HT Instruments PV204 Mobile Digital Solar Meter User Manual

: June 3, 2024
: HT INSTRUMENTS

Table of Contents

PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY MEASURES
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
PREPARATION FOR USE
DESCRIPTION OF FUNCTION KEYS
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
SERVICE
INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
References
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PV204 Mobile Digital Solar Meter
User Manual

PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY MEASURES

The instrument has been designed in compliance with the safety directives relevant to electronic measuring instruments. In order to prevent damaging the instrument, please carefully follow the procedures described in this manual and read all notes preceded by the symbol with the utmost attention. Before and after carrying out the measurements, carefully observe the following instructions:

Do not carry out any measurements in case gas, explosive materials or flammables are present, or in dusty environments
Do not carry out any measurement in humid environments
Do not carry out any measurement in case you find anomalies such as deformation, breaks, substance leaks, absence of display on the screen, etc.
Do not touch the photodiode sensor while carrying out measurements, in order to prevent any damage to the instrument caused by static electricity or contamination

The following symbol is used in this manual:
CAUTION
Caution: observe the instructions given in this manual. Improper use could damage the instrument and/or its components.
1.1 PRELIMINARY INSTRUCTIONS
In order to prevent incorrect reading, replace the battery when the symbol “ ” appears on the display when switching on the instrument.
1.2 DURING USE
Please carefully read the following recommendations and instructions.
CAUTION
Failure to comply with the Caution notes and/or Instructions may damage the instrument and/or its components or be a source of danger for the operator.
While measuring, if the value or the sign of the quantity being measured remain unchanged, check if the HOLD function is enabled.
1.3 AFTER USE

When measurement is complete, switch off the instrument.
If the instrument is not to be used for a long time, remove the battery.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The instrument is used to measure the sunlight irradiance. Possible applications are the evaluation of the solar power in industrial installations (photovoltaic plants) or its danger level for people’s skin. The sunlight is usually expressed in W/m² or BTU/(ft² *h).
The instrument performs the herewith measurements:

Sunlight irradiance measurement up to 1999W/m² /634BTU/(ft² *h)
Data HOLD function
Measuring unit selection among W/m² and BTU/(ft² *h)
Manual scale
Zeroing of the displayed value
Maximum and Minimum values
Low battery indication
Backlight
Auto Power OFF

PREPARATION FOR USE

3.1 INITIAL CHECKS
Before shipping, the instrument has been checked from an electric as well as mechanical point of view. All possible precautions have been taken so that the instrument is delivered undamaged. However, we recommend generally checking the instrument in order to detect possible damage suffered during transport. In case anomalies are found, immediately contact the forwarding agent. We also recommend checking that the packaging contains all components indicated in § 7.4. In case of discrepancy, please contact the Dealer. In case the instrument should be returned, please follow the instructions given in § 8
3.2 INSTRUMENT POWER SUPPLY
The instrument is powered by a single 9V alkaline battery type IEC6F22 included in the package. To prevent battery discharge, it has not been inserted in the instrument. For battery installation, follow the instructions given in § 6.1. The “ ” symbol appears when the battery is flat. Replace the battery by following the instructions given in § 6.1.
3.3 STORAGE
To guarantee precise measurement, after a long storage time under extreme environmental conditions, wait for the instrument to come back to normal condition (see § 7.3.1).

DESCRIPTION OF FUNCTION KEYS

For a complete description of the instrument refer to § 9 of the user manual.
4.1 ON/OFF KEY
By pushing ON/OFF key permits to turn on and off the instrument. The same key is used also to disable the Auto Power OFF (APO) feature (see § 4.3.10).
4.2 W/M² KEY
Press the W/m2 key to select the measuring unit of sunlight irradiation in W/m² correspondent to International System. The function is not active with MAX, or MIN features enabled
4.3 BTU KEY
Press the BTU key to select the measuring unit of sunlight irradiation in BTU/(ft² h)= British Thermal Unit / square feet / hours) correspondent to UK system. Is valid the
conversion relationship: 1W/m = 0.3169983306 BTU/(ft² h). The function is not active with MAX, or MIN features enabled.
4.4 HLD KEY
By pushing HLD key the instrument’s measured value is frozen on the display and the symbol “HOLD” appears on it. The function is not active with MAX, or MIN features
enabled.
4.5 RNG KEY
Press the RNG key to change the measuring range of the instrument noting the displacement of the relative decimal point on the display. The function is not active with MAX, or MIN features enabled.
4.6 MAX KEY
Press the MAX key to display the Maximum value of the measured quantity, automatically updated when a higher value is detected. The “MAX” symbol is shown on the display. Press longer MAX key (>1s) to exit the function.
4.7 MIN KEY
Press the MIN key to display the Minimum value of the measured quantity, automatically updated when a lower value is detected. The “MIN” symbol is shown on the display. Press longer MIN key (>1s) to exit the function.
4.8 ZRO KEY
Press the ZRO key to carry out the automatic zeroing of the value on the display in case the indication “000” should be absent when placing the protection cover onto the photodiode sensor. The message “AdJ” is shown on the display during this operation. The message “CAP” is shown on the display in case the ZRO key is pressed with the protection cover not positioned on the sensor. Insert the cover and repeat the operation, if necessary. The function is not active with MAX, or MIN features enabled.
4.9 KEY
Press the key to active/disable the display backlight
4.10 DISABLING THE AUTO POWER OFF FUNCTION
To preserve the instrument’s internal battery, the instrument switches automatically off approximately 5 minutes after it was last used. The symbol “ ” appears on the display.
To disable the Auto Power Off function, proceed as follows:

Switch on the instrument.
Press longer ON/OFF key (>1s). The symbol “ ” disappears from the display
Press again longer ON/OFF key (>1s) or switch off and then on the instrument to automatically enable the function

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

5.1 SUNLIGHT RADIATION MEASUREMENT

Insert the protection cover onto the photodiode sensor
Switch on the instrument using the ON/OFF key
If necessary, zero the display by pressing the ZRO key (see § 4.3.8)
Select the type of source to be tested by pressing the W/m² or BTU
Remove the protection cover and perform the measurement. The solar radiation value is shown on the display
With “OL” indication on the display, press the RNG key (see § 4.3.5) to select the upper measuring range
Press the HLD key, if necessary (see § 4.3.4) to freeze the value shown on the display.
Cover the sensor and switch off the instrument at the end of measurement.

