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Aerosol Spectrometer AQ Guard / AQ Guard Ambient Operating Manual For specialized users 6062-en_V2.4_02/21 V 2.4...
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Copyright For all information in this technical document as well as drawings and technical descriptions provided by us, Palas GmbH reserves all proprietary and intellectual property rights. Duplication or dissemination to third parties without our prior written consent is prohibited.
21 Initial commissioning 22 Overview 22 Mounting wall bracket 22 Operational readiness 23 Function test and settings for AQ Guard Ambient 23 Checking for Leakage 24 Using a SIM card for mobile data 27 4.6.1 Inserting SIM card 27 4.6.2 Configuring SIM card 28...
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Table of contents Calibration of volume flow rate 62 Cleaning optical glasses on AQ Guard sensor 66 6.3.1 Cleaning optical glasses on AQ Guard (model without weatherproof housing and IADS) 67 6.3.2 Cleaning optical glasses on AQ Guard Ambient 72 Errors 78...
This manual is intended for specialized users who are familiar with activities in the field of particle measuring technology based on their technical education or experience. Validity of the manual This manual is valid for the following models: • AQ Guard • AQ Guard Ambient 6062-en_V2.4_02/21...
1 About this manual Presentation rules The following presentations are used in this manual: Text Product names and product descriptions Example: Fidas Cross-references to other documents Example: Information about … is found in the manual for the … Menu items Text Example: Shut Down System Selection and settings Example: Start measuring with Record...
2 For your safety For your safety Hazards and safety instructions Qualified person Only a properly qualified person may perform installation, commissioning and any other work on the device. Follow the generally accepted codes of practice when installing the device. Operate only After unpacking the device, check that all components are in pristine undamaged equipment shape and are not damaged in any way.
2 For your safety Safety notes on using the built-in LTE dongle If the built-in LTE dongle (HUAWEI 3372h-320) is equipped with a SIM card and the “Connectivity Package” is enabled, additional safety measures are required. Comply with the following safety notes if the dongle has been activated and is transmitting signals via a mobile network.
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2 For your safety Areas with flammable and explosive materials • Do not use the device in places where flammable or explosive materials are stored, such as at a gas station, oil depot or chemical plant. Using the device in these environments increases the risk of explosion or fire. Always follow instructions in text form or as symbols.
2 For your safety Warnings The warnings in this manual are highlighted with pictographs and signal words. The severity of a hazard is indicated by the pictograph and signal word. Layout of the warnings The warnings that precede each action are shown as follows: DANGER Type and source of the hazard Explanation of type and source of the hazard / description of...
2 For your safety Regulations Observe the following regulations and directives: Statutory regulations • Legal regulations for accident prevention • Legal regulations for environmental protection • Employer's Liability Insurance Association provisions Standards and directives • The applicable safety requirements according to DIN, EN, and VDE Obligations of the user To ensure proper functioning of the device, observe the following: Carefully read through the manual before using the device.
The potential range of the device is a factor of the respective model: AQ Guard: The device is intended for use indoors. AQ Guard Ambient: The device can be set up outdoors. The device is intended to be used only by the following persons: •...
Device intended for use indoors, equipped with a screen to monitor values and edit settings • AQ Guard Ambient: Device intended for use outdoors. It is equipped with a screen to monitor values and edit settings; an intelligent aerosol drying system (IADS) and...
3 Product description 3.2.1 Model AQ Guard Components of the model AQ Guard – front of device 1 Sampling head; can be 2 Housing detached 3 Touch screen Elements on the back of the device – viewed from below 1 Port for voltage supply 12V,...
3 Product description 3.2.2 Model AQ Guard Ambient Components of the model AQ Guard Ambient – front of device 1 Sampling head; can be 2 Weatherproof housing detached. Below that: Drying section IADS compact Components of the model AQ Guard Ambient – side of device...
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3 Product description Components of the model AQ Guard Ambient – bottom of device 1 Weatherproof housing 2 Port for voltage supply 12V, 3 USB port 4 Wall bracket 5 LAN port (Ethernet) 6 HDMI port (no function) 7 Interior housing...
The following descriptions refer to the fully equipped version of the devices. The fully equipped version has to include all of the available packages. Analysis of particles in Measuring devices in the series AQ Guard continuously analyze fine dust ambient air particles from the ambient air and simultaneously calculate the immission...
3 Product description Environmental conditions Environmental conditions affect the functionality of the device. The following environmental conditions apply for the operation and storage of the device: • Temperature range: -20°C to +50°C • Air pressure: atmospheric pressure Operation and storage under other environmental conditions, for instance in corrosive or explosive environments, powerful electrical or electromagnetic fields, areas with ionizing radiation or areas subject to shocks and vibrations are prohibited.
