TSI Alnor RVA501 Operating Manual

Ventilation Testing

Air Velocity Meter

Alnor® Model RVA501

AIRFLOWTM Model LCA501

Operation and Service Manual

Copyright©

TSI Incorporated / 2007-2008 / All rights reserved.

Address

TSI Incorporated / 500 Cardigan Road / Shoreview, MN 55126 / USA

Fax No.

[phone]

LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY (effective July 2000)

Seller warrants the goods sold hereunder, under normal use and service as described in the
operator's manual, shall be free from defects in workmanship and material for twenty-four (24)
months, or the length of time specified in the operator's manual, from the date of shipment to the
customer. This warranty period is inclusive of any statutory warranty. This limited warranty is
subject to the following exclusions:
a. Hot-wire or hot-film sensors used with research anemometers, and certain other

components when indicated in specifications, are warranted for 90 days from the date of
shipment.

b. Parts repaired or replaced as a result of repair services are warranted to be free from

defects in workmanship and material, under normal use, for 90 days from the date of
shipment.

c. Seller does not provide any warranty on finished goods manufactured by others or on any

fuses, batteries or other consumable materials. Only the original manufacturer's warranty
applies.

d. Unless specifically authorized in a separate writing by Seller, Seller makes no warranty

with respect to, and shall have no liability in connection with, goods which are
incorporated into other products or equipment, or which are modified by any person other
than Seller.

The foregoing is IN LIEU OF all other warranties and is subject to the LIMITATIONS stated
herein. NO OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY IS MADE.

TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE USER OR
BUYER, AND THE LIMIT OF SELLER'S LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL LOSSES,
INJURIES, OR DAMAGES CONCERNING THE GOODS (INCLUDING CLAIMS BASED
ON CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE) SHALL
BE THE RETURN OF GOODS TO SELLER AND THE REFUND OF THE PURCHASE
PRICE, OR, AT THE OPTION OF SELLER, THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE
GOODS. IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES. SELLER SHALL NOT BE
RESPONSIBLE FOR INSTALLATION, DISMANTLING OR REINSTALLATION COSTS
OR CHARGES. No Action, regardless of form, may be brought against Seller more than 12
months after a cause of action has accrued. The goods returned under warranty to Seller's
factory shall be at Buyer's risk of loss, and will be returned, if at all, at Seller's risk of loss.

Buyer and all users are deemed to have accepted this LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND
LIABILITY, which contains the complete and exclusive limited warranty of Seller. This
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY may not be amended, modified or its terms
waived, except by writing signed by an Officer of Seller.

Service Policy

Knowing that inoperative or defective instruments are as detrimental to TSI as they are to our
customers, our service policy is designed to give prompt attention to any problems. If any
malfunction is discovered, please contact your nearest sales office or representative, or call
Customer Service department at [phone] (UK), [phone] (USA), or (1) 651­490-2811 (International).

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 UNPACKING AND PARTS IDENTIFICATION ............

CHAPTER 2 SETTING-UP................................................................. 3

Supplying Power to the Alnor RVA501/AIRFLOW LCA501 .............. 3

Installing the Batteries ............................................................... 3

Using the Optional AC Adapter ................................................. 3

Attaching the Handle ................................................................. 3

Using the Optional Articulating Extension .................................3

Connecting to a Computer.............................................................. 3

CHAPTER 3 OPERATION .................................................................5

Keypad Functions ...........................................................................5

Common Terms .............................................................................. 5

Menus ............................................................................................. 6

DISPLAY SETUP................................................................................. 6

SETTINGS .........................................................................................6

FLOW SET UP....................................................................................6

DATA LOGGING .................................................................................6

Measurements...........................................................................6

Log Mode/Log Settings .............................................................6

Delete Data................................................................................ 7

% Memory .................................................................................7

LogDat2™ Downloading Software .................................................7

CHAPTER 4 MAINTENANCE............................................................9

1

Recalibration...................................................................................9

Cases..............................................................................................9

Storage ...........................................................................................9

CHAPTER 5 TROUBLESHOOTING................................................ 11

APPENDIX A SPECIFICATIONS..................................................... 13

iii

Chapter 1

Unpacking and Parts Identification

Carefully unpack the instrument and accessories from the shipping
container. Check the individual parts against the list of components below..
If anything is missing or damaged, notify TSI immediately.

1. Carrying case

2. Instrument

3. USB cable

4. CD-ROM with downloading software

1

Chapter 2

Setting-up

Supplying Power to the Alnor RVA501/AIRFLOW LCA501

The Alnor RVA501/A
batteries.

Installing the Batteries

Insert four AA batteries as indicated by the diagram located on the
inside of the battery compartment. The Alnor RVA501/A
LCA501 is designed to operate with either alkaline or NiMH
rechargeable batteries, although it will not recharge NiMH batteries.
Battery life will be shorter if NiMH batteries are used. Carbon-zinc
batteries are not recommended because of the danger of battery acid
leakage.

Using the Optional AC Adapter

When using the AC adapter, the batteries (if installed) will be bypassed.
Be sure to provide the correct voltage and frequency, which is marked
on the back of the AC adapter. The AC adapter will not recharge the
batteries.

