GM100 - Measuring equipment VOLTCRAFT - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL GM100 VOLTCRAFT

© Copyright 2009 by Voltcraft®

Impressum /legal notice in our operating instructions

These operating instructions are a publication by Voltcraft ^® , Lindenweg 15, D-92242 Hirschau/Germany, Phone [phone] (www.voltcraft.de).

All rights including translation reserved. Reproduction by any method, e.g. photocopy, microfilming, or the capture in electronic data processing systems require the prior written approval by the editor. Reprinting, also in part, is prohibited.

These operating instructions represent the technical status at the time of printing. Changes in technology and equipment reserved.

© Copyright 2009 by Voltcraft®

© Copyright 2009 by Voltcraft®

© Copyright 2009 by Voltcraft®

01_0209_01/HK

These operating instructions belong with this product. They contain important information for putting it into service and operating it. This should be noted also when this product is passed on to a third party.

Therefore look after these operating instructions for future reference!

A list of contents with the corresponding page numbers can be found in the index on page 18.

Diagram of a medical or laboratory device with labeled parts 15 and 16, showing a coiled cable and elongated body.

Einführung

Symbol Batteriewechsel

Tastenfunktionen

Messfrequenz AC ....40 Hz – 10 kHz

Thank you for making the excellent decision to purchase this Voltcraft® product.

You have acquired a high-quality product with a name that stands for outstanding products in the field of measuring, charging and power technology which excels by professional competence and permanent innovation.

With Voltcraft®, you will be able to cope even with difficult tasks as either an ambitious hobbyist or as a professional user. Voltcraft® offers reliable technology at excellent value for money.

We are certain: Your starting to use Voltcraft will also be the beginning of a long, successful relationship.

We hope you will enjoy using your new Voltcraft® product!

Table of Contents

Introduction....17

Intended Use 19

Safety Instructions 19

Delivery Content....20

Controls 21

Display Symbols....21

Button Functions 22

Initial Operation 22

Inserting the Batteries....22

Connecting the Measuring Sensor 22

Setting up the Meter 22

Automatic Cut-out Function 22

HOLD Function....23

Switching the Device On and Off 23

Carrying out a Measurement 23

Zeroing (relative measurement) 23

Measuring DC Magnetic Fields 24

Measuring AC Magnetic Fields....24

REC Measured Value Memory 25

RS232 Interface 25

Maintenance and Cleaning....26

Battery Replacement 26

Operation with a Power Pack Unit 27

Disposal 27

Troubleshooting 28

Technical Data 29

Intended Use

The GM 100 is a highly sensitive magnetic field meter for a wide range of applications in industry, development, electronics and mechanical engineering. The external sensor allows you to measure AC and DC magnetic fields between -3000 to +3000 mG (milliGauß) or -300 to +300 μT (microTesla).

When measuring DC magnetic fields, the polarity of the magnetic field (North(South) is also displayed. The high sensitivity of the sensor even allows the measurement of the earth's magnetic field for reference purposes.

An RS-232 interface allows the further processing of the measured data with an optional data cable.

The device is operated with 6 micro-batteries (type AAA UM4). Operation with a power pack unit is also possible. Batteries and power plug unit not included in delivery.

Measurements must not be carried out under unfavourable ambient conditions.

Adverse ambient conditions include:

• Excessive dampness or humidity,
• Dust and combustible gases, vapours or solvents

Use other than that described above will lead to damage to the product.

No part of the product must be modified or rebuilt!

The safety instructions must be observed!

Safety Instructions

Please read all of the operating instructions before using the product for the first time; they contain important information about the correct operation.

The warranty/guarantee is rendered void in cases of damage resulting from failure to comply with these operating instructions! We do not accept any liability for consequential damages!

We do not assume any liability for material and personal damage caused by improper use or non-compliance with the safety instructions! In such cases the warranty/guarantee is voided.

This device left the factory in perfect condition in terms of safety engineering.

To maintain this condition and ensure safe operation, you, as the user, must comply with the safety instructions and warnings contained in these instructions. The following symbols must be observed:

Atriangle containing an exclamation mark indicates important information in these operating instructions which is to be observed without fail.

This product has been CE-tested and meets the necessary national and European guidelines.

The “hand” symbol informs you that there are special tips and hints concerning the operation.

For safety and licensing reasons (CE), unauthorised conversion and/or modification of the device is not permitted.

Measuring instruments and accessories are not toys and have no place in the hands of children!

On industrial sites the accident prevention regulations of the association of the industrial workers' society for electrical equipment and utilities must be followed.

