using the instrument! Please follow the instructions and procedures described in this manual. They are aimed at allowing you to make the best of your signal calibrator and avoid any personal injuries and/or damage to the instrument. Disposal –...
Page 10
Caution… To avoid possible damage to the signal calibrator or to the equipment under test: Disconnect the power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing resistance or continuity. Use the proper jacks, function, and range for your measurement or sourcing ...
Calibrator Interface Input/Output Connections TC mV input / output Terminal for measuring or simulating thermocouples and mV. Accepts miniature polarized thermocouple plugs with flat in-line blades spaced 7.9 mm (0.312 in) center to center. Measure / Source Measure / V mA Input terminals for Input terminals for measuring ,...
Keypad - Functions Power key/ Function keys Backlight key F1, F2, F3, F4 Turn the calibrator on and To operate the menu bar off. Press the button for at the bottom of the five seconds to turn it off. calibrator display, use the Adjust the backlight F-keys.
Upper display (Read-back display) - Functions Primary Parameters Backlight Intensity Determine what parameter is Indicates Low, Medium or going to be measured. High intensity on backlight The available options for the Secondary upper display upper display are: CURRENT, Shows where in the preset VOLTAGE, SWITCH TEST, span the measured value PRESSURE and LEAK TEST.
Operating the calibrator Warning Please inspect the Safety Instructions in section 2.0 before using the instrument. Caution… Please inspect the Safety Instructions in section 2.0 before using the instrument. Connect USB cable and APM before switching on the instrument, or before applying DC power.
The principle of navigating through a Setup ACTION SCREEN DISPLAYED 1. Press to access edit mode. 2. Use the (ARROW) keys to move between the parameter fields. 3. Press to access the various Parameter lists to choose from. 4. Start by selecting upper or lower display. 5.
System Settings The System Settings setup can be accessed at any stage of operation: 1. Press to display the Horizontal menu bar. 2. Press (System) to access the System Settings. 3. Use the (ARROW) keys to move between the setting fields. 4.
8. The calibrator resumes normal operation after a few seconds. It will return to the setup last used. 4.3.1 Power Saver (Auto off) The ASC-400 calibrator automatically turns off 5 to 60 minutes after the last keystroke. To reduce or increase this time or to disable this feature, do as follows: 1.
System Information The System Information can be accessed at any stage of operation: 1. Press to display the Horizontal menu bar. 2. Press (Info) to access the System Information. 128797 05 2017-08-11...
Using measure modes (lower display) Measuring volts The electrical parameter volts can be measured using the lower display. To make the desired measurements, follow the principle of navigating through the functions described in the guidelines in section 4.2 and proceed as follows: 1.
Measuring frequency The electrical parameter frequency can be measured using the lower display. To make the desired measurements, follow the principle of navigating through the functions described in the guidelines in section 4.2 and proceed as follows: 1. Enter edit mode. 2.
Measuring mA The electrical parameter mA can be measured using the lower display. Follow the principle of navigating through the functions as described in the guidelines in section 4.2 to make the desired mA measurements: 1. Enter edit mode. 2. Select “Current” from the Lower Mode list. 3.
Measuring Temperature 5.4.1 Using Thermocouples (TC) The ASC-400 supports the following thermocouple types: B, BP, C, E, J, K, L, N, R, S, T, U, XK The characteristics of all the types are described in section 11 – Technical Specifications. The ASC-400 has 3 cold junction Modes to choose from: ...
9. Accept the selections and leave edit mode. Figure 4 Measuring Temperature using Thermocouple Terminals Note… For best accuracy wait minimum 2 to 5 minutes for the temperature between the mini plug and the calibrator to stabilize before any measurements are taken. Use the appropriate type of TC connector, using a wrong type of mini TC connector will cause additional CJ error.
Page 24
7. Attach RTD leads, as shown in Figure 5 Figure 5 Measuring RTD temperature 2, 3 or 4 wire connections 2 wire 3 wire RTD 4 wire 128797 05 2017-08-11...
