ESS GPS-5 User manual

Owner’s Manual
ESS Model GPS-5
Electrostatic
Spraying Systems
Owner’s Manual
ESS Model GPS-5

OWNER’S MANUAL
GPS5
Electrostatic Spraying Systems, Inc.
62 Morrison St. · Watkinsville, GA 30677-2749
CE certication applied for
Copyright © 2008, Electrostatic Spraying Systems, Inc. – All Rights Reserved
This manual last updated May 28, 2014

i
ESS GPS-5 OWNER’S MANUAL
CONGRATULATIONS!
You have just purchased one of the most advanced spraying systems
on the market today. Electrostatic Spraying Systems, Inc.1(ESS) is
committed to providing you with powerful spraying systems that are
easy to operate and maintain.
The products of ESS are the result of the eorts and creativity of many
people. In addition to input from engineering, marketing and manufac-
turing personnel, suggestions from our customers have been imple-
mented into the design of our equipment. We would like to hear your
ideas also! If you have any suggestions or comments regarding the
products or service of ESS write or call us at:
Electrostatic Spraying Systems, Inc.
62 Morrison St.
Watkinsville, Georgia 30677-2749
Phone: [phone]
1-800-213-0518
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
Please take time to read this manual before operating your new ESS
GPS-5™ sprayer. The manual contains important instructions for the
safe operation of this equipment. It also includes helpful suggestions
to maximize productive use of the GPS-5 sprayer. Essential cleaning
instructions should be followed to maintain your sprayer at peak ef-
ciency. Please carefully read and follow all instructions for your own
safety and the safety of others around you.
Thank you!
We appreciate your business and are proud that you have selected an
ESS sprayer for your operation.
Your new sprayer has been thoroughly tested and calibrated at the
factory. If you have any problems with it, please get in touch with us
immediately. We will be glad to answer any questions you have con-
cerning our equipment or service. ESS intends to support its customers
with ecient, helpful and friendly service. We appreciate your business
and sincerely hope that Electrostatic Spraying Systems, Inc. can meet
your present and future spraying equipment needs.
1 ESS GPS-5 Sprayer™, GPS-5™, MaxCharge™, and the ESS logo are copyrights or registered
trademarks of Electrostatic Spraying Systems, Inc.
A Kaibab Industries Company
For your personal records
Please record the model
and serial numbers of your
new sprayer here.
GPS-5
______________________
Model #
______________________
Serial #
______________________
Spray gun serial number
______________________
Date of purchase.
We encourage you to make copies of the“Spray Gun Yearly Service”
form in the back of this manual. Use this form every year you
send your gun in for maintenance and when we service the gun,
your warranty will renew for another year. The service will replace
the nozzle base, replace air and liquid hoses inside gun housing,
replace lters, and recalibrate the gun and thoroughly cleaning the
entire spray gun.

ii
ESS GPS-5 OWNER’S MANUAL

iii
ESS GPS-5 OWNER’S MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview of the ESS GPS-5 Air-assisted Electrostatic Sprayer ............ 1
Safe operation of the GPS-5 Sprayer ............................................................ 2
Operator’s responsibility........................................................................... 2
Safety precautions ...................................................................................... 2
Chemical safety precautions................................................................... 2
About the low-voltage system of the MaxCharge spray gun ............. 3
Safety decals ......................................................................................................... 4
Features of the GPS-5 sprayer......................................................................... 5
Technical specications ............................................................................ 5
Operating Instructions ...................................................................................... 6
Unpacking and assembling the sprayer ............................................. 6
Before use....................................................................................................... 7
Steps for operation ..................................................................................... 8
After spraying ............................................................................................... 9
GPS-5 maintenance schedule.......................................................................10
REFERENCE SECTION
Engine....................................................................................................................11
Compressor .........................................................................................................12
Compressor air lter .................................................................................12
Tank pressure regulator ..................................................................................13
Pop-o valve .......................................................................................................13
Tongue handle ...................................................................................................13
Hose reel and liquid inlet lter .....................................................................14
Stainless steel tank............................................................................................15
Quick connects...................................................................................................16
How to store the hose quick-connects when not in use ....................17
Spray gun .............................................................................................................18
Air lter..........................................................................................................18
Trigger ...........................................................................................................19
Liquid lter assembly...............................................................................20
Nozzle assembly ........................................................................................21
Pre-spray check..................................................................................................22
Post-spray check................................................................................................22
Batteries................................................................................................................23
Yearly spray gun service..................................................................................24
Spraying with your ESS sprayer....................................................................25
Preparing a tank mix ........................................................................................26
Chemical compatibility ...................................................................................27
A note about operating temperatures ......................................................27
Trouble-shooting Guide .................................................................................29
GPS-5 spray gun service parts (drawing)..................................................30
GPS-5 spray gun service parts (key)............................................................31
Flow disk chart ...................................................................................................31
GPS-5 exploded view (drawing)...................................................................32
GPS-5 service parts...........................................................................................33
Warranty ...............................................................................................................35
Warranty card............................................................................................35a
Spray gun repair/Yearly service return form............................................37
Spraying with the GPS-5.

