1. Nhanganyaya
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the safe and effective use of the PCE Instruments PCE-170 A Light Meter. This device is designed for measuring illuminance (lux or foot-candles) in various environments, such as offices, factories, and outdoor settings. It features a wide measurement range, fast response time, and a compact design for ease of use.
Ndapota verenga bhuku rino rekushandisa usati washandisa mudziyo uye chengeta kuti uzoshandisa mune ramangwana.
2. Safety Information
Observe the following safety precautions to prevent injury and avoid damage to the device:
- Usaisa mudziyo kune tembiricha yakanyanyisa, mwando, kana zuva rakananga.
- Dzivisa kuzunguzika kwakasimba kana kukanganisa.
- Usaedze kuvhura kana kugadzirisa mudziyo. Tumira mabasa ese ekugadzirisa kune vashandi vane hunyanzvi.
- Keep the light sensor clean and free from obstructions to ensure accurate readings.
- Bvisa bhatiri kana mudziyo wacho usingazoshandiswi kwenguva yakareba kudzivirira kubuda kwemvura.
- Rasa mabhatiri uye mudziyo maererano nemitemo yenzvimbo.
3. Chigadzirwa Pamusoroview
The PCE-170 A Light Meter consists of a main unit with a display and control buttons, and an integrated light sensor.

Mufananidzo 1: Mberi view of the PCE-170 A Light Meter, showing the display, control buttons, and light sensor at the top.
3.1 Zvikamu
- Chiedza chechiedza: Located at the top of the device, protected by a white dome. This silicon photodiode measures incident light.
- Chiratidziro cheLCD: A 5-digit display showing measurement values, units (lux/fc), and function indicators (e.g., AUTO RANGE, HOLD, MIN, MAX).
- Bhatani reSimba (Kubatidzwa/Kudzima): Inobatidza kana kudzima mudziyo.
- CAL Button: Used for zero adjustment.
- BATA Bhatani: Inomisa kuverenga ikozvino pachiratidziro.
- fc/lx Button: Toggles between foot-candle (fc) and lux (lx) measurement units.
- RANGE Bhatani: Manually selects measurement ranges or activates auto-ranging.
- Battery Compartment: Located at the rear, houses the 9V battery.

Mufananidzo 2: Pedyo-up view of the LCD display, showing a reading of "534 lx" and "AUTO RANGE 4 000".

Mufananidzo 3: Detailed view of the light sensor at the top of the device, with its protective cap removed.
4. Setup
4.1 Kuiswa kwebhatiri
- Tsvaga chivharo chebhatiri kuseri kwemudziyo.
- Slide the cover open or unscrew it, depending on the model.
- Insert one 9V battery, observing the correct polarity (+/-).
- Tsiva chivharo chebhatiri zvakachengeteka.

Mufananidzo 4: The PCE-170 A Light Meter shown with its carrying case and the included 9V battery, ready for installation.
4.2 Kutanga Simba-Kubatidza
Press the Simba button to turn on the device. The display will illuminate and show a reading. If the battery symbol appears, replace the battery.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Kutora Chiyero
- Turn on the device using the Simba bhatani.
- Ita shuwa kuti sensor yemwenje yakachena uye haina kuvharwa.
- Position the light sensor at the location where illuminance is to be measured. Ensure the sensor is facing the light source directly for accurate readings.
- The current illuminance value will be displayed on the LCD.

Mufananidzo 5: A user measuring light levels in an office environment with the PCE-170 A Light Meter.
5.2 Changing Measurement Units (fc/lx)
Press the fc/lx button to toggle between foot-candles (fc) and lux (lx) units. The selected unit will be indicated on the display.
5.3 BATA Basa
Press the BATA button to freeze the current reading on the display. Press it again to release the hold and resume live measurements.
5.4 Zero Adjustment (CAL)
Kuita zero kugadzirisa:
- Place the light sensor in a completely dark environment (e.g., cover it with the protective cap or place it in a dark box).
- Press the CAL button. The display should show "0.00" or a value very close to zero.
- If the display does not show zero, repeat the process.
5.5 Range Selection
The device typically operates in auto-ranging mode. To manually select a range or cycle through available ranges, press the CHIYERO button. The display will indicate the active range. Press and hold the CHIYERO button to return to auto-ranging mode.
5.6 Min/Max Function (Power-Up Option)
The PCE-170 A supports Min/Max recording. To activate this feature, refer to the power-up options indicated on the device label (e.g., press and hold a specific button during power-on). This function records the minimum and maximum illuminance values detected during a measurement session.
6. Kuchengeta
6.1 Kuchenesa
Wipe the device with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Keep the light sensor clean and free of dust or smudges, as this can affect measurement accuracy.
6.2 Kuchengeta
When not in use, store the PCE-170 A Light Meter in its carrying case in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Remove the battery if storing for extended periods.
7. Kugadzirisa matambudziko
| Dambudziko | Zvinogona Kukonzera | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Chigadzirwa hachishandi. | Bhatiri rafa kana kuti rakaiswa zvisirizvo. | Check battery polarity or replace with a new 9V battery. |
| Chiratidziro chinoratidza "OL" (Overload). | Light intensity exceeds the current measurement range. | Switch to a higher measurement range using the CHIYERO button, or move to a less intensely lit area. |
| Kurava kusina kururama. | Dirty sensor, incorrect zero adjustment, or sensor not facing light source correctly. | Clean the sensor, perform zero adjustment in darkness, and ensure the sensor is properly oriented. |
| Chiratidziro hachina chinhu kana kuti chiri kudzima. | Bhatiri rakaderera. | Tsiva 9V bhatiri. |
8. Zvinotsanangurwa
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurement Ranges | 0.00 ... 40,000 lux / 0.000 ... 4000 fc |
| Resolution | 0.01 lux / 0.001 fc |
| Kururama | ±3% of measurement value + 5 digits |
| Overload Indicator | "OL" |
| Chiyero Chiyero | Masekonzi mashanu ega ega |
| Operating Temperature | 0 ... 40°C / 32 ... 104°F |
| Chiedza Sensor | Silicon photodiode, corrected cosine angle |
| Display | 5-manhamba LCD |
| Simba Source | 9V bhatiri (inosanganisirwa) |
| Dimensions | 33 x 54 x 196 mm / 1.3 x 2.1 x 7.7 mukati |
| Kurema | 180 g / <1 lb (approx. 9.17 ounces) |
8.1 Delivery Scope
The standard delivery package includes:
- 1 x PCE-170 A Lux Meter
- 1 x 9V bhatiri
- 1 x Kutakura kesi
- 1 x Bhuku rekushandisa (gwaro iri)
9. Warranty uye Tsigiro
PCE Instruments provides a warranty for this product against defects in materials and workmanship. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or visit the official PCE Instruments website. For technical support, service, or calibration inquiries, please contact PCE Instruments customer service.
PCE Instruments US: Shanyira Chitoro





