Monroe Electronics 300 User Manual

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Operators’ Manual

Monroe Electronics, Inc.

Model 300

Charge Plate Monitor

P/N 0340193

Console Firmware Rev 1.05

Plate Assembly Firmware Rev 1.02

01302015

100 Housel Ave PO Box 535 Lyndonville NY 14098		1-800-821-6001 585-765-2254 fax: 585-765-9330 monroe-electronics.com

CONTENTS
Section 1 Specifications	Page
Specifications .................................................................................................................	3
Accessories Included .....................................................................................................	4
What this instrument does..............................................................................................	5
Section 2 General Information
CAUTION – SHOCK HAZARD.......................................................................................	6
Incoming Confidence Test..............................................................................................	6
Section 3 Overview
Front Panel of the Console.............................................................................................	7
Power Button and Power Indicator ..........................................................................	7
Charging the Battery................................................................................................	8
Rear Panel of the Console .............................................................................................	8
AC Power Connection..............................................................................................	8
USB Port ..................................................................................................................	8
CPM Plate................................................................................................................	8
Grounding the Model 300 ........................................................................................	9
FM OUT / 1000 (Fieldmeter Analog Output) ...........................................................	9
Tripod Mounting .......................................................................................................	10
Ion Collecting Plate Assembly........................................................................................	10
Ion Collecting Plate..................................................................................................	10
Moving the Plate Assembly from the Storage Position............................................	10
Remote Placement of the Plate Assembly ..............................................................	12
Navigating the Front Panel.............................................................................................	12
Programming (Customizing) the Model 300 for Testing ..........................................	13
Section 4 Operation
Performing Ionizer Tests ................................................................................................	15
Recalling Ionizer Test Results........................................................................................	16
Section 5 Maintenance
Precautions.....................................................................................................................	17
Cleaning .........................................................................................................................	17
Battery ............................................................................................................................	17
Calibration ......................................................................................................................	17
Locating the Serial Numbers ..........................................................................................	17
Section 6 References.........................................................................................................	18
Section 7 Appendices
Appendix I: Bad Battery Message and Resetting the Dead Battery Flag ......................	19
Appendix II: CPA300 USB Driver Installation On Windows XP .....................................	20
Appendix III: CPA300 USB Driver Installation On Windows 7 .......................................	31
Appendix IV: CPA300 USB Driver Installation On Windows 8.......................................	40
Appendix V: Error Messages..........................................................................................	47
Appendix VI: Operations Chart.......................................................................................	49
WARRANTY .........................................................................................................................	50
RETURN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR FACTORY REPAIR................................	51

Monroe Electronics, Inc.

Printed in USA

Specifications and procedures subject to change without notice

Section 1

Specifications

All specifications are referred to plate voltage unless otherwise specified.

Charger	±1,100 volts (minimum), selectable polarity
Fieldmeter
Range:	0 to ±1,300 volts on display
	0 to ±1,800 volts at analog output
	1 volt resolution
Accuracy:	±2% of reading, ±2 volts, + zero offset, typical

Analog Output: 1/1000th of the plate voltage, ±3%, typical

Bandwidth:	6 Hz
Timer
Range:	0.1 second to 999.9 seconds
Accuracy:	0.1 second
Resolution:	0.1 second
Trip Points
Start Voltage:	1000 volts
Stop Voltage: Settable from 10 volts to 990 volts in 1-volt increments
Charge Plate
Size:	6 inches x 6 inches (15 cm x 15 cm)
Capacitance:	20 pF ±10%

Self-Discharge: Less than 100 volts within 5 minutes (<60% R.H.)

