RAE Systems AutoRAE 2 Operating Manual
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Contents
Read Before Operating ....................................................................................................... 4
1. AutoRAE 2 Automatic Test and Calibration System - General Information ..................... 5
2. Specifications ...................................................................................................................... 7
3. Overview............................................................................................................................. 9
3.1. Standard Package Contents ...................................................................................... 15
4. Installing End Caps For Stand-Alone Use ........................................................................ 16
5. Powering The AutoRAE 2 Cradle .................................................................................... 17
6. Preparing For Bump Testing & Calibration ..................................................................... 18
6.1. Installing An External Filter .................................................................................... 18
6.2. Installing An External Charcoal Filter ..................................................................... 18
6.3. Connecting An AC Adapter..................................................................................... 19
6.4. Connecting Calibration Gas ..................................................................................... 20
6.5. Placing A MultiRAE Monitor In The Cradle .......................................................... 22
6.6. Placing A ToxiRAE Pro Monitor In The Cradle ..................................................... 23
6.6.1. Installing Adapters In The ToxiRAE Pro Cradle ............................................... 23
6.6.2. Placing A ToxiRAE Pro Monitor In The Cradle ............................................... 24
6.7. Placing A QRAE 3 Monitor In The Cradle ............................................................. 25
6.8. Placing A Handheld PID Monitor In The Cradle .................................................... 27
6.8.1. Installing A Quick Connector ............................................................................ 27
6.8.2. Installing The Instrument In the Cradle ............................................................. 28
6.9. Warm-Up ................................................................................................................. 29
7. Performing A Bump Test .................................................................................................. 30
8. Performing A Calibration ................................................................................................. 31
9. Bump And Cal Error And Status Messages ...................................................................... 32
10. Charging An Instrument’s Battery .................................................................................. 34
11. Removing An Instrument From A Cradle ...................................................................... 34
11.1. AutoRAE 2 Reports ................................................................................................. 35
12. Programming A Stand-Alone AutoRAE 2 Cradle .......................................................... 37
12.1. Gas Inlet Configuration Settings ............................................................................. 40
12.2. Selectable Gas Index Values For Gas Config 8 ....................................................... 43
12.3. Gas Name ................................................................................................................ 43
12.4. Concentration [Value] ............................................................................................. 44
12.5. Concentration Unit................................................................................................... 44
12.6. Purge Time (Sec.) .................................................................................................... 44
12.7. Soak Time (Sec.) ..................................................................................................... 44
12.8. Uploading Settings To The AutoRAE 2 Cradle ...................................................... 45
12.9. Downloading & Uploading Individual Gas Inlet Settings ....................................... 45
12.10. Saving The Settings File ........................................................................................ 45
12.11. Recalling Stored Settings ...................................................................................... 46
12.12. Uploading Settings To Multiple AutoRAE 2 Cradles ........................................... 46
12.13. Exiting Programming ............................................................................................ 46
13. Upgrading Firmware On The AutoRAE 2 Cradle .......................................................... 47
14. Using A Stand-Alone AutoRAE 2 Cradle For Datalog Transfer,
Monitor Configuration, and Firmware Upgrades ............................................................ 50
15. Overview......................................................................................................................... 51
15.1. Standard Package Contents ...................................................................................... 52
16. Operation of an AutoRAE 2 Controller-based System ................................................... 53
17. Setting Up an AutoRAE 2 Controller-based System ...................................................... 54
17.1. Installing Batteries For The Real-Time Clock ......................................................... 55
17.2. Attaching An External Filter ................................................................................... 56
17.2.1. Active Carbon Filter For Removing VOC ....................................................... 56
18. Powering an AutoRAE 2 Controller-Based System ....................................................... 57
19. Operating A Controller And Attached Cradles ............................................................... 58
19.1. Turning The AutoRAE 2 Controller On .................................................................. 58
19.2. Turning The AutoRAE 2 Controller Off ................................................................. 58
19.3. Startup Routine ........................................................................................................ 58
19.4. User Interface .......................................................................................................... 60
19.5. Display Status Messages and Color Coding ............................................................ 61
19.6. Warm-Up ................................................................................................................. 61
19.7. Testing ..................................................................................................................... 62
19.7.1. Compatibility Testing ...................................................................................... 62
