Desco 19430 Installation Manual

TECHNICAL BULLETIN TB-3048

Digital Static Locator
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance

The POWER button turns the Digital Static Locator on
and off. If the 19430 is left on for 5 minutes, it will
automatically turn itself off. To resume operations, press
the red POWER button once. To disable the AutoOff
feature and allow continuous operation, press the red
Power button and hold down for at least 3 seconds
when turning the Digital Static Locator on.

The HOLD button holds the display of a measured
charge. HOLD mode turns off the ring range lights. No
measurements are possible when in the HOLD mode.
The hold measurement feature enables the user to use

Figure 1. Digital Static Locator Item #19430

Description

Desco’s Digital Static Locator is a compact

electrostatic eldmeter used for locating and measuring

static charges.

The Digital Static Locator measures static voltages
within ±20kV (20,000V) at a distance of 1". Results
are simultaneously displayed numerically and in bar
graph format. POWER on/off, ZERO adjustment, Ion
Balance (IB) and HOLD are all push button operation.
The HOLD button allows the display to retain the static
charge reading. This is especially useful where display
is difcult to see during measurement.

the eldmeter in inaccessible areas. When the HOLD
button is pressed once during a measurement, the
digital numerical value and the bar graph will be held on
the display. This function allows the operator to move
the eldmeter where it can be more easily read. The
HOLD mode is displayed above the battery capacity
display. To cancel HOLD mode and resume
measurement, press HOLD once more.

The IB button and prepares the eldmeter for Ion
Balance (offset voltage) measurement.

The ZERO button sets the display to a zero static
charge. When the digital meter is turned on, the zero
adjustment is inoperative if it is in HOLD mode.

Made in America

Two LED guide ring range lights help position the
eldmeter at the right distance from a charged surface.
The conductive case and ground snap facilitate
grounding for accurate measurement. The circuitry of
the 19430 has been designed to make measurements
in areas using air ionization.

Packaging

1 Digital Static Locator

1 Plate Assembly
1 Ground Cord

1 Battery

Features

The 19430 has four push buttons. The buttons operate
by pressing once lightly. There is no need to press the
button repeatedly. Its effective life may be decreased by
repeated misuse.

NOTE: For reliable measurement, the eldmeter must
be grounded properly using the ground lead provided.
The plastic case of the 19430 Electrostatic Fieldmeter
is made of conductive resin. The grounding terminal
provides the reference potential for the electrical circuit.
This terminal must be grounded properly for accurate
measurement.

Operation For Static Charge Measurement

1. Turn the ring range lights and sensor toward a
surface to be evaluated.

2. Press the POWER button. A single beep for one
second indicates proper operation. The battery
capacity indicator and bar graph will be displayed.

3. The meter reading should be zero (0). Use the ZERO
button if it is not.

DESCO EAST - One Colgate Way, Canton, MA 02021-1407 • [phone] • Fax [phone] • Web Site: Desco.com

DESCO WEST - 3651 Walnut Avenue, Chino, CA 91710 • [phone] • Fax [phone]

TB-3048 March 2011 Page 1 of 5

© 2010 DESCO INDUSTRIES INC.

Employee Owned

4. Hold the eldmeter 1” away from the charged
surface. Two beams of light will form concentric
circles when the meter is the correct distance, 1”
away, from the surface. The measurement
accuracy is dependent on a stable ground reference
and the 1 inch measuring distance. It is also
dependent on the “aspect ratio”, relating the size of
the object to be measured to the measurement
distance. This aspect ratio should be at least 3 for
best accuracy, i.e. the object should be at least a
3 inch square when measuring at a 1 inch distance.
Accurate measurements may be made at other
measurement distances by scaling the meter range
and observing the proper aspect ratio. For example,
at a measurement distance of 3 inches, multiply the
meter reading by 3 to give a range of 0 to 60 kilovolts.
For accuracy, the object being measured at this
distance should be at least a 9 inch square.

