APAR AR236.B User manual

USER MANUAL
AR236.B AR232.B
BATTERY - POWERED RECORDERS
OF HUMIDITY AND/OR TEMPERATURE
Version 2.0.4
2019.03.13
APAR - SALES OFFICE
05-090 Raszyn, ul. Gałczyńs iego 6
Tel. [phone]
E-mail: automaty [e-mail]
www:
www.apar.pl

2
!
Thank you for choosing our product.
This manual will enable proper handling, secure
operating and full use of the recorder's capabilities.
Before assembling and starting the device please read
and understand this manual.
If you have any additional questions, please contact our technical consultant.
TAB E OF CONTENTS
1. RU ES OF SAFE USE. .......................................................................................................................................3
2. GENERA CHARACTERISTICS OF RECORDERS..........................................................................................3
3. CONTENT OF THE SET....................................................................................................................................4
4. TECHNICA DATA............................................................................................................................................4
5. DIMENSIONS OF HOUSING AND DESCRIPTION OF EXTERNA E EMENTS.......................................6
6. DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE BUTTONS AND LCD DISPLAY..............................7
7. CONNECTING TO A COMPUTER AND INSTA ING USB DRIVERS ........................................................8
8. SOFTWARE INSTA ATION............................................................................................................................8
9. SETTING CONFIGURATION PARAMETERS...........................................................................................8
9.1. INTERNA C OCK OPTIONS................................................................................................................9
9.2. RECORDING OPTIONS..........................................................................................................................9
9.3. DISP AY AND MEASUREMENTS OPTIONS.....................................................................................10
9.4. BUTTONS' FUNCTIONS AND ACCESS OPTIONS...........................................................................11
9.4.1. HAND ING B UETOOTH RADIO COMMUNICATION (B E)..............................................12
9.5. A ARMS' CONFIGURATION...............................................................................................................12
10. CREATING AND REVIEWING RECORDED MEASUREMENTS AND EVENTS.....................................14
11. SIGNA ING MESSAGES AND ERRORS....................................................................................................14
12. IMPORTANT EXPLOITATION REMARKS. TROUBLESHOOTING................................................15
13. BATTERY REP ACEMENT...........................................................................................................................16
14. USER'S NOTES..............................................................................................................................................16
Special attention should be paid to texts mar ed with this sign
The manufacturer reserves the right to ma e changes to the design and software of the device without any deterioration of technical parameters (some
functions may not be available in older versions). Upgrading to the latest firmware version may require reconfiguration of the device.
!

3
!
1. RULES OF SAFE USE
Before using the device, carefully read this manual and ensure proper wor ing conditions, in accordance with technical
data (chapter 4, humidity, temperature, etc.), also do not expose the recorder and measurement probe to direct and
strong influence of thermal radiation.
The device has been designed to provide an adequate level of resistance to most of the disturbances that can occur in
wor ing environments. However, in environments with an un nown level of interference, it is recommended to use the
following measures to prevent any possible disruption of the device's operation:
a) avoid routing the measuring probe in the immediate vicinity and parallel to the power and supply lines
b) avoid proximity of devices with radio communication, high power, with phase or group power control and other
devices generating large electromagnetic, conducted and radiated interference
c) ground or neutralize the metal rails on which the rail devices are mounted
Before starting wor ing with the device, remove the protective foil of the LCD display.
2. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RECORDERS
 registration of humidity and/or temperature of air or other neutral gases with display of measurements
 available models: AR236.B (relative humidity and temperature measurement), AR232.B (temperature measurement)
 configurable architecture enabling use in many fields and applications (for industrial, office and residential
environments, inside and outside buildings, e.g. warehousing, production, transport, food sector, pharmacy,
medicine, gardening, laboratories and others)
 saving data in a standard text file located in the internal memory of the recorder in the FAT system with the option of
reading through the USB interface and available software and editing in any spreadsheet such as Microsoft Excel or
OpenOffice Calc
 high quality and accuracy digital relative humidity (%RH) and/or temperature (°C/°F) sensor with a protective filter
(measuring probe integrated with the casing or external one on the cable)
 tight casing (IP65 protection level) ensures high operational reliability due to high resistance against penetration of
water and dust and harmful condensation of steam inside the device
 portable casing with a handle for easy mounting on vertical and horizontal surfaces (after using an additional table
base or other user's solutions)
 two-line readable LCD display with icons and measuring units, showing measured values, operating and memory
status of the device, battery level and other diagnostic messages
 the possibility of presenting current measurements (relative humidity and/or temperature), calculated values
(dew/frost point [°C/°F] and absolute humidity [g/m3]), measurement statistics (maximum, minimum, average) and
cloc , available HOLD function (stopping measurements)
 power supply from durable AA lithium battery with easy replacement
 long wor ing time on a new battery - up to 15 years, depending on the recording interval, device operating
temperature, presence and method of alarm signalling and Bluetooth Low Energy radio communication status (BLE)
 internal cloc with the possibility of precise correction of real time counting
 F button for quic selection of one of the programmed functions: date and time display, memory status,
measurement statistics, measured or calculated values, START/STOP button bloc ing, alarm memory clearing,
switching on/off the Bluetooth wireless communication (BLE, optional equipment)
 programmable function of START/STOP button: measurement refresh only, start/stop or pause/resume of recording
(with or without HOLD function), presentation of memory status (recording method, number of occupied memory
and how long will it be enough for)
 a wide range of ways to start recording (continuous, limited by date and time, periodic daily, only during an alarm or
manually controlled with the START/STOP button)
 recording in endless mode (when the memory is full, the oldest archives are deleted) or until the memory is full
(registration is stopped), total capacity up to 104/94 thousand (AR232.B/AR236.B) records
 programmable archive file size for endless record (number of records)
 included free software (for Windows 7/8/10) enabling reading and graphical or text presentation of recorded results
(ARSOFT-LOG) and configuration and copying of device parameters (ARSOFT-CFG), updates available on the website
 free application for mobile devices (smartphone or tablet) to read measurements via the Bluetooth Low Energy
interface (MyAmbience for Android to be downloaded from Google Play and for iOS from the App Store, for SHT31
Smart Gadget from Sensirion, English version)

