PCE Instruments PCE-FHM 10 User Manual

PCE Americas Inc. 711 Commerce Way Suite 8 Jupiter FL-33458 USA From outside US: +1 Tel: (561) 320-9162 Fax: (561) 320-9176 info@pce-americas.com
PCE Instruments UK Ltd.
Units 12/13
Southpoint Business Park
Ensign way
Hampshire / Southampton
United Kingdom, SO31 4RF
From outside UK: +44
Tel: (0) 2380 98703 0
Fax: (0) 2380 98703 9
info@pce-instruments.com
www.pce-instruments.com/english
www.pce-instruments.com
Manual
Gas Detector PCE-FHM 10
Version 1.0
Date of creation: 15.12.2015
Date of last change: 12.05.2016
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Contents
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 4
2 Safety notes ............................................................................................................. 4
3 Specifications .......................................................................................................... 5
3.1 Technical specifications .............................................................................................................. 5
3.2 Delivery ....................................................................................................................................... 5
4 System description ................................................................................................. 6
4.1 Button Functions ......................................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Power Supply ............................................................................................................................. 6
4.3 Automatic shutdown ................................................................................................................... 7
4.4 Backlight ..................................................................................................................................... 7
5 Measuring functions ............................................................................................... 7
5.1 Standard measuring mode ......................................................................................................... 7
5.2 Storage of the sensor ................................................................................................................. 7
5.3 MIN / MAX / TWA / STEL modes ............................................................................................... 7
5.4 Alarm and beeper functions........................................................................................................ 8
5.5 Hold function ............................................................................................................................... 8
5.6 Self calibration (HCHO) .............................................................................................................. 8
5.6.1 Calibration settings......................................................................................................................... 9
5.7 Data logger ................................................................................................................................. 9
5.7.1 Setting up the PC software ............................................................................................................ 9
5.7.2 Data logger settings ..................................................................................................................... 13
5.7.3 Software functions........................................................................................................................ 15
5.7.4 Import the data to Excel ............................................................................................................... 16
6 Disposal ................................................................................................................. 17
7 Contact ................................................................................................................... 17
7.1 PCE Instruments UK ................................................................................................................ 17
7.2 PCE Americas .......................................................................................................................... 17
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1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a formaldehyde data logger of PCE Instruments. The formaldehyde data logger is used to measure concentrations of formaldehyde in the air and provides such a memory option as to store the measured values. In this case, the formaldehyde data logger can be used as a mobile device. In addition to that, the formaldehyde data logger has threads on the handset and on the measuring probe. These threads do not only make the mobile application possible, but also mounting on a tripod. Thus, it is possible to conduct long-term measurements with the formaldehyde data logger. After turning the device on, a self-calibration is performed by the device. Thereafter, a measurement can be made. In addition to formaldehyde (HCHO), the formaldehyde data logger also measures temperatures in ° C and ° F and relative humidity. During the measurement, the measuring units °C and ° F can be changed. Additionally, the device provides, besides the HOLD function, a peak measurement function. After a measurement with the formaldehyde data logger has been carried out, there is a possibility to transfer the data for analysis via USB to a computer.
2 Safety notes
Do not try to open the measuring instrument or the sensor probe. This leads to the loss of
warranty.
Before turning on, make sure that the probe and the instrument are connected to each other.  Before every use make sure that you have inserted the batteries (AAA) and that they are
charged. Non-compliance may lead to false results.
Remove the batteries when the device is not in use.  Formaldehyde belongs to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, the sensor of the
formaldehyde data logger can detect only formaldehyde and no other VOCs, but has a much higher resolution than the majority of VOC sensors. So, if you notice a very distinct smell, but the device does not display HCHO, there are probably some other volatile organic compounds.
Poorly ventilated places can lead to measurement errors. The hotter the temperature, the more
HCHO gas is emitted.
Stay away from alcohol if an HCHO concentration has been determined.
Please, read this manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time. The device may only be used by thoroughly qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel. This user’s handbook is published by PCE Instruments without any guarantee. We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our terms and conditions. If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.