Operation For Ion Balance (Offset Voltage)
Measurement

NOTE: The Digital Static Locator Ion Balance

measurement feature should not be used to measure
the ion balance of static bars. It may be used to mea­sure other ionizers for ion balance (offset voltage).

1. Depress the plate assembly release button on either
side of the eldmeter to remove the charge plate
assembly.

2. Insert the plate assembly into the other end of the
eldmeter (the end with the Desco logo) until it

clicks into place.

NOTE: Ion Balance plate assembly must not move
during measurement.

5. A bar graph and a digital display on the 19430
displays the voltage of the charge. Press HOLD if you
want to hold the display of the measured charge.

6. To turn off meter: Press POWER if you have not
used the HOLD mode.

If you have pressed HOLD and

wish to retain the

meter reading for the next use,
press the POWER button to
turn off the 19430.

If you have pressed HOLD and

do not wish to retain the meter

reading for next use, press

Figure 3.

HOLD then POWER.

If the 19430 is left on for ve minutes, the unit will beep

ve times then turn itself off automatically. To disable
this feature, simply press and hold the red power button
for at least three seconds when turning the 19430 on.
Three beeps and the A-OFF display indicates that the
feature has been disabled.

3. The conductive case must be grounded using the
supplied ground cord. It is imperative for accurate
ion balance and to drain any charge that has
developed prior to measurement.

4. To turn on the ion balance measuring circuit, press
the blue IB button.

5. Turn sensor toward an uncharged area.

6. The meter reading should be zero (0). Press the
Zero button if it is not.

7. Hold the eldmeter centered in front of the ionizer at
any convenient, repeatable distance, such as 1 foot.

8. A bar graph and a digital display on the 19430
displays the ion balance information. Press HOLD if
you want to hold the display of the measured

charge.

9. To turn off the meter:

Press POWER if you have not used the HOLD

mode.

Results

A display of [+] or [-] next to the digital numeric value
represents the polarity of the static charge being
measured. In addition, the color of the bars in the bar

graph indicates the polarity of the static charge. Red

and blue bars indicate positive and negative charges
respectively.

During a static charge measurement, if the digital
display starts ashing along with a continuous beep,
stop taking the measurement. The static charge is
greater than the meter can measure. Attempts to
measure too high a charge may damage the sensor.

DESCO WEST - 3651 Walnut Avenue, Chino, CA 91710 • [phone] • Fax [phone]

DESCO EAST - One Colgate Way, Canton, MA 02021-1407 • [phone] • Fax [phone] • Web Site: Desco.com

TB-3048 Page 2 of 5

If you have pressed HOLD and wish to retain the
meter reading for the next use, press the POWER
button to turn off the 19430.

If you have pressed HOLD and do not wish to
retain the meter reading for next use, press HOLD

then POWER.

10. Depress the charge plate assembly release buttons

on either side of the eldmeter to remove the charge
plate assembly. Store the plate on the opposite end,
pressing it until it clicks into place.

© 2010 DESCO INDUSTRIES INC.

Employee Owned

If the 19430 is left on for ve minutes, the unit will beep

ve times then turn itself off automatically. This feature
can be disabled.

Troubleshooting Guide

Fault

Fieldmeter is on but
when turned toward a
charges object, the
number and the bar

graph do not change.

The display cannot be
set to zero.

When the POWER

button is pressed,

LCD display does not
appear.

A part of the LCD
display does not
appear.

Display shows
ERROR.

Alarm does not

sound.

Possible

Causes

The meter is in HOLD
mode of operation.

The meter is in HOLD
mode.

The true ZERO point

has shifted.

No battery, low
battery capacity or
bad contact.
Malfunction of the

LCD display.

Malfunction of the

LCD display.

Solution

Cancel the HOLD

mode by pressing the
HOLD button once.

Cancel the HOLD

mode by pressing the
HOLD button once.

