BEAMEX TC303 (01) PDF Document

If you try to use the BEAMEX TC303 in an unusual way, it may display a warning message. The following list explains these messages:

NO TCAL: Attempt to start the Quick Store or Quick Examine function when the TCAL305 expansion software is not installed.

NO ID: No instrument identifier has been defined.

CLEAR AREA: There is no instrument data in the loaded memory area.

UNDEFD SENSOR: Attempted to load instrument data from Data Memory, but the defined sensor type was not known. If a special sensor is no longer fixed to its defined place, the required special sensor arrow will be lit.

CONFIG ERROR: Attempted to start the Quick Store function with a faulty configuration (e.g., the instrument type is FREE).

SCAN ERROR: The actuation or deactuation point of a limit switch is outside the scan limits, or the scan limits are outside the generation/simulation range of the calibrator.

NOT SAVED: Attempted to change the contents of the Working Memory without saving the results of the latest Quick Store to the Data Memory.

CANCEL STORE: Escaped from Quick Store before altering the contents of the Working Memory.

DATA LOST: The BEAMEX TC303 has lost its configuration data, instrument data, and calibration results due to a missing RAM backup voltage. This is likely because the battery was disconnected or not recharged. To fix this, switch the calibrator off, check the battery wiring, recharge the battery, or replace it if necessary. If the error persists, the unit requires repair.

DATE LOST: The calendar/clock has lost the date and time due to a missing backup voltage. Check the battery wiring, recharge the battery, or replace it if necessary. Enter the new date and time. If the error persists, the unit requires repair.

CALIBR SOON: According to the set calibration period, the BEAMEX TC303 should be recalibrated soon.

NO CAL DATA: This message appears in new devices before initial calibration. If it appears on a sold device, it indicates a fault in the EEPROM memory and a loss of all calibration data. Do not use the device for calibration purposes; send it for repair.

NO DATA: Attempted to use the Quick Examine function when the Working Memory is empty.

NO FREQ MODULE: The instrument to be calibrated requires a frequency module, or the module’s settings do not match the requirements. The inverted arrows on the display show the required settings. (For software versions 1.31 and later; earlier versions showed “BAD FRQ UNIT x”).

If the BEAMEX TC303 detects an internal error, it will stop all operations and display an error code in the format “ERROR CODE n”. This code helps identify the problem. The table below lists the error codes and their meanings:

These messages provide an idea of where the error might be, but they are not definitive. A fault on the power supply board can cause almost any malfunction or error message.

If you can’t switch the BEAMEX TC303 on, the most common fault is an empty battery. If charging does not resolve the issue, check the battery voltage directly from the battery terminals. If the battery is okay, the fault is likely in the internal cabling or on the main processor board.

The calibrator must be taken apart for software updates, battery replacement, or hardware troubleshooting. Follow these steps to disassemble the BEAMEX TC303:

1. Switch off the calibrator.

2. Loosen the four screws on the bottom of the calibrator.

3. Carefully lift the rear of the cover and remove it.

4. Remove the handle and the handle springs.

5. Remove the two screws holding the front assembly.

6. Loosen the front assembly cable connectors from the processor boards below it and from the analog i/o assembly.

7. Remove the four screws on the front and rear of the analog i/o assembly.

8. Lift the analog i/o assembly and loosen its cable connectors from the processor boards.

Reassembling requires performing these steps in reverse order. Note that when the front assembly is removed, the BEAMEX TC303 loses date, time, and all data stored in the read/write memory. Calibration data and software options are not lost. After reassembly, the device may show ‘ERROR CODE 7’. If this happens, switch the unit off for 5 seconds and then switch it back on. Also, all special sensor definitions will be lost and must be re-entered.

The BEAMEX TC303 software is stored in two EPROM memories, one on each processor board at the bottom of the calibrator. The left side (front view) board is the ‘main processor board’, and the right side is the ‘temperature processor board’. The EPROMs are labeled ‘Main Processor’ and ‘Temp. Processor’ respectively. To install a new software version, follow the updating instructions delivered with the new EPROM(s).

