Operate the current probe
Degauss and autobalance the current probe
Degauss the probe to remove any residual magnetization from the probe core.
Such residual magnetization can induce measurement error. Autobalancing
removes unwanted DC offsets in the amplifier circuitry. Failure to degauss the
probe is a leading cause of measurement errors. The DEGAUSS LED flashes
until you de
gauss the probe.
To degauss the probe, disconnect the probe from the test circuit, or ensure that
the conduc
tor under test has no power, close and lock the slide, and then press
the amplifier PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button on the front panel of
the amplifier. To maintain measurement accuracy, degauss your probe in each of
these cases:
After you turn on the amplifier and allow a 20-minute warm-up period.
Before you connect the probe to a conductor.
Wheneve
r a current or thermal overload condition occurs.
Whenever you connect a new probe.
Whenever you subject the probe to a strong external magnetic field.
Periodically during normal use.
To degauss and autobalance a current probe, perform these steps:
1. Verify that the current probe is connected to the amplifier.
2. Rem
ove the current probe from the conductor under test.
3. Lock the probe slide closed.
4. Press the amplifier PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE button.
5. Wait about five seconds for the degauss procedure to complete.
The PROBE DEGAUSS AUTOBALANCE LED glows green when the
operation has successfully completed. If the LED is blinking orange, the degauss
operation is still in progress. If the LED is red, the operation failed, and the cause
of the failure needs to be found and fixed. (See page 17, Operate the amplifier.)
NOTE. The degauss procedure will fail if the amplifier is not properly connected
to an oscilloscope having 50 Ω input impedance. If this occurs, the NOT
TERMINATED INTO 50 Ω LED lights on the amplifier front panel.
After you have completed the oscilloscope adjustments and the amplifier
degauss/autobalance procedure, your system is ready to measure current.
24 Amplifiers and Current Probes Compliance and Safety Instructions