Fluke 983 Operating Manual

PN 2414721
January 2005 Rev. 2, 1/07

© 2005-2007 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

Fluke 983

Particle Counter

Users Manual

®

LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Each Fluke product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. The warranty period is 1
year and begins on the date of shipment. Parts, product repairs, and services are warranted for 90 days. This warranty extends only to the
original buyer or end-user customer of a Fluke authorized reseller, and does not apply to fuses, disposable batteries, or to any product which,
in Fluke's opinion, has been misused, altered, neglected, contaminated, or damaged by accident or abnormal conditions of operation or han­dling. Fluke warrants that software will operate substantially in accordance with its functional specifications for 90 days and that it has been
properly recorded on non-defective media. Fluke does not warrant that software will be error free or operate without interruption.

Fluke authorized resellers shall extend this warranty on new and unused products to end-user customers only but have no authority to ex­tend a greater or different warranty on behalf of Fluke. Warranty support is available only if product is purchased through a Fluke authorized
sales outlet or Buyer has paid the applicable international price. Fluke reserves the right to invoice Buyer for importation costs of re­pair/replacement parts when product purchased in one country is submitted for repair in another country.

Fluke's warranty obligation is limited, at Fluke's option, to refund of the purchase price, free of charge repair, or replacement of a defective
product which is returned to a Fluke authorized service center within the warranty period.

To obtain warranty service, contact your nearest Fluke authorized service center to obtain return authorization information, then send the
product to that service center, with a description of the difficulty, postage and insurance prepaid (FOB Destination). Fluke assumes no risk for
damage in transit. Following warranty repair, the product will be returned to Buyer, transportation prepaid (FOB Destination). If Fluke deter­mines that failure was caused by neglect, misuse, contamination, alteration, accident, or abnormal condition of operation or handling, includ­ing overvoltage failures caused by use outside the product’s specified rating, or normal wear and tear of mechanical components, Fluke will
provide an estimate of repair costs and obtain authorization before commencing the work. Following repair, the product will be returned to
the Buyer transportation prepaid and the Buyer will be billed for the repair and return transportation charges (FOB Shipping Point).

THIS WARRANTY IS BUYER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IM­PLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. FLUKE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR
LOSSES, INCLUDING LOSS OF DATA, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR THEORY.

Since some countries or states do not allow limitation of the term of an implied warranty, or exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequen­tial damages, the limitations and exclusions of this warranty may not apply to every buyer. If any provision of this Warranty is held invalid or
unenforceable by a court or other decision-maker of competent jurisdiction, such holding will not affect the validity or enforceability of any
other provision.

11/99

Fluke Corporation
P.O. Box 9090
Everett, WA 98206-9090
U.S.A.

To register your product online, visit register.fluke.com

Fluke Europe B.V.
P.O. Box 1186
5602 BD Eindhoven
The Netherlands

Table of Contents

Title Page

Introduction..................................................................................................................... 1

Applications.................................................................................................................... 1

Contacting Fluke ............................................................................................................ 1

Safety Information .......................................................................................................... 2

Compliance .................................................................................................................... 4

Quick Start ..................................................................................................................... 4

Shipping Contents .......................................................................................................... 5

The Keypad.................................................................................................................... 6

The Backlight.................................................................................................................. 6

The Base........................................................................................................................ 7

The Display .................................................................................................................... 7

The Main Screen ....................................................................................................... 8

The Setup Screens.................................................................................................... 9

The Clock Setup Menu .............................................................................................. 10

Label Menu................................................................................................................ 10

Reviewing the Buffer ................................................................................................. 11

Using the Particle Counter.............................................................................................. 12

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Fluke 983

Users Manual

Purging the Particle Counter ..................................................................................... 12

Set Up....................................................................................................................... 12

Setting the Particle Counting Mode........................................................................... 14

Setting the Air Sampling Volume or Sampling Time.................................................. 14

Setting the Method of Counting Data ........................................................................ 15

Setting the Number of Samples ................................................................................ 16

Enabling and Setting a Password for the First Time ................................................. 16

Changing an Existing Password................................................................................ 16

Lost Passwords......................................................................................................... 17

Setting the Alarm....................................................................................................... 17

Setting a Delay Between Samples............................................................................ 17

Setting Temperature Mode ....................................................................................... 18

Restoring Default Settings ............................................................................................. 18

Setting the I/O Port to Download Data to a PC.............................................................. 18

Transferring Data to a Personal Computer .................................................................... 18

Control ...................................................................................................................... 19

Labels ....................................................................................................................... 20

Time.......................................................................................................................... 20

Printing the Samples to a Serial Printer .................................................................... 20

Connecting the Printer to the Particle Counter.......................................................... 20

To Print a Single Sample .......................................................................................... 20

To Print a Single Sample Stored in the Buffer........................................................... 21

To Print all of the Samples in the Buffer.................................................................... 21

Storing Samples............................................................................................................. 21

Clearing the Buffer......................................................................................................... 21

Maintenance .................................................................................................................. 21

Cleaning the Case..................................................................................................... 21

Charging the Battery and Using the AC Adapter....................................................... 22

ii

Contents

Purging the Particle Counter Sensor ......................................................................... 23

Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................. 24

Specifications ................................................................................................................. 26

