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8100 Operation Manual - V1.0.1 Version 1.0.1 - 18th June 2018 Page 1 www.transmille.com...
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Transmille’s obligation to warranty is limited to repair or replace the product after return to an authorized Transmille service centre within the warranty period and is subject to Transmille’s investigation determining that the fault is not caused by misuse, alteration or through mishandling.
Rear Panel Inputs (8104 only)..........20 Current Fuses ............... 20 Power On Defaults ................20 Menus ................. 21 Main Menu ..................21 CALIBRATION ..............21 COUPLING ................21 DEFAULTS ................21 DISPLAY ELEMENT CONFIGURATION ........ 21 ERROR LOG ................ 21 www.transmille.com Page 3...
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Example Connection ............. 35 AC Voltage ..................37 Selecting A Range ..............37 Measurement Resolution ............37 Configuring Sample Rate ............38 Selecting Frequency Gate ............. 38 Configuring AC / DC Coupling ..........40 Example Connection ............. 41 www.transmille.com Page 4...
• Multi Interface (RS232, USB, GPIB/IEEE 488, Ethernet Available Accessories The 8100 Series has a full range of complimentary accessories to assist with getting the best out of the Instrument. Accessories include: • A Soft Carry Case for hand carried transit (8100-SCASE) •...
The 8100 Series Multimeter’s offer Front and Rear (8104 Only) Terminals. The default set of terminals on start up is always the Front Panel Terminals. When front panel input is selected the active set of terminals are indicated with a green LED Indicator next to the terminals.
The 8100 features a large full colour screen that displays measurements and menu screens. The 8100 Screen is segmented into 5 main sections during use : 1. Measurement Display 2. Status Indication 3. Configurable Display Elements 4. Soft Key Text 5. Range / Function Indication www.transmille.com Page 10...
Display Elements The 8100 Series allows up to 4 user selectable ‘Display Elements’ to be visible on screen at any one time. The display elements can provide the user with additional insights to their measurement such as the Specification of the multimeter, the Uncertainty of the Measurement, Standard Deviation www.transmille.com...
Indicates that Ohms Compensation is presently active REMOTE Indicates that the multimeter is currently under Re- mote Operation. Input via the keyboard is disabled with exception of the LOCAL soft key GPIB xx Indicates that instruments GPIB address when in Remote Mode www.transmille.com Page 12...
DIGITAL CONTROL or the ENTER key. When text entry is complete, the soft key labelled ENTER Keyboard The 8100 Series features 3 types of keys, separated into two main areas : 1. Major Function Keys 2. Menu / Parameter Keys 3.
The resolution is selectable using the soft keys below the desired resolution. Depending upon the function and filter speed the resolution options will vary. The maximum resolution is 8 digits for the 8104 and 7 digits for the 8109. www.transmille.com Page 14...
On 8109 units this button will not display a menu as only front panel inputs are available. Shift The SHIFT key is a special function key that allows sub functions to be accessed. When the shift key has been pressed it will illuminate BLUE. The secondary text on the label then becomes www.transmille.com Page 15...
For example, when in DC Voltage the soft keys provide direct selection of ranges. When in the Input menu the keys offer selection of the currently active input. The number of selectable keys will vary depending upon the function. www.transmille.com Page 16...
Pushing the Digital Control duplicates behaviour of the physical ENTER key or the SELECT key when in menus to speed up navigating through menus or data entry Note - Care should be taken to not PULL on the Digital Control to avoid damage www.transmille.com Page 17...
The Electrometer function input is proved through two female BNC inputs on the right hand side of the Front Panel No rear terminal functionality is available for the Electrometer Functionality Warning - The Electrometer terminal marked Vout is capable of SOURCING 300V www.transmille.com Page 18...
RS232 port for easy use in software, and is automatically detected by ProCal. RS232 Interface The Instruments RS232 interface for remote control over RS232 / Serial. Note : The Instrument uses a straight through RS232 connection. The instrument will not communicate if a Null Modem cable is used www.transmille.com Page 19...
