Fluke 2638A for Rent, Hydra Seriess III Data Acquisition System/Digital Multimeter

Product Highlights

• DC accuracy of 0.0024%
• Thermocouple accuracy of 0.5°C
• Up to 66 universal differential isolated inputs
• On-screen color trend graphing of up to four channels at a time
• Easy-to-use menu system for setup and data management
• Input types: AC V, DC V, AC I, DC I, thermocouple, PRT (2, 3, 4 w), thermistor, resistance (2-4 w), frequency
• Multi-channel real-time data display
• 6.5-digit bench DMM function for front-panel inputs
• Monitor function for real-time viewing and charting between scans
• 20 on-board math channels
• One-button screen capture of chart or data displays
• 45 channels/second basic DC scan rate
• Internal 57,000 scan/setup file memory
• USB flash drive support
• Data security features
• 300 V CAT II input safety rated

Product Highlights

Accurate industrial thermocouple measurements

The 2638A incorporates the Fluke patented Universal Input Connector to bring more accuracy to thermocouple measurements than most other instruments in its class. The Universal Input Connector supports 14 common thermocouple types. Temperature-focused menu selections make the 2638A especially suitable for temperature validation applications. If you need to "zero" a large number of thermocouples to a known reference temperature before starting a temperature profiling or validation test, the 2638A will normalize all readings to your reference channel at the push of a button and store the offsets for reference in a supporting data file. If you are conducting chamber tests, heat treating tests under AMS guidelines, or validating temperature devices under 21 CFR regulations, Hydra Series III makes it that much easier to comply.

Universal Input Connector

The Universal Input Connector plugs into any open slot in the 2638A that contains a relay card. The Universal Input Connector has 22 input channels (20 universal inputs and 2 dedicated, low-burden input current channels). Each input connector contains a CJC (cold-junction compensation) device, which is calibrated at the factory. The calibration date and input connector serial number are programed into the input connector and are read by the 2638A when installed. This information is saved in the test setup data file, which is available for review with any associated scan data from a test setup. This feature is a valuable form of traceability if you are working in a regulated industry.

Wiring a test or system setup for 20 to 60 or more channels can be time consuming. With the inexpensive plug-in Universal Input Connector, you can wire your system once, quickly disconnect the connector from your Hydra, then reconnect the Hydra to another input connector for use in a different area.

Other data loggers require you to wire your inputs directly to an expensive "plug-in" active component signal conditioning module. If you need your instrument for a test at another location, you must remove your wiring or use another expensive plug-in signal conditioning module. With Hydra Series III, all your signal conditioning is inside the mainframe, not in your input connector.

Using multiple low-cost Universal Input Connectors gives you the flexibility to leave your input connector at the test site, completely wired, and ready to use. When you need data from that site, simply "plug in" and load your saved setup file. It's that simple!

Expandable channel capacity

Each 2638A has three slots in the rear panel. Each slot can hold a user-accessible relay card and a 22-channel Universal Input Connector. Three configurations are available, from 22 channels to 66 channels per mainframe. Select a base model with 22 channels and add 22-channel expansion kits when needed. The low cost per channel makes the 2638A a good value for any budget.

Graphical color display with easy-to-use menus

Never get lost again in a complex menu tree while configuring channels or setting up a test. The large, full color, thin film diode (TFD) display enables the Hydra Series III to display comprehensive easy-to-understand data and easy menu navigation.

Back-lighted function keys quickly confirm the active menu selection. The "Record" key illuminates to indicate when the 2638A is recording data in scan, monitor or DMM mode. You always have visible confirmation when your data are being recorded.

Copy-and-paste channel functions make repetitive channel setups a simple task. Top-of-screen menu bar headings always let you know where you are in the setup process. View your data with the push of a button. Page through all channel data and alarms in a quick view mode or scroll through channels and channel statistics individually. Statistics include rate of change, min, max, standard deviation, average, sample size and peak-to-peak information.

Language support

All displayed text in the menus and data display area are translated to eight languages. You can change the language under the instrument setup area with the push of a button. French, Spanish, Japanese, German, Korean, English, Portuguese, Chinese and Russian are all supported languages in the 2638A.

Real-time data charting with historical review

Chart the real-time data of up to four channels at once. Simply select your channels and view real time charting of your measurements. The chart will auto scale for best fit of the displayed values. Zoom in or out to view areas of interest with the push of a button. A history mode enables you to scroll through previously collected data within the scan file