If the meter reads

0.20 or more for an

uncharged object, a
read adjustment
may be needed.
Contact your local
representative or
Desco Customer
Service for
adjustment, repair or

replacement.

Replace the battery /

Make proper
connection.

Discontinue use and
contact your local
representative
or Desco Customer
Service for
adjustment, repair or

replacement.

Discontinue use and
contact your local
representative or
Desco Customer
Service for
adjustment, repair or

replacement.

Specications

Measuring range: 0 to ±1.49 kV (Lo range)
± 1.0 kV to ± 20.0 kV (Hi range)

(Range hysteresis: ± 1.0 kV to

± 1.5 kV)
0 to ± 200 V (Ion Balance

measuring range)

LCD display
renewal rate: 5 times/s

Accuracy: 20KV ± 10 %

Ambient conditions: 50º-100ºF, (10º - 40ºC); 0 - 60

%RH (non-condensing)

Display features: Bar graph; red LCD positive
polarity voltage, blue LCD
negative polarity voltage

Bar graph
precision: ±0.1 kV for low range ±1.5 kV for

high (Hi) range; ±15 V for ion
balance range

Digital reading: Auto-ranging, three digits . = 0 to
±1.49 kV . = ±1.0 kV to
±20.0kV (Hi) = 0 to 200 (Ion

Balance)

Ion Balance (offset voltage) mode display: [IB] is

displayed

Battery capacity display indicator

HOLD switch to retain display after measurement

Error sign [Error] appears if the sensor is damaged

Alarm feature: Beep sound will be heard during
the following actions:

Power on: one beep
Power on with Auto Off feature disabled: [Depress

power button for more than 3 seconds] three beeps
Auto power-off: short beeps at 1 second interval for 5

seconds before power off

Over range: Continuous sound

Auto power-off: Power turns off automatically
after ve minutes. [A.OFF] is
displayed whenever this feature
is disabled.

Power source: 9 V, 6F22Y manganese battery.

Battery life: In excess of 30 hours.

Size: 4 7/8” (123mm) (L) × 2 7/8”

(73mm) (W) × 1” (25mm)(D)

Measuring distance: 1"±1/64" (25mm ± 0.5mm); LEDs
guide for correct distance
(between charged surface and
eldmeter)

Response time: <1 s

DESCO WEST - 3651 Walnut Avenue, Chino, CA 91710 • [phone] • Fax [phone]

DESCO EAST - One Colgate Way, Canton, MA 02021-1407 • [phone] • Fax [phone] • Web Site: Desco.com

TB-3048 Page 3 of 5

Weight: 6 oz. (170g)

Case material: Conductive resin (ABS)

© 2010 DESCO INDUSTRIES INC.

Employee Owned

Battery Replacement

The Digital Static Locator uses 9 V, 6F22Y Manganese
battery. The life of the battery is about 30 hours. When
the POWER switch is on, a battery charge indicator
displays the state of the battery on the front panel.

Fully Charged Empty

Do not operate near corrosive fumes of acid/alkali or
corrosive gases such as chlorine. The 19430 must be
properly grounded to function accurately.

The 19430 contains a microcomputer chip. It should not
be used in an environment with excessive

electromagnetic noise. The internal parts of the 19430

should never come in contact with foreign
substances.

Figure 2. Residual battery charge as displayed.

NOTE: The dark area in the battery indicator display is

not proportional to the remaining energy.

Replacement Procedure

The battery compartment on the back side of the
eldmeter has a removable cover marked OPEN. Be
careful while connecting or disconnecting the battery.
To avoid breaking the contacts, do not pull the
connection plug hard.

1. Press down on OPEN and slide the cover down.

2. Remove the old battery (if present).

3. Connect the new battery and insert it into the battery

compartment.

4. Reattach the cover back to the battery compartment.

Before closing the cover, make sure that no parts of the
leads are outside the battery compartment.

