PCE Instruments PCE-VR 10 Voltage Data Logger User Manual

: June 5, 2024
: PCE Instruments

Table of Contents

PCE Instruments PCE-VR 10 Voltage Data Logger
Safety notes
Function
Specifications
Scope of delivery
System description
Operation
Advanced settings
Battery replacement
Reset system
RS232 interface
Warranty
Disposal
PCE Instruments contact information
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

PCE Instruments PCE-VR 10 Voltage Data Logger

Safety notes

Please read this manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time. The device may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel. Damage or injuries caused by non- observance of the manual are excluded from our liability and not covered by our warranty.

The device must only be used as described in this instruction manual. If used otherwise, this can cause dangerous situations for the user and damage to the meter.
The instrument may only be used if the environmental conditions (temperature, relative humidity, …) are within the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Do not expose the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity or moisture.
Do not expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.
The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.
Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.
You must not make any technical changes to the device.
The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral cleaner, no abrasives or solvents.
The device must only be used with accessories from PCE Instruments or equivalent.
Before each use, inspect the case for visible damage. If any damage is visible, do not use the device.
Do not use the instrument in explosive atmospheres.
The measurement range as stated in the specifications must not be exceeded under any circumstances.
Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to the user.

We do not assume liability for printing errors or any other mistakes in this manual. We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our general terms of business. If you have any questions please contact PCE Instruments. The contact details can be found at the end of this manual.

Function

The data logger can display voltages within a range of 0 … 3000 mV DC and make 3-channel recordings at different storage intervals.

Specifications

Specification	Explanations
Measurement range	0 … 300 mV DC
Measurement accuracy	±(0.5 % + 0.2 mV)
Resolution	0.1 mV
Log interval in seconds	1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60, 120, 300, 600, Auto
Battery life when logging on battery power	approx. 30 h at 2 s log interval
Memory	SD card up to 16 GB
Display	LCD with backlight
Display refresh rate	1 s

Power supply

Scope of delivery

1 x voltage data logger PCE-VR 10 3 x connection terminals
1 x SD memory card
1 x wall bracket
1 x adhesive pad
6 x 1.5 V AAA battery
1 x user manual

System description

9 V DC input
Reset key opening
RS232 output
SD card slot
Display
LOG / Enter key
Set key
▼ / Power key
▲ / Time key
Mounting hole
Stand
Battery compartment
Battery compartment screw
Measuring input channel 1
Measuring input channel 2
Measuring input channel 3
Wall bracket
Connector measuring input channel 1
Connector measuring input channel 2
Connector measuring input channel 3

Operation

Measurement preparation

Before using the device for the first time, insert the batteries correctly into the device as described in chapter 7. The batteries are absolutely necessary to operate the internal clock when the meter is switched off.
Insert an SD card into the card slot. Format the card before using it for the first time or if the card has been formatted by other devices. To format the SD card, proceed as described in chapter 6.7.1
Switch on the unit with the “▼ / Power” key.
Check the date, time, and sampling time (log interval).
Press the “▲ / Time” key for approx. 2 seconds. The set values are displayed one after the other. You can change the date, time and sampling time as described in 6.7.2and 6.7.3
Make sure that the decimal character is set correctly. The default decimal character is a dot. In Europe, however, the comma is customary. If the decimal character is not set correctly in your country, this can lead to incorrect values and complications when reading out the memory card. You can make the setting as described under chapter 6.7.5
Enable or disable the key and control sounds as described in chapter 6.7.4
Enable or disable the RS232 output described in chapter 6.7.6
Set the desired measurement range as described in chapter 6.8
Connect the signal line to the corresponding plugs of the measuring inputs, observing correct polarity.

Attention!
Maximum input voltage 3000 mV. For higher voltages, a voltage divider must be connected upstream!

Display information

SD card is full or defective. Clear and format the SD card. If the indicator continues to appear, replace the SD card.

Battery level low Replace the batteries.

No SD card inserted

Measuring / Logging
- Plug the measuring input connectors into the corresponding channel input, observing correct polarity.
- Switch on the meter with the “▼ / Power” key.
- The current measured values are displayed.
Starting the log function
- To start the logger, press and hold the “LOG / Enter” key for 2 seconds. Scan” appears briefly in the upper part of the display as confirmation. “Datalogger” appears between the channel 2 and 3 displays. The lettering “Datalogger” flashes and the control sound is audible at the set log interval (if not disabled).
Exiting the log function
- To exit the log function, press and hold the “LOG / Enter” key for 2 seconds.
- The unit returns to measuring mode.
Backlight
- Battery operation
  Press the “▼ / Power” key to switch on the display backlight for approx. 6 seconds when the meter is switched on.
- Mains operation
  Press the “▼ / Power” key to switch the display backlight on or off when the meter is switched on.
- Switching the meter off and on
  • If necessary, disconnect the plug-in mains adaptor from the mains and the meter.
  • Press and hold the “▼ / Power” key for 2 seconds.
  • To switch the meter back on again, briefly press the “▼ / Power” key once.
  It is not possible to switch off the meter while the power supply is provided by the mains adaptor.
- Data transfer to the PC
  • Remove the SD card from the meter when the log function is finished. Attention!
  Removing the SD card while the log function is running can lead to data loss.
  • Insert the SD card into the corresponding SD card slot on the PC or into an SD card reader connected to the PC.
  • Start the spreadsheet program on your PC, open the file on the SD card, and read out the data
- SD card structure

