Chapter 5
Using Adapters
This chapter covers general information on the accessories available for use with the tpi 460
Handheld Oscilloscope. For detailed information, please refer to the data sheets provided with
each adapter.
Temperature Adapter - A301
This adapter is used in conjunction with K-type probes to measure a variety of temperature tar-
gets with ranges from -40 to 500
o
F. tpi offers almost 20 different types of thermocouple probes
that work accurately with the A301.
The A301 (regardless of the type of thermocouple use, has a standard output of 1mV DC per
degree Fahrenheit. The range of the A130 is -40 to 500
o
F, therefore the output range is 960mV to
O.5V. On the 460 this equates to using the standard DCV scale on Channel A, or the 1mV/
o
F
scale on the B Channel (Press Ch B, make selection, and press F4 to Enter).
NOTE: The A Channel is recommended for this adapter, as the Ch A plug
orientation on the 460 allows the Adapter On/Off switch to face the user.
The A301 comes with a 9V battery and a standard 2-Pin plug that sockets directly into the top of
the tpi Scope Plus 460.
High Current Adapters - A251 / A256 / A296
o A251 - A clamp-on adapter that measures up to 400 AC amps.
o A256 - A clamp-on adapter that measures up to 400 AC and DC amps.
o A296 - A clamp-on adapter that measures up to 1000 AC and DC amps.
All three adapters have some common operating parameters. They should only ever be used on
a single wire. Clamping onto bundles or any more that one wire will result in erroneous readings.
Set up the 460 before making the test and ensure that power is initially off to the circuit under
test and that the input cable is inserted using the correct polarities.
On the 460, use ACV for making AC measurements, and DCV for making DC measurements. In
addition, use the V rocker button on he instrument to initially go to the highest voltage rating
when making an initial measurement (200V on both scales).
All the High Current measurement adapters use a 9V battery (supplied). If the battery runs low,
460 User’s Guide
Using Adapters
C5-1