3 Product description Dimensions Main dimensions of model AQ Guard Main dimensions of model AQ Guard – all dimensions in millimeters Hole spacing of wall bracket for model AQ Guard – all dimensions in millimeters 6062-en_V2.4_02/21...
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3 Product description Main dimensions of model AQ Guard Ambient Main dimensions of model AQ Guard Ambient – all dimensions in millimeters Hole spacing of wall bracket for model AQ Guard Ambient – all dimensions in millimeters 6062-en_V2.4_02/21...
3 Product description Scope of delivery Inspect the delivered equipment for damage and completeness. The delivery includes the following: • Measuring device with wall bracket • Power supply unit • Calibration dust MonoDust 1500 • Tool kit 6922 • Cleaning kit 6966 •...
4 Initial commissioning Initial commissioning Overview Initial commissioning of the device includes the following tasks: • Unpacking the device • Mounting wall bracket • Checking the device status; refer to the section "Menu Device Status [} 39]” • Refer to the section "Checking for Leakage [} 24]” •...
PC. In this case, remove the weatherproof housing in a protected environment; refer to section "Operating AQ Guard Ambient without weatherproof housing [} 50].” 6062-en_V2.4_02/21...
4 Initial commissioning Checking for Leakage The device should be checked for leakage upon initial startup and every time it is moved to a new location. Proceed as follows to check the device for leakage: Opening the menu Air Tightness Select Settings in the main menu. ð...
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4 Initial commissioning 4 Select Air Tightness. ð The menu Air Tightness, containing a red curve and the particle concentration, appears. Menu Air Tightness Unscrew the sampling head. Use a hose (DN 8) to connect a HEPA filter to the aerosol inlet (Use an adapter for the model AQ Guard Ambient).
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4 Initial commissioning Menu Air Tightness – Passed leak check If the leak check is successful, the dot next to “Leak Check” turns green. Mass flow control is activated again and the fan returns to a normal output. The HEPA filter can be removed and the sampling head unscrewed. 6062-en_V2.4_02/21...
Information on how to detach these components can be found in the section "Cleaning optical glasses on AQ Guard sensor [} 66].” Once the back panel is removed, the SIM card can be inserted into the LTE stick through an opening.
4 Initial commissioning 4.6.2 Configuring SIM card Once a SIM card has been inserted into the LTE stick, the communications settings can be configured via the “Internet Explorer” app. A keyboard (connected via USB or virtually via Remote Desktop) is needed to use this app.
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4 Initial commissioning Initial login The following three screens appear when logging in for the first time: LTE stick information screen 4 Select “Next”. LTE stick welcome screen 4 Select “Start”. 6062-en_V2.4_02/21...
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4 Initial commissioning LTE stick menu: Overnight updates 4 Select “Update Manually”. Configuring connection profile To create a connection profile that meets the requirements of your mobile data provider, navigate through the menu like this: Mobile Network > Internet Connection. LTE stick menu: Mobile Network > Internet Connection Create your own profile here or use the default profile “mobilkom”.
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4 Initial commissioning LTE stick menu: Mobile Network > Internet Connection > Profiles (Profile Management) If the checkbox by “Set as Default Profile“ is activated, the respective profile is used. 6062-en_V2.4_02/21...
Guard Ambient, the screen is located under the weatherproof housing, so during operation it is not visible and cannot be directly operated. There are different ways to access the AQ Guard Ambient firmware: • Access via Remote Desktop; refer to section "Access to firmware via Remote Desktop [} 52]”...
5 Operation and settings 5.2.1 Dashboards Screens showing measured data are called dashboards. There are several types of dashboards. Each dashboard is displayed differently. When the device is switched on, the dashboard used last appears. Select which dashboard to display in the main menu. Touch the menu symbol on a dashboard to access the main menu.
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5 Operation and settings 5.2.1.2 Dashboard with measured values as bar graphs This dashboard shows current measured values (green bars) and an average value of the last 60 seconds (white bars). The following illustration shows a dashboard of a device that has additional packages installed.
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5 Operation and settings 5.2.1.3 Air Quality Index When the respective package is implemented, the “Air Quality Index” (AQI) is among the values displayed. The AQI is an air quality parameter. The displayed AQI is between 0 and 101 and has the following meaning: Indicated AQI Index class Air quality...
