Center 531 - User Manual

531
LEDLIGHTMETER
CENTER TECHNOLOGY CORP.
4F, NO.415, Jung-Jeng Rd., Shu-Lin Dist., New Taipei City 238, Taiwan
E-Mail:center@centertek.com
http://www.centertek.com
GCA000531-12000
Safety Information
n
o

M
i
t
a
c
n
u
r
u
t
a
s
l
n
I
Environment Conditions:
Introduction
Thank you for using our LED Light Meter. To ensure that you can get the
most from it, we recommend that you read and follow the manual carefully
before use. The Light Meter has been designed, manufactured, and
delivered under strict quality control criteria by a factory certified. This
meter has the following characteristic.
Read the following safety information carefully before attempting to operate
or service the meter.
Use the meter only as specified in this manual ; otherwise, the protection
provided by the meter may be impaired.
Ÿ Altitude up to 2000 meters
Ÿ Relatively humidity 90% max.
Ÿ Operation Ambient 0 ~ 40°C
Explanation of Symbols:
Comply with EMC.
When servicing, use only specified replacement parts.
Storage Temperature:
Dimension / Weight:
Accessories:
169(L)×63(W)×37(H)mm (6.7”×2.5”×1.5”)
Battery, instruction manual, carrying case.
-10 to 50°C (14 to 122°F)
Accuracy: ±3% rdg ±5 dgts (Standard A light source)
8% other visible light source
Temperature characteristics:
Response time:
0.5 sec
Light detector: SI Photodiode
Operation temperature:
0°C ~ 40°C(32°F ~ 104°F)
Operation humidity: 0~80% RH
Storage Humidity:
0 to 70% RH
Specifications
Measuring range: 0.0 to 199.9/1999/19990/199900 lx
0.00 to 19.99/199.9/1999/19990 fc
Automatic or manual selection of range
Resolution: 0.1 lx, 0.01 fc
Easy to use
Automatic zero
Automatic ranging
±0.1% / °C(25°C)
Over range: “-OL-” display
Power supply: 1.5V type AA battery x2
Power life: Approx. 80 hours
Weight:
Approx. 210g
Repairs or servicing not covered in this manual should only be performed
by qualified personal.
Attention!
Periodically wipe the case with a dry cloth. Do not use abrasives or
solvents on this instrument.
Cleaning
Maintenance
Operating carefully, and do not drop the meter or hit it with a hard object.
Avoid using the meter in a dirty, dusty, or salt-air area or where there are
corrosive gases. If dirt or dust adhered to the surface of the detecting light,
will decrease accuracy of the measuring value to clean the surface by
wiping with a soft and dry cloth.
Precautions on handling
Symbol Definition & Button Location
1. LCD Display:
MAX/MIN function build in
Large backlight LCD display
Range indicator
Battery capacity
indicator
Minimum value
indicator
Maximum value
indicator
Auto power off
indicator
Illumination value
Set light source
mode indicator
Illumination Unit
indicator
Angledeviationfromcosine
characteristics
10° ± 1% 30° ± 2%
60° ± 5% 80° ± 20%
Value hold
indicator
Light source
correction value
choice indicator

Summary

Safety Information

Environment Conditions

Details operational environment parameters for the light meter.

Explanation of Symbols

Explains CE compliance and parts replacement for servicing.

Introduction

Key Features

Lists key features like auto zero, auto ranging, and large LCD display.

Precautions on Handling

Handling and Care

Advises careful handling, avoiding dirt, dust, and corrosive gases for accuracy.

Maintenance

Servicing and Cleaning

States repairs need qualified personnel; advises dry cloth cleaning.

Symbol Definition & Button Location

LCD Display Indicators

Describes the components and indicators on the light meter's LCD screen.

Name of Parts & Position

Lens Protecting Cover

Explains the purpose and proper usage of the lens protecting cover.

Light Sensing Probe

Describes the light sensing probe and its flexible positioning options.

Meter Operation Controls

Details power, backlight, hold, range, unit selection, and battery replacement.

Preset Correction Settings

Explains selecting preset correction factors for accurate readings based on light source.

Sensor Spectrum Response

Spectrum Characteristics

Presents the relative response of the sensor across different wavelengths.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The CENTER 531 LED Light Meter is a handheld device designed for measuring illumination in both Lux (lx) and Foot-Candle (fc) units. It is engineered for ease of use, featuring automatic zero adjustment, automatic ranging, and a large, backlit LCD display. The meter also incorporates MAX/MIN function capabilities, allowing users to track maximum and minimum illumination values during a measurement session.