• Maths : Off • Trigger Mode : Auto • Input : Front Terminals • Guard Configuration : Open Any Display Elements that have been configured by the user previously will automatically be applied on power up. www.transmille.com Page 20...
8100 Operation Manual - V1.0.1 Menus The 8100 Series features a fully featured menu system, with key operations accessible without entering a password. For advanced setup functions (such as entering calibration mode, adjusting date and time and system parameters) the system password must be entered to allow access.
GUARD Allows configuration of the guarding mode, either Signal Low or Open HELP Provides an on screen hyper link to the Transmille support website (http://support.transmille. com) INPUT Provides access to the INPUT menu, allowing selection of FRONT or REAR Terminals.
PRESET. The default PRESET configuration will reset the multimeter to power on defaults Note - As of UI Version 1.0.8 this functionality is under development. Free of charge updates will be released to add this functionality www.transmille.com Page 23...
TRIGGER MODE Allows access to the Trigger Mode menu. The current trigger mode of the multimeter can be configured between AUTO TRIGGER in which measurements are performed constantly, or MANUAL TRIGGER where a single measurement is performed www.transmille.com Page 24...
Note - Date & Time must be entered in the format displayed on the screen. FIRMWARE UPDATE [VIA USB DEVICE PORT] The 8100 series features user update-able firmware to add new features and resolve issues without the need to return to a service centre.
Note - Please consult the following website prior to applying updates to ensure that your hardware / low level firmware revision is compatible prior to performing an update - http:// support.transmille.com/solution/articles/9000143946 REGIONAL SETTINGS The REGIONAL OPTIONS menu enables configuration of the display language of the...
To set a new password, select the menu item and enter the new password using the on screen keyboard. On pressing the ENTER soft key a confirmation message will appear confirming that the system password was changed Note - If the system password is forgotten Transmille can be contacted at support@ transmille.com...
In the event of a miss-adjustment or a desire to return to factory calibration factors is desired, the RESTORE CALIBRATION FACTORS menu provides access to a list of all previously stored calibrations. Select the desired backup from the list and press SELECT. The unit will then restore calibration factors from the selected backup. www.transmille.com Page 28...
A maximum of 4 Elements can be configured at any one time, if more than 4 are selected an error message will appear when selecting the 5th. Further information regarding the Display Elements functionality can be found on Page 11 www.transmille.com Page 29...
Performing Measurements General Guidelines The 8100 Series is a high precision device and is designed for precision measurements. The user should take care of all maximum input ratings to avoid overloading the instrument. Although the multimeter is designed with input protection on all inputs, overloading the inputs may result in incorrect readings or even permanent damage.
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This can cause issues when wires measuring sources with high output impedance, • Keep all leads as short as possible to minimise such as voltage dividers or KVD’s. the risk of lead resistance. www.transmille.com Page 31...
8100 Operation Manual - V1.0.1 DC Voltage The 8100 Series can be used to measure DC Voltages from 0V to ± 1000V. Measurement capability is provided on Front and Rear (8104 only) terminals. To enter DC Voltage mode, press the DC Voltage key from the function section of the Keyboard.
Performing a Null or Zero is an important part of preparing for a DC Voltage measurement. It is quite normal for a measurement system to display an offset if a zero has not been performed that will www.transmille.com Page 33...
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After allowing the connections to stabilise, press the ‘NULL’ button on the front panel (or via remote command). A message will display on the multimeter indicating that a Null has been stored www.transmille.com Page 34...
For the best measurement low thermal leads (such as those provided in the 8100LEAD kit) should be used while measuring DC Voltage. The leads feature low thermal gold plated copper 4mm banana jacks especially designed for precision DC Voltage, and the lead is of screened construction to www.transmille.com Page 35...
8100 Operation Manual - V1.0.1 AC Voltage The 8100 Series can be used to measure AC Voltage from 10 mV to 1000V at frequencies from 10Hz to 1MHz. Measurement capability is provided on Front and Rear (8104 only) terminals. To enter AC Voltage mode, press the AC Voltage key from the function section of the Keyboard.
Selecting Frequency Gate The 8100 series offers two frequency measurements modes. The default setting is a FAST frequency measurement circuit that reacts to changes in frequency rapidly and offers 0.1Hz resolution after 5 successive samples of the same input frequency. This is the default setting and allows fast www.transmille.com...
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To return to the FAST gate mode, enter the CONFIG menu and select the GATE key again. Then press the FAST soft key. After a few samples the default frequency resolution will be displayed Note - The SLOW gate is intended for measurement of frequencies below 10 kHz www.transmille.com Page 39...
DC offset into the measurement, especially when measuring signals below 10Hz. Note : When measuring AC Voltage with the 8100 Series DC Coupling is not required to achieve the published specification.
For the best measurement leads of the correct length (such as those provided in the 8100LEAD kit) should be used while measuring AC Voltage. The leads provided in the 8100LEAD kit are of coaxial construction and of 1m length that are designed to reduce the effects of leads on AC Voltage at www.transmille.com Page 41...
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8100 Operation Manual - V1.0.1 frequencies above 100kHz. It should be noted that considerable errors can be caused by using leads with excessive capacitance www.transmille.com Page 42...
8100 Operation Manual - V1.0.1 DC Current The 8100 Series can be used to measure DC Current from 0uA to ± 30A. Measurement capability is provided on Front and Rear (8104 only) terminals. Note - The Rear Terminals offer up to 1A Maximum current. The 10 and 30A ranges are available on the dedicated front panel terminals only To enter DC Current mode, press the DCI key from the function section of the Keyboard.
Pressing the ‘FILTER’ key will display the filter speed menu. The filter menu shows the available measurement speeds for the configured measurement resolution and range NOTE : Faster sample speeds will result in a higher standard deviation due to fewer samples making each individual measurement www.transmille.com Page 44...
/ device to be measured. It is important to note that some sources continue to source current even when in standby condition so it is recommended to have leads completely disconnected during the Null process. www.transmille.com Page 45...
I+ (red insert) and I- (black insert) terminals on either the front panel or rear panel (8104 only) inputs. For current above 1A the high current terminals should be used. Connect the source to the I+ (HI) (Yellow) and I- (black insert) terminals on the front panel. www.transmille.com Page 46...
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8100 Operation Manual - V1.0.1 Note : When measuring High Currents make sure that suitable leads are used. Transmille supply suitable leads in the 8100LEAD set Care should be taken to ensure that all connecting leads have are clean prior to inserting into the binding posts to avoid high contact resistance which can cause self heating increased input impedance causing some sources to reach compliance.
The top and bottom measurement bars will change in colour to green to indicate that the electrometer input is now in use and the range selection menu will update. The bottom menu indicates the current range by highlighting the text in YELLOW. The current range is also displayed in the top bar. www.transmille.com Page 48...
Pressing the ‘FILTER’ key will display the filter speed menu. The filter menu shows the available measurement speeds for the configured measurement resolution and range NOTE : Faster sample speeds will result in a higher standard deviation due to fewer samples making each individual measurement Page 49 www.transmille.com...
/ device to be measured. It is important to note that some sources continue to source current even when in standby condition so it is recommended to have leads completely disconnected during the Null process. www.transmille.com Page 50...
If adapters must be used to connect to sources it is highly advised that this is performed as close to the point of connection to the UUT as possible as typically adapters (such as BNC to 4mm) are not shielded. Page 51 www.transmille.com...
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(typically to measure High Value resistors or as part of a dual source bridge) the multimeter should be connected between the LOW of the voltage source and the LOW of the resistor. www.transmille.com Page 52...
8100 Operation Manual - V1.0.1 AC Current The 8100 Series can be used to measure AC Current from 10 uA to 30A at frequencies from 10Hz to 10kHz. Measurement capability is provided on Front and Rear (8104 only) terminals for currents up to 1A, with currents above 30A available on the front panel terminals only.
To select the desired filter speed, press the BLUE soft key under the desired selection. Note - The filter speeds available are dependant upon the current resolution. Refer to extended specifications for valid resolution and filter speed settings. www.transmille.com Page 54...
