User Manual

Page 9
3.3 Batteries and AC Line Power
3.3.1 Battery Operation
The instruments operates from an internal Lithium-ion rechargeable battery which can provide
more than 8 hours of continuous operation (screen brightness dependent).
The battery condition is indicated on the display via a multi-segment battery symbol. When it
changes colour to yellow, expected battery life has fallen below 1 hour. When it turns red,
expected battery life has fallen below 20 minutes.
The approximate battery life remaining is also displayed in hours and minutes within the Status
information screens.
The battery is charged from the supplied 5V/2A charger which can recharge a fully discharged
battery in under 3 hours.
When the battery is being charged, the red lamp next to the charging socket flashes. When
charging is complete, flashing ceases but the lamp remains illuminated while the charger is
connected.
It is also possible to slow charge the instrument from the USB port of a personal computer
provided that the instrument is turned off. Charge time may be up to 10 hours. Connection to
the PC must be made from the mini USB “device” port of the instrument using the supplied
cable. It is not possible to operate the instrument from USB power.
3.3.2 AC Line Operation
For bench-top operation, the instrument can be operated continuously from the supplied ac-line
operated charger. The internal power management circuitry ensures that the battery cannot be
overcharged.
3.3.3 Power Saving for Battery Operation
The battery life of the instrument is affected by the screen brightness which can be adjusted
over a wide range (see section 4.9.2). Setting the brightness to maximum, for example, will
reduce battery life by up to 2 hours relative to the normal setting (40%).
To conserve the battery the instrument should be turned off when not in use. In addition, Auto-
Off mode can be selected whereby the unit turns off automatically after a defined period from
the last key press. The period can be set between 5 and 60 minutes - see section 4.10.3.2.
Auto-Off is automatically disabled when external power is connected, and when data-logging is
enabled. All data is retained when the instrument is off.