Function Description

The primary function of the CENTER 531 is to accurately measure the intensity of light from various sources, including standard incandescent lights, different colored LEDs (white daylight, amber/yellow, green, red, blue), and fluorescent lamps (warm white, cold white). It achieves this using a silicon photodiode (SI Photodiode) as its light detector. The device offers both automatic and manual range selection, providing flexibility for different measurement scenarios.

A key feature of the meter is its ability to apply preset correction settings (L0 to L8) based on the type of lighting source being measured. This ensures more accurate results by compensating for the spectral response differences of various light sources. Users can also set their own correction factor if a high-precision light meter with a V(λ) < 3% is available, allowing for customized calibration.

The meter's design includes a detachable light sensing probe, which can be fixed parallel or perpendicular to the LCD surface, or used remotely to accommodate diverse measuring requirements. A lens protecting cover is provided to safeguard the photo lens from scratches and to create a complete dark environment necessary for dark current calibration during power-on.

Important Technical Specifications

• Measuring Range:
  • 0.0 to 199.9/1999/19990/199900 lx
  • 0.00 to 19.99/199.9/1999/19990 fc
  • Automatic or manual selection of range.
• Resolution: 0.1 lx, 0.01 fc.
• Accuracy:
  • ±3% rdg ±5 dgts (Standard A light source)
  • ±8% other visible light source.
• Angle Deviation from Cosine Characteristics:
  • 10° ± 1%
  • 30° ± 2%
  • 60° ± 5%
  • 80° ± 20%.
• Temperature Characteristics: ±0.1% / °C (25°C).
• Response Time: 0.5 seconds.
• Light Detector: SI Photodiode.
• Over Range Indication: "-OL-" display.
• Power Supply: 2 x 1.5V type AA batteries.
• Power Life: Approximately 80 hours.
• Operation Temperature: 0°C ~ 40°C (32°F ~ 104°F).
• Operation Humidity: 0 ~ 80% RH.
• Storage Temperature: -10°C to 50°C (14°F to 122°F).
• Storage Humidity: 0 to 70% RH.
• Dimensions: 169(L) × 63(W) × 37(H) mm (6.7" × 2.5" × 1.5").
• Weight: Approximately 210g.
• Accessories: Battery, instruction manual, carrying case.
• Environment Conditions: Altitude up to 2000 meters, relative humidity 90% max., operation ambient 0 ~ 40°C.
• Compliance: CE (Comply with EMC).

Usage Features

• Easy Operation: The meter is designed for straightforward use. To power on, press the power button. During power-on, the device performs an automatic zero adjustment, indicated by "CAP-" and "CAL-" messages on the LCD, followed by "0.0" once complete. The protective cap must be in place during this process.
• Automatic Power Off: The unit automatically turns off after 30 minutes of inactivity to conserve battery life. This feature can be disabled by holding the "HOLD" button while powering on the device, indicated by the disappearance of the auto-power-off symbol on the LCD.
• Backlight Display: A 6 1/2" large, backlit LCD display ensures clear readability in various lighting conditions. The backlight can be toggled on/off with a dedicated button and automatically turns off after 30 seconds to save power.
• Data Hold Function: Users can freeze the current reading on the LCD by pressing the "HOLD" button, allowing for convenient recording of measurements. Pressing the button again releases the held data.
• MAX/MIN Mode: The "MIN MAX" button allows the meter to operate in MAX/MIN mode, displaying the maximum, minimum, and current readings sequentially. Holding this button for 3 seconds exits MAX/MIN mode.
• Range Selection: The "RANGE" button enables users to select between automatic ranging and specific manual ranges (200, 2000, 20000, 200000 lx / 20, 200, 2000, 20000 fc).
• Unit Selection: The "fc/lx" button switches the measuring unit between Foot-Candle (fc) and Lux (lx).
• Light Source Correction: The "Set" button, combined with the up/down arrow keys, allows users to select from preset correction settings (L0 to L8) for different light sources, including various LED types and fluorescent lamps. This feature enhances measurement accuracy.
• Battery Indicator: An on-screen battery capacity indicator alerts the user when the batteries need replacement. The battery cabinet cover can be opened with a Philips screwdriver for easy battery installation.

Maintenance Features

• Cleaning: The meter's case should be periodically wiped with a dry cloth. Abrasives or solvents should not be used on the instrument. If dirt or dust adheres to the detecting light's surface, it should be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth to maintain measurement accuracy.
• Battery Replacement: When the battery capacity indicator shows low, the two AA type batteries should be replaced.
• Handling Precautions: Users are advised to handle the meter carefully, avoiding drops or impacts with hard objects. It should not be used in dirty, dusty, salt-air areas, or environments with corrosive gases.
• Servicing: Repairs or servicing not covered in the manual should only be performed by qualified personnel to ensure the meter's integrity and safety.

Center 531 Specifications