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The Aurora 1000 is the next generation of sampler, it uses a single wavelength for visibility measurements at either of three wavelengths (450nm, 525nm or 635nm).
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• To reduce the risk of personal injury caused by electrical shock, follow all safety notices and warnings in this documentation. • If the equipment is used for purposes not specified by Ecotech, the protection provided by this equipment may be impaired.
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Check all containers against the packing list immediately on receipt. If a shortage or other discrepancy is found, notify the carrier and Ecotech immediately. We will not be responsible for shortages against the packing list unless they are reported promptly.
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Front Matter Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Internationally recognised symbols used on Ecotech Equipment Electrical fuse IEC 60417, No. 5016 Earth (ground) terminal IEC 417, No. 5017 Equipotentiality IEC 417, No. 5021 Alternating current IEC 417, No. 5032 Caution, hot surface IEC 417, No.
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Manual PN: M01 0001 Current Revision: Date released: May 2009 Description: User Manual for the Aurora 1000 This manual is a newly created document for use of the Aurora 1000. Edition Date Summary Affected Pages 1.00 November Initial release 2007...
Front Matter Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION......................1 8 3 H 1 .1 ........................ESCRIPTION 1 8 4 H 1 .2 ......................PECIFICATIONS 1 8 5 H 1 .2.1 ......................EASUREMENT 1 8 6 H 1 .2.2 ........................
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Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Front Matter 3 .2.3 ....................ISPLAY DJUSTMENT 4 6 H 2 2 7 H 3 .2.4 : ................AVIGATING THE MENU SYSTEM 4 7 H 2 2 8 H 3 .2.5 : ....................DITING PARAMETERS...
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Front Matter Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 5 .4.1 ..................NALOGUE OUTPUT PORTS 9 5 H 2 7 6 H 5 .4.2 ................NALOGUE OUTPUT ALIBRATION 9 6 H 2 7 7 H 5 .5 1000 F ............... PGRADING THE...
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F igure 18 Electrical connections to the Aurora 1000............... 1 3 6 H 3 1 7 H F igure 19 Pneumatic connections to the Aurora 1000 ............1 3 7 H 3 1 8 H F igure 20 Span gas plumbing installation ................
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T UTable 3 RS232 pins and their functionsUT................. 1 7 0 H 3 5 1 H T UTable 4 Aurora 1000 External I/O connectorUT ..............1 7 1 H 3 5 2 H T UTable 5 Calibration check criteria.UT .................
Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Introduction 1.1 Description T he Aurora will measure, continuously and in real-time, light scattering in a sample of ambient air due to the presence of particulate matter. (Specifically, the scattering coefficient σ . ) The measured values are adjusted automatically and in real-time by on-board temperature and pressure sensors.
Introduction Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Automatic Calibration types: Zero Check Span Check Zero and Span Check Zero Adjust 1.2.3 Power Operating voltage: 110-250VAC 50 or 60Hz 11-14VDC Power consumption: 60VA max 1.2.4 Operating conditions Ambient Temperature Range: 0-40°C Relative Humidity 10-95% 1.2.5 Physical dimensions...
Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Introduction 1.3 Nomenclature Span When gas of known Rayleigh factor is passed through instrument and measured as a reference. This measurement is used to correct measure coefficients. Zero When air with no particulate matter is passed through instrument and measured as a reference.
The effects of air pollution on human health and lifestyle are of a major concern today. There are many parameters contributing to air pollution, airborne particulates are a major contributor. The Ecotech Aurora 1000 Integrating Nephelometer measures σ , the scattering coefficient of light due to particles.
Effects of Wavelength Absorption and scattering are dependent on the wavelength of the incident light. In the Aurora 1000 either one of three different wavelengths can be chosen (450nm, 525nm or 635nm). Each wavelength interacts differently with particulate matter and thus differences in particulate composition can be inferred.
Introduction Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 • 525nm (green) interacts strongly throughout the human range of visibility (smog, fog, haze) • 635nm (red) interacts strongly with large particulate matter (pollen, sea salt) These different wavelengths overlap in measurements and do not directly measure differences in particulate composition, they merely infer differences.
