General Tools CIH20DL User Manual
DATA LOGGING
HOT WIRE ANEMOMETER with
CFM/CMM and 8:1 IR THERMOMETER
USER’S MANUAL
CIH20DL
Please read this manual carefully and thoroughly before using this product.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 –4
Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
What’s in the Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 –7
Setup Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Install Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 – 21
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 –9
Measuring Air Speed and Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Measuring Airflow Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Measuring Surface Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Holding and Storing Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Displaying Maximum, Minimum and Average Values . . . . . . . . 10 – 11
Recalling and Erasing St
ored Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 12
Using the Advanced Settings Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 13
Data Logging with a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 – 21
Install Software and Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 – 15
Connecting the Meter to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Viewing Real-Time Measurements on the Dashboard . . . . . 15 – 17
Using the Meter to Log Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 – 18
Uploading Record Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Viewing Record Data Graphically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 – 20
Uploading and Viewing Data Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 – 21
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Maintenance T
ips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Return for Repair Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 – 25
2
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing General Tools & Instruments’ CIH20DL Data Logging Hot Wire
Anemometer with CFM/CMM and 8:1 IR Thermometer. Please read this user’s manual
carefully and thoroughly before using the instrument.
The CIH20DL is a professional-grade, handheld hot wire anemometer that can not only
measure the speed of air exiting the grille or register of an HVAC/R system or blower or fa
n,
but also convert those readings to airflow volume measurements in units of CFM (cubic feet
per minute or ft
3
/min) or CMM (cubic meters per minute or m3/min). The conversions are
possible because the meter allows the user to enter the free area dimensions of grilles and
output ductwork.
The instrument can also measure the temperature of cooling or heating air, as well as
surface temperatures. Air temp
eratures from 32° to 158°F (0° to 70°C) are measured by a
thermistor located next to the hot wire sensor at the end of a 6 ft. (1.8m) long telescoping
metal probe and cable. Surface temperatures from -25° to 999°F (-32° to 538°C) are
measured by an integral infrared (IR) thermometer with a distance-to-spot (D:S) ratio of 8:1.
A hot wire anemometer measures air speed in the following way. When the inst
rument is
powered on, direct current is passed through its hot wire sensor for about 15 seconds. After
the sensor has been warmed to a constant temperature, the instrument detects how much
current is required to maintain that temperature as wind passing across the sensor acts to
cool it. The amount of current required is directly proportional to the square of the wind
speed.
Hot wire anemometers are as
accurate as vane anemometers, but hot wire units are better
able to measure very slow air currents because they have no moving parts and therefore
no inertia. For example, the CIH20DL can measure air speeds as low as 2 ft/min. A typical
vane anemometer of comparable quality and accuracy cannot measure air speeds lower
than 80 ft/min.
The CIH20DL has a large backlit display with three readouts: one sho
ws air speed or airflow
volume, another is for IR temperature, and the third is dedicated to air temperature.
Normally, each of these readouts shows real-time measurements, which can be held (frozen)
and read later to enable work in dark areas. End users can opt to have the readouts show
maximum, minimum or average measurements instead. End users also can store up to nine
sets of the three readings (ai
r speed or airflow volume, air temperature and IR temperature)
in an internal nonvolatile memory and recall them at any time in chronological order.
In addition to storing the nine sets of readings, the CIH20DL also can capture—over long
periods of time—and time-stamp up to 20,000 air speed/airflow volume, air temperature
and surface temperature measurements at a user-selected sampling rate from 5 sec
onds
to 1 hour. These time-stamped readings, called data logs, can be copied to a PC running
Windows
®
7, Windows®Vista or Windows®XP via an included USB cable. Once in the
computer, the logs can be displayed as graphs or tables, formats that make it easy to spot
trends or unexpected excursions in readings.
Windows®7, Windows®Vista and Windows®XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
3
The CIH20DL can be configured to display air speed in any of five Imperial or metric units,
airflow volume in CFM or CMM, and temperature in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius. The
instrument’s IR thermometer, which can be precisely aimed by a low-power laser pointer,
assumes by default that its target has an emissivity of 0.95, which is true for 90% of
applications.
The meter is normally powered by one “9V
” battery (included). To enable long-term data
logging, the meter also can be powered by a 110V or 220V AC supply. When the meter is
powered by the battery, it automatically shuts off after 10 minutes of inactivity to extend
battery life. When running on AC power, the auto power off period is extended to 30 minutes
when the meter is not in data logging mode. When the meter is running on AC power in da
ta
logging mode, the auto power off function is disabled to enable logging sessions longer than
30 minutes. When the meter is connected to a computer via the included USB cable, the
meter is powered through the computer's USB port. In this mode, the Auto Power Off
function is disabled. This prevents unexpected meter shutoffs from interrupting data uploads.
