Loop Calibrator

PLC Pie Guy · Apr 8, 2015

Good morning all.
I am looking to purchase a loop calibrator.
I am looking at a particular model with different options but I have one question.
What is the difference between simulating and generating when referring to Ma and 0 - 24 VDC?

Thanks

geniusintraining · Apr 8, 2015

We sell this one and for the price its a great deal, we have sold a lot and have had very good feedback from them

http://www.plccable.com/milliamp-current-volt-generator-4-20-ma-0-10-vdc-epro-with-case-leads/

If you are just looking to read we have a Fluke 771 and 772 if your going to generate the signal then the 707 is a good model but I am out

Not sure if they go to 24vdc, when I needed to go to 24 I used a variable transformer

To me simulating and generating are the same

DwSoFt · Apr 8, 2015

I love my fluke 772. pricey but worth it. The clamp is nice for troubleshooting without breaking the loop

diat150 · Apr 8, 2015

I like the fluke 725. its expensive but it can do everything.

DwSoFt · Apr 8, 2015

The 725 is awesome but it doesn't have a milliamp clamp meter. .. Also I prefer the seperate ones for temperature and milliamps because A. If 1 fails or needs sent in for calibration I still have the other meters. B. simpler menus

osmanmom · Apr 8, 2015

i use fluke 789

Tom Jenkins · Apr 8, 2015

A little speculative here, but I think the manufacturer is using simulate for a two-wire device where the 4-20 mA signal is loop powered external to the calibrator. Generate would be using the calibrator's own power to source the 4-20 mA signal the way a four wire device does.

boneless · Apr 8, 2015

I think Tom is right, many calibrators have different modes:

Read 4..20 mA - ext 24 VDC
Read 4..20 mA - while supplying 24 VDC
Simulate 4..20 mA - ext 24 VDC
Simulate 4..20 mA - while supplying 24 VDC

4..20 mA often is 0..22 mA

shooter · Apr 8, 2015

search this forum for loop calibrator or LM317 (the IC used in it.

rdrast · Apr 8, 2015

If you need an actual calibrator, and not just a test device, you will have to spend the money to get something traceable and calibratable.

If you just need a test device that is generally accurate, almost any meter that has the functionality you want will do.

dogleg43 · Apr 8, 2015

This Altek model is very simple to use and rugged.
Will work like Tom said in his post.

I'm not sure how cost competitive it is but it is very handy and portable.

https://www.google.com/#q=altek+loop+calibrator+model+334

NetNathan · Apr 8, 2015

^2nd Altek.
They make some nice compact calibrators.
Process Loop Calibrator (334A) that it is very accurate. Accuracy ±(0.03%, Within ±0.02 mA from 4-20mA).
http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/altek/pdf/334a.pdf

They make a sweet 14-type Universal Temperature Calibrator (442) also. Accuracy ±(0.008% of reading + 0.006 mV).
http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/altek/pdf/422.pdf

Of course Fluke is supreme...but costly.

JRW · Apr 8, 2015

Transmation
The best you can buy

Bering C Sparky · Apr 9, 2015

+1 for the Fluke 789, can read Ma without breaking the loop.
read, simulate, source, step, + volt ac/dc, ohms, its got it all in one package.
Cost some $$$ but well worth it.

shooter · Apr 9, 2015

a simulator only has a control in it, thus works without battery.
in a generator a battery is added to the loop, So you wont need the power supply, and can control a sensor without any connection.

Loop Calibrator

PLC Pie Guy

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geniusintraining

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DwSoFt

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diat150

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DwSoFt

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osmanmom

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Tom Jenkins

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boneless

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shooter

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rdrast

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dogleg43

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NetNathan

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JRW

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Bering C Sparky

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shooter

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