Altek Model 422 14Type Universal Thermocouple Calibrator Manual

							Universal Thermocouple
Calibrator
Model 422
• 14 T/C  type plus mVJ, K, T, E, R, S, B, N, G, C, D, P, L, U & mV
• Temperature input & outputReads directly in degrees
• Quik-Chek™  switchInstantly recall three outputs; HI, LO & Set
• 45 output memoriesThree for each T/C type & mV
• Accuracy ±(0.008% of Reading+0.006 mV)Typical accuracy of 0.4°C or 0.7°F 
Field selectable 0.1° or 1µV resolutionCalibrate thermocouple instruments
Source and read T/C’s over the entire industrial tem-
perature range with Altek’s Model 422 Thermocouple
Calibrator. Use with transmitters, recorders, control-
lers, alarms, indicators, data acquisition and computer
systems.  Switch between 14 T/C types or millivolts.
High accuracy and stability is achieved through Altek’s
exclusive isothermal block. Make your connections
directly with thermocouple wire or with miniature
thermocouple connectors.
Field customize the Model 422 to lock-in 0.1° or 1°
resolution, fixed °F or °C or front panel selectable
°F/°C operation. A shrouded miniature thermocouple
connector receptacle plus terminal screws allow for
easy hookups. Built in protection guards the Model
422 against mis-connection to 120 Volts AC or DC, in
any mode. 
The Model 422 turns on to the T/C type last used.
Other T/C types may be selected each time the unit is
turned on. If you use less than 14 T/C types, you can
create your own T/C List. By following a simple setup
procedure you can deselect unwanted T/C types to
customize T/C types available at turn on.
Calibrate thermocouple inputs
Select resolution of 0.1° or 1° for the full listed range
of all thermocouple types.  Millivolts allows 1 microvolt
resolution from -99.999 to 99.999mV. The Model 422
simulates key temperatures for repetitive calibrations.
“Quik-Chek” function stores three output temperatures
for each T/C type (45 total) for real convenience.
Three memories are retained for each thermocouple
type even when the power is off.
Turn the knob to check trip points, controller action or
hysteresis.  The fast response 422 sets quickly
without overshoot but allows slow changes at your
own rate.  
Measure thermocouple sensors
The Model 422 display gives you fast, accurate
temperature measurement with 0.1 and 1 degree or
with 0.001 millivolt resolution. High resistance or open
T/Cs and leads are detected and indicated on the
LCD display. Two readings per second track fast
moving temperatures.
“MAX” and “MIN” memories are continuously updated
from turn-on or whenever the “RESET” pushbutton is
pressed. The Model 422 gives you a handy tool to
monitor temperatures for drift or control deviation. Just
flip the “Quik-Chek” switch to display the minimum
and maximum temperature since reset.
Turn-on sequence
Each time the Model 422 is turned on, the LCD will
display all segments for 1 second. It then displays the
currently selected thermocouple type or mV for
approximately 3 seconds. If °C/°F operation has been
selected the currently selected temperature scale of
°C or °F will display.
General description 
						

							General instructions
Setting operating mode 
Over range/under rangeOut-of-range temperatures are indicated by OVER
and UNDER on the display. If out-of-range is
displayed during READ mode check for proper con-
nections and T/C type.
Turn-onEach time the Model 422 is turned on, the LCD will
display all segments for about 1 second. It then dis-
plays the currently selected thermocouple type for
approximately 3 seconds. The currently selected
temperature scale of °C or °F will then display for
about 3 seconds. Depending on the configuration,
from 1 to 14 T/C types, millivolts or °C or °F may be
selected during the thermocouple turn-on mode. 
1) Move the power switch to SOURCE or READ
2) All segments on the LCD are turned on during
self test
3) The display will indicate the selected 
T/C type for 3 seconds. Repeatedly press or
press and hold the SCROLL pushbutton to
change to the desired T/C type (based on config-
uration).
4) The display will indicate the selected 
temperature scale for 3 seconds. Press the
SCROLL pushbutton to switch between °C & °F
(based on configuration). 
If a single T/C type, fixed °C or fixed °F have been
selected, the user prompts for these selections will
be skipped during turn-on.
The three “QUIK-CHEK” temperature values will be
the same as previously stored. Each time a different
T/C type is selected, the three “QUIK-CHEK” values
for that type will be recalled. 
Note:  The Model 422 will automatically convert the
temperatures in memory between °F and °C. For
example, if 212.0°F is stored in HI and the Model
422 is switched to °C, 100.0°C will be displayed. 
Changing the batteryLow battery is indicated by BAT on the LCD Display.
Approximately 10 Hours of operation remain before
the LCD goes blank and the Model 422 shuts itself
down.  Turn the 422 off, remove the four corner
screws and lift the unit out of the case. The battery
is fastened to the bottom printed circuit board and  is
easily removed.Replace screws and turn on when
ready to use.