20. Preparing For Bump Testing & Calibration ................................................................... 64
20.1. SD Memory Card ..................................................................................................... 64
20.1.1. Installing An SD Card ...................................................................................... 66
20.1.2. Removing An SD Card .................................................................................... 66
20.2. Connecting Calibration Gas ..................................................................................... 67
20.3. Placing Monitors In Cradles .................................................................................... 68
20.4. Performing A Bump Test ......................................................................................... 68
20.4.1. Interrupting A Bump Test ................................................................................ 72
20.5. Performing Calibration ............................................................................................ 75
20.5.1. Interrupting A Calibration ................................................................................ 77
20.6. Direct Bump Testing And Calibrating Via The Cradles’ Buttons ........................... 79
20.7. Configuration Settings ............................................................................................. 81
20.8. Settings .................................................................................................................... 82
20.8.1. Gas Settings...................................................................................................... 85
20.8.2. System Settings ................................................................................................ 86
20.8.3. Network Settings .............................................................................................. 87
21. Programming An AutoRAE 2 Controller-based System on the Computer .................... 89
21.1. Gas Inlet Settings ..................................................................................................... 94
21.2. Configuring A Gas Inlet .......................................................................................... 94
21.2.1. Gas Number ..................................................................................................... 94
21.2.2. Gas Lot Number ............................................................................................... 95
21.2.3. Expiration Date ................................................................................................ 95
21.2.4. Gas Index ......................................................................................................... 95
21.2.5. Gas Name ......................................................................................................... 95
21.2.6. Concentration [Value] ...................................................................................... 95
21.2.7. Concentration Unit ........................................................................................... 96
21.2.8. Purge Time (Sec.) ............................................................................................ 96
21.2.9. Soak Time (Sec.) .............................................................................................. 96
21.3. Uploading Settings To The AutoRAE 2 .................................................................. 97
21.4. Downloading & Uploading Individual Gas Bottle Settings .................................... 97
21.5. Saving The Settings File .......................................................................................... 97
21.6. Recalling Stored Settings ......................................................................................... 98
21.7. Uploading Settings To Multiple AutoRAE 2 Systems ............................................ 98
21.8. Exiting Programming............................................................................................... 98
22. Updating Firmware On The AutoRAE 2 Controller....................................................... 99
23. Transferring AutoRAE 2 Controller Data To A Computer .......................................... 103
23.1. Exporting Reports .................................................................................................. 108
23.2. Saving A Configuration Upon Exit ....................................................................... 109
24. Wireless Operation ....................................................................................................... 110
24.1. Part One: Configure The AutoRAE 2 Network Interface ...................................... 110
24.2. Part Two: Configure The WiFi Adapter & Test The Network .............................. 111
25. Wall Mounting A Controller & Cradles ....................................................................... 116
26. Transferring Bump And Calibration Data .................................................................... 117
27. Maintenance .................................................................................................................. 117
28. Technical Support ......................................................................................................... 118
29. RAE Systems Contacts ................................................................................................. 118
WARNINGS
Read Before Operating
This manual must be carefully read by all individuals who have or will have the
responsibility of using, maintaining, or servicing this product. The product will perform
as designed only if it is used, maintained, and serviced in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Proper Product Disposal At End Of Life
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive
(2002/96/EC) is intended to promote recycling of electrical and electronic
equipment and their components at end of life. This symbol (crossed-out
wheeled bin) indicates separate collection of waste electrical and electronic
equipment in the EU countries. This product may contain one or more
Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), Lithium-ion, or Alkaline batteries. Specific
battery information is given in this user guide. Batteries must be recycled or
disposed of properly.
At the end of its life, this product must undergo separate collection and recycling from
general or household waste. Please use the return and collection system available in your
country for the disposal of this product.
Sensor Specifications, Cross-Sensitivities, And Calibration Information
The AutoRAE 2 can be used to calibrate a wide variety of sensors. For calibration
information and specifications and cross-sensitivities of various sensors refer to RAE
Systems Technical Note TN-114: Sensor Specifications And Cross-Sensitivities
(available for free download from www.raesystems.com). All specifications presented in
this Technical Note reflect the performance of standalone sensors. Actual sensor
characteristics may differ when the sensor is installed in different instruments. As sensor
performance may change over time, specifications provided are for brand-new sensors.
