PECM Issue 38 2019 | Page 154

Why pay for features you can’t really use, asks Metrel? Saving the complete test results including the 6 mA DC for the first of a string of car charging points could not be simpler with this Metrel multi- function tester’s graphical interface. “Over the years there have been many versions of downloading test meters, but none have caught on.” said Brendan Beaver, the UK manager of Metrel, the provider of innovative electrical test solution. “We believe this is because the manufacturers of these testers fail to put themselves in the minds of their customers.” “Right now lots of electricians own, and use daily, testers that are capable of storing their test results but find the feature too complicated and long winded to use, because they need to make notes about which circuit and board each relates to which location in the testers memory. They prefer to fill a copy of a certificate by hand and then make a fair copy either in their best hand-writing, or by typing it up in to a computerised certificate when they get home. What a waste of their time! “ “Ideally what an engineer needs to be able to do his testing, and save both his results and notes on his tester without recourse to a pencil and paper, ready for sending to the depot or down loading quickly and without drama on return to the office.” “This is not available when a conventional LCD screen is all that is provided, as on ordinary multi-function tester. This probably accounts for the fact that, though many downloading testers have been purchase, there are very few operators using the download feature.” “With the introduction of dot-matrix displays by Metrel, increasing numbers of users of multi-function testers like MI3152 and MI3155 are finding the ability to make notes using the touch screen’s full keyboard allows them to leave the pencil and paper at home. The on-board fuse table and connection help screens allied with the pass and fail indicators give the operator confidence to pass the results to storage.” “Meanwhile Metrel’s new memory management system is unique.” “Again benefiting from the dot-matrix touch screens, it allows the operator to visualise the installation, highlighting components with coloured icon, making it easier to post the results to the correct circuit without writing anything down. This simplicity is continued when the results are downloaded, quickly and easily into an 18th Edition certificate via the USB port.” “Is it any wonder that a high proportion of Metrel customers are using the results storage and download features of their testers?” www.metrel.co.uk