Saftey Instructions

• DANGER indicates an immediately hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.

• WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.

• CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, will result in property damage.

• NOTE indicates precautions necessary to avoid
potential equipment failure.

The 19430 has been calibrated for a measuring
distance of 1”± 1/64" (25mm ±0.5mm).

Important Notes and Cautions

1. Store and use the eldmeter in a clean and dry
environment. Foreign substances should never enter
or touch the internal parts.

2. Vibration and impact may damage and/or affect the
sensitivity of measurement of the instrument.

3. Do not attempt to disassemble the eldmeter.

4. The measuring distance between the eldmeter and
a test object should be 1" ± 1/64" (25mm ± 1mm).
The calibration was carried out at this distance. The
specied accuracy is valid for this distance.

5. Grounding of the instrument is essential for accurate
ion balance measurements

6. To maintain the high insulation level of insulation of
the plate, the 19430 should be stored in a place
having less than 60 %RH. It should be kept inside a
plastic zipper bag with desiccant.

7. This eldmeter is not an explosion-proof product. Do
not use this product in ammable atmosphere such
as paint-thinner, benzene, gasoline, propane, natural

gas etc.

8. The instrument should be re-calibrated once a year.
Contact Desco Customer Service when a
recalibration of the eldmeter is necessary.

This equipment must be installed and maintained as
outlined in this manual. This equipment is not
constructed for classied (hazardous) environments. It
cannot be used where it will be exposed to ignitable or
corrosive materials.

The 19430 is intended for use in areas that are free of
water, oil, solvents and other conductive
contaminants. Exposure to such contaminants will
cause failure of the electrical insulation system in the
product. Formulation of dew on the eldmeter must be
avoided.

DESCO WEST - 3651 Walnut Avenue, Chino, CA 91710 • [phone] • Fax [phone]

DESCO EAST - One Colgate Way, Canton, MA 02021-1407 • [phone] • Fax [phone] • Web Site: Desco.com

TB-3048 Page 4 of 5

© 2010 DESCO INDUSTRIES INC.

Employee Owned

Limited Warranty

Desco expressly warrants that for a period of (1) year from the date of purchase an Desco
material (parts) and workmanship (labor). Within the warranty period, a credit for purchase of a replacement Desco

or, at Desco’s option, the

Digital Static Locator

will be repaired or replaced free of charge. Call our Customer Service Department at
909-664-9980 (Chino, CA) for a Return Material Authorization (RMA) and proper shipping instructions and address. Please include a copy
of your original packing slip, invoice, or other proof of date of purchase. Any unit under warranty should be shipped prepaid to the Desco
factory. Warranty replacements will take approximately two weeks.

If your unit is out of warranty, call our Customer Service Department at 909-664-9980 (Chino, CA) for a Return Material Authorization
(RMA) and proper shipping instructions and address. Desco will quote repair charges necessary to bring your unit up to factory standards.

Digital Static Locator

will be free of defects in

Digital Static Locator

,

Warranty Exclusions

THE FOREGOING EXPRESS WARRANTY IS MADE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER PRODUCT WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED AND IMPLIED,
INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WHICH ARE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED. The
express warranty will not apply to defects or damage due to accidents, neglect, misuse, alterations, operator error, or failure to properly
maintain, clean or repair products.

Limit of Liability

In no event will Desco or any seller be responsible or liable for any injury, loss or damage, direct or consequential, arising out of the use
of or the inability to use the product. Before using, users shall determine the suitability of the product for their intended use, and users
assume all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith.

TB-3048 Page 5 of 5

DESCO EAST - One Colgate Way, Canton, MA 02021-1407 • [phone] • Fax [phone] • Web Site: Desco.com

DESCO WEST - 3651 Walnut Avenue, Chino, CA 91710 • [phone] • Fax [phone]

© 2010 DESCO INDUSTRIES INC.

Employee Owned