Smiths Detection LCD 3.3 (15133) User Manual
Smiths
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Smiths
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Chemical Agent Detector
LCD 3.3
Equipment Part No. 15133
OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS/USER MANUAL
Prepared by: Smiths Detection Ltd.
Park Avenue
Bushey
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD23 2BW
U.K.
Part No. 15459
Issue 1 Date: September 2008
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
Preliminary Pages
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
Chemical Agent Detector
LCD 3.3
Equipment Part No. 15133
OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS/USER MANUAL
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
Smiths
Detection
APPROVED BY:
(
Technical Authority)
Prepared by: Smiths Detection Ltd.
Park Avenue
Bushey
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD23 2BW
U.K.
Part No. 15459
Issue 1 Date: September 2008
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Chemical Agent Detector
LCD 3.3
OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS/USER MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD.............................................................................................................................................v
SAFETY SUMMARY..............................................................................................................................vii
WARNINGS .............................................................................................................................................vii
Cautions.................................................................................................................................................... x
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction........................................................................................................................ 1
1.1.1 Scope Of This Manual....................................................................................................... 1
1.1.2 Equipment Description ...................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Equipment Particulars ....................................................................................................... 4
1.2.1 Weights and dimensions ................................................................................................... 4
1.2.2 Power requirements .......................................................................................................... 5
1.2.2.1 Battery Power.................................................................................................................... 5
1.2.2.2 Typical Battery Life............................................................................................................5
1.2.3 Major Components, LCD 3.3 Kit........................................................................................ 6
1.2.4 Typical Sieve Pack Life ..................................................................................................... 7
CHAPTER 2 OPERATING INFORMATION............................................................................................. 9
2.1 LCD 3.3 Controls and Displays ......................................................................................... 9
2.1.1 Controls and Functions ..................................................................................................... 9
2.1.2 Displays and Indications.................................................................................................. 10
2.1.3 Hazard Alarm Indications ................................................................................................ 11
2.2 Start Up ........................................................................................................................... 12
2.2.1 Preparation for first use ................................................................................................... 12
2.2.2 Starting the LCD 3.3........................................................................................................ 12
2.3 Confidence Testing ......................................................................................................... 14
2.3.1 Performing the confidence test........................................................................................ 14
2.4 Equipment Configuration................................................................................................. 16
2.4.1 Main Menu.......................................................................................................................16
2.4.1.1 Confidence Test Selection .............................................................................................. 16
2.4.1.2 Detection Mode Selection ............................................................................................... 16
2.4.1.3 Display Menu................................................................................................................... 17
2.4.1.4 Audio Sub Menu.............................................................................................................. 18
2.4.1.5 Status Menu .................................................................................................................... 18
2.4.1.6 Set Up Menu ................................................................................................................... 20
2.4.1.7 Time/Date Change Screen.............................................................................................. 21
2.4.1.8 Keyguard Menu............................................................................................................... 22
2.4.1.9 System Tests Menu......................................................................................................... 22
2.4.2 Audible Alarm .................................................................................................................. 22
2.4.3 Installing and Removing the Survey Nozzle.................................................................... 23
2.5 Operational conditions..................................................................................................... 25
2.5.1 Alarm Indications............................................................................................................. 25
2.5.2 Alert Indications...............................................................................................................25
2.6 Shut Down.......................................................................................................................26
2.6.1 Shutting Down The LCD 3.3............................................................................................ 26
2.7 Interferents ...................................................................................................................... 26
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CHAPTER 3 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION............................................................................................ 27
3.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 27
3.2 The Pneumatic System ................................................................................................... 28
3.2.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 28
3.2.2 The Inlet System. ............................................................................................................ 28
3.2.3 The Recirculation System ............................................................................................... 28
3.2.4 The Sieve Pack ............................................................................................................... 28
CHAPTER 4 INSTALLATION INFORMATION...................................................................................... 29
4.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 29
CHAPTER 5 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION & INSTRUCTIONS...................................................... 31
5.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 31
5.2 Preventive Maintenance.................................................................................................. 31
5.3 Corrective Maintenance .................................................................................................. 32
5.4 Corrective maintenance procedures ............................................................................... 32
5.4.1 Equipment Decontamination ........................................................................................... 32
5.4.2 Battery Replacement....................................................................................................... 33
5.4.3 Battery Cassette Replacement ....................................................................................... 34
5.4.4 Sieve Pack Replacement ................................................................................................ 34
5.4.5 Resetting the Sieve Pack Life Timer ............................................................................... 36
5.4.6 Sieve Pack Locking Cover Replacement ........................................................................ 37
5.4.7 Rain Cap Replacement ................................................................................................... 37
5.4.8 Earpiece Socket Protective Cap Replacement ............................................................... 38
5.4.9 Breather Replacement .................................................................................................... 39
5.5 Fault analysis ..................................................................................................................40
5.5.1 Fault Diagnosis ............................................................................................................... 40
CHAPTER 6 SPARES INFORMATION ................................................................................................. 41
6.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 41
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FOREWORD
© Smiths Detection Limited
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any
means, electronically or mechanically, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in
writing from Smiths Detection Limited.