Power Requirements:	100 VAC to 220 VAC nominal line voltage; less than 5 watts
Battery Life:	>8 hours per charge
Dimensions:	6-3/8” W x 6” H x 8-3/4” D (162mm x 152.4 mm x 223 mm)
Weight:	5.2 pounds (2.4 kg)

Accessories Included:

CD containing: 300 Operator’s Manual 300 Data Sheet 300COM Software

300COM Software Operator’s Guide

Carrying Case

AC Adaptor w/international plug kit 6-inch-long Plate Cable

5-ft-long Plate Cable

Patch cord w/alligator clip & boot USB cable

Stereo Phone Plug (analog output)

What this instrument does —

This instrument is a charged-plate monitor for evaluating the performance of ionization systems. As such, it performs positive and negative decay tests, and balance (offset voltage) tests to determine if an ionization system is operating effectively. It can be used to test all types of ionization systems as described in ESD Association Standard ANSI/ESD STM3.1 Ionization.

Over the years new technologies have placed new demands on both ionization systems and on the capabilities and features of the charged-plate monitors used to evaluate them. Monroe Electronics has responded to these needs by incorporating many additional and improved features in the Model 300 Charged-Plate Monitor.

Section 2

GENERAL INFORMATION

Model 300 performs manual or automatic decay and balance (offset voltage) tests for qualification and periodic verification of ionization equipment. It then stores the results and balance averages for manual tests and for a complete automatic test sequence, and saves that data until the data is over-written by a subsequent manual test or automated test sequence.

All instrument functions are controlled using six pushbuttons.

In DECAY mode, a built-in high-voltage generator charges the plate to a voltage greater than 1,000 volts. During the test the plate will discharge toward zero in the presence of ionization. The elapsed time of decay between a 1000 volts and a selected stop voltage is displayed.

In the BALANCE (offset voltage) mode, the plate is first grounded, then disconnected from ground and allowed to float to any voltage in response to air ion imbalances. It displays the plate voltage, test duration, and minimum and maximum peak voltages. (Nearby charge sources will also induce a voltage on the isolated plate.)

Memory is non-volatile. Setup and data are retained when the instrument is not in use.

CAUTION

When charged, the plate voltage can be in excess of 1000 volts with respect to ground. Although the charges and potentials are below those that are normally detected by human senses, A SHOCK HAZARD EXISTS.

If you are handling the plate assembly or conducting a test that involves touching the plate, expect a shock.

Do not charge large capacitors with this device.

Incoming Confidence Test

Plug the Model 300 into the AC power source. The display on the front panel of the Model 300 will indicate the battery voltage.

Turn on the Model 300 by pressing the Power button on the front panel. The Power indicator above the Power button will illuminate. See also Power Switch and Power Indicator.

The display will indicate “CPA 300”, then will display the firmware revision numbers for both the console and the ion-collecting plate assembly, and will then display the system prompt, which is -.-.

Press the Bal button to start a balance test. Observe that the display counts up to 30 seconds and then scrolls through the minimum, maximum, and average plate voltages.

Press +Decay. Observe that the display indicates a voltage greater than +1000 volts. Press -Decay. Observe that the display indicates a voltage greater than -1000 volts. Press Shift/Cancel. Observe that the display indicates the system prompt, which is -.-.

Section 3

OVERVIEW

The Model 300 is comprised of two major assembles: the ion collecting plate assembly and the console.

ION COLLECTING

PLATE ASSEMBLY

CONSOLE

Figure 1. Front View and Major Assemblies

Front Panel of the Console

Power Button and Power Indicator

The Power button turns the instrument on and off.

If operating from the AC line, press and release the Power button to turn on the Model 300. It will display “CPA 300”, and then will display the firmware revision numbers of both the console and the plate assembly, respectively. Then the Model 300 will display the system prompt, which is “-.-“.

If operating from battery, press the Power button for greater than 3 seconds to turn on the Model 300. It will display “CPA 300” and then will display the firmware revision numbers of both the console and the plate assembly, respectively. Then the Model 300 will display the system prompt, which is “-.-“.

The Model 300 will run on either AC line or battery power. The internal, rechargeable battery will supply up to 8 hours of operation.

The Power indicator presents one of three colors to indicate power conditions:

Green when the instrument is turned on and receiving power from the AC line.

