Datasheet

3 Fluke Corporation 2638A Hydra Series III Data Acquisition System/Digital Multimeter
Clear top case with embed-
ded channel numbers for easy
wiring identification
Electronic ID with serial
number and calibration date
reports to the 2638A
Dedicated low burden ac/dc
current channels
component signal conditioning
module. If you need your instru-
ment for another test at another
location, you must remove your
wiring or use another expen-
sive 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 Univer-
sal Input Connectors gives you
the flexibility to leave your input
connector at the test site, com-
pletely 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 chan-
nels per mainframe. Select a base
model with 22 channels and add
22-channel expansion kits when
needed. The low cost per channel
makes a 2638A a good value for
any budget.
Strain reliefs
to help
secure wiring
connections
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 connec-
tor 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 valu-
able 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 inex-
pensive 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
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 con-
firmation when your data is 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 sta-
tistics individually. Statistics include rate of change,
min, max, standard deviation, average, sample size
and peak-to-peak information.
20 universal channels
and two dedicated low
burden current channels
(ac/dc) per module