MAINTENANCE

CAUTION

Only expert and trained technicians should perform maintenance operations. Before carrying out maintenance operations, disconnect all cables from the input terminals.
Always switch off the instrument after use. In case the instrument is not to be used for a long time, remove the battery to avoid liquid leaks that could damage the instrument’s internal circuits.

6.1 BATTERY REPLACEMENT
When the display shows the “ ” symbol, replace the battery.

Switch off the instrument
Remove the probe from the input terminal
Remove the battery cover
Remove the battery from the battery fastener
Set the new battery into battery fastener, and return it to the battery case
Replace the battery cover
Use the appropriate battery disposal methods for Your area.

6.2 CLEANING THE INSTRUMENT
Use a soft and dry cloth to clean the instrument. Never use wet cloths, solvents, water, etc. The white plastic lens of the sensor may be cleaned, if necessary, with a wet cloth.
6.3 END OF LIFE
CAUTION: the symbol on the instrument indicates that the appliance, the battery and its accessories must be collected separately and correctly disposed of.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Accuracy is referred to 25°C with relative humidity < 70%RH
SUNLIGHT RADIATIONMEASUREMENT

RANGE [W/M²]	RESOLUTION [W/M²]	*ACCURACY ()**
0.1 ÷ 199.9	0.1	±10W/m² or ±5%reading (higher value)
200 ÷ 1999	1

(*) Added accuracy due to temperature: ±0.38 W/m² /°C

*RANGE [BTU/(F² TH)]**	*RESOLUTION [BTU/(FT² H)]**	*ACCURACY ()**
0.1 ÷ 63.4	0.1
64 ÷ 634	1

() Added accuracy due to temperature: ± 0.12 BTU/(ft²h)/°C
7. 2 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Dimensions (L x W x H):| 190 x 65 x 45mm (7 x 3 x 2in)
Sensor dimensions (L x W x H):| 110 x 60 x 35mm (4 x 2 x 1in)
Cable length:| approx 1.0m (39in)
Weight (battery included):| 235g (8 ounces)
Protezione meccanica:| IP40
POWER SUPPLY
Battery type:| 1x9V alkaline battery type IEC6F22
Low battery indication:| the display shows symbol “ ”
Battery life:| ca 60h (backlight ON), ca 180h (backlight OFF)
DISPLAY
Characteristics:| LCD, 3 ½ digits, 1999 dots plus decimal point and backlight
Over range indication:| the display shows symbol “OL”
Sampling rate:| 0.25 times/s
SENSOR
Sensor type:| silicon photodiode
REFERENCE GUIDELINE
EMC:| IEC/EN61326-1

7. 3 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR USE

Reference temperature:	25°C (77°F)
Operating temperature:	5°C ÷ 40°C (41°F ÷ 104°F)
Allowable relative humidity:	<80%RH
Storage temperature:	-10°C ÷ 60°C (14°F ÷ 140°F)
Storage humidity:	<70%RH
Max operating altitude:	2000m (6562ft)

This instrument satisfies the requirements of EMC Directive 2014/30/EU
This instrument satisfies the requirements of European Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS) and 2012/19/EU (WEEE)
7. 4 ACCESSORIES

Carrying bag
Battery (not inserted)
User manual

SERVICE

8.1 WARRANTY CONDITIONS
This instrument is warranted against any material or manufacturing defect, in compliance with the general sales conditions. During the warranty period, defective parts may be replaced. However, the manufacturer reserves the right to repair or replace the product. Should the instrument be returned to the After-sales Service or to a Dealer, transport will be at the Customer’s charge. However, shipment will be agreed in advance. A report will always be enclosed to a shipment, stating the reasons for the product’s return. Only use original packaging for shipment; any damage due to the use of non-original packaging material will be charged to the Customer. The manufacturer declines any responsibility for injury to people or damage to property.
The warranty shall not apply in the following cases:

Repair and/or replacement of accessories and batteries (not covered by warranty).
Repairs that may become necessary as a consequence of an incorrect use of the instrument or due to its use together with non-compatible appliances.
Repairs that may become necessary as a consequence of improper packaging.
Repairs which may become necessary as a consequence of interventions performed by unauthorized personnel.
Modifications to the instrument performed without the manufacturer’s explicit authorization.
Use not provided for in the instrument’s specifications or in the instruction manual.

The content of this manual cannot be reproduced in any form without the manufacturer’s authorization.
Our products are patented and our trademarks are registered. The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes in the specifications and prices if this is due to improvements in technology.

8.2 SERVICE
If the instrument does not operate properly, before contacting the Aftersales Service, please check the conditions of the battery and replace it, if necessary. Should the instrument still operate improperly, check that the product is operated according to the instructions given in this manual. Should the instrument be returned to the After-sales Service or to a Dealer, transport will be at the Customer’s charge. However, shipment will be agreed in advance. A report will always be enclosed to a shipment, stating the reasons for the product’s return. Only use original packaging for shipment; any damage due to the use of non-original packaging material will be charged to the Customer.