2 Channel 4 Trace

Cathode-Ray Oscilloscope
ST251

Operating Manual
Ver 1.1

An ISO 9001 : 2000 company

94-101, Electronic Complex Pardesipura,

Indore- 452010, India
Tel : 91-731- 2570301/02, 4211100
Fax: 91- 731- 2555643
E-mail : [email protected]
Website : www.scientech.bz
Toll free No. : 1800-103-5050
ST251

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30 MHz 2 Channel 4 Trace

Cathode-Ray Oscilloscope
ST251

Table of Contents

1. Safety Instructions 4
2. Introduction 5
3. Technical Specifications 7
4. Panel Controls 8
5. Operating Instructions 11
6. Component Tester 17
7. Warranty 18
8. List of Accessories 18

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Safety Instructions

Read the following safety instructions carefully before operating the instrument to
avoid any personal injury or damage to the instrument and any product connected to
it.
Do not operate the instrument if you suspect any damage to it
The instrument should be serviced by qualified personnel only.
For your safety :
Use proper Mains-cord : Use only the mains cord designed for oscilloscope. Ensure
that the mains cord is suitable for your country.
Ground the Instrument : This oscilloscope is grounded through the protective earth
conductor of the mains cord. To avoid electric shock the grounding conductor must be
connected to the earth ground. Before making connections to the input terminals of
the oscilloscopes ensure that the instrument is properly grounded.
Observe Terminal Ratings : To avoid fire or shock hazards, observe all ratings and
marks on the instrument.
Use only the proper Fuse : Use the fuse type and rating specified for this product.
Use in proper atmosphere : Please refer to operating conditions given in the manual.
• Do not operate in wet / damp conditions.
• Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.
• Keep product dust free, clean and dry.

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Introduction
• 30 MHz Bandwidth
• 2 Channel - 4 Trace Display
• Component & Continuity Tester
• Sharp Trace CRT & Auto Focus
• Stable Triggering upto 50MHz
• Trigger sensitivity 0.5 div
• Variable Hold off & Line Triggering
Scientech ST251 is the ideal scope for just about any purpose. 30 MHz standard
bandwidth and Four Trace display along with many unique features makes ST251 an
ideal choice for professionals and students. Rugged yet lightweight, it has sharp and
bright trace with internal graticule CRT. The 30 MHz bandwidth is adequate for most
needs and since you can actually view signals upto 50 MHz, it’s a real cost savings
over a 50 MHz scope. The 4-trace feature allows us to view original & expanded
signals simultaneously for quick signal analysis. Built-in Component & Continuity
Tester helps in testing at the component level. The alternate triggering ensures that
both the channels are having stable waveform even when the input signal of channel 1
and channel 2 are different. An external triggering signal and Z-axis modulation
signal can also be applied. Graticule illumination is provided for better viewing of
signal even in low light conditions.
The ST251 offer anyone of following as separate Add-on module (optional).
• Function Generator
• Frequency Counter
• Curve Tracer
• Power Supply
• Digital Voltmeter
• Logic Scope
These Add-on modules enhance measuring capabilities of instrument at low cost.
The Add-on modules :
Built-in 100 KHz Function Generator has all Standard Functions Sine, Square,
Triangular & also the DC Voltage. The output signal can be added with DC-offset as
desired. The output voltage is adjustable upto 10 Vpp in 50 Ω (20Vpp DC), and is
fully Short-Circuit protected.
Integrated Digital Frequency Counter measures a wide range of frequencies directly
from 20 Hz to 30 MHz, with high accuracy. Its 4-digit display gives a resolution of
10Hz to 10 KHz. Over range is indicated by the flashing of displays.