Parts and Accessories.................................................................................................... 27

(continued)

iii

Fluke 983

Users Manual

iv

List of Tables

Table Title Page

1. Symbols................................................................................................................................. 2

2. Troubleshooting..................................................................................................................... 25

3. Replaceable Parts and Accessories ...................................................................................... 29

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Fluke 983

Users Manual

vi

List of Figures

Figure Title Page

1. Fluke 983 Shipping Contents................................................................................................. 5

2. Fluke 983 Keypad.................................................................................................................. 6

3. The Base of the Fluke 983 .................................................................................................... 7

4. Main Screen .......................................................................................................................... 8

5. Setup Screen 1...................................................................................................................... 9

6. Setup Screen 2...................................................................................................................... 9

7. Clock Setup Menu ................................................................................................................. 10

8. Label Menu............................................................................................................................ 12

9. Using the High-Purity Tubing and Barbed Isokinetic Probe................................................... 14

10. Fluke 983 Replaceable Parts................................................................................................. 28

vii

Fluke 983

Users Manual

viii

Fluke 983

Particle Counter

Introduction

WWarning

Read “Safety Information” before using the
Fluke 983 Particle Counter.

The Fluke 983 Particle Counter (“The Particle Counter”) is
a portable instrument that measures and reports air
contamination. It holds 5,000 samples in memory and
records the date, time, counts, sample volume,
temperature, and relative humidity of each sample. The
data can be easily downloaded to a personal computer
using the interface cable adapter, cable, and FlukeView
Forms Documenting Software provided with the unit.

®

Applications

The Particle Counter can be used for:

• Monitoring cleanrooms

• Indoor air quality investigations

• Monitoring gowning rooms

• Testing filter seals

• Locating particle contamination sources

• Monitoring particle size distributions

Contacting Fluke

To contact Fluke or for service, call one of the following
telephone numbers:

USA: 1-888-44-FLUKE (1-888-443-5853)
Canada: 1-800-36-FLUKE (1-800-363-5853)
Europe: [phone]
Japan: [phone]
Singapore: [phone]
Anywhere in the world: [phone]
Or, visit Fluke's Web site at www.fluke.com
To register your product, visit register.fluke.com

.

1

Fluke 983
Users Manual

Safety Information

A Warning identifies a condition or action that pose
hazard(s) to the user; a Caution identifies a condition or
action that may damage the Particle Counter or the
equipment under test.

Table 1. Symbols

Symbol Meaning

Read the entire Users Manual before using the Particle
Counter.

Safety symbols used in this manual and on the Particle
Counter are displayed in Table 1.

W Risk of Danger. Important information. Refer to manual.

X Hazardous voltage. Risk of electrical shock.

~

Do not dispose of this product as unsorted municipal waste. Go to Fluke’s website for recycling
information.

P Conforms to relevant European Union directives.

2

Particle Counter
Safety Information

XWWarning

To avoid electric shock, injury, or damage to
the Particle Counter, follow these safety
guidelines:

• Use the Particle Counter only as

described in the Users Manual,
otherwise the protection provided by the
instrument may be impaired.

• Do not use the Particle Counter in

explosive atmospheres.

• The Particle Counter contains no user-

serviceable parts. Do not open the
instrument. For service and battery
replacement, the instrument must be
sent to Fluke. See “Contacting Fluke”.

• Have the Particle Counter serviced only

by qualified service personnel.

• Inspect the Particle Counter before use.

Do not use it if it appears damaged.

• Always use the ac adapter/charger and

connector (supplied with the Particle
Counter) appropriate for the voltage and
outlet of the country or location in which
you are working.

To avoid possible damage to the Particle
Counter:

• Avoid using the Particle Counter in an

excessively dirty or dusty atmosphere.
Excessive particle intake can damage the
Particle Counter.

• Remove the Isokinetic-Probe Cover (the

black cap) before use. Not doing so can
damage the Particle Counter.

• Do not use a wrench to connect or

disconnect the Isokinetic Probe or intake
nozzle. The connection should be finger
tight.

• If using the tilt stand, hold the

instrument while using the keypad.

WCaution

3

Fluke 983
Users Manual

Compliance

The Particle Counter complies with:
P, JIS B9921: 1997, 89/336/EEC, 73/23/EEC, EN61326:

1997, EN60825-1:2001, Federal Standard 209E

Quick Start

The Particle Counter may be used directly out of the box.
To immediately use the Particle Counter:

1. Read “Safety Information”

2. Remove the Isokinetic Probe Cover (the black cap)

3. Press the POWER keypad

4. Press
Be sure to read the entire Users Manual for more detailed

information.

1 to start sampling

4

Particle Counter
Shipping Contents

Shipping Contents

The Particle Counter ships with the items shown in Figure 1.

bak07f.eps

A Fluke 983 Particle Counter and Holster with Hand Strap I Users Manual (English)
B Isokinetic Probe and Cap J Safety Information (Multi-language)
C AC Adapter/Charger K Intake Nozzle and Cap
D RS-232 Modular Cable L Power Cord
E ¼ in. High Purity Tubing (2 ft.) M Hardshell Carrying Case
F RJ-45 to DB-9 Connector N Zero Count Filter Adapter
G Zero Count Filter O Isokinetic Probe with Barb
H 983 Users Manual CD P FlukeView® Forms Documenting Software CD

Figure 1. Fluke 983 Shipping Contents

5

Fluke 983
Users Manual

The Keypad

Use the keypad to navigate among different screens on
the display, refer to Figure 2.