It shall be the responsibility of the purchaser solely to establish, to its entire satisfaction, the suitability of
the product for particular applications. It is also the purchaser's responsibility to use and maintain the
product in accordance with these procedures and recommendations.
The purchaser is advised that the equipment is subject to End User Licence Agreements (EULA) and
the technology used in the equipment may be subject to further military and/or commercial restrictions
regarding Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and the use or transfer of information.
Smiths Detection Limited have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this manual but in
accordance with our policy of continuous improvement we reserve the right to make changes, without
prior notice, to the equipment which is described. Smiths Detection Limited accepts no liability for any
consequential loss, injury or damage resulting from the use/misuse of the supplied information or from
any errors or omissions to this manual.
For further information or any other queries regarding equipment maintenance, servicing etc. contact:
Customer Services
Smiths Detection Limited
459 Park Avenue
Bushey, Watford
Hertfordshire
England
WD23 2BW
Tel: +44 (0) 1923 658170
Fax: +44 (0) 1923 240285
csd.watford@smithsdetection.com
Customer Services
Smiths Detection Limited
2202 Lakeside Boulevard
Edgewood
MD 21040
USA
Tel: 001 410 510 9100
Fax: 001 410 510 9454
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SAFETY SUMMARY
The following are general safety precautions and instructions that must be understood and applied
during phases of operation and maintenance to ensure personal health and safety and the protection of
the equipment. Sections may be repeated elsewhere in this publication for emphasis.
EQUIPMENT LIMITATIONS
The LCD 3.3 is a chemical point detector and samples only in the immediate vicinity of the rain cap. The
operator must always be aware of changing wind direction as this could quickly bring a hazardous level
of agent vapour to a previously safe area.
The detector is designed to detect chemical vapours. If chemicals are encountered in their liquid state
these may not be detected. Physical contact by the detector with the liquid will cause contamination of
the equipment.
WARNINGS & CAUTIONS
WARNINGS, Cautions and general safety information notes are strategically placed throughout this
manual prior to operating or maintenance procedures, practices or conditions where considered
essential for the protection of personnel (WARNING) or equipment (Caution). A WARNING or Caution
will apply each time the related step is repeated. Before any task is started all WARNINGS and
Cautions included in this manual must be reviewed and understood and personnel must be conversant
with the safety precautions and any first aid instructions shown:
• On labelling of the container equipment is supplied in.
• In local Safety Precautions and Regulations.
The equipment does not present any significant hazard to personal safety during normal operations.
However, the WARNINGS and Cautions and general safety information notes that follow have been
identified as potential hazards if the equipment is damaged, mishandled or used incorrectly.
WARNINGS
WARNING – RISK OF EXPLOSION
LCD 3.3 MAY PROVIDE AN IGNITION SOURCE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE. DO NOT USE
LCD 3.3 IN AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE EXPLOSIVE VAPOURS ARE PRESENT.
WARNING – HEARING DAMAGE
ON DETECTION OF A CHEMICAL AGENT THE LCD 3.3 GIVES AN AUDIBLE ALARM OF AT
LEAST 85 DB(A) AT ONE METRE. LCD 3.3 ALSO PROVIDES AN AUDIBLE ALERT IN
INSTANCES OF FAULTY OPERATION OR IF THE BATTERY OR SIEVE PACK NEEDS
REPLACEMENT. THE OPERATOR’S HEARING COULD BE AFFECTED IF SUBJECTED TO
LONG PERIODS OF EXPOSURE TO THE AUDIBLE ALARM, ESPECIALLY WHE N AN EARPIECE
IS BEING WORN. AUDIBLE ALARMS MUST BE MUTED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE TO
MINIMISE THE RISK OF HEARING DAMAGE. NOTE, AUDIBLE ALARMS AND ALERTS ARE
SUPPORTED BY CLARIFYING INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE DISPLAY.
