Rae MiniRAE 2000 Operation And Maintenance Manual
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Rae MiniRAE 2000 Operation And Maintenance Manual

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MiniRAE 2000
Portable VOC Monitor
PGM-7600
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
MANUAL
(Document No.: 011-4001)
Rev. C
RAE SYSTEMS INC.
1339 Moffett Part drive
Sunnyvale, CA 94089
November 2001

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  • Page 1 MiniRAE 2000 Portable VOC Monitor PGM-7600 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL (Document No.: 011-4001) Rev. C RAE SYSTEMS INC. 1339 Moffett Part drive Sunnyvale, CA 94089 November 2001...
  • Page 2 How can I be informed and updated? Be sure to mail in your warranty card via email, post or fax to get on RAE’s private database (information is never supplied to others). You will be updated on new products, technical advisory notices, new accessories and much more.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents GENERAL INFORMATION.........1-1 General Specifications..........1-2 OPERATION OF MINIRAE 2000......2-1 Physical Description..........2-2 Keys and Display............2-3 Power On/Off............2-5 Operation..............2-7 2.4.1 Survey Mode............2-8 2.4.2 Hygiene Mode ........... 2-13 Alarm Signals............2-15 Preset Alarm Limits and Calibration....... 2-17 Integrated Samp ling Pump........
  • Page 4 4.7.13 Set Temperature Unit?........4-41 Exit Programming Mode......... 4-42 COMPUTER INTERFACE........5-1 Installing ProRAE-Suite Software ......5-2 Connect MiniRAE 2000 to PC........5-4 Start ProRAE-Suite Software........5-5 Setup Communication Port ........5-7 Processing the Configuration Data......5-8 5.5.1 Editing the Configuration Data......5-9 5.5.2 Send Configuration..........
  • Page 5 5.6.5 View Logged Data in Graph Mode ....5-25 5.6.6 Exporting Data to a Text File ......5-29 5.6.7 Exporting Graphics to a File......5-30 5.6.8 Printing Logged Data......... 5-31 Installing Datalog Capability........5-32 Upgrade the Firmware..........5-34 THEORY OF OPERATION........6-1 MAINTENANCE............7-1 Battery Charging and Replacement......
  • Page 6 ! WARNING ! - Do NOT proceed before reading - This manual must be carefully read by all individuals who have or will have the responsibility for using, maintaining, or servicing this product. The product will perform as designed only if it is used, maintained, and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Page 7 Special Notes When the MiniRAE 2000 Monitor is taken out from the transport case and turned on for the first time, there may be some residual organic or inorganic vapor trapped inside the detector chamber. The initial PID sensor reading may indicate a few ppm. Enter an area known to be free of any organic vapor and turn on the monitor.
  • Page 8 WARNINGS: Use only RAE Systems battery packs, part nos. 012- 3050, 012-3051 or 012-3052. This instrument has not been tested in an explosive gas/air atmosphere having an oxygen concentration greater than 21%.
  • Page 9 CAUTION WARNINGS: The calibration of all newly purchased RAE Systems instruments should be tested by exposing the sensor(s) to known concentration calibration gas before the instrument is put into service. For maximum safety, the accuracy of the MiniRAE 2000 should be checked by exposing it to a known concentration calibration gas before each day’s use.

  • Page 10: General Information

    -15,000 point datalogging storage capacity for data download to PC MiniRAE 2000 consists of a PID with associated microcomputer and electronic circuit. The unit is housed in a rugged ABS + PC case with a backlit 1 line by 8 character dot matrix LCD and 3 keys to provide easy user interface.

  • Page 11: General Specifications

    GENERAL INFORMATION 1.1 General Specifications Table 1.1 Portable VOC Monitor Specification Size: 8.2"L x 3.0"W x 2.0"H Weight: 19.5 oz with battery pack Detector: Photo-ionization sensor with 9.8, 10.6, or 11.7 eV UV lamp Battery: A 4.8V /1250 mAH Rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride battery pack (snap in, field replaceable) Battery Charging:...
  • Page 12 GENERAL INFORMATION Calibration: Two-point field calibration of zero and standard reference gas Calibration Memory: Store up to 8 separate calibration, alarm limits and span value Inlet Probe: Flexible 5” tubing Keypad: 1 operation key and 2 programming keys Direct Readout: Instantaneous, average, STEL and peak value, battery voltage and elapsed time...
  • Page 13 GENERAL INFORMATION Datalogging: 15,000 points with time stamp, serial number, user ID, site ID, etc. Communication: Upload data to PC and download instrument setup from PC through RS- 232 port Sampling Pump: Internally integrated. Flow rate: 450- 550 cc/min. Temperature: 0º...

  • Page 14: Operation Of Minirae 2000

    OPERATION 2. OPERATION OF MINIRAE 2000 The MiniRAE 2000 Portable VOC Monitor is a compact Monitor designed as a broadband VOC gas monitor and datalogger for work in hazardous environments. It gives real time measurements and activates alarm signals whenever the exposure exceeds preset limits.

  • Page 15: Physical Description

    OPERATION 2.1 Physical Description The main components of the MiniRAE 2000 Portable VOC monitor include: • Three keys for user to interact with the monitor: 1 operation key and 2 programming keys for normal operation or programming of the monitor •...

  • Page 16: Keys And Display

    OPERATION 2.2 Keys and Display Figure 2.2 shows the LCD display and the keypad on the front panel of the monitor. The function of the 3 keys during normal operation are summarized below: Alarm LED’s Light sensor Charge LED 0.0 ppm Figure 2-2 LCD Display and Keypad Key Function in Normal Operation [MODE]...
  • Page 17 OPERATION * Pressing and holding [MODE] key for 5 seconds turns off the power to the monitor. Monitor will beep once per second and display countdown timer during power-down [MODE] key momentarily to step sequence. Press through menu items. To save time, press any key during message scrolling to skip to the end of the message.

