Chroma 66202 single phase power meter 10kHz - All it secrets

[Kiriakos GR]

Chroma 66200 series ...

Introduction:
This is the series of power meter that Chroma distributes since 2008 (2010).
Speaking actual product age, 2008 is the year that Chroma got their first CE certificate.

This topic is in focus of single phase power meter with 10kHz  bandwidth or better.
Back in time (2015), Chroma distributed the ..  Model 8020 ATS   Charger / Adapter testing system.
Over this system were also installed quad units of 66202 power meter.

Since 2016, Chroma 66202 this is discontinued and replaced with 66205.
Today Chroma 66202 this is 13 years old technology.

In our times, several Model 8020 ATS test systems they end up to be dismantled, as old and outdated machine, and occasionally several 66202 are listed at eBay.

The truth regarding specifications.    

The best that Chroma could do at 2008, was to deliver a power meter, with measuring bandwidth 10kHz,  harmonics bandwidth near to 100kHz.
Integration time and or measurement update time of four times per second 0.250 /S.

In addition to this, they do charge a significant price for their software, its an option after all...
 
It is interesting that regarding compliance to electric IEC standards (DUT verification and testing), this 66202 somewhere in the actual hardware specification of the power meter, this is fall as sort.
Chroma documentation this its full of excuses:
a) Average efficiency test that comply with Energy Star.
b) Due SoftPanel software, they do clarify = Only for pre-compliance tests for IEC61000-3-2 because the
measurement method of Chroma 66202 Digital Power Meter does not fully follow the regulation.     

In conclusion .... 
Due the many dismantled old Chroma test systems world wide, this Chroma 66202 now appears very often at eBay listings, and its not aggressively priced. 
But for the ones thinking to grab such an pricing opportunity, you better consider the entire picture than the used product price alone.

Chroma 66202:
Slow sampling per second.
Not a true 10kHz or 100kHz bandwidth.
Not truly capable for unquestionable power analysis measurements even at 10kHz.
Not known if Chroma accepts to repair them at our decade.
Not known the calibration costs.
The best that it expensive software can do, this is PC-link logging possibly at four measurements interval and the measurements are saved in file.TXT format.
No option available as is EXT2, BNC current clamp 100mV/A and similar.

Still it appears as nice stand alone power meter if this is freshly calibrated.
In my opinion, any potential buyer he should reconsider over and over prior paying any money buying a used one.

Accurate Power factor VS Current range VS minimum input mA/A
Range SHUNT Low:
0.01A  =  5mA  (minimum input for a believable Power factor reading) and or 5mA - 10mA measurement range that you can trust all front panel measurements.
0.1A = 50mA
0.4A = 200mA
2A   =  1000mA

Range SHUNT High:
0.2A = 100mA
2A  = 1000mA
8A = 4A
20A = 10A

Tight accuracy specifications at all ranges at the bandwidth of 15Hz - 1kHz fundamental.
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In order to escape from all 66202 imperfections, you have to opt out for the newer 66205
Retail price plus VAT EUR 3,213.00 (approximately)
For Chroma software add another 500EUR   (approximately)
Sum = 3.750,00 EUR (8/2023).   

[Andrew-88]

With so many if and but, within this model whereabouts, this justifies of why Chroma this is not a popular brand.   
They should classify it EOL many years ago, than selling it with their larger test systems.

66205 this is model of 2018, neither this is fresh any more.

[Kiriakos GR]

The most eye catching point of the older Chroma 66202, this is four digits power factor.
About anything else, it is of what it is.

Some of these meters purchased as used, by a few computer reviews small Blogs, I bet that they do not know that this eBay treasure, its not of pure gold. 
I would worry mostly of moisture issues, factory workshop its not as clean as a business office.
 
Nowadays 200ms of sampling  50Hz (measurement refresh) this is the minimum so to evaluate harmonics properly.
IEC 61000-4-7

[Kiriakos GR]

With so many if and but, within this model whereabouts, this justifies of why Chroma this is not a popular brand.   
They should classify it EOL many years ago, than selling it with their larger test systems.

66205 this is model of 2018, neither this is fresh any more.

The Mr. Perfect digital power meter today is the one complying in hardware at latest IEC 61000-4-7 ( harmonics analysis with detailed and high resolution sampling between harmonics).
Second requirement this (V,I, THD%) higher bandwidth this is the better.
Line filters 500Hz & 5kHz
Along power measurement Watt, PF, and other measurements.

If we exclude the benefit of having respectable results at harmonic analysis along THD% measurement, then you are ending up with a basic but accurate power meter.
For window power meter with terrible software,  or no Widows software at all,  this is a crippled solution.

I am just exploring Chroma power meter (hardware and software offering) as I did explore similar class of Yokogawa products.
And I am going to explore further more brands.

The ideal is to find modern hardware, well written software with easy to use and read interface, and the final price to be reasonable. 

       

[Kiriakos GR]

At that point I wish to thanks ChromaUsa, and Mr. Keith (Technical Support Supervisor)
as he did send to me a copy of the (not freely available to download)
Digital power meter 66201/66202 user manual  5.388 KB, PDF  = 130 pages long.