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The Curve Tracer is used to test transistors, FETs, two terminal devices like
Rectifier Diodes, Zener Diodes. It can also be used to find out parameters like Beta
(current gain), break down, saturations and cut-off voltages.
The Power Supply has a triple output which is suitable for most of requirements on
the test bench. It has + 5V; -250mA, & ± 12V; -500mA, all floating from the chassis.
It offers load and line regulation of ± 2 %.
The Digital Voltmeter measures voltages up to DC 200 Volts with high accuracy and
its 3 ½ digit display gives resolution of 1mV and 100mV. The over range is indicated
by glowing of "1". Special emphasis has been placed on high voltage protection and
input isolation against floating and chassis and ground measurements.
The Logic Scope is very useful while experimenting with digital circuits to view
timing diagrams of Flip-Flops, Gates, Counters, Registers, Multiplexers, De-
multiplexers, Clocks, Frequency Dividers and many other such applications.

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Technical Specifications

Operating modes : Trigger Bandwidth : 50 MHz.

Channel 1, Channel 2, Channel 1 & 2 Horizontal Deflection (X) :
alternate / chopped (approximately 350 Bandwidth : DC-2.5 MHz (-3 dB).
KHz) X-Y (Ratio 1: 1 Input via CH 2),
X- Y mode : Phase Shift < 3° at 60 KHz.
Add/ Sub, Invert CH 2. Deflection coefficients : 12 calibrated
Vertical deflection (Y) : steps 5mV /cm -20V /cm (1-2-5 sequence).
(Identical Channels) Input Impedance : 1 MΩ | | 25 pF.
Bandwidth : DC-30 MHz (-3dB). Component Tester :
Rise Time : 12 ns (approximately). Test Voltage : Maximum 8.6 Vrms.
Deflection coefficients : 12 calibrated (Open circuited).
steps 5mV/cm - 20V/cm (1-2-5 sequence)
Test Current: Max 8 mArms (Short
Accuracy : ± 3%. circuited)
Input Impedance : 1 MΩ | | 25 pF.
Test Frequency : 50Hz, Test circuit
Input coupling : DC-AC-Gnd. grounded to chassis
Input voltage :Max. 400 V (DC + Peak
Continuity Tester :
AC). Beeper sounds < 75Ω (approximately).
Time base : General Information :
Time coefficients : 18 calibrated steps, Cathode Ray Tube : Rectangular
0.5µs/div.-0.2s/div. (1-2-5 sequence) medium short persistence (P-31).
with magnifier X5 to 100ns/cm, with Accelerating potential :
variable control to 40 ns/div. With 2000 V DC (approximately)
Alternate/Normal switch magnified Graticule Illumination : On/Off switch.
sweep and normal sweep can be seen Display: 8 x 10 cm.
simultaneously. Trace rotation : Adjustable on front
Accuracy : ± 3% (in calibrated panel
position). Calibrator : Square Wave Generator.
Ramp output :5 Vpp (approximately). 1KHz (approximately), 0.2Vpp ±l%
Hold-Off : Variable control for Stable for probe compensation.
Trigger. Z Modulation : TTL level
Trigger System : Stabilized Power Supply : All
operating voltages including the EHT
Modes : Automatic or Variable
Mains Voltage : 230V; 50Hz.
Trigger level
Mains fluctuations:±10% (maximum)
Source : CH 1, CH 2, Alt CH 1/CH 2,
Power Consumption : 45VA
Line, External.
(approximately)
Slope : Positive or Negative.
Weight (approximately) : 7.5 Kg.
Coupling : AC.
Dimensions (mm) : W285 x H145 x D380
Sensitivity : Internal 5mm, External 0.8V
Operating Temperature:0-40C°;90%RH.
(approximately).

Subject to change

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Panel Controls

Front Panel Controls

(1) Power On/Off : Push buttons switch for supplying power to

instrument.
(2) X5 : Switch when pushed inwards gives 5 times
magnification of the X signal.
(3) XY : Switch when pressed cuts off the time base &
allows access to the external horizontal signal to
be fed through CH 2 (used for X- Y display).
(4) CH 1/2 : Switch when selected & triggers CH 1 and
Trig 1/2 when pressed, selects & triggers CH 2.
(5) Mono/ Dual : Switch selects the Dual operation.
(6) Alt/Chop/ Add : Switch selects alternate or chopped in Dual mode.
If Mono is selected then this switch enables,
Addition or Subtraction of channel i.e. CH1 ±
CH2.

