CAP PPM-3 User manual

PPM-3 / Part Per Million CO2Monitor
CAP offers a full range of equipment for the growing enthusiasts. The PPM-3 is the simplest and
most affordable CO2controller available today… from any manufacturer. Perfect for
economically controlling LP or natural gas generators with PPM accuracy.
INSTALLATION
1) The base-plate must be mounted to a wall using the (4) screws provided with the unit. Find a location near a 120-volt
receptacle for power. The PPM-3 will need to have a fair amount of airflow around the enclosure and be at “plant-level”
to be most accurate.
2) Once the base-plate is mounted the sensor can be snapped onto the base-plate by hooking the two top tabs and then
pivoting the unit down until it snaps into place.
*Note: Before releasing tabs, remove small Phillips screw from bottom edge of the unit. To release the tabs, press in on
the two snap tabs located on the bottom of the unit near each edge.
3) The PPM-3 comes pre-wired with a plug-in power supply. The power supply must be connected to a constant source of
120-vac power. Once powered up, the PPM-3 will enter a “Initial warm-up” and calibration mode. Slowly over a 10-20
minute period, the CO2level should stabilize between 250-550 PPM outdoors and as much as 1500 PPM indoors.
CONNECTING POWER TO THE CO2VALVE OR GENERATOR
The large power cable connected to the PPM-3 is a 120-volt AC piggy-back cable. Normally, CO2is only required during
the daytime. The piggy-back cable should be plugged into a 120vac timer such as the timeclock which controls your HID
lights. When the lights are turned on, the CO2will be activated.
Your CO2valve or generator is plugged into the front of the piggy-back cable. Your CO2device will be turned ON
whenever the CO2level is below the set point that you selected. (See “To change set point” below)
* Warning: Connect ONLY the CO2 solenoid / generator to the PPM-3. Connecting higher loads will damage
the unit and void the warranty. DO NOT EXCEED ½ AMPS. YOU WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY IF
YOU EXCEED ½ AMPS!
MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
The PPM-3 has an adjustable setpoint from 0-5000 PPM. Once the desired setpoint is entered, the PPM-3 will disable the
CO2outlet. Adjusting the CO2setpoint and re-calibrating the unit is easy using the front mounted push buttons. There are
four buttons.
a) clear: used with the mode button to enter the programming mode.
b) mode: used with the clear button to enter the programming mode and to scroll through the different modes.
c) up/down: The arrow up / down button is used to change the program set points.
d) enter: accept the changes and stores the settings.
To change the set point:
1) Press and hold the (clear) and (mode) buttons for 5 seconds.
2) Now press the (mode) button nine times to display the current set point. (RELAY is displayed)
3) Use the (up) and (down) arrow buttons to change the set point.
4) Press (enter) to accept the change.
5) Press (clear) to return the unit to RUN mode. (CO2____PPM is displayed)
CALIBRATION
The PPM-3 is factory calibrated. The sensor onboard the PPM-3 is capable of remaining in calibration for a minimum of
three years. Extreme shock during shipping and other factors may affect the calibration. By bringing the unit outdoors, you
•
The PPM-3 is not just a CO2monitoring device, it is a CO2PPM controller.
•Controls the Carbon Dioxide level in your area with Part Per Million accuracy.
•Simple to use and easy to understand.
•Least expensive CO2/ PPM controller available.
•On-board user selectable set point from 0-5000 PPM.
•On-board calibration program allows the user to easily verify the unit is working
properly.
•Controls any 120vac valve or CO2generator with a simple “piggy-back” cord.

can do a quick check of the calibration. The reading outdoors should be between 250-550 PPM. If the display does not read
250-550 PPM, a simple calibration can be performed.
To check for correct calibration:
1) Bring the unit outside so that it will receive fresh air. Do not locate the unit in direct sunlight.
2) Plug the power supply and power cord into 120vac.
3) Move away from the controller to allow the reading to stabilize for approximately 20 minutes.
4) Check the CO2level.
*Important: Do not breathe while checking the calibration the unit. As you exhale, large concentrations of
CO2are expelled from your lungs. This higher level of CO2will affect the calibration of the unit.
5) If the level is between (250-550PM) the unit is performing fine. If it is outside that range, the unit can be re-calibrated.
To re-calibrate the unit:
1) Bring the unit outside so that it will receive fresh air. Re-connect the power supply.
2) Move away from the controller to allow the reading to stabilize for approximately 20 minutes.
3) Check the CO2level. It should read around 350-450. If not, proceed with the calibration
*Important: Do not breathe near the PPM-3 while checking the calibration the unit. As you exhale, large concentrations
of CO2are expelled from your lungs. This higher level of CO2will affect the calibration of the unit.
4) Press and hold the (clear) and (enter) buttons for 5 seconds.
5) (CAL AIR is displayed) * If CAL NITROGEN is displayed, press MODE one time to bring up CAL AIR.
6) Press (enter) to enter the calibration mode. (AIR-CAL and the current calibration point is displayed)
7) Use the arrow UP / DOWN buttons to enter the new point to be calibrated to. *Normally 400-430 PPM
8) Press (enter) to start the self-calibrating process. The green LED will flash as long as it is self-calibrating.
9) Move away from the unit. After approximately 5 minutes the green LED will stop flashing and the display will return to
the normal run mode.
STATUS INDICATOR
The PPM-3 has a green LED indicator light on the front of the cover. If the LED is blinking, it indicates that the CO2sensor
is warming up and stabilizing. When the LED is ON, it means that the CO2level is being measured.
PRECAUTIONS
1) DO NOT expose the PPM-3 to water. It utilizes a ventilated enclosure to properly “sample” the CO2.
2) DO NOT connect loads greater than ½ amp @ 120vac to this unit.
WARRANTY
The PPM-3 is warranted against defects in workmanship for THREE years.
SPECIFICATIONS
Operating principle Single-beam Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR)
Measurement range 0 – 5000 PPM CO2
Warm-up time Minimum 20 minutes (full accuracy)
Maximum drift per year +/- 15 PPM
Accuracy @ 77’F +/- 50 PPM
Recommended calibration interval Three years
Operating voltages 18-24volt @ 250ma
Maximum amperage ½ amp @ 120vac
Operating temperature range 0-50’ C
Operating humidity range 0-99% RH (non-condensing)
Operating life expectancy 15 years typical
Warranty Three years, parts and labor through repair or exchange.
PUBLISHED BY R & M Supply Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2004 BY R & M Supply Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
www.capcontrollers.com
Liability statement:
R & M Supply and their retailers and distributors are not responsible for any damage or injuries (consequential or otherwise)
arising from the use of this device. The purchaser assumes all responsibility for the use and proper installation of this device.