WARNING – DAMAGE TO PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT CAN BE TRAPPED OR PINCHED WHEN OPERATING
LCD 3.3. MAKE SURE THAT THE INTEGRITY OF THE NBC SUIT AND GLOVES IS NOT
COMPROMISED WHILST OPERATING OR MAINTAINING LCD 3.3.
WARNING – BATTERY DISPOSAL
BATTERIES CONTAIN HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES. ALWAYS DISPOSE OF BATTERIES AS
HAZARDOUS WASTE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCAL RECOMMENDED PROCED URES.
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WARNING – UNTRAINED PERSONNEL
THE LCD 3.3 CONTAINS COMPONENTS AND SUBSTANCES THAT CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO
UNTRAINED PERSONNEL. A TRAINED OPERATOR CAN PERFORM ONLY THOSE
MAINTENANCE TASKS SHOWN IN THE HANDBOOK AND USERS GUIDE. FOR ALL OTHER
REPAIRS THE DETECTOR MUST BE RETURNED TO THE MAINTENANCE
CONTRACTOR/MANUFACTURER.
WARNING – DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES
AFTER A LIVE CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENT ATTACK LCD 3.3 MAY BE CONTAMINATED BY
CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS. THE UNIT SHOULD BE DECONTAMIN ATED AFTER USE IN A
LIVE CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENT ATTACK.
WARNING – ELECTRIC SHOCK
LCD 3.3 IS POWERED BY BATTERIES. TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK MAKE SURE THAT
THE LCD 3.3 IS SWITCHED OFF AND THE BATTERIES ARE REMOVED PRIOR TO ANY
MAINTENANCE ACTIVITY.
WARNING – HIGH VOLTAGES
HIGH VOLTAGES ARE USED INTERNALLY IN THE OPERATION OF THIS EQUIPMENT AND
MAY BE RETAINED BY CAPACITORS AFTER BATTERIES ARE REMOVED. SERIOUS INJURY
ON CONTACT MAY RESULT IF PERSONNEL FAIL TO OBSERVE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WHEN PERFORMING MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES. NO ATTEMPT WHATSOEVER SHOULD
BE MADE TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE INSIDE OF THE LCD 3.3 UNIT.
WARNING – BATTERIES
THE LCD 3.3 CAN USE EITHER LITHIUM IRON DI-SULPHIDE AA BATTERIES OR ALKALINE
MANGANESE DIOXIDE AA BATTERIES. THESE BATTERIES ARE A FLAMMABLE, CORROSIVE
AND VAPOUR HAZARD. THE LITHIUM IRON DI-SULPHIDE BATTERIES CONTAIN, LITHIUM,
IRON DI-SULPHIDE, AND AN ELECTROLYTE. THE LITHIUM REACTS VIGOROUSLY WHEN
IMMERSED IN WATER. THE ELECTROLYTE IS FLAMMABLE AND HIGHLY CORROSIVE.
DO NOT
DO NOT
DO NOT
DO NOT
IMMERSE BATTERIES IN WATER, DECONTAMINANT SOLUTION OR OTHER LIQUIDS.
CRUSH OR BURN BATTERIES.
ATTEMPT TO RECHARGE BATTERIES.
STORE BATTERIES AT TEMPERATURES ABOVE 158°F (70°C)
IN THE EVENT THAT A BATTERY WITHIN THE LCD 3.3 IS SHORTED OR STARTS TO HEAT UP,
IT SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE UNIT AND TAKEN TO A WELL VENTILATED AREA TO
COOL DOWN. ONCE THE TEMPERATURE HAS DROPPED THE BATTERY CAN BE DISPOSED
OF ACCORDING TO LOCAL PROCEDURES FOR HAZARDOUS WASTE. SUITABLE
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING SHOULD BE WORN WHEN HANDLING SUSPECTE D BATTERIES. IF
THE SKIN OR EYES COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE ELECTROLYTE, WASH THOROUGHLY
WITH WATER AND SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.