Page 25
Resistance can also be measured using this function: 1. Select “Resistance” from the Lower Mode list. 2. Proceed as in the above guidelines. This option can be used to measure ohms or a type resistive temperature sensor, which is not programmed into the ASC-400 calibrator. 128797 05 2017-08-11...
Measuring Pressure Warning To avoid a violent release of pressure in a pressurized system, shut off the valve and slowly bleed off the pressure before you attach the pressure module to the pressure line. Caution… To avoid damaging the pressure module from overpressure, never apply pressure ...
Figure 6 Connections for Measuring Pressure APM pressure module 5.5.1 Zeroing with Absolute Pressure Modules (APM S, H and Mk.II) To zero, adjust the calibrator to read a known pressure, such as barometric pressure. To adjust the calibrator, follow the principle of navigating through the functions described in the guidelines in section 4.2 and proceed as follows: 1.
Page 28
If the BARO option is mounted, the pressure type field becomes active and pressure type can be selected. 128797 05 2017-08-11...
Using Source modes (Lower Display) The ASC-400 calibrator can generate calibrated signals for testing and calibrating process instruments. The calibrator can source voltages, currents, resistances, frequencies, pulses, and the electrical output of RTD and thermocouple temperature sensors. Sourcing mA (internal loop power supply) To source a current, follow the principle of navigating through the functions described in the guidelines in section 4.2 and proceed as follows:...
mA Sink (external loop power supply) The ASC-400 calibrator can supply a variable test current into a mA loop to calibrate or debug installed mA loops Follow the principle of navigating through the functions described in the guidelines in section 4.2 and proceed as follows: 1.
Sourcing Voltage To source voltage, follow the principle of navigating through the functions described in the guidelines in section 4.2 and proceed as follows: 1. Select “Voltage” from the Lower Mode list. 2. Select “0 to 20 V” from the Range list. 3.
Sourcing Frequency To source a signal, follow the principle of navigating through the functions described in the guidelines in section 4.2 and proceed as follows: 1. Select “Frequency” from the Lower Mode list. 1. Select “Out” from the Test Mode list. 2.
Sourcing mV To source an mV, follow the principle of navigating through the functions described in the guidelines in section 4.2 and proceed as follows: 1. Connect the thermocouple leads to the appropriate polarized TC mini plug, and insert the plug into the TC terminals on the calibrator, as shown in Figure 10. 2.
Sourcing Thermocouples To source a thermocouple, follow the principle of navigating through the functions described in the guidelines in section 4.2 and proceed as follows: 1. Connect the thermocouple leads to the appropriate polarized TC mini plug, and insert the plug into the TC terminals on the calibrator, as shown in Figure 10. 2.
Sourcing Ohms/RTDs To source an RTD, follow the principle of navigating through the functions described in the guidelines in section 4.2 and proceed as follows: 1. Select “RTD” or “Resistance” from the Lower Mode list. 2. Select the desired RTD type from the RTD Type list (only when selecting “RTD” from the Lower Mode list).
Figure 12 Using a 3- or 4-wire Connection for RTDs 3-wire connection 4-wire connection Custom RTD The ASC-400 offers the possibility of entering a custom curve-fit PRT into the calibrator for sourcing and measuring. Follow the principle of navigating through the functions described in the guidelines in section 4.2 and proceed as follows: 1.
The coefficient C is only used for temperatures below 0°C. Only A and B coefficients are needed for the range above 0°C, so coefficient C should be set to 0. The R0 is the resistance of the probe at 0°C. The ITS 90 coefficients for PT385, PT3926, and PT3616 are shown in Table 1.
3. If TC or RTD is selected, choose the type and temperature units first, to get proper step values. 4. Selection of Step is also possible using the function key (Step) for quick, menu free access. 5. Select the desired step size from the Step Size list. The ASC-400 will step from the 0% set source value to the 100% set source value in 10%, 20% or 25%increments.
Page 39
3. If TC or RTD is selected, choose the type and temperature units first, to get proper ramp values. 4. Selection of Ramp is also possible using the function key (Ramp) for quick, menu free access. 5. Select the desired 0% and 100% values. The ASC-400 will ramp from the 0% set source value to the 100% set source value in the selected time (5 to 999 seconds).