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(7) Time/Div : Switch selects time base speeds.

(8) Auto/Level (Norm) : Switch selects Auto/Level position. Auto is used
to get trace when no signal is fed at the input. In
Normal the trigger level can be varied from the
positive peak to negative peak with Level control.
(9) Level : Controls the trigger level from peak to peak
amplitude of signal.
(10) Trigger Input : Socket provided to feed external trigger signal in
External mode.
(11) Normal /Alternate : Switch selects Normal (X1) or Alternate (X1 &
X5 simultaneously) operation.
(12) Hold Off : Controls hold off time between sweeps. Normal
position corresponds to full counter clockwise
(13) X Pos : Controls horizontal position of the trace.
(14) Ext : Switch when pressed allows external triggering
signal to be fed from the socket marked Trigger
Input.
(15) TB Var : Controls the time speed in between two steps of
Time/Div switch. For calibration put this fully
anticlockwise at calibration position.
(16) Line : Switch when pressed displayed signal gets
synchronized with mains/line frequency.
(17) Alt : Selects alternate trigger mode from CH1 & CH2.
(18) +/- : Switch selects the slope of triggering, whether
positive going or negative going.
(19) Invert CH 2 : Switch when pressed inverts the CH 2.
(20) Intensity : Controls the brightness of the trace.
(21) TR : Controls the alignment of the trace with graticule
(screw driver adjustment)
(22) Focus : Controls the sharpness of the trace.
(23) Illumination : For switching On/Off graticule Illumination.
(24) Cal Out : Socket provided for square wave output 200mV;
used for probe compensation and checking
vertical sensitivity, etc.
(25) Component Tester : Switch when pressed starts Component Tester
operation.
(26) Trace Sep : Separates traces X1 & X5 in Alternate operation.

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(27) DC/AC/Gnd : Input coupling switch for each channel. In AC the

signal is coupled through 0.1MFD capacitor.
(28) CH 1(Y) & CH 2 (X) : BNC connectors serves as input connection for
CH 1 & CH 2. Channel 2 input connector also
serves as horizontal external signal.
(29) CT : To test any components in the Component Tester
mode, put one test probe in this socket and
connect the other test probe in ground socket.
(30) Volts/Div : Switches select the sensitivity of each Channel.
(31) Y Pos 1 & 2 : Controls provided for vertical deflection of trace
for each channel.

Back Panel Controls

Fuse : 350 mA fuses is provided at the back panel. Spare

fuses are provided inside the instrument.
Z mod : Banana socket provided for modulating signal
input i.e. Z-modulation.

: Banana socket provided for saw tooth output of

5Vpp.

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ST251

Operating Instruction
General Information :
The 30 MHz Dual Channel, 4 Trace Oscilloscope ST251 is a compact, low line and just
trouble free Instrument. It is technically advanced, as particularly illustrated by the
increased use of monolithic integrated circuits. The logical arrangement of the controls
& connectors makes it easy to become familiar with the operation of the instruments.
However, even, experienced users of oscilloscopes should read the following
instructions thoroughly before using the instrument.
Operating Conditions :
Ambient temperature range for operation: 0°C - 40°C.
Ambient temperature range for storage transportation: -20°C to + 70°C.
The instrument should be placed in a clean and dry room and should be operated in
normal position; however, the convection cooling must not be impaired.
First Time Operation & Presetting :
At the time of delivery, the instrument is set at 230 V AC mains voltage. To obtain a
display:
• All push buttons should be in the released position.
• Instrument is turned on by pressing "Power" push button. An LED indicates that
the instrument is ‘On’. It is recommended to switch on the instrument for about
30 minutes prior to commencement of any calibration check.
• If the trace is not visible after a warm-up of one minute:
a) Check "Intensity". It is possible that this control needs to be increased,
rotate knob clockwise.
b) Or the sweep generator is not triggered.
c) Or the X & Y "Pos" controls may be incorrectly set.
d) All knob and switches should again be checked to ensure that the correct
positions have been selected. Moreover, particular attention should be paid
to Level control. In the absence of an input signal the baseline will only be
displayed if this control is in the fully anticlockwise and locked position
"Auto" (Automatic triggering).
• If only a dot appears [Caution, the CRT phosphor could be damaged under this
condition probably] the push button for XY is pressed. If this is so, it should be
released.
• Now, the baseline should appear and the "Intensity" control should be adjusted for
average brightness, while optimum sharpness is obtained by adjusting the "Focus"
control.