To install software options, you must purchase a license which is delivered as security codes. To generate these codes, the manufacturer needs the serial number of the calibrator and the analog i/o assembly.

To read the serial numbers, follow these steps:

1. Select the configuration menu entry CONF (quick select: press CONF then STO).

2. At the prompt C.CODE?, enter the code 101 ENT.

3. The display will show something similar to:

C.330

E.10234

This means the calibrator serial number is 330 and the analog i/o assembly serial number is 10234.

4. Write these numbers down and press ESC to exit. Contact the manufacturer with these numbers to receive your security codes for the software options.

When the battery gets old, its capacity decreases and it can no longer be used for a sufficient time between charges. To replace the battery pack:

1. Remove the cover of the calibrator.

2. Open the screws of the battery pack cover and remove the cover.

3. Loosen the battery pack wire connectors from the power supply board.

4. Install the new battery pack in reverse order.

The battery replacement should be done with the battery charger connected to prevent the loss of data stored in the read/write memory. Otherwise, the device will lose date, time, and all data in the Working Memory and Data Memory. After replacement, the device may show ‘ERROR CODE 7’. If this happens, switch the unit off for 5 seconds and then switch it back on.

You can identify faulty parts of the BEAMEX TC303 by observing its symptoms.

Display and keypad board:

A fault is obvious if:

• The calibrator functions, but some display segments never show.

• The display backlight or parts of it never function.

• Some keys never function (this could also be a fault on the main processor board or in the cabling).

• Some keys are stuck, likely due to dust or liquid penetration.

Battery pack:

• If the calibrator cannot be used for a long enough time after a recharge, first check the recharging process. After a full charge, disconnect the charger and measure the battery voltage; it should be about 100%.

• If the batteries charge fully but the usage time is very short, the battery pack is faulty. A damaged battery may also prevent the calibrator from switching on. With a fully charged battery, the voltage should be around 8.5V at room temperature if the charger has been disconnected for 15 minutes and the calibrator is off.

Warning! Avoid short-circuiting the battery terminals, as the high current can cause burns, battery damage, or fire.

Power supply board:

• You can measure the output voltages. Connect all cables from the power supply card and switch the calibrator on. The most important voltage is marked ‘G’ on the board diagram; if it is about 25.5V, it’s likely that all other voltages are correct.

• To check for galvanic isolation, switch the calibrator off and measure the DC resistance between the CJ-block minus terminal and the section B black terminal. The value should be more than 10 megaohms. If it’s lower, the fault could be in the power supply, i/o-assembly, a processor board, or cabling.

Warning! Use an ordinary ohm meter, not a high voltage isolation meter.

Processor boards:

• A fault on a processor board can cause many different symptoms. The device may get stuck on the ‘SELF TEST’ screen, switch off automatically, or you may be unable to switch it off.

• If you cannot switch the calibrator off, loosen one of the battery wires from the power supply board and disconnect the battery charger. When you reconnect the battery wire, you should be able to switch the calibrator on again. Note that disconnecting the batteries will erase the contents of the read/write memory, as well as the time and date.

Optional 24V supply board:

• If you have the 24V option and the calibrator works correctly but there is no 24V output, the fault is on the 24V option board or in its cabling.

To perform a complete calibration of the BEAMEX TC303, you need the following equipment:

1. DC calibrator, capable of generating the required voltages and currents.

2. DC meter, capable of measuring the generated voltages in the resistance simulation calibration.

3. Four precision resistors with specified resistances and accuracies.

4. A good quality thermocouple of type E, J, K, or T (type E is recommended for its high output voltage).

5. An icebath or another known temperature reference with a combined uncertainty of less than 0.05°C with the thermocouple.

Alternatively, items 4 and 5 can be replaced with a small temperature sensor and measuring device with a calibrated accuracy better than 0.05°C.

The required signals for calibration are detailed in the tables below.