Working with magnetic components and spending time in magnetic environs can lead to dangerous malfunctions for people with pacemakers.

In schools, training centres, computer and self-help workshops, handling of measuring instruments must be supervised by trained personnel in a responsible manner.

Do not switch the measuring instrument on immediately after it has been taken from a cold to a warm environment. The condensation generated could cause serious damage to the device. Allow the device to reach room temperature before switching it on.

Do not leave packaging material laying around carelessly. This could be a dangerous toy for children.

The meter may not be operated in areas where there is a danger of explosion.

You should also heed the safety instructions in each chapter of these instructions.

Delivery Content

Magnetic Field Meter GM-100

External Measuring Sensor

Plastic Case

Operating Instructions

Controls

See fold-out section

1 "UNIT/ZERO" button
2 Button has no function (also opposing button)
3 "POWER" button to turn the device on/off
4 "HOLD" button
5 Display (LCD)
6 Measuring socket for external sensor (15)
7 "REC" button
8 "AC/DC" button
9 Power pack connection socket
10 RESET button
11 RS232 interface
12 Mounting bracket
13 Battery compartment
14 Tripod socket
15 Sensor connection plug
16 Sensor head

Display Symbols

mG milliGauß, natural unit for magnetic flux density (exp. -3)

μT microTesla, SI unit for magnetic flux density (exp. -6)

N Shows positive magnetic field (North pole)

S Shows negative magnetic field (South pole)

AC Shows alternating field mode

REC Display for data record for minimum/maximum value

MAX Displays maximum value

MIN Displays minimum value

Battery replacement symbol

Button Functions

POWER Power switch; to switch the unit on and off

HOLD Measuring operation: The measured values can be held in the display at the press button (HOLD)

Setup menu: The menu can be exited at the press of a button (ESC). The parameter will not be saved.

REC The Min-/Max measured values are saved at the press of a button and each further press of a button display the min and max values in succession (REC).

UNIT Adjusts the measuring unit

ZERO Zeroing button

AC/DC Measuring switching between magnetic DC and AC fields

Initial Operation

Inserting the Batteries

Before the initial operation of this meter, you must first insert six new micro-batteries (alkaline, AAA). A power pack unit can be used optionally. Battery installation and power pack operation are described in the “Maintenance and Cleaning” section.

Connecting the Measuring Sensor

Connect the round plug of the sensor (15) with the “PROBE INPUT” socket (6) on the measuring device. The plug is protected against wrong polarity and only fits into the socket in the right direction. Observe the arrow marking on the plug. This marking points towards the back of the device. Make sure that the plug is firmly inserted otherwise inaccurate measurements will be made.

Setting up the Meter

For better reading of the display, the measuring device can be set up using the bracket on the rear (12).

The device can be mounted on a tripod using the tripod socket (14)

Automatic Cut-out Function

To save on the unnecessary usage of battery power, an automatic cut-off function can be activated. The meter is automatically switched off if no button has been pressed for a period of about 10 minutes. This function is deactivated in the delivered product.

Proceed as follows to switch the device on:

• Switch on the meter.
• Hold down the "AC/DC" button (8) for approx. 2s. The display reads "PoFF".
• Select the desired mode with the "UNIT" (1) or "AC/DC" button (8).
  0= automatic cut-out is off
  1 = automatic cut-out is on

- Confirm your selection with the "REC" button (7) or end the setting without saving using the "HOLD" button.

- The display switches back to the normal measuring mode.

HOLD function

In the measuring mode the "HOLD" button allows the measured value to be held in the display. The "HOLD" symbol in shown is the display. Press again to switch back to the normal measuring mode "HOLD" disappears

Switching the Device On and Off

Switch the device on using the POWER key (3). After a brief initialisation phase, the meter is ready for operation. To turn off press the "POWER" button (3) again. The "OFF" display appears and the display shuts down with a beep tone. Always switch off the meter once you have completed measurement.

Carrying out a Measurement

The highly sensitive sensor always shows a low value in normal operation. This value corresponds to the earth's magnetic field and can be compensated via the zeroing function.

Both DC and DC fields can be measured with the meter. The measuring mode must be correspondingly adjusted. When the device is switched on it is preset to the DC mode.

Every movement of the sensor can lead to a deviation in the measured value. Before beginning the measurement, move the sensor close to the object to be tested and then switch the meter on.

Zeroing (relative measurement)

The high-sensitivity sensor already display the natural earth's magnetic field is displayed. In order to not include this value in the measured value, the display can be reset to zero.

For this purpose, proceed as follows:

- Switch on the meter.

• Hold down the "ZERO" button (1) for approx. 2s until the display is reset to zero. A beep tone confirms this setting. The active zeroing is shown by a small "0" in the North-South display.
• The measurements can now be carried out.
• To switch off the zeroing, hold down the "ZERO" button (1) for approx. 2 seconds. A beep tone confirms this setting. The "0" display goes out.

Measuring DC Magnetic Fields

DC magnets are permanent magnets with a North and South pole. The magnetic field lines run outside the magnet always from the North pole to the South pole. This characteristic allows the magnetic flux density measurement and the polarity (North/South pole) to be displayed.

Proceed as follows for DC measurement:

• Switch on the meter. You are now in the DC mode.
• Select the desired unit ( T/mG) with the “UNIT” button. Every time you press, you switch the unit.
• Move the sensor with the sensor head (16) as shown to the object to be measured. The sensor head must touch the object.
• The measurement is shown in the display along with the polarity (N/S).
• After you finish testing, switch the measuring device off.

N S

If the measuring range is exceeded upwards (-) or downwards (+) then the display shows the lower or upper segment bars of the display value.

Measuring AC Magnetic Fields

AC magnetic fields occur in AC coils and transformers etc. The magnetic field lines change their orientation. The meter can measure magnetic AC fields from 40 Hz to 10 kHz.

Proceed as follows for AC measurement:

• Switch on the meter. You are now in the DC mode.
• Press the "AC/DC" button (8) to switch to the AC range. "AC" appears on the display. Each press switches the function.
• Select the desired unit ( T/mG) with the “UNIT” button. Every time you press, you switch the unit.
• Move the sensor with the sensor head (16) as per DC measurement to the object to be measured. The sensor head must touch the object.
• The measured value is indicated on the display
• After you finish measuring, switch the measuring device off.

REC Measured Value Memory

The measured value memory records the minimum and maximum magnetic field value.

• The REC function can be activated in the measuring mode by pressing the "REC" button (7).
• The "REC" symbol now appears in the display with a beep tone.
• The recording starts. The automatic cut-out is deactivated.
• In order to call up the maximum values, press the "REC" button (7) again. "MAX" appears in the display and the value is loaded from the memory and displayed. Pressing again displays the min-value and "MIN" in the display. The MIN/MAX display can be ended with the "HOLD" button (4) and the "REC" button can be used to return to measurement recording. The display only shows "REC".
• In order to deactivate the REC function, hold down the "REC" button (7) for approx 2 seconds. The "REC" symbol goes out.

The saved measured values are only retained in the REC measurement mode. If this function is ended or if the meter is switched off the memory will be deleted.

RS232 Interface

The measuring device is fitted with a serial interface (11) for exchanging data with a computer. This can be found on the right hand side under a cover. Open the cover with a pointed object. The interface is in the form of a 3.5mm mono-jack plug socket and requires a compatible data cable, which is an optional extra.

The data cable has the following components:

Jack plug 3.5 mm mono 9-pole D-SUB	socket for PC
Centre contact Pin 4
External contact Pin 2
	Between Pin 2 and Pin 5 a 2,2 KOhm resistance is necessary.

The serial data signal is made up of 16 Bits in the following order:

Each data bit has the following function:

D15 Start symbol
D14 4
D13 Data bit	when sending the display line: 1 = upper line, 2 = bottom line
D11+D12 Measuring value on the display; B3 = mG, B2 = μT
D10 Polarity; 0 = positive, 1 = negative
D9 Decimal point (DP) at the corresponding spot from right to left;0= no DP; 1=1DP; 2=2DP; 3=3DP
D8 to D1 Measured valueD8= largest digit (MSD), D1 = smallest digit (LSD).If 1234 is displayed, the bit rate is: “00001234”
D0 End signal

RS232 settings: Baud rate: 9600, parity: No, number of data bits: 8, stopbit: 1 (9600, N, 8, 1)

Maintenance and Cleaning

The device is maintenance-free apart from the need to replace the batteries and cleaning it once in a while. Use a clean, lint-free, antistatic and dry cloth to clean the device. Do not use any abrasive or chemical agents or detergents containing solvents.

Replacing the Battery

When first putting the device into operation and if the battery symbol is visible, the batteries must be inserted or changed.

Proceed as follows to replace the batteries:

• Switch off the meter
• Loosen the two screws on the reverse side of the battery cover and lift off the battery cover.
• Replace the flat batteries with new alkaline batteries of the same type and brand (AAA).
• Be aware of the plus and minus symbols in the battery compartment (+/-) when inserting the batteries.
  Close the housing again carefully in the reverse order

AAA + + AAA AAA + + AAA AAA + + AAA

Do not leave flat batteries in the meter. Even batteries protected against leaking can corrode and thus release chemicals which may be detrimental to your health or damage the appliance.