WARNING – TOXIC HAZARD
THE SIEVE PACK CONTAINS MOLECULAR SIEVE. DO NOT DISPOSE OF ANY SIEVE PACK IN
FIRE AS TOXIC SUBSTANCES MAY BE RELEASED. DISPOSE OF A SIEVE PACK AS
HAZARDOUS WASTE IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES.
WARNING – TOXIC HAZARD
TOXIC SUBSTANCES MAY BE RELEASED IF THE LCD 3.3 UNIT CATCHES FIRE OR IS
BURNED AS A MEANS OF DISPOSAL. DO NOT DISPOSE OF IN FIRE.
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WARNING – TOXIC HAZARD
FOLLOWING A POSITIVE DETECTION, THE SIEVE PACK MAY RETAIN SMALL QUANTITIES OF
ANY CHEMICAL AGENT DETECTED. TAKE PRECAUTIONS WHEN H ANDLING A SIEVE PACK
FOLLOWING A POSITIVE DETECTION. DISPOSE OF A SIEVE PACK AS HAZARDOUS WASTE
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCAL RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES.
WARNING – TOXIC HAZARD
THE SIEVE PACK IS DESIGNED TO RELEASE VERY SMALL QUANTITIES OF AMMONIA
VAPOUR AS A DOPING SOURCE FOR THE DETECTOR. THIS IS TOXIC BY IN HALATION AND
MAY CAUSE CHEMICAL BURNS TO SKIN AND EYES. TAKE CARE NOT TO SWALLOW,
INHALE OR OTHERWISE COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE AMMONIA VAPOUR. ALWAYS
OPEN THE SIEVE PACK LOCKING COVER CAREFULLY AND IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA.
WARNING – FIRE HAZARD
THE AMMONIA VAPOUR USED AS A DOPING SOURCE FOR THE DETECTOR IS FLAMMABLE
IN THE PRESENCE OF AIR. TAKE CARE THAT THE AMMONIA VAPOUR DOES NOT ENTER
THE VICINITY OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
WARNING – BURNS AND SCALDS
SIEVE PACKS CONTAIN A MOLECULAR SIEVE MATERIAL THAT REACTS VIGOROUSLY WITH
WATER AND RELEASES HEAT. DO NOT ALLOW A SIEVE PACK TO BECOME IMMERSED IN
WATER. PARTICULAR CARE MUST BE TAKEN IF FORDING OR SWIMMING.
WARNING – DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES
CHEMICAL AGENT DECONTAMINANT (CAD) IS CORROSIVE AND CAN BE HARMFUL.
ALWAYS WEAR FULL INDIVIDUAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (IPE) WHEN PREPARING OR
USING CHEMICAL AGENT DECONTAMINANT (CAD).
WARNING – SIMULANT MISUSE
THE CONFIDENCE TESTER CONTAINS THE SIMULANTS DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL METHYL
ETHER (DPM) AND METHYL SALICYLATE (MS) THAT ARE GENERALLY NOT HARMFUL
UNLESS MISUSED BUT INHALATION OR INGESTION MAY RESULT IN POISONING. DO NOT
INHALE OR INGEST SIMULANTS.
DISPOSE OF CONFIDENCE SAMPLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
AND REGULATIONS FOR THE DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIAL.
WARNING – DISGUISED AGENT ALARM
AN ALARM GENERATED BY APPLICATION OF THE CO NFIDENCE TESTER COULD DISGUISE
A GENUINE THREAT AGENT ALARM. ALWAYS ASSESS THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT FOR
SUBSTANCES LIKELY TO ENDANGER PERSONNEL BEFORE P ERFORMING A CONFIDENCE
TEST.
WARNING – NON-ALARM IN CONFIDENCE TEST MODE
THE LCD3.3 WILL NOT RESPOND TO GENUINE THREAT AGENTS WHILE THE DETECTOR IS
IN CONFIDENCE TEST MODE. ALWAYS ASSESS THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT FOR
SUBSTANCES LIKELY TO ENDANGER PERSONNEL BEFORE P ERFORMING A CONFIDENCE
TEST.
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CAUTIONS
Caution - Equipment damage.
Batteries inserted into the LCD 3.3 in the incorrect orientation may cause damage. Always
make sure batteries are inserted in the correct orientation.
Caution - Equipment damage.
Batteries must not be left in the LCD 3.3 if the detector is not being used for a period of time in
case of leakage, which will cause corrosion. Make sure that the batteries are removed from the
detector prior to any storage period.