The following structure is automatically created on the SD card when it is used for the first time or after formatting:

Folder “MVA01
File “MVA01001” with max. 30000 data records
File “MVA01002” with max. 30000 records if MVA01001 overflows
etc. to “MVA01099
File “MVA02001” if MVA01099 overflows
etc. to “MVA10.

Example file

Advanced settings

With the meter switched on and the data logger not activated, press and hold the “SET” key until “Set” appears on the display.
With the “SET” key, you can call up the following setting options one after the other.

| Display indication| Action
---|---|---
1| Sd F| Format SD card
2| dAtE| Set date / time
3| SP-t| Sampling time / log interval
4| bEEP| Key &/ control sound on / off
5| dEC| Decimal character . or ,
6| rS232| RS 232 output on / off
7| rng| Measurement range 300 mV or 3000 mV

Format SD card

Navigate to the advanced settings as described above. The prompt Sd F appears on the display.
Use the “▼ / Power” or “▲ / Time” keys to select yes or no.
Confirm the selection with the “LOG / Enter” key.
If you select “yes”, you must confirm the security query again by pressing the “LOG /Enter” key.
Press the “SET” key repeatedly until you return to measuring mode or wait for 5 seconds; then the meter will switch to measuring mode automatically.

Attention!
If you select “yes” and confirm the security query, all data on the SD card will be deleted and the SD card will be reformatted.

Date / time

Navigate to the advanced settings as described above.
Press the “SET” key repeatedly until “dAtE” appears on the display. After a short time, the year, month and day appear on the display.
Use the “▼ / Power” or “▲ / Time” keys to select the current year and confirm the entry with the “LOG / Enter” key.
Proceed with the entry of the month and the day as with the entry of the year. After confirming the day, the hour, minute and second will appear on the display.
Proceed with these entries as with the year, etc.
Press the “SET” key repeatedly until you return to measuring mode or wait for 5 seconds; then the meter will switch to measuring mode automatically.

Sampling time/log interval

Navigate to the advanced settings as described above.
Press the “SET” key repeatedly until “SP-t” appears on the display.
Select the desired log interval with the “▼ / Power” or “▲ / Time” keys and confirm the entry with the “LOG / Enter” key. The following can be selected: 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60, 120, 300, 600 s and auto.
Press the “SET” key repeatedly until you return to measuring mode or wait for 5 seconds; then the meter will switch to measuring mode automatically.

Attention!
“auto” means that each time the measured values are changed (>±10 digit), the values are saved once. If the setting is 1 second, individual data records may be lost.

Key / control sounds X

Navigate to the advanced settings as described above. Press the “SET” key repeatedly until “bEEP” appears on the display.
Use the “▼ / Power “or “▲ / Time” key to select yes or no.
Confirm the selection with the “LOG / Enter” key.
Press the “SET” key repeatedly until you return to measuring mode or wait for 5 seconds; then the meter will switch to measuring mode automatically.

Decimal character

Navigate to the advanced settings as described above. Press the “SET” key repeatedly until “dEC” appears on the display.
Use the “▼ / Power” or “▲ / Time” keys to select “Euro” or “USA”. “Euro” corresponds to the comma and “USA” corresponds to the dot. In Europe, the comma is mainly used as the decimal character.
Confirm the selection with the “LOG / Enter” key.
Press the “SET” key repeatedly until you return to measuring mode or wait for 5 seconds; then the meter will switch to measuring mode automatically.

RS232 output

Navigate to the advanced settings as described above. Press the “SET” key repeatedly until “rS232” appears on the display.
Use the “▼ / Power” or “▲ / Time” key to select yes or no.
Confirm the selection with the “LOG / Enter” key.
Press the “SET” key repeatedly until you return to measuring mode or wait for 5 seconds; then the meter will switch to measuring mode automatically.