Initial setupThe Model 422 is internally configurable for ease of
use. Simply remove the four corner screws, flip a
few DIP switches and follow the simple instructions
given below (a condensed guide is found within the
calibrator housing). The choices are based on the
type of instruments in your shop or plant.  For
instance if your plant has only type E and your in-
struments display to 1°C, set up the Model 422 to
lock out T/C type selection, choose full time °C and
display with 1° resolution.
Configuring temperature scalesThe Model 422 may be internally set-up for full time
use of °C, full time use of °F or selectable °C/°F op-
eration. The selectable mode lets you choose °C or
°F each time the unit is turned on (see Setting
Operating Mode below).
Locking in 1º resolutionThe Model 422 may be internally configured for 0.1°
or 1° resolution. Select 1° resolution for less critical
applications or 0.1° for increased resolution when
necessary.
Changing T/C typesUp to 14 T/C types plus millivolts may be 
selected each time the Model 422 is turned on
To change T/C types:
1) Repeatedly press or press and hold the SCROLL
pushbutton when switching the unit on or while a
T/C type is displayed during the first three sec-
onds after the unit is turned on.
2) Continue to hold the SCROLL pushbutton.The
LCD will scroll through the list of T/C types & mV.
3) Release the SCROLL pushbutton when the
desired T/C type is displayed.
Changing the list of T/C types:You may create your own T/C list which can be
changed at any time.
1) Turn the Model 422 off & remove the 4 corner
screws.
2) Set DIP Switch 2 up (see Configuring  Operating
Modes below).
3) Turn the 422 on.
4) Turn the digital pot (Source Adjustment Knob) to
scroll through each T/C type.
5) Press the STORE/SCROLL pushbutton to 
select (Steady) or deselect (Flashing) T/C types
to add to the T/C list.
6) Continue turning the digital pot to review the
selections. Press STORE/SCROLL pushbutton to
change any selections.
7) Turn the 422 off, place DIP Switch 2 down &
replace the 4 corner screws.
°F
°C
100°
100.0°
J  K  T E
R S B N
G C D P
LU mV
J  K
KT E
E
R S B
BN
G GC D
D 
 P
P
L LU
UmV
K
°F
OVER
UNDER
-
8.8.8.8.8MAX
HI
LO
MINBAT    OVER
UNDER       READ
SOURCE°F
°C
m
9 Volt
ConnectionsThe Model 422 has connections for both miniature thermocouple
connectors and for direct thermocouple wires. It is essential for
accurate calibration that thermocouple wire is used to connect the
Model 422 to the device being calibrated. Miniature or subminiature
thermocouple connectors with thermocouple wire allow for the easi-
est connection. Different size thermocouple connectors may be
used with an adaptor of the same thermocouple type. Copper wires,
Copper connectors or Copper adaptors are not recommended as
they will cause errors in cold junction compensation. Copper is used
only for millivolt applications.
4
Fixed 1°(Switch
Up)
Fixed °F
1
4
Fixed 0.1°*
Fixed °C
22
4
3
Changing T/C ListSelectable T/C Types*
°C/°F Switchable*
*Factory Settings (All switches down) 1
3
3 (Switch
Down)
Setting DIP Switches1) Turn the Model 422 OFF
2) Remove the 4 corner screws and lift faceplate assembly out of
the case
3) Set the DIP switches for your options as diagrammed below
T/C Wire under
screwsT/C standard to
miniature adaptor Miniature T/C
Connector 
						

							Simulate a thermocouple
Source1) Set up the Model 422 for the correct T/C type
and temperature scale (°C or °F). 
2) Disconnect the input wires from the device to be
calibrated or checked.
3) Connect the Model 422 to the device to be
calibrated, being careful to observe proper
polarity and T/C type
4) Adjust the digital pot to the desired output value. 
OutputWhenever SOURCE mode is selected the word
SOURCE will appear on the LCD.  To change the
output value, turn the speed sensitive digital pot.
Turning the pot slowly will cause a gradual change
in the output. A faster change will occur when the
pot is turned faster. A filter circuit limits response
when the pot is turned too fast. This function
operates in all three output positions (HI, SET &
LO). 
OFFSOURCE
OUTPUT
Store1) Switch to HI (or LO).
2) Turn the digital pot to desired value.
3) Press STORE. The LCD will flash once indicating
that the value has been stored
If a value is in the SET position and you want that
value in HI or LO, press and hold the STORE button
while moving the switch to HI or LO. The LCD will
flash once indicating that the value has been stored.
Release the STORE button. 
Instantly recall temperaturesAny time you need a stored value just throw the
“QUIK-CHEK” switch. Any value in the T/C range
may be stored in HI & LO. The Model 422
remembers the HI, LO and SET values for for all
T/C types (45 memories) and millivolts for you with
the power on or off. Each time a different T/C type is
selected the latest three “Quik-Chek” values for that
type will be recalled.
OverloadThe Model 422 will indicate OVER and blank the
digits on the display when the output leads have
been shorted or when the device being calibrated
requires more than 10 mA.
Read a thermocouple sensor
Read1)  Set up the Model 422 for the correct T/C type
and temperature scale (°C or °F)
2)  Disconnect the wires from the thermocouple to
be read or checked.