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3 Specifications
3.1 Technical specifications
Measurement parameters
formaldehyde concentration, temperature, humidity
Measuring range
formaldehyde: 0 … 5 ppm temperature: -10 … +50 °C rel. humidity: 15 … 90 % RH
Resolution
formaldehyde: 0.01 ppm temperature: 1 °C relative humidity: 1 % RH
Measurement accuracy
formaldehyde: ±5 % temperature: ±1 °C relative humidity: ±5 % RH
Units
°C / °F % RH HCHO
Memory
32,000 readings
Power supply
6 x 1.5 V AAA battery optional: mains adaptor 500 mA / 9V
Interface
USB
Display
LCD backlit
Response time
T90: <30 s
Sensor
electrochemical sensor
Sensor lifetime
approx. 3 years
PC software
included in delivery
Dimensions
meter: 162 x 57 x 32 mm probe: 145 x 33 x 33 mm LCD: 42 x 33.5 mm
Repeatability
<±2 %
Silicone hose
30 mm
3.2 Delivery
- 1 x formaldehyde data logger PCE-FHM 10 with a probe
- 6 x 1.5 V AAA batteries
- 1 x flexible tube (30 cm)
- 1 x USB cable for data transfer
- 1 x CD with PC Software
- 1 x user manual
- 1 x carrying case
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4 System description
4.1 Button Functions
HOLD: - Freezes current measured values (HOLD is displayed at the bottom of the LCD screen)
- Increases the value (when setting the calibration value and HCHO alarm thresholds)
- Pressing and holding the button deletes all the recorded MMAX / MIN / TWA / STEL values. MODE: - Press and hold this button to start a self-calibration.
- Move one space to the left. PWR: - Turning on
- Turning off (hold pressed for more than 2 seconds)
- Disable the automatic shutdown together with the HOLD button.
- Press briefly to activate or deactivate the alarm MAX / MIN: - Switch between the MAX and MIN values of HCHO, TWA and STEL or view them
- Move one space to the right.
SET: - Press and hold this button for more than 2 seconds to enter the alarm threshold. Hold again for 2 seconds to save the entry.
- Short pressing turns the fan off. "fnOF" appears on the display and the red LED lights up. Shortly push the button one more time to turn the fan on ("FnOn") again and the red LED begins to flash.
UNIT: - Press shortly to change the unit for temperature measurement from °C to °F (and vice versa).
- Long pressing changes the unit for the HCHO concentration measurement from ppm to mg / m³ (and vice versa).
BKLT: - Adjusting the alarm threshold, when you are in the alarm settings.
- Activating the backlight.
4.2 Power Supply
There are the following options for power supply : a) 6 x 1.5 V AAA batteries
b) charger (not supplied) a) When the battery voltage is low, a corresponding battery icon appears on the display. Replace the
batteries as quickly as possible, since an insufficient voltage that can affect the displayed measurement results. b) If you want to use the data logger functions of the PCE-FHM 10, in certain circumstances you may need a power supply to provide the unit with electricity for an extended period of time. For that you may use a 500 mA / 9 V power supply with 3.5 x 1.3 mm coaxial power connector.
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4.3 Automatic shutdown
The meter turns off automatically after 15 minutes, if you have not touched any button during this time. To deactivate this setting, press PWR and HOLD when the device is off. A sign "n" appears on the screen. After that you can then continue normal operation. The automatic shutdown is enabled by default. Remember to deactivate this function if you want to use the data logger functions for a longer period of time.
4.4 Backlight
Press BKLT to turn on the backlight for working in dark areas. Turn the device off or press BKLT once
more to turn the backlight off again.
5 Measuring functions
5.1 Standard measuring mode
When you turn the device on, it takes a while until the unit is ready. The display shows 0..0..0..0 .. and
then counts down from 99998888 ...... 0000.
Then you are in the standard measuring mode. Now the display shows the HCHO concentration in ppm. The temperature and humidity readings will also alternate on the display.
5.2 Storage of the sensor
After each measurement, the sensor must be stored in the closable bag which is included.