  • Page 18: Power On/Off

    OPERATION 2.3 Power On/Off To turn on the MiniRAE 2000 portable VOC monitor, press [MODE] key for one second and release. The audio buzzer will beep once and the air pump will turn on. The display will show “ON!..” and then “Ver n.nn” to indicate the unit’s current firmware version number.
  • Page 19 OPERATION is completely drained or is disconnected from the monitor for more than 30 minutes, the real time clock will be lost. In this case, the user needs to enter the real time clock information again, as described in Section 4, or send the clock during configuration...

  • Page 20: Operation

    OPERATION 2.4 Operation The MiniRAE 2000 VOC monitor has two operation modes: Survey and Hygiene mode. The Survey mode allows the user to manually start and stop the monitoring/measuring operation display certain exposure values. In the Hygiene mode, the monitor runs continuously after the monitor is turned on.

  • Page 21: Survey Mode

    OPERATION 2.4.1 Survey Mode After the monitor is turned on, it runs through the start up menu. Then a message “Ready..” is displayed (see figure below). At this point, the user has two options; 1) step through the operation menu, or 2) take a measurement. Ready …...
  • Page 22 OPERATION The displays are arranged in a “round robin” order: To choose a specific display, press the [MODE] key one or more times until the desired display appears. SURVEY MODE MAIN MENU Site ID = xx Ready… 0.0 ppm Gas = xxxx (Resets Peak &...
  • Page 23 OPERATION • AVERAGE READING: The TWA or running average since the start of the measurement (see Section 4.6.5 to change). The average is recalculated every minute. • PEAK READING: The highest instantaneous reading since the start of the measurement. If [Y/+] is pressed while the peak reading is displayed, the unit will ask “Reset Peak?”...
  • Page 24 MiniRAE 2000 to a Personal Computer (PC) or send/receive configuration information between a PC and the MiniRAE 2000. Connect the monitor to a serial port of a PC, and start the MiniRAE 2000 application software. Press the [Y/+] key and the LCD displays “pause monitor, ok?”...
  • Page 25 OPERATION Ready The unit is ready to start a measurement. Start Measurement Press the [Y/+] key to start the measurement cycle. The display will show the site ID and then the gas selected for measurement. The pump will start and the reading will be displayed.

  • Page 26: Hygiene Mode

    OPERATION 2.4.2 Hygiene Mode In Hygiene Mode, the unit will continuously taking measurements, once the power is turned on. After the initial start-up sequence displaying the current monitor settings, the LCD displays the instantaneous readings. The Hygiene operation menu displays include: •...
  • Page 27 OPERATION HYGIENE MODE MAIN MENU XX.X MODE Hygiene MODE MODE PC Comm? STEL MODE MODE Gas = Reset Peak XXXXXXXX Peak? MODE MODE Run time 00:00 Log On/Off? MODE MODE 11/18/98 MODE 11:20 Bat = 4.8V T=70F To choose a specific display, press the [MODE] key one or more times until the desired display appears, or the [Y/+] key where indicated with a Y.

  • Page 28: Alarm Signals

    LED are activated immediately to warn the user of the alarm condition. In addition, the MiniRAE 2000 will alarm if one of the following conditions occurs: battery voltage falls below a pre-set voltage level (4.4 V), failure of UV lamp, pump stall, or when the datalog memory is full.
  • Page 29 OPERATION Alarm Signal Testing: Under normal non-alarm conditions, it is possible to test the MiniRAE 2000 LED and buzzer in Special Diagnostic Mode (see Section 8 for details). 2-16...

  • Page 30: Preset Alarm Limits And Calibration

    OPERATION 2.6 Preset Alarm Limits and Calibration The MiniRAE 2000 portable VOC monitor is factory calibrated with standard calibration gas, programmed with default alarm limits. There are 102 gas settings stored in the library. Some examples of calibration and alarm limits are shown below. Refer to Section 4 on programming procedures for selecting a different gas, perform a calibration or set new alarm limits.

  • Page 31: Integrated Sampling Pump

    500-600 cc per minute flow rate. Connecting a Teflon or metal tubing with 1/8 inch inside diameter to the gas inlet port of the MiniRAE 2000, this pump can pull in air samples from 200 feet away horizontally, or 90 feet vertically, at about 3 feet per second flow speed.

  • Page 32: Back Light

    OPERATION 2.8 Back Light The LCD display is equipped with an LED back light to assist in reading the display under poor lighting conditions. Pressing and holding the [N/-] key for one second in normal operation can turn on the backlight. The backlight can be turned off by pressing [N/-] a second time.

  • Page 33: Datalogging

    OPERATION 2.9 Datalogging During datalogging, the MiniRAE 2000 Portable VOC monitor flashes a superscript “L”, on the display to indicate that datalogging is enabled. The monitor stores the time stamp, sample number, measured concentration at the end of every sample period (when data logging is enabled).

  • Page 34: Operation Of Accessories

    OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES 3. OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES The accessories for the MiniRAE 2000 include: • An AC Adapter (Battery Charger) • Alkaline battery holder • Water Trap Filter Optional Accessories: • Dilution Fitting • Calibration adapter • Calibration regulator and Flow controller •...

  • Page 35: Standard Kit And Accessories

    Ne charger les batteries que dans emplacements designés non-dangereuses. A battery charging circuit is built into the MiniRAE 2000 monitor. It only needs a regular AC to 12 V DC adapter (wall mount transformer) to charge the monitor. To charge the battery inside the MiniRAE 2000 monitor: 1.
  • Page 36 LED will turn on for several seconds every minute, to maintain the full charge. A completely discharged MiniRAE 2000 monitor will be charged to full capacity within 10 hours. The battery will be drained slowly even if the monitor is turned off. If the monitor has not been charged for 7-10 days, the battery voltage will be low.
  • Page 37 The internal charging circuit is designed to prevent damage to alkaline batteries and the charging circuit when alkaline batteries are installed inside the monitor. Note: The AA Alkaline battery adapter supplied by RAE Systems Inc. is intrinsically safe! 3) Water Trap Filter ®...