Amber when the instrument is turned on and operating on battery power.

Red when the instrument is turned on, operating on battery power and the battery needs to be re-charged.

NOTICE: When unplugging the AC adapter from the console, unplug the adapter from the console unit before unplugging it from the wall outlet. Otherwise, the Model 300 will turn off and will not continue to operate on battery power.

Charging the Battery

The Model 300 CPM is designed to be used on a regular basis. If it is not going to be used

for an extended period of time:
1.	Leave unit connected to the charger.	or
2.	Recharge the battery every 60 days.	or

3.Recharge the battery and remove one of the leads from the battery, then recharge battery every 6 months.

Whenever the Model 300 is operated from an AC power source, it is charging the battery.

The display on the front panel of the Model 300 will indicate the battery voltage when the Model 300 is plugged into an AC power source and is turned off.

The Power indicator is red when the battery needs to be recharged. Recharging the battery may take up to ten (10) hours for a full charge.

Rear Panel of the Console

AC Power Connection

Connect the AC adaptor to the power jack on the rear panel of the Model 300. Use only the AC adaptor provided by Monroe Electronics, Inc. for use with the Model 300.

USB Port

This connector is for control and data collection from a computer. Monroe Electronics offers a program that can be installed on a computer for remote control and data collection.

CPM Plate

Connect the ion-collecting plate assembly to this connector using a CAT 5 cable. A 6-inch- long cable is provided for making this connection when the ion-collecting plate assembly is installed on the top of the console. A 5-foot-long cable is also provided to locate the ioncollecting plate farther from the console.

ION-COLLECTING PLATE CONNECTION

AC POWER CONNCTION

ANALOG OUTPUT

USB PORT

Figure 2. Rear View

Grounding the Model 300

A ground connection is essential for proper measurements of ionization systems. It is essential to connect the chassis of the console to the facility ground conductor. The AC adaptor does not provide a ground connection. Connect the Model 300 to ground via either the banana jack or the green screw on the rear panel of the console.

FM OUT ÷1000 (Fieldmeter Analog Output)

An analog output jack is provided on the rear panel of the console for connection to test equipment such as chart recorders and oscilloscopes. The output signal is NOT a groundreferenced signal.

A reference voltage representing zero volts on the ion-collecting plate is provided on one pin of the connector. This reference voltage is in the range of 2.27V and 2.50V.

The analog output is a unipolar signal representing the plate voltage. The fieldmeter (plate voltage sensor) output signal appears on another pin of the connector, and is in the range of ±1V from the reference voltage, wherein +1V with respect to the reference voltage represents +1000V on the ion collecting plate, and -1V with respect to the reference voltage represents -1000V on the ion collecting plate.

A stereo phone plug is provided. The third terminal is a ground connection.

If connecting the analog output of the Model 300 to an oscilloscope, we recommend connecting the reference voltage output to one input of the oscilloscope and connecting the signal output to another input of the oscilloscope, and subtracting the reference output from the signal output using the math feature or add/invert features of the oscilloscope.

Figure 3. Analog Output Connections

Tripod Mounting

Both the bottom of the console and the bottom of the ion collecting plate are equipped with a threaded insert for tripod mounting. Thus, either the entire instrument or just the ion collecting plate can be tripod mounted, depending on your requirements.

Ion Collecting Plate Assembly

Ion Collecting Plate

The Model 300 has a 6 X 6 (15 cm x 15 cm) ion collecting plate assembly (plate assembly) that can be used in an operational position on the top of the Model 300 console, or it can be removed and located remotely for testing ionization systems. The plate assembly operational position atop the console is different from the plate assembly storage position for shipment.

Moving the Plate Assembly from the Storage Position to the Operational Position

As received, the ion collecting plate assembly is stored in the console. (See Figure 4.) The Model 300 cannot be operated properly when the plate assembly is in this storage position.