Make Sure Firmware Is Up To Date
For best operation, make sure your monitors, AutoRAE 2 Controller and AutoRAE 2
Cradles are running the latest firmware.
1. Controller firmware.
2. Cradle firmware.
3. Instrument firmware.
1. AutoRAE 2 Automatic Test and Calibration System General Information
The AutoRAE 2 Automatic Test and Calibration System for new RAE Systems portable
gas monitors makes compliance with monitor test and calibration requirements as easy as
pressing a button. Simply cradle the monitor and the system will take care of all
calibration, testing, and recharging.
The AutoRAE 2 is a flexible, modular system that can be configured to meet your
calibration requirements effectively and efficiently. An AutoRAE 2 system can be as
simple as a single cradle deployed in standalone mode to calibrate one instrument at a
time, or as powerful as a networked1, controller-based system supporting ten monitors
and five distinct calibration gas cylinders.
Key Features
Automatic testing, calibration, charging, and reports management
Deployable as a standalone cradle or a controller-based system with up to 10
cradles
Controller with a large, color LCD display
Up to 5 calibration gas cylinders can be connected at the same time*
Data storage on a standard SD card2
Bench-top or wall-mounted use
Instruments supported: MultiRAE Lite (Pumped), MultiRAE, and MultiRAE Pro,
MicroRAE, ToxiRAE Pro, ToxiRAE Pro PID, ToxiRAE Pro LEL, and ToxiRAE
Pro CO2, QRAE 3 (pumped and diffusion models), and MiniRAE Lite, MiniRAE
3000, ppbRAE 3000, and UltraRAE 3000
Unique cradle for all ToxiRAE Pro family (cradle supplied with adapters)
Networking capability (optional)
Wireless networking capability using external Wi-Fi module for AutoRAE 2
(optional)
Benefits
Easy, one-touch bump testing, calibration, charging, and reports management
Supports a wide variety of gases, including exotics
Optimized for field use—does not require a computer to operate
Firmware-upgradeable to protect your investment
______________
*
Supported only on AutoRAE 2 Controller-based systems
Controller-Based System
Standalone Cradle
Monitors calibrated simultaneously
Up to 10
1
Number of gas inlets (distinct
calibration gas cylinders)
5 dedicated gas inlets plus
fresh air with dedicated
exhaust port on the
Controller
2 dedicated gas inlets
plus fresh air with
dedicated exhaust port
Display
5.7" TFT (320 x 240)
graphical backlit color
LCD on the Controller +
2 seven-segment LED
displays on each Cradle
2 seven-segment LED
displays
Buttons
3 buttons ([Mode], [Y/+],
and [N/-]) on the
Controller + 2 buttons
([Bump] and [Cal]) on
each Cradle
2 buttons ([Bump] and
[Cal])
Power supply
12V, 7.5A output
Charges up to 10
instruments at a time
12V, 1.25A output
Charges one
instrument at a time
Printer support
Direct printing on
Serial (RS-232)
printers
Printing
Automatic
Built-in pump
Built-in pump
(500 ml/min) in the
Controller
MultiRAE Cradle relies
on MultiRAE’s pump
to pull in air.
ToxiRAE Pro Cradle
has 300cc/min internal
pump
AutoRAE Cradle For
Handheld PID relies on
the instrument’s pump
to pull in air.