Required signals for B-section calibration:

Required signals for A-section measurements:

Required equipment for calibration of resistance simulation:

Resistance measuring device with:

• measurement current 1 mA +/- 10%

• accuracy 0 to 400 ohm: better than 15 mohm

• accuracy 400 to 4000 ohm: better than 150 mohm

OR

Current source (0.9 to 1.1 mA, known with uncertainty ±30 nA) and voltage measuring device (0 to 5 V: Rin >10 GΩ, accuracy better than 0.001% of reading).

To ensure the best accuracy during calibration, follow these preparatory steps:

1. The ambient temperature of the calibration environment should be 23°C ±2°C.

2. Ensure all required equipment is available and switched on in good time to stabilize.

3. The BEAMEX TC303 should have at least 50% battery capacity remaining.

4. Disconnect the charger at least one hour before the calibration.

5. Switch the calibrator on about one hour before starting the calibration to allow it to stabilize.

6. Whenever you change the test wiring, wait a couple of minutes to allow the temperature to stabilize to avoid extra thermovoltages that can worsen calibration results.

1. Use the code 3051 in the CONF menu entry OTHERS to start the calibration.

2. The BEAMEX TC303 will request a security code (S.CODE ?). Enter the TC303’s serial number followed by a ‘1’, then press ENT. (e.g., for s/n 780, enter 7801 ENT).

3. The lower display will show the measured electrical signal, and the upper display will prompt REF?.

4. For each measurement type (mV, V, mA), carry out the following steps:

a. Select the required measurement (mV, V, mA) with the up arrow key (key SEL[9]).

b. Connect the required calibration signal to the selected terminals.

c. Key in the correct value of the calibration signal and press ENT when the measured value has been stable for more than 10 seconds.

5. If the reading was not stable, the device will flash NOT STABLE. Ensure the reading is stable and press ENT again.

6. If there are multiple calibration points for the measurement, repeat steps 4b and 4c for each point, starting from the highest point and moving to the lowest.

7. After all points are calibrated, the factors are stored temporarily. To save them permanently, press the STO key. At the prompt ENT=SAVE, press ENT. Pressing any other key will return to calibration mode.

8. To exit without saving, switch the BEAMEX TC303 off.

1. Turn the MEASURE/GENERATE switch to the position MEASURE.

2. Use the code 3052 in the CONF menu entry OTHERS to start the calibration.

3. At the security code prompt (S.CODE ?), enter the TC303’s serial number followed by a ‘2’, then press ENT. (e.g., for s/n 780, enter 7802 ENT).

4. The upper display shows the measured electrical signal, and the lower display prompts REF?.

5. For each measurement type (mV, V, mA, ohm), carry out the following steps:

a. Select the required measurement with the up arrow key (key SEL[8]).

b. Connect the required calibration signal to the selected terminals. Use a 4-wire connection for resistors.

c. Key in the correct value of the calibration signal or resistance and press ENT when the measured value has been stable for more than 10 seconds.

6. If the reading was not stable, the device will flash NOT STABLE. Ensure the reading is stable and press ENT again.

7. If there are multiple calibration points, repeat steps 5b and 5c for each point, starting from the highest point and moving to the lowest.

8. To save the new calibration factors permanently, press STO. At the prompt ENT=SAVE, press ENT.

9. To exit without saving, switch the BEAMEX TC303 off.

1. Turn the MEASURE/GENERATE switch to the position GENERATE.

2. Use the code 3053 in the CONF menu entry OTHERS to start the calibration.

3. At the security code prompt (S.CODE ?), enter the TC303’s serial number followed by a ‘3’, then press ENT. (e.g., for s/n 780, enter 7803 ENT).

4. Connect a resistance measurement equipment with a measurement current of 1 mA ±10% to the two leftmost ohm terminals of the TC303 using a four-wire connection.

5. The upper display shows the simulated resistance, and the lower display prompts REF?.

6. The first value to be simulated is around 400 ohms. If the shown value differs from the measured resistance, enter the correct resistance value. The upper display will update to the entered value.