4
 the ability to copy archival and configuration files directly via the computer's USB port
 programmable password protection for access against unauthorized reading, copying and modification of archival
and configuration data
 chec sum allowing to detect unauthorized modification of the archive
 the possibility of differentiating archives from many recorders through individual assignment of an identification
number (ID)
 programmable types of alarms for humidity and temperature (below or above the threshold with hysteresis, inside
band or out of band), intensity, alarm memory and time of insensitivity after resetting alarms memory
 alarm signalling with pulsating LED diodes and sounds (built-in low-volume buzzer)
 programmable displayed values (measurement values, calculated values, statistics or cloc ), recording and alarms
options, and other configuration parameters, such as zero calibration of the measured quantity, type of thermome-
tric scale (Celsius [°C] or Fahrenheit [°F]), indications resolution, identification number (ID), state of the BLE interface, etc.
 saving in archives files the data and events, such as measured or calculated values, USB connection/disconnection,
start/stop or pause /resume of recording, low battery level, parameter configuration, etc., with order numbers, time
stamps and chec sum
 temperature compensation of humidity (for AR236.B) and high long-term stability of measurements
 dew/frost point (°C /°F) and absolute humidity (g/m3) calculated on the base of the measurement of the relative
humidity (%RH) and sensor's temperature (°C/°F) for constant atmospheric pressure of 1013hPa (for AR236.B)
 intuitive operation, easy configuration and clear signalling of device operation states
 available accessories (you can also buy it through the online store apar.sklep.pl):
- 3.6V lithium battery type AA (R6), 2450mAh, (e.g. SAFT type LS14500)
- table base (standing)
NOTE:
- before wor ing with the recorder, read this user manual, perform the operations described in chapters 7 and 8, and then
set the operating parameters correctly (chapter 9)
- by default, the recorder is configured for the presentation of the relative humidity (%RH) and / or sensor temperature (°C)
with data recording off, the F button starts the date and time view, the START/STOP button only refreshes the measure-
ment with the memory status display (recording mode, the amount occupied and how long it will be enough for)
- for humidity and temperature recorder AR236.B it is recommended to periodically chec and/or calibrate the device in
accordance with the requirements applicable at the place of use or every 12 months
3. CONTENT OF THE SET
 recorder with 3.6V AA lithium battery (e.g. SAFT type LS14500)
 USB cable (A - micro B) for connection to a computer, length 1.5 m
 user's manual, warranty card
 non-obligatory CD with drivers and software (Windows 7/8/10, also available on the website www.apar.pl in the
Download Software section)
4. TECHNICAL DATA
Mea uring probe
(integrated with the casing or
on a 1.5 m long cable, do not pour water over it)
AR236.B
sensor SHT31 from Sensirion, ABS cover (gap
width 1mm)
and stainless steel mesh (mesh size 0.15mm)
AR232.B
a digital sensor placed in a stainless steel tube
Mea uring range for the probe
(other than the nominal operating
condition, in the table below)
-
humidity
AR236.B
0 ÷
100
% RH
(does not apply to AR232.B)
-
temperature
-
30 ÷ 80
°C (for each version of AR236.B and AR232.B/1),
-50 ÷ 120 ° C (AR232.B/2 - with probe on the wire)
Mea urement accuracy
-
humidity
AR236.B
typically ±2 %RH (maximum ±2.5 %RH in the range 0 ÷ 90
%
RH and ± 3.5 %RH in the range 90÷100 %RH)
-
temperature
AR236.B
typically ±0.3 °C (maximum ±0.4 °C)
AR232.B
±
0.5
° C in the range
-
10 ÷ 85
° C,
±0.5 ÷ 2 °C in the remaining range
!