3)  Connect the Model 422 to the sensor, being
careful to observe proper polarity & T/C type
4)  Display present reading, Maximum or Minimum
temperatures
Whenever READ mode is selected the word READ
will appear on the LCD.  The Model 422 can
measure temperatures for all T/C types with resolu-
tions of 0.1° and 1°. The display is updated twice
per second to continuously track fast moving tem-
peratures.
OFFREAD
INPUT
STORE           RESET
SOURCE
READ
HI
SET
LOMAX
READ
MIN
STORE
RESET
SCROLL
OFF
SOURCE
READ
HI
SET
LOMAX
READ
MIN
STORE
RESET
SCROLL
OFF
HI
SET
LOMAX
READ
MIN
SOURCEREAD
HI
SET
LOMAX
READ
MIN
STORE
RESET
SCROLL
OFF
SOURCEREAD
HI
SET
LOMAX
READ
MIN
STORE
RESET
SCROLL
OFF
250
RECEIVER
CONTROLLER
TRANSMITTER
RECORDER
SOURCE
READ
HI
SET
LOMAX
READ
MIN
STORE
RESET
SCROLL
OFF
250.0
UNIVERSAL
THERMOCOUPLE CALIBRATOR
ALTEK   MODEL 422JTEKBRSNGCDLUPmV
MIN/MAXTo read the Maximum or Minimum temperature
since INPUT mode was entered, simply switch to
MAX or MIN. The value will appear on the LCD
along with the word MAX or MIN. The MAX/MIN val-
ues are automatically updated and may be viewed
at any time without disturbing the other values.
Pressing the RESET/SCROLL pushbutton will trans-
fer the present temperature into both MAX and MIN
and will update them as the measured temperature
changes.
Open thermocouplesThe Model 422 checks for open or high resistance
thermocouples. Open or burned out T/Cs are indi-
cated by “—  —  —  — ” on the display. Tempera-
tures out of range for the T/C TYPE selected will be
indicated by OVER and UNDER on the display.
Some thermocouple input pyrometers and controllers operate on
the D’Arsonval meter movement principle. Millivolts from the 
thermocouple input drive a low resistance coil directly. For example,
a coil may have a typical resistance of 60 ohms. Since the
pyrometer resistance is so low, resistance of the input leads must
be taken into account. Pyrometers of this type have fixed or adjust-
able series resistance which corrects for lead length resistance.
To use the Model 422 to drive low resistance loads:
1)  Disconnect the sensing thermocouple leads at the head.
2)  Connect leads from the Model 422 to the extension wires going
to the pyrometer, using the screw connectors in the head. (If the
sensing t/c sheath is within 1/4 to 2 times the length of the
Model 422 leads, the error due to resistance will be negligible).
3) Set the temperatures to be used for calibration per the recom-
mendation of the pyrometer manufacturer.
Read a thermocouple sensor
If the thermocouple head cannot be accessed:
1) Determine the installed length of extension wire between the
head and the pyrometer. 
2) Select thermocouple extension wire of the same type, wire size
and length as the installed wire between the head and the 
pyrometer to make up a calibrating wire. 
3) Replace the active thermocouple extension wire with the 
calibrating wire at the pyrometer terminals. 
4) Connect the other ends of the calibrating wire to the Model 422
and calibrate the pyrometer. 
Note: A resistor of the same ohm value as the wire between the
head and the pyrometer may be used in series with one lead 
instead of a length of calibrating wire. Make certain that both input
and output leads to the resistor are the same temperature.  
						

							PN 1886501 Rev A April 2002
©2002 Altek Industries, Inc. Specifications subject to change without notice. 
All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.  
Altek products are warranted to be free from defects
in material and workmanship (excluding fuses,
batteries and leads) for a period of three years from
the date of shipment. Warranty repairs can be
obtained by returning the equipment prepaid to our
factory. Products will be replaced, repaired, or
adjusted at our option. Altek gives no other
warranties, including any implied warranty of fitness
for a particular purpose.Also, Altek shall not be liable
for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential
damages or losses arising from the sale or use of its
products.
Warranty
(Unless otherwise Indicated, specifications are in % Span@ 23° C)
GeneralAccuracy: ±(0.008% of Reading + 0.006 mV)
Cold junction compensation: Built-in for specified thermocouple
type, characterized to T/C curve
Cold junction temperature effect: Within 0.05° per °C change in
ambient temperature over operating range
Operating temperature range: -5 to +140°F (-20 to +60°C)
Storage temperature range:  -22 to + 175°F (-30 to +80°C)
Relative humidity:  10 to 90%, non-condensing
Zero stability: Included in Cold junction effect
Warm up time: 1 Minute to full rated accuracy
Overload protection: 120 volts AC/DC for 30 seconds on connect-
ing leads, in any mode
Battery life:  9 Volt Alkaline: Nominal 40 hours
Low battery:  “BAT” indication on LCD at 7 Volts nominal, approxi-
mately 10 hours left. Batteries should be removed when storing the
unit >3 months.
Specifications
Reference drift: