The ranges may be selected manually, or by autoranging
(default). The start range for autoranging may be selected
if it is known that the signal will not be below a certain
level.
There is also an option to autorange ‘up only’ so that a test
may be carried out to find the highest range. Once the
highest range has been determined, the range can be set
to manual and the test carried out without losing any data
due to range changing. Pressing the HOME key (or sending
*TRG) restarts the autoranging from the selected
minimum range.
When in an input channel menu, the ZERO key provides a
quick way to lock and unlock the range. When no flashing
box is visible in the input channel menu and autoranging is
selected, pressing the ZERO key selects the range that the
instrument is currently using and sets the autoranging to
manual, thus locking the range and preventing further
autoranging. Pressing the ZERO key again returns to full
autoranging from the bottom range.
For most measurement functions full autoranging is the
most suitable option but some applications, such as where
transient events are occurring, are more reliable with