5.3 MIN / MAX / TWA / STEL modes
Press the button MAX / MIN to see the MIN / MAX values, TWA-value (Time Weighted Average – concentration in 8 hours), STEL-value (Short Time Exposure Limit –in 15 minutes) or a one-hour average
value.
In this mode, you can press and hold the HOLD button in order to delete all maximum and minimum values. Only for 2 seconds the device displays "CLr" at the bottom of the screen and returns automatically to the normal measurement mode. After that the recording of the values starts again.
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5.4 Alarm and beeper functions
The default alarm threshold is 0.08 HCHO for different applications. Press and hold the SET button to adjust a threshold value / -alarm. With the buttons MODE and MAX / MIN you can navigate between the individual digits of the alarm value. With the HOLD and BKLT buttons you can increase or decrease each digit. Press and hold the SET button to save the changes. The screen displays "SAVE" and then automatically returns to normal state.
While you are setting an alarm, "SET" is displayed on the screen. After you have set the alarm threshold, a small bell can be seen in the upper left part of the screen. As soon as the measured value exceeds the threshold, an alarm sound will be heard. Press the PWR button shortly to turn off the signal tone. When you do this, the bell symbol disappears from the screen. In order to turn on the alarm function, press the PWR button once more.
5.5 Hold function
Press HOLD to "freeze", i.e. to hold all the current readings during the normal operation. In the HOLD function all the other functions are void, as well as the MAX / MIN function, the unit selection or the setting of alarm thresholds. The button is also used to increase a value when an alarm threshold is set. If you hold down the button while viewing the MIN, MAX, TWA or STEL values, they will be deleted.
5.6 Self calibration (HCHO)
Turn on the device and press and hold the MODE button to enter the calibration mode. Now "CAL" appears in the lower part of the screen. Temperature and humidity are still displayed. The default calibration time is 15 seconds.
Note: Make sure that during the calibration no formaldehyde is in the room. Otherwise, please do not
perform any self-calibration.
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5.6.1 Calibration settings
If desired, the default calibration time of 15 seconds, and the standard for calibration value for gas can be changed. This feature is designed for experienced users and for professional use only.
Please follow the steps as mentioned:
1. When the device is off, press the BKLT + MODE + PWR buttons simultaneously.
3. Within one second, the LCD display shows CAL and then counts the normal countdown to the standard measuring mode.
4. Press and hold the SET button to get to the CAL P1 screen. Here you can reset or change the standard HCHO gas value. Press HOLD to increase the value and BKLT to decrease it. With the MODE and MAX / MIN buttons, you can switch back and forth between the individual digits.
5. Then press SET once again to get to the CAL P2 screen. Here you can adjust the calibration time to a value between 1 second and 9999 seconds (the default time is 15 seconds).
6. Press SET again to get to the CAL P3 screen. This value is by default "1". Please do not change this.
7. Press and hold the SET button to exit the CAL screen again.
5.7 Data logger
The device has a data logger function which can be configured via the supplied PC software. For this purpose, the device must be connected to the PC via the USB interface. The display will show a USB symbol, when there is a connection. In the software, the measured values can be displayed as a graph or in tabular form, and saved. It is also possible to print the data or export them as Excel data. A status field at the bottom of the screen indicates when data is downloaded from the device. Warnings are also displayed.
There are five different selectable data logger modes: Immediately: immediate start of data recording Schedule: sets the start time of the recording with date and time
Real-time: real-time display of the measured values in the PC software
Key-start: start of recording by long pressing the BKLT button, another long pressing stops the
recording Roll-over: the device starts recording and overwrites the recorded data in case the memory is full.
In addition, the measuring interval can be set between 1 and 6 seconds. The memory of the device comprises up to 32.400 points. However, it is possible to assign a definite memory volume between 1,000 and 32,400 points, to separate data records. A recording symbol on the display of the device shows that the recording is in process and also gives information on whether the memory is full.
5.7.1 Setting up the PC software
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In order to be able to connect the device to a PC, you must first install the USB driver. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Insert the included CD into your CD-ROM drive.