5
Mea uring re olution
0.1 %RH/°C, for displaying, programmable 0.1 or 1
Hy tere i
(not applicable to AR232.B)
± 0.8 % RH
Long
-
term tability (3)
<0.25
%
RH/year (does not apply to AR232.B)
Re pon e time
(63%)
8s (airflow required> 3.6 m/h, 1m/s)
Mea urement update period
5s (on battery power and always for Bluetooth
communica
-
tion) or 1s (after connecting to the computer's USB port)
Working environment
air and neutral gases, dust
-
free (for AR236.B)
Communication interface for
a computer
USB (micro B connector), drivers for Windows 7/8/10
Bluetooth L
ow Energy radio interface
(optional)
BLE, version 4.2, range (depending on the type of obstacles,
the relative location and used mobile equipment) < 9m
Data memory
(4MB, internal, non-volatile, FLASH type, FAT
file system)
up to 94/104 thousand
(AR236.B/AR232.B) records in
endless
(circular) mode or until memory is full
Data recording interval
(1)
programmable from 5s to 8 hours, every 5s
Real time clock
(RTC)
quartz, date (yyyy: mm: dd), time (hh: mm: ss),
includes leap years, with the correction of time counting
Optical and audio
ignalling
LCD display, 2 LED red alarm diodes, buzzer (low volume,
for
wor ing in silent environment)
LCD di play
(without bac light)
2 lines of 4 digits, 7
-
segment, 8 mm high,
signalling
icons
and measurement units
Power upply
(lithium battery)
3.6V size AA (R6), 2450mAh,
e.g. SAFT type LS14500
Working time of a new battery
(2)
up to 15 years
(
at
20 ÷ 30°C
)
, battery level indication
Nominal operating condition
-
20 ÷ 70°C, <100% RH (without
condensation)
Ca ing
portable, ABS material, light
grey
color
Protection level
IP65 for housing, IP41 for measuring probe (for AR236.B)
Ca ing dimen ion
(details in chapter 5)
77x111x32 mm (without probe and hanging holder)
Operating po ition
any pos
ition or sensor cover down when the probe is
exposed to direct contact with water
Weight
~ 150g (with battery and probe integrated with the casing)
Note :
(1) - registration is always held (pause) during connection to the computer's USB port
(2) - estimated wor ing time depends on the data recording interval, alarm and Bluetooth (BLE) status and operating temperature:
a) up to 15 years (recording interval >30min, alarms and BLE always off, operating temperature 20 ÷ 30°C)
b) at least 8 years (recording interval >25s, alarms and BLE always off, 20 ÷ 30°C)
c) 16 months (recording interval >25s, BLE or alarms every 1s with sound signalling continuously present, 20÷30°C)
d) 22 months (5 s recording interval, alarms and BLE always off, 20÷30°C)
e) 10 months (5 s recording interval, BLE or alarms every 1s with sound signalling continuously present, 20 ÷ 30°C)
f) 6 months (5 s recording interval, BLE and alarms every 1s with sound signalling continuously present, 20÷30°C)
g) for alarms occurring sporadically and with the signaling set every 5s, the above times will be significantly longer
h) at temperatures around -20° C and +70°C, the above times will be shortened by about 25 ÷ 30% (depending on the type of battery)
i) it is possible to use a USB power adaptor (AC power adaptor or powerban , with the battery continuously present and functioning as
a bac -up power supply), however it may cause disturbances in the device operation due to the reduction of resistance to harmful
external factors at the installation site, such as water, dust, surges in the power grid, etc.
(3) - for humidity and temperature recorder AR236.B it is recommended to periodically chec and/or calibrate the device in accordance with
the requirements applicable at the place of use or every 1 year

6
5. DIMENSIONS OF CASING AND DESCRIPTION OF EXTERNAL ELEMENTS
a) casing dimensions in the standard version (integrated measuring probe, AR236.B/1, AR232.B/1)
Table 5. Items Description
Fig.5.1. Front view Fig.5.2. Side view
b) dimensions for measuring probes on the cable (versions AR236.B/2 and AR232.B/2)
NOTE:
- to unscrew the USB cover you can use a small coin or
other item, e.g. a flat screwdriver with a width tip of about
10mm, ta ing care not to lose this cover
- obtaining a high IP65 tightness class requires correct
mounting of the battery cover and the USB cover with
rubber gas ets and o-rings provided in the set
- don’t unscrew the USB cover, when condensation on the
device is possible (e.g. after ta ing out from the fridge).
Wait until the recorder reach ambient temperature, to
avoid potential malfunction. If necessary, during this
time, recordings can be stopped by programmed
START/STOP ey (chapter 6).
Fig.5.3. View of the measuring probes on the cable
Item
De cription

hanging holder to hang on hoo /screw

alarm LED diodes for relative humidity
(%RH, ) and sensor temperature (°C/°F,
), description in chapter 9.5

LCD display, chapter 6b

function eys, description in chapter 6

soc et cover for USB for communication
with the computer and the power supply
adaptor (note 2h in chapter 4), details in
chapter 7 and 12

measuring probe (integrated with the
casing or on cable, description in point b)

battery cover with handle  , battery
replacement procedure is described in
chapter 13
!
Dimensions
in mm

7
F
START
STOP
6. DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE BUTTONS AND LCD DISPLAY
a) functions of the F and START/STOP buttons
Key De cription and the method of mar ing in the content of the manual
F - starting the function programmed with the parameter F b tton f nction (chapter 9.4),
default setting: date and time view
START/STOP - starting the function programmed with the parameter START/STOP b tton
f nction (ch.9.4), default: refreshing the measurement with displaying the memory status
+
F
and
START/STOP
(simultaneously): - display
Device stat s
: firmware version, time, memory
status (upper row, chapter 9.4, note 1), battery voltage [V], MAC address for BLE (4 digits)
- deleting statistics and alarm memory (after holding time 4-9s), chapter 9.4, note 5
b) functions of LCD display elements
Fig.6. View of all segments of the display
F
START
STOP
Item
De cription
[
and the method of mar ing in the content of the manual
]
1, 2
upper and lower row for presentation (in 7
-
segment code) of measured values or time (description in
chapter 9.3) and other messages and errors (chapter 11)
3
[BAT]
- battery level icon
4
[USB]
- icon of connecting to a USB port of a computer or power supply adaptor
5
[TX / RX]
- icon of the USB transmission and recording/reading of the recorder's memory
6
[

]
saving the archive file is active [REC] - registration status icon (missing, in progress or pause),
registration options are described in chapter 9.2
[

]
pause (pausing the archive recording)
7
Bluetooth module turned on and ready
to be connected to a mobile device
[BLE] - status icon for Bluetooth wireless interface, description in
chapter 9.4.1, if there is no icon - BLE module turned off or
absent, possible signal level indication: (wea but within
range), (medium), (strong)
the level of the Bluetooth radio signal
from the connected mobile device
8
[NOTE]
message and
error icon (it
always appears
together with
other icons and
codes)
[

]
+ recording pause after using the
START/STOP key
, chapter 9.4
+
[

]
+ recording pause after connecting to the computer's USB port
[] + Stor Erro + recording pause due to memory error (e.g., full)
+
very low battery level (description
of
replacement in chapter 13
)
Prob Erro or ----
+
lac of communication with the measuring probe (damage/ mi-
ssing sensor or interruption of electrical connections, see ch. 11)
+ bLE Erro + error of the Bluetooth module, additional description in chap.11
9
measuring units of displayed values
(display options are described in chapter
9.3)
%RH
relative humidity
g/m3
absolute humidity
°C or °F
temperature (
Celsius or Fahrenheit scale)
°C or °F and

dew/frost point temperature
!
!
!
!
!
!

