Extech GX900 Manual
Extech GX900 Manual
Extech GX900 Manual
KEY FEATURES
Reading HOLD feature for freezing displayed information (with Auto Hold)
Intuitive TFT color LCD display and convenient keypad push‐button control
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 2
KEY FEATURES ......................................................................................... 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................... 3
SAFETY .................................................................................................... 6
INTERNATIONAL SAFETY SYMBOLS..........................................................6
IEC1010 OVERVOLTAGE INSTALLATION CATEGORIES ...............................6
CAUTIONS ............................................................................................... 7
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS – INPUT PROTECTION LIMITS ..............................8
FCC COMPLIANCE .................................................................................... 9
DESCRIPTIONS ....................................................................................... 10
METER DESCRIPTION ............................................................................. 10
INPUT TERMINAL DESCRIPTION ............................................................. 10
KEYPAD DESCRIPTION ........................................................................... 11
LCD DISPLAY DESCRIPTION .................................................................... 12
QUICK START GUIDE .............................................................................. 13
MEASUREMENTS ................................................................................... 14
DC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS .............................................................. 14
AC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS .............................................................. 15
dBm/dBV AC MEASUREMENTS.............................................................. 15
LOW PASS FILTER FOR ACV MEASUREMENTS ........................................ 16
DC/AC MILLIVOLT MEASUREMENTS ...................................................... 16
This symbol, adjacent to another symbol or terminal, indicates the user must
refer to the manual for further information.
Double insulation
This symbol advises the user that the terminals so marked must not be
connected to a circuit point at which the voltage with respect to earth ground
exceeds (for this specific instrument) 1000VAC or VDC
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY I
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY I is equipment for connection to circuits in which
measures are taken to limit the transient over‐voltages to an appropriate low level. Examples
include protected electronic circuits.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY II
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY II is energy‐consuming equipment to be supplied from
the fixed installation. Examples include household, office, and laboratory appliances.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III is equipment in fixed installations.
Note – Examples include switches in the fixed installation and some equipment for industrial use
with permanent connection to the fixed installation.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY IV
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY IV is for use at the origin of the installation. Examples
include electricity meters and primary over‐current protection equipment.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
METER DESCRIPTION
1. LCD display
1
2. Sub‐function keys F1, F2, F3, and F4
3. Data HOLD button
4. MAX‐MIN memory button 2 12
3 11
5. Rotary Primary Function Select Switch
4 10
6. Input jack for Amperes (A)
7. Input jack mA, uA (milli‐ & micro‐Amperes)
8. Input jack (COM) negative 5
9. Input jack (positive) for all functions
10. Display Backlight control 6 9
11. Information button
12. Navigation arrow keys and OK confirmation button 7 8
Note: Battery compartment and tilt stand are located on the rear of the instrument
INFO button
Opens the information window
Backlight button
Selects backlight intensity from low to high. Also used to return from an auto‐power
off condition
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Extech Instruments
LCD DISPLAY DESCRIPTION
1. Soft key labels indicate the function of the button just below the displayed label.
2. Bar graph Analog display for the input signal (See the "Bar Graph" section for more
information).
3. Primary measurement display area* (minus sign indicates a negative reading).
4. Range indicates the meter’s present range and the ranging mode (auto or manual).
5. Battery level indicates the battery charge level.
6. Time indicates the time set for the internal clock.
7. Mode annunciators indicate the Meter's mode.
8. Mini‐measurement display shows the input value when the primary and secondary
displays are busy with a menu screen or pop‐up message. Also shows the lightning
bolt icon (when necessary) in this area.
9. Main display provides measurement information regarding the input signal.
10. Date indicates the date set for the internal clock.
11. Beeper indicates the Meter’s audible feedback is enabled (this is not associated with
the continuity beeper).
12. Unit indicates the units of measure. Auxiliary Units indicates measurements that use
factors instead of units (such as Crest Factor).
13. Blue tooth indicates communication link activity.
14. Relative indicates that the displayed value is relative to a stored reference value.
15. Secondary display shows secondary measurement information concerning the input
signal.
*The Primary display area indicates the most important value of the selected function.
The secondary display contains the bar graph and other values that may be measured in
addition to the primary function (for example, frequency measurements along with the
primary AC voltage measurement).
Step One: Ensure that batteries are installed and are fresh
Step Two: Carefully read the Safety section of this Instruction Manual
Step Three: Check the Table of Contents to find the section of this Instruction
Manual related to the desired test
Step Four: Connect the test leads to the meter and to the device under test as
described in this Instruction Manual’s section related to the test in question
Step Five: Safely perform the test as described in this Instruction Manual
Step Seven: Carefully disconnected the meter’s test leads from the circuit or
device under test
Step Eight: Read the section of this Instruction Manual entitled Features and
Functions to learn more about the multitude of meter uses and features
Step Nine: Disconnect the test leads from the circuit under test and from the
meter and switch OFF the meter before storing.