DC offset into the measurement, especially when measuring signals below 10Hz. Note : When measuring AC Voltage with the 8100 Series DC Coupling is not required to achieve the published specification.
Selecting Frequency Gate The 8100 series offers two frequency measurements modes. The default setting is a FAST frequency measurement circuit that reacts to changes in frequency rapidly and offers 0.1Hz resolution after 5 successive samples of the same input frequency. This is the default setting and allows fast settling of readings.
For current above 1A the high current terminals should be used. Connect the source to the I+ (HI) (Yellow) and I- (black insert) terminals on the front panel. Note : When measuring High Currents make sure that suitable leads are used. Transmille supply suitable leads in the 8100LEAD set...
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8100 Operation Manual - V1.0.1 impedance causing some sources to reach compliance. Connection diagram for Low Current (up to 1A) Connection diagram for High Current (above 1A) www.transmille.com Page 58...
8100 Operation Manual - V1.0.1 Resistance - 2 Wire The 8100 Series can be used to measure 2 Wire Resistance from 10 Ohms to 1 GOhms. Measurement capability is provided on Front and Rear (8104 only) terminals. To enter 2 Wire Resistance mode, press the Ω2WIRE key from the function section of the Keyboard.
To select the desired filter speed, press the BLUE soft key under the desired selection. Note - The filter speeds available are dependant upon the current resolution. Refer to extended specifications for valid resolution and filter speed settings. www.transmille.com Page 60...
Performing a Null or Zero is an important part of preparing for a Resistance measurement. It is quite normal for a measurement system to display an offset if a zero has not been performed that will cause all measurements to be incorrect. This offset is generated mainly by the resistance of www.transmille.com Page 61...
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After allowing the connections to stabilise, press the ‘NULL’ button on the front panel (or via remote command). A message will display on the multimeter indicating that a Null has been stored www.transmille.com Page 62...
For the best measurement low thermal leads (such as those provided in the 8100LEAD kit) should be used while measuring DC Voltage. The leads feature low thermal gold plated copper 4mm banana jacks especially designed for precision DC Voltage, and the lead is of screened construction to www.transmille.com Page 63...
8100 Operation Manual - V1.0.1 Resistance - 4 Wire The 8100 Series can be used to measure 2 Wire Resistance from 1 Ohm (8109 10 Ohms) to 100 kOhms. Measurement capability is provided on Front and Rear (8104 only) terminals.
To select the desired filter speed, press the BLUE soft key under the desired selection. Note - The filter speeds available are dependant upon the current resolution. Refer to extended specifications for valid resolution and filter speed settings. www.transmille.com Page 66...
RTD / PRT probes Note - Some instruments that generate simulated resistance require the lower current mode to be set to operate correctly due to limitations in the simulation circuitry Page 67 www.transmille.com...
Depending upon the current state of Ohms Compensation this will either enable or disable the function. If OHMS COMP is highlighted in Yellow then Ohms Compensation is already enabled. Pressing the OHMS COMP button will display a message indicating that the function has been www.transmille.com Page 68...
4 Wire Resistance measurement The process of performing a zero removes any pre existing resistance offsets from interconnections so that the multimeter indicates only the input signal rather than the input signal and Page 69 www.transmille.com...
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Devices that offer a Zero resistance output such as multi product calibrators (i.e. Transmille 3000A / 4000 Series) and decade boxes are designed to have the Zero output measured and the...
For the best measurement low thermal leads (such as those provided in the 8100LEAD kit) should be used while measuring 4 Wire Resistance. The leads feature low thermal gold plated copper 4mm banana jacks especially designed for minimising thermal effects, and the leads are of screened Page 71 www.transmille.com...
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8100 Operation Manual - V1.0.1 construction to offer rejection of interference / noise www.transmille.com Page 72...
Ensure that all leads are connected and hands free prior to configuring measurement voltage The default state is with the Voltage Output turned off for safety. In this mode the measurement screen will display --------- to reflect that no reading is being obtained. Page 73 www.transmille.com...
Measurement Voltage and the measured current. Measurement Resolution Pressing the DIGITS key will display the resolution menu. The resolution menu shows the available resolutions for the function, up to 8 Digits (8104) / 7 Digits (8109). www.transmille.com Page 74...
Performing A Null Performing a Null or Zero is an important part of preparing for a High Resistance measurement. The High Resistance Measurement Null turns off the Voltage Source and removes current offsets from Page 75 www.transmille.com...
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‘Set Infinity...’ along with the time remaining. After completing the Null operating the multimeter will return to the main screen, and the NULL label will appear in the top bar to indicate that a Null has been set successfully www.transmille.com Page 76...
It is HIGHLY recommended that adapters are not used to connect to the terminals on the front panel, and that any adaptation happens at the point of connection to the UUT to minimise the length of cable that is not coaxial / shielded Page 77 www.transmille.com...
PRT probe. To enter PRT / RTD mode, press the PRT key from the function section of the Keyboard. The multimeter will display a menu indicating the probes available for the user to select. www.transmille.com Page 78...
Coefficients (IEC751 or ITS-90) Configure Probe Information To edit the Probe Information, highlight PROBE INFORMATION on the screen and press the ENTER key or the SELECT soft key. The screen will update to provide options to edit probe Page 79 www.transmille.com...
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Note - Pressing the physical ENTER key will enter the currently highlighted letter from the on screen keyboard Press the BACK soft key to return to the main configuration menu for the probe. www.transmille.com Page 80...
Select the desired terminals (FRONT or REAR) by highlighting the desired option using the digital control and pressing the ENTER key or the SELECT soft key. The currently selected terminals will be highlighted with ‘>>’ in front of the menu item Page 81 www.transmille.com...
Select the desired conversion algorithm from the subsequent menu and press the ENTER key or the SELECT soft key A menu allowing viewing and entry of the probe coefficients for the selected conversion method will appear. IEC751 coefficients allow entry of R0, A, B and C coefficients from a calibration certificate. www.transmille.com Page 82...
After making changes or modifications to the Probe Configuration, pressing the BACK key to return to the main PRT menu will save changes automatically. A message will show to indicate that the Probe Configuration has been updated Page 83 www.transmille.com...
To select the desired resolution, press the BLUE soft key under the desired resolution. Note - The measurement speed is limited by the resolution of the measurement. The higher the resolution of the measurement, the longer each measurement sample will take. www.transmille.com Page 84...
To select the desired filter speed, press the BLUE soft key under the desired selection. Note - The filter speeds available are dependant upon the current resolution. Refer to extended specifications for valid resolution and filter speed settings. Page 85 www.transmille.com...
To change units, press the soft key under the desired unit. The measurement screen will update immediately with the new units Note - Changing the temperature unit through the quick menu will not update the default units. To change default units refer to the Main Menu www.transmille.com Page 86...
Note - It will be normal for the reading to change when Ohms Compensation is first enabled as any offset in the leads and connections will be compensated for Note - While the multimeter is obtaining an offset measurement the measurement will not update during this cycle. This is normal behaviour Page 87 www.transmille.com...
Insert) and I+ (Red Insert). Connection via the rear panel terminals should be made to the V+ (Red), V- (Black) and I+ (Red) terminals. A link wire should be connected between V- and I- to complete the www.transmille.com Page 88...
V+ (Red), V- (Black), I+ (Red) and I- (Black) terminals. Care should be taken to ensure that all connecting leads are clean prior to inserting into the binding posts to avoid errors due to excessive lead resistance and/or thermal EMF. Page 89 www.transmille.com...
To change Thermocouple Type, press the TYPE soft key from the main measurement screen. The menu will update to display available Thermocouple Types. To see additional Thermocouple Types, press either the >> or << depending on the current menu and the screen will update to display additional options www.transmille.com Page 90...
The COLD JUNCTION menu provides users with the ability to manually enter a cold junction value or to select AUTO (requires TCLEAD accessory). To enter the COLD JUNCTION menu, press the CJC SETUP soft key. Page 91 www.transmille.com...