Data storage
Standard 2 GB SD card
with security lock on the
Controller
None. Data stored only
on the PC
Networking
RJ-45 10/100 Base-T port
on the Controller
Wireless connectivity via
external WiFi adapter
None
Summary Of Differences Between An AutoRAE 2 Controller-Based System
And A Stand-alone Cradle
Size
AutoRAE 2 Controller
5.63" W x 10.43" L x 1.73" H (143 x 265 x 44 mm)
MultiRAE Cradle
6.50" W x 12.68" L x 4.37" H (165 x 322 x 111 mm)
ToxiRAE Pro Cradle
6.50" W x 11.61" L x 3.91" H (165 x 295 x 99 mm)
QRAE 3 Cradle
6.50" W x 12.60" L x 4.65" H (165 x 320 x 118 mm)
Handheld PID Cradle
6.50" W x 16.80" L x 4.43" H (165 x 427 x 112.6 mm)
Handheld PID Cradle
extended for UltraRAE 3000
6.50" W x 20.31" L x 4.43" H (165 x 516 x 112.6 mm)
MicroRAE Cradle
6.5" W x 11" L x 3.93" H (165 x 180 x 100 mm)
Terminal Adapter
2.17" W x 8.86" L x 1.65" H (55 x 225 x 42 mm)
Weight
AutoRAE 2 Controller
1.9 lbs. (0.86 kg)
MultiRAE Cradle
1.9 lbs. (0.86 kg)
ToxiRAE Pro Cradle
1.96 lbs. (0.89 kg)
QRAE 3 Cradle
2.16 lbs. (0.98 kg)
Handheld PID Cradle
2.79 lbs. (1.27 kg)
MicroRAE Cradle
1.9 lbs. (0.86 kg)
Terminal Adapter
0.33 lbs. (0.15 kg)
Power Supply
AutoRAE 2 Controller:
AC adapter (110V to 240V input, 12V, 7.5A output)
Charges up to 10 instruments at a time
Cradle:
AC adapter (110V to 240V input, 12V, 1.25A output)
Charges one instrument at a time
Cradles Supported
AutoRAE 2 Controller
Up to 10 cradles total (any mix)
Cradle
No additional cradles supported
Display
AutoRAE 2 Controller
5.7" TFT (320 x 240) graphical backlit color LCD
Cradle
2 seven-segment LEDs
Buttons
AutoRAE 2 Controller
3 buttons ([Mode], [Y/+], and [N/-])
Cradle
2 buttons ([Bump] and [Cal])
Real-time Clock
AutoRAE 2 Controller
Yes
Cradle
Yes
Visible Alarm/ Indicators
AutoRAE 2 Controller
Color graphical LCD display
Cradle
Tri-color (red/green/yellow) LED lights
Audible Alarm
AutoRAE 2 Controller
90dB @ 12" (30 cm)
Cradle
Same as above
2. Specifications
Gas Inlet/Outlet Ports
AutoRAE 2 Controller
6 inlets (1 dedicated fresh air inlet and 5 configurable
calibration gas inlets); 1 exhaust port
Cradle
3 inlets (1 dedicated fresh air inlet and 2 configurable
calibration gas inlets); 1 exhaust port
Gas Port Connectors
AutoRAE 2 Controller
Connectors with 200-series barbs, 1/8" (3.18 mm) ID tubing
Cradle:
Same as above
Gas Regulator
AutoRAE 2 Controller
Demand-flow regulator (0 to 1,000 psig/70 bar)
Cradle
Same as above
Pump Flow Rate
AutoRAE 2 Controller
Built-in pump (500 ml/min)
MultiRAE Cradle
None; relies on instrument’s pump to pull in air
ToxiRAE Pro Cradle
400cc/min pump (typical)
QRAE 3 Cradle
400cc/min pump (typical)
Handheld PID Cradle
None; relies on instrument’s pump to pull in air
Data Storage
AutoRAE 2 Controller
Standard 2 GB SD card with security lock
Cradle
None. Data stored only on PC
PC Communications
AutoRAE 2 Controller
USB (Type B) port for direct connection to PC
Cradle
Same as above
Specifications
continued
Exhaust port
(not shown)
2 gas inlets
(not shown)
End cap,
right
DC input
from AC
adapter
Air inlet
Filter
Sensors for
testing
MultiRAE
LED alarms
Sensors for
testing
MultiRAE
LED alarms
Sensor for
testing
MultiRAE
buzzer
Release
mechanism
Capture
mechanism
USB port
(not shown)
2-character
LED display
Bump/Status
LED
Bump
key
Charge contacts
Charging status
LED
Cal
key
Cal/Status
LED
End cap, left
AUTORAE 2 CRADLE
3. Overview
An AutoRAE 2 Cradle can be deployed as a stand-alone station for automatic charging,
bump testing, and calibrating monitors and printing certificates on a serial printer, or as
part of an AutoRAE 2 Controller-based system, which can accommodate up to 10
AutoRAE 2 Cradles. These can be all the same or a mix of MultiRAE, MicroRAE,
QRAE 3, and ToxiRAE Pro models, as well as MiniRAE Lite, MiniRAE 3000, ppbRAE
3000, and UltraRAE 3000.
