Extech Instruments RH600 User manual

USER MANUAL
RH600 Dew Point Meter

Table of contents
1 Introduction........................................................................1
2 Descriptions .......................................................................2
2.1 Meter (RH600) Description ........................................... 2
2.2 Probe (RH601) Description...........................................3
2.3 Button Descriptions..................................................... 3
2.3.1 Function Buttons..............................................3
2.3.2 Arrow Buttons .................................................3
2.4 Function Button Icon and Text Descriptions ......................3
3 Quick Steps ........................................................................ 5
4 Probe Use and Configuration................................................6
4.1 Connecting the Probe to the Meter .................................6
4.2 Connecting the Probe to a Process................................. 6
4.3 Setting the Probe Pressure ...........................................6
4.4 Setting the Probe Molar Mass........................................7
4.5 Purging Moisture from Probe (Purification) ....................... 7
5 Powering the Meter..............................................................8
6 Home Page.........................................................................9
6.1 Home Page Description ...............................................9
6.2 Home Page Summary Display ..................................... 10
6.3 Real-Time Readings Plotted on Graphs ......................... 10
6.4 Data Hold Mode ....................................................... 11
7 Programming Menu ........................................................... 12
7.1 Display Menu........................................................... 12
7.2 Functions Menu ....................................................... 13
7.3 Recording Menu....................................................... 14
7.4 Environment Menu.................................................... 14
7.5 Settings Menu.......................................................... 15
8 Data Recording ................................................................. 17
8.1 Data Recording Overview........................................... 17
8.2 Programming the Data Logger..................................... 17
8.3 Start/Stop Data Log Recording .................................... 18
8.4 Data Recording Using the Data Hold Function ................ 18
8.5 Viewing Recorded Data on the RH600 Display................ 18
8.6 Viewing Data Files on Graphs...................................... 21
8.7 Clearing Data Memory ............................................... 22
8.8 Downloading and Backing Up Data Files to a PC ............. 22
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Table of contents
9 Alarm Utility...................................................................... 24
9.1 Alarm Utility Overview................................................ 24
9.2 Alarm Operation ....................................................... 24
10 PC Interface...................................................................... 25
10.1 PC Connection Overview ........................................... 25
10.2 Initiating Meter-to-PC Communication ........................... 25
10.3 Updating the RH600 Firmware..................................... 25
11 Specifications................................................................... 28
11.1 General Specifications............................................... 28
11.2 Measurement Specifications ....................................... 29
11.3 List of Measurements and Calculated Readings .............. 30
12 Maintenance..................................................................... 31
12.1 Battery Replacement................................................. 31
12.2 Cleaning................................................................. 31
13 CUSTOMER SUPPORT ....................................................... 32
14 Warranty .......................................................................... 33
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Introduction
1
Thank you for selecting the Extech RH600 Dew Point Meter. The supplied
RH601 probe measures temperature and relative humidity over a wide range
with high accuracy. The RH600 then calculates other readings based on the
probe measurements. See the full list of readings in Section 11,
Specifications.
On the meter’s home page (Section 6), any two readings can be selected to
display, in addition to the fixed temperature display, for a total of three read-
ings on one page.
The RH600 can perform spot checks in ambient air and in industrial proc-
esses where the probe can be mounted directly into pressurized systems.
The probe adapts rapidly from ambient to process conditions and includes a
purge (purification) feature allowing it to dry quickly from process moisture
and condensation (see Section 4).
RH600 features include:
• Color LCD with adjustable brightness.
• Intuitive user interface with three context-sensitive function buttons.
• High quality industrial design for long-term stability and low maintenance.
• Wide measurement range: -58 to 86℉(-50 to 30℃).
• High and low alarms with audible and visual alerts.
• Sensor is designed especially for low humidity measurements.
• Selectable probe pressure/molar mass settings to match gas under test.
• Data Logger stores time-stamped readings to internal flash drive.
• Data Hold feature locks readings on the display.
• Data Hold readings can also be saved to the internal flash drive.
• PC interface for downloading stored Data Logger and Data Hold readings.