  • Page 38: Optional Accessories

    Tygon tubing to measure the gas concentration inside the confined space. 2) Calibration Adapter The calibration adapter for the MiniRAE 2000 is a simple 6-inch Tygon tubing with a metal adapter on one end. During calibration, simply insert the metal adapter into the regular gas inlet probe of the MiniRAE 2000 and the tubing to the gas regulator on the gas bottle.
  • Page 39 OPERATION OF ACCESSORIES (500 cc per min.). Alternatively, a Demand-flow Regulator or a Tedlar gas bag may be used to match the pump flow precisely. 4) Organic Vapor Zeroing kit (Charcoal filter) The Organic Vapor Zeroing Kit is used for filtering organic air contaminants that may affect the zero calibration reading.

  • Page 40: Programming Of Minirae 2000

    PROGRAMMING 4. PROGRAMMING OF MINIRAE 2000 The MiniRAE 2000 Monitor is built with a microcomputer to provide programming flexibility. Authorized users can re-calibrate the monitor, change the alarm limits, change site ID, user ID, lamp type, and real time clock, etc.

  • Page 41: Programming Mode

    PROGRAMMING 4.1 Programming Mode The programming mode allows the users to change the setups in the monitor, calibrate the monitor, modify the sensor configuration and enter user information, etc. The programming mode has four menu items. Each menu item includes several sub-menus perform...

  • Page 42: Keys For Programming Mode

    PROGRAMMING 4.2 Keys for Programming Mode The three keys perform a different set of functions during the programming mode as summarized below. Function in Programming Mode [MODE]: Exit menu when pressed momentarily or exit data entry mode when pressed and held for 1 second [Y/+]: Increase alphanumerical value for data...

  • Page 43: Entering Into Programming Mode

    PROGRAMMING 4.3 Entering into Programming Mode 1. Turn on the MiniRAE 2000 monitor and wait for the “Ready..” message or the instantaneous reading display “0.0 ppm” message displayed. 2. Press and hold down both [N/-] and [MODE] keys for three seconds to enter programming mode. This delay is to prevent the user from entering programming mode by accident.

  • Page 44: Calibrate And Select Gas

    Change Span Value? Modify Cal Memory? Change Correction Factor? Calibrating the MiniRAE 2000 monitor is a two-point process using “fresh air “ and the standard reference gas (also known as span gas). First a “Fresh air” calibration, which contains no detectable VOC (0.0 ppm), is used to set...
  • Page 45 PROGRAMMING gas that contains a known concentration of a given gas is used to set the second point of reference. Note: The span value must be set prior to calibrating for fresh air or span. The user can store calibrations for up to 8 different measurement gases.
  • Page 46 PROGRAMMING can be detected by the installed UV lamp will actually be displayed. Note that although the correction factor for the new gas will be displayed and can be modified, this factor is not applied when Memories #1-7 are used. Therefore the factor will not affect the readings in these memories.

  • Page 47: Fresh Air Calibration

    1. The first sub-menu shows: “Fresh air Cal?” 2. Make sure that the MiniRAE 2000 is connected to one of the “fresh” air sources described above. 3. Press the [Y/+] key, the display shows “zero in progress”...

  • Page 48: Span Calibration

    Bag, or delivered through a demand-flow regulator. Connect the calibration adapter to the inlet port of the MiniRAE 2000 Monitor, and connect the tubing to the regulator or Tedlar bag. Another alternative is to use a regulator with >500 cc/min flow but allow the excess flow to escape through a T or an open tube.
  • Page 49 “Span Cal Done! Turn Off Gas.” 10. Turn off the flow of gas. Disconnect the calibration adapter or Tedlar bag from the MiniRAE 2000 Monitor. 11. Press any key and it returns back to “Span Gas Cal?”...

  • Page 50: Select Cal Memory

    PROGRAMMING 4.4.3 Select Cal Memory This function allows the user to select one of eight different memories for gas calibration and measurement. For Memories #1-7, the calibration and measurement gas is the same and no correction factor is applied. For Memory #0, the calibration gas is always isobutylene and the measurement gas may be different, in which case the correction factor for that gas is automatically applied.

  • Page 51: Change Span Value

    PROGRAMMING 4.4.4 Change Span Value This function allows the user to change the span values of the calibration gases. 1. “Change Span Value?” is the fourth sub-menu item in the Calibration sub-menu 2. Press [Y/+], display shows the gas name and the span value.

  • Page 52: Modify Cal Memory

    PROGRAMMING 4.4.5 Modify Cal Memory If the current cal memory number selected is not memory 0, users will be prompted whether to modify the settings of the selected cal memory. Press [Y/+] to modify the cal memory and [N/-] to go to the next sub-menu. Once [Y/+] is pressed the LCD display will show the current memory number, current Gas selected and prompt user for acceptance of current gas selected.
  • Page 53 PROGRAMMING Press and hold the [MODE] key for 1 second to exit the name entry mode. The display will show “Save?“ Press [Y/+] to save the entry, or [N/-] to discard the changes. 4-14...

  • Page 54: Change Correction Factor

    PROGRAMMING 4.4.6 Change Correction Factor This function allows the user to change the Correction Factor of the standard calibration gas (only for Cal Memory #0). 1. “Change Correction Factor?” is the sixth sub-menu in the Calibration sub-menu. 2. Press [Y/+] key. Display shows the gas name, then the correction factor.

  • Page 55: Change Alarm Limits

    PROGRAMMING 4.5 Change Alarm Limits In this menu, the user can change the high and low alarm limits, the STEL limit and the TWA limit (see Table 4.5 below). Press the [Y/+] key and the display shows the current gas selected followed by the first sub-menu item below.
  • Page 56 PROGRAMMING 0010.0 3. To modify this limit value, use the [Y/+] or [N/-] key to change the digit value and press the [MODE] key momentarily to advance to the next digit. The flashing digit will move to the next digit to its right. Repeat this process until the new limit value is entered.