IRFLOW LCA501 is powered with four size AA

IRFLOW

Attaching the Handle

To attach the handle, screw the handle into the bottom of the rotating
vane head until secure. Remove the handle after use to prevent damage
to either the head or the handle.

Using the Optional Articulating Extension

The articulating extension allows you to secure the vane head at nearly
any angle. Once you have attached the articulating extension, you can
unscrew the swivel adjustment bolt, and adjust the angle of the elbow.
You can then adjust the pivot position of the head by partially
unscrewing the head from the handle and tightening it with the knurled
knob, located underneath the vane head.

Connecting to a Computer

Use the Computer Interface USB Cable provided with the Alnor
RVA501/A
downloading stored data or for remote polling. Connect the end labeled
“COMPUTER” to the computer USB port and the other end to the data port
of the Alnor RVA501/A

IRFLOW LCA501 to connect the instrument to a computer for

IRFLOW LCA501. Then run the LogDat2

3

downloading software. Within the LogDat2 software, either select the tests
to be downloaded or double-click on a test to open it.

For more information on how to download stored data see Chapter 3 section

LogDat2™ Downloading Software.

titled

Caution: This symbol is used to indicate that the data port
of the Alnor RVA501/A

IRFLOW LCA501 is not intended for

connection to a public telecommunications network.
Connect the USB data port only to another USB port.

4 Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Operation

Keypad Functions

ON/OFF Key

Arrow (ST) Keys

 (Enter) Key

Arrow (g or h) and
Menu Soft Keys

Common Terms

In this manual there are several terms that are used in different places. The
following is a brief explanation of the meanings of those terms.

Sample

Test ID

Press to turn the Alnor RVA501/A
LCA501 on and off. During the power up
sequence the display will show the following:
Model Number, Serial Number, Software Revision
and Last Date Calibrated.

Press to scroll through choices while setting a
parameter.

Press to accept a value or condition.

Press arrow keys to change choices while setting a
parameter. Press the Menu soft key to select the
Menu selections, which are Display Setup,
Settings, Flow Setup, Data Logging and
Calibration.

Consists of all of the measurement parameters
stored at the same time.

A group of samples. The statistics (average, minimum,
maximum, and count) are calculated for each test ID.
The maximum number of test IDs is 100.

IRFLOW

Time Constant

The time constant is an averaging period. It is used
to dampen the display. If you are experiencing
fluctuating flows, a longer time constant will slow
down those fluctuations. The display will update
every second, but the displayed reading will be the
average over the last time constant period. For
example, if the time constant is 10 seconds, the
display will update every second, but the displayed
reading will be the average from the last 10 seconds.
This is also referred to as a “moving average”.

5

Menus

DISPLAY SETUP

Display setup menu is where you will setup the desired parameters to be
displayed on the running screen. With a parameter highlighted you can then
use the ON soft key to have it show up on the running screen or select the
OFF soft key to turn off the parameter. Use PRIMARY soft key to have a
parameter show up on the running screen in a larger display. Only one
parameter can be selected as a primary, and up to 2 secondary parameters
can be selected at one time.

SETTINGS

Settings menu is where you can set the general settings. These include
Language, Beeper, Select Units, Time Constant, Contrast, Set Time, Set
Date, Time Format, Date Format, Number Format, Backlight and Auto Off.
Use the g
use the  key to accept settings.

FLOW SET UP

In Flow Setup mode, there are 3 types: Round Duct, Rectangle Duct and
Duct Area. Use the g or h soft keys to scroll through the types and then
press the  key to accept the desired type. To change the value, highlight the
Enter Settings option and press the  key.

or h soft keys to scroll through the settings for each option and

DATA LOGGING

Measurements

Measurements to be logged are independent of measurements on the
display, and must therefore be selected under DATA LOGGING Æ
Measurements.

Log Mode/Log Settings

You can set Log Mode to Manual or Auto-save.

• Manual mode does not automatically save data, but instead prompts

the user to save a sample.

• In Auto-save mode, the user manually takes samples that are

automatically logged.

• In Cont-key mode, the user starts taking readings and logging by

pressing the  key. The instrument will continue taking
measurements until the  key is pressed again.

6 Chapter 3

• Auto-save and Cont-Key modes use Log Interval under the

Log Settings:

Log Settings

Mode

Auto-save Log Interval
Cont-key Log Interval

• Use Cont-key mode with Log Interval set to 1 second to take a

Sweep measurement across an area.

Delete Data

Use this to delete all data, delete test or delete sample.

% Memory

This option displays the memory available. Delete All, under Delete
Data, will clear memory and reset the memory available.

LogDat2

The Alnor RVA501/A

™ Downloading Software

IRFLOW LCA501 comes with special software called

LogDat2 Downloading Software, which is designed to provide you with
maximum flexibility and power. To install this software on your computer,
follow the instructions on the label of the LogDat2 CD-ROM.