• Open downloaded data files in PC spreadsheet programs.
• Firmware can be upgraded by the user.
• Programmable auto power off utility.
• The package includes RH600 meter, RH601 probe, USB cable, 3.7 V lith-
ium rechargeable battery, AC power plugs, and user documentation.
NOTE
This document does not contain export-controlled information.
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Descriptions
2
2.1 Meter (RH600) Description
1. USB charging and PC interface port.
2. Color LCD.
3. Three function buttons, F1, F2, and F3 (see Section 2.2).
4. Four navigation and programming arrow buttons (see Section 2.2).
5. Unused port.
6. Probe connector.
7. Battery compartment.
8. Compartment locking screw.
9. Mounting hole.
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Descriptions
2
2.2 Probe (RH601) Description
1. Probe sensor tip with protective cap.
2. Threaded connector (0.5 inch).
3. Probe handle grip.
4. Probe cable.
2.3 Button Descriptions
2.3.1 Function Buttons
The context-sensitive function buttons (F1 , F2 , and F3 ) are located
directly below the display, from left to right. The function that is selected by
pressing one of these buttons is dependent on the icon (or text) directly above
it, in almost all cases. The only exception is the F2 power ON/OFF functions;
short press F2 to power the meter ON, long press F2 to power OFF. See Sec-
tion 2.4, below, for explanations of the icons and text that appear above the
function buttons.
2.3.2 Arrow Buttons
The four arrow buttons ( ) are used to navigate and change settings in
menus as explained throughout this user manual. When viewing graphs of da-
ta recorded using the Data Logger or the Data Hold function (not the real-time
graphs accessible from the Home page), you can use the left and right arrows
to move the cursor along the points of the graph curve, as explained in Sec-
tion 8, Data Recording. The up and down arrow buttons are also used when
performing a firmware update, as explained in Section 10.3.
2.4 Function Button Icon and Text Descriptions
Press F1 to return from (exit) a menu.
✔Press F3 to select, confirm, or change a menu option.
HOLD Press F2 to freeze the displayed readings. See Section 6.4, Data Hold,
and Section 8, Data Recording, for specifics.
Press F3 to open the programming menu. See Section 7 for Programming
menu information.
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Descriptions
2
From the Home page (Section 6), press F1 to begin viewing real-time
readings plotted on graphs. When the first graph opens, this icon will move
to the area above F3, press F3 at that point to step through all the available
graphs.
When you select View Data File from the Recording menu, and then open
a Data Log or a Data Hold file, press F3 to step through the four graphs
that represent the saved readings. See Section 8, Data Recording, for
specifics.
1S, 1min When viewing real-time readings plotted on a graph, as explained directly
above and in Section 6, press F2 to set the sampling rate (interval of time
between readings). The options are 1, 5 or 30 seconds and 1, 5, or 10
minutes.
Press F3 to save the readings that are held while the Data Hold function is
engaged. See Section 6.4, Data Hold, and Section 8, Data Recording, for
complete details.
Press F2 to view a Data Log file or a Data Hold file as a summary page.
See Section 8, Data Recording, for details.
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Quick Steps
3
1. Connect the probe to the port at the bottom of the meter (Section 4.1).
2. Remove the probe’s protective cap and mount it in the process under test
using the threaded connector (0.5 inch) or hold it in ambient air (Section
4.2).
3. Short press F2 (orange colored function button) to power the meter, the
Home page will appear (Section 6).
4. View the three displayed readings. Press the left or right arrow button to
view the readings in a concise text format. Press the left or right arrow to
return to the Home page.
5. Press F2 (HOLD), to freeze readings. Press F1 to release the held
readings. Press F3 , while readings are held, to save them.
6. Press F1 to view real-time readings plotted on a set of four graphs
(Section 6). When the first graph is shown, the graph icon moves above
F3. Press F3 to step through the graph pages. Press F2 to set the interval
of time between captured readings. Press F1 to return to the Home
page.
