Columbia Weather Systems Orion AQM User manual

Orion AQM/AQM+ 1
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Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
Orion AQM/AQM+™
User Manual
Version 1.00
Serial Number: ___________________
Date Purchased: __________________
All specifications subject to change without notice.
Printed in U. S. A.

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Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
© Copyright 2019 Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Proprietary Notice: Orion AQM/AQM+, Orion, Capricorn 2000, Capricorn
2000MP, Capricorn 2000EX, Capricorn FLX, Magellan, Magellan MX,
Vela, and Pulsar Weather Stations are trademarks of Columbia Weather
Systems, Inc. The information and drawings contained herein are the
sole property of Columbia Weather Systems, Inc. Use of this publication
is reserved exclusively for customers of Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
and their personnel. Reproduction of this material is forbidden without
the express written consent of Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
Parts of the Orion AQM/AQM+ user manual were adapted from the
Air Quality Transmitter AQT400 User Guide with permission from
Vaisala Oyj.

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Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
Welcome!
Congratulations on your purchase of an Orion Air Quality Monitor (AQM).
Please read this manual completely prior to installation.

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Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.

Orion AQM/AQM+ 5
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Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
Important Notice: Shipping
Damage
BEFORE YOU READ ANY FURTHER, please inspect all system
components for obvious shipping damage. The Orion AQM is a high
precision instrument and can be damaged by rough handling. Your unit
was packaged to minimize the possibility of damage in transit. Please
save the shipping container for any future shipment of your Orion sensor.
In the event your order arrives in damaged condition, it is important that
the following steps be taken immediately. The title transfers automatically
to you, the customer, once the material is entrusted to the transport
company.
NOTE: DO NOT RETURN THE INSTRUMENT TO COLUMBIA
WEATHER SYSTEMS until the following steps are completed. Failure to
follow this request will jeopardize your claim.
1. Open the container and inspect the contents. Do not throw away
the container or any damaged parts. Try to keep items in the
same condition as originally received.
2. Notify the transport company immediately.
3. Request the transport company’s representative inspect the
shipment personally.
4. After inspection, request a Return Materials Authorization (RMA)
from Columbia Weather Systems by calling [phone].
5. Return approved items to us at the following address:
Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
5285 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite C100
Hillsboro, OR 97124
6. After a repair evaluation, an estimate of the cost of repair will be
sent to you.

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Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
ESD Protection
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can cause immediate or latent damage to
electronic circuits. The Orion AQM is adequately protected against ESD
for its intended use. However, it is possible to damage the product by
delivering electrostatic discharges when touching, removing, or inserting
any objects inside the equipment housing.
To avoid delivering high static voltages yourself:
1. Handle ESD sensitive components on a properly grounded and
protected ESD workbench. When this is not possible, ground
yourself with a wrist strap and a resistive connection cord to the
equipment chassis before touching the boards. When neither of
the above is possible, at least touch a conductive part of the
equipment chassis with your other hand before touching the
boards.
2. Always hold the boards by the edges and avoid touching the
component contacts.

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Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
Table of Contents
WELCOME! ..................................................................................3
IMPORTANT NOTICE: SHIPPING DAMAGE .......................5
ESD PROTECTION ............................................................................................. 6
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION ..................................................9
THE ORION AIR QUALITY MONITOR ................................................................. 9
MEASURING SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................... 10
(AQM/AQM+) ............................................................................................ 10
Operating Conditions ................................................................................. 10
Temperature ............................................................................................... 10
Relative Humidity....................................................................................... 10
Barometric Pressure .................................................................................. 10
GAS MEASURING SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................. 12
(AQM/AQM+) ............................................................................................ 12
PARTICLE MEASURING SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................... 12
(AQM+ Only) ............................................................................................. 12
INPUT VOLTAGE ............................................................................................. 13
Sensor Housing .......................................................................................... 13
Sensor Transmitter Compliance ................................................................. 13
Mechanical Specifications ......................................................................... 13
PRINCIPLES OF MEASUREMENTS ..................................................................... 14
SECTION 2: PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION ...............................15
ORION AIR QUALITY MONITOR ...................................................................... 15
Mechanical Drawings ................................................................................ 16
AQM Internal Diagram .............................................................................. 17
AQM+ Internal Diagram ........................................................................... 18
Interface Module ........................................................................................ 19
WEATHER MICROSERVER (REQUIRED) .......................................................... 20
SURGE/LIGHTNING PROTECTOR (OPTIONAL) .................................................. 21
SECTION 3: SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS ..........................23
Weatherproof Enclosure ............................................................................ 25
Cloud based configuration ......................................................................... 26
Cloud based configuration with solar power ............................................. 28
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW .............................................................................. 29
UNPACKING THE UNIT .................................................................................... 29
Installing the Orion Air Quality Monitor (AQM) ....................................... 30
Site Selection: ............................................................................................ 30
Installing the Mast ..................................................................................... 30
Location ..................................................................................................... 30