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5 Operation and settings 5.2.1.4 Infection Risk Index When the respective package is implemented, the “Infection Risk Index” is among the values displayed. The measured CO concentration and the particle size spectrum of the ambient air are applied to calculate the index. These values allow conclusions to be drawn about the human contribution to the aerosol concentration and thus to a potential infection risk.
All menus where settings can be made as well as the dashboards can be accessed from the main menu. Touch the menu symbol on a dashboard to access the main menu. Firmware AQ Guard: Main menu 1 Display and selection of menu 2 Editing area (in this case: items.
5 Operation and settings 5.2.3 Menu PSD The menu PSD shows the Particle Size Distribution. Either the number concentration or the mass concentration can be displayed. The display can be adapted to the specific needs with the following elements: • LOG / LIN: Choose whether the vertical axis should be in logarithmic or linear elements •...
5 Operation and settings 5.2.4 Menu Device Status The menu Device Status shows the following information: • Serial number of device • Firmware version • Information on the device status Menu path Main menu > Settings > Device Status PIN for the menu Settings: 8320. Menu Device Status 6062-en_V2.4_02/21...
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(IADS). There is always a red dot by IADS with this model. The operator can solve some of the problems by calibrating the device. Please contact Palas or your sales partner when you encounter problems that cannot be solved with calibration. Meaning of status information:...
5 Operation and settings 5.2.5 Menu Communication The settings for transfer protocols can be accessed via the menu Communication. Transfer protocols enable measured data to be sent to an IP address connected to the device. The following transfer protocols are possible: •...
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5 Operation and settings 5.2.5.1 Menu UDP Protocol In the menu UDP Protocol settings can be defined to regularly transmit measured data to a defined IP address. Menu path Main menu > Settings > Communication > UDP ASCII Menu UDP Protocol Setting up and switching on Enter valid values in the fields IP Address, Device Port and Remote Port.
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5 Operation and settings 5.2.5.2 Menu TCP ASCII The transfer protocol can be activated and deactivated in the menu TCP ASCII. Averaging of the measured values to be transfered can also be set here. When the protocol is activated, the device waits for incoming communication from an external computer at port 4672.
5 Operation and settings 5.2.6 Copying measured data to flash drive The device saves the measured data in a text file every day. One file is created per day. One or more text files can be copied onto an external storage device, e.g. onto a flash drive. Export menu with selection of time frame Insert a flash drive into the USB port.
5 Operation and settings 5.2.7 WiFi and hotspot The device can be linked to a network via WiFi or it can act as a hotspot. These functions enable the Web interface showing measured data to be accessed or the device to be operated via Remote Desktop. Also refer to section “Access to measured data via Web interface [} 54]”...
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5 Operation and settings Menu Settings > Network > WIFI Activating hotspot feature The hotspot feature can be activated even when WiFi is activated. Do this by moving the respective slider to the right. The default setting of the hotspot feature is activated. Menu Settings >...
5 Operation and settings 5.2.8 LAN connection The device can be linked to a network via a LAN connection. Linking device to a network via LAN Select Settings in the main menu. ð A keypad for entering the PIN opens. Enter the PIN 8320. ð...
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5 Operation and settings Menu Settings > Network > LAN with automatic LAN connection (DHCP) Move the slider to the left to manually create a LAN connection with a fixed IP address. ð Input fields with parameters for the manual LAN connection appear. Fill out all the fields and then confirm with Save.
5 Operation and settings 5.2.9 Menu Expert User Menu Settings > Expert User The menu Expert User contains the following features: Feature Description Activates or deactivates the screen saver. The Screensaver screen saver switches off if the screen is not touched for 30 minutes. Activates or deactivates the application Teamviewer “Teamviewer.”...
5 Operation and settings Operating AQ Guard Ambient without weatherproof housing It is possible to operate the AQ Guard Ambient without the weatherproof housing. However, the device has to be in a protected environment – not outdoors. When the weatherproof housing is not in place, the device’s screen is directly accessible and operable.
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4 Allow the device to cool off sufficiently. Removing weatherproof housing AQ Guard Ambient – detaching wall bracket and sampling head Remove the three screws from the underside of the wall bracket. ð The device can now be detached from the wall bracket.
5 Operation and settings Access to firmware via Remote Desktop The device can be operated via a Remote Desktop connection when needed. The firmware user interface can be accessed via the Remote Desktop app on a PC or mobile device (smartphone or tablet). This type of access is particularly helpful for devices with a weatherproof housing (AQ Guard Ambient), since these devices cannot be operated directly on the screen.