iv
ESS GPS-5 OWNER’S MANUAL

1
ESS GPS-5 OWNER’S MANUAL
Overview of the ESS GPS-5
Air-assisted Electrostatic Sprayer
Air-assisted electrostatic sprayers produce electrically charged spray
drops that are carried to the plant canopy in a low pressure, gentle, air
stream. The heart of the GPS-5 is the patented MaxCharge™ nozzle.
Air and liquid enter separately at the rear of the nozzle. Just before
leaving the nozzle, the air hits the liquid stream to make many thou-
sands of tiny spray droplets that pass through the charging ring. An
electrical charge is applied to the spray droplets by the charging ring.
Then the charged spray droplets are blown out of the nozzle and
move into the plant canopy where they are attracted to plant material
by electrostatic forces. The electrostatic charge induced by the Max-
Charge™ nozzle is strong enough to allow the droplets to move in any
direction to cover all plant surfaces, even defying gravity to coat the
underside of leaves and the back side of fruits and vegetables. The re-
sult is uniform spray coverage on hidden areas deep inside of the plant
canopy where other sprayers miss.
The MaxCharge™ nozzle is easy to clean and corrosion-proof. The inte-
rior ceramic outlet resists wear three times better than stainless steel
outlets. These features combine to give the best spray coverage on the
market. This quality product is virtually maintenance-free, and assures
you of savings in the application of chemical.
The comparison of air-assisted electrostatic spraying versus conven-
tional spraying is dramatic. Electrostatically charged droplets are
attracted to plant surfaces.
Where Does the Spray Go?
The University of California completed a series of tests to investi-
gate what happens to spray liquid after it leaves the nozzle.
Conclusion: ESS technology places over 4 times the amount of
spray onto the plant surface using ½ the amount of chemicals.
Furthermore, they also reported that ESS sprayers send ⁄ less
chemicals to the ground and into the air. Less chemical used
overall, less waste and less drift than conventional equipment.
Imagine the environmental benet!

2
ESS GPS-5 OWNER’S MANUAL
OPERATOR’S RESPONSIBILITY
Read the Owner’s Manual.
It is the responsibility of the user to read the Owner’s Manual, to understand the
safe and correct operating procedures which pertain to the operation of the prod-
uct, and to maintain the product according to the Owner’s Manual. It is the owner’s
responsibility to ensure that all who are using this equipment read this manual.
The user is responsible for inspecting the equipment and for repairing and replacing
damaged or worn parts to prevent damage or excessive wear to other parts. It is the
user’s responsibility to deliver the machine for service or replacement of defective
parts which are covered by the standard warranty.
Lack of attention to safety can result in reduced eciency, accident, personal injury, or
death. Watch for safety hazards and correct deciencies promptly. Use the following safety
precautions as a guide when using this machine.
Safe operation of the GPS-5 Sprayer
Read the Owner's Manual. Failure to read the manual is considered a misuse of the equipment.
Use the GPS-5 sprayer ONLY for its intended use as described in this manual.
Before operating equipment, become familiar with all caution and warning decals axed to the sprayer.
Do not allow a child to operate the GPS-5 sprayer. Do not allow adults to operate the sprayer without
proper instruction.
Keep the area of operation clear of all persons and animals.
Do not apply chemicals when weather conditions favor drift from treated areas.
Turn o the sprayer when leaving it unattended.
Store sprayer in a dry place. Do not expose to freezing temperatures.
CHEMICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Read and follow all instructions on the chemical or pesticide manufacturer’s label.
Use protective clothing, eye protection and gloves when mixing chemicals and while spraying with
the GPS sprayer.
Always use a cartridge respirator, protective clothing and eye protection when spraying with the GPS-5.
Follow the chemical manufacturer’s recommendations in handling, mixing, applying, storing and
disposing of chemicals.
Be aware of decontamination methods in case a person, clothing, or equipment is accidentally
sprayed.
Be aware of poisoning symptoms and know the appropriate rst aid.
Know the length of time needed to pass before allowing people and pets to go back into the
sprayed area.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