The Backlight

The Particle Counter is equipped with an automatic
backlight that stays on for two minutes when the unit is
powered up. If within two minutes no keys are pressed,
the backlight turns off to conserve battery power. If the
backlight goes out, press any function or arrow key to turn
it back on.

Power Key

Arrow Keys

Turns the Particle Counter on and off.

Press to navigate up and down through
the different sections of the menus or to
control the display contrast when on the
Main Screen.

F1 F2 F2 F4

Function

Keys

Each function key corresponds to a
name above each function key. Different
menus have different labels above the
keys.

Figure 2. Fluke 983 Keypad

983

bak01f.eps

6

Particle Counter
The Base

The Base

On the base of the Particle Counter are the connection
ports for the RS-232 Modular Cable (I/O Port) and the
12 V External Power Adapter. The Tripod Mount is also
located on the base under the holster. See Figure 3.

I/O Port

IOIOI

Tripod Mount

Figure 3. The Base of the Fluke 983

External Power

12V

bak08f.eps

The Display

The LCD Display shows several different screens and
menus. Navigate through each using the keypad. The
following sections explain the different screens used by
the Particle Counter.

The following screens appear on the display:

• Main Screen

• Setup Screen (pages 1 and 2)

• Clock Setup Menu

• Label Setup Menu

The bottom of the display includes information about the
corresponding function keys.

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Fluke 983
Users Manual

The Main Screen

The Main Screen (see Figure 4) appears after the Particle
Counter is turned on and after the opening screen
appears.

The Main Screen includes:

• Six particle-size channels

• Particle counts

• Relative humidity (%RH)

• Air-sample temperature (°C or °F)

• Sample-location name

• Battery-charge indicator (charge remaining)

• Time indicator (represents time to complete)

• Sample volume

• Particle-count mode

• Total counts/volume

The parameters on the Main Screen are selected by
using the Setup Screens, the Clock Setup Menu, and the
Label Setup Menu.

F1

F2

Figure 4. Main Screen

F3

F4

bak03f.eps

8

Particle Counter
The Display

The Setup Screens

To use the Setup Screens:

1. From the Main Screen, press 2 (SETUP). The Setup
Screen 1 appears, see Figure 5. To get to Setup
Screen 2 while on Setup Screen 1, press 1
(PAGE 2), see Figure 6.

2. Use

3. Press 4 (RETURN) to store the setup changes and to

and to move up and through each
parameter. Use 2 (left arrow) and 3 (right arrow) to
navigate within each screen entry that is highlighted.
See Figures 5 and 6.

return to the Main Screen.

Password= Disabled

F1

F2

Figure 6. Setup Screen 2

F3

F4

bak06f.eps

F1

F2

Figure 5. Setup Screen 1

F3

F4

bak02f.eps

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Fluke 983
Users Manual

The Clock Setup Menu

To use the Clock Setup Menu:

1. From the Main Screen, press
Clock Setup Menu, the user can change the Particle
Counter’s date, time, and delay, see Figure 7.

2. Use
this screen. Press
mode. Once in this mode,
increase or decrease the selected entry.

3. Use 2 (left arrow) and 3 (right arrow) to change
the entry selected.

4. Once the correct data has been entered, press 1
(ENTER) to store the data.

and to move the cursor up and down on

1 (PROGRAM) to enter the edit

F1

F2

Figure 7. Clock Setup Menu

3 (CLOCK). From the

and are used to

F3

F4

bak04f.eps

To change the format of the date from dd/mm/yyyy to
mm/dd/yyyy:

1. Move the cursor down to Date.

2. Select

3. Select

4. Press 1 (ENTER) to store the choice.
To use a 24-hour clock or a 12-hour clock:

1. Move the cursor down to Time.

2. Select

3. Select

4. Press 1 (ENTER) to store the choice.

5. Press

1 (PROGRAM).
4 (FORMAT). The date will switch to the next

version.

1 (PROGRAM)
4 (FORMAT). The clock will switch to a 24 or

12-hour version.

4 (RETURN) to return to the Main Screen.

Label Menu

It may be useful to assign labels to samples taken from
different areas or rooms. Use the Label Menu to select
sample labels, see Figure 8.

To use the Label Menu:

1. From the Main Screen, press 4 (LABEL).

2. Once at the Label Menu, use
desired location number.

3. Once the location number is selected, press

1 (EDIT).

and to select the

10

Particle Counter
The Display

4. The large cursor changes to a single-character
cursor. Use

and to change the individual

characters.

5. Press 2 (left arrow) and 3 (right arrow) to change to
the next character in the series.

6. Once the desired label name is entered, press

1,

which has now changed to SAVE, to store the new
label name. Press

4 (ESCAPE)to exit the Label

Menu without storing the label name.

7. Continue to edit label names by following the
previous process. When finished, press

4 (RETURN)

to return to the Main Screen. Notice that the Main
screen now has the sample label in the upper right
hand corner.

You may also use the FlukeView

®

Forms Documenting
Software provided to change the label names. Refer to
“Transferring Data to a Personal Computer”.

