ROTRONIC MBW 473 User Manual

Operation and

Maintenance Manual

V2.0

Dew Point Mirror 473

Warranty

MBW Calibration Ltd. (MBW) guarantees that its products are manufactured to the highest quality of
material and workmanship specifications. MBW guarantees the reliability of its products for a period of
24 months from the date of initial shipment when operated in normal use and within the specified de­sign limitations. Under this Warranty, MBW will, at its discretion, repair or replace any component that
upon examination by MBW or its duly authorized representatives proves to be defective during the
warranty period provided the system is returned to the factory for inspection and repair shipping pre­paid. Improper or unauthorized maintenance, storage, repair, or alteration of any kind by personnel
other than MBW or its duly authorized representatives may void all warranties. Warranty may also be
voided for misuse, neglect, accident, corrosion, and improper installation. This Warranty is exclusive
and in lieu of any and all other warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or any
other warranty, expressed or implied, and all other liabilities and obligations on the part of MBW. MBW
will not be liable for any other claims or damages, either direct, indirect, or consequential arising out of
the use of its products.

MBW Calibration Ltd

Seminarstrasse 57
CH-5430 Wettingen / Switzerland
[phone] phone
[phone] fax
[e-mail]

www.mbw.ch

Subject to change without notice.
For the latest version of this manual please visit our website.
Copyright © 2012

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Table of Contents

WARRANTY ..................................................................................................... I

TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................... II

1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 1

2 QUICK START ............................................................................................ 3

2.1 Unpacking ...................................................................................................................................... 3

2.2 Starting your 473 ........................................................................................................................... 4

2.3 Installing the Measuring Heads ..................................................................................................... 4

2.4 Dew Point Measurement ............................................................................................................... 5

3 GET TO KNOW YOUR 473 .......................................................................... 7

3.1 Front Panel .................................................................................................................................... 7

3.2 Back Panel ................................................................................................................................... 10

3.3 Measuring Heads ......................................................................................................................... 12

3.4 Carrying Handle ........................................................................................................................... 13

4 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION ...................................................................... 15

4.1 The Menu ..................................................................................................................................... 15

4.2 Selection of indicated Parameters ............................................................................................... 16

4.3 Selection of Numeric or Graphic Data Display ............................................................................ 17

4.4 Graph Scaling .............................................................................................................................. 18

4.5 Control Setup ............................................................................................................................... 20

4.6 Selection of Units ......................................................................................................................... 24

4.7 Analog Output Connections ......................................................................................................... 25

4.8 Selection of Color ........................................................................................................................ 28

5 SET UP AND OPERATION ........................................................................ 29

5.1 Measurement Set Up ................................................................................................................... 29

5.2 External Temperature .................................................................................................................. 30

5.3 Application Integration ................................................................................................................. 32

MBW473_MANUAL_E_V2.0 ii

6 REMOTE COMMUNICATION .................................................................... 35

6.1 Hardware Connection and Cabling ............................................................................................. 35

6.2 Communication Settings ............................................................................................................. 36

6.3 Command Syntax ........................................................................................................................ 36

6.4 Command Reference .................................................................................................................. 38

7 MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................ 39

7.1 Calibrate the Touch Screen ......................................................................................................... 39

7.2 Ice Test ........................................................................................................................................ 40

7.3 Mirror Cleaning ............................................................................................................................ 42

7.4 Exterior Cleaning ......................................................................................................................... 43

7.5 System Information...................................................................................................................... 44

8 SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................... 45

9 DRAWINGS .............................................................................................. 46

iii MBW473_MANUAL_E_V2.0

1 Introduction

Precise and Stable Humidity Measurement

With the 473 Dew Point Mirror you are able to perform precise dew point measurements as well as
measurements of other parameters such as relative humidity. The humidity measurement of the 473 is
based on the chilled mirror condensation technology which provides highly precise, stable and repeat­able results.

Remote Measuring Heads with Temperature Probe

The 473 features two remote cable mounted measuring head options, the RP2 and the SH2. They are
designed for direct insertion into applications with moving air. Both measuring heads are supplied with
a PRT for precise temperature measurement and for the calculation of relative humidity.

Optional Pressure Measurement

Optionally, the 473 can be ordered with internal pressure measurement capability. This enables the
instrument to compensate for pressure variations at the point of measurement.

LCD Display with Touch Panel

The 473 has a full color LCD touch panel with a high contrast ratio and a wide viewing angle for easy
readability. Data is displayed in large, easy-to-read fonts. Using the on-screen buttons and menus,
you can easily configure each line of the display for a variety of humidity, temperature, and pressure
parameters that may be viewed in either SI or non-SI units.

Calibration

Users can check the 473 calibration at any time using the built-in Ice Test function, which provides
instant verification of system accuracy and integrity.

Connect and Go

The system is ready for immediate use.

MBW473_MANUAL_E_V2.0 1

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2 Quick Start

This section guides you through the set-up and the first steps using your 473. It is a summary and
should be used as a general overview and reference only. Do not use it as a substitute for the remain­der of the manual. To understand your instrument thoroughly, please read the other sections carefully.