To download data from the Alnor RVA501/A
supplied computer interface USB cable to the Alnor RVA501/A

IRFLOW LCA501, connect the

IRFLOW

LCA501 and to a computer USB port. Then run the LogDat2 downloading
software. Within the LogDat2 software, either select the tests to be
downloaded or double-click on a test to open it.

Operation 7

Chapter 4

Maintenance

The Alnor RVA501/AIRFLOW LCA501 requires very little maintenance to
keep it performing well.

Recalibration

To maintain a high degree of accuracy in your measurements, we
recommend that you return your Alnor RVA501/A
for annual recalibration. Please contact one of TSI’s offices or your local
distributor to make service arrangements and to receive a Return Material
Authorization (RMA) number. To fill out an online RMA form, visit TSI’s
website at

U.S. & International UK

TSI Incorporated
Alnor Products Stirling Road
500 Cardigan Road Cressex Business Park
Shoreview MN 55126-3996 High Wycombe
Tel: [phone] Bucks
[phone] HP12 3RT United Kingdom
Fax: [phone] Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

The Alnor RVA501/A
using the CALIBRATION menu. These field adjustments are intended to
make minor changes in calibration to match a user's calibration standards.
The field adjustment is NOT intended as a complete calibration capability.
For complete, multiple-point calibration and certification, the instrument
must be returned to the factory.

http://service.tsi.com.

TSI Instruments Ltd.

IRFLOW LCA501 can also be recalibrated in the field

IRFLOW LCA501 to TSI

Cases

If the instrument case or storage case needs cleaning, wipe it off with a soft
cloth and isopropyl alcohol or a mild detergent. Never immerse the Alnor
RVA501/A
RVA501/A
replaced immediately to prevent access to hazardous voltage.

Storage

Remove the batteries when storing the unit for more than one month to
prevent damage due to battery leakage.

IRFLOW LCA501. If the enclosure of the Alnor
IRFLOW LCA501 or the AC adapter becomes broken, it must be

9

Chapter 5

Troubleshooting

Table 5-1 lists the symptoms, possible causes, and recommended solutions
for common problems encountered with the Alnor RVA501/A
LCA501. If your symptom is not listed, or if none of the solutions solves
your problem, please contact TSI.

Table 5-1: Troubleshooting the Alnor RVA501/A

Symptom Possible Causes Corrective Action

No Display Unit not turned on Switch unit on.
Low or dead batteries Replace batteries or plug

Dirty battery contacts Clean the battery

Velocity reading
fluctuates unstable

Instrument Error
message appears

Fault in instrument Factory service required

Fluctuating flow Reposition probe in

Memory is full Download data if desired,

IRFLOW LCA501

in AC adapter.

contacts.

less-turbulent flow or use
longer time constant.

then DELETE ALL
memory.

on instrument.

WARNING!

Remove the probe from excessive temperature immediately:
excessive heat can damage the sensor. Operating temperature limits
can be found in Appendix A, Specifications.

IRFLOW

11

Appendix A

Specifications

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Velocity:

Range: 50 to 6,000 ft/min (0.25 to 30 m/s)
Accuracy: ±1.0% of reading ±4 ft/min (±0.02 m/s)

Duct Size:

Range: 0 to 173.6 ft

Volumetric Flow Rate:

Range: Actual range is a function of actual velocity and duct area

Temperature:

Range: 32 to 140°F (0 to 60°C)
Accuracy: ±2°F (±0.5°C)
Resolution: 0.1°F (0.1°C)

Instrument Temperature Range:

Operating (Electronics): 40 to 113°F (5 to 45°C)
Operating (Vane Head): 32 to 140°F (0 to 60°C)
Storage: -4 to 140°F (-20 to 60°C)

Instrument Operating Conditions:

Altitude up to 4000 meters
Relative humidity up to 80% RH, non-condensing
Pollution degree 1 in accordance with IEC 664
Transient over voltage category II

Data Storage Capabilities:

Range: 12,700+ samples and 100 test IDs (one sample can contain

fourteen measurement types)

Logging Interval:

Intervals: 1 second to 1 hour

2

(0 to 16 m2)

Time Constant:

Intervals: User selectable

External Meter Dimensions:

3.3 in. × 7.0 in. × 1.8 in. (8.4 cm × 17.8 cm × 4.4 cm)

Meter Weight:

Weight with batteries: 0.6 lbs (0.27 kg)

13

Power Requirements:

Four AA-size batteries (included) or AC adapter (optional) 9 VDC, 300 mA,
4-18 watts (input voltage and frequency vary depending on which adapter is
used)

14 Appendix A

TSI Incorporated
500 Cardigan Road
Shoreview, MN 55126 USA
Toll Free [phone]
Telephone [phone]
Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]
Web: www.alnor.com

France Tel: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail]
Germany Tel: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail]

Part No. 1980586 Rev. C
Copyright © 2008 by TSI Incorporated

TSI Instruments Ltd.
Stirling Road
Cressex Business Park
High Wycombe
Bucks
HP12 3RT United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]
Web: www.airflowinstruments.co.uk

Quality Assured to ISO 9001:2000

Website: www.tsiinc.fr

Website: www.tsiinc.de