Using Isolated Measure Modes (Upper Display) Measuring mA (external loop supply) The current output of a transmitter, or any other 0 to 24 mA current, can be measured using the upper display. To make the desired measurements, follow the principle of navigating through the functions described in the guidelines in section 4.2 and proceed as follows: 1.
Measuring current with internal loop power To test/calibrate a 2-wire, loop powered transmitter, as stand alone, use the loop power function. This function activates a 24V supply in series with the current measuring circuit. To use this option, follow the principle of navigating through the functions described in the guidelines in section 4.2 and proceed as follows: 1.
Measuring Voltage The voltage output of a transmitter can be measured using the upper display. To make the desired measurements, follow the principle of navigating through the functions described in the guidelines in section 4.2 and proceed as follows: 1. Select “Voltage” from the Upper Mode list. 2.
Page 43
5. Zero the pressure module (see section 5.5.1 for using the zeroing function). Figure 15 Measuring on a Pressure Transmitter (PTX) Pressure transmitter APM pressure module 128797 05 2017-08-11...
Using the Upper and Lower Display for Calibration and Testing Performing a Temperature Switch Test The ASC-400 calibrator can detect switch state changes and link the results in any source/simulate mode (except pulse), performing an automatic or semi automatic switch calibration, on a great variety of pressure, temperature and electrical level switches.
Page 45
4. Raise the temperature slowly until the switch opens. 5. Lower the temperature slowly until the switch closes. 6. The upper display will now show : the temperature when the switch closed the temperature that the switch opened at ...
Performing a Pressure Switch Test The ASC-400 calibrator can detect contact state changes and capture the results in any source/simulate mode (except pulse). The calibrator records switch state and pressure measurement, at the time of switch change, after the test, the result is displayed in a convenient and easy to use format.
Page 47
3. Connect the pump to the ASC-400 calibrator and the pressure switch. 4. Make sure the vent on the pump is open. Zero the pump if necessary. Note… Zero the APM if necessary. Close the vent after zeroing the calibrator. 5.
Testing an Input or Indicating Device To test and calibrate actuators, recording, and indicating devices using the source functions, follow the principle of navigating through the functions described in the guidelines in section 4.2 and proceed as follows: 1. Select the lower display and select the desired primary parameter from the Lower Mode list.
Calibrating a Transmitter (Signal Converter) To calibrate a transmitter both the upper and the lower displays will be used; one for measuring the output, and one for sourcing the input. This section covers all but the pressure transmitters. A RTD temperature transmitter is used in this example. Follow the principle of navigating through the functions described in the guidelines in section 4.2 and proceed as follows:...
Calibrating a Pressure Transmitter (loop powered 4-20 mA) To calibrate a pressure transmitter both the upper and the lower displays will be used; upper for measuring the output, and lower for pressure measurement. Follow the principle of navigating through the functions described in the guidelines in section 4.2 and proceed as follows: 1.
Page 52
Figure 21 Calibrating a Pressure Transmitter APM pressure module Hand pump 128797 05 2017-08-11...
Using Scaled Current or Voltage when testing or calibrating a T/I Transmitter The ASC-400 calibrator has the ability to read current or voltage on the upper display that is scaled to and displayed in the same units of the lower display. Follow the principle of navigating through the functions described in the guidelines in section 4.2 and proceed as follows:...
Using Percent Error when testing or calibrating a T/I Transmitter The ASC-400 calibrator features a function which can calculate signal or pressure vs. milliamp error as a percentage of the 4 to 20 mA loop span. Follow the principle of navigating through the functions described in the guidelines in section 4.2 and proceed as follows: 1.
Only qualified service personnel should perform calibration, repairs, or service not covered by this manual. For maintenance procedures not described in this manual, or if the ASC-400 calibrator needs repair, please contact AMETEK Denmark Service Department as described below in section 9.1 “Returning the calibrator to service”. Returning the calibrator to service If the calibrator continuously malfunctions, verify that the instrument is being operated as described in this manual and return it to the manufacturer for repair/service.