2.1 Unpacking

The 473 is delivered in a custom-fit foam-lined Peli 1550 transport case.
The following items are included in the case:

 473 Dew Point Mirror
 SH2 or RP2 measuring head (as ordered)
 Temperature probe PT(100)

o The RP2 is supplied with a Ø3 x 30 mm PRT and a 0.5 m cable for extended connection

between the probe and the measuring head.

o The SH2 is supplied with a Ø2.1 x 100 mm PRT and a 0.5 m cable to connect the probe

to the measuring head and a 3 m cable to connect the probe directly to the back panel of
the instrument.

 2.5 m power cable
 2 m measuring head cable
 Gas connections 6mm or ¼” Swagelok (SH2 only)
 Operation manual
 Calibration certificate

Before starting, carefully remove these items from the case and visually check for any signs of dam­age. If you are missing any item or find them damaged, please call the manufacturer or your local
supplier. Make sure that the power rating on the back label corresponds to your power supply specifi­cation.

MBW473_MANUAL_E_V2.0 3

2.2 Starting your 473

SH2

RP2

The 473 needs a source of AC power. It will work over a wide power range and will most likely operate
at your local voltage and frequency. Look at the back panel label for the power requirements of your
specific system.

1. Plug the supplied AC power cord into the back of the instrument, then into an AC outlet.

2. Turn the power switch to ON.

The display should become visible within a few seconds. If nothing happens, check the power source.

2.3 Installing the Measuring Heads

Depending on your order, the 473 is supplied with either of the following measuring heads:

The heart of the 473 Dew Point Mirror Instrument is a highly sensitive and accurate measuring head.
Use the 19-pin measuring head cable (2 m) to connect the measuring head to the back panel of the 473.
For further information on the measuring heads, please refer to sections 3.3 ‘Measuring Heads’ and

7.3 ‘Mirror Cleaning’.

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You can test the 473 dew point measurement by measuring the dew point tem­perature of the room.

First, make sure the measuring head is connected to the back panel of the 473.
Next, start the measurement by pressing the Dew/Frost Control key. This button

enables the system to cool the mirror to the dew or frost point temperature, moni­tor the thickness of the condensation layer on the mirror, and precisely adjust the
mirror temperature to maintain a stable condensation layer. When Dew/Frost Con­trol is enabled, the indicator on the key will turn green and the dew or frost point
temperature display will begin to show the mirror temperature as it cools to the
condensation point.

See section 4.2 ‘Selection of indicated Parameters’ for information on selecting
the parameters you wish to have displayed.

The SH2 measuring head is equipped with a fan to pull a gas sample across the
measuring head. If you are using the SH2 measuring head, press the Fan key on
the touch screen to turn the fan on/off. For further information on the fan refer to
section 3.3 ’Measuring Heads’.

Fan

2.4 Dew Point Measurement

When you switch on the 473, all readings on the display may initially be blank. If your instrument is
equipped with a pressure sensor, the pressure reading will be displayed. After connecting the measur­ing head or temperature probe you will get an external temperature reading. To measure humidity
(dew point, frost point, %RH, etc.), the Dew/Frost Control mode must be enabled and gas must be
flowing across the mirror. If %RH readings are required, an external temperature probe must be con­nected. To connect the external temperature probe, see section ‘External Temperature Probe’ on
page 11. Alternatively, a fixed external temperature may be entered via the touch screen. Please fol­low the instructions in section 5.2 ‘External Temperature’.

Fan

MBW473_MANUAL_E_V2.0 5

6 MBW473_MANUAL_E_V2.0

Menu
Keys

Status
Line

Fixed

Function Keys

Data
Lines

Keypad

3 Get to know your 473

3.1 Front Panel

The front panel of the 473 is equipped with a full color touch screen and a keypad for data entry. To
activate a menu option or toggle a function on or off, simply touch the desired key or object directly on
the screen.

When the 473 is turned on, the display will activate within a few seconds. A sample display configura­tion is shown below. The display configuration can be customized, so your display may look different.
The use and the functions of the display are described in the next chapter.

MBW473_MANUAL_E_V2.0 7

Data Lines

If numeric, a data line contains the value
to the left, with the parameter description
and units to the right.

If graphic, a data line shows a simple
graph of data over time.

Near the bottom of the display is the Sta­tus Line. The Status Line displays Bal-
ance, Density, Contamination, and,
optionally, Battery Power.

The first three lines of the display show a numeric or graphic representation of the measured data. We
will refer to these first three lines as Data Lines.

Data can be displayed in different parameters and units either numerically or graphically. Please refer
to section 4, ‘System Configuration’ to learn how to configure your preferences.

