Comark RF500 User manual

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Exceptional data integrity. Complete peace of mind.

RF500
Provides effortless 24/7 monitoring
of temperature, humidity and door
events.
RF500 - Exceptiona
Key benefits include:
• Accurate records without compromise
• Secure multi-user access to data
via the internet at any time
• Alarm notification via email,
phone or pager
• Transmitters that are waterproof and
accurate, and have a long battery life
• Compliance with legislative and
regulatory requirements
• Plus, it’s easy to install, use and maintain
The system achieves unprecedented levels
of efficiency and reliability through its use of the
latest low-power RF technology with built-in mesh
networking, and transmitters with bi-directional
communications.
The RF500 System
The RF500 Wireless Monitoring System is an
accurate, reliable and flexible method of collecting
real-time temperature, humidity and door event data.
It uses a network of remote sensors and probes to
collect and transmit information to a Gateway unit
which manages the system and collects and stores
the data. The result is efficient and versatile
round-the-clock monitoring for just about any industry.
Advanced features include:
ADR – Automatic Data Retrieval. In the event of a
power failure, data is stored in the RF500 transmitter
then automatically transmitted to the Gateway as soon
as the network is restored, so no data is lost.
Mesh Network – established through powered
transmitters. This enables the system to automatically
adjust to any changes in the environment, rerouting
signals as required to ensure that the data is always
returned to the Gateway.
Manual checks on temperature and humidity are a
thing of the past. The RF500 does it automatically,
reducing labour costs, eliminating errors and ensuring
complete records are maintained in accordance with
regulatory requirements.
In the event of readings falling outside pre-set limits,
alarm notification via screens, SMS*, email or voice
allows immediate corrective action to be taken.
This can make all the difference in terms of saving your
product and protecting your reputation.
The RF500 answers market demands for a quick,
reliable system which is easy to understand and
operate but can just as easily be reconfigured or
expanded in line with changing needs.
Catering
The above schematic shows how, in the event of signals being blocked
by shifting stock, open doors or parked vehicles, RF500 transmitters
automatically seek an alternative route.
OFFICES
MAIN LAB
10” Double
Glazing
A
E
C
F
G
B
D
Signal via route B-D blocked by open chill room door.
System automatically re-routes signal via B-F or B-C.
* Third party service provider required.
Instant alarm notification
is via screens, sms, voice
or email to your PC, PDA,
mobile or pager.

al data integrity. Com
Stop, start etc.
High alarm limit
shown in red
Low alarm limit
shown in blue
Export function
Mean Kinetic Temperature
value
Applications
The RF500 system is suitable for use in any industry
where specific temperature or humidity levels need
to be maintained and monitored.
Ideal for monitoring:
• Fridges and freezers
• Coolers, chillers and cold stores
• Warehousing, distribution and transport
• Storage areas for drugs or vaccines
• Incubators and test chambers
• Perishable goods such as blood products and costly
test reagents
Practical functionality allows you to:
• Stop and start logging
• View or program tasks
• View data as graphs or tables and toggle
between the two
• View events for a selected day
Export function allows data to be saved in comma
separated values (CSV) file formatted to the local PC.
Mean Kinetic Temperature values can be calculated for
critical areas such as drug and vaccine storage.
Viewing Data
The powerful RF500 Gateway unit requires no
specialist PC software. It connects directly to
the local area network, permitting 24/7 single or
multi-user access via internet browser.
Programming or data access is achieved via a PC or
PDA from any location. Multi-user access can be
controlled via built-in safeguards configured to ensure
staff only have access to information relevant
to their needs and can only make changes deemed
appropriate by the system administrator. There are no
hidden charges for licences and there is no limit on the
number of users – you dictate how many or how few
people have access.
With a full audit trail, electronic signatures and data
protection to meet the requirements of 21CFR Part 11,
RF500 is ideal for any high security application where
protection of your products and good name is
paramount. Rapid identification and notification of alarm
conditions provides all the necessary assurances for
due diligence and HACCP procedures.
Login password protected
Audit trail provides visibility
of actions, times and users