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• At the same time both input coupling switch "DC-AC-Gnd" should be in the
"Gnd" position. Thus, the inputs of the Y - amplifiers are shorted preventing the
introduction of unwanted signals.
Type of Signal Voltage :
All signals whose frequency spectrum is below 30 MHz can be displayed on the
ST251.
• Simple electrical processes such as sinusoidal RF and AF signals or 50 Hz ripple
voltages are easily displayed by the instrument.
• However to display square or pulse shaped signals one has to remember that their
harmonic content must also be transmitted along with the fundamental. Hence the
bandwidth of the vertical amplifier must be set considerably higher than the
repetition of logic and pulse signals, particularly, if the duty cycle permanently
changes during the operation. Otherwise, the display will move up and down
without any change.
• Display of composite signals which do not contain any suitable level components
for triggering cause greater problems. To obtain a well triggered display in such
cases, it is necessary to use the time base 'Var' control.
• To be used as an AC or DC voltage amplifier, each channel is provided with an
'AC-DC' switch. Under normal conditions AC mode is used. Use of DC mode is
recommended only when acquisition of the DC voltage content signal is
absolutely necessary. However, when investigating very low frequency pulses,
disturbing ramp offset may occur with AC coupling. In this case DC coupling
must be used DC voltages are always measured in the 'DC' position. DC operation
is to be recommended even for the representation of logic and pulse, particularly
under conditions when the duty cycle changes permanently during the operation,
else the display will move up and down with change.
Magnitude of Signal Voltage :
Generally alternating voltage data normally refers to effective values (rms = root mean
square value). But, for signal magnitude and voltage in oscilloscope tests the volt peak-
to-peak (Vpp) value (which is the value of real potential difference between the most
positive and most negative points of a signal waveform) is taken.
To convert a value of sinusoidal wave displayed on the oscilloscope screen to its
effective value, the resulting voltage peak-to-peak value has to divide by 2.83.
Conversely Vpp is 2.83 times Veff (Vrms) and is equivalent to the sinusoidal voltage.
The relations of the different voltages magnitude is given in the figure 1.

Figure 1

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The minimum required voltage on the Y input for a display of 1cm amplitude is 2m
Vpp. However, smaller signals can be displayed. The deflection coefficients on the
Input attenuators are indicated by Vpp/cm or mVpp/cm. The magnitude of the applied
voltage is ascertained by multiplying the selected deflection coefficient with the display
amplitude in cm. If an attenuator probe X10 is used, a further multiplication by 10 is
required. With direct connection to the Y input, signals upto 160 Vpp can be displayed.
If the applied signal is superimposed on a direct voltage, the total value (DC peak value
of the alternating voltage) of the signal on the Y input must not exceed 400 V.
Time Values of Signal Voltage :
As a rule all signals displayed are repeating process having a recurring frequency or
repetition rate which can be designated as "periods per second". For this, the units are
indicated on the "Timebase" switch µs/cm, ms/cm and s/cm. Accordingly, the
"Timebase" dial is subdivided into two sectors. The duration of a signal period or a
portion of the waveform is obtained by multiplying the relevant time fine control
marked "Variation" must be in its calibrated position for accurate measurement (arrow
horizontal and pointing to the left).
If the time is relatively short as compared with the complete signal period, an expanded
time scale (X5) should be applied. The ascertained time value is to be divided by 5 in
this case. When investigating the pulse behaviour of a signal voltage, the critical feature
is the rise time of the voltage step. To ensure that transients, ramp offset, and
bandwidth limits do not unduly influence the measuring accuracy, the rise time is
generally measured between 10% and 90% of the vertical pulse height.