KEY FEATURES
• Measures and displays air speed or airflow volume in several Imperial or metric units
• Simultaneously measures and displays ambient temperature from 32° to 158°F
(0° to 70°C) in °F or °C with ±2% accuracy
• Measures air speeds from 2 ft/min to 7874 ft/min (20 mm/sec to 40 m/sec) with
±3% accuracy
• Measures airflow volumes from 0 to 2.5 million CFM (0 to 72,000 CMM) with
±3% accuracy
•
Displays maximum, minimum or maximum air speed plus temperature
• Also has 8:1 infrared thermometer for remote, non-contact measurement of surface
temperatures from -25° to 999°F (-32° to 538°C) with ±3% accuracy
• Telescoping probe and cable extend reach of hot wire sensor and thermistor to up to
6 ft. (1.8m)
• Jumbo backlit LCD with three readouts
• Stores/recalls up to nine sets of three readings in
nonvolatile memory
• Time-stamps and saves up to 20,000 data points at user-selected sampling rate from
5 seconds to 1 hour
• Included USB cable and interface/data logging software enable transfer of stored data
logs from the meter’s internal memory to a PC for tabular or graphic display and
analysis
• Data hold and auto power off functions
• CE and RoHS approved
4
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION!
The CIH20DL’s targeting laser is a Class II type that emits less than 1mW of power between
630nm and 660nm. Avoid direct eye contact with laser light radiation. U.S. law prohibits
pointing a laser beam at aircraft; doing so is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and
imprisonment.
WHAT’S IN THE CASE
The CIH20DL and its accessories come in a custom molded plastic case. The instrument
itself has two main components: a handheld meter with a digital display, and a telescoping
metal probe with two sensors at one end and a plug for connecting the probe to the meter
at the other. Also in the case are the following accessories:
• A USB cable for connecting the meter to a Windows comput
er, enabling the meter to
upload captured air speed, airflow volume and surface temperature data. This cable
has a mini B-type plug at one end and an A-type plug at the other.
• An AC adapter and power cable for connecting the meter to a 110V or 220VAC supply
to enable long-term data logging. This cable has a mini B-type plug at one end and a
socket with a spring-loaded latch at the other. The latch ma
kes it easy to attach and
detach either of two kinds of plugs: one with American-style blades and the other
with European-style round prongs. One plug of each type is included in the case.
• A “9V” Alkaline battery.
• A plastic bag containing: 1) a CD with Windows-compatible software and drivers for
using the CIH20DL with a PC running Windows7 (32- or 64-bit), Windows Vista or
Windows XP; 2) a Certifica
te of Traceable Calibration; and 3) this user’s manual.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Fig. 1 shows the labels and positions of the controls and connectors on the front and
top of the CIH20DL. Fig. 2 shows all possible indications on the LCD. Familiarize yourself with
the controls’ functions and the meanings of the display indications before moving on to the
Setup Instructions.
1. (Power) button
2. LCD with three readouts
3. (Record) button: When pressed briefly, stores v
alues shown on all three readouts in
one of nine nonvolatile memory locations, and then advances the location counter by one.
When pressed and held for 3+ seconds, begins logging measurement data (air speed or
airflow volume, air temperature and IR temperature) at preset sampling time. Logs are
stored in the meter’s internal memory space (as opposed to in nonvolatile memory). Also
used to change field
s when setting sampling time, date or time and to clear the meter’s
internal data logging memory space.
TempIR
5
4. button: Activates laser pointer when
enabled (unless readouts are displaying
recalled values)
5. button
6. (Anemometer HOLD) button:
Freezes air speed and airflow volume
readings only
7. AC power/USB cable jack (on left side)
8. A two-function button: Laser
pointer enable/disable and backlight
on/off. Pressing button four times cycles
through the four possible combinations
of states (see figure below). A
fter the
backlight is activated, it stays on for 15
seconds and then automatically shuts
off.
9. MODE SET button: When pressed briefly and repeatedly, cycles readouts to show: realtime measurements; maximum, minimum and average readings; and recalled stored
measurements.
When pressed and held for 3+ seconds (unless readouts are displaying recalled values),
places meter in advanced setup mode. In this mod
e, the user can change default
measurement units, enter a grille area, set the data logging sampling time and the current
date and time, and clear the meter’s data logging memory space.
10. button
11. Hot wire probe socket
12. IR measuring window
13. Laser pointer port
14. Hot wire probe head
15. Hot wire probe plug
TempIR
TempIR
6
Fig. 1. The CIH20DL’s controls and
connectors
TOP
A Clock, backlight on and laser pointer enabled icons
B Secondary readout
C Memory Space/CLR (clear) and Memory indications
D X10 and X100 indications
E Primary readout
F MAX, MIN and AVG display indications
G DATA [#] RECALL and DATA LOG indications
H [PC] LINK indication
I [IR Temperature] HOLD indication
J Battery charge indicator
K IR temperature measurement unit (°C or °F)
L Time and date field indications
M [Anemome
ter] HOLD indication
N Air speed and airflow volume measurement units
O Tertiary readout
TempIR
TempIR
7
Fig. 2. All possible display indications
SETUP INSTRUCTIONS
INSTALL BATTERY
The meter’s battery compartment is accessible
from the back of the unit (Fig. 3).