7. Press F3 to open the Programming menu (Section 7).
8. Long press F2, until the progress bar reaches 100%, to power off.
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Probe Use and Configuration
4
4.1 Connecting the Probe to the Meter
The probe connects to the port at the bottom of the meter. The four-pin con-
nection is keyed allowing only one insertion orientation; ensure proper orienta-
tion before applying pressure when inserting, do not force the connector.
Once the probe is connected to the meter, tighten the knurled screw to secure
the connection.
4.2 Connecting the Probe to a Process
Remove and safely store the probe’s protective cap. Insert the probe into the
access port of the process under test. The probe has 0.5 inch threads for
mounting. The probe can also be used in ambient air.
4.3 Setting the Probe Pressure
Set the probe’s Pressure setting to match the gas under test. See the steps
below.
• Press F3 to open the programming menu.
• Use the left or right arrow to scroll to Environment.
• Press F3 ✔to open the Environment menu.
• At the Pressure (P:) menu option, press F3.
• Use the arrow buttons to set the pressure (psi). Press F1 to confirm and
to return to the previous menu.
Figure 4.1 Use the arrow buttons to set the probe pressure to match the pressure of the gas
under test.
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Probe Use and Configuration
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4.4 Setting the Probe Molar Mass
Set the probe’s Molar Mass setting to match the gas under test. See the steps
below. The molar mass of air is 28.96 g/mol and the molar mass of SF6 is
146.05 g/mol.
• Press F3 to open the Programming menu.
• Use the left or right arrow to scroll to Environment.
• Press F3 ✔to open the Environment menu.
• At the PPM option (2nd row), press F3.
• Use the arrow buttons to set the molar mass value. Press F1 to confirm
and to return to the previous menu.
Figure 4.2 Use the arrow buttons to set the probe molar mass to match the molar mass of
the gas under test.
4.5 Purging Moisture from Probe (Purification)
When you activate the Purification option, the probe enters a five-minute
purge cycle. See the steps below.
• Press F3 to open the programming menu.
• Use the left or right arrow to scroll to Environment.
• Press F3 ✔to open the Environment menu.
• At the Purification option, press F3.
• The display will show an alert message indicating that a five–minute purge
cycle is in process. The meter menus are not accessible during the purge
cycle. When the purge cycle is complete, the alert message will switch off
and the meter menus will be fully operational.
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Powering the Meter
5
The RH600 is supplied with a 3.7 V rechargeable lithium battery. Insert the
battery in the rear compartment, observing correct polarity. The rear compart-
ment is secured by one screw.
The battery status icon is located on the upper right corner of the display .
To charge the battery, connect the RH600 to a power source using the sup-
plied USB cable and AC mains plug. When the RH600 is charging, the battery
status icon appears with a charging symbol embedded .
Short press F2 (centre, orange function button) to power the meter. Long
press F2, until the displayed progress bar reaches 100%, to switch the meter
off.
For battery servicing and replacement, see Section 12, Maintenance.
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Home Page
6
6.1 Home Page Description
The home page (Figure 6.1) appears soon after the meter is switched on.
Figure 6.1 Home Page
1. Battery voltage status.
2. Temperature reading.
3. Selectable reading (relative humidity, in this example). See Display in the
Programming menu (Section 7) for details on selecting a reading type.
4. Programming menu icon. Press F3 under this icon to open the menu.
5. Data Hold. Press F2 under the word HOLD to freeze the displayed
readings.
6. Press F1 to view real-time readings plotted on x-y graphs. Once in the
graph mode, the graph icon will appear above F3. Press F3 at that point to
step through all four of the real-time data graphs.
7. Selectable reading (dew point/frost point temperature, in this example).
See Display in the Programming menu (Section 7) for details.
8. Temperature reading, shown on a bar graph.
9. Selectable pressure value. See Section 4.3 for details on setting the probe
pressure value to match the gas under test.
10. Time, in hours and minutes. Set the Time in the Settings programming
menu, see Section 7. If you select the 12 hour clock mode the display will
show AM or PM after the time.
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Home Page6
6.2 Home Page Summary Display
If you press the left or right arrow button at the Home page, the readings are
presented in a summary format as shown in Figure 6.2. Press the left or right
arrow button to return to the Home page.