  • Page 57: Change Low Alarm Limit

    PROGRAMMING 4.5.1 Change Low Alarm Limit The second sub-menu item in the Alarm Limit sub-menu allows the user to change the Low Alarm limit. The LCD displays “Low limit?” To change Low Alarm limit, press [Y/+] key, or Press [N/-] key advance to next sub-menu in Table 4.5.

  • Page 58: Change Stel Limit

    PROGRAMMING 4.5.2 Change STEL Limit This sub-menu item allows the user to change the STEL limit. The display shows “ STEL limit?” 1. Press the [Y/+] key and the display will show a flashing cursor on the left-most digit of the previously stored STEL limit.

  • Page 59: Change Twa Limit

    PROGRAMMING 4.5.3 Change TWA Limit This sub-menu item allows the user to change the TWA limit. The LCD displays “TWA limit?” 1. Press [Y/+] and the display will show a flashing cursor on the left-most digit of the previously stored TWA limit.

  • Page 60: View Or Change Datalog

    PROGRAMMING 4.6 View or Change Datalog The MiniRAE 2000 monitor calculates and stores the concentration and ID of each sample taken. In the datalog sub-menu, a user can perform the tasks and functions shown in Table 4.6. Table 4.6 Datalog Sub-Menu...

  • Page 61: Reset Peak/Minimum

    PROGRAMMING 4.6.1 Reset Peak/Minimum This function will reset the peak and minimum stored in the data memory. Note: this function will not clear the STEL or TWA data. 1. “Reset Peak/Minimum?” is the first sub-menu item in the Datalog sub-menu (Table 4.6). 2.

  • Page 62: View Data (Datalog)

    PROGRAMMING 4.6.2 View Data (Datalog) This function allows the user to review all the data that is stored in the non-volatile datalog memory. Data are stored in groups, or “events”. Each event consists of event time (hour:minute:seconds), and measurement values. For example: Event/Log #1 Data #1 (10/01/97, 14:35:05, Avg., 0.2 PPM, Max 4.0)
  • Page 63 PROGRAMMING Press [Y/+] and the monitor will return to the first event. Press [N/-] and the monitor will remain in the last event. 3. Press [Y/+] to review the first data of the selected event. The display shows the stored data including the time stamp in hours and minutes, and measurement values.

  • Page 64: Clear Data

    PROGRAMMING 4.6.3 Clear Data This function will erase all data stored in the non-volatile datalog memory. Note: This function does not change STEL, TWA, Peak, Minimum and run time values, which are stored in the regular data memory. 1. “Clear Data?” is the third sub-menu item in the Datalog sub-menu.

  • Page 65: Change Data Period

    PROGRAMMING 4.6.4 Change Data Period The datalog period can be programmed from 1 to 3,600 seconds (1 hour). 1. “Change Data Period?” is the fifth sub-menu item in the Datalog sub-menu. 2. Press the [Y/+] key and the display shows “Datalog Period = XXXX”...

  • Page 66: Change Average Type

    PROGRAMMING 4.6.5 Change Average Type The user can select either an 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) or a running Average. The running average is simply the average of all instantaneous (1- second) readings since the measurement was started. This average may increase or decrease with time depending on the readings.

  • Page 67: Change Monitor Setup

    PROGRAMMING 4.7 Change Monitor Setup Several monitor specific variables can be changed in this menu. The following is a list of configuration data that can be modified by the user. Table 4.7 Monitor Setup Sub-Menu Change Operation Mode? Change Site ID? Change User ID? Change Alarm Mode? Change User Mode?

  • Page 68: Change Operation Mode

    PROGRAMMING 4.7.1 Change Operation Mode MiniRAE 2000 supports two operation modes: Survey and Hygiene mode. Survey mode: Manual start/stop of measurements and display of certain exposure values. Hygiene mode: Automatic measurements, running and datalogging continuously and calculates additional exposure values.

  • Page 69: Change Site Id

    PROGRAMMING 4.7.2 Change Site ID The user can enter an 8-digit alphanumeric site ID in the programming mode. This site ID will be included in the datalog report. 1. “Change Site ID?” is the second sub-menu item in the Monitor Setup menu (Table 4.7). 2.

  • Page 70: Change User Id

    PROGRAMMING 4.7.3 Change User ID The user can enter an 8-digit alphanumeric user ID in the programming mode. This user ID will be included in the datalog report. 1. “Change User ID?” is the third sub-menu item the Monitor Setup menu. 2.

  • Page 71: Change Alarm Mode

    4.7.4 Change Alarm Mode? There are two different alarm modes: Latched and Automatic Reset (Auto Reset) in the MiniRAE 2000 that can be selected from the programming menu. 1. “Change Alarm Mode?” is the fourth sub-menu item in the Monitor Setup menu.

  • Page 72: Change User Mode

    PROGRAMMING 4.7.5 Change User Mode There are two different user modes: Display and Program that can be selected from the programming menu. 1. “Change User Mode?” is the fifth sub-menu item in the Monitor Setup menu (Table 4.7). 2. Press the [Y/+] key; the display shows the current user mode selected.

  • Page 73: Change Date

    PROGRAMMING 4.7.6 Change Date The MiniRAE 2000 monitor is equipped with a real time clock (RTC). The user can enter the correct date and time (see 4.7.7) for the real time clock. 1. “Change Date?” is the sixth sub-menu item in the Monitor Setup menu.

  • Page 74: Change Time

    PROGRAMMING 4.7.7 Change Time To change the time in the RTC of the MiniRAE 2000: 1. “Change Time?” is the seventh sub-menu item in the Monitor Setup menu. 2. Press [Y/+] and the display shows the current time in the 24-hour format “hh : mm” with the left most digit of the time flashing.