Reviewing the Buffer

To review the buffer from the Label Menu, press 3
(BUFF) to recall the buffer and use
through the different samples.

and to scroll

Figure 8. Label Menu

bak05f.eps

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Fluke 983
Users Manual

Using the Particle Counter

The following sections give detailed information about
using the Particle Counter.

Purging the Particle Counter

Before taking particle samples, the Particle Counter
should be purged using the Zero Count Filter.

Purging the Particle Counter will make sure the readings
are accurate. To purge the Particle Counter:

1. Fit the Filter Adapter onto the end of the Zero Count
Filter. Note the arrow on the filter denoting airflow
direction.

2. Connect the adapter directly onto the end of the
Isokinetic Probe.

3. Operate the unit for approximately 5 minutes.

4. Verify the data on the display:

• On the average, not more than one particle

greater than 0.3 µm in five minutes or not more
than one particle per 0.5 cubic foot should be
apparent.

• Once the unit has been purged, resume normal

use. Remove the zero count filter from the
Isokinetic Probe.

In a clean-room application, the zero count filter verifies
that the counter is not counting electrical noise signals
from internal components and is not subject to external
interference. In other applications, the zero count filter
purges the sensor immediately after a high-concentration

sampling. If the unit fails, see “Purging the Particle
Counter Sensor”.

Set Up

To set up the Particle Counter:

1. Go through the different screens and set the desired
parameters for sampling. Refer to previous sections
regarding the different screens and menus.

2. Select the desired intake device. There are two
Isokinetic Probes that ship with the Particle counter:

• The Isokinetic Probe is attached when the

Particle Counter ships and is for general use.

• The Barbed Isokinetic Probe connects to the

High Purity Tubing. Use the intake nozzle,
tubing, and Barbed Isokinetic Probe for areas
where the Particle Counter would not normally
fit. See Figure 9.

WCaution

Remove the Isokinetic-Probe Cover (the
black cap) before use. Not doing so can
damage the Particle Counter.

12

Particle Counter
Using the Particle Counter

To use the Particle Counter in hard to reach areas, do the
following:

1. Unscrew the threaded Isokinetic Probe.

2. Replace it with the intake nozzle.

3. Connect the high purity tubing to the intake nozzle.

4. Connect the Barbed Isokinetic Probe to the open end
of the tubing.

High-Purity Tubing

Intake Nozzle

Barbed Isokinetic

Probe

bak10f.eps

Figure 9. Using the High-Purity Tubing and Barbed

Isokinetic Probe

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Fluke 983
Users Manual

Setting the Particle Counting Mode

The Particle Counting Mode choices are:

Concentration Mode
In Concentration Mode, the Particle Counter samples
a small volume of air and calculates what the value
would be for the volume setting on the Particle
Counter (liter, cubic foot, etc.). This mode is useful
for taking a quick glimpse of airborne particle
contamination levels. For example, Concentration
Mode might be used in areas where particulate levels
are unknown and may exceed the operating levels of
the Particle Counter. This mode should not be
substituted for full sampling.

Totalize Mode

In Totalize mode, the counts are seen as they
accumulate until the end of the sample. When the
sample is complete, the record is stored and the
value appears on the screen until the next sample is
started.

Audio Mode

In Audio mode, the Particle Counter beeps once
each time the alarm limit is exceeded, (see “Setting
the Alarm”). For example, if the limit is set to 10, the
counter beeps when the count first reaches 10 and
beeps again for each multiple of 10. In Audio Mode,
the display shows counts as in Totalize Mode.

1. On Page 1 of the Setup Screen, use
highlight “Cnt Mode”. If coming from the Main
Screen, Cnt Mode should already be highlighted.

and to

2. Use

3. When the desired mode shows on the screen, press

2 (left arrow) and 3 (right arrow) to select

other modes.

4 (RETURN) to select that mode and return to the

Main Screen.

Setting the Air Sampling Volume or Sampling Time

The choices for the sample volume setting are:

• 1.0L (counts for 21 seconds)

• 2.83L (60 seconds)

• 10.0L (3.53 minutes)

• 28.3L (10 minutes)

• 0.01CF (6 seconds)

• 0.1CF (60 seconds)

• 1.0CF (10 minutes)

• MANUAL - Select this option to continuously sample

and display the counts until the unit is stopped
manually. The display shows the total volume
sampled in Liters.

1. On Page 1 of the Setup Screen, use
highlight “Sample Volume” or “Sample Time”.

2. To select a sample volume, sample time, or to
manually stop the Particle Counter, press
arrow) and

3 (right arrow).

and to

2 (left

14

Particle Counter
Using the Particle Counter

If Sample Time CF or Sample Time L is selected:

3. Press

4. Press

5. Press

6. Once the minutes or seconds digits are selected

7. Press

8. Press 4 (Escape) to return to the previous

9. Press 4 (RETURN) to select the desired

In Sample Time mode the display shows the
calculated volume in either liters or cubic feet, based
on the time selected.

1 (EDIT) to edit the sampling time.
2 (Min) to highlight the minutes digit.
3 (Sec) to highlight the seconds digit.

use and to change the values.

1 (Save) to save the settings and return

to the previous screen.

screen without saving changes.

volume/time and return to the Main Screen. The
volume selected appears on the right of the Main
Screen.