Caution - Equipment damage.
Mixing lithium and alkaline battery types within the battery cassette may cause damage to the
detector. Do not mix lithium and alkaline battery types within the battery cassette.
Caution - Equipment damage.
The LCD 3.3 contains components that will be damaged by water or other liquids. To prevent
fluid from entering the equipment switch off the detector and make sure the rain cap is fully
closed prior to fording, swimming or cleaning.
Caution - Equipment damage.
Switching on the detector without an operational sieve pack installed could cause permanent
damage to the equipment. Always make sure that an operational sieve pack is installed before
switching on the detector.
Caution – Impaired Performance.
After using the LCD 3.3 in dusty or muddy conditions or after long periods of use or storage,
the user must visually check the rain cap to make sure that it is clean and not blocked. If a
visual check indicates the possibility of a blockage the rain cap should be removed, cleaned
and re-installed. A confidence test must then be performed to confirm the correct operation of
the unit.
Caution – Impaired Performance.
In very cold conditions, moisture around the inlet may freeze when the LCD 3.3 is not in use.
This can block the pinhole inlets and prevent the LCD 3.3 from sampling. A confidence test
must be performed prior to normal operation of the LCD 3.3, to confirm correct sampling.
Caution – Impaired Performance.
Due to the chemical composition of munitions, operating the LCD 3.3 near artillery fire can
cause nuisance alarms. Operators should be aware of local environmental conditions when
operating the LCD 3.3.
Caution – Impaired Performance.
If the LCD 3.3 is masked from airflow by obstructions or positioned near local ventilation or
sources of interference the detector may give incorrect responses. Always make sure the unit
is appropriately sited.
Caution - Equipment damage.
The detector contains components that will be damaged by water or other liquids. To prevent
fluid from entering the equipment make sure the battery cassette is always installed even
when batteries are not installed and the detector is running from an external power source
using the power and communications cable.
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Caution – Equipment Contamination.
If the LCD 3.3 becomes contaminated it will give incorrect responses. Do not remove or install
a sieve pack in rain or very dusty conditions, downwind from dense smoke or fumes or in an
enclosed space where there are vapour sources known to give LCD 3.3 responses. When
changing the sieve pack do not touch the sealing face of the sieve pack. Sieve pack
replacement should where possible be done in a clean and dry, well ventilated area. NOTE;
The sieve pack locking cover forms a part of the LCD 3.3 unit and is not a part of the sieve
pack assembly and must be kept for re-use.
Caution – Damaged Equipment.
If the breather on the LCD 3.3 is suspected of being faulty and the detector does not operate,
and a replacement breather is not available, the detector can be temporarily operated without
the breather but the unit will then be open to water ingress. The LCD 3.3 must remain within its
pouch at all times if being operated without a breather.
Caution – Equipment Contamination.
If the Survey Nozzle becomes contaminated the LCD 3.3 will give incorrect responses. To
prevent contamination handle the survey nozzle only by its exterior surfaces. Do not hold the
survey nozzle by its inlet.
Caution – Equipment Contamination.
Contamination can enter the interior of the detector through the battery cassette compartment.
This may cause the detector to malfunction or cease to operate altogether. Make sure that the
battery cassette is removed only when required.
Caution – Equipment Damage.
If the ‘D’ Type connector on the bottom of the detector becomes damaged it may not be
possible to connect the power and communications cable to the unit. Always make sure that
the cover is installed to the ‘D’ connector if the power and comms cable is not connected
Caution – Equipment Contamination.
Dirt and debris can contaminate the ’D’ type connector on the bottom of the detector. This can
prevent connection of the power and communications cable. Always make sure that the cover
is installed to the ‘D’ connector when the power and comms cable is not connected
Caution – Nuisance Alarm
LCD3.3 may give a nuisance alarm if the confidence tester is applied to the detector when the
confidence test mode is not selected. Make sure the confidence test mode is selected before
applying the confidence tester.
Caution – Equipment Saturation.
If the LCD 3.3 becomes saturated with simulant it will take longer to clear down and in extreme
situations will not exit confidence test mode. Allow the simulant from the confidence tester to
diffuse at the LCD 3.3 inlet only until the LCD 3.3 alarms. Depress the confidence tester sample
button only when conditions require the button to be pressed (low temperatures and/or high
winds). If the LCD 3.3 unit is wet do not allow the confidence tester vapour vents to come into
contact with the inlet, rain cap or surrounding area as simulant vapours may cling to the LCD
3.3 unit.