  • Page 75: Change Lamp

    PROGRAMMING 4.7.8 Change Lamp There are three UV lamps with different photon energies available for the PID sensor: 9.8 eV, 10.6 eV and 11.7 eV. The user can select any one of the lamps from the programming mode. 1. “Change Lamp Type?” is the eighth sub-menu item in the Monitor Setup menu (Table 4.7).

  • Page 76: Change Unit

    PROGRAMMING 4.7.9 Change Unit User can change the display and datalog unit from parts per million (ppm) to milli-gram per cubic meter (mg/m 1. “Change Unit?” is the ninth sub-menu item in the Monitor Setup sub-menu. 2. Press the [Y/+] key, the display should show the current unit “Display Unit = ppm?”...

  • Page 77: Change Dilution Ratio

    PROGRAMMING 4.7.10 Change Dilution Ratio If a dilution system is used upstream of the MiniRAE 2000 inlet port, the user can enter the dilution ratio (from 1 to 10) to compensate the readings. The unit will then display the actual concentration of the gas before dilution. The dilution ratio should be 1 in normal operation where no dilution gas is applied to the sample gas.

  • Page 78: Change Output

    4.7.11 Change Output? There are two different external output options: DAC (Analog output) and Alarm in the MiniRAE 2000 that can be selected from the programming menu. The alarm output can be used to connect to the optional vibration alarm (vibrator) only.

  • Page 79: Change Dac Range

    Change DAC Range? There four different (Digital-to-Analog Conversion) range values available in the MiniRAE 2000: 20, 200, 2000 and 10K ppm. The maximum 2.5V DC analog signal output from the unit will represent the range value chosen. (See Figure 8-1 Communication/Alarm Connector for analog signal output connection.)

  • Page 80: Set Temperature Unit

    PROGRAMMING 4.7.13 Set Temperature Unit? The temperature display can be switched between Fahrenheit and Celsius units. 1. “Set Temperature Unit?” is the thirteenth sub-menu item in the Monitor Setup menu. 2. Press the key, and the display shows the current [Y/+] setting: “Temperature Unit = Fahrenheit?”...

  • Page 81: Exit Programming Mode

    PROGRAMMING 4.8 Exit Programming Mode 1. To exit programming mode from the first tier menu level, press the [MODE] key once. 2. To exit programming mode from 2nd tier sub-menu, press the [MODE] key twice. 3. To return to programming mode, press and hold down both the [MODE] and [N/-] keys for 3 seconds.

  • Page 82: Computer Interface

    PC to the MiniRAE 2000 monitor. Collected data can also be extracted from the MiniRAE 2000 to the PC in order to perform data analysis, report generation or record keeping. Installation and operation of this software package is described in the following Sections.

  • Page 83: Installing Prorae-Suite Software

    Run datalog box to start the setup process. If the user chooses the default settings in every step of the process, the ProRAE-Suite software will be installed under the default directory: C:\Program Files\RAE Systems Inc\ProRAE-Suite. After the software is installed successfully, a new menu item ProRAE-Suite is added to the Programs menu.
  • Page 84 COMPUTER INTERFACE the Programs submenu, then click the ProRAE-Suite menu item to display the ProRAE-Suite submenu. There are two submenu items under the ProRAE-Suite submenu: ProRAE-Suite and Readme, as shown in Figure 5-2. Click the ProRAE-Suite submenu item to start the ProRAE-Suite software. Figure 5-2 Start Menu...

  • Page 85: Connect Minirae 2000 To Pc

    COMPUTER INTERFACE 5.2 Connect MiniRAE 2000 to PC The basic kit of the MiniRAE 2000 is supplied with a serial interface cable. Connect the DB-9 connector side of the cable to the serial port of the PC, and connect another side of the cable to the MiniRAE 2000 monitor.

  • Page 86: Start Prorae-Suite Software

    The functions of the ProRAE-Suite software can be divided into three categories: 1) Configuration data category. This category includes editing the configuration data file, sending the configuration data to the MiniRAE 2000 monitor and receiving the configuration data from the MiniRAE 2000 monitor, etc. 2) Logged data category.
  • Page 87 COMPUTER INTERFACE and exporting logged data to a tab delimited text file so that it can be read by a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel, etc. 3) Upgrade category. This category includes upgrading the monitor to datalogging capability, and upgrading the firmware in the monitor.

  • Page 88: Setup Communication Port

    COMPUTER INTERFACE 5.4 Setup Communication Port It is necessary to setup the communication port on the ProRAE-Suite software so that the MiniRAE 2000 monitor can communicate with the PC correctly. Figure 5-4 shows the Setup Port dialog box. Choose the appropriate port according to the PC’s serial port setup.

  • Page 89: Processing The Configuration Data

    5.5 Processing the Configuration Data The ProRAE-Suite software allows the user to edit the configuration data, send the configuration data to the MiniRAE 2000 monitor, and receive the configuration data from the MiniRAE 2000 monitor. The following sub-sections describe the details of each operation.