Setting the Method of Counting Data

The choices for data counting are:

Cumulative

Cumulative counting mode includes all particles that
are greater than or equal to the particle size selected
in the Sample Volume field.

Differential

Differential counting mode includes all particles that
are greater than or equal to the particle size selected
in the Sample Volume field, but less than the next
largest particle size.

1. On Page 1 of the Setup Screen, use and to
highlight “Cnt Data”.

2. Use 2 (left arrow) and 3 (right arrow) to change
the method of counting data.

3. Press 4 (RETURN) to select the desired data
counting method and to return to the Main Screen.

The method selected appears as a symbol on the display.
The SUM symbol (Σ) denotes the Cumulative method and
the DELTA symbol (Δ) denotes the Differential method.

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Fluke 983
Users Manual

Setting the Number of Samples

1. From the Main Screen, press 2 (SETUP).

2. From page one of the Setup Screen, use
highlight “Number of Samples".

3. Select the number of samples by pressing 2 (left
arrow) or

4. When the desired number appears, press
(RETURN) to return to the Main Screen.

When choosing the number of samples, “INF”
denotes infinite and the unit will continue to take
samples until the stop key is pressed.

3 (right arrow).

Note

or to

4

Enabling and Setting a Password for the First Time

The Particle Counter’s preference settings can be locked
using the password feature. To enable and set the
password for the first time, do the following:

1. From the Main Screen, press

2. From page one of the Setup Screen, use
highlight “Password".

3. Press

4. The screen changes to the Login screen. Notice the

5. Press

2 (left arrow) or 3 (right arrow) to enable the

password feature.

Particle Counter’s serial number in the upper-right
corner of the display.

1 (CHANGE).

2 (SETUP).

or to

6. Use
the password.

7. Press 2 (left arrow) or 3 (right arrow) to move the
cursor to the next character.

8. Continue to do this until you have entered the desired
password.

9. When finished, press 4 (ENTER) to save the
password or
password menu without saving the new entry.

The next time the Particle Counter is turned on, the
startup screen will have a
(ADMIN) field.

• If 4 (ADMIN) is pressed, the password is requested
before going to the main screen. If the correct
password is entered, the preference settings can be
changed. If the incorrect password is entered, the
user is taken back to the startup screen to try again.

• If
and the Particle Counter can be used, but the other
preference settings are locked.

and to change the selected character of

press 4 (ESCAPE) to exit the

1 (USER) field and a 4

1 (USER) is pressed, the labels can be changed,

Changing an Existing Password

To change an existing password:

1. Go to the Password Menu.

2. Use

3. Press

4. Use

and to select the current password.

1 (CHANGE).

and to select the new password.

16

Particle Counter
Using the Particle Counter

5. Press 1 (SAVE) to save the password or press 4

(ESCAPE) to exit the password menu without saving
the new entry.

Lost Passwords

If the administrator password is forgotten or lost, contact
Fluke to receive a new password. Refer to “Contacting
Fluke”.

Technical support will require the following information to
issue a new password:

• The Particle Counter’s serial number.

• The Particle Counter’s current date setting in the

format MMDDYYYY.

Setting the Alarm

When the alarm is set, the Particle Counter will
continuously beep when the selected number and particle
size is reached. The display also shows “CNT Alarm”.

1. From the Main Screen, press
Setup Screen Page 1.

2. Press 1(PAGE 2) to access Setup Screen Page 2.

3. Alarm Limit is highlighted. Press

2 (SETUP) to access

2 (left arrow) or

3 (right arrow) to move the alarm limits from zero

(no alarm) to 100,000 in factors of 10.

4. Once the alarm limit is selected, press to select
“Alarm Size”.

5. Press

2 (left arrow) and 3 (right arrow) to display

the various particle sizes.

6. Select the desired particle size and press 4
(RETURN) to return to the Main Screen.

Note

When the alarm sounds, pressing
once will mute the alarm. Pressing
again will stop the sample.

1(STOP)

1(STOP)

Setting a Delay Between Samples

If continuous sampling is not necessary, a delay can be
set. The delay timer allows a “time out” between
automatic samplings. To set a delay:

1. Go to the Clock Setup Screen by pressing

3(CLOCK). See Figure 7.

2. Press

3. Press

4. Use
the desired unit of time (hours, minutes, or seconds).

5. Press to increase the time; press to decrease
the time.

6. Once the desired time has been selected, press 1
(ENTER).

7. Press

The maximum delay time is 23:59:59.

and highlight Delay.

1 (PROGRAM).

2 (left arrow) and 3 (right arrow) to move to

4 (RETURN) to return to the Main Screen.

Note

17

Fluke 983
Users Manual

Setting Temperature Mode

To set the Temperature Mode to Fahrenheit or Celsius:

1. Go to setup screen 2 and press

or

to move the

cursor to “Temperature".

2. Use

2 (left arrow) and 3 (right arrow) to select “°F”

or “°C”.