Move the plate assembly from the storage position (See Figure 4.) to the operating position atop the console unit (see Figure 5). Slide the plate assembly backwards to remove it from

Figure 4. Rear View Showing Plate Assembly Storage Position

Figure 5. Rear View Showing Plate Assembly In Operational Position On Top of Console Unit

the console unit. Then slide it forward in the guide channel to insert it into the operational position.

Connect the 6-inch CAT 5 cable between the plate assembly and the console unit.

NOTICE: The power should be off when connecting the plate assembly to the console.

NOTICE: We recommend returning the plate assembly to the storage position for transport.

Remote Placement of the Plate Assembly

Turn off the Model 300 before detaching the ion collecting plate from the console. Disconnect the cable connecting the ion collecting plate to the console.

Slide the ion collecting plate backwards to remove it from the console.

Reconnect the ion collecting plate to the console using the 5-foot-long cable provided.

NOTE: When it is detached from the console, the ion collecting plate maintains a ground connection via this cable.

NOTE: This cable is a standard CAT 5 cable. Longer cables can be purchased and used when greater separations between the ion collecting plate and the console are needed.

Navigating the Front Panel

Three operations can be performed from the system prompt (-.-).

1.Perform ionizer testsinitiate tests directly from the system prompt, -.-.

2.Recall test resultspress the Shift/Cancel button once to recall test results for the Model 300.

3.Feature Set Uppress the Shift/Cancel button twice to set up features for the Model 300.

Programming (Customizing) the Model 300 for Testing

From the system prompt, -.-, press the Shift/Cancel button until the yellow SETUP indicator is on, and “SET UP” is displayed.

The yellow button legend becomes the active legend to follow for the buttons.

Use the ↑ and ↓ buttons to scroll through the set up parameters. Once you have reached a parameter that you want to change, press SELECT to edit its value. EDIT OPT is momentarily displayed. Then use the ↑ and ↓ buttons to change the value. When done changing the value, press SAVE to save the new value (SAVE OPT is momentarily displayed) or CANCEL to exit without saving.

The set up parameters are as follows:

TDLY	0	Test Delay: Set a delay of 0 to 15 seconds after the button is pressed
		(for a test) before the test begins. The factory default is 0 seconds.
GPLT	DLY	Choose an option for grounding the plate:
		GPLT	DLY	ground the plate during the test delay
		GPLT	<DLY	ground the plate prior to the test delay, but not
				during the test delay
		GPLT	DLY>	ground the plate after the test delay, but not during
				the test delay
		The factory default is to ground the plate during the test delay.
VSTP	100	Decay Stop Voltage: Set the desired stop voltage. The stop voltage
		can be set to any value from 10V to 990V in 1V increments. The
		factory default is 100V.
DLEN	30	Decay Test Length: Set the desired test length for a decay test before
		test “times out” and ends the decay test. The decay test length can be
		set to any value from 10 to 999 seconds in 1-second increments. The
		factory default is 30 seconds.
BLEN	30	Balance (Offset Voltage) Test Length: Set the desired test length for a
		balance test before the test “times out” and terminates the balance
		test. The balance test length can be set to any value from 0 to 9999
		seconds in 1-second increments. Choosing zero (0) as a test length
		causes the balance test to run forever. The factory default is 30
		seconds.
PKDL	3	Balance Peak Delay: Set the desired time delay after the start of a
		balance test before the peak detectors begin to record peak offset
		voltages. The balance peak delay can be set to any value from 10 to
		300 seconds in 1-second increments. The Balance Peak Delay must
		be less (shorter) than the balance test length. The factory default is 3
		seconds.
PWR	300	DC Auto Power Off: Set the desired time that the Model 300 will
		operate on battery before shutting off. The DC Auto Power Off can be
		set to any value from 10 to 9999 seconds in 1-second increments.
		Choosing zero (0) as a time causes the Model 300 not to automatically
		shut off. The factory default is 300 seconds.
				13