8
!
7. CONNECTING TO A COMPUTER AND INSTALLING USB DRIVERS
Connecting the recorder to the computer's USB port is necessary in order to configure device parameters and to
download files with registered data. Access to the USB soc et of the recorder is protected by a protective cap, which must
be unscrewed before connecting and screwed bac again after disconnecting the USB cable.
The supplied ARSOFT series support software for Windows is described in the further part of the manual.
After the first connection, Windows (7/8/10) will detect the recorder under the name Composite device USB or AR23x
(AR236 or AR232) and will request the installation of virtual COM serial port drivers (MODBUS-RTU protocol, used by the
ARSOFT software). In the device manager or the add new hardware creator, you must manually indicate the location
containing the drivers (CD-ROM, DRIVERS catalogue or downloaded from the website www.apar.pl).
In Windows 8/10 systems, you can use the automatic driver software download from the Windows Update site. In
Windows 7, from the Device Manager level, the manual installation is as follows:
1. right-clic on the AR23x position and select Update Driver Software, and then Browse My Comp ter for Driver
Software
2. use the Browse button to indicate on the dis the location (DRIVERS folder) containing the drivers and clic Next
3. installation of the virtual COM port USB serial device, press the Close button
4. additionally, in the Disc drives branch, the system detects and installs APAR AR23x USB Device
After the installation is completed, the recorder appears in the system as a removable dis with a capacity of
approximately 4MB with the AR23x label and a virtual COMx serial port (x-port number: 1, 2..). The serial port uses the
MODBUS-RTU protocol.
In the internal memory (removable dis ) a text configuration file is visible: AR23x.B.cfg or AR23x.BT.cfg (for the version with
Bluetooth), an additional description in Chapter 9.
NOTE:
- do not disconnect the device from the computer before the installation of the drivers is completed
- connection of the recorder to the USB port of the computer stops the recording until the cable is disconnected and
bloc s a preview of the memory status available from the device's buttons level (with the message Stor buSY)
8. SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
Provided CD-ROM contains in the SOFTWARE folder an installation set of free software for operating the recorder (via the
USB port). This set includes the following applications (for Windows 7/8/10):
Name
De cription of the program
ARSOFT-CFG
(parameters
configuration)
-
displaying current measurement data as well as date and time,
- configuration of the real time cloc (RTC) and other parameters such as options for registration,
display, alarms, function eys, access, etc. (chapter 9),
- creating configuration files on the dis containing the current parameters' settings for re-use
(bac up or duplication of configuration)
ARSOFT
-
LOG
(reading
archives)
archiving on a computer dis and graphic or text presentation of recorded results with the possibility
of printing, input data are downloaded from a text file with the extension csv created in the recorder
in the internal memory (chapter 10)
The late t versions of the above programs are also available on the website ( www.apar.pl Download  Software section).
Detailed descriptions of the above mentioned applications can be found in the installation folders. To ensure trouble-free
recorder operation, you should not use many ARSOFT applications at the same time.
9. SETTING CONFIGURATION PARAMETERS
All configuration parameters of the recorder are contained in the non-volatile internal memory (FLASH type) in the text
file AR23x.B.cfg (where x is 6 or 2) or AR23x.BT.cfg (for the version with Bluetooth).
Programming ta es place via the USB port and the ARSOFT-CFG computer program:
- connect the recorder to the computer port and run the ARSOFT-CFG application
- when the connection is established, in the program window, the current measured values, battery voltage are displayed
as well as internal time and date of the recorder, presence of the transmission is indicated by the [TX / RX] icon of the
display

9
- setting and viewing device parameters is available in the parameter configuration window
- new parameter values must be confirmed with the S bmit changes button
- the program allows you to synchronize time and date with your computer
- the current configuration can be saved to a file or set with values read from the file
- the recorder updates the configuration file with the extension cfg after disconnection from the computer's USB port (on
condition that the battery voltage > 3.1V)
NOTE:
!
- before disconnecting the device from the computer, use the Disconnect button
- in the absence of a response:
- chec and correctly set the COM port number in the Edit device config ration window
- ma e sure that the serial port drivers have been installed correctly (chapter 7)
- disconnect for a few seconds and reconnect the recorder to the USB port
- restart the ARSOFT-CFG and/or the computer
- ta e out the battery from the recorder for a few seconds (as described in chapter 13)
To set the default parameter configuration, use the ARSOFT-CFG program. Default password can be restored by ta ing
out the battery and putting it again while pressing the buttons F and START/STOP continuously until the appearance of
a message PASS rESt , and then set the cloc .
9.1. INTERNAL CLOCK OPTIONS
The time and date of the internal cloc are used as timestamps for recording with the possibility of presenting on the LCD
display and in the ARSOFT-CFG program. In addition, if there is a need, a precise adjustment of the time counting speed is
available (when the cloc is in a hurry or late). Discharging and replacement or lac of battery causes the cloc to be reset
and requires setting time and date again after the power is restored.
Table 9.1. Parameters of the internal time cloc
Parameter
Range of
parameter variability
Date
(dd: mm: yyyy)
01.01.2018
÷
31.12.2099
Time
(hh: mm: ss)
00:00:00
÷
23:59:59
Correction of time co nting
-
10.0
÷
10.0
seconds/day - decrease or increase the speed of time counting
9.2. RECORDING OPTIONS
Data archiving ta es place in a text file with the extension csv in the internal memory, a detailed description of the
recording format can be found in chapter 10. The recording can be done in endless mode (when the memory is full, the
oldest archives are deleted) or until the memory is full (the message Stor Erro , then the archive files should be copied
for further analysis and then the space should be released to re-registration). Data recording interval and Type of archive
saving and other recording options should be adapted to the needs of the application.
Table 9.2. Configuration parameters regarding the recording options
Parameter Range of parameter variability and de cription
Default
etting
Data recording interval
every 5s to 8 hours
(1)
, also included in the memory status presentation (ch. 9.4.) 2 min
Recording type (2)
(chapter 10)
disabled
recording is permanently off
the possibility of setting these values
with the START/STOP button, ch. 9.4
disabled
contin o s
recording is permanently on
limited by
date and time
active recording in the scope of Date and Time defined by the
parameters Recording start time and Recording end time
periodic
daily (ho rly)
recording active in hours from-to defined by the parameters
Recording start time and Recording end time
o
nly d ring
an
alarm
recording active only during the occurrence of any of the alarms
(chapter 9.6)