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Open the Remote Desktop app on the PC or mobile device. Enter the IP address: 192.168.137.1. Enter the user name “Palas.” ð The user name changes to “PALAS/Palas.” Leave the “Password” field blank and confirm (There is no password). ð The connection is established.
5 Operation and settings Access to measured data There are several ways to access measured data: Type of data Type of access Visual depiction Via the user interface of the firmware – on the device’s screen. Visual depiction Via the user interface of the firmware –...
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5 Operation and settings Connecting via hotspot Search for networks on a mobile device or PC. ð AQGuard_##### appears. (##### = serial number) Enter the password aq-guard and touch “Connect.” Open the browser. Enter the IP address URL in the address bar of the browser: http://192.168.137.1 ð...
5 Operation and settings Unique IP address of device IPv4 address If the device is connected to a network via LAN or WiFi, it is assigned a unique IP address. The IPv4 address is decisive. Without the IPv4 address, it is not possible to connect to the device. The IPv4 address can be displayed using a standard Windows feature.
Palas specialists or by persons or organizations authorized by Palas. Unauthorized changes or modifications will lead to loss of warranty. Palas will not be liable for damage caused by unauthorized changes or modifications.
6 Maintenance Calibrating particle size The device was calibrated before it left the factory. Continuous automatic calibration of the measuring system ensures that the data is measured consistently for several months. The device has to be recalibrated when in the menu Device Status an error is indicated by Sensor Calibration.
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1500 many times. Only a small amount of the dust is needed for the calibration process. MonoDust 1500 can be ordered from Palas or a sales partner. The label on the container as well as the certificate for the calibration dust indicate reference values (setpoint raw channel) needed to calibrate...
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6 Maintenance Activating calibration mode Select Settings in the main menu. ð A keypad for entering the PIN opens. Enter the PIN 8320. ð The menu Settings appears. Menu Settings 4 Select Size Calibration. ð The menu Size Calibration showing the particle count and the raw data channels appears.
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6 Maintenance Performing calibration Hold the open container of calibration dust horizontally next to the sampling head. Use the + and – keys to enter the value Setpoint raw channel of the calibration dust as the “Target Value.” Gently squeeze the container several times to exchange some air between the container and the environment.
6 Maintenance Calibration of volume flow rate To calibrate the volume flow rate, the aerosol inlet has to be connected to an external volume flow meter. Recommended meter: Gilibrator-2, Sensidyne. The volume flow rate of the device is regulated to 1.0 l/min. A correction value can be adjusted with the keys + and - for calibration purposes.
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DN 8 mm device 3 AQ Guard Ambient 4 Adapter Detach the sampling head from the device. Use a tube to connect the aerosol inlet to the external volume flow rate measuring device (use an adapter for AQ Guard Ambient). 6062-en_V2.4_02/21...
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6 Maintenance Activating calibration mode Select Settings in the main menu. ð A keypad for entering the PIN opens. Enter the PIN 8320. ð The menu Settings appears. Menu Settings 4 Select Flow Calibration. ð The menu Flow Calibration opens. The white line shows the course of the volume flow rate over the last 15 minutes.
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6 Maintenance Performing calibration Wait until the volume flow rate stabilizes at 1.00 l/min. Compare the volume flow rate Flow shown on the device to the value determined with the external volume flow meter. Adjust the volume flow rate with the + and - keys such that flow rate Flow shown on the device is the same as the value measured by the external volume flow meter.
6 Maintenance Cleaning optical glasses on AQ Guard sensor Clean the AQ Guard sensor if the device cannot be calibrated. Tool and cleaning utensils Use the included tool and cleaning utensils to perform maintenance. Tool kit 6922 Cleaning kit 6966 6062-en_V2.4_02/21...
Unplug the power cable and all other cables. Detaching wall bracket and sampling head AQ Guard – detaching wall bracket and sampling head Remove the screw from the underside of the wall bracket. ð The device can now be detached from the wall bracket.
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6 Maintenance Detaching back panel Back panel of housing with screws (two screws on opposite side – not shown) 4 Remove the six fastening screws from the sides and back panel. ð The maintenance opening to the sensor in the back is accessible. Device without back panel 6062-en_V2.4_02/21...
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6 Maintenance Detaching aerosol inlet tube Detaching aerosol inlet tube 1 Retaining clip 2 Knurled screw 3 Aerosol inlet tube 4 Sensor light trap Release the knurled screw. Remove the knurled screw along with the retaining clip. Pull the aerosol inlet tube up far enough that it no longer protrudes into the sensor.