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Kalman Filter The Aurora 1000 has the option of using a fixed 30 second Moving Average Filter or the advanced digital Kalman filter (selectable from the Report Prefs menu). The Kalman filter provides the best possible compromise between response time and noise reduction for the type of signal and noise present in the ambient air.
Introduction Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 1.4.3 Calibration Theory During a calibration, calibration gas and particle free air are passed through the cell at different times. Both these components have known values of σ and σ . When the measure ratio for these components are plotted against the known σ...
If for example our MR = 10 then, σ = 17.63 x 10 scat In the Aurora 1000 all results are reported with Air Rayleigh subtracted. σ = σ - σ where σ = 17.63 - 13.36 = 4.26 10...
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Introduction Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Wall Signal The Wall signal is the amount of scattering contributed as a result of internal reflections within the cell and foreign matter. The wall signal is calculated after a full calibration. Looking at the graph of...
After removing the front cover, you will see the Aurora’s components. The following is a brief description of each of these components. Figure 4 Aurora 1000 (with cover removed)
Introduction Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 1.5.1 Cell The cell is the critical part of the Aurora. It is within cell that the optics, the electronics and the pneumatics all come together. The cell pneumatically and optically sealed to prevent stray light and air from entering. It is made of black anodised aluminium with a coating of matt black paint on the inside to reduce internal wall scatter.
Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Introduction 1.5.4 Light Source The light source uses high powered LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) of a specific wavelength (450nm, 525nm or 635nm). LEDs are used instead of the conventional flash lamps because of much better reliability, stability and lower heating of the sample.
Introduction Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 1.5.6 Zero Pump The Zero air pump is a +12V DC diaphragm pump which draws air through the fine filter providing particle free air (zero calibration or zero check). It is not on during normal measuring mode.
Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Introduction 1.5.9 Temperature / RH Sensor The Temperature and RH sensor are mounted on top of the cell measuring directly in the cell. The temperature and RH sensor are monitored by the microprocessor and their data recorded in the internal data logger.
Introduction Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 1.5.11 Sample Heater The sample heater (when enabled), controls the body temperature of the cell. The cell temperature sensor is mounted in the cell wall (near the light source). The microprocessor controls the sample heater so that the sample air in the cell is kept at the desired set point for Temp or RH.
Figure 18 Electrical connections to the Aurora 1000 RS232 There are two RS232 serial ports available on the Aurora 1000, the multi-drop and service ports. The Multi-drop serial port is used for communication and data download, they can be connected to data logger or in a daisy chain configuration. The service port is used for diagnostic purposes.
(when looking at screen) so that inlet tubing can be positioned directly above the case and to the external environment (if necessary). Figure 19 Pneumatic connections to the Aurora 1000 Sample The ½” port labelled “sample”, is where the sample inlet is connected. During transport or storage, this port should be closed to avoid debris from falling into the cell.
2.1 Initial check Packaging The packaging which the Aurora 1000 is transported in is specifically designed to minimise the effects of shock and vibration during transportation. Ecotech recommends that the packaging be kept if there is a likelihood that the instrument is going to be relocated.
• It should also include at least 1 metre coiled metal line to bring gas temperature to room temperature, especially if a refrigerant gas is used. Ecotech can supply an optional Calibration kit (H020331) which provides all the necessary connections to connect the gas cylinder to the Aurora. The recommended...
There are two ways to connect to a data logger. RS232 Ecotech supply an RS232 cable with each Aurora instrument. This cable is suitable for connecting directly from the Aurora (Multi-drop port) to a standard 9 pin RS232 port found on most personal or laptop computers.
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DOSPAN & DOZERO (contact closure inputs / open collector) for putting the instrument into SPAN or ZERO measure (not calibration). • +12V & +5V power supplies. • Digital Analog & Chassis Grounds. Table 4 Aurora 1000 External I/O connector Pin No Function Chassis GND Analog GND Voltage OUT 1...
Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Installation 2.3 Mounting/Siting Siting Considerations For additional information regarding siting, please consult your local Standards for siting guidelines. The Australian Standard AS2922 requires that the sampling inlet be positioned: • Between 2 and 5 metres above ground •...
Installation Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 • Mark the position of the hole for the sample inlet tube and drill. • The roof flange option can be used on the top of the roof to seal the sample inlet. Note: When drilling holes, be sure to cover all open ports on the Aurora and supplied tubing.
Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Operation With the Aurora 1000 installed correctly as outlined in the previous sections, it is now ready to be used. This section will discuss what to expect and how to configure the Aurora once it is powered up.
Operation Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 3.2 General operational information 3.2.1 Display panel and Keypad The display panel and keypad ( F igure 22 ) allows all current measurements to be X 3 8 4 H displayed, settings to be entered and commands given. It consists of a 4 line LCD screen with 6 general use command keys/buttons.
Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Operation 3.2.2 Display Backlight When the Aurora is initially turned on, the Backlight on the LCD display will also turn on. However if the keypad is not used for approximately 3 minutes, then the Backlight will turn off automatically. The Display Backlight can be re-activated by pressing any one of the keys on the keypad.
32.0 1003.9 Figure 24 Main screen 3.4 Sampling The Aurora 1000 performs continuous real-time sampling. The Aurora will provide updated measurements over the sampling time period chosen by the user (section 3 .5.10 “Log period”). X 3 9 0 H The units logger are: σ...
Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Operation 3.5 Menus and screens To enter the Main Menu from the Information Screen press Enter or Select . The main menu gives access to the following submenus. Figure 25 Menu system tree...
Operation Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 3.5.1 Readings The Readings Submenu displays the current environmental sensor readings. The σ reading is updated more frequently than the other parameters. σsp Displays the current particulate scattering coefficient in Mm Displays the current air pressure inside the cell (mBar or atm).
Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Operation 3.5.3 System Status Major States Monitr: Normal monitoring mode SysCal: System calibration mode (During start-up or reset) SpnCal: Span calibration mode (During Full Calibration) ZroCal: Zero calibration mode (During Full Calibration) ZroChk: Zero check mode...
Operation Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 This menu item displays the version of software that the instrument is currently running. This is useful during some diagnostic and fault finding checks as well as for finding if an update to the software is required.
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Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Operation % Stability Sets the target stability for any span or zero adjustment or check. Refer to sections 1 .4.3 for further details. X 3 9 7 H 3.5.4.3 Last TMP & PRS Cal Span T Displays the temperature during the last span calibration.
Operation Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Cal ZERO X Displays the extinction coefficient at zero calibration point Cal ZERO Y Displays the measurement ratio at zero calibration point Adj ZERO X Displays the extinction coefficient at zero adjustment point Adj ZERO Y Displays the measurement ratio at zero adjustment point 3.5.4.5 Env Sensors...
Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Operation 3.5.6 Report Preferences The Report preferences submenu allows the user to set the reporting preferences such as units and date format so that it is compatible with the local formats. These settings will alter the way the data is recorded in the internal data logger or via the RS232 interface.
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Operation Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Iout 1 param Sets the output parameters to be signalled on Current Out 1 (pin4). Parameters are σ , ST, ET, RH, BP, Zero, Full, σ 5 m. Iout 1 range Sets the output current range for Current out 1: 0-20mA or 4-20mA Iout 1 off Applies an offset to the current output.
Data Logging The data logging submenu allows the user to set the averaging period of the internal data logger as well as clearing the memory of the Aurora 1000. Log period Sets the data logging averaging period. 1min or 5 min.
Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Calibration Ecotech Aurora 1000 requires regular calibration against a known calibration source. The Aurora can perform 3 different calibrations of the measurement system: • P recision Check (section 4 .1 X 4 0 7 H X 4 0 8 H •...
Calibration Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 4.1.1 Span check The Span Check uses span gas to perform a span calibration on the Aurora without adjusting the calibration curve (only a comparison). The Span check can be initiated as follows: From the Calibration Activate Cal submenu select the “Do span...
X 4 2 8 H the calibration gas to the Aurora. Note: Set the calibration gas flow rate to typically 3-4 lpm to calibrate the Aurora 1000. 4.2.2 Procedure 1. From the Calibration Activate Cal submenu select the Do full cal command.
Calibration Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 2. The span calibration portion of the full calibration sequence will end after: • Cal Time has passed the Cal min time (section 3 .5.4.2 X 4 2 9 H • & Cal Stability has exceeded the % Stability set in the settings submenu (section 3 .5.4.2...
Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Calibration 4.3 Auto Calibration The Aurora can be set to perform calibrations automatically at regular intervals. The check interval can be set in the Calibration submenu (Refer to section 3 .5.4 ) under the X 4 3 1 H AutoCal Intv parameter.
Calibration Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 5. Place the calibrated Temperature Probe close to the Air Temperature Sensor and allow them to stabilise to ambient room temperature/humidity. Then take an ambient reading. 6. Record the Temperature and humidity 7. Enter the Calibration...
(The multidrop address is 0 in this example). DO0001<CR> Sets the Aurora 1000 into span measure. DO0000<CR> Sets the Aurora 1000 back to sample measure. DO0011<CR> Sets the Aurora 1000 into zero measure. DO0010<CR> Sets the Aurora 1000 back to sample measure.
“calibration check shall be done daily or at least weekly using the internal calibration flag”. The Aurora 1000 meets these requirements using its own internal reference shutter. The reference shutter is the same as the calibration flag in that it exhibits a known output each time it is switched into the optical path.
Downloading Data Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 There are three main ways of recording data from the Aurora 1000 which are mentioned in this manual. These are: • Internal Data Logging Facility • External Data Logging using RS232 interfaces • External Data Logging using Analog Output interface Note: A laptop computer is a practical way of downloading the data from a Nephelometer that is in service in the field.
Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Downloading Data 5.1.2 Service Port The service serial port is not a multidrop port and will not respond to any multidrop commands. It is primarily used for remote menu operation and unpolled data output. 5.1.3 Establishing Communications The first step in establishing communications with the Aurora-is to connect a computer or terminal to the Multidrop RS232 port.
Downloading Data Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 5.2 Internal Data Logging 5.2.1 Configuration The internal Data Logging capabilities of the Aurora are very simple to operate. As long as the instrument is operating, the data logger is recording the data. The user has only to select the averaging period from the Data Logging menu (section 3 .5.10...
Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Downloading Data 5.2.2 Data Downloader Software With the Aurora Data Downloader installed on your computer, the internal data logged by the Aurora can easily be downloaded to a text file where it can then be imported into a spreadsheet program such as Excel.
Downloading Data Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 • Select either the “download all data” box or enter the start and end date for the period of data you wish to download. • Select the box labelled “Display downloaded data in grid below” if you want to see the data as it is collected.
Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Downloading Data Figure 31 Step 1. • Include Comma and Tab as the delimiters for the data.. Press the “Next” button. Figure 32 Step 2. • Set the first row to Date format. • Press the “Finish” button.
Downloading Data Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Figure 33 Step 3. • Your data should be imported into Excel, as shown below in F igure 33 X 4 4 6 H Figure 34 Imported Data. • Note that if dates fail to import correctly, you may have to change your regional options.
Figure 35 Regional Settings. 5.3 External Data Logging There are a number of ways connecting the Aurora 1000 to an external data logger. The best way is by using the RS232 interface as there is no degradation in the transfer of data.
Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 5.4 External Analog Data Logging Another method of interfacing the Aurora 1000 to a data logger or chart recorder is by using the analog outputs. This is the next best option if there is no RS232 support.
Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Downloading Data 5.4.2 Analogue output Calibration The voltage outputs mentioned above can not be calibrated. However the two current outputs can be. The following procedure explains how the I can be calibrated using a digital voltmeter (DVM). The same procedure applies if a data logger or chart recorder is connected.
As improvements are made to the Aurora, these can be easily passed on to the user by updating the firmware (software operating within the Microprocessor board). To update the Aurora, you will need the Ecotech Firmware Updater Program. This is available on the Utilities CD supplied with your instrument or through the Ecotech website w ww.ecotech.com.au...
• Reset the Aurora by turning the power off then on again. • Reconnect any cables that may have been removed to perform the update. • Perform a full gas calibration. • Clear the Aurora’s data log. The Aurora 1000 is now ready for use.
* Suggested intervals for maintenance procedure may vary with sampling intensity and environmental conditions. It is recommended that the backup batteries are disconnected if the Aurora 1000 is to be powered down for more than a few months. Save the logged data before you remove the old batteries as the data will be lost.
Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Maintenance 6.3 Maintenance procedures 6.3.1 Precision check To ensure the instrument is running appropriately precision checks must be performed every week. A precision (calibration) check involves entering the Calibration menu and checking the Last zero ck field, Zero ck stab and Last span ck field.
Maintenance Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 6.3.3 Sample inlet and bug trap clean 1. Remove the insect trap from the inlet. 2. Turn the two white handles so that they are not holding the central filter in place (see F igure 40).
Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Maintenance Figure 42 Aurora with Filters highlighted and leak test setup shown 6.3.6 Leak check 1. Should be performed earlier than scheduled if a high zero reading is observed. (greater than 1Mm 2. Open case front (Section 6 .3.2)
This procedure is for replacing the Photo Multiplier Tube (PMT) in the Aurora. This is not part of the routine maintenance and should only be performed on the advice of Ecotech engineers. It should only be performed by qualified Ecotech personnel or suitably trained field technicians. Please read through this procedure first before commencing any work.
Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Maintenance Removing PMT 1. Make sure that the power is off 2. Remove the front cover of the Aurora by unscrewing the 5 screws on the front panel (as shown in section 6 .3.9). 4 7 4 H 3.
Maintenance Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Figure 45 Removing the PMT 15. Before removing the PMT completely, note the orientation of the PMT in relation to the cell and bracket. Installing new PMT 16. Now take the new PMT from its box. Remove its protective black cover from its window and place it on the old PMT.
24. Allow the Aurora to warm up for at least 10 minutes, and then perform a Full Calibration. 25. After the calibration, verify that the ambient readings are realistic and stable. 26. Return the faulty PMT to Ecotech. Procedure Completed. 6.3.10 Measurement Chamber Cleaning 1.
Maintenance Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Figure 48 Measurement chamber right cylinder components 15. When this has been completed replace chamber cylinder. 16. Remove the end cap of the left side measurement chamber cylinder (light trap) by pulling it off and away from centre (may need some twisting).
ID number to 123456. Command: **B Re-Boot test. When initiated the Watchdog timer will be activated and cause the Aurora 1000 microprocessor to re-boot. The same as pressing the reset button on the microprocessor board. * *{<module address>}B<CR> Syntax:...
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Appendix Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Command: **M Enables / Disables the remote menu feature of the Aurora 1000. When enabled, the user can perform all menu operations remotely using a RS232 terminal connected to the Service port. * *{<module address>}M{<remote menu status>}<CR>...
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(or start up). Command: DO Overrides the digital input & output control. Most commonly this command is used to force the Aurora 1000 into either span or zero measure mode. Syntax: D O{<module address>}{<digital parameter number>}{<digital parameter state>}<CR>...
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D O0001<CR> O K<CR><LF> Example: into span measure. Command: VI Reads up to 100 different parameters from the Aurora 1000 microprocessor. Ideal for data logging devices which can poll the instrument for its data. Syntax: V I{<module address>}{<voltage input parameter number>}<CR>...
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Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Appendix Cell temperature 5 minute average. K Relative humidity 5 minute average. % Air temperature in current reporting preference. Cell temperature in current reporting preference. Atmospheric pressure in current reporting reference. Air temperature 5 minute average in current reporting preference.
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Appendix Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Calibration Zero temp - temperature at zero air cal point. K Calibration Zero pressure - pressure at zero air cal point. mBar Calibration Zero Adjust X - extinction coefficient at zero adjust cal point.
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Indicating that it is in Span Check state. Note 2: Digital Output Status. T he VI090 command reads the Digital Output Status of the Aurora 1000 microprocessor board. The DIO status is the status of the digital outputs in hexadecimal. This enables you to determine exactly what the Aurora 1000 is doing.
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Appendix Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Sample pump ON Zero pump ON Span gas valve open not used not used Digital aux out ON r esponds with V I090<CR> < CR><LF> Example: I ndicating: cell heater off, inlet heater off, sample pump on.
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Aurora 1000 User manual 1.3 Appendix DIO State as listed in Note 2. < DIO state> = if positive, if negative. < sign> = <space> < -> r esponds with: V I099<CR> 21/11/2003 09:45:27, 10.483, Example: 22.108, 21.710, 41.370, 1000.436,00,07 <...
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