3
ESS GPS-5 OWNER’S MANUAL
About the low-voltage system of the MaxCharge™ spray gun
For operator safety, the MaxCharge spray gun is powered by a low-
voltage power supply. The rechargeable 9-volt batteries are in the
handle of the GPS-5 spray gun. The electrostatic charge imparted to
the spray is not strong enough to harm people. Some people report
feeling a“tingle” or a slight stinging sensation when the spray from the
nozzle falls on their bare skin.
Location of 9-volt rechargeable
battery pack in the handle of the
spray gun.
9v
Some owners report that they sometimes get a static shock when
spraying in an enclosed area. ESS wants to emphasize that these static
shocks, although sometimes unpleasant, are not at all dangerous to
people. They are simply an unfortunate consequence of spraying with
an electrostatic sprayer in an enclosed area. When you spray charged
particles onto other objects, some of the charge gets on you, or else
an opposite charge may be drawn up from the ground, depending on
the circumstances.
Here are some things to do to minimize static discharges. First make
sure that the sprayer is properly grounded. Your sprayer has a short
chain attached to the bottom of its case. It is important that this chain
touch the oor during use. If the chain is broken or missing, replace it.
Try misting the oor of the greenhouse or room with plain water
before spraying.
Pay attention to the exact conditions in which the shocks happen.
You may nd that you can prevent them by keeping your nger on
the metal trigger of the sprayer, rather than just holding its plastic
body. If the shocks happen only when you subsequently touch a piece
of equipment, try touching a painted or plastic part of it before you
touch metal.
You could also try wearing a dierent type of shoe. Leather will con-
duct better than rubberized soles and may lessen the problem.
Avoid touching sensitive electronic equipment such as computers,
printers, or cell phones while spraying . A static discharge could dam-
age them.

4
ESS GPS-5 OWNER’S MANUAL
Safety decals
Appropriate safety decals are placed on ESS equipment in order to
alert the operator to possible dangers. If decals are missing, please
contact ESS immediately for replacement decals.
¡PRECAUCIÓN!
WARNING!
AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS CAN BE
DANGEROUS. IMPROPER SELECTION
OR USE CAN SERIOUSLY INJURE
PERSONS, ANIMALS, PLANTS, SOIL OR
OTHER PROPERTY.
BE SAFE:
·SELECT THE RIGHT CHEMICAL
FOR THE JOB.
·HANDLE IT WITH CARE.
·FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS
ON THE CHEMICAL
MANUFACTURER’S LABEL.
LOS PRODUCTOS QUÍMICOS AGRÍCOLAS
PUEDEN SER PELIGROSOS. LA SELECCIÓN O EL
USO INAPROPIADOS PUEDEN LESIONAR
SERIAMENTE A LAS PERSONAS, LOS ANIMALES,
LAS PLANTAS, LA TIERRA U OTRA PROPIEDAD.
TENGA CUIDADO:
· SELECCIONE EL PRODUCTO QUÍMICO
CORRECTO PARA EL TRABAJO.
· MANÉJELO CON CUIDADO.
· SIGA LAS INSTRUCCIONES DE LA ETIQUETA
DEL FABRIC ANTE DEL PRODUCTO
QUÍMICO.
READ AND FOLLOW THE CHEMICAL
MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS
CAREFULLY.
It is extremely important for the owner/
operator’s safety as well as the safety
of other people in the vicinity that all
chemical safety precautions are fol-
lowed.
DANGER!
MOVING PARTS CAN
CRUSH AND CUT
Do NOT operate with
guard removed.
Do NOT place hands
or fingers under guard.
MANTÉNGASE
ALEJADO
Zona de protección para
evitar riesgos. No opere
este equipo sin todas sus
protecciones instaladas.
¡PELIGRO! DO NOT RUN THE SPRAYER WITHOUT
ALL GUARDS IN PLACE.
Serious injury can result.
This decal is located on the belt guard.
Do not operate your sprayer without
this guard in place. If the decal is miss-
ing, please contact ESS immediately for
a replacement decal.
·DO NOT REMOVE TANK LID OR
RELEASE TANK PRESSURE WHILE
COMPRESSOR IS RUNNING.
·RELEASE TANK PRESSURE BEFORE
REMOVING LID OR TANK HOSE
CONNECTIONS.
·KEEP FACE AWAY WHEN RELEASING
PRESSURE AND WHILE REMOVING
TANK LID.
·DO NOT OVERFILL TANK.
·FILL TO 4 INCHES (10 CM) FROM TOP
OF TANK WHEN USING TANK
AGITATOR SYSTEM.
·NO RETIRE LA TAPA DEL TANQUE NI LIBERE LA
PRESIÓN DEL TANQUE MIENTRAS LA COMPRE
SORA ESTÉ FUNCIONANDO.
·LIBERE LA PRESIÓN DEL TANQUE ANTES DE
RETIRAR LA TAPA O LAS CONEXIONES DE LA
MANGUERA DEL TANQUE.
·MANTENGA EL ROSTRO ALEJADO CUANDO LIBERE
LA PRESIÓN Y MIENTRAS RETIRA LA TAPA DEL
TANQUE.
·NO SOBRELLENE EL TANQUE.
·LLÉNELO HASTA 10 CENTÍMETROS (4 PULGADAS)
DE LA PARTE SUPERIOR DEL TANQUE CUANDO
USE EL SISTEMA AGITADOR DEL TANQUE.
¡PRECAUCIÓN!
WARNING!
CAUTION:
The stainless steel tank
operates under pressure.
This decal describes important informa-
tion on correct use of the tank and its
agitator.
CLEAN
FILTER
REGULARLY
REMEMBER TO DISASSEMBLE AND CLEAN
THE FILTERS REGULARLY.
The performance of your GPS sprayer
can suer if the lters are not kept clean.
This label is placed on the charger of all
sprayguns.