  • Page 90: Editing The Configuration Data

    COMPUTER INTERFACE 5.5.1 Editing the Configuration Data There are two different sources of the configuration files. One is loaded from the unit, the other is from a configuration file previously saved on the PC. To load and review the configuration of the monitor: From the main menu of the ProRAE-Suite software, select the Receive Configuration…...
  • Page 91 For example, Default_MiniRAE2000_V200.cfg means this file is for MiniRAE 2000 monitor and its version is V2.00. Choose a configuration file by highlighting the file name and press the Enter key or click the Open button on the dialog box.
  • Page 92 COMPUTER INTERFACE To edit the opened configuration data file, click the Edit - > Configuration menu item or the Configuration toolbar button to open the Edit Configuration File dialog box, as shown in Figure 5-7. After editing the settings, click the OK button to close the Edit Configuration File dialog box.
  • Page 93 COMPUTER INTERFACE This Section sets the identification that is used throughout the datalog process. Both editing fields, Site and User, can hold up to eight alphanumeric letters. Security Level: There are three levels of security. Use security level to provide protection against unauthorized changes to the monitor settings in the programming mode.
  • Page 94 Clock from PC: This option allows the PC clock to be downloaded to the MiniRAE 2000 monitor so that the user does not need to manually set the clock in the MiniRAE 2000 monitor. Alarm Mode: This option allows the alarm to be either latched or auto- reset.
  • Page 95 COMPUTER INTERFACE Power On Zero: This option allows the monitor to perform a fresh air calibration automatically when the monitor is turned on. Care must be taken, when using this mode, to ensure that the monitor is in a fresh air environment and the unit has been warmed up when turned on.
  • Page 96 COMPUTER INTERFACE -- With Scheduled start/stop, all the entry boxes for year, month, day, hour and minute for both start and stop time must be entered to specify when the datalog is to occur. Run Time: If manual start/stop mode for datalogging is chosen, the user needs to specify a maximum run time.

  • Page 97: Send Configuration

    ProRAE-Suite software, user send configuration settings to the MiniRAE 2000 monitor. To send the configuration settings to the instrument, click Communication->Send Config menu item or click the Send toolbar icon (right arrow with “Send” letters), a message box will appear to remind the user to connect the instrument to the PC through the serial port.

  • Page 98: Saving Configuration Data

    File->Save or File->Save As menu item to save the opened configuration data to a file. Once the configuration file is saved on disk, it can be opened at a later time for further modification or can be sent to the MiniRAE 2000 monitor. 5-17...

  • Page 99: Configuring All Settings

    A user can use this function to update the entire configuration settings (except the instrument ID, serial number and the datalog option) in the MiniRAE 2000 monitor. To configure all the settings in the instrument, click the Option->Config All menu item, and a message box will appear to remind the user to connect the instrument to the PC through the serial port.

  • Page 100: Processing The Logged Data

    5.6 Processing the Logged Data The ProRAE-Suite software allows the user to retrieve the logged data from the MiniRAE 2000 monitor and display the data in many different formats. The user can also export the displayed text to a tab delimited text file so that a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel can read it directly.

  • Page 101: Receiving Data

    COMPUTER INTERFACE 5.6.1 Receiving Data To receive the logged data from the MiniRAE 2000 monitor, click the Communication->Receive Data menu item or click the Receive Data toolbar button (left arrow with “Recv” letters). A message box will appear to remind the user to connect the instrument to the PC through the serial port.

  • Page 102: View Logged Data In Text Mode

    COMPUTER INTERFACE 5.6.2 View Logged Data in Text Mode Once the user opens a data file or receives the logged data from the instrument, a data window appears, as shown in Figure 5-8. Figure 5-8 Displayed Logged Data The data window is a two-pane client window. The left pane is a tree view that lists all the display formats of each event, and the right pane displays the information according to the display format and the event the user...
  • Page 103 COMPUTER INTERFACE To view the data points of a specific event, click the item representing that event under the item Text Mode. For example, click the item Event #3 on the left pane, and the right pane displays the data points of Event #3, as shown in Figure 5-8.

  • Page 104: View Stel/Twa/Avg Value

    COMPUTER INTERFACE 5.6.3 View STEL/TWA/AVG Value To view the STEL, TWA or AVG value of any event, click the event number item under the tree item STEL/TWA/AVG in the left pane. The right pane displays the STEL, TWA and AVG value of each data point of that event, as shown in Figure 5-9.

  • Page 105: View Summary Information

    COMPUTER INTERFACE 5.6.4 View Summary Information To view the summary information of any event, such as peak value and minimum value, click the event number item under the tree item Summary in the left pane The right pane displays the summary information of that event, as shown in Figure 5-10.

  • Page 106: View Logged Data In Graph Mode

    COMPUTER INTERFACE 5.6.5 View Logged Data in Graph Mode To view the logged data of a specific event in graph mode, click the event item under the tree item Graph Mode in the left pane, and the right pane displays the graph of that event, as shown in Figure 5-11.
  • Page 107 COMPUTER INTERFACE Figure 5-12 Graph Type Tab Page Select graph range: User can choose the value range on the x-axis and y-axis in the Graph Range tab page of the Graph Settings dialog box. To display the Graph Settings dialog box, click any place in the right pane so that pane is active, then click the Option->Graph Settings menu item to display the Graph Settings dialog box.
  • Page 108 COMPUTER INTERFACE Figure 5-13 Graph Range Tab Page To choose the range of Y-axis, first click the User Defined button in the Y-Axis (Data Value) Range type group box, then specify the top value and the bottom value in the Data Value Range (Y-axis) group box. If the user selects the Default button in the Y-Axis (Data Value) Range type group box, the ProRAE-Suite software will scale the range of Y-axis by itself to cover...
  • Page 109 COMPUTER INTERFACE If the Default button is selected in the X-Axis (Data Time) Range group box, ProRAE-Suite will scale the range of X-axis by itself to cover the every data point on x-axis. 5-28...

  • Page 110: Exporting Data To A Text File

    COMPUTER INTERFACE 5.6.6 Exporting Data to a Text File The ProRAE-Suite software allows the user to export the displayed text to a tab delimited text file so that a ® spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel can read it directly. To export the text displayed in the right pane, click Option ->...

  • Page 111: Exporting Graphics To A File

    COMPUTER INTERFACE 5.6.7 Exporting Graphics to a File The ProRAE-Suite software allows the user to export the displayed graph to a windows bitmap (.bmp) file or a windows metafile (.wmf) file. To export the displayed graph in the right pane, first click any place in the right pane to activate that pane, then click the Option ->...

  • Page 112: Printing Logged Data

    COMPUTER INTERFACE 5.6.8 Printing Logged Data After viewing the data results, the user may print the data in order to obtain a hard copy of the text or graphic data report. First, click any place in the right pane to activate that pane, then select the File ->...