Batteries may not be charged, shortened or thrown into fire. Batteries must not be recharged. Danger of explosion.

Leaking or damaged batteries/accumulators can cause burning if they come into contact with the skin. It is therefore advisable to use suitable protective gloves.

Always change all batteries at the same time. Do not mix new batteries with old batteries as these may leak.

Operation with a Power Pack Unit

Optionally, the measuring device can also be operated with a suitable power pack unit. The power pack socket (9) is located on the right side of the casing beneath a cover. Open the cover with a pointed object. The matching plug has the following technical specifications:

Dimensions outside 5.5 mm, inner hole 2.5 mm.

Polarity: Outside minus (-), inside plus (+)

Operating data: Voltage: 9 VDC, current: min. 50 mA

You can order matching replacement batteries - order no. 65 23 64, (please order 6). You can order the fitting plug-in power unit - order no. 12 26 99.

Disposal

Used electronic devices are raw materials and must not be disposed of in the domestic waste. When the device has reached the end of its service life, please dispose of it, according to the current statutory requirements, at your local collecting site. Disposal in the domestic waste is not permitted.

Disposal of used batteries/rechargeable batteries!

You, as the end user, are legally obliged (Ordinance on the Return and Disposal of Used Batteries) to return all used batteries. Disposal in the household waste is prohibited!

Batteries/rechargeable batteries containing harmful substances are marked with the following symbols, they point out that they are not allowed to be disposed of in the domestic refuse. The symbols for dangerous heavy metal constituents are: Cd = cadmium, Hg = mercury, Pb = lead. You can return flat batteries / rechargeable batteries free of charge to the collection points in your community, our branches or anywhere else where batteries or accumulators are sold. You thus fulfil the legal requirements and make your contribution to protecting the environment!

Troubleshooting

In purchasing this measuring unit, you have acquired a product which has been designed to the state of the art and is operationally reliable.

Nevertheless, problems or faults may occur.

For this reason, the following is a description of how you can eliminate possible malfunctions yourself.

Always follow the safety instructions!

Error Possible cause Remedy
Meter cannot be Are the batteries switched on Reset the meter	teries spent? Check the batteries. by pressing the	Reset Button (10).
No stable measured Incorrect value is displayed. Is the sensor being moved too much?	measurement? Hold the sensor stable.
	Is the correct measurement Check function selected (AC/DC)? whether it suits your object.
Measuring device Undefined cannot be operated Reset Button (10).	system status. Reset the meter by pressing the

Repairs other than those described should only be carried out by an authorised specialist.

If you have questions concerning use of the measuring device, our technical support service is available at the following telephone number:

Voltcraft, Lindenweg 15, 92242 Hirschau, tel. no. 0180 / 586 582 7.

Technical Data

Display ....LC display

Measured values ......mG/μT

Measuring interval....approx. 1 s

Measuring frequency AC....40 Hz – 10 MHz

Field direction ....Uni-Axial

Auto Power OFF time ....approx. 10 minutes/manual

Interface ....Serial, RS232

Batteries 6 x 1.5 V micro batteries (AAA)

Optional power pack ....9 V DC, stabilised min. 50 mA

Power input ....approx. 21 mA

Operating temperature ....0 to +50°C

Rel. air humidity ....../< 85% rF, non-condensing

Weight.....approx. 400 g

Dimensions (LxWxH mm): 173 x 68 x 42 (measuring device)

177 x 29 x 17 (sensor)

Sensor cable length ....approx. 1 m

Measurement tolerances

Specification of precision in +/- (% of read value + display error). The accuracy is valid for one year at a temperature of +23^ ± 5^ , and at a relative humidity of less than 85% rF, non-condensing.

The accuracy corresponds to a environmental field strength of < 3 V/m and a frequency of < 30 MHz.

Measuring unit mG (milliGauß) μT (microTesla)
Measurement -3000 range	mG to +3000 mG -300 μT to + 300 μT
Resolution	-199.9 mG to +199.9 mG	0.1 mG	-19.99 μT to + +19.99 μT	0.01 μT
	≥ +200 mG, ≤ -200 mG	1 mG	≥ +20.0 mG, ≤ -20.0 mG	0.1 μT
Accuracy	±(2% + 2 mG)** -1000 mG to + 1000 mG		±(2% + 0.2 μT)** -100.0 μT to + 100.0 μT

Introduction

Chère cliente, cher client,