Monroe Electronics 288 Operator's Manual



Operators’ Manual

Monroe Electronics, Inc.

Model 288

Charge Plate Monitor

P/N 0340174

288-1/100

V1.03

100 Housel Ave

PO Box 535 Lyndonville NY 14098 1-800-821-6001 585-765-2254  fax: [phone] monroe-electronics.com

CONTENTS

Specifications Section 1

Specifications Page 3
Accessories included Page 3
What this instrument does Page 4
Physical description Page 4

General Information Section 2

CAUTION – SHOCK HAZARD Page 5

Setup – First things first Section 3

SETUP SYSTEM Menu Page 6
M SETUP Menu Page 6
A SETUP Menu Page 7
OPTION Menu Page 7

Operation Section 4

Manual operation Page 8
Programming f eat ures Page 8
Automatic operation Page 9
Programming f eat ures Page 9
Additional features Page 10
Group and location Page 10
Test parameter setups Page 10
Data storage and review Page 10
Peak reset Page 10
Plate voltage bargraph Page 10
Power Page 10
Charge plate Page 10
Grounds Page 10
Analog output Page 10

Maintenance Section 5

Precautions Page 11
Cleaning Page 11
Battery Page 11
Charge state indicator Page 11
Calibration Page 11

References Section 6

References Page 12

Warranty Information
Repair Information

Specifications and procedures subject to change without not i ce

Copyright© 2000

Monroe Electronics, Inc .

Printed in USA

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Section 1

SPECIFICATIONS

All specifications are referred to PLate VColtage unless otherwise specified.

Charging Voltage:

Zero Stability:
Timer:

Start Voltages:

Stop Voltages:

Peak Displays:
Power:

Voltage Output Monitor:

Display:

Voltage Display:
Timer Display:

Accuracy:
Bandwidth:

Zero Drift:
Charge Plate Capacitance:
Plate Self-discharge:
Operation Temperature:
Temperature Sensor:
Operating RH:
Humidity Sensor:
Size:
Weight:

Specifications subject to change without notice

±10 to ±1000 volts, differential
adjustable 10 volts to 100 volts in 1 volt
increments
<100mV/sec

0.1 to 999.9 seconds in 0.1 sec
increments
1000 to 9999 seconds in 1 sec
increments
1000 volts ±0.3% standard, adjustable
between 10 and 1000 volts in 1 volt
increments
100 volts ±3% standard, adjustable
between 0 and 995 volts in 1 volt
increments
±peak voltage during float mode

90-250 VAC 50/60 Hz, internal 12 volt
battery with built-in charger (6
hr/charge)
divide by 200, 0.1%, speed of response
<10ms

240 x 64, character/graphic
3 ½ digit, ±1.0 volt resolution
4 digit
electrometer ±0.1% of reading, ±1 volt

referred to input
1kHz at 20V

, 10Hz at 2000V

p-p

p-p

<100mV/sec
20pF, ±5%
<200mV/sec
5°C to 35°C
±2°C typ
to 80%, non-condensing
±5% typ from 10% to 80% RH @25°C
11” x 9” x 6”
12½ lb.

Accessories included:

Charge plate extension cable (5ft.)
Ground cable
Power cord
Operator’s Manual

3

What this instrument does —

As Ionizers were introduced to control static charges there became a need to test those
ionizers to verify their performance. I n about 1985 Ion Systems introduced the first charged
plate monitor, followed by Monroe Electronics’ Model 268 and several other companies.
These all used a fieldmeter sensing t echnology and became part of the ESD Association
Standard 3.1. This standard spelled out t he plat e size, 6” x 6” and char ge decay voltages,
5000V to 500V for room ionization and 1000V to 100V f or bench top ionization. These
worked well for years but the new technologies in the semiconductor and disk drive
industries have created a demand for lower work environment voltag es. Many companies
now want a test instrument that will accurately measure ionizer performance to less than
10V. The fieldmeter style charg ed plat e monitors are not capable of doing t his with the
degree of accuracy required.

The other issues driving the demand f or new instrum ent ation revolve around documentation
and labor. Wit h all of the instruments available today, a manual record of the test results
must be created. This is the only way to provide the documentation required in an ESD
audit. The sheer volume of ionizers has created an addit ional pr essur e in the modern
manufacturing f acilit y. At one time a factory may have had just a few critical areas where
ionizers were being used. Today many companies have hundreds of ionizers, all of which
need periodic testing. All of t he inst ruments available require manual testing for each decay
and balance sequence, an enormous amount of labor hour s .