3. Press 4 (RETURN) to save the choice and return to
the Main Screen.

Restoring Default Settings

At some point, it may be necessary to restore the Particle
Counter’s default settings. Restore the default settings by
pressing and holding
default settings are as follows:

Setup Page 1

Cnt Mode = Concentration
Sample Volume = 1.0L
Cnt Data = Cumulative
Number of Samples = 1

Setup Page 2

Alarm Limit = 0
Alarm Size = 0.3µm
I/O port = Serial 9600
Temperature = ºC
Buffer Count = 0

1as the power is turned on. The

Setting the I/O Port to Download Data to a PC

1. Go to Setup Screen 2 and press or to move
the cursor to “I/O Port".

2. Use 2 (left arrow) and 3 (right arrow) to select
“Serial 9600”.

3. Press 4 (RETURN) to return to the Main Screen.

Note

Serial 9600 is the default I/O Port setting for
software version 1.1 and cannot be changed.

Transferring Data to a Personal Computer

Data that is collected and stored in the Particle Counter’s
memory can be downloaded to a personal computer (PC)
using the included FlukeView

Software and RS-232 cable and RJ-45 converter. Use
FlukeView

®

Forms Documenting Software to change

labels, set the time, set delay time, and start and stop a
sample that is from a remote location. See Figure 3 to
locate the I/O Port on the Particle Counter. To install the
software, see the “FlukeView
that comes with the software.

To transfer data from the Particle Counter to the PC:

1. Install FlukeView

®

the PC. See Installation Guide.

2. Connect the RJ-45 converter to the serial
communications port of the PC.

®

Forms Documenting

®

Forms Installation Guide”

Forms Documenting Software on

18

Particle Counter
Transferring Data to a Personal Computer

3. Connect the modular RS-232 cable to the RJ-45
converter and to the Particle Counter. Make sure the
Particle Counter is off when making the connection.

4. Turn the Particle Counter on.

5. Open FlukeView

®

Forms Documenting Software.

Notes

• The appropriate COM port must be selected

prior to transferring data from the Particle
Counter to the PC. The default port is COM
1, as indicated in the lower right hand corner
of the FlukeView® Forms Documenting
Software window.

• To test the COM port, select “Tools” then

“Options.” Select the appropriate COM port
in the drop-down menu, then click “Test.”

6. Click “OK” to “Get Meter Data Now?” prompt. Data is
downloaded and displayed in the Virtual Meter.

Notes

• The following codes can appear in the

“Flags” column of the Virtual meter
individually or in combination:

0 = Normal
1 = Sensor Error
Samples are invalid, indicates a

calibration failure or sensor failure
condition.

2 = Count Alarm

The user-defined alarm limit has been
exceeded.

4 = Low Battery
The battery charge was low during the

sample. Recharge the battery as soon
as possible.

8 = Counter Error
Samples are invalid. This flag indicates

a hardware problem.

• To ensure no data is lost, verify that the

download was successful before deleting
the stored test results on the Particle
Counter.

7. Click “Copy Into Form” to transfer data to FlukeView
Forms Documenting Software template, or use the

“Export Data…” menu to customize how the data is
exported.

Note

Until the data is copied into the form, the user
can use the control buttons on the FlukeView
Forms Virtual meter to change the data view as
on the meter.

Control

Data logging sessions can be scheduled, started, and
stopped in the FlukeView

®

Forms Documenting Software.

®

19

Fluke 983
Users Manual

Click “Meter” then “Logging” then press the “Schedule”
tab to either schedule a datalogging session or begin
datalogging remotely.

Labels

Location labels in the Particle Counter can be changed in
the FlukeView

Click “Meter” then “Change Meter Setup” to access
labels.

1. To get labels from the Particle Counter, click “Read
from Meter.”

2. To modify labels in the software, select the label in
the window and edit.

3. To send modified labels to the Particle Counter, click
“Send.”

®

Forms Documenting Software.

Time

Set Time

In "Change Meter Setup”, check the "Synchronize Clock
with PC" checkbox to set the Particle Counter's time and
date to match the PC.

Printing the Samples to a Serial Printer

Note

The serial printer capability requires software
version 1.2 or higher. If your Particle Counter
has software version 1.1, and you wish to use
the printer option, contact Fluke for instructions
on how to update your software.

Fluke offers a complete Thermal Printer Kit to take
advantage of the printing capabilities of the Particle
Counter.

The Fluke 983 Thermal Printer kit includes:

• Seiko DPU-414 Thermal Printer

• Seiko PW-4007-U1 120 V ac adapter or PW-4007-E1

220 V ac adapter

• Seiko BP-4005 battery pack

• 1 roll thermal paper

• RJ-45 to DB-9 serial printer adapter

To use the Seiko DPU-414 Thermal Printer with the
Particle Counter, the following default settings on the
printer must be changed:

1. Set the input method to serial.

2. Set the baud rate to 9600 baud.
Please refer to the Seiko DPU-414 Thermal Printer

manual for instructions on changing these settings.