When an AutoRAE 2 Cradle is connected to the AutoRAE 2 Controller, all electrical,
electronic, and gas connections are automatically internally connected. A controllerbased system can accommodate up to five distinct gas sources for multi-sensor
calibration and bump testing.
An AutoRAE 2 Cradle can be used on a tabletop (or other flat surface) or mounted on a
wall. Wall-mounting instructions are included in this guide.
MultiRAE Cradle
Exhaust port
(not shown)
2 gas inlets
(not shown)
End cap,
right
DC input
from AC
adapter
Air inlet
(hidden)
Filter
(hidden)
Sensors for testing
ToxiRAE Pro
LED alarms
Sensor for
testing
ToxiRAE Pro
buzzer
Release
mechanism
Capture
mechanism
USB port
(not shown)
2-character
LED display
Bump/Status
LED
Bump
key
Charge contacts
(hidden)
Charging status
LED
Cal
key
Cal/Status
LED
ToxiRAE Pro Cradle
Exhaust port
2 gas inlets
DC input
from AC
adapter
Air inlet
Filter
Sensors for testing
QRAE 3
LED alarms
Sensor for
testing QRAE 3
buzzer
Release
mechanism
Capture
mechanism
USB port
(not shown)
2-character
LED display
Bump/Status
LED
Bump
key
Charge contacts
Charging status
LED
Cal
key
Cal/Status
LED
Sensors for testing
QRAE 3
LED alarms
QRAE 3 Cradle
Exhaust port
(not shown)
2 gas inlets
(not shown)
End cap,
right
DC input
from AC
adapter
Air inlet
(hidden)
Filter
(hidden)
Sensors for testing
LED alarms
Sensor for
testing
buzzer
Release
mechanism
Capture
mechanism
USB port
(not shown)
2-character
LED display
Bump/Status
LED
Bump
key
Charge contacts
(hidden)
Charging status
LED
Cal
key
Cal/Status
LED
Sensors for testing
LED alarms
MicroRAE Cradle
Exhaust port
2 gas inlets
DC input
from AC
adapter
Air inlet
Filter
Sensors for testing
LED alarms
Sensor for
testing
buzzer
Release
mechanism
Capture
mechanism
USB port
(not shown)
2-character
LED display
Bump/Status
LED
Bump
key
Charge contacts
Charging status
LED
Cal
key
Cal/Status
LED
Handheld PID Cradle
Extending the Handheld PID Cradle to accommodate an UltraRAE 3000
The UltraRAE 3000 has a gas separation tube holder that extends the length of the
instrument. In order to accommodate the extra length, the Handheld PID Cradle is
designed so that it extends.
1. Turn the Handheld PID Cradle over.
2. Remove the screw with the red washer.
3. Pull out the capture mechanism until it is fully extended.
4. Replace the screw.
Gas
ports
USB
port
12V DC
power
Input
Exhaust
port
End Cap With Ports, All Models
The USB port has a sliding cover that protects the contacts from contamination when it is
not in use. Simply slide the cover over the port.
3.1. Standard Package Contents
The AutoRAE 2 Cradle for MultiRAE Pumped Monitors (P/N T02-0103-000), QRAE 3
Pumped Monitors (P/N T02-0203-000), AutoRAE 2 Handheld PID Cradle (T02-0403-
000), AutoRAE 2 Cradle for MicroRAE (P/N T02-0503-000), and AutoRAE 2 Cradle for
ToxiRAE Pro Monitors (P/N T02-0003-000) are shipped with the following:
AutoRAE 2 Cradle for MultiRAE Pumped Monitors, AutoRAE 2 Cradle for QRAE 3
Pumped Monitors, AutoRAE 2 Cradle for Handheld PID (MiniRAE Lite, MiniRAE
3000, ppbRAE 3000, and UltraRAE 3000), AutoRAE 2 Cradle for MicroRAE, or
AutoRAE 2 Cradle for ToxiRAE Pro Monitors
Left and right end caps (for deployment in stand-alone mode)
For ToxiRAE Pro Cradle only: Cradle comes with ToxiRAE Pro Cradle adapters and
stickers for different ToxiRAE Pro models
Handheld PID Cradle only comes with 1 Quick Connector (P/N: T02-3301-000).