Figure 2
Connection of Test Signal :
The signal displayed should be fed to the Y input of the oscilloscope through a shielded
test cable or by an X10 attenuator probe. The use of these cables with high impedance
circuits is only recommended for relatively low frequencies (upto approximately 50
KHz). For higher frequencies, and when the signal source is of low impedance, a cable
of matched characteristic impedance (usually 50 Ω) is recommended. When
investigating square or pulse waveforms with fast rise times, transient phenomenon on
both the edge and top of the signal may become visible, if the correct termination is not
used. It must be remembered that the 50 Ω through termination will dissipate a
maximum of 2 watts. If an X10 attenuator probe is used, no termination is necessary. In
this case, the connecting cable is matched directly to the high-internal impedance
sources are only slightly loaded. Therefore, it is advisable to use X10 probes when the

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voltage loss due to the attenuation of the probes is compensated by a higher sensitivity
setting on the oscilloscope. Using of probes also provides series protection for the input
of the oscilloscope amplifier.

F Note : That all attenuator probes must be compensated in conjunction with the
oscilloscope.
It is important to remember that for display of small signal voltage the position of the
ground point on the test circuit should always be located as close as possible to the
measuring point otherwise it will result in serious signal deformation from any
invalidated currents through ground leads or chassis parts. Also ground leads of the
attenuator probes should be ideally are as short and thick as possible.
If after connecting the test signal, the trace disappears suddenly, the signal amplitude
may well be too great, i.e. the amplifier is over scaled. In such case, the attenuator
switch should be turned anticlockwise, until the vertical deflection is only 3-7 cm. For
Signal amplitudes greater than 160 Vpp an X10 probe should always be used. If after
connecting the signal the intensity of the trace is low, it is possible that the period of the
test signal is substantially slower than the value set of the "Timebase" switch. This
control should then be turned anticlockwise to a corresponding slower time coefficient.
Probe Compensation :
For the undistorted display of signals, the X10 attenuator probe must be compensated to
match the input impedance of the vertical amplifier. This is done by connecting probe
tip to the mini-socket on the instrument marked with a Square Wave, and adjusting the
trimmer tool supplied with the probe. In ST251, the probe compensation is easily
achieved due to the built-in Square Wave Generator with a repetition frequency of
approximately 1KHz and an output voltage of 0.2 Vpp. The correct display is shown in
figure given below.
The "Timebase" switch should be in the 0.2ms/cm position. The signal has an
amplitude of 0.2 Vpp ±1 %. If the attenuator switch is set to 50 m V/cm., the display
will have a height of 4cms (1:1 probe). Since an attenuator probe is constantly
subjected to considerable stresses, the compensation should be frequently checked.