Caution – Contamination of LCD3.3 with Simulant
If a detector does not exit the confidence test within 10 minutes it is likely that the detector is
contaminated. The detector may be decontaminated in accordance with procedures shown in
this manual.
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REVISION RECORD
Issue Incorporated By Date
Initial Issue Manufacturer
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Page xiv
Chapter 1
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.1.1 Scope Of This Manual
This manual provides operating instructions for the Lightweight Chemical Detector (LCD) 3.3 and
ancillary equipment, information on the safe use and care of the equipment, operator maintenance
procedures, repair parts and consumables and directions for contacting the manufacturer.
1.1.2 Equipment Description
The LCD 3.3 is a portable, battery operated instrument that has been developed to rapidly detect and
identify airborne Chemical Warfare Agents (CWA) and the vapours of Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TIC).
If agents/chemicals are encountered in their liquid state these may not be detected. Physical contact by
the detector with the liquid will cause contamination of the equipment.
In operation LCD 3.3 continually samples the air for gases and vapours and uses non-radioactive
Corona Discharge Ion Mobility Spectrometry techniques for identification of chemical vapours. When
operated as a Personal Detector the LCD 3.3 has a sampling cycle time of five seconds i.e. samples
the environment once every 5 seconds. This detection cycle provides for a longer battery life. When the
LCD 3.3 is used as a Survey Instrument the sampling cycle is altered to sample every second that
allows for quicker and more thorough sampling but at the expense of battery life. The instrument issues
visual and audible alarms in case of detection and the visual displays inform the user of the type and
concentration of the hazard detected.
It is important to note that the instrument is a point detector and samples air only in the immediate
vicinity of the Rain Cap. The detector cannot give a realistic assessment of a vapour hazard over an
area from one position. Air sample conditions a short distance away from the detector may be quite
different and the user must therefore be aware that a change in wind direction could quickly bring a
hazardous level of agent vapour to a previously safe area.
Figure 1. The LCD 3.3
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Chapter 1
The LCD 3.3 may be used by personnel in various environmental conditions and can be held in either
hand and operated whilst dressed in protective clothing. The detector can also be operated while inside
the supplied carrying pouch. The carrying pouch can be fastened to clothing especially armed forces
apparel (Load Bearing Equipment (LBE)) to give a “hands free” detection capability. The carrying pouch
contains a charcoal pad inside the detector compartment to absorb contamination that may affect the
detector while it is in the pouch. This charcoal pad should be replaced each time the sieve pack is
replaced or if the pad becomes saturated with water or some other fluid contaminant. For further
information on replacing the charcoal pad refer to Chapter 5 of this handbook.
The LCD 3.3 uses various audible signals for system alarms and alerts and the visual display is a
combination of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and Light Emitting Diodes (LED). All media are used to
convey information to the user about the status of the detector and about any substances that have
been detected. The LCD visual display is also used to show the menu system that is used to configure
the detector.
The LCD 3.3 can be configured by the operator to suit local operating requirements and conditions
using the control buttons to access a series of menus shown on the liquid crystal display (LCD) The
menu system is accessed and the various settings selected using the menu (M), enter (E), up-arrow
and down-arrow buttons on the detector. Using the menu and control buttons the operator can access
system functions, modify the system settings or interrogate or change system information as shown
below.
1. Perform system tests – Provides the operator with the facility to test the display and audio functions,
perform a confidence test to prove correct operation of the system.
2. Configure system – Provides the operator with the facility to set the display language and date
format to suit operational requirements and apply a ‘lock’ to the control button to prevent accidental
activation.
3. Set the detection mode – Provides the operator with the facility to select the system detection mode.
a) CWA or Standard mode. In this mode LCD 3.3 provides a rapid visual and audible warning
indicating the agent identification and concentration of the hazard when Chemical Warfare Agent
vapours at or above the pre-set alarm threshold are detected. While in this mode LCD 3.3
samples the environment once every 5 seconds. This is known as a Standard detection cycle.
This detection cycle provides a longer life for a single set of batteries.
b) Survey mode. In this mode LCD 3.3 is used to investigate specific areas of cargo, equipment,
personnel or facilities. When CWA vapours at or above the pre-set alarm threshold are detected,
LCD 3.3 provides a rapid visual warning indicating the type and concentration of the hazard.