Status Line

Balance

Although it is directly obtained from the intensity of the mirror’s reflected light signal, balance is effec­tively the first derivative of the dew thickness measurement. It indicates the rate of growth or reduction
of the condensation layer on the mirror. While the dew or frost layer on the mirror surface is growing,
the indicator will be above center. The faster the layer is growing, the higher the indication. Converse­ly, when the layer on the mirror surface is evaporating, the indicator will be below center. The faster it
disappears, the lower the indication. When the indicator is in the center, the thickness of the dew or
frost layer is neither growing nor evaporating, and the layer on the mirror surface is in equilibrium with
the gas. In this center position of the indicator, there is no net exchange of water vapor between the
gas and the mirror surface. If the humidity of the gas sample is homogeneous and of low enough vari­ability for the control system to sense a steady value, the Balance indicator will show a green Stable
message, accompanied by a few short beeps.

Density

The Density Indicator graphically depicts the approximate thickness of the dew or frost layer on the
mirror surface. The 473 can automatically differentiate between dew and frost layers and the indicator
will display the current condensation state. The label in the density indicator will change from Layer
Density (when the state of the layer is uncertain) to either Dew Density or Frost Density (when ei­ther dew or frost is being measured). For more information regarding Dew/Frost point determination
see section ‘Dew / Frost Control’ on page 20.

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The bottom line of the display
contains a row of fixed function keys.
These keys are used to start and
stop the fan (only for SH2), initiate a
mirror check, initiate mirror cleaning,
and switch dew/frost control on or
off. For further infromation on the fan
see section 3.3, for the other
funcitons see section 4.5.

On the right hand side of the display there is a column of
menu keys. The bottom, dark gray key changes the cur­rent menu by cycling to the next menu. Each of the light
gray keys change their label and function based on the
menu that is currently selected.

Use the dark grey

Mirror Residue

The Mirror Residue Indicator graphically shows the amount of mirror contamination that was detected
during the last mirror check. If the bar covers more than a quarter of the space, we recommend that
you clean the mirror.

Fixed Function Keys

Menu Keys and Navigation

key on the bottom
(menu selection key)
to move between
menus.

The menu selection is circular. Once you go past the last menu, the first one will appears again and
the process starts over. You can use the ± key on the keypad to move backward through the menus.
Use the Enter key to exit the menu.

MBW473_MANUAL_E_V2.0 9

3.2 Back Panel

Power Switch

The main power switch is on the back panel above the power plug. The power supply has a built-in
fuse and will automatically switch off in case of overload. To restart power, the main power switch
must be switched off and on again.

Power Plug

The supplied power cord is connected to the power socket on the instrument back panel. The sup­ported power supply voltage is 100-120 VAC / 200-240 VAC at 50 to 60Hz. The power requirements
are specified on the serial number label on the back of the instrument.

RS-232

The RS-232 port can be used to connect the 473 to a desktop or laptop computer. The necessary 9­pin RS-232 (serial) extender cable is a common accessory and can easily be obtained at any comput­er store.

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Optional Analog Outputs

The 473 can be ordered with two optional analog outputs which are independently configurable. For
each of the analog outputs, you can choose which parameter to track and how to scale the selected
parameter to the analog output range. Please refer to section 4.7 ‘Analog Output Connections’ to learn
how to configure the analog outputs.

Internal Barometric Pressure Sensor

As an option you can order an internal barometric pressure sensor to measure ambient pressure. To
measure chamber pressure or to calibrate the sensor, connect a 3 mm Swagelok tube to the pressure
sensor port on the back panel.

Measuring Head Connection

The 473 can be ordered with two different types of measuring heads; the RP2 and the SH2. Both
measuring heads are connected to the back panel of the 473 with the supplied 19-pin measuring head
cable.

External Temperature Probe

The external temperature probe is used to measure the temperature of the environment that is being
tested. To obtain certain humidity parameters, such as %RH, an external temperature measurement is
necessary. External temperature measurements are not required for dew or frost point measurements.

 The SH2 is supplied with a Ø2.1 x 100 mm PRT temperature probe. The probe can be con-

nected to the 473 in the following ways:

1. Use the supplied 4-pin 0.5 m cable to connect the probe to the measuring head.

2. Use the supplied 5-pin 3 m cable to connect the probe directly to the back panel of
the instrument.

 The RP2 is supplied with a Ø3 x 30 mm PRT temperature probe. The probe can be connected

to the 473 in the following ways:

1. Plug the temperature probe directly into the connector on the top of the RP2
measuring head.

2. Use the supplied 4-pin 0.5 m cable to connect the probe to the measuring head.

3. Use the optional 5-pin 3 m cable (available from the manufacturer) to connect the
probe directly to the back panel of the instrument.

MBW473_MANUAL_E_V2.0 11

3.3 Measuring Heads

1. Gas Inlet

2. External Temperature Connection

3. 19-pin Measuring Head Cable Connection

4. Flow Fan

5. External Temperature Probe (Ø2.1 x 100 mm)
with 0.5 m Cable (4-pin)

6. 19-pin Measuring Head Cable (2 m)

7. Screw Cover

8. Measuring Head Front Part

9. Guide Pin

10. Polished mirror

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

The SH2 Measuring Head

Fan

The fan of the SH2 measuring head is used to generate the necessary gas flow to the measuring
head, when no other gas flow is available. The fan can be removed and replaced with an output con­nector (Swagelok SS-6M0-1-2RS) for direct connection of gas tubing to other instruments.

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