Figure 3

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Operating Modes :
The required operating modes are selected with push buttons in the vertical amplifier
section. For selecting either Channels, CH 1/CH 2 is pressed or released, while
selecting either channel, it also selects triggering of respective channels. For selecting
both the channels, Dual is pressed, the alternate or chop can be selected by pressing
Alt/Chop switch. For addition of channel, release Mono/Dual switch & press Alt/Chop
push button, this will display addition of CH 1 & CH 2. Similarly, subtraction of CH 1-
CH 2 can be achieved by pressing Invert CH 2 & Add mode.
For X-Y operation the "XY" button must be pressed. The X signal is connected via the
input of Channel 2. The sensitivity of the horizontal amplifier during X-Y operation is
selected by the CH 2 attenuator switch. The sensitivity and input impedance for both
the X & Y axes are equal. Note that the frequency limit of the X axis is approximately
2.5 MHz (-3dB). Therefore, an increase in phase difference is noticeable at higher
frequencies. The phase shift is 3 degrees approximately at 60 KHz.
Trigger and Time base :
Time base operation is important for obtaining a satisfactory stable display. If the
"Auto" push button is not pressed the sweep generator will be triggered automatically.
The time axis (baseline) is then also visible without applying a signal voltage. In this
position practically all uncomplicated, periodically recurring signals above 30Hz
repetition frequency can be displayed in a stable locked-in position. Operation of the
time base is then restricted mainly to adjusting the time setting.
To obtain a stable display at all frequencies the time base must be triggered
synchronously with the applied signal. Triggering can be initiated by this signal itself or
by a different external fed-in voltage, which must also be in synchronism. For this
purpose, press the Ext button. The trigger signal (at least 0.6 Vpp) is applied to the
socket marked "Trigger Input" On single channel operation a trigger signal may also be
applied to the input of Channel 2 (in this case trigger selector button "Trig 1/2" must be
pressed). This method is recommended if the amplitude of the trigger signal does not
fall in the range 0.6 - 6 Vpp, or if it is of unknown value. Using this method the signal
can be adapted to the Trigger input of the time base within a range of 2 m Vpp to
approximately 160 Vpp by means of the CH 2 attenuator switch. Initially the unknown
external trigger signal should be displayed and then adjusted to peak-to-peak amplitude
of 3-6 cm. The trigger signal can be taken either from CH 1 or CH 2. Selection is made
by means of the button marked "Trig 1/2" on the front panel. If possible, it is always
better to trigger with the less complicated signal. To select the trigger edge, use the "+/-
" button. When it is not pressed, all displays start with a positive-going rise.
If the pulse duty factor of a square signal changes drastically, and a part of this square
wave deforms to a needle pulse, the operation of the "Level" control may become
necessary, after pressing "Auto/Level" switch. With composite signals the trigger
facility is dependent on the occurrence of certain periodically recurring levels. The
"Level" adjustment of these signals will require care.

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If no triggering point can be found on complex signals even after repeated and careful
adjustment of the "Level" control, it may be possible to obtain one by adjusting the
"Var" control.
All coefficient settings on the "Timebase" switch are calibrated when the "Var" control
is set at the "Cal" position. With "Var" control in the clockwise position the sweep rate
is made faster by a factor of 2.5. This factor is not precisely calibrated. With the X5
expansion of the sweep a maximum sweep speed of approximately 40 ns/cm is
obtained. The choice of the optimum time coefficient depends on the repetition rate of
the signal being measured.

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Component Tester
Oscilloscope ST251 comes with an additional facility, a built-in Components Tester.
This allows passive and active components like resistors, capacitors, inductors,
transformer, silicon or germanium diodes, zener diodes, tunnel diodes, schottky diodes,
transistors, JFETs, MOSFETs, UJTs, SCRs, TRIACs, and even linear and digital ICs to
be tested while still in circuit. Using the ST251 Component Tester is very simple. Just
push in the CT switch, plug in two test probes (supplied with instrument) one at the
banana socket marked CT, and the other at the ground socket. A horizontal line about 5
to 6cms will be seen. On shorting the two test prods tips a vertical line is seen. Connect
the component under test across the prods. Some typical test patterns are shown on the
following figure.
Only remember to keep the scope in the "CH 1" operating mode and Ground the input
of CH 1.

Figure 4

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Warranty

1) We guarantee the product against all manufacturing defects for 24 months from
the date of sale by us or through our dealers.
2) The guarantee does not cover perishable item like cathode ray tubes, crystals,
batteries, photocells etc.
3) The guarantee will become void, if
a. The product is not operated as per instruction given in the instruction
manual.
b. The agreed payment terms and other conditions of sale are not followed.
c. The customer resells the instrument to another party.
d. Any attempt is made to service and modify the instrument.
6) The non-working of the product is to be communicated to us immediately
giving full details of the complaints and defects noticed specifically mentioning
the type, serial number of the product and date of purchase etc.
7) The repair work will be carried out, provided the product is dispatched securely
packed and insured. The transportation charges shall be borne by the customer.

List of Accessories

1. BNC to Crocodile Cable ............................................................................1 No.

2. BNC to Test Prod Cable.............................................................................1 No.
3. Test Prod Set …….…………...…………………………………………….1 No.
4. Mains Cord ................................................................................................1 No.
5. e-Manual CD (PC control software inclusive) ................................................1 No.

Updated 25-02-2008

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