+++	---B	Automated Test Sequence: Set the desired number and order of tests
		for an automated sequence of tests. “+”represents a positive decay
		test in the sequence. “-“ represents a negative decay test in the
		sequence. “B” represents a balance (offset voltage) test in the
		sequence. The choices for an automated test sequence are +-, +-+- +-,
		+++---, +-B, +-+-+-B, and +++---B. The factory default is +++---B.
DEFT SET		Use this set up option to restore all set up options to their factory
		default settings. Press SELECT and then the ↑ and ↓ buttons to
		choose “YES” or “NO” to restore the factory defaults edit the value
		using. Once the desired value is displayed, press the SAVE button to
		save the new value for the feature. SAVE OPT is displayed
		momentarily.
CLR	DATA	Use this set up option to clear all saved test results. Press SELECT
		and then the ↑and ↓ buttons to choose “YES” or “NO” to restore the
		factory defaults edit the value using. Once the desired value is
		displayed, press the SAVE button to save the new value for the
		feature. SAVE OPT is displayed momentarily.

Press the Shift/Cancel button again to return to the system prompt, -.-.

Section 4

OPERATION

Performing Ionizer Tests

Initiate automated test sequences and manual tests directly from the system prompt, -.-.

Selecting a Manual Test:

Manual Zero for the Plate:

Selecting an Automated

Test Sequence:

Cancelling a Test:

To View Test Results:

Press +Decay to start a positive discharge test. Press -Decay to start a negative discharge test. Press Bal to start a balance (offset voltage) test.

The respective indicator is on and flashing while a test is in progress.

The respective indicator is on and not flashing when the test is complete and data is available.

In the event that the instrument does not indicate zero volts for a balance test (when the ion collecting plate is hard-grounded), the fieldmeter can be zeroed by pressing the Bal button for >2 seconds. This would be done from the system prompt, -.-.

Press Auto to run a sequence of discharge and balance tests. Press Shift/Cancel to cancel a test after it is started.

Test results are displayed after each test.

For a Decay test, the Decay time is displayed until a new button is pressed. In the instance when a decay test fails, such as if there is no ionization to reduce the plate voltage, a failure message is displayed: either +DCY DFAI or -DCY DFAI, depending on the polarity of the decay test.

For a Balance test, the display scrolls through the negative peak voltage (VMIN), the positive peak voltage (VMAX) and the average voltage (AVG).

Press +Decay, -Decay, Bal or Auto to start a new test or sequence of tests.

Press Shift/Cancel to return to the system prompt -.-.

Test data can also be viewed using the ReCall feature of the Model 300.

Recalling Ionizer Test Results

The test results are saved for the most recent of each positive decay, negative decay, balance (offset voltage) and auto test. These test results can be recalled by pressing Shift/Cancel until the green ReCall indicator is on, and RECALL is displayed.

The green button legend becomes the active legend to follow for the buttons.

The indicator corresponding to each type of test (+Decay, -Decay, Balance, and Auto) is on if there is data available for viewing.

To view the data, press the corresponding button and the data is shown in the alpha-numeric display.

For recalling balance data, each time the Bal button is pressed, the Model 300 scrolls to display VMIN (most negative offset voltage), VMAX (most positive offset voltage), AVG (average offset voltage for the balance test duration), and VSTP (final offset voltage at the end of the balance test duration).

For recalling automated test sequence data, each time the Auto button is pressed, the Model 300 scrolls to display +1D (first +Decay time), +2D (second +Decay time), +3D (third +Decay time), +AVG (average time for the three +Decay tests), -1D (first -Decay time), -2D (second - Decay time), -3D (third -Decay time), -AVG (average time for the three -Decay tests), VMIN (most negative offset voltage), VMAX (most positive offset voltage), BAVG (average offset voltage for the balance test duration), and VSTP (final offset voltage at the end of the balance test duration).

The test data is saved until overwritten by new test data, or until the data is cleared using CLR DATA in the setup menu.

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