  • Page 113: Installing Datalog Capability

    COMPUTER INTERFACE Installing Datalog Capability To upgrade to datalogging capability, open the ProRAE- Suite software. Do not open any configuration file or data file, so the ProRAE-Suite software has no client window open, as shown in Figure 5-14. Figure 5-14 Main window of ProRAE-Suite Click the Option ->...
  • Page 114 When the datalog option is changed, a message box will appear on the screen to let the user know that the datalog option is successfully installed. The Authorization Code is provided from RAE Systems when the datalog upgrade option is purchased. 5-33...

  • Page 115: Upgrade The Firmware

    COMPUTER INTERFACE Upgrade the Firmware To upgrade the firmware in the MiniRAE 2000 monitor, open the ProRAE-Suite software. Do not open any configuration file or data file so the ProRAE-Suite software has no client window open, as shown in Figure 5.14.

  • Page 116: Theory Of Operation

    The PID sensor for the MiniRAE 2000 monitor is constructed as a small cavity in front of the UV lamp. A diaphragm pump draws the gas sample into the sensor and then pumps it out through the side of the instrument.
  • Page 117 THEORY OF OPERATION A single chip microcomputer is used to control the operation of the alarm buzzer, LED, pump and light sensor. It measures the sensor readings and calculates the gas concentrations based on calibration to known standard gases. The data are stored in non-volatile memory so that they can be sent to a PC for record keeping.

  • Page 118: Maintenance

    MAINTENANCE 7. MAINTENANCE The major maintenance items of the MiniRAE 2000 are: • Battery pack • Sensor module • PID lamp • Sampling pump • Inlet connectors and filters Note: Maintenance should be performed by qualified personnel only. NOTE: The printed circuit board of the monitor is connected to the battery pack even if the power is turned off.
  • Page 119 Communication Connector Figure 7-1 Battery Replacement 1. Turn off the power of the MiniRAE 2000. 2. Unscrew the two battery compartment screws, located on the bottom of the monitor, and remove the cover. 3. Remove the battery pack from the battery compartment.
  • Page 120 MAINTENANCE Replacing Alkaline Battery Adapter 1. Insert four fresh AA size alkaline batteries into the alkaline battery holder. Make sure that the polarity of the batteries is correct. 2. Follow the same procedure as described above to replace the battery holder. Note: The internal charging circuit is designed to prevent charging to alkaline batteries.

  • Page 121: Pid Sensor & Lamp Cleaning /Replacement

    MAINTENANCE 7.2 PID Sensor & Lamp Cleaning / Replacement The sensor module is made of several components and is attached to the lamp-housing unit as shown in Figure 7-2. Housing Lamp Housing 1 1/8” O’Ring PID Sensor Porus Metal Filter Green Dust Filter 3/8”...
  • Page 122 MAINTENANCE To access the sensor components and lamp, gently unscrew the lamp-housing cap, remove the sensor adapter with the gas inlet probe and the metal filter all together. Then hold the PID sensor and pull straight out to avoid bending the electrical pins on the sensor (see Figure 7-2).
  • Page 123 MAINTENANCE 1. If the lamp is operational, clean the lamp window surface and the lamp housing by wiping it with GC grade methanol using a cotton swab with moderate pressure. After cleaning, hold the lamp up to the light at an angle to detect any remaining film.

  • Page 124: Sampling Pump

    MAINTENANCE 7.3 Sampling Pump When approaching the end of the specified lifetime of the pump, it will consume higher amount of energy and reduce its sample draw capability significantly. When this occurs, it is necessary to replace or rebuild the pump . When checking the pump flow, make sure that the inlet connector is tight and the inlet tubing is in good condition.
  • Page 125 MAINTENANCE Pump Replacement 1. Turn off the MiniRAE 2000 power. 2. Open the battery cover, remove the battery pack, and carefully unscrew the six screws to open the bottom cover. 3. Unplug the pump from the PCB. Unscrew the two screws that hold the pump assembly to the PCB.

  • Page 126: Turning On The Uv Lamp

    The molecules inside the lamp are ionized and produce a glow discharge that generates the UV light. The MiniRAE 2000 has a built-in sensing mechanism to monitor the status of the UV lamp and display a “Lamp” error message if it is not on.
  • Page 127 MAINTENANCE changes. If the reading changes significantly with the gas, the UV lamp is actually on. If the UV lamp is on while the error message persist, then it is necessary to adjust the lamp threshold (See Adjust Lamp Failure Threshold in Chapter 8.) It is possible to increase the Lamp Drive power for easier lamp start-up or to extend the life of the lamp.

  • Page 128: Troubleshooting

    Section 8.2 summarizes the frequently encountered problems and suggested solutions. By turning on the MiniRAE 2000 monitor in diagnostic mode and by using the troubleshooting table in Section 8.2, the user can usually correct the problem without having to return the monitor for repair.