2. Run the file PL2303_Prolific_DriverInstaller_v110.exe file in the folder "Step1 - USB Driver".
3. Click on "Next" when the installation window appears.
4. Finally, click "Finish" to complete the installation. In order to configure the data logger functions and evaluate the data, you need to install the PC software.
To do so, follow these steps:
1. Insert the included CD into your CD-ROM drive.
2. Run the file setup.exe file in the folder "STEP2 DatalogV1_5Q1 (English Version)".
3. Select the destination folder where you want to install the program and then click "Next".
4. Accept the license agreement by ticking "I accept the License Agreement:" and then click "Next".
5. Click one more time on "Next" and then click "Finish" to complete the installation.
6. Restart your PC. Now you can start the program. Make sure beforehand that the meter is connected to the PC via USB
cable. You will find a shortcut to the program in the Windows start menu under Programs in the folder "Data Logger”.
The measuring instrument is recognized automatically and the main screen of the program appears:
Attention! If the device is not recognized automatically, an error message and a note in the status bar of the programme appears
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In this case, proceed as follows:
1. Check if the device is connected to the PC.
2. Check if the USB driver is installed properly. To do this, open the Control Panel and then the Device Manager. If you see this, the device is properly installed:
3. Memorize the displayed COM port (in this example "COM 8"). Now click "Setting" in the menu bar of the PC software to and select "Comm.Port". Here, under "Port No." you can set the corresponding port (in this example "COM 8").
Now the software should recognize the device. If this does not happen, please contact the Support.
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5.7.2 Data logger settings
Click Setting" and then "Log Setting" in the menu bar of the software to get to the data logger settings. There are 3 different tabs in which you can configure settings
Logger's ID Here you can change the name of the instrument. To do this, enter the desired name and click Ok. Maximum 20 characters are allowed
Logger date Change the date settings of the device. To do this, enter the desired date in the format MM-DD-YYYY and confirm with Ok.
Logger time Change the time settings of the device. To do this, enter the desired time in the format hh: mm: ss and confirm with Ok.
Alarm setting Here you can set the thresholds, i. e. an alarm will be triggered when they are exceeded (Hi.Alarm for exceeding upper limit) or (Lo.Alarm – when it goes below the limit). They can be set for the HCHO concentration and humidity. To do this, select the desired alarm through the corresponding checkbox and enter the desired threshold.
Logger's data selection Here you can choose which values the data logger should record. You can select temperature (Temp.), humidity (Humidity) and the HCHO concentration.
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Rate (h: m: s) Here you can set the time interval at which the data logger saves the measured values. Values between 1 second and 6 hours are possible.
Start mode Here you can choose between 5 different logger modes.
Start Rec. Date/Time & Stop Rec. Date/Time These options are only available if you have selected the schedule mode. It allows you to set the start and stop time of the recording. To do so, enter the date in the format MM-DD-YYYY and the time in the format hh : mm :ss.
Sample Points Here you can set the maximum number of memory points to be recorded. Values between 1000 and 32400 can be entered.
Unit Here you can choose between metric and imperial system.
Logger modes
Immediate: Data recording starts with the confirmation of the Logger settings. The meter must not be
connected to the PC during the recording. To transfer the data to your PC, connect your device to the PC and click Download in the software. This stops the recording and downloads the data.
Real-time: The data recording also starts with the confirmation of the Logger settings. In contrast to immediate mode, however, the measurement curves can be tracked in real time, and do not have to be downloaded first. For that, however, the instrument must always be connected to the PC. Clicking on the stop button will stop the recording. You can then download the data by clicking on download once.
Key Start: In this mode, you can start and stop the data recording by pressing and holding the BKLT button. The meter does not have to be connected to the PC. However, after the recording you need to download the data with the help of the software before you begin another recording. The data are otherwise lost.
Roll-over: This mode starts the recording when the logger settings have been confirmed. If the allocated space on the meter is full, in this mode it starts to overwrite the data which have been stored at the beginning. By pressing BKLT, you can stop the recording. Then you need to download the data with the help of the software. You can then start a new recording with the same settings by again pressing and holding the BKLT button.