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6 Maintenance Removing light trap Removing light trap 1 Light trap 2 Light trap fastening screw 3 Light trap fastening screw 4 Knurled screw from tool kit Release the light trap fastening screws and remove them. Insert the knurled screw from the tool kit into the light trap. Pull the knurled screw and light trap out of the sensor.
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6 Maintenance Cleaning optical glasses NOTICE Damage to device caused by improper cleaning Unsuitable cleaning agents or unsuitable tools can damage the optical glasses and make them unusable. 4 Use only special cloths for optics or the included cleaning tools to clean optical glasses.
4 Allow the device to cool off sufficiently. Removing weatherproof housing AQ Guard Ambient – detaching wall bracket and sampling head Remove the three screws from the underside of the wall bracket. ð The device can now be detached from the wall bracket.
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6 Maintenance Detaching back panel Back panel of housing with screws (two screws on opposite side – not shown) 4 Remove the six fastening screws from the sides and back panel. ð The maintenance opening to the sensor in the back is accessible. Device without back panel 6062-en_V2.4_02/21...
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6 Maintenance Detaching aerosol inlet tube Detaching aerosol inlet tube 1 Retaining clip 2 Knurled screw 3 Aerosol inlet tube 4 Sensor light trap Release the knurled screw. Remove the knurled screw along with the retaining clip. Pull the drying section IADS along with the aerosol inlet tube up far enough that it no longer protrudes into the sensor.
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6 Maintenance Removing light trap Removing light trap 1 Light trap 2 Light trap fastening screw 3 Light trap fastening screw 4 Knurled screw from tool kit Release the light trap fastening screws and remove them. Insert the knurled screw from the tool kit into the light trap. Pull the knurled screw and light trap out of the sensor.
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6 Maintenance Cleaning optical glasses NOTICE Damage to device caused by improper cleaning Unsuitable cleaning agents or unsuitable tools can damage the optical glasses and make them unusable. 4 Use only special cloths for optics or the included cleaning tools to clean optical glasses.
7 Errors Errors If you require technical support for your equipment, you can use the support ticket system: http://www.palas.de/de/service. 6062-en_V2.4_02/21...
8 Packaging and transportation Packaging and transportation Package the device securely to exclude damage during transportation. Original packaging For the purpose of shipping, use the original packaging including the protective inner packaging or the original transport case (if applicable). If you no longer have the original packaging, use packaging that securely protects the device against detrimental influences during transportation.
10 Declaration of Conformity for LTE Dongle HUAWEI 3372h-320 Declaration of Conformity for LTE Dongle HUAWEI 3372h-320 A Huawei LTE dongle is built into the device: HUAWEI 3372h-320. The product meets the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the guideline 2014/53/EU. The currently valid version of the declaration of conformity for this product can be found at: https://consumer.huawei.com/en/legal/certification.
11 Technical specifications Technical specifications Measuring specifications Measuring principle Optical light scattering by single particles Measurable particle sizes 0.175 to 20 µm, Breakdown of particles in 250 channels Measured values (with fully , PM , PM , PM , TSP, CN, particle equipped version: all size distribution, pressure, temperature, additional packages...
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11 Technical specifications Device specifications Interfaces USB, LAN (Ethernet), WiFi (local hotspot), optional: 4G modem Internal memory 10 GB Transfer protocols UDP ASCII, TCP ASCII Operating temperature -20 - +50 °C Power supply 12 V DC (with power supply unit for wall connection, other direct current source or PoE) Power consumption...
12 Transfer protocols Transfer protocols 12.1 Transfer protocol UDP ASCII UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is a transfer protocol used in IP-based computer networks. The transmission consists of data packet that a sender (the measuring device) transmits to a specified IP address at certain intervals.
12 Transfer protocols 12.2 Transfer protocol TCP ASCII TCP ASCII is a simple transfer protocol that transmits data via TCP-IP. Special features of the syntax: The commands getVal and sendVal can be used to enable communication via TCP ASCIII. Multiple channels can be used within a single command.
12 Transfer protocols 12.3 List of Data Channels The data channels listed here apply to both types of data transfer protocols (UDP ASCII and TCP ASCII). Measured data from data channels not yet assigned data are shown as 0. Channel Content of data channel number Aerosol pump output [%] Temperature of IADS [C°]...
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12 Transfer protocols Data channels 110 and higher indicate the number concentration in particles/cm for the indicated interval. The following list shows the lower and upper limits of the intervals. Xuk [μm] =Lower interval limit Xok [μm] = Upper interval limit Channel number Xuk [μm] Xok [μm]...
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