Hioki DT4280 Series - User Manual

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Summary

About Command

Terminator

Defines characters marking the end of a command string, requiring two bytes.

Return result

Specifies the format of results returned after a query command, typically <Result><CR><LF>.

Data Types

Details the ASCII string formats for meter responses, including numeric and literal types.

Detail of Commands

Description of Commands

Explains accepted UPPER CASE commands, providing syntax and examples for meter control.

The HIOKI DT4280 Series Digital Multimeter is a versatile measurement device designed for remote operation, offering a range of functions and features for various electrical measurements. This remote operation manual, revised in August 2021, outlines the commands and parameters necessary for controlling the multimeter via a host computer or terminal.

Function Description

The DT4280 Series Digital Multimeter can be controlled remotely via a virtual COM port established through a USB connection. This allows users to query the meter's model, identification, and current settings, as well as configure its measurement ranges and various operational parameters. The device supports querying both main and sub-function display settings, as well as configuring them.

Key measurement functions include:

Voltage Measurement: ACV (60m to 1000V), DCV (60m to 1000V), ACDC V (6V to 1000V), SEPV (60m to 1000V).
Current Measurement: DCuA (600uA, 6000uA), ACuA (600uA, 6000uA), DCmA (60m, 600m), ACmA (60m, 600m), DCA (6A, 10A), ACA (6A, 10A).
Resistance Measurement: RES (60Ω to 600MΩ).
Capacitance Measurement: CAP (1nF to 100mF).
Frequency Measurement: FREQ (10Hz to 1000kHz).
Temperature Measurement: TEMP (800°C).
Diode Test: Supports threshold settings from 0.15V to 3.0V across 7 indices.
Continuity Check: Supports threshold settings from 20Ω to 500Ω across 4 indices.
dBm Measurement: Allows setting standard impedance from 4Ω to 1200Ω across 20 indices.
nS Measurement: 600nS.
CLAMP Measurement: 10 to 1000.

The multimeter also provides commands for querying measured count values, including main and sub measured counts, maximum and minimum measured counts, and peak maximum and minimum counts. It can query the offset values for relative measurements (main and sub).

Important Technical Specifications

The remote interface operates over a virtual COM port with the following parameters:

Baud Rate: 19200 bps
Data Length: 8 bit
Parity Check: None
Stop Bit: 1 bit

Commands are sent as ASCII strings, with a two-byte terminator consisting of Carriage Return () and Line Feed (). The meter responds with ASCII strings, followed by . Data types for responses include integers (), numeric representations with explicit radix points (), numeric representations with explicit radix points and exponents (), Boolean values (0 or 1), and ASCII strings ().

The device returns specific count values for abnormal data conditions:

Over Range value: 1000000
Invalid data: 2000000
Open value (TEMP function): 3000000
Internal error value (TEMP function): 4000000

The battery level can be queried, returning a value from "0" to "3", indicating four steps of remaining battery life.

Usage Features

The DT4280 Series offers several features to enhance usability and measurement control:

Remote Configuration: Users can remotely configure measurement functions and ranges using the :CONF command, specifying the desired function and range (e.g., :CONF RES, 60k).
System Control: Commands like :SYST:RST (reset), :SYST:LLO (local lockout), and :SYST:GTL (go to local) provide control over the meter's operational state.
Measurement Statistics: The multimeter can query maximum and minimum measured count values (:CALC:STAT:MAX?, :CALC:STAT:MIN?) and peak maximum/minimum count values (:CALC:PEAK:MAX?, :CALC:PEAK:MIN?).
Relative Measurement: The device supports relative measurements, allowing users to query and set offset values (:CALC:REL:OFFS?, :CALC:REL:OFFS2?).
Display and Audio Control: Commands are available to set the Auto Power Save (APS) function (:SYST:APS), control the beeper (:SYST:BEEP), and manage the backlight (:SYST:BLIT, :SYST:BLA for auto backlight).
Filtering and Averaging: Users can enable or disable a filter (:SYST:FILTER) and set an averaging function (:SYST:SLOW) for measurements.
Specialized Settings: Specific commands allow setting thresholds for continuity checks (:SYST:CONDUCT), diode tests (:SYST:DIODE), and standard impedance for dBm measurements (:SYST:DBM).
DCmA Percentage Setting: The device supports setting the DCmA percentage to either 4-20mA or 0-20mA (:SYST:CPER).
Status Query: The :STAT? command provides a comprehensive status string, indicating the state of various functions such as recording, relative value, filter, beep, APS, battery level, input warning, rotary position, HOLD, Auto Hold, Auto Range, backlight, backlight auto OFF, SLOW, Peak measurement, Clump range, DCmA percentage, and thresholds for continuity, diode, and dBm impedance.

Maintenance Features

The manual highlights several features related to the maintenance and initial setup of the device:

Factory Defaults: The :SYST:DEFA command allows users to return all meter settings to their factory defaults, which can be useful for troubleshooting or resetting configurations.
Power-On-Reset: The :SYST:INIT command puts the meter into a power-on-reset state, ensuring a fresh start for operations.
Clear Command: The :SYST:CLEAR command is available to clear certain internal states or buffers.
Compatibility with Earlier Products: The manual includes a section on compatible commands with earlier HIOKI 3800 series products, such as *CLS (clear system error queue), *RST (power-on-reset), LLO (local lockout), GTL (go to local), and FETC? [@2] (return primary or secondary function value). This ensures continuity for users familiar with previous models.

The DT4280 Series is designed for robust and flexible operation, making it suitable for a wide range of applications requiring precise electrical measurements and remote control capabilities.