Page 56
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Safety precautions: if the product has been exposed to any hazardous substances, it must be thoroughly decontaminated before it is returned to AMETEK Denmark A/S. Details of the hazardous substances and any precautions to be taken must be enclosed.
Replacing batteries The battery icon indicates how much power is remaining. If the batteries discharge too deeply the calibrator will automatically shut down to avoid battery leakage and false measurements. All stored data will be preserved. Caution… Always set the charger switch in “Alkaline” position when alkaline batteries are installed (factory setting).
Storing It is not necessary to store away the ASC-400 calibrator after use. The calibrator can be part of a continuous set-up, as long as it is kept in a dry, clean place. Alternatively the calibrator can be stored in the soft bag delivered with the instrument. Cleaning Caution…...
10.0 Errors Warning During set-up, make sure that there is correlation between the software set-up, and the actual distribution of the sensors connected to the calibrator. The software cannot detect misplacements of sensors. If the power is lost to the entire test set-up or part of it, it is highly recommended to restart the calibration.
11.0 Technical specifications All specifications are given with an ambient temperature of 23 ±5°C / 73 ±9°F Mechanical specifications Description Value Operating temperature : -10 to 50°C / 14 to 122°F Storage temperature : -20 to 60°C / -4 to 140°F Dimension LxWxH : 220x96x55 mm / 8.66x3.78x2.17 in Case protection:...
Page 61
Maximum output current is 3 mA Output impedance 0.010 ohm. Input impedance 10 Mohm. Range Accuracy ± Thermocouple Cold junction 12 months CJC compensation 18°C / 64°F 28°C / 83°F 0.2°C / 0.36°F CJC outside above 0.05°C/°C 0.05°F/°F Range Accuracy ± Volt V 12 months Read (Isolated)
Page 62
Current – mA and loop Description Value Range mA: 0 to 24 mA Loop power for transmitter: Yes, 24 VDC / ±10% Isolated input: Range Accuracy ± Current mA 12 months Read (Isolated) 0.000 mA 24.000 mA 0.010% rdg +2µA Read (non-isolated) 0.000 mA 24.000 mA...
Page 63
Thermocouple - TC Description Value TC types: B, BP, C, E, J, K, L, N, R, S, T, U, XK Cold junction compensation ON/OFF Control: Temperature TC Type Temperature range 12 month accuracy resolution °C °F °C °F Source Measure Min.
Page 64
0,22 0,40 -200 -328 0,54 0,98 0,01 1112 0,26 0,47 -200 -100 -328 -148 0,43 0,78 -100 -148 0,23 0,42 0,01 0,18 0,33 1472 0,24 0,44 Does not include thermocouple wire error and CJC. 128797 05 2017-08-11...
Page 65
Resistance - RTD Description Value Pt10/50/100/200/400/500/1000, Cu10/50/100, Ni120, RTD types: YSI400 Response time: Less than 5 mSec Connection: 2, 3 and 4-wire Temperature 4-wire RTD Temperature range 12 month accuracy resolution Type °C °F °C °F Source Measure Min. Max. Min.
Page 66
H120(90)672 0,01 -112 0,18 -200 -328 0,14 0,26 P100(90)JIS 0,01 0,22 YSI(90)400 0,01 0,02 0,04 Read accuracy is based on 4 wire input. Source accuracy in terminals 2 wire source. Pressure modules, Barometric option (BARO) and APM CPF 12 month 12 month 12 month Gauge...
Page 67
Additional specifications - directives observed Standards Description 2014/30/EU EMC Directive EN61326‐1: 2013 : Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use – EMC-requirements: Class B equipment. Emmision : CISPR 11, Class B Immunity : IEC 61000-4-2 ESD 4 kV contact / 8 kV air IEC 61000-4-3 Electromagnetic field 3 V/m 80 MHz to 1 GHz 3 V/m 1.4 GHz to 2 GHz...
12.0 List of accessories All parts listed in the list of accessories is available from the factory through our dealers. Please contact your dealer for assistance if you require parts, which do not appear in the list. List of accessories Accessories Part no.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Jofra ASC-400 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers