PCRU01 - Measuring equipment VELLEMAN - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Digital Multimeter
Brand	Velleman
Model	PCRU01
Category	Measuring Equipment
Dimensions	Approx. 150 x 70 x 30 mm
Weight	Approx. 200 g (including battery)
Power Supply	9V battery (6F22 or equivalent)
Display	LCD, max reading 1999
DC Voltage Measurement	200 mV, 2 V, 20 V, 200 V, 600 V
AC Voltage Measurement	200 V, 600 V
DC Current Measurement	200 µA, 2 mA, 20 mA, 200 mA, 10 A
Resistance Measurement	200 Ω, 2 kΩ, 20 kΩ, 200 kΩ, 2 MΩ
Additional Functions	Diode test, continuity buzzer, hFE transistor test
Safety Rating	CAT II 600V
Accessories Included	Test leads, 9V battery, user manual
Maintenance	Clean with a dry cloth; remove battery if not in use for long periods
Spare Parts Available	Test leads, 9V battery, fuse (if applicable)
Repairability	User-replaceable battery and fuse; other repairs by qualified technician

Frequently Asked Questions - PCRU01 VELLEMAN

How do I measure DC voltage with the PCRU01?

Set the rotary switch to the DCV position. Choose the appropriate range (starting with the highest). Connect the black lead to COM and red lead to VΩmA. Touch the probes to the circuit and read the display.

Why does my meter show '1' on the display?

A '1' indicates an overload or out-of-range reading. Switch to a higher range if possible. If measuring resistance, ensure the circuit is de-energized.

How often should I replace the battery?

Replace the 9V battery when the display dims or shows a low battery icon. For best accuracy, change it at least once a year or before critical measurements.

Can I measure AC current with this meter?

The PCRU01 does not have AC current measurement. It can measure DC current up to 10A. For AC current, you would need a clamp meter.

What does the continuity buzzer do?

The continuity buzzer sounds when the resistance between the probes is less than about 50 Ω. It helps to quickly check for broken wires or connections.

How do I measure resistance?

Turn off power to the circuit. Set the rotary switch to Ω. Connect the probes across the resistor. Read the value. For best accuracy, remove the resistor from the circuit.

Is the PCRU01 safe for use on household mains?

Yes, it is rated CAT II 600V, which is safe for measuring household electrical outlets and appliances. However, never exceed 600V or use on industrial high-energy circuits.

How do I test a diode?

Set the rotary switch to the diode symbol. Connect the black lead to COM and red lead to VΩmA. Touch the red probe to the anode and black to the cathode. A forward voltage drop (0.5-0.8V for silicon) should be displayed. Reverse probes should show 'OL'.

Can I use this meter with a PC?

No, the PCRU01 is a basic manual-ranging multimeter without data logging or PC connectivity. For advanced features, consider a True RMS or Bluetooth model.

What are the storage conditions?

Store the meter in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Remove the battery if not used for several months to prevent leakage.

USER MANUAL PCRU01 VELLEMAN

system requirements 2

Software installation 2

SAFETY and WARNINGS 3

Warranty 3

Connections 3

power led 3

diagnostic led 3

Signal input 3

Readout screens 4

Analog screen 4

Digital screen 4

Software controls 5

Analog readout 5

Voltage range 5

ON Checkbox 5

Time/div 5

Run 5

Single 5

X-position scrollbar 5

Digital readout 6

Momentary voltage 6

Max. & Min voltage storage 6

Menu options 7

File menu 7

Edit menu 7

Options menu 7

View menu 8

Help menu 8

Move the markers 8

Add comment text on the signal screen 8

Troubleshooting 9

Features

• record DC signals or slow-moving signals over very long periods
• the measurements are automatically stored on your hard disk for further processing
• Easy to use mini clips
• thanks to the USB connection no power supply is necessary and installation is easy and straightforward
• signals are instantly displayed on the PC screen using an analogue or DVM display
• USB cable included
• Software for download (includes demo)

Specifications

hardware:

• USB connected and powered
- four DC-coupled input channels
- input resistance: 100kohm
• maximum samples per second: 1000
- six input ranges: ±400mV, ±800mV, ±2V, ±4V, ±8V and ±20V
- sensitivity: 3mV
• accuracy: ±3% of full scale
• maximum input: ±30Vdc
• power and recording/diagnostic LED
• dimensions: 85 x 14mm

software:

• analogue trace or DVM readout
  • 4 channels record simultaneously
• minimum / maximum sample hold function for DVM
  • from 20 ms to 1000 sec per division
• storage and recall of screens (full colour) or data
  • automatic recording option for long recordings
  • on screen markers for time and voltage
• DLL included for your own developments

system requirements:

• Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 (*) 32 or 64bit
• free USB port

Software installation

Download the latest software version from www.velleman.eu.

Type PCRU01 in the search box and check the download section.

- Download the PCRU01_setup.zip file

- Unzip the files in a folder on your drive

- Double click the "setup.exe" file

An install wizard will guide you through the complete installation procedure. Shortcuts to the PCRU01 software can be installed.

Note: You will need local Administrator privileges to successfully complete the installation, contact your system administrator for assistance. See also the "ReadME" file in the installed folder.

Starting the software:

Locate and run the PCRU01 software.

At first time, the recorder will be calibrated automatically.

*Microsoft Windows™ XP/Vista/7/8/10 (*) are registered trademarks.

SAFETY and WARNINGS

Important safety information!

ATTENTION :

1. The input ground connection is directly connected to the computer earth.
2. The signal ground must NEVER be connected to a potential other than the PC ground.
3. Use only DC components to measure.
4. The maximum input voltage for the connections of the unit stands at 30V (DC)!

Warranty

This product is guaranteed against defects in components and construction from the moment it is purchased and for a period of ONE YEAR starting from the date of sale. This guarantee is only valid if the unit is submitted together with the original purchase invoice. VELLEMAN Ltd. limits its responsibility to the reparation of defects or, as VELLEMAN Ltd. deems necessary, to the replacement or reparation of defective components. Costs and risks connected to the transport, removal or placement of the product, or any other costs directly or indirectly connected to the repair, will not be reimbursed by VELLEMAN Ltd. VELLEMAN Ltd. will not be held responsible for any damages caused by the malfunctioning of a unit.

Connections

The unit is connected to the USB port of the computer, using a USB cable.

power led

Indicates that the unit is correctly connected with the computer

record indicator led

Blinks when the unit is recording data.

Signal input

4 input channels enable you to measure 4 signals at the same time.

Readout screens

Analog screen

Using this screen the 4 channels can be viewed simultaneously as a trace on the screen

Digital screen

Powerful feature which allows digital visualisation of the measurements

Software controls

Analog readout

Voltage Range (1)

Selected value indicates the full measurement range.

ON Checkbox (2)

Turn the channels ON/OFF.

TIME/DIV (3)

Selects the time setting for the beam to sweep one major division on the screen.

Selection of TIME/DIV is possible to zoom in on the frozen waveform display.

RUN (4)

Selects recurrent display update mode (RUN). Pressing the button again freezes the display.

SINGLE (5)

When button is depressed refreshment of the display takes place only once.

X-POSITION SCROLLBAR (6)

Positions the trace horizontally on the screen.

Digital readout

Momentary voltage

Momentary voltage (1)

Shows the momentary measurement readout of the voltage.

Max. & Min. voltage storage (2)

When this option is selected, the signals max. / min. voltage values and the date & time are stored.

Menu options

File Menu

Open Image

Opens an image file and displays it on the screen.

Open Data

Opens and displays the waveform data saved in text format using the Save Data or AutoSave Data option.

Save Image

Saves the image to a file in PNG or in Windows Bitmap (BMP) format.

Save Data

Saves the waveform in text format. only the portion of the data displayed on the screen is saved.

AutoSave Data

Saves all next screens of data in text format to a file.

The AutoSave function will be activated after the Run button is pressed.

The AutoSave function will be finished after the Run button is pressed again.

Note: Every screen saved takes about 90kB of disk space

Print

Prints the image.

You can edit the image caption.

Print Setup

Selects a printer and sets printer options before printing. The available options depend on the printer you select.

Exit

Terminates the program.

Use this option to restore all values to their default factory settings.

The calibration values will be reset.

Use this option if the recorder calibration fails repeatedly.

Note: Software reinstallation does not reset the recorder settings - you have to use this menu option to restore default settings.

Note: Default folder Documents\My PCRU01 for image and data files is created when the program is run for the first time.

Edit Menu

Copy

Copies the image to the Windows' clipboard.

Paste

Pastes the image residing in Windows' clipboard to the screen

Options Menu

Colors

Select the color for various items on the waveform display.

• To change the color of an item, click the corresponding button. This will open a dialog in which you can select the new color.
• Full color selection is possible only if True Color (24 bit) palette is used.
• There are restrictions in the color combinations with other palettes.
• Click Bright Screen or Black Screen button to resets all colors to the Default settings.

Calibrate

Makes the recorder calibration and saves the calibration values to the PCRU01.INI file.

Skins

Using this option you can give the software a new look by applying a different skin.

You can select the skin from set of seven alternatives.

View Menu

Markers dV & t

The absolute time of the marker position is displayed.

Two horizontal markers for measuring voltage.

Markers dV & dt

The time difference between the two markers is displayed.

Two horizontal markers for measuring voltage.

DVM display

Displays the digital screen recorder/logger.

Bright Grid

Brightens the grid on the screen.

Help Menu

Contents

Displays the help file.

About

Displays information of the program version.

Move the markers

• Place the mouse pointer over a dashed marker line.
• Press and hold the left mouse button.
  • The marker line turns solid.
• Drag the marker to the appropriate position.

Add comment text on the signal screen

For explanation and documentation, each measurement can be supplied with a comment text.

This text will be saved together with the waveform data to the disk file.

To enter the text

1. Right mouse click into the screen.
2. Text box will open, to write your comment.
3. Click Add Text on Screen or Remove to remove previously inserted text.
4. Right click on the screen to position your text.
5. Click Close.

To make the text transparent with the background, check Transparent text.

The text will have the same color as the vertical time markers.

Troubleshooting

Errors in time scale

When recording at short timebase (<1s/div) the sampling interval is <10ms. This is possible only on fast computers. Anyhow, do not execute other applications during the recording process, it may influence the measuring time scale.

The timebase of the measurements is generated by the internal timer of the computer. This timer can be put on hold by other processes on the computer. This can cause a deviation in the time measurement.

To ensure the precision of the time measurement at short timebase:

• Use a fast computer.
• Do not run other applications when recording
• Use highest possible processor speed
• Prevent your computer from going into sleep or power saving mode

No signal

• No communication with the computer (check that the cable is connected to the USB port).
• If USB cable is connected, close the program. Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable and run the program again.

o RUN button is not ON.
- TIME/DIV switch is in the wrong setting, try 1s/div
- Input amplitude is too large, adjust VOLTS/DIV setting.

If the above tips have no effect, then test on a different computer or different USB port.

Note. Close the program before disconnecting the USB cable.