Extech VPC300 Operating Manual

USER MANUAL

Video Particle Counter with built-in Camera
Model VPC300

Additional User Manual Translations available at www.extech.com

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Introduction

Thank you for selecting the Extech Instruments Model VPC300 Particle Counter with Camera.

The VPC300 has a Color TFT LCD display, a 74MB internal data storage bank, a micro-SD memory
card slot for capturing images and video for viewing on a PC, and a built-in 320x240 pixel camera
for capturing stills/video of test locations. The VPC300 offers quick and accurate readings for
particle count, air temperature, most surface temperatures, and relative humidity. The VPC300
also offers a Dew Point and Wet Bulb temperature calculation geared for energy efficiency and
environmental protection applications. Supplied PC software allows the user to generate reports
based on records data, images, and video.

This device is shipped fully tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide years of
reliable service. Please visit our website (www.extech.com) to check for the latest version of this
User Guide, Product Updates, and Customer Support.

Features

 2.8” TFT Color LCD display
 Convenient keystroke menu structure for measurements, setup, and other programming
 320 x 240 pixel built-in camera for still and video imaging
 JPEG images and 3GP video
 Meter’s internal memory 74MB.
 Meter can store 5000 records (date, time, counts, humidity, temperature, sample

volumes) and 20 minutes of video to internal memory.

 Micro-SD memory card slot (8GB maximum); card not included.
 Selectable Test sample time, count data, and programmable delay
 Simultaneously measure and display 6 channels of particle sizes (down to 0.3μm)
 Air temperature and relative humidity
 Dew point and Wet bulb temperature calculations
 MIN/MAX/AVG/DIF record with date/time stamp
 Auto power off
 Language selection for English, French, German, and Spanish
 Meter is shipped NIST calibrated with calibration certificate
 Tripod mounting option
 Includes universal AC adaptor/charger with a variety of plug options, USB cable, PC

software, tripod, Zero count filter, 7.4V Lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery, and
protective case

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Meter Description

1. Isokinetic probe

2. Temperature and RH Sensor (note its protective cover that slides up and down)

3. Color TFT LCD

4. Compartment for USB interface port and AC Adaptor/Charger

5. Function F1, F2, F3 buttons

6. Control buttons: Page Up/Down, Enter, Run/Stop, and ESC

7. ON/OFF button

8. Battery and Micro-SD card compartment (SD card slot underneath battery)

9. Tripod mount

10. Camera lens

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Operation

Power ON-OFF

Press and hold the power button to switch the instrument ON or
OFF.

Important Notes

Note: Operating the particle counter with the isokinetic probe cap in

place will damage the pump and other internal components.

Note: Electrical noise, sensor leakage, or other interference may
cause the VPC300 to show incorrect particle count data.

Getting Started

When the meter powers ON, the Particle Counter icon is displayed at the center of the LCD and
the date, time, and battery status can be observed on the top row of the LCD. Three bottom row
options are also displayed and can be selected using the Function keys (F1, F2, and F3) as shown
below. These are explained in greater detail later in this user guide:

Memory (where data, images, and video are located)

System Setup Parameters

Help File

Symbol Glossary

Cumulative mode

Video Record start
Concentration mode

Video mode

Test is paused

Color coded particle scale (green is
low, yellow is moderate, and red is
high particle count)

CAM (Camera) mode

Alarm ON

Differential mode

Battery Status
Test is running

Particle Count Setup

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Sequence of Operation

To ensure that you measure the amount of particles accurately, perform this sequence of
operation.

1. Zero the particle count sensor

2. Setup your counter for proper operation. Sample time, mode, cycle, and interval.

3. Run your test cycles and evaluate the results.

Basic Operation

Press and hold the ON/OFF button for 3 to 5 seconds until the display illuminates to power on
the meter.

Press the enter button ( ) to get to setup mode.
Press F3 to enter settings mode.
Set each parameter to your preferred setting by pressing ENTER to enter each parameter. Then

press ENTER to enable editing of each parameter. Press ESC to exit parameter setup.
Sample Time: Length of time each test runs (3 to 60 seconds)
Start Delay: Duration of time from RUN to actual start of test. (3 to 100 seconds)
Channel Display: Particle sizes displayed during test.
Ambient Temp/RH: Allows the display of the air temp and %RH values
Sample Cycle: Number of test cycles to run (1 to 100)
Sample Mode: Cumulative, differential, concentration
Interval: Test cycle delay measured in seconds.
Level Indication: Particle level selection (highlighted on display)
Press ESC to return to testing screen
Press RUN/STOP to start the automated test sequence.