Introduction - Aethlabs microAeth MA200 Operating Manual

1. Introduction

1.1. Serial Number
The model and serial number of the microAeth MA200 and microAeth MA300 are located on the bottom and
back of the instruments adjacent to the USB port. The model and serial number of the microAeth MA350 is
located on the inside of the main enclosure door of the instrument adjacent to the USB port. Record the serial
number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you contact AethLabs for service.
Model: microAeth® MA_____
Serial Number: MA_____-______
1.2. Overview
Thank you for your purchase of the AethLabs microAeth® Black Carbon monitor. This product is the
result of many years of research and development and represents a leap forward in mobile Black Carbon
measurements. We hope that the features and capabilities of this product will enable new types of research
and scientific inquiry. Please let us know how you use the instrument and if there is anything we can do to
help.
The microAeth MA Series instruments are portable scientific instruments which measure the mass
concentration of light absorbing carbonaceous particles in a sampled aerosol. The instruments have 5
analytical channels each operating at a different wavelength (880 nm, 625 nm, 528 nm, 470 nm, 375 nm).
Measurement at 880 nm is interpreted as concentration of Black Carbon ('BC'). Measurement at 375 nm
is interpreted as Ultraviolet Particulate Matter ('UVPM') indicative of organic sources such as woodsmoke,
tobacco, and biomass burning. The MA Series instruments have a number of important advancements. The
microAeth MA Series feature miniature cartridges that have a spool of filter material for particulate collection
and on-board analysis. The instrument automatically controls the advance of the tape material, moving to a
new unused spot when required. This allows the instrument to run continuously for multiple weeks or months
without human intervention. The 5 wavelength optical engine enables discrimination between organic and
elemental particles which is helpful in source identification when measuring different aerosols. The MA Series
also features the DualSpot® loading compensation method, which in real-time measures and adjusts for
differing optical properties of particles of varying age and composition.
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1.3. Instrument Diagrams
1.3.1. MA200
1. Inlet port
2. User interface screen
3. Outlet port
4. User interface buttons (3)
5. DC Barrel jack port
6. USB mini-B port
7. 4-pin 3.3V TTL serial port
8. Filter tape cartridge door
9. Flat head screw in filter tape cartridge door
10. Serial number label
AethLabs AethLabs microAeth MA Series MA200, MA300, MA350 Operating Manual
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