  • Page 129: Special Diagnostic Mode

    TROUBLESHOOTING 8.1 Special Diagnostic Mode To turn on the monitor to the special diagnostic mode, push and hold the [Y/+] key, and then push and hold the [MODE] key for at least two seconds (until the beep stops). After the required delay, release both keys, the monitor will go through the start-up sequence and display a “Diagnostic Mode”...
  • Page 130 TROUBLESHOOTING Parameter Display Action Raw Reading 1A 167 (+ = 10X) [MODE] Raw Reading 10A 188 (+ = 100X) [Y/+] Raw Reading 100A 310 [MODE] Raw Reading 1B 165 not used (+ = 10X) [MODE] Raw Reading 10B 166 not used (+=100X) [Y/+] Raw Reading 100B (+=100X)
  • Page 131 TROUBLESHOOTING Below is a brief description of the diagnostic displays 1) Raw Sensor Readings The raw sensor readings provide a quick diagnosis on the response and the sensitivity of the sensor. When zero gas (fresh clean air) is applied to the monitor, the raw sensor readings typically should be between 100 and 400 for 1A and 10A, 64 and 840 for 100A.
  • Page 132 TROUBLESHOOTING that determines lamp fail. Anything below this level is considered a failure. 5. Push the [Y/+] or [N/-] key to increase or decrease the threshold value “yyy” until it is about 10 - 15 counts above the “xxx” value. This will optimally set the lamp Press [MODE] key to exit this failure threshold.
  • Page 133 TROUBLESHOOTING 4) Battery Type The MiniRAE 2000 monitor can be powered by either a rechargeable nominal 4.8V NiMH / NiCd battery pack or an alkaline battery holder. This display shows the type of battery, which is currently installed in the monitor. The charger cable must be unplugged for a correct battery type display.
  • Page 134 TROUBLESHOOTING 2. Block the gas inlet and watch the pump current readings increase. Write down the blocked reading. If the pump current reading does not increase significantly (i.e. more than 10 counts), then there may be a leak in the gas inlet or the pump is weak or defective. Press the [MODE] key one more time, the display should show the message “Stall yyy”.
  • Page 135 TROUBLESHOOTING Pos 4, Transmit Pos 3, Receive (male , pin ) Green (male, pin) Red Pos 2, Alarm/DAC Pos 1, Ground (female, hole ) White (female, hole ) Black (front view of connector on monitor) Figure 8-1 Communication/Alarm Connector Pos 1, Ground Pos 2, Not used (male , pin ) Black (male, pin) Red...
  • Page 136 TROUBLESHOOTING 11) Adjust Back Light Threshold This display can be used to calibrate the LCD back light turn on and off threshold. Use the following steps to adjust the back light threshold. 1. The “Lite = xxx” message displays the present ambient light level incident on the face of the monitor.

  • Page 137: Troubleshooting Table

    TROUBLESHOOTING 8.2 Troubleshooting Table Table 8-2 Problem Possible Reasons & Solutions Reasons: Cannot turn on Discharged battery. power after Defective battery. charging the Microcomputer hang-up. battery Solutions: Charge or replace battery. Disconnect, then connect battery to reset computer. Reasons: No LCD back Trigger level too low, the light current mode is not user mode,...
  • Page 138 TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Possible Reasons & Solutions Reasons: Buzzer Bad buzzer. Inoperative Solutions: Call authorized service center. Reasons: Inlet flow too Pump diaphragm damaged or has debris. Flow path leaks. Solutions: Check flow path for leaks; sensor module O-ring, tube connectors, Teflon tube compression fitting.
  • Page 139 TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Possible Reasons & Solutions Reasons: Read a small There is actually a small background background gas level. value Sensor zero drift. Solutions: Do fresh air calibration (see Section 4.4.1). Reasons: Reading jumping Incorrect calibration gas value. around randomly Low sensitivity to cal gas.

  • Page 140: Appendix A. Quick Reference Guide

    APPENDIX A APPENDIX A. QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE PROGRAMMING MODE Calibrate/Select Gas? Fresh air cal? Span cal? Select cal memory? Change span value? Modify cal memory? Change correction factor? Change Alarm Limits? High limit? Low limit ? STEL limit? TWA limit? View/Change Datalog? Reset Peak/Minimum? View data?
  • Page 141 APPENDIX B APPENDIX B. EXPENDABLE AND REPLACEMENT PART LIST The replacement part number of the standard expendables and common repair parts are listed in the table below: Table B-1 Part Number Part Description 012-3051 Ni-MH battery pack 012-3052 Alkaline battery holder 490-0047-000 Porous metal filter 012-2027-000...
  • Page 142 TN-116 ToxiRAE Oxygen Monitor (PGM-36) at a Glance TN-117 ToxiRAE Combustible Gas Monitor (PGM-37) at a Glance TN-118 Use of RAE PIDs for Soil Headspace Measurements TN-119 Calculation of STEL, TWA, Min., Max., and Average Values for ToxiRAE PID. TN-120 Measuring Correction Factors for Volatile Compounds...
  • Page 143 TN-139 UltraRAE Communication with NT TN-140 Extension Tubing Volume and Delay Time TN-141 MultiRAE Remote Control Functions TN-142 MiniRAE 2000 Preprogrammed Compound Library TN-143 Accuracy Comparisons of Gas Detection Tubes TN-144 Handling LEL Sensor Poisoning TN-145 Proper Care of Nickel Cadmium Battery Packs...
  • Page 144 AP-207 PIDs as an Arson Investigation Tool AP-208 HAZMAT User List AP-209 UltraRAE User List AP-210 North American RAE User List AP-211 PIDs for Continuous Monitoring of VOCs AP-212 PIDs for Indoor Air Quality AP-213 ModuRAE PID Configuration and Applications...

  • Page 145: Appendix C. Technical Notes

    Please send me the following information: Name: Company: Mailing Address: City, State, Zip: Country: Telephone: Fax: Technical Notes: (just list TN #) Application Notes: (just list AP #) Comments: Thank you, RAE Systems Sales & Marketing Department E - 1...

  • Page 146: Appendix F. Request For Return Authorization Form

    Only send accessories with the instrument when they are also in need of repair. This will help us get your equipment back to you in an efficient manner. Thank you, RAE Systems Service Department F - 1...

  • Page 147: Main Contact Numbers

    RAE Systems Inc. 1339 Moffett Park Drive Sunnyvale, California 94089 Main Contact Numbers Telephone: 408.752.0723 Fax: 408.752.0724 Instrument Sales: 877.RAE.CUSTomer (723-2878) Tube Sales: 888.RAE.Tube (723.8823) Technical Service: 408.585.3540 E-mail: RaeSales@raesystems.com Tech@raesystems.com World Wide Web Site: w w w . r a e s y s t e m s . c o m...

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