First turn-on checkout
CAUTION
Ensure that the line voltage selector switch on the
back panel is set to match your line voltage. Failure
to do so could result in damage to the instrument.
Connect an appropriate IEC power cord to the DC Load and plug the power cord into an AC power
outlet. Ensure that nothing is connected to the INPUT terminals. Turn the instrument on by pushing
the Power button in. The instrument should display
SYSTEM SELFTEST
, then display
0.00V 0.000A
. A small annunciator will display
OFF
in the upper left corner of the display. If you
do not see this display, please consult the
In case of trouble
chapter.
The following test will verify the DC Load can operate properly in constant current mode. Press the
I-set
button (you may have to press it twice) and use the numeric keypad to set the current to 0.1 A.
To do this, press
.
(the decimal point),
1
,
Enter
. Alternatively, you can adjust the current level with
the knob, then click the knob or press
Enter
.
Connect a power supply or battery to the DC Load, observing the polarity. Turn the power supply on
and set a voltage of 1 volt. On the DC Load, press the
On/Off
button. You should see
approximately 0.1 A of current flowing as shown by the instrument's ammeter and approximately 1
volt. The
CC
annunciator should be displayed, showing that the instrument is in the constant current
mode.
The instrument's voltage display may read a bit less than the power supply's output -- this may be
due to a voltage drop in the wires connecting the power supply to the DC Load. Press the or
△
▽
keys to see the power that is being consumed by the load.
Press the
V-set
button (you may have to press it twice). Note the load is turned off. Set the power
supply to 10V and the supply's current to a very low level, e.g. 0.1 A. Set the DC Load voltage level
well below the supply voltage level, e.g. 1 V. Press the
On/Off
key. Verify the proper voltage level
(1 V) is shown on the display. Press the
△
or
▽
keys to see the power being dissipated.
Press the
P-set
button (you may have to press it twice). Note the load is turned off. Set the power
level to 0.1 watt. Press the
On/Off
key. Press the
△
or
▽
keys to verify that the power is about 0.1
8500 DC Load Series
Version: February 4, 2009
Page 27 of 76