7. Select the next calibration point by pressing the up arrow key. The calibration points are around 400, 10, 10 (different internal configuration), and 4000 ohms.

Note: The calibration of the 400 ohm point affects all other points. If the 400 ohm point needs to be calibrated, it should be done first.

8. After calibrating all points, press STO to save the factors. At the prompt ENT=SAVE, press ENT. This saves the new factors to the EEPROM memory.

9. To exit without saving, switch the BEAMEX TC303 off.

You can calibrate the internal reference junction compensation using either a thermocouple or a thermometer.

General Steps:

1. Turn the MEASURE/GENERATE switch to MEASURE.

2. Use code 3054 in the CONF OTHERS menu.

3. For the security code (S.CODE ?), enter the serial number plus ‘4’ (e.g., 7804 ENT).

Using a thermocouple (Method 1):

1. Use a good quality thermocouple (type E, J, K, or T) without extension wires. Connect it to the TC303’s thermocouple connector block.

2. Place the other end of the sensor into a stable temperature bath (like an icebath) at least one hour beforehand to ensure temperature stabilization.

3. Allow the temperatures in the connector block to settle for at least five minutes after connection.

4. Select the required thermocouple type with the up arrow key (key SENSOR[7]). The upper display shows the measured bath temperature.

5. At the REF? prompt, key in the correct temperature, wait until the measurement is stable for over 25 seconds, and press ENT. Account for any known error of the thermocouple.

Using a thermometer (Method 2):

1. Use a small temperature sensor and indicator with a combined accuracy better than 0.05°C.

2. The sensor must be small enough to fit through a thermocouple plug hole inside the TC303 connector block, with good thermal connection to the block’s surface.

3. Cover the connector block and sensor with good thermal insulation material and allow the temperature to settle for at least half an hour.

4. Select thermocouple type B with the up arrow key. This acts as a flag to the TC303 that you are calibrating with a thermometer.

5. The upper display now shows the internal temperature of the connector block.

6. At the REF? prompt, key in the correct temperature reading from the external indicator, wait until the TC303 measurement is stable for over 25 seconds, and press ENT.

Saving the Calibration:

After a successful calibration, the new factor is stored temporarily. To save it permanently, press STO, then press ENT at the ENT=SAVE prompt.

1. Use the code 3056 in the CONF menu entry OTHERS to set the calibration period.

2. At the security code prompt (S.CODE ?), enter the TC303’s serial number followed by a ‘6’, then press ENT. (e.g., for s/n 780, enter 7806 ENT).

3. The BEAMEX TC303 will prompt PERIOD on the upper display and show the current calibration period in months on the lower display.

4. If the period is not suitable, alter it by keying in the new value (in months) and pressing ENT.

5. Pressing ESC will exit without changing the setting.

The factory setting is 6 months. After the recommended calibration date passes, the device will show the message CALIBR SOON every time you switch it on. You can press ESC to continue using the calibrator, but it should be recalibrated soon to ensure accuracy.

Warning! Never connect RS-232 level signals directly to the BEAMEX TC303 connector; it may damage internal circuits. Always use an RS1 or RS2 interface device. Never connect the TC303 to circuits that are connected to ground if using an unisolated interface device (RS1), as this may cause ground loops, noise, or circuit damage.

The BEAMEX TC303 can be controlled remotely using serial commands. The commands are grouped by function:

Interface configuration and control:

These commands manage the communication protocol itself.

Device configuration:

These commands configure the measurement and generation settings of the calibrator.

Calibration and service:

These commands are for calibration procedures.

Key emulation/inquiry:

Other standard commands:

When an error occurs during serial communication, the BEAMEX TC303 reports a status code. If multiple errors occur, the codes are combined (ORed). Requesting the status clears the code after it is sent. The table below details the codes and messages.

The measurement printout is a line of 44 characters, followed by line termination characters. The format is fixed and provides detailed information about the calibrator’s status and readings.