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Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
Mounting Method ....................................................................................... 30
Routing Cable ............................................................................................ 31
Installing the AQM on the Mast or Mounting Arm .................................... 32
Installing the Surge Arrestor...................................................................... 33
Connecting the AQM to the Interface Module ........................................... 34
OPTIONAL SENSOR MOUNTING HARDWARE ................................................... 35
Telescoping Tripod and Tiedown Kit ......................................................... 35
Specifications ............................................................................................. 36
Sensor Mast ................................................................................................ 37
Roof Mounting ........................................................................................... 37
Wall Mounting ........................................................................................... 38
Universal Mounting Arm ........................................................................... 40
SECTION 5: OPERATION ........................................................41
AQM Data Output Definition ..................................................................... 41
SECTION 6: CALIBRATION....................................................43
SECTION 7: MAINTENANCE .................................................45
SECTION 8: TROUBLESHOOTING .......................................47
SECTION 9: USER SUPPORT INFORMATION ...................49
LIMITED WARRANTY ...................................................................................... 49
EXCLUSIONS ............................................................................................ 49
RETURN FOR REPAIR PROCEDURE .................................................................. 50
REFERENCE ...............................................................................52
GLOSSARY ...................................................................................................... 52
Aspirating Radiation Shield ....................................................................... 52
Barometric Pressure .................................................................................. 52
Celsius Temperature Scale......................................................................... 52
Fahrenheit Temperature Scale ................................................................... 52
Relative Humidity....................................................................................... 52
Sea Level Pressure ..................................................................................... 52
UNIT CONVERSION ......................................................................................... 53
Speed .......................................................................................................... 53
Temperature ............................................................................................... 53
Distance ..................................................................................................... 53
Pressure ..................................................................................................... 53

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Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
The Orion Air Quality Monitor
The Orion Air Quality Monitor (AQM) is available in two different models,
Orion AQM and Orion AQM+, to meet the needs of a variety of
applications.
Both models measure Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2),
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Ozone (O3), air temperature, barometric pressure,
and relative humidity.
In addition, the AQM+ measures particle concentration levels PM2.5 and
PM10.
The Weather MicroServer offers Ethernet connectivity, web browser
interface and Modbus/TCP, Modbus RTU, and XML interfaces.
The Weather MicroServer can upload the weather data to our cloud-
based CWS Weather Server for real-time monitoring.
WeatherMaster Software is also available to display and store the data in
a database.

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Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
Measuring Specifications
(AQM/AQM+)
Operating Conditions
Temperature: -22 to +104°F (-30 to +40°C)
Limited performance: -40 to +122°F (-40 to +50°C)
Relative Humidity: 15 to 95 %RH (non-condensing)
Pressure: 23.62 to 35.43 inHg (800 to 1200 hPa)
Temperature
Range: -40 to 185°F (-40 to +85°C)
Accuracy: @68°F (20°C) ±0.5°F (0.3°C)
Resolution: 0.1°F
Units Available: °F, °C
Relative Humidity
Range: 0 - 100%
Accuracy: 0 to 90%RH ±5%RH
90 to 100 %RH: ±8 %RH
Resolution: 0.1%
Units Available: %RH
Barometric Pressure
Range: 23.62 to 32.48 InHg (800 to 1100 hPa)
Accuracy: ±10 hPa
Resolution: 0.029 InHg (1 hPa)
Units Available: InHg, Kpa, mbar, hPa

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Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
Limited Performance
Temperature and relative humidity can influence and distort the
measurement results. The AQM and AQM+ includes a sophisticated
compensation feature for eliminating the distortion in a non-condensing
environment. If the conditions change very fast (for example, the relative
humidity suddenly drops), there may be some measuring inaccuracy that
temporarily exceeds the specifications.
High relative humidity affects the laser particle counter (LPC). To
eliminate the effects, the AQM and AQM+ compensates for this, but
spikes may occur in PM10 measurement results in condensing
conditions.
Temperature
For the operating environment, measurement performance is fully
operational and within specifications for -22 to +104°F (-30 to +40°C) and
the limiting parameter is the electrochemical cell for gas measurements.
In temperature range -40 to +122°F (-40 to +50°C) the device stays
operational, but the measurements may not be fully within specifications.
Avoid direct sunlight in high temperatures for long periods of time.
For example, exposure to +122 °F (+50 °C) may damage the air quality
transmitter.
Humidity
The limiting factor in low <15 %RH is related to the electrochemical cell
drying and for high humidity values >95 %RH for the cell water
absorption.
High humidity (>95 %RH) also affects performance of the laser particle
calculator as the particles absorb water from the air and grow in size,
affecting the equivalent diameter, division between different size bins,
and mass. This effect is compensated to some extent, resulting in limited
performance.