With the Model 288 we have continued a design direction that we began with the Model 287
Ionizer Performance Analyzer. For those of you not familiar with the 287, it is a small,
portable charged plate instrument t hat not only allows the user to program several key
operating parameters and store t he r esults in memory, but uses a contacting electrometer
measurement technique f or vastly impr oved performance at low levels. However the bigger
advantage to this device is the ability to pre-program a ser ies of decay and balance tests
which can then be initiated by pushing a single button.

With the Model 288 we have taken these advances to a higher level. The user no longer has
to design tests around the limitat ions of the instrument. Because almost all par am eters of
this instrument are adjustable, t he tests can be designed for optimal r esult s and t he Model
288 programmed to perf o r m those tests. In addition this unit is completely port able, with up
to six hours of operation on the internal batt er y and memory for storage of over 1000 test s.

Physical Description:

The Model 288 Charge Plate Monitor has a black powder coated metal case. The display is
a large (240 X 60 Character/graphic), back-lit LCD. With this lar ge display all pertinent test
information can be shown simultaneously. All operations are contr olled via the five switches
on the front panel. Switch function varies depending on t he selected mode and is labeled
using the LCD screen (soft keys). On the right hand side of the front panel is a vertical row
of LED’s which track and display the plate voltage. T he r ange switch located below allows
the user to select the voltage span of t he LED’s. The charge plate is detachable and has a
variety of mounting options. An RS232 port on t he r e ar of the unit allows connection to a PC
for the transfer of information.

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Section 2

GENERAL INFORMATION

Model 288 performs manual or automatic decay and balance tests for qualification and
periodic verification of ionization equipment. It then stores the results and balance averages
for manual tests and complete autom at ic t est sequences up to a maximum of 1500 tests.
Temperature and relative humidity are displayed real-tim e and r ecorded with the test data.

All instrument functions are contr olled by five key pushbuttons.
In DECAY mode a built-in high voltage generator charges the plate to a voltag e specified by

the user – up to 1100 volts. During the test the plate will discharge toward zero in the
presence of ionization. The elapsed time of decay between a selected star t voltage and a
selected stop voltage is displayed.

In the BALANCE mode, plate voltage, t est duration and + and − peak voltages are displayed.
Self-tests include battery check and tests for functional err ors.
Memory is non-volatile. Setup and data are retained during storage.
Although the Model 288 does not meet all of the requirements of the standar d in the outward

sense, it does allow for testing where initial voltages of 1000 volts (or less) are involved. For
further details see ESD Association Standard S3.1 for Protection of Electrostatic

Discharge Susceptible Items – Ionizati on.

CAUTION
When charged, the plate voltage can be in excess of 1100 volts with respect to ground.

Although the charges and potentials are below those which are normally detected by
human senses, A SHOCK HAZARD EXISTS.

• If you are handling the plate assembly or conducting a test, which involves

touching the plate, expect a shock

• Do not charge large capacitors w i t h t his device.

.

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Section 3

SETUP

First things first

Upon power up, you are presented momentarily with an identification screen, which includes
the software revision level and serial number of your unit.

Within a few seconds, the MAIN screen is presented. This screen should show current date
and time, ambient factors, power source information and current test number and prompt the
operator to “Select Operation”. The test-numbering scheme begins with 1500 and displays
the number of remaining t est s.

One of the menu options is SETUP. Once significant programming has been done and data
taken the SETUP mode should not be tinkered with! There is no BACK button. Thus,
SETUP is probably the first thing the user should becom e familiar with. Press the “SETUP”
key.

The present menu is identified in the upper left corner of t he scr een as “SETUP”. Menu
items are: SYSTEM, MANUAL, AUTO, OPTION and (back to) MAIN. Select SYST EM to go
to the SETUP SYSTEM menu

SETUP SYSTEM Menu:

CLOCK – Sets the system’s real time clock. This should be set to the present local date

and time in order for all future tests to be properly stamped. Once new data (if any) has
been entered, press EXIT and elect t o SET the clock to the time shown on the SETUP
SYSTEM CLOCK screen or EDIT to change the set tings or CANCEL to change nothing
and return to the MAIN menu.

HUMI/TEMP – Simply displays the present temperature and relative humidity. These

can only be changed via connection to a PC.

RAM/EE – The first screen under this option asks, “Clear all test data – Y/N?” A “Y(es) ”

response will permanently erase all accumulated test data from memory. The next two
windows prompt a similar decision for Group/Location names and test set ups. These
decisions should not be taken lightly as deletions are irreversible.