Measurement range

Navigate to the advanced settings as described above. Press the “SET” key repeatedly until “rng” appears on the display.
Use the “▼ / Power” or “▲ / Time” keys to select 300 mV or 3000 mV.
Confirm the selection with the “LOG / Enter” key.
Press the “SET” key repeatedly until you return to measuring mode or wait for 5 seconds; then the meter will switch to measuring mode automatically.

Battery replacement

Replace the batteries when the low battery indicator appears in the left corner of the display. Low batteries can lead to incorrect readings and loss of data.
Loosen the middle screw in the lower area on the back of the unit.
Open the battery compartment.
Remove the used batteries and insert 6 new 1.5 V AAA batteries correctly.
Close the battery compartment and fasten the locking screw.

Reset system

If a serious system error occurs, resetting the system can solve the problem. To do this, press the reset key with a thin object while the instrument is switched on. Note that this resets the advanced settings to the factory default.

RS232 interface

The unit has an RS232 interface via a 3.5 mm socket. The output is a 16-digit data string that can be set up according to user-specific requirements. An RS232 cable with the following features is required to connect the unit to a PC:

The 16-digit data string is displayed in the following format:
D15 D14 D13 D12 D11 D10 D9 D8 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 The numbers stand for the following parameters:

D15	Start word
D14	4
D13	When upper display data is sent, 1 is sent When medium display data is

sent, 2 is sent When lower display data is sent, 3 is sent
D12 & D11| Annunciator for display mA = 37
D10| Polarity

0 = Positive 1 = Negative

D9| Decimal point (DP), position from right to left 0 = No DP, 1= 1 DP, 2 = 2 DP, 3 = 3 DP
D8 to D1| Display indication, D1 = LSD, D8 = MSD For example:

If display is 1234, D8 … D1 is 00001234

D0| End word
Baud rate| 9600
---|---
Parity| No parity
Data bit no.| 8 data bits
Stop bit| 1 stop bit

Warranty

You can read our warranty terms in our General Business Terms which you can find here: https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/terms.

Disposal

For the disposal of batteries in the EU, the 2006/66/EC directive of the European Parliament applies. Due to the contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as household waste. They must be given to collection points designed for that purpose. In order to comply with the EU directive 2012/19/EU, we take our devices back. We either re-use them or give them to a recycling company that disposes of the devices in line with the law. For countries outside the EU, batteries, and devices should be disposed of in accordance with your local waste regulations. If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments

PCE Instruments contact information

Germany
PCE Deutschland GmbH
Im Langel 4
D-59872 Meschede
Deutschland
Tel.: +49 (0) 2903 976 99 0
Fax: +49 (0) 2903 976 99 29 info@pce-instruments.com
www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch

United Kingdom
PCE Instruments UK Ltd
Unit 11 Southpoint Business Park Ensign Way, Southampton Hampshire
United Kingdom, SO31 4RF
Tel: +44 (0) 2380 98703 0
Fax: +44 (0) 2380 98703 9
info@pce-instruments.co.uk www.pce- instruments.com/english

The Netherlands
PCE Brookhuis B.V. Institutenweg 15
7521 PH Enschede
Nederland
Telefoon: +31 (0)53 737 01 92 info@pcebenelux.nl
www.pce-instruments.com/dutch

France
PCE Instruments France EURL
23, rue de Strasbourg
67250 Soultz-Sous-Forets
France
Téléphone: +33 (0) 972 3537 17 Numéro de fax: +33 (0) 972 3537 18 info@pce- france.fr
www.pce-instruments.com/french

Italy
PCE Italia s.r.l.
Via Pesciatina 878 / B-Interno 6 55010 Loc. Gragnano
Capannori (Lucca)
Italia
Telefono: +39 0583 975 114
Fax: +39 0583 974 824
info@pce-italia.it
www.pce-instruments.com/italiano

Hong Kong
PCE Instruments HK Ltd.
Unit J, 21/F., COS Centre
56 Tsun Yip Street
Kwun Tong
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: +852-301-84912
jyi@pce-instruments.com
www.pce-instruments.cn

Spain
PCE Ibérica S.L.
Calle Mayor, 53
02500 Tobarra (Albacete)
España
Tel. : +34 967 543 548
Fax: +34 967 543 542
info@pce-iberica.es
www.pce-instruments.com/espanol

Turkey
PCE Teknik Cihazları Ltd.Şti. Halkalı Merkez Mah.
Pehlivan Sok. No.6/C
34303 Küçükçekmece – İstanbul Türkiye
Tel: 0212 471 11 47
Faks: 0212 705 53 93
info@pce-cihazlari.com.tr
www.pce-instruments.com/turkish

United States of America
PCE Americas Inc.
1201 Jupiter Park Drive, Suite 8 Jupiter / Palm Beach
33458 FL
USA
Tel: +1 561-320-9162
Fax: +1 561-320-9176
info@pce-americas.com