10
Recording start time
Date
:
01.01.2018
÷
31.12.2099
,
Time
:
00:00:00
÷
23:59:59,
active parameter when
Recording type = limited by date and time or periodic daily
2018.01.01
00:00:00
Recording end time
Date
:
01.01.2018
÷
31.12.2099
,
Time
:
00:00:00
÷
23:59:59,
active parameter when
Recording type = limited by date and time or cyclical daily
2018.01.01
23:59:55
Type of archive saving
(also used in memory
status presentation,
chapter 9.4)
c
irc lar
(endless)
when the memory is full, the oldest archives are deleted
(according
to the parameter Maxim m size of archive files) circular
(endless)
ntil the
memory is f ll
recording is stopped, total capacity is approx. 94/104 thousand
(AR236.B/AR232.B) records (measurements and other events)
Maxim m size of archive
files for circ lar record (3)
2 MB
2 files, each with a capacity of ~47/52 th. records (AR236.B/AR232.B)
1 MB
(4 files)
1 MB
4 files, each with a capacity of ~24/26 th. records (AR236.B/AR232.B)
0.5 MB
8 files, each with a capacity of ~12/13 th. records (as above)
0.25 MB
16 files, each with a capacity of ~ 6/6.5 thousand records (as above)
Archive identification
n mber (ID) 0 ÷ 999
the device number used in the archive file name and records (
csv
)
to distinguish archives from multiple recorders, should be set
before the recording begins
0
1-st channel logged val e
absol te h midity
(g/m3)
selection
of the first measured or
calculated value (g/m3) to be
recorded in the archive file (descry-
ption of the record in chapter 10)
relative
humidity
(%RH)
relative h midity
(% RH)
sensor's temperat re (°C/°F)
2-nd channel logged
val e
relative
h midity
(% RH)
selection of the second measured or
calculated value (dew/frost point) to
be saved in the archive file (descry-
ption of the record in chapter 10)
sensor's
temperature
(°C)
dew/frost
point temperature
(°C/°F)
sensor's temperat re (°C/°F)
Note : (1) - the recording interval is counted from the moment of disconnection from the computer's USB port
(2) - the device does not record data in the file when it is connected to the computer's USB port
(3) - parameter doe not apply when Recording type = periodic daily (new files are created every day with
size depending on the number of records saved, i.e. from the Data recording interval)
9.3. DISPLAY AND MEASUREMENTS OPTIONS
Due to the very low power consumption, the LCD display is always on, providing a lot of useful information about the
operating status of the device. It is possible to configure the type of displayed values.
If there is a discrepancy between the indications and the actual measured values, it is possible to calibrate the
measurements with the parameters Offset for the h midity and Offset for the sensor’s temperat re.
Table 9.3. Configuration parameters for display and measurements options
Parameter Range of parameter variability and de cription
Default
etting
Val e for the pper
display
absol te h midity
(g/m3)
(1)
Selection of values for continuous
presentation on the top and
bottom line of the LCD display.
Measurement statistics are
presented in the following way: 3-
digit value + symbol (^ =
maximum, _ = minimum, - =
average)
relative
humidity
(%RH)
or
sensor's
temperature
(°C/°F)
for AR232.B
relative h midity
(%RH)
(1)
maxim m h midity
(% RH)
(1)
minim m h midity
(% RH)
(1)
average h midity
(% RH)
(1)
sensor temperat re
(°C/°F)
maxim m sensor temperat re
(°C/°F)
minim m
sensor temperat re
(°C/°F)
average sensor temperat re
(°C/°F)
alternately h midity
(%RH)
and sensor
temperat re (°C/°F) (1)