S/N – Displays software revision number and instrument serial number. These cannot be

modified.

RETURN – Returns to SETUP Menu

M SETUP Menu:

The M(anual) Setup screen displays a list of five user selectable manual test options. Three
of them; M1, M2 and M3 may be modified. The “Factory” option uses “standard” settings and
the “Test” option has settings used during factory testing of each unit. These two may not be
changed.

The parameters of any of t he manual tests may be viewed or those of the first three edit ed to
meet user requirements by highlighting the test and pressing t he DISPLAY key.

A symbol “D>” indicates which one is selected as the default test. To change the default,
scroll to highlight one of t he options using the NEXT key and press the DEFAULT key. The
selected test will remain the default test until re-selected. Previously stored test result s are
not affected by a new default sett ing but all subsequent tests will be made with the new
default until changed by this method.

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A SETUP Menu:

The A(uto) Setup screen works the same.

OPTION Menu:

Options are for display backlight ing and auto power off. Hig hlight and press EDIT to view
further options. The ( A>) symbol indicates the curr ent choice. Highlight desired choice and
press ENTER to change or CANCEL to exit with no change.

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Section 4

OPERATION

MANUAL OPERATION:

From the manual screen the user can choose to run a positive decay, negat ive decay or
balance. Also the option exists to enter the group and location screen to select the
proper designation for the ionizer under test.

++++/−−−− Decays – Once a decay test is selected the unit switches screens displaying the
plate voltage, timer, group/ location and test parameters. Once the t est is com plete a
summary screen appears displaying the time of decay, test param eters, time, date,
temperature, humidity and test number . Fr om the summary screen another decay test
can be run, test data history screen can be accessed or a return t o t he manual test
screen can be selected.

Balance – During the balance test the screen displays the plate voltage, test time,
group/location, test param et er, average voltage and positive/negative peak voltag e
readings. Once the test is completed the summary screen appears with the same type of
data and options available in the manual decay summary screen.

Confidence Test – One of the major weaknesses in all CPM’s has been the inability to
properly verify the main function of these devices, DECAY. In all the existing instruments
it is possible to test the plate voltage, timer performance and other parameters but not the
actual decay function. In the 288 charge plat e ( a vailable in the 6 x 6 plate only) ther e is a
test hole in the center of the plat e. Simply remove the knurled thumbscrew from t he back
panel of the unit and insert it into t his hole m aking sure that the head of the screw is
making contact with the plate. Then r un a +Decay test and a −Decay test in a non­ionized environment. Both decays should be within a 6 to 8 second range. By
performing this test per iodically the user can be assured the unit is operating correctly.

Programming features:

Start Voltage – Range of 10V t o 1000V, adjustable in 1V increments
Charge differential – This is the difference between the start decay voltage and how

much over charge the unit puts on the plate. I t ranges from 10V to 100V and is
adjustable in 1V increments.

Stop voltage – Range of 0V to 995V, adj ust able in 1V incr ements
Test Start Delay – Range of 5sec to 15sec, adjustable in 1sec inter vals. T his is the time

delay from when you push the start key and when the test actually begins. This allows
the user to exit the area to minimize their impact on the readings.

Max decay time – Range 10sec to 9999sec adjustable in 1sec intervals. If the unit does
not reach the stop voltage within this time the unit will abort t he t est. This timer can be
turned off.

Balance Duration – Range of 10sec t o 9999sec, adjustable in 1sec intervals. This can
also be set for continuous readings with no time out .

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AUTOMATIC OPERATION:

Once the desired test parameters are set up, the user simply selects the “start” but ton to
begin the tests. All the parameters are shown in the automatic screen. As soon as the
start button is pushed the screen switches to the auto test scr een and pr oceeds to run
the prescribed number of decays and balance (only if balance is set t o r un via the set up) .
The unit moves automatically from one t est to another until it has completed the
programmed sequence. At t he end of the tests the screen changes to display, individual
decay times, average decay time, balance results, including +/− peaks and average
voltage, as well as date, time, temperature, humidity, group/location. Fr om t his point you
can select to run another test sequence or r et ur n t o the automatic screen.

As in the manual mode, the group/locat ion but t on will allow you to select the appropriat e
label for the ionizer under test.

Programming features:

Start voltage – Same as manual
Charge Differential – Sam e as m anual
Stop voltage – Same as manual
Test Start Delay – Same as manual
Max Decay Time – Same as manual
Balance Duration – Same as manual
Decay Cycle – Range from 1 to 10, adjustable in increments of 1. This is the number of

+ and – decays the unit will run in an automatic sequence.