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Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
Gas Measuring Specifications
(AQM/AQM+)
Gas Range Minimum
Detection
Accuracy in
Field Conditions
Unit
SO2 0 to 2000 5 ±50 ppb
NO2 0 to 2000 5 ±25 ppb
CO 0 to 10 0.01 ±0.2 ppm
O3 0 to 2000 5 ±60 ppb
Particle Measuring Specifications
(AQM+ Only)
Property Description/Value
Particle range 0.3 to 20 μm (spherical equivalent)
Measurement range PM2.5: 0 to 2000 μg/m3
PM10: 0 to 5000 μg/m3
Resolution 0.1 μg/m3
Response time <60 s
Pump sampling rate 10 minutes (Default)
Units μg/m3 (Micrograms per cubic meter)

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Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
Input Voltage
The Orion AQM/AQM+ is supplied with a wall mount switching power
supply
Input: 100 - 240 VAC, 50/60 HZ, 0.6A
Output: 12 VDC, 2.08A
The Orion AQM/AQM+ transmitter can be powered using a DCV source
Transmitter operating voltage: 8 to 30 VDC
Power consumption: Typically, 0.5 W, maximum 2 W
Sensor Housing
Protection class: IP65
Protected against dust that may harm equipment.
Protected against water spray from all directions.
Materials: Anodized aluminum, stainless steel
Weight: 690g (1.5lb)
Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 4.9in
Sensor Transmitter Compliance
EN/IEC 61326-1
EN 55032 Class B
AQM and AQM transmitters complies with FCC Chapter 47 Part 15.
Operating is subject to the following conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference
• This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Mechanical Specifications
Dimensions: (H × Ø)
AQM Plus: 208 × 132 mm (8.19 × 5.20 in)
AQM: 128 × 132 mm (5.04 × 5.20 in)
Weight: AQM Plus: 1.25 kg (2.76 lb)
AQM: 0.7 kg (1.52 lb)
Material, base module: Anodized aluminum Material, radiation shield:
Polycarbonate (PC) Color, radiation shield: White (RAL9003)

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Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
Principles of Measurements
The gas measuring technology in the AQM is based on proprietary
advanced algorithms and electrochemical technology. The sampled gas
causes a reduction or oxidation reaction in an electrochemical cell. Both
reactions create a weak electric current. The electric current is directly
dependent on the volume of measured gas. By measuring the electric
current and using advanced calculation and compensation algorithms,
the AQM calculates the gas content. Most electrochemical cells are
highly susceptible to ambient conditions (temperature and humidity), but
the AQM reverses the impact with a proprietary adjustment and
compensation system, which guarantees accurate ppb measurements.
The laser particle counter sensor technology in the AQM+ is based on
the scattering of laser light caused by passing particles. With the help of
optics and photosensitive sensors, the laser particle counter measures
the angular scattering intensity data and analyzes it with digital signal
processing (DSP). The method allows simultaneous measuring of two
particle sizes, <2.5 μm and <10 μm.
The measurements of the particle counter are based on the number of
particles sampled and averaged over a period of 60 seconds and the
default measurement interval is 10 minutes.
The CPU of the air quality monitor regularly controls the sampling pump
to transfer outside air into the gas analysis module for measuring.
Temperature is measured using a semiconductor sensor. It is used for
general purpose monitoring and to reduce the effects of ambient
conditions on the gas measurements.
Relative humidity is measured using capacitive technology. It is used for
general purpose monitoring and to reduce the effects of ambient
conditions on the gas measurements.
Barometric pressure is measured using a MEMS sensor. It is used for
general purpose monitoring and to reduce the effects of ambient
conditions on the gas measurements.
All the AQM sensors are housed in a self-aspirating radiation shield
which protects the sensors from both scattered and direct sunlight and
precipitation. The composite material in the plates offers excellent
thermal characteristics and UV stabilized construction.

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Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
SECTION 2: PHYSICAL
DESCRIPTION
Orion Air Quality Monitor
The Orion Air Quality Monitor measures the pollution content of ambient
air.
The AQM series consists of two models; the AQM and AQM+ both of
which include four separate gas sensors to measure CO, NO2, SO2, and
O3.

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Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
Both models include a combined Temperature and Humidity sensor for
ambient measurements. A pressure sensor is also included to provide
Barometric Pressure readings.
The AQM+ additionally includes a laser particle counter for PM2.5 and
PM10 particulate measurements.
Both monitors are enclosed in an IP65-rated weatherproof casing and
can be installed outdoors. The units are compact but robust with no
moving parts and low power consumption.
Mechanical Drawings

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AQM Internal Diagram
1. M12 Connector
2. Gas sensor elements
3. Main processor board
4. Combined temperature and humidity sensor
5. Radiation shield
6. Integrated pressure sensor

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Columbia Weather Systems, Inc.
AQM+ Internal Diagram
1. Filter
2. Laser particle counter (LPC)
3. Pump
4. Main electronics board
5. Integrated pressure sensor
6. Combined temperature and humidity sensor
7. Radiation shield
8. Sensor elements (4 sensors per unit)
9. M12 connector

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Interface Module
The Interface Module is used to supply power to the sensor transmitter
and to provide two RS-485 communication ports. The RS-485 port
connects to the Weather MicroServer or a wireless transceiver.
The Interface Module has two LED indicators. The green LED is a power
indicator and the red LED is a data indicator. In normal operation, the red
LED will be solid to indicate a data record being transmitted. The green
LED will also be solid to indicate power is being supplied to the AQM.