11
Val e for the lower
display
relative h midity
(%RH)
(1)
sensor's
temperature
(°C)
or
time
(hh:mm)
for AR232.B
maxim m h midity
(% RH)
(1)
minim m h midity
(% RH)
(1)
average h midity
(% RH)
(1)
dew point / frost temperat re
(° C / ° F )
(1)
sensor temperat re
(°C/°F)
maxim m sensor temperat re
(°C/°F)
minim m
sensor temperat re
(°C/°F)
average sensor temperat re
(°C/°F)
alternately h midity
(%RH)
and sensor
temperat re (°C/°F) (1)
time
(hh: mm)
Resol tion of h midity
indications (1)
1
%RH or g/m3 selection of the display resolution of humidity and/or
temperature on the LCD display and in the ARSOFT-CFG
program (recording in the archive file always ta es place at a
resolution of 0.1)
0.1 % RH
0.1
% H or g/m3
Resol tion of
temperat re indications
1
(°C/°F) 0.1 °C
0.1
(°C/°F)
Temperat re scale type
Celsi s (°C)
selection of the scale for temperature (also applies to
recording in the archive file) Celsius (°C)
Fahrenheit (°F)
O
ffset for
the
h midity
(1)
-
5.0
÷
5.0
(%RH) zero calibration for the measured relative humidity and
temperature of the sensor (also applies to the recording in
the archive file)
0.0 %RH
O
ffset for the sensor's
temperat re -5.0 ÷ 5.0 (°C/°F) 0.0 °C
Note : (1) - the parameter or value does not appear in AR232.B
9.4. BUTTONS' FUNCTIONS AND ACCESS OPTIONS
Table 9.4. Configuration parameters regarding button functions and access options
Parameter Range of parameter variability and de cription
Default
etting
F b tton f nction
display date
(dd.mm)
and time
(hh:mm)
display date
(dd.mm) and
time (hh:mm)
display
the memory stat s (the way of recording, the amo nt occ pied memory
and how long it will be eno gh for) (1)
display statistics of meas rements
(maximum, minimum, average), %RH
(6)
,°C/°F
(2)
display absol te h midity and dew/frost
point
, g/m3, °C or °F and 
(6)
display relative h midity and sensor's temperat re
, %RH, °C/°F
(6)
START/STOP b tton lock (indicated by the message bLoc on / off)
clear the alarm memory (indicated by the message ALAr cLEA, chapter 9.5)
Bl etooth t rn on/off (with the message bLE 8888 / oFF, chapters 9.4.1 and 11)
START/STOP b tton
f nction
(always with memory
status display (1))
meas rement
refresh
only
measurement
refresh only
start/stop of
recording
(continuous/disabled), signalling with LCD icon
[

]
or lac
(4)
pa se/res me of
recording
, indicated by icons
[

] +
(pause) or
[

]
pa se/res m
e
of meas rements and
recording
(HO D function)
(3)
,
[

] +
/
[

]
Meas rement statistics
and alarm clearing by
the START b tton
disabled deleted only with pressing F+START/STOP after hold time 4-9s (5)
enabled
enabled additionally deleted with pressing
F
+
START/STOP
after holding time
4-9s (5)
!
!

12
Access protection
to archive data and
configuration
parameters via USB port
disabled - data dis available, password for ARSOFT-CFG and LOG disabled
disabled
f ll - dis not available for exploration, password for ARSOFT-CFG and LOG enabled
for files
only
- dis not available, password for ARSOFT-CFG and LOG disabled
Data access password 0 ÷ 9999
used for configuration in ARSOFT
-
CFG and for reading archives in
ARSOFT-LOG, depending on the Access protection parameter 1111
Bl etooth
off
status of the (optional) Bluetooth module indicated by the [BLE] icon
(detailed description in the table in chapter 6, point b and in ch. 9.4.1) off
on
Note :
(1) - memory status is presented in the following format:
- upper row: the method of recording (symbol o = infinite, no symbol = until the memory is full, chapter 9.2),
amount of occupied memory [%]
- bottom row: how long i it enough for (symbol h = hours, d = days, M = months, time calculated on the basis of
parameter Data recording interval and the amount of available memory, non-archive and additional files
catalogues’ structures reduce the capacity), for an circular (endless) record it is always the maximum value
(2) - statistics are presented according to the description of the parameter Val e for the pper and lower display (ch. 9.3)
(3) – presentation format of the HOLD function (stopping the measurements): 3-digit value + symbol H and LCD icons
(4) - the function automatically changes the Recording type parameter to the disabled or contin o s value (Table 9.2)
(5) - deleting statistics and alarm memory with the F+START/STOP buttons is indicated by the message StAL cLEA
(6) - the parameter or value does not appear in AR232.B
9.4.1. HANDLING BLUETOOTH RADIO COMMUNICATION (BLE)
Bluetooth wireless communication (BLE) enables remote reading of the current measured values and the recorder's
battery level with the use of a mobile device (smartphone or tablet) with Android or iOS system and an available
application. This functionality can be useful and convenient when the recorder is placed out of the user's reach (e.g. in a
different room, outside or in a cold room, fridge, warmer or oven), while providing access to measurement data without
disturbing the climatic conditions at the place of assembly, which could happen if the door is opened in order to read the
display indications.
Activation of the (optional) BLE interface requires the Bl etooth parameter to be set to on value or programming the F
b tton f nction with the Bl etooth t rn on/off value, chapter 9.4. The recorder is visible under the name Smart
Humigadget and can be connected to any compatible device within the BLE range, without a password.
To save battery, it is recommended to provide good range with a connected mobile device and turn off the module when
Bluetooth communication is not used ( the effect of BLE on battery life is given in chapter 4, note 2).
The free application Sensirion MyAmbience (English version) for mobile devices can be downloaded from Google Play (for
Android) and from the App Store (for iOS). The application is dedicated to devices such as Smart Gadget with Sensirion
humidity and temperature sensors. The program allows you to establish connections with several recorders at the same
time (maximum 5, depending on the type of mobile equipment), while the recorder currently connected to one mobile
device is not visible to others (until disconnection). In order to add recorders to the Smart Gadgets list, you can use the Add
new device option and give your own names (Gadget name). For the device selected at the moment, the measurements
are presented in the form of a board (Dashboard) or a graph (Plot) with additional archiving in the memory of the
smartphone/tablet. The devices of the AR23x.B series do not support the function of setting the recording interval
( ogging interval) and synchronization of archived data (Sync now) offered by the application. In addition, for AR232.B
humidity (HUMIDITY) always ta es the value of 0%RH. For uninterrupted transmission, data update ta es place every 5s.
In case of connection problems, chec the Bluetooth settings in the devices and/or restart the MyAmbience application.
9.5. ALARMS' CONFIGURATION
The recorder allows signalling the current alarms and alarms stored for relative humidity and sensor's temperature with
short LED diode flashes and optionally with pulsating sounds, repeated every 1s or 5s. Programmable alarm characteri-
stics are presented in the table below. Alarms memory can be useful for detecting exceeding that has occurred in the
past. In addition, it is possible to set the Insensitivity time (postponement of alarm chec ing) after resetting the alarm
memory, which allows stabilization of measurements and prevention of premature alarms after placing the device in the
target place (e.g. in a cold room) or just disable alarms for defined time using buttons. The alarm memory can be reset by