Decay Sequence – Select either the decay sequence of + − + − or + + − − for the number
of cycles selected in Decay Cycle.

Cycle Delay – Range from 2sec to 15sec, adjustable in 1sec increments. This is the
amount of time from the finish of the last decay cycle to the start of the next.

Balance (Y/N) – Select whether or not you want a balance test to automatically run at the
end of the decay cycle.

Continuous – This featur e allows you to perform a continuous series of tests on a
selectable time basis. For example, you want to run a series of decay and balance every
hour for the next day. From the autom at ic scr een select CONT, then select the desired
test time interval from 1 minute t o 24 hours. Once you have programmed the time, press
EXIT and you will advance to the next screen. From this screen you have the option of
pressing CANCEL or START. T he START key begins the default automatic test
sequence and will repeat that test sequence at the time interval selected. This
continuous testing will continue until you stop the tests or the memory becomes full.

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ADDITIONAL F EATURES:

Group and Location – By accessing this screen the tests can be organized to reflect the

ionizers’ locations. There are up to 17 Groups available, with a maximum of almost 700
locations. The total number of group/locations available will vary depending on how
extensive the tests are for the individual locations (i.e. how many decays are run for each
ionizer). Up to 1500 tests may be run. By using a PC connected to t he units RS232 port
it is possible to custom label these group/locat ions ( i. e. Building 10 - Bench 2E). Via the
same link it is then possible to download all the test result s st or ed in the unit into a
spreadsheet on the PC.

Test Parameter Setups – In both the Manual and Automatic Modes there are five
distinct setups. Three of t hese are available to the user to customize as needed. The
other two are the factory and test settings, which are not adjustable. Any of these can be
selected as the default test setup.

Data Storage and Review – All test results are stored in the internal memory of the unit.
They can be viewed through the screen or downloaded to a PC. Each test records the
time, date, temperatur e, hum idity and test results.

Peak Reset – During a manual balance test where Balance Duration has been disabled
the M BALANCE will show BalDur=XXXXs which means that the test will run
continuously until STOPped. Pressing the PkRst key at any time will reset the displayed
peak values to zero and the timer will continue to run until it re aches 999. 9s then the
decimal point will shift and the display will run to 9999s (or about 2 hours and 47
minutes). Beyond that, an overrun error is displayed.

Plate Voltage Bar graph – Three ranges ar e pr ovided with a maximum resolution of less
than 10 volts for making very fast assessments of plate voltage and polarity around zero.

Power – The unit will run on either AC or battery power. The internal rechargeable
battery will supply up to six hours of operation.

Charge Plate – A 6″ X 6″ plate comes standard with the 288. When it is detached from
the base unit it comes with the ground plane plate or can be taken off as a separate item .
Mounting hardware allows the plate to be attached to the side of the unit , connected to a
tripod via ¼ -20 threaded insert or put into any variety of situat ions t o m easure ionization.
A 5-foot extension cable comes standard with the unit.

To release the detachable charge plate only, slide it forward. To remove the complete
charge plate and ground plane assembly, press the r elease but ton with a suitable tool
and swing the assembly slightly to the right.

For those space restricted applications, ther e ar e several opt ional plat e sizes available
down to 1” x 1”. Consult factory for ot her sizes and availability.

Grounds – A ground snap is provided on one corner of t he ground plane and a ground
jack is provided on the back panel. The instrument chassis is normally connected to
ground via the power cord during AC operation and the ground plane is connected to the
chassis when the unit is assembled. Grounding is essential to proper oper at ion.

Analog Output – An analog output jack is provided on the back panel.

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Section 5

MAINTENANCE

Precautions —

User maintenance should normally be limited to keeping the instrument clean and fr ee from
physical damage. Store the instrument in it s protective carrying pouch when not in use.

Cleaning —

Fingerprints and other contaminant s m ay be rem oved f rom the case with a clean lint-free
cloth dampened in a 70%/30% mix of clean technical grade isopropyl alcohol and de-ionized
water. DO NOT use soap or deterg ent .

Battery —

Battery voltage is monitored and displayed on the MAIN screen. Normal range of operation
is between 10 and 15 volts. When the batt er y has discharged to below 10 volts, a warning
message is displayed and the instrument shuts down 15 seconds later terminat ing any
activity in progress. Battery charge life depends on t ype of tests being run and the settings
selected in the OPTION menu. Testing may be resumed using AC power.

A complete re-charge cycle takes 4-6 hour s with power off.