4 screws and 4 screw covers to attach the right end cap to the Cradle if deployed in
stand-alone mode or Cradle to a controller-based system
12-volt, 1.25A power supply with interchangeable plugs, P/N 500-0114-000
External inlet filters (except Handheld PID): 1 installed, three spare (P/N 008-3022-
003, pack of 3)
Active Carbon Filter (Handheld PID only), P/N: 490-0006-000
AutoRAE 2 Handheld PID Cradle comes with 1 Quick Connector (P/N: T02-3301-
000)
Tygon tubing (1/8" I.D., 15mm long), pack of 5, P/N 411-0018-037-05
PC Communications Cable, USB Type A (Male) to Type B (Male), P/N 410-0086-000
Quick Start Guide, P/N T02-4014-000
AutoRAE 2 Resource CD-ROM, P/N T02-4012-000
This disc includes:
User’s Guide
QuickStart Guide
ProRAE Studio II Instrument Configuration and Data Management Software CD-
ROM, P/N 000-5007-001
Product registration card
Quality inspection and test certificate
Slide the cap over the end
and snap it into place.
Slide the second cap into
place.
Insert the two screws.
Tighten the screws.
Do not overtighten!
Press the caps over the
screws.
4. Installing End Caps For Stand-Alone Use
The AutoRAE 2 Cradle is shipped with left and right end caps, which are intended to protect
and label the ports on both sides of the AutoRAE 2 Cradle. The one for the “input” side (left
end cap) snaps on, while the one on the other side (right end cap) gets slipped into its position
and is then secured with two screws (plastic caps are included, to hide the screws).
Note: The same end caps fit all cradle models.
Plug barrel from AC
adapter into jack
5. Powering The AutoRAE 2 Cradle
When used as a stand-alone unit, the AutoRAE 2 Cradle is powered by its own AC
adapter. (When an AutoRAE 2 Cradle is attached to an AutoRAE 2 Controller, it receives
its power from the AutoRAE 2 Controller, and therefore does not need a separate AC
adapter.) The jack for the AC adapter connection is in the recess of the left end cap. Plug
the barrel end of the AC adapter into the AutoRAE 2 Cradle and the transformer into an
AC outlet.
Caution: Never use the AutoRAE 2 Cradle or its AC adapter in wet or damp
environments or hazardous locations.
Press filter onto
receptacle
6. Preparing For Bump Testing & Calibration
Before performing a bump test or calibration, the AutoRAE 2 Cradle must be set up,
filter installed, and power applied. In addition, it must be configured using ProRAE
Studio II software to set the gas types and concentrations, as well as the time and date.
See page 37 for details.
6.1. Installing An External Filter
In order to ensure that fresh air is uncontaminated by dust or other materials, use a filter
on the AutoRAE 2 Cradle’s fresh air inlet. The inlet is located on the top end, to the left
of the locking mechanism. Inspect the filter periodically and replace it as necessary if
dirty, damaged, or contaminated.
6.2. Installing An External Charcoal Filter
When zeroing the ppbRAE 3000, it is necessary to use an external charcoal filter for the
truest zero readings (alternatively, you can use ultra-pure zero air). It is also a good idea
to use a charcoal filter anywhere that the ambient air has VOC (volatile organic
compounds). The Active Carbon Filter (P/N: 490-0006-000) filters out VOC from the air.
To install the charcoal filter on the cradle, remove the plastic filter adapter by twisting the
plastic filter clockwise while gently pulling outward. The Active Carbon Filter is
designed for 20 uses. To help you keep track of how many calibrations are performed,
there are 20 small boxes painted on the surface of the filter that you can mark with a pen
after each use.
Simply press it into the receptacle on the AutoRAE 2 cradle.
Note: Make sure the arrow on the side of the filter points toward the cradle.
6.3. Connecting An AC Adapter
The AutoRAE 2 Cradle uses a 12V, 1.25A DC adapter. Plug the barrel end into the port
on the side of the AutoRAE 2 Cradle and the transformer end into an AC power source.