Connecting the Printer to the Particle Counter

1. Connect the serial Printer Adapter to the serial
communications port on the printer.

2. Connect the modular RS-232 cable to the serial
connector and to the Particle Counter’s I/O port.

To Print a Single Sample

1. Go to Setup Screen 2 and press or to move
the cursor to “I/O Port".

2. Use 2 (left arrow) and 3 (right arrow) to select
“Printer”.

20

Particle Counter
Storing Samples

3. Press 4 (RETURN) to return to the Main Screen.

4. Press 1 (COUNT) to start a sample.
After the sample is complete the data will be printed.

To Print a Single Sample Stored in the Buffer

1. Go to Setup Screen 2 and press or to move
the cursor to “I/O Port".

2. Use 2 (left arrow) and 3 (right arrow) to select
“Printer”.

3. Press 4 (RETURN) to return to the Main Screen.

4. Press 4 (LABEL) and then 3 (BUFF) to enter the
Buffer menu.

5. Use

6. Press 1 (PRINT) to print the selected sample.

and to scroll to the sample you wish to

print.

To Print all of the Samples in the Buffer

1. Go to Setup Screen 2 and press or to move
the cursor to “I/O Port".

2. Use 2 (left arrow) and 3 (right arrow) to select
“Print Buffer”.

3. Press 4 (RETURN) to return to the Main Screen.

The sample data stored in the buffer will begin printing.

Storing Samples

The Particle Counter stores each measurement in a
5000-record buffer. Data is stored in a “first in, first out”
order. When the 5001
deleted, leaving 5000 records total.

st

record is saved, the first record is

Clearing the Buffer

At some point, the user may wish to clear the Particle
Counter’s buffer. To do this:

1. Go to Setup Screen 2 and press or
the cursor to “Buffer Count". Buffer Count displays
the number of samples stored in memory.

2. Use

3. Press 4 (RETURN) to clear the buffer and return to

2 (left arrow) and 3 (right arrow) to select

“Clear Buffer”.

the Main Screen.

to move

Maintenance

XWWarning

The Particle Counter contains no user­serviceable parts. To avoid electric shock,
injury, or damage to the Particle Counter, do
not open the instrument. For service and
battery replacement, the instrument must be
sent to Fluke. See “Contacting Fluke”.

Use the Zero Count Filter to ensure that the Particle
Counter filter is free of contamination. Refer to “Purging
the Particle Counter”.

Cleaning the Case

Periodically wipe the case and holster with a damp cloth
and mild detergent.

21

Fluke 983
Users Manual

WCaution

To avoid damaging the Particle Counter, do
not use abrasives or solvents to clean the
Particle Counter case.

Charging the Battery and Using the AC Adapter

Recharge the battery as soon as “LOW BATTERY"
appears on the display.

The battery symbols on the display show the status of the
battery:

++

The battery is in “Fast Charge” mode.

The ac adapter/charger is connected and the
battery is charging. When the battery is below
95 % of its charge, the Particle Counter uses
“Fast Charge” mode to bring the battery back up
to 95 %.

+

The battery is in “Trickle Charge” mode. Once
95 % of the charge is attained, the Particle
Counter switches to “Trickle Charge” mode to
charge the remaining 5 % of the battery.

The battery is fully charged.
The battery is partially charged.

The ac adapter is used to recharge the battery as well as
power the Particle Counter. This feature allows the
counter to be used while the battery is charging.

To connect the ac adapter/charger:

1. Attach the power cord to the end of the charger.

2. Plug the charger into the 12V jack on the base of the
Particle Counter.

3. Plug the ac adapter into an ac outlet. The Particle
Counter will take two hours to fully charge.

Note

If the Particle Counter is powered off during
charging (Trickle Charge mode), the battery will
require up to 18 hours for a full charge. To
charge the battery in 2 hours, the Particle
Counter must be turned on while charging (Fast
Charge mode).

If the Particle Counter is charged while powered
off (Trickle Charge mode) the battery symbol in
the display will not update to show the actual
charge status until the Particle Counter is turned
on with the charger plugged in for approximately
five minutes.

22

Particle Counter
Maintenance

Purging the Particle Counter Sensor

WCaution

To avoid possible damage to the Particle
Counter, avoid using the Particle Counter in
an excessively dirty or dusty atmosphere.
Excessive particle intake can damage the
Particle Counter.

To purge the Particle Counter sensor:

1. Fit the adapter onto the end of the Zero Count Filter.
Note the arrow on the filter denoting airflow direction.

2. Connect the adapter directly onto the end of the
Isokinetic Probe.

3. Operate the unit for approximately 15 minutes.

4. On the average, not more than one particle greater
than 0.3 µm in five minutes or not more than one
particle per 0.5 cubic foot should be apparent. This
purges the Particle Counter.

Once the unit is purged, resume normal use. Remove the
Zero Count Filter and adapter from the Isokinetic Probe.

23

Fluke 983
Users Manual

Troubleshooting

Use Table 2 to troubleshoot possible problems with the Particle Counter.

Table 2. Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Reason and Recommended Actions

Particle Counter does not zero count 1. Zero count filter or adapter is not properly attached. Reattach the filter or

Filter Adapter.

2. Internal air leak. Contact Fluke for repair.

3. Cell contamination by excessive dust exposure. Return the Particle Counter
to Fluke.

Particle Counter does not turn on
when pressing the POWER key.

“LOW BATTERY” displays Battery voltage is low. Refer to “Charging the Battery and Using the AC Adapter”.

Particle Counter battery does not
charge

After fully charging the battery in
trickle charge mode, the display does
not show a full battery charge.

Display is too dark or light The display contrast is set too low or too high. Turn the unit on, press to darken

Battery voltage is low. Refer to “Charging the Battery and Using the AC Adapter”.
Try turning the unit on again after the ac adapter/charger is connected. If the

Particle Counter does not turn on, contact Fluke for assistance.