13
pressing the F and START buttons (chapter 9.4) and additionally always after connecting to the computer's USB port (the
alarm resets with initialization of insensitivity time are then carried out).
It should be remembered that active alarms increase battery consumption, therefore it is recommended to use this
functionality only when it is actually needed. The influence of alarms on the battery life is given in chapter 4 (note 2),
assuming that they are continuously active and signalised with high intensity (parameter Alarms interval = 1s). In
practice, for less frequent alarms and Alarms interval = 5s this effect will be lower and may even be negligible.
Table 9.5. Configuration parameters regarding alarm configuration
Parameter Range of parameter variability and de cription
Default
etting
Alarm type for relative
h midity (1)
and
Alarm type for sensor's
temperat re
Off
alarms are permanently off
Off
(for humidity)
and
Off
(for
temperature)
Inverted
(below
threshold)
Fig.9.5.1 Characteristics of the Inverted type alarm
Direct (above
threshold)
Fig. 9.5.2. Characteristics of the Direct type alarm
Inside of the
band
Fig. 9.5.3. Characteristics of an Inside of the band alarm
O tside of
the band
Fig. 9.5.4. Characteristics of an Outside of the band alarm
Alarm val e for h midity
(%RH)
(1)
0.0
÷
100.0
%RH
50.0 %RH
Hysteresis
for h midity alarm
(%RH)
(1)
0
÷
100.0
%RH
2.0 %RH
Alarm val e for temperat re
(°C/°F)
-
50.0
÷
250.0
°C / °F (applies to sensor temperature)
25.0 ° C
Hysteresis
for temperat re alarm
(°C/°F)
0
÷
230.0
°C / °F (applies to sensor's temperature)
1.0 °C

14
So nd signalling of any alarm
disabled
control with the built-in buzzer (pulsing sounds at low volume
level, for operation in a quiet environment) disabled
enabled
Alarms interval
(intensity)
1s
(intensive)
alarm indication period (applies to LED and buzzer) when battery
powered (for USB communication always 1s)
every 5s (ba-
ttery saving)
5s
(battery power saving)
Alarm memory
disabled
delete using the F and START buttons (chapter 9.4) or after
connecting to the computer's USB port (continuous deleting) disabled
enabled
Insensitivity time after clearing
the alarm memory 0 ÷ 120 min
postponing alarm chec ing
after resetting the alarm memory,
0 = off (alarms are signalled on an ongoing basis)
0 min
(off)
Note : (1) - the parameter or value does not appear in AR232.B
10. CREATING AND REVIEWING RECORDED MEASUREMENTS AND EVENTS
In order to archive data, the recorder creates text files with the extension csv in the internal memory.
Subsequent, new archive files (csv) are created in the following situations:
- when the new recording starts (e.g. when the Recording type parameter = periodic daily (ho rly), new files are created
daily, chapter 9.2)
- when the memory is full with simultaneous deletion of the oldest archives (provided that the parameter Type of archive
saving = circ lar (endless), in the recording options)
- after changing the time and/or date (chapter 9.1) and other parameters such as: Archive identification n mber (ID),
1-st or 2-nd channel logged val e (table 9.2), Temperat re scale type (chapter 9.3)
- after replacing the battery (only if the recording is on, additionally set the time and date, chapter 9.1)
The file name contains the device type (AR23x.B or.BT), Archive identification n mber (ID) and the date and time of
creation, e.g. "AR236.B_1_2018-01-01_10-57-16.csv "(AR236.B, ID = 1, date = 2018-01-01, time = 10:57:16).
The format of a single data record is as follows: "event sequence number; date; time; event identifier; argument 1;
argument 2; chec sum". Sample record for humidity and temperature measurement:
“20;2018-05-09;13:46:30;5;40,4;26,3;IEM1”, where argument 1 = 40.4 %RH, argument 2 = 26.3 °C.
Types and identifiers of recorded events:
- measurement (event 5 ID)
- connection to the USB port (event 0, "USB; CONNECTED")
- disconnection from the USB port (event 1, "USB; DISCONNECT")
- loading a new configuration (event 3, "NEW; ON-LINE" from ARSOFT-CFG or "NEW; OFF-LINE" from the file
AR23x.B.cfg/AR23x.BT.cfg)
- creation of a new "c v" file (event 4, "ID; xxxx", where xxxx - Archive identification n mber (ID) of the device)
- low battery voltage, below 3.1 V (event 6, "LVBAT; x, xx", where x.xx - battery voltage [V])
- pause (holding) of recording with the STOP button (event 10, "REC; PAUSED")
- resuming the recording with the START button (event 11, "REC; RESUMED")
For graphic or text presentation and printout of recorded results, you can import data into the ARSOFT-LOG program via
the computer's USB port. If the recorder dis is not available (parameter Access protection = f ll or for files only, chapter
9.4), enable in the program Options and use the "Unprotect and load via USB" button, and then follow the instruction ma-
nual. ARSOFT-LOG additionally allows you to detect unauthorized modification of the archive by verifying the chec sum.
Alternatively, csv files can be opened in any spreadsheet (e.g. OpenOffice Calc, Microsoft Excel), as well as in various word
processors (Windows WordPad, Notepad ++, etc.).
11. SIGNALING MESSAGES AND ERRORS
The messages appearing on the LCD display are temporary (with a duration of 4-9 seconds) or continuous. To shorten the
presentation time or delete the message, use the F and/or START/STOP buttons.
Table 11. A cumulative list of possible messages, symbols and errors presented on the LCD display
Code
Me age or ymbol de cription
o , h, d, M, H symbols used in the presentation of the memory status and the HOLD function (chapter 9.4, notes 1 and 3)
Stor buSY
bloc ing the memory status view due to the connection of the recorder to the computer's USB port

