Advanced Test Equipment Corp.

PIE Model 541 Frequency Calibrator with Totalizer

The PIE Model 541 is a versatile instrument designed to check and calibrate frequency instruments and measure flow sensors. It is easy to use, portable, and accurate to ±0.005% of range.

Key Features:

• Easy to Use: Calibrate frequency instruments and measure flow sensors.
• Portable: Comes with a carrying case and fits into a toolbox.
• Accuracy: ±0.005% of range.
• Calibration Ranges: Calibrate in Hz, kHz, CPM, and CPH with various sub-ranges.
• Frequency Output: Simulate vibration pickups and variable speed drives with sine wave outputs, and flow meters and magnetic pickups with square wave outputs. Supports low frequencies down to 1 CPH (0.0002777 Hz). Features EZ-Dial™ for precise adjustments and EZ-Check™ for storing and recalling up to three frequencies.
• Signal Level Matching: Output sine or square waves from 0.1 V to 12 V peak-to-peak. Measure signals from 0.1 V to 120 V peak with X1 or X10 attenuation.
• Signal Reading: Read frequency signals from flow meters, vibration sensors, parts counters, and other process frequency signals from 0.1 V to 120 V. The GATE TIME LED indicates proper input adjustment level.
• Totalizer Calibration: Automatically output pulses from 1 to 99999 in 1 to 100 minutes for easier and more accurate totalizer calibration. Count input pulses from 1 to 100 minutes to verify totalizer input signals.

Basic Operation

The Model 541 features several keys and a knob for operation:

• ① EZ-Check™ Switch/EZ-Step™ Push-button: For Source, select stored values (HI, DIAL, LO). For Read, slide to DIAL to make readings, then HI for highest point, LO for lowest. Push to start/stop totalizer output or counting.
• ② SOURCE/AMPLITUDE Key: Step through source ranges (CPH, CPM, Hz, kHz, Totalizer). Press and hold to adjust amplitude voltage (0.1-12.0 Vp) using the EZ-Dial knob.
• ③ ON/OFF Key: Turns the unit on or off.
• ④ MENU Key: Access the configuration menu for settings like AUTO OFF, X1/X10, Zero Based/Zero Crossing, EZ-Check, SINE/SQUARE Wave output, and reset to BASIC CONFIGURATION.
• ⑤ READ/GATE TIME Key: Step through read ranges (CPH, CPM, Hz, kHz, Totalizer). Press and hold to adjust totalize time (1-100 minutes) for Source & Read Totalize mode.
• ⑥ STORE/CLEAR Key: Save calibration values (display shows "STORED"). Clear EZ-Check HI and LO values (display shows "CLEARED").
• ⑦ EZ-Dial™ Knob: Change output frequency or trigger level. Push and turn for faster adjustments.

Changing Battery:

Low battery is indicated by "BAT". Replace with a single 9V battery. Alkaline batteries are recommended for maximum battery life.

Configure the Calibrator

Access the configuration menu via the ON/OFF and MENU keys. Use the EZ-Dial knob to scroll and change settings. Save selections with the MENU or STORE/CLEAR key.

• AUTO OFF: Turns the unit off after 30 minutes of inactivity to save battery. Can be set to OFF for extended Totalizer functions.
• X1/X10: Select attenuation for measuring signals based on amplitude (0.1-12 V peak for X1, 12-120 V peak for X10).
• 0 XING/BASED: Toggle between zero crossing (positive and negative peaks) and zero based (positive signals only) waveforms.
• EZ-CHECK: Enable recall of highest and lowest measured frequencies by moving the EZ-Check switch to HI or LO.
• SINE/SQ: Select SINE wave output or SQ (square wave/pulse input) output.
• BASIC CONFIGURATION: Restores the unit to factory defaults. Removing batteries also resets the configuration.

Calibrating Frequency Instruments

Use this function to provide a frequency signal to devices that measure frequency.

1. Disconnect the input signal from the device to be calibrated.
2. Press SOURCE/AMPLITUDE Key to select the desired frequency range.
3. Press and hold SOURCE/AMPLITUDE to adjust amplitude (0.1-12.0 Vp) using the EZ-Dial knob. Save with SOURCE/AMPLITUDE or STORE/CLEAR.
4. Connect the 541 to the device input.

Turn the EZ-Dial knob to change output frequency. Use the EZ-Check slide switch to recall stored HI and LO output values.

Storing EZ-Check Outputs:

1. Store high (SPAN) output: Move EZ-Check switch to HI, set frequency with EZ-Dial, press STORE/CLEAR.
2. Store low (ZERO) output: Move EZ-Check switch to LO, set frequency with EZ-Dial, press STORE/CLEAR.
3. Instantly output SPAN and ZERO frequencies by moving the EZ-Check switch between HI and LO.

Calibrating Optical Pickups:

Position the optical pickup over the GATE TIME LED. The LED synchronizes with the 541's pulse output. Adjust output frequency as per the "Calibrating Frequency Instruments" section.

Calibrating Totalizers

Use this function to provide a number of pulses for a set time to parts counters or totalizers.

1. Disconnect the input signal from the device to be calibrated.
2. Press SOURCE/AMPLITUDE Key until "TOTALIZER" appears.
3. Press and hold READ/GATE TIME Key to adjust totalize time (1-100 minutes) using the EZ-Dial knob. Save with READ/GATE TIME or STORE/CLEAR.
4. Turn the EZ-Dial knob to select the number of pulses.
5. Connect the 541 to the device input.
6. Press the EZ-Step push-button to start outputting pulses.

The display shows "RUN" and increments with each pulse. "STOP" appears when the time elapses, showing the total pulses. Press EZ-Step to stop or restart totalizing.

CPM/CPH Conversions

Specifications

General

• Accuracy: ±0.005% of Range
• Ranges: 0.001 to 20.000 kHz, 0.1 to 2000.0 Hz, 0.01 to 200.00 Hz, 0.1 to 2000 CPM, 1 to 20000 CPH
• Operating Temperature Range: -25 to 60 °C (-10 to 140 °F)
• Temperature Drift: ±0.01% of span outside of 23°C ±10 °C
• Relative Humidity Range: 10% ≤RH ≤90% (0 to 35 °C), Non-condensing; 10% ≤RH ≤70% (35 to 60 °C), Non-condensing
• Size: 7.00 X 3.30 X 2.21 inches (177.8 X 83.8 × 56.1 mm)
• Weight: 12.0 oz (340 grams)
• Batteries & Battery Life: One 9V Alkaline battery, 45 Hours
• Low Battery: Indication with approx. 1 hour of life left
• Protection against mis-connection: Over-voltage protection to 120 Vrms for 30 seconds or 240 Vrms for 15 seconds
• Display: High contrast graphic liquid crystal display
• Normal Mode/Common Mode Rejection: 50/60 Hz, 50 dB / 50/60 Hz, 90 dB

Read Frequency

• Input Impedance: > 1 Megohms + 100pF
• Signal Attenuation Adjustment Range: Adjustable trigger level with X1 (0.1V peak to 12.0V peak) and X10 (1V Peak to 120V peak)
• Note on reading slow sine waves: High signal noise and low slew rate may affect reading uncertainty.

Source Frequency

• Output Impedance: < 25 Ohms
• Source Current: > 6 mA at 12V peak-to-peak, 20 kHz
• Amplitude Adjustment Range & Accuracy: 0.1 to 12.0V peak ±10% of setting
• Square Wave (Pulse): Selectable Zero Based or Zero Crossing; Rise/Fall Time <0.0001% of output V peak per second; Frequency Jitter <0.5 Least Significant Digit of full scale value; Duty Cycle 50% ±2%
• Sine Wave: Offset and Zero Crossing Symmetry <±10% of V peak output amplitude setting

Accessories

Included:

• 9V Alkaline battery
• Certificate of Calibration
• Large Carrying Case with PIE Logo

Part No. 020-0204

Additional Information

This product is calibrated on equipment traceable to NIST and includes a Certificate of Calibration. Test Data is available for an additional charge. Practical Instrument Electronics recommends a calibration interval of one year. Contact your local representative for recalibration and repair services.

Warranty

Equipment is warranted against defective material and workmanship (excluding batteries) for a period of three years from the date of shipment. Claims under warranty can be made by returning the equipment prepaid to the factory. Practical Instrument Electronics will repair, replace, or adjust at their option. Liability is restricted to the warranty terms. No responsibility is accepted for damage, loss, or other expense incurred through sale or use of the equipment. Practical Instrument Electronics, Inc. is not liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damage.