Schedule: For this mode, in the Logger settings you can set the start and end time of the data recording. Make sure that the system time of the instrument coincides with the time of the PC, because the timings are determined by the PC clock. After the confirmation of the logger settings, the meter can be disconnected from the PC. To transfer the data, the device must be reconnected to the PC. Then click Download in the software to download the data.
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5.7.3 Software functions
Overview
Zoom in and out and change the colors
Zoom In: Hold Ctrl and press the left mouse button to zoom in the graph view. Zoom Out: Hold Ctrl and press the right mouse button to zoom out the graph view. Moving graph: Hold Ctrl and Shift and click and hold the left mouse button to move the graph. Change colors: Click on the color box near the temperature, humidity or the HCHO
concentration of the selected measuring point to change the color of the respective measuring line.
Download Data
Click Download to download the recorded data. Depending on the amount, this may take a few seconds. Afterwards, the measuring curves are automatically displayed. Warning: Clicking Download interrupts the current recordings! Therefore, wait until the recording is finished. The number of measuring points can be read via the logger status function.
Logger status
If you click Logger Status on the main screen, you can read the device name (here: "ID1 = Test"), the recorded points (here: "93 Points"), the recorded parameter (here: "(Temp. Humidity HCHO).") and the storage rate (here: "Sample rate = 1 sec.).
Logger
status
Temperature/
humidity
HCHO
concentration
Selected measuring
Temperature,
humidity and HCHO
value of the selected
measuring point
Time of the
measurement
Download
button
Date and
time
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Open File
To open a file, proceed as follows:
1. Click "File" and then "Open File" in the menu bar.
2. Select the desired file and open it by clicking OK.
Save File
To save a recording as a file, proceed as follows:
1. Click "File" and then "Save File" in the menu bar.
2. Enter the desired file name and select the desired storage location.
3. Click OK to complete the saving process. It is also possible to save the graph as an image (in .png format). To do this, click "Print" and then "Print graph as PNG". Then proceed as described in point 2 and 3.
DataTable
You can switch to the table view by clicking "View" and then "Data table" in the menu bar. The table view will appear in a new window.
Print Graph / Table
If you want to print the data as a graph or table, proceed as follows:
1. Click "Print" and then "Print graph" if you want to print the graph, or click "Print Data Table" if you want to print the table.
2. When you have clicked "Print DataTable" the table view opens and you must enter which rows you want to print. If you leave the field empty, you print all the lines. Then click Ok.
3. In the next window, select the appropriate printer, and make adjustments, if necessary.
Note: With the help of the appropriate programs the table or graph can be converted at this point into a .pdf file.
4. When finished, click OK to print.
5.7.4 Import the data to Excel
The measurement data are saved in .csv format, which can be opened by Excel. However, the individual parameters are separated only by commas and are not located in separate columns. This can be changed by making the following steps:
1. Select the column in which the values are, and click "Text to Columns " in the tab "Data".
2. A new window opens. Select "Separate" and click Next.
3. Activate the desired delimiter. Activate also "treat consecutive delimiters as one character" and select the same delimiter. Now click Next.
4. Now mark the columns "Temp", "Humidity" and "HCL" and click More. In a new window set a point/comma as the decimal sign and comma/point as 1000th delimiter. Click OK to confirm and then click "Finish".
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6 Disposal
For the disposal of batteries, the 2006/66/EC directive of the European Parliament applies. Due to the contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as household waste. They must be given to collection points designed for that purpose.
In order to comply with the EU directive 2012/19/EU we take our devices back. We either re-use them or give them to a recycling company which disposes of the devices in line with law.
If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.
7 Contact
If you have any questions about our range of products or measuring instruments please contact PCE Instruments.
7.1 PCE Instruments UK
By post:
PCE Instruments UK Ltd. Units 12/13 Southpoint Business Park Ensign Way, Southampton Hampshire
United Kingdom, SO31 4RF By phone:
02380 987 035
7.2 PCE Americas
By post:
PCE Americas Inc. 711 Commerce Way Suite 8 Jupiter 33458 FL USA
By phone: 561 320 9162
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