15
^ , _ , - symbols used in the presentation of measurement statistics (maximum, minimum and average, chapter 9.3)
StAL cLEA
measurement statistics and alarm memory deleted using the F+START/STOP buttons (chapter 9.4, note 4)
ALAr cLEA alarm memory deleted using the F button, chapter 9.4, F b tton f nction
bLoc
on / off loc of the START/STOP button is on (on) or off (off), chapter 9.4, F b tton f nction
PASS rESt default password restored with
F+START/STOP buttons during power up (chapter 9)
Stor Erro
memory error,
e.g. due to
filling up or
too many files and folders (> 110) or damage to the FAT file system,
requiring
cleaning or formatting the recorder dis with a computer (via USB port), if the problem persists, please send the
device bac to the service for the purpose of repair
Prob Erro sensor's error: no communication with the measuring probe (damage/missing sensor or interruption of electrical
connections), if the problem persists, the device should be sent bac to the service for repair
----
bLE
8888 / oFF
Bluetooth interface (BLE) on ( 8888 - last 4 characters of the MAC address) or off (off ), chapters 9.4 and 9.4.1,
F b tton f nction
bLE Erro
potential error of the Bluetooth module (additionally indicated by the [BLE] and [NOTE] icons, chapter 6, point b):
remove the battery for at least 10s, if the problem persists, contact the technical support for additional instructions
and/or send the device bac to the service for repair
12. IMPORTANT EXPLOITATION REMARKS. TROUBLESHOOTING
!
To ensure trouble-free and optimal use of the recorder, read this instruction manual carefully. The description of messages
and errors reported by the device is included in chapter 11.
In order to reduce the power consumption and achieve the longest possible wor ing time without replacing the
batteries, the following recommendations must be observed (estimated wor ing times are given in chapter 4, note 2):
- set the highest possible values of the Data recording interval parameter (recommended> 1min, chapter 9.2)
- turn off the alarms when they are not needed or set Alarms interval to 5s (chapter 9.5, when the buzzer is on every 1s, it
additionally increases the power consumption by approx. 15%)
- provide a good range with a connected mobile device and turn off Bluetooth communication (BLE) when it is not
used (chapter 9.4.1)
- delete unnecessary files in the internal memory before starting the new recording (and chec cloc settings)
After removing the protective cover, there is also the option of powering up via the USB port (power supply adaptor or
powerban , and the battery must be continuously present, because it wor s as a bac -up power supply), however it may
cause disturbances in the device operation due to reduced resistance to harmful external factors at the installation site,
such as water, dust, power grid surges, etc.
In addition, to ensure trouble-free operation and continuous operation, it is advisable to follow the following instructions:
- do not disconnect the device from the computer's USB port before the completion of the installation of the drivers and
during the communication with the ARSOFT-CFG and LOG programs, as well as when operating the recorder's dis
(copying/deleting files, etc.), which is indicated by the [TX/RX] icon on the LCD display, moreover, do not use many
ARSOFT applications at the same time
- do not fill up the memory with your own files and folders because they reduce the capacity for recording data
- store in external memories (USB, computer dis s, etc.) a copy of the current configuration file
(AR23x.B.cfg/AR23x.BT.cfg) to restore the configuration in case of problems or to duplicate settings
- don’t unscrew the USB cover, when condensation on the device is possible (e.g. after ta ing out from the fridge).
Wait until the recorder reach ambient temperature, to avoid potential malfunction. If necessary, during this time,
recordings can be stopped by programmed START/STOP ey (chapter 6)
- replace the battery with a new one as soon as the device starts to indicate a low voltage level (< 3.1V), chapter 13
Turned off LCD display may indicate complete discharging, incorrect installation or lac of battery. In this case, open the
battery cover and chec the correctness of the installation and voltage.
The discharging and replacement or absence of battery causes the cloc to be reset and requires the time and date to be
set again after the power supply is restored (chapters 9 and 9.1), the other configuration parameters remain unchanged.

16
13. BATTERY REPLACEMENT
In order to replace the battery, prepare a Phillips screwdriver and perform the following actions on the table:
- unscrew 2 screws and disassemble the battery cover (at the bac of the casing at the top, Fig.13), being careful not to
lose screws and rubber sealing o-rings, loosely mounted in the screw soc ets under the cover
- replace the battery with a new one of the appropriate type (3.6V, AA, chapter 4) with polarity in the holder
- screw the battery cover in place with the 2 screws (with properly installed o-rings)
NOTE:
!
- when the battery is replaced, the real-time cloc (RTC) is reset and needs to be set again using the ARSOFT-CFG
program, the other parameters remain unchanged
- obtaining a high degree of IP65 protection requires correct mounting of the battery cover and a USB plug with rubber
gas ets included in the set
Fig.13. Opening the battery cover
14. USER’S NOTES