A problem with the battery is indicated. Disconnect the Particle Counter from the ac
adapter/charger. Check the line cord. If the problem persists, contact Fluke.

The Particle Counter needs to be turned on and the charger connected for the
charge circuitry to update the battery status symbol. After the Particle Counter is
turned on with the charger plugged in, the battery status symbol updates in
approximately 5 minutes.

the display or

to lighten it.

24

Particle Counter
Troubleshooting

Table 2. Troubleshooting (cont.)

Problem Possible Reason and Recommended Actions

Unable to download data in the buffer 1. There is a problem with the connections from the PC to the Particle Counter.

Check those connections.

2. There may be a problem with the software. Refer to the Readme.txt file on
the software.

The display shows “CAL ALARM” 1. The sample exceeded the concentration limit (too many particles), which

produced a temporary alarm. No corrective measure is required other than
to stop sampling in that environment.

2. The sensor is contaminated. Refer to “Purging the Particle Counter Sensor”.

3. The laser has dropped below acceptable levels. If the problem persists,
contact Fluke.

No temperature/humidity reading or
an incorrect reading

Temperature and humidity appear after the sample is in progress. Allow the unit to
acclimate to the sampling environment for greater accuracy.

25

Fluke 983
Users Manual

Specifications

6 Particle-Size Channels:

0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, 10.0 µm

Flow Rate

0.1 cfm (2.83 L/min)

Light Source

Laser diode; index guided (26,000 MTBF at 25 °C)
Calibration

PSL particles in air (NIST traceable)
Counting Efficiency

50 % @ 0.3 µm; 100 % for particles > 0.45 µm
(per JIS B9921:1997)

Zero Count
1 count/5 minute (per JIS B9921:1997)

Coincidence Loss
5 % at 2,000,000 particles per cubic ft.

Relative Humidity

± 7 %, 20 % RH to 90 % RH, non-condensing
Temperature

± 3 °C, 10 °C to 40 °C (50 °F to 104 °F)
Data Storage

5000 sample records (rotating buffer)
Data Recorded

Date, time, counts, relative humidity, temperature, sample
volumes, alarms, label

Display
Graphic liquid crystal with backlight

Count Modes
Concentration, totalize, audio

Delay Time
0 to 24 hours

Sample Inlet
Isokinetic probe

Interface
RS-232 and RS-485 via RJ-45

Vacuum Source
Internal pump flow controlled

Dimensions

4.5 " x 8.25 " x 2.25 " (11.43 x 20.96 x 5.72 cm)
Weight

2.2 pounds (1.0 kg)

Environmental

Operating:

10 °C to 40 °C (50 °F to 104 °F), 20 % to 90 % RH,
non-condensing

Storage:

-10 °C to 50 °C (14 °F to 122 °F), Up to 90 % RH,
non-condensing

Power
AC Adapter, 12 VDC at 2.5 A, 90 to 250 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz

Rechargeable Battery
NiMH, 4.8 V at 4.5 Ah; replaceable
Charge time: 2 hours (Fast Charge mode), 18 hours
(Trickle Charge mode)

Continuous Operating Time
8 hours

Standards
Complies with P, JIS B9921: 1997

26

Particle Counter
Parts and Accessories

Parts and Accessories

To order parts and accessories for the Particle Counter,
refer to Table 3 and Figure 10.

Figure 10. Fluke 983 Replaceable Parts

bak09f.eps

27

Fluke 983
Users Manual

Table 3. Replaceable Parts and Accessories

Callout

Part

Number

Description

A 2414654 Holster
B 2421437 Isokinetic Probe
C 2421481 Isokinetic Probe Cap
D 2421350 AC Adapter/Charger
E 2421377 RS-232 Modular Cable
F 2421455 ¼” High Purity Tubing (2 ft.)
G 2421392 RJ-45 to DB-9 Connector
H 2421428 Zero Count Filter
I 2414717 983 Users Manual CD
J 2414721 Users Manual (English)
K 2414700 Safety Information (Multi-language)
L 2421443 Intake Nozzle and Cap
M 2421361 US Power Cord
N 2414693 Hardshell Carrying Case
O 2414668 Zero Count Filter Adapter
P

Q

2424376
1578384

Barbed Isokinetic Probe
FlukeView® Forms Documenting Software CD

28

Particle Counter
Parts and Accessories

Table 3. Replaceable Parts and Accessories (cont.)

Callout

Part

Number

Not Shown 669069 Hand Strap (located on the back of the holster)
Not Shown 2543469 983 US Printer Kit 120V version:

Seiko DPU-414 Thermal Printer
Seiko PW-4007-U1 120 V AC Adapter
Seiko BP-4005 Battery Pack
1-Roll Thermal Paper
RJ-45 to DB-9 serial Printer Adapter

Not Shown 2547127 983 Euro Printer Kit 220V version:

Seiko DPU-414 Thermal Printer
Seiko PW-4007-E1 220 V AC Adapter
Seiko BP-4005 Battery Pack
1-Roll Thermal Paper
RJ-45 to DB-9 serial Printer Adapter

Description

29

Fluke 983
Users Manual

30