If AUTO is selected the unit will return to the main menu and periodically perform measurements of the Cold Junction automatically Measurement Resolution Pressing the DIGITS key will display the resolution menu. The resolution menu shows the available resolutions for the function, up to 8 Digits (8104) / 7 Digits (8109). www.transmille.com Page 92...
The optional TCLEAD accessory provides connections for both Voltage measurement as well as measurement of the Cold Junction at the point of connection with a thermocouple. The Connection provides a neutral Copper-Copper Mini TC Socket that thermocouples plug directly into and reduced Page 93 www.transmille.com...
A highly accurate ( < 0.1°C Error) measurement of the ambient temperature at the point of connection OR the use of an ice bath • All connections must be low thermal (Gold plated copper or similar) - The use of nickel adapters will cause large errors. www.transmille.com Page 94...
REAR input terminals on each cycle REAR SETTLING SAMPLES The number of samples that are taken on the REAR terminals prior to taking an aver- age. This allows the reading to stabilise after changing inputs / ranges without affecting the ratio measurement Page 95 www.transmille.com...
If the multimeter is already in a Ratio Mode the RATIO key will be highlighted in YELLOW text, if not already in a ratio mode the key will be WHITE Pressing the RATIO soft key will display the ratio sub menu which provides access to all ratio modes www.transmille.com Page 96...
Shunt Configuration The 8104 has been designed for use with the Transmille AC/DC Current Shunts which are available in 1,2 and 5 steps from 1mA to 100A. It is also possible to use current shunts from other Page 97 www.transmille.com...
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A scrollable list of 14 user configurable shunts will appear. This list is pre-loaded with default data for convenience based upon the range of AC/DC Shunts available from Transmille To edit the configuration, highlight the desired Shunt from the menu and press the CONFIGURE soft key.
The 8104 offers 6 fixed frequency correction points at 10Hz, 1kHz, 10kHz, 30kHz, 50kHz and 100kHz to match those offered with Transmille AC/DC Shunts. For other manufacturers a linear approximation can be made between points to match.
Voltage INPUT of the multimeter, front or rear terminals It is important to ensure that the use of adapters (i.e. Type N to 4mm) is minimised to reduce the effects of thermals in DC Measurements (typically low cost adapters are constructed from nickel www.transmille.com Page 100...
Maths Operations The 8100 Series features a configurable MATHS function enabling maths functions such as multiplication to be applied to the incoming reading, and the result displayed as the current reading. Maths functions are enabled and disabled through the Maths menu which is available either...
Note - It is not possible to change the order of this calculation Averaging Functions The 8100 series has configurable averaging modes that are configurable by the end user. The result of the configured average is displayed in place of the main measurement. The averaging...
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8100 Operation Manual - V1.0.1 average that is faster to respond is desirable. Page 103 www.transmille.com...
8100 Operation Manual - V1.0.1 Remote Operation The 8100 series has been designed to be easy to program and use in a fully automated system. All functions of the multimeter are available over the remote interface. Native Commands Native commands are directly compatible with Transmille 8000 Series command structures.
5 = 4s 6 = 8s 7 = 16s 8 = 32s 9 = 64s System Functions Enable / Disable Backlight Command Response Parameter = ON or 1 for Backlight ON, DISPLAY:BACKLIGHT<parameter> OFF or 0 for Backlight OFF Page 107 www.transmille.com...
The Instrument will respond with the *TEMP? internal temperature in °C Perform backup of Calibration Factors Command Response The Instrument will indicate on the front panel that an Internal backup of calibration SYSTEM:CALIBRATION:BACKUP factors is being performed www.transmille.com Page 108...
Calibration & Verification Introduction The 8100 Series has been designed to be easy to calibrate by tehnicians and laboratories with suitable equipment. No special software is required and all adjustments are available via the front panel or over the remote interface.
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Transmille was founded in 1997 as a commercial calibration service, and soon after began to develop and manufacture a range of electrical calibration products and software to answer a growing requirement for solutions to common problems.
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