There is no power switch, so when power is applied to the AC adapter, the AutoRAE 2
Cradle is powered.
Caution: Never use the AutoRAE 2 Cradle or its AC adapter in wet or damp
environments or hazardous locations.
Calibration gas
cylinder 1
Calibration gas
cylinder 2
Exhaust
6.4. Connecting Calibration Gas
The AutoRAE 2 Cradle can accommodate two gas calibration gas cylinders (mixture or
single gas in each). In addition, there is a connection labeled “Exhaust,” for venting the
gas after it has gone through the AutoRAE 2 Cradle. All three connections are barbed to
secure the hoses to them. All gas connections are barbed to secure the hoses to them.
Appropriately non-reactive/non-adsorptive tubing with a 1/8" I.D. should be used (Teflon
for PID or corrosive or reactive gases, Tygon for others). The cylinders must have
demand-flow regulators (0 to 1,000 psig/70 bar) installed.
IMPORTANT!
Always check that the active gas configuration on the AutoRAE 2 Cradle and the
type/concentration of the actual calibration gases connected to the Cradle match before
you begin any bump test or calibration.
Cross-Sensitivities Determine The Order In Which Sensors Should Be
Calibrated
Gases used for calibration should be configured and connected to inlet 1 and then inlet 2
in the order in which the sensors should be calibrated. This applies to both a standalone
cradle and controller-based systems. Information on the order of calibration is available
in RAE Systems Technical Note TN-114.
If MultiRAE sensors have cross-sensitivities to the target gas(es) of other sensors
installed in the same instrument, the order in which such sensors are calibrated is
important, as time is required between calibrations to allow the sensors to clear after
exposure to cross-sensitive gas. To shorten the time required to perform calibration,
calibrate the most cross-sensitive sensor first, followed by the least cross-sensitive. Wait
for both sensors to recover to zero, and then expose both to gas again with most cross
sensitive first and least cross sensitive second.
For example, 50 ppm of NH3 produces 0 ppm response on a Cl2 (less cross-sensitive)
sensor and 1 ppm of Cl2 produces about -0.5 ppm of response on a NH3 (more crosssensitive) sensor. So calibrate the NH3 sensor first with 50 ppm of NH3. This should have
no effect on the Cl2 sensor. Then calibrate the Cl2 sensor with 10 ppm Cl2. This will send
the NH3 sensor negative for some period of time.
After calibrating the Cl2 sensor, return the instrument to clean air and wait until the most
cross-sensitive sensor (NH3) fully recovers and/or stabilizes (if it stabilizes to a number
other than zero, then re-zero the instrument).
After both sensors return to zero, expose both to calibration gas in the same order (NH3
first, and then Cl2.) Note the sensor response. If both sensors are within 10% of the value
shown on the gas cylinder, then the calibration of the cross-sensitive sensors was
successful.
This same logic applies to the order of performing a bump test on an instrument that has
cross-sensitive sensors. For more information on cross-sensitivities for select sensors,
consult RAE Systems Technical Note TN-114.
6.5. Placing A MultiRAE Monitor In The Cradle
1. Make sure the external filter on the instrument is not dirty or clogged and screwed
onto the instrument inlet tightly.
2. Make sure the monitor is either turned off or is in AutoRAE 2 Communications Mode.
3. Place the instrument into the cradle face-down, making sure that it is aligned correctly
with the contacts on the AutoRAE 2 Cradle’s charging port. There are two alignment
points on one side and one alignment point on the other side, designed to mate with
matching points on the bottom of the MultiRAE.
4. Press in on the capture mechanism to lock the MultiRAE in place.
Note: there is no need to remove the external filter, rubber boot, belt clip or wrist strap
from the monitor to use it with the AutoRAE 2.
Adapter for ToxiRAE Pro,
ToxiRAE Pro CO2 and
ToxiRAE Pro LEL
Adapter for
ToxiRAE Pro PID
Adapter for ToxiRAE Pro,
ToxiRAE Pro CO2 and
ToxiRAE Pro LEL
Adapter for
ToxiRAE Pro PID
6.6. Placing A ToxiRAE Pro Monitor In The Cradle
The ToxiRAE Pro cradle requires one of two different adapters, and each is specific to
the type of ToxiRAE Pro. They click into place and can be easily removed, in case you
want to use one cradle for bump testing/calibrating/managing different types of ToxiRAE
Pro monitors.