Before installing the 9V battery included in the
carrying case, remove the plastic covering its
terminals. Open the battery compartment by
pushing the tab at the bottom of its cover forward
(Fig. 3, Step 1). Lift the cover and set it aside
(Step 2). Then plug the battery into the wired
socket inside the compartment. The terminals of
the battery and the socket mate in only one way,
with the smaller male terminal plugging into the
larger female terminal. Replace the battery compartment cover and push down on its bottom
until it snaps shut.
The CIH20DL also can be powered by connecting it to an AC outlet or a computer's USB port.
There is no reason to do so unless you plan to use the
meter for extended data logging
sessions. Connecting the meter to an external power supply does not charge the included
“9V” Alkaline battery, which is not rechargeable.
See “Data Logging with a Computer”, beginning on p. 14, for ways to connect the CIH20DL
to an external power source.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
GETTING STARTED
To prepare the CIH20DL for use, line up the hot wire
probe plug (Fig. 1, Callout 15) with the hot wire probe
socket on the top of the meter (Callout 11) so the
black arrow on the probe connector faces the back of
the meter. Then insert the probe plug into the socket.
Before extending the telescoping probe, extract
the probe head (Callout 14) from the probe body
by g
rasping the round black plastic end piece
(Fig. 4 left, top callout) with two fingers and pulling
slowly. Take care not to touch either the hot wire air
speed sensor or the air temperature sensor within
the head; both are extremely delicate. Pull out the
probe head to expose 1 inch of probe body. Exposing
the probe head now will allow you to telescope the
probe to any length later by grasping its body ra
ther than its delicate head.
Following each measurement session, carefully push the probe head back into the probe
body (Fig. 4, right) in order to protect the sensors.
8
Ready For Use
Not in Use
Black plastic
end piece
Hot wire air
speed sensor
Air temperature
sensor
Fig. 3. The back of the CIH20DL
Fig. 4. The probe head assembly
To power on the meter, press the button. The display will initially show the clock icon at
upper left and numbers on the primary readout counting down from 15. The numbers track
the time needed to heat the hot wire to prepare it for use. After 15 seconds, the meter will
be ready for use. It will automatically enter “normal” (air speed or airflow volume +
temperature) measurement mode and display a sc
reen similar to Fig. 5. By default, the
primary (middle) readout shows real-time air speed in ft/min and the tertiary (lower) readout
shows real-time air temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. The secondary (upper) display also
uses °F as its default unit.
To change the default air speed or temperature unit, skip
ahead to “Using the Advanced Settings Menu,” beginning on p. 12.
MEASURING AIR SPEED AND TEMPERATURE
To measure the speed and temperature of a blower’s
or HVAC system’s output, fully extend the telescoping hot wire
probe and position the head of the probe in the airstream leaving
the system’s duct or register. Be sure the black arrow on the round
black plastic end piece points in, or opposite to, the direction of air
flow (see Fig. 6). The primary (middle) readout will show the air
speed in ft/min
and the tertiary (bottom) readout will show the
temperature of the airstream in °F.
When making air speed or airflow volume measurements, it’s
important to make sure the air flows directly through the larger window in the probe
head containing the hot wire. If some of the airflow goes around the cavity, the hot wire
will not be cooled to the maximum extent, and air speed and airflow volume measurement
s
will consequently be low. To ensure that the hot wire is perpendicular to the airflow, slowly
twirl the probe while watching the primary (middle) readout. When the highest values are
seen, the hot wire is fully perpendicular to the flow of air.
MEASURING AIRFLOW VOLUME
To prepare to measure the amount of air exiting a duct,
grille or register, first measure its area. Then skip ahead to
“Using the Adva
nced Settings Menu” beginning on p. 12.
Following the instructions in Fig. 8, use the MODE SET button
and the and buttons to 1) place the meter in airflow
volume measurement mode and 2) enter the area of the duct,
grille or register.
Once you have measured and entered the area, fully extend the
telescoping hot wire probe and position the head of the probe
in the airstream. Make sure the hot wire window
is
perpendicular to the airstream, as when measuring air speed.
The primary (middle) readout will show the airflow volume
in the default unit of CFM (cubic feet/minute) and the tertiary
(bottom) readout will show the temperature of the airstream in °F.
9
DATA
F
F
ft/min
Fig. 6. How to orient the
hot wire probe
Fig. 5. The initial display
after powering on
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