1. ALWAYS turn the function switch to the OFF position when the meter is not in use.
2. If OL appears in the display during a measurement, the value exceeds the selected
range. Change to a higher range or use the Auto range mode.
DC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS
CAUTION: Do not measure DC voltages if a motor on the circuit is being switched ON or OFF. Large
voltage surges may occur that can damage the meter.
CAUTION: Do not measure AC voltages if a motor on the circuit is being switched ON or OFF. Large voltage
surges may occur that can damage the meter.
dBm/dBV AC MEASUREMENTS
The meter is capable of displaying AC voltage as a dB value;
relative to 1 milli‐watt (dBm), relative to 1V (dBV), or to a
custom reference value.
1. Set the function switch to the V~ position
2. Press the F1 key (MENU) on the LCD and then
navigate to the dBm/dBV field using the arrow keys
and then press OK.
3. Navigate to the menu item labeled dBm and then
press OK.
4. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the
negative COM jack. Insert red test lead banana plug into the positive V jack.
5. Touch the black test probe tip to the neutral side of the circuit. Touch the red test
probe tip to the “hot” side of the circuit.
6. Read the dBm in the primary display area and read the Voltage in the secondary
display area.
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Extech Instruments
LOW PASS FILTER FOR ACV MEASUREMENTS
The meter is equipped with a Low Pass Filter for AC
measurements. To activate the filter please follow the steps
below:
1. Set the rotary switch to the V~ position
2. Press the F1 key (MENU)
3. Move the menu selector to the LOW PASS field and then
press OK
4. Select LPF (Low Pass Filter) and then press OK
5. Press the F3 key (RANGE) and then press the F2 key (MANUAL)
6. Move the menu selector to the 500V field and press the OK key
1. Insert black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.
2. For current measurements up to 5000µA DC, set the
function switch to the µA position and insert the red test
lead banana plug into the µA/mA jack. Press the F1 key
(MENU) and select uADC, Press the OK key.
3. For current measurements up to 500mA DC, set the function
switch to the mA position and insert the red test lead
banana plug into the µA/mA jack. Press the F1 key (MENU)
and select mADC, Press the OK key.
4. For current measurements up to 10A DC, set the function
switch to the 10A position and insert the red test lead
banana plug into the 10A jack. Press the F1 key (MENU) and
select ADC, Press the OK key.
5. Remove power from the circuit under test, then open up the
circuit at the point where current is to be measured.
6. Touch the black test probe tip to the negative side of the
circuit.
7. Touch the red test probe tip to the positive side of the
circuit.
8. Apply power to the circuit.
9. Read the current in the display.
1. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative
COM jack.
2. For current measurements up to 5000µA AC, set the
function switch to the µA position and insert the red test
lead banana plug into the µA/mA jack. Press the F1 key
(MENU) and select uAAC, Press the OK key.
3. For current measurements up to 500mA AC, set the
function switch to the mA position and insert the red test
lead banana plug into the µA/mA jack. Press the F1 key
(MENU) and select mAAC, Press the OK key.
4. For current measurements up to 10A AC, set the function
switch to the 10A position and insert the red test lead
banana plug into the 10A jack. Press the F1 key (MENU)
and select AAC, Press the OK key.
5. Press the key labeled MENU, move the menu selector to
the item labeled AC, and then press the OK key
6. Remove power from the circuit under test, then open up
the circuit at the point where current is to be measured.
7. Touch the black test probe tip to the neutral side of the circuit. Touch the red test
probe tip to the “hot” side of the circuit.
8. Apply power to the circuit.
9. Read the current in the display.
DIODE TEST
1. Set the function switch to the Ω CAP position
2. Press the F1 key (MENU), move the menu selector to the
DIODE field, and then press the OK key
3. Move the menu selector to the item labeled DIODE and
press the OK key
4. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative
COM jack and the red test lead banana plug into the
positive V jack.
5. Touch the test probes to the diode under test. Forward
voltage will typically indicate 0.400 to 3.200V. Reverse
voltage will indicate OL. Shorted devices will indicate near
0V and an open device will indicate OL in both polarities.
Note: The temperature range of the supplied thermocouple probe is ‐20 to 250°C (‐4
to 482°F)
COUNTER MEASUREMENTS
1. Set the rotary function switch to the RPM position.
2. Press the F1 key (MENU), move the menu selector to the item labeled COUNTER,
and then press the OK key
3. Move the menu selector to the item labeled START and press the OK key
4. Insert the black test lead into the negative COM jack and the red test lead into the
positive V jack.
5. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit under test.
6. Read the Period value on the display.
7. To set the Count Threshold press the F1 key (MENU), move the menu selector to
the item labeled COUNTER, and press the OK key
8. Move the menu selector to the menu item labeled THRESHOLD and press the OK
key
9. Enter 1 or 2 or 3 using the arrow keys and then press the F1 key to save. Press the
F1 key to return to the measure screen.
AC AND DC SIGNALS
This meter is capable of displaying both AC and DC
signal components (voltage or current) as two separate readings or one AC+DC (RMS)
value combined. The meter displays AC and DC combinations three ways:
DC displayed over AC (DC, AC)
AC displayed over DC (AC, DC)
AC combined with DC (AC+DC)
Select one of the above combinations using the FUNCTION and MODE menu as
described in the steps below:
1. With the rotary switch set to V, mV, A, mA, or uA press the key labeled MENU
2. Move the menu selector to the menu item labeled MATH
3. Press OK
4. The three labels (AC+DC, AC/DC, and DC/AC) will appear
5. Move the menu selector to the desired menu label
6. Press OK
While in any of the three modes described above Peak Measurements, Frequency,
Duty Cycle, MAX‐MIN, Relative %, and Period Measurements are not available for use.
The MIN‐MAX mode is useful when recording power supply surges, in‐rush currents,
and finding intermittent failures. Response time is the length of time an input must
remain at a new value to be captured as a possible new minimum or maximum valued.
To activate the MIN‐MAX mode, press the MIN‐MAX button; the display will indicate
the MIN‐MAX values at the top of the measurement page. The start date and time are
indicated at the bottom of the measurement page. In addition, the recorded MIN‐
MAX‐AVG values appear in the secondary display with their respective elapsed timers.
To stop a MIN‐MAX recording session press the key labeled STOP. The summary
information in the display freezes and the keys change function to allow saving the
collected data. Press the key labeled ‘CLOSE’ to discard the collected data and return
to the normal operating mode.
To save the MIN‐MAX screen data, the MIN‐MAX session must be ended by pressing
the key labeled STOP. After pressing STOP, press the key labeled SAVE. A dialogue box
will open prompting for a filename (a name is automatically proposed which can be
accepted or changed by the user). Press the key labeled SAVE. Press the key labeled
RESTART while MIN‐MAX is running stops the MIN‐MAX session, discards all MIN‐MAX
data, and starts a new MIN‐MAX recording session.
RELATIVE MODE
To activate the Relative mode, press the F1 key (MENU) and move the menu selector
next to the menu item labeled REL/REL% and then press the OK key.
Move the menu selector to the REL or the REL% label and press OK to start the Relative
mode.
If the meter is currently in the Relative mode, pressing REL% causes the meter to
switch OFF the Relative mode and display Relative percent.
BLUETOOTHTM CAPABILITY
A Bluetooth communication link can be used to connect to the GX900 software. It
will also allow you to monitor the meter from an Android device using ExView™.
1. Open the setup menu by pressing the F4 key (SETUP).
2. Position the menu selector next to the INSTRUMENT label and press OK
3. Position the menu selector next to the COMMUNICATE label and press OK
4. Press the F1 key (START) to turn on the Bluetooth™ signal.
5. Repeat steps 1~3 and then press the F2 key (STOP) to turn off the Bluetooth™
signal.
Note: when the meter is shut off and then back on, the Bluetooth signal will have
to be turned back on manually.
GX900 SOFTWARE
The GX900 meter comes with software that will allow you to capture measured data
in Real Time and download logged data from the GX900 to the software. Refer to
the software’s help file for instructions for use.
NUMERIC FORMAT
1. Press the F4 key (SETUP).
2. Position the menu selector next to the item labeled DISPLAY and press OK.
3. Position the menu selector next to the item labeled FORMAT and press OK
4. Position the menu selector next to the item labeled NUMERIC and press OK.
5. Select F1 (0.000) or F2 (0,000) or F4 (CANCEL).
LANGAUGE FORMAT
1. Press the F4 key (SETUP).
2. Position the menu selector next to the item labeled DISPLAY and press OK.
3. Position the menu selector next to the item labeled FORMAT and press OK
4. Position the menu selector next to the item labeled LANGAUGE and press OK.
5. Select F1 (ENG) or F4 (CANCEL).
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
When the low battery icon appears on the display replace the batteries as described
below:
1. Switch the meter off and remove the test leads from the meter’s input jacks
2. Open the battery compartment door by removing the 2 screws.
3. Replace the batteries; please observe battery orientation and polarity
4. Replace the battery compartment cover
NOTE: Accuracy is stated at 18 to 28°C (65 to 83°F) and < 75% RH for calibration using a pure sine
wave.
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