Alarms include:
• Notification via screens, email, SMS* or voice, with
the ability to select which personnel are notified in line
with work rotas.
• Alarm delay option – system will not indicate out of
range status until the temperature has been out of
range for a set period of time, ideal for defrost cycles
and restocking.
• Dynamic alarms selectable by time, allowing more
than one alarm level for a single sensor. Typical uses
are cycling incubators or long defrost cycles.
* Third party service provider required.
Transmitters
Transmitters are waterproof and include an LCD
for instant data display and an LED for local alarm
indication. Three models cover every temperature and
humidity requirement and each incorporates advanced
RF technology to maximise range and satisfy the
highest levels of data integrity.
RF512 has an integral temperature sensor plus
connectors for two external thermistor probes and an
external door sensor.
RF513 has integral temperature and humidity sensors
and a connector for an external door sensor.
RF516 is a precision temperature transmitter with an
integral temperature sensor plus connectors for one
external PT100 probe and an external door sensor.
Other common features include:
• Low battery indicator on the transmitter and via
the web-view
• Probe faults transmitted and shown in the web-view
• Choice of 3 year battery life or mains power for
RF512 and RF513 transmitter types
Accessories
Accessories include single and duplex penetration and
air probes, door event sensors and siren/klaxon for
alarms. Please contact the Comark Sales Office or your
Comark representative for full details.
plete peace of mind
••Large LCD allows local view of
temperature, RH (RF513), and door
opening information plus alarms
and RF status
••LEDs for active/alarm indication
••Antenna
••Selectable scales ˚C or ˚F,
%RH or DP (RF513)
••Compact size waterproof case with
BioCote®antimicrobial surface protection.
••Secure Lumberg connector for probes
••Door event sensor
••AC/Mains power connector
RF500
Market leading data integrity.
No awkward gaps in your records.
Pharmaceutical Food manufacturer

Requirement: To upgrade existing temperature
monitoring methods.
Previous methods relied on a combination of equipment
displays, data loggers, chart recorders and manual
recording which, in terms of remote blood banks alone,
was taking a member of staff 2 hours per day.
The new system needed to be fully automatic, capable
of operating 24 hours per day, 365 days per year
across four hospital sites with six pathology labs, eight
blood banks and a total of 180 monitoring points.
Solution: An RF500 system with 14 Gateway units
has fulfilled all the customer’s requirements. It allows
data from all locations to be viewed locally and remotely
by different people within the trust and includes an
email alarm system for each separate Gateway, as well
as visible alarms on each transmitter.
Monitoring points range from -80°C freezers, fridges,
cold rooms and incubators, and the system provides
almost permanent mapping for super-critical areas such
as blood fridges. The robust RF signal has proved
effective with no loss of data even across large busy
labs fitted with state-of-the-art electronic equipment.
Benefits:
• Compliance with MHRA and CPA requirements
• Peace of mind because all areas are alarmed
• No more manual readings, so no human error
• All data available to key people from their own office
• Choice of alarm methods for notification day or night
Requirement: The company needed to be able to prove
to the British Retail Consortium (BRC) that its cooking
cycles had been completed correctly.
Historically, this was done by manually recording
temperatures from chart recorders or other devices
and maintaining written records. The company also
wanted to monitor temperatures in their chilled storage
warehouse.
Solution: The RF500 system supplied can be
programmed to provide independently variable logging
rates for each individual transmitter, in line with the task
being carried out. The single coordinated system has
answered all the customer’s needs, including compliance
with the company’s criteria which required 100%
reliability in terms of logging rates and accuracy. The
customer is also satisfied that all the data captured will
stand up to scrutiny.
Benefits:
• The ability to show that products have been cooked in
accordance with customer’s instructions
• Meets all data requirements for BRC auditing
• Automated and consistent record-keeping with little
risk of human error
Case History 1
Customer: A Healthcare Trust
Case History 2
Customer: Food Manufacturer (Sauces)
RF500
Applications include catering,
foodservice, food manufacture,
pharmaceutical healthcare,
warehousing and retail. Warehousing Retail