Charge State Indicator —

While the unit is connect ed t o an AC power line and in an inactive stat e, the upper half (red)
of the PLATE VOLTAGE bar graph serves as a battery state-of -charge indicator with
maximum being a float condition and minimum im plying t hat the battery requires f ur ther
charging. The “x1” and “x2” rang e lights will be lit. If the power cord becomes disconnected,
the LED’s will continue to report the battery status for several minutes.

Calibration —

Calibration is not a user function and is beyond the scope of this manual. Calibration
information is available from the factory. Monroe Electronics recommends annual calibration
and/or when the instrument is damaged or repaired or where called for more often by
contract. We offer repair and calibr ation services for a fee.

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REFERENCES

Documents associated with ionization:

ESD Association Standard —
ANSI/EOS/ESD-S3.1 –Ionization

ESD Association Advisory – ESD ADV – 3.2 –
Selection and Acceptance of Air Ionizers

ESD Association (Draft) Standar d – ESD DSP –3.3 – Periodic Verification of Air
Ionizers

ESD Association Advisory – ESD ADV – 1.0 –
Glossary

ESD Association Advisory – ESD ADV – 2.0 –
Handbook

Are available from:

ESD Association, Inc.
7900 Turin Rd.
Building 3, Suite 2
Rome, NY 13440-2069

Section 6

Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
http://www.eosesd.org

Monroe Electronics, Inc. does not supply copies of standards or advisories.

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WARRANTY

Monroe Electronics, Inc., warrants to the Owners, this instr um ent to be free from defects in
material and workmanship for a period of two years after shipment from the factory. This
warranty is applicable to the original purchaser only.

Liability under this warranty is limited to service, adjustment or replacement of defective parts
(other than tubes, fuses or bat teries) on any instrument or sub-assembly returned to the
factory for this purpose, transportation prepaid.

This warranty does not apply to instruments or sub-assemblies subjected to abuse, abnormal
operating conditions, or unauthorized repair or m odification.

Since Monroe Electronics, Inc. has no control over conditions of use, no warranty is made or
implied as to the suitability of our product for the customer’s intended use.

THIS WARRANTY SET FORTH IN THIS ARTICLE IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATI ONS, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES O F MERCHANTABILITY
AND FITNESS. Except for obligat ions expressly undert aken by Monroe Electronics, in this
Warranty, Owner hereby waives and releases all rights, claims and remedies with respect to
any and all guarantees, express, implied, or statutory (including without limitation, the implied
warranties of merchantability and f it ness) , and including but without being limited to any
obligation of Monroe Electronics with respect to incidental or consequential damages, or
damages for loss of use. No agreement or understanding varying or extending the warranty
will be binding upon Monroe Electronics unless in writing signed by a duly authorized
representative of Monroe Electronics.

In the event of a breach of the foregoing warranty, the liabilit y of Monroe Electronics shall be
limited to repairing or replacing the non-conforming goods and/ or defective work, and in
accordance with the foregoing, Monroe Electronics shall not be liable for any other damages,
either direct or consequential.

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RETURN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FACTORY REPAIR

Return authorization is required for factory repair work. Material being ret ur ned to the factory
for repair must have a Return Material Authorization number. To obtain an RMA number,
call 585-765-2254 and ask for Custom er Ser vice.

Material returned to the factory for warrant y repair must be accompanied by a copy of a
dated invoice or bill of sale, which serves as a proof of purchase for the material.

Repairs will be returned promptly. Repairs are norm ally ret urned to the customer by UPS
within ten working days after receipt by Monroe Electronics, Inc. Ret ur n ( to the customer)
UPS charges will be paid by Monroe Electronics on warranty work. Return (to the customer)
UPS charges will be prepaid and added to invoice for out-of-warranty repair work.

EXPEDITED FACTORY REPAIR:

All material returned to the factory by air or by an overnight service will be expedited.
Expedited factory repairs will be returned to the custom er by the sam e mode of
transportation by which the material was returned to the factory for repair (i.e., material
returned to the factor y by an overnight service will be returned to the customer by an
overnight service).

NOTE: Return (to the customer) transportation expenses for expedited factory repairs will
always be at the expense of the customer despite the warranty status of t he equipment.

FACTORY REPAIRS TO MODIFIED EQUIPMENT:

Material returned to the factory f o r r epair that has been modified will not be tested unless the
nature and purpose of the modif icat ion is understood by us and does not render the
equipment untestable at our repair facility. We will reserve the right to deny service to any
modified equipment retur ned t o t he factory for repair regardless of the warranty status of t he
equipment.

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