While in this mode the sampling cycle is altered to sample every second allowing quicker and
more thorough sampling but at the expense of battery life. In survey mode the detector Raincap is
replaced by a re-usable survey nozzle. For further information on installing the Survey Nozzle
refer to Chapter 2 of this handbook.
c) TIC mode. In this mode LCD 3.3 provides a rapid visual and audible warning indicating the agent
identification and concentration of the hazard when Toxic Industrial Chemical vapours, at or
above the pre-set alarm threshold are detected. While in this mode LCD 3.3 samples the
environment once every five seconds. This detection cycle provides a longer life for a single set of
batteries.
4. Set display properties – Provides the operator with the facility to set the display lighting level,
contrast and backlight to suit operational requirements. Night vision goggles (NVG) can be worn
when viewing the display whilst the unit is on the NVG setting.
5. Set audio level – Provides the operator with the facility to set the system audible alarm and alert
levels to suit operational requirements.
6. Monitor status reports – Provides the operator with the facility to access the LCD 3.3 system fault log
and other system information, observe the sieve pack life indicator, system run time indicator and
accumulated dose indicator.
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Chapter 1
7. Reset system counters – Provides the operator with the facility to reset the system runtime indicator,
sieve pack life indicator and accumulate dose indicator.
For further information on the configuration and operation of the LCD 3.3 refer to Chapter 2 of this
handbook.
Visual Indications
The LCD 3.3 visual display is a combination of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and Light Emitting Diodes
(LED). Both media are used to convey information to the user about any substances that have been
detected and about the status of the detector.
The detector has two Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps on the top of the detector. The smaller of the
LEDs is the system status lamp and is yellow/amber in colour. This lamp serves as a power and health
indicator and gives three basic indications
• Detector ‘healthy’ and operating normally.
With the detector in this condition the lamp will flash at a rate of ½-second on then 2½-seconds off
until the equipment condition changes.
• Detector alert.
With the detector in this condition the lamp will flash at a rate of ½-second on then ½-second off
indicating that the detector requires attention. The user can ascertain the nature of the alert by
observing the display on the front of the unit where an alert message will be shown e.g.
“SAMPLING Low Battery” or “FAULT Temperature Too Low”. For further information on alert
messages refer to Chapter 5 Maintenance Information and Instructions.
• Detector major fault.
With the detector in this condition the lamp will be continuously lit. The user can ascertain the
nature of the fault by observing the front display on the unit where a fault message will be shown
e.g. “MAJOR FAULT Health Check” or “MAJOR FAULT Motor Fault”. For further information on
alert messages refer to Chapter 5 Maintenance Information and Instructions.
The larger LED is the hazard alarm lamp and is red in colour. This lamp serves to advise the user that
the detector is in an alarm condition. The user can ascertain the nature of the alarm by observing the
front display on the unit where an alarm message will be shown giving the Dose Hazard Level (High,
Medium, Low or None) the Chemical agent ident (GA, GB, AC, VX etc.) and a bar display with solid or
hollow blocks to indicate relative agent concentration in the sample. For further information on alarm
messages refer to Chapter 2 Operating Instructions.
Audible Indications
WARNING – HEARING DAMAGE
ON DETECTION OF A CHEMICAL AGENT LCD 3.3 GIVES AN AUDIBLE ALARM OF AT LEAST
85 DB(A) AT ONE METRE. LCD 3.3 ALSO PROVIDES AN AUDIBLE ALERT IN INSTANCES OF
FAULTY OPERATION OR IF THE BATTERY OR SIEVE PACK NEEDS REPLACEMENT. THE
OPERATOR’S HEARING COULD BE AFFECTED IF SUBJECTED TO LONG PERIODS OF
EXPOSURE TO THE AUDIBLE ALARM, ESPECIALLY WHEN AN EARPIECE IS BEING WORN.
AUDIBLE ALARMS MUST BE MUTED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBL E TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF
HEARING DAMAGE. NOTE, AUDIBLE ALARMS AND ALERTS ARE SUPPORTED BY
CLARIFYING INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE DISPLAY.
LCD 3.3 has two distinct audible tones:
1. Alarm: The audible alarm is a repeating, swept frequency tone, each sweep rising from 2 kHz to
3 kHz over a period of 1 second. This is used to indicate agent detection at a preset concentration
level.
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