WARRANTY
All Comark instruments have a minimum one year warranty unless otherwise stated.
The warranty period for temperature probes is for six months and all other probes
and electrodes are unwarranted because the conditions of use are beyond our
control.
The Comark warranty covers manufacturing defects and component failures on all
products returned to Comark premises and applies worldwide. The warranty does not
affect your statutory rights. In line with our policy of continuous development we
reserve the right to alter any product specifications without notice.
All products are covered by our Quality Management System which is compliant with
BS EN ISO 9001:2000 for the design, manufacture, supply, service, repair and
recalibration of electronic measuring instruments and equipment.
Comark Limited,
Bury Mead Road, Hitchin,
Hertfordshire SG5 1RT, UK
Tel: 0844 ([phone]
Fax: 0844 ([phone]
Email: [email protected] – UK and Ireland
[email protected] – International
Comark Instruments
PO Box 9090,
Everett, WA 98206, USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
BIOCOTE
Selected Comark thermometers, probes
and data loggers have an advanced BioCote®
antimicrobial impregnated into the instrument cases
and probe handles. This inhibits the growth of harmful
organisms and is becoming accepted with HACCP and due
diligence procedures as an important extra level of defence
against cross contamination.
For further details visit the BioCote®website
www.biocote.com
C189/2/EN Comark Limited J42557/06/08
Distributed by:
For more information click on
www.comarkltd.com or www.comarkusa.com
RF500 Gateway
Channels Up to 512
Transmitters Up to 128
Storage Capacity Up to 10 years storage
RF Frequency 2.4 GHz using IEEE 802.15.4
Battery Life 4 hours (rechargeable)
Operating Range
Temperature +5°C to +35°C / +41°F to +95°F
Humidity 10 to 90% RH (non-condensing)
Power Sources Mains power adaptor, rechargeable Ni-Mh battery
Battery Backup 4.3Ah Ni-Mh rechargeable battery
plus reserve for safe shutdown.
Clock Accuracy 4ppm (2 minutes per year)
Dimensions L 259mm x W 189mm x D 92mm
Weight 3.7 Kg
Transmitters – RF512, RF513 and RF516
Temperature Measurement Range
Internal Thermistor Sensor – RF512, RF516 -30°C to +70°C/-22°F to +158°F
Integral Thermistor Sensor – RF513 -30°C to +70°C/-22°F to +158°F
External Sensor -40°C to +125°C/-40°F to +257°F
External Pt100 Sensor -200°C to +400°C/-328°F +750°F
Humidity Measurement Range 10 to 90% RH
System Accuracy with Standard Sensors
Temperature
External Thermistor – 20°C to +70°C ±0.5°C/ ±0.9°F
External Thermistor – full range ±1°C/ ±2°F
Internal Thermistor – 20°C to +70°C ±0.5°/ ±1.0°F
External Pt100 – over 50°C range
between two calibration points ±0.1°C/ ±0.2°F (system
including probe)
Pt100 – full range ±0.05°C/ ±0.1°F plus probe
Humidity
10-90% RH ±3%
Pt100 Connection Type 4-wire
Pt100 Sensor Drive Current 400µA Nominal
Resolution
Temperature
Thermistor 0.1°C/ 0.2°F
Pt100 0.015°C/ 0.03°F
Door Sensor 7.5 seconds
Humidity
10 to 90% RH ±0.1%
Storage Temperature -40°C to +85°C / -40°F to +185°F
RF Frequency 2.4GHz using IEEE 802.15.4
Standard Antenna External, removable,
omni-directional with pivot.
Length: 90mm from pivot.
High-Gain Antenna (optional) Length: 235mm from pivot.
Radio Range* Typically 50 metres indoors
Clock Accuracy** 20ppm (1 minute/month)
at 25°C/ 77°F
Logging Memory 32000 records
Logging Frequency Programmable between
1 minute and 60 minutes
Monitoring Frequency 1 minute
LEDs Red – Warning
Green – External Power
Case Material Over-moulded food safe clear
Polycarbonate with BioCote®
antimicrobial
Environmental Protection Transmitters Case enclosure designed to meet
IP67 BS6059
Battery Type Replaceable Lithium ‘C’ Cell
Saft LSH14 Light
(Part No RFBATT)
Battery Life*** Up to 3 years
Dimensions L 170mm x W 83mm x D 34mm
Weight 200g
* Internal RF range cannot be guaranteed as it varies from building to building.
Requirement for all hardware is always determined on site by a physical survey.
** Transmitters will synchronise their clocks with the Gateway at midnight.
*** When used at 23°C room temperature and Radio Rate of 15 minutes.
Technical specifications