6.6.1. Installing Adapters In The ToxiRAE Pro Cradle
The two types of ToxiRAE Pro adapters are shown here:
Align the two holes in the appropriate adapter with the two matching ports inside the
Capture Mechanism.
Note: The adapters can be removed by pulling on the “thumb tab” at the top of each one
(it fits into a niche in the capture mechanism).
Place self-adhesive
sticker here
Each adapter comes with a sticker for the inside of the cradle. It is especially
recommended that you install these stickers, particularly if both types of adapters are
being used in multiple cradles connected to an AutoRAE 2 Controller.
6.6.2. Placing A ToxiRAE Pro Monitor In The Cradle
1. Make sure the correct adapter is located in the cradle’s capture mechanism.
2. Make sure the external filter on the instrument is not dirty or clogged and screwed
onto the instrument inlet tightly.
3. Make sure the monitor is either turned off or is in AutoRAE 2 Communications Mode.
4. Place the instrument into the cradle face-down, making check that it is aligned
correctly with the contacts on the AutoRAE 2 Cradle’s charging port.
5. Press in on the capture mechanism to lock the ToxiRAE Pro in place.
Note: There is no need to remove the external filter, rubber boot, belt clip or wrist strap
from the monitor to use it with the AutoRAE 2.
6.7. Placing A QRAE 3 Monitor In The Cradle
1. Make sure the external filter on the instrument is not dirty or clogged and screwed
onto the instrument inlet tightly.
2. Make sure the monitor is either turned off or is in AutoRAE 2 Communications Mode.
3. Place the instrument into the cradle face-down, making sure that it is aligned correctly
with the contacts on the AutoRAE 2 Cradle’s charging port. There are two alignment
points on one side and one alignment point on the other side, designed to mate with
matching points on the bottom of the QRAE 3.
4. Press in on the capture mechanism to lock the QRAE 3 in place.
Note: There is no need to remove the external filter, belt clip or wrist strap from the
monitor to use it with the AutoRAE 2.
6.8. Placing A MicroRAE Monitor In The Cradle
1. Remove the external filter from the instrument.
2. Make sure the monitor is either turned off or is in AutoRAE 2 Communications Mode.
3. Place the instrument into the cradle face-down, making sure that it is aligned correctly
with the contacts on the AutoRAE 2 Cradle’s charging port. There are two alignment
points on one side and one alignment point on the other side, designed to mate with
matching points on the bottom of the MicroRAE.
4. Press in on the capture mechanism to lock the MicroRAE in place.
Note: There is no need to remove the belt clip or wrist strap from the monitor to use it
with the AutoRAE 2.
6.9. Placing A Handheld PID Monitor In The Cradle
You must remove the inlet probe before placing a handheld PID instrument (MiniRAE Lite,
MiniRAE 3000, ppbRAE 3000, or UltraRAE 3000) into the cradle. If the instrument does not
have a Quick Connector (P/N: T02-3301-000) already installed, you must install one.
6.9.1. Installing A Quick Connector
MiniRAE Lite, MiniRAE 3000, UltraRAE 3000:
or ppbRAE 3000:
To remove the inlet:
1. Press down on the collar of the Quick Connector base.
2. Lift the inlet probe off of the base.
6.9.2. Installing The Instrument In the Cradle
If the instrument is equipped with a Quick Connector, install the instrument in the cradle:
1. Remove the inlet probe by pressing down on both sides of the base and releasing
the probe.
2. Make sure the monitor is either turned off or is in AutoRAE 2 Communications
Mode.
3. Place the instrument into the cradle face-down, making sure that it is aligned
correctly with the contacts on the AutoRAE 2 Cradle’s charging port. There are
two alignment points on one side and one alignment point on the other side,
designed to mate with matching points on the bottom of the instrument.
4. Press in on the capture mechanism to lock the instrument in place.
For MiniRAE Lite, MiniRAE 3000, or ppbRAE 3000:
For UltraRAE 3000:
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