Figure 6.2 Press the right or left arrow button from the Home page to view the readings in
summary format.
6.3 Real-Time Readings Plotted on Graphs
If you press F1 at the Home page, you can view readings plotted in real-
time on a set of four graphs. As shown in Figure 6.3, below, the first graph
(upper left) shows all three readings plotted on one graph. The remaining
three graphs show one reading per graph. Note that once you’ve accessed
the graph mode, the graph icon is located above F3. Press F3 to step
through all graphs.
Press F2 to set the rate at which readings are plotted on the graphs. You can
select 1 second (1S), 5 seconds (5S), 30 seconds (30S), 1 minute (1min), 5
minutes (5min), or 10 minutes (10min). Press F1 to return to the Home page.
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Home Page6
Figure 6.3 Real-time readings shown on four graphs. Press F1 from the Home Page to open
the first graph (upper left) which shows all readings on one graph. Press F3 to step through
the other graphs which show one reading per graph and then back to the first graph. Press F2
to change the sampling rate (interval between each captured reading). Press F1 to return to
the Home page.
6.4 Data Hold Mode
The Data Hold feature allows you to freeze readings on the display. The read-
ings are held on the display until you release them, as explained below.
1. From the Home page, press F2 under the word HOLD.
2. The display will show the word HOLD in red, and the readings will be
frozen.
3. To save these readings press F3 .
4. To release the readings and return to the Home page, press F1.
The readings that you save in the Data Hold mode are saved to a file named
Hold and Save in the RH600 internal flash drive for later viewing on the meter
display and for downloading to a PC. Files downloaded to a PC can be
opened in a spreadsheet for general use and for creating professional reports.
See Section 8, Data Recording, for complete information on viewing and
downloading recorded data.
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Programming Menu
7
Figure 7.1 Programming menu
Press F3 to open the Programming menu. The menu has five (5) items,
Functions,Recording,Display,Environment, and Settings. Use the left/right
arrow buttons to highlight an item. Press F3 ✔to open an item. Press F1
from any page to return to the previous page. Each menu option is outlined
below, with complete details provided in separate dedicated sections where
necessary.
7.1 Display Menu
The Display menu is where you select the two readings that are displayed on
the Home page, on the lower left and lower right side of the temperature read-
ing (the temperature reading at the centre of the Home page is fixed; it cannot
be removed or changed).
Figure 7.2 Display menu. Select the readings that will be displayed on the Home page. The
temperature reading is fixed on the Home page, the two other readings are selected on this
menu page. Press F2 under UNIT to change the unit of measure for a highlighted reading.
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Programming Menu
7
Use the arrow buttons to scroll to a reading, and then press F3 ✔to select or
deselect the reading. Three readings must be selected at all times, otherwise
an error message will appear. You must deselect a reading, when three are al-
ready selected, before you can select a new one.
Press F2 (UNIT), to change the unit of measure for the selected reading.
Press F1 to return to the main menu.
7.2 Functions Menu
In the Functions menu you can configure low and high Alarms, turn the Alarms
ON/OFF, and initiate meter-to-PC communication, after connecting the
RH600 to a PC using the supplied USB cable. Use the arrow buttons to scroll.
Press F3 ✔to open or select an item. See Section 9, Alarms, and Section 10,
PC interface, for details.
Figure 7.3 Functions menu. Set Low/High Alarm Limits and switch the Alarm function ON/
OFF. Initiate meter/PC communication after connecting the meter to the PC using the sup-
plied USB cable.
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Programming Menu
7
7.3 Recording Menu
In the Recording menu you can start/stop the data logger, configure the log-
ging sample rate (gap) and session duration (time), and view/erase logged
data. Use the arrow buttons to scroll. Press F3 ✔to open or select an option.
See Section 8, Data Logging, for specifics.
Figure 7.4 The first Recording menu page. See Section 8, Data Recording, for additional
display pages and instructions.
7.4 Environment Menu
In the Environment menu you can set the probe’s pressure and molar mass
values to match the gas pressure/molar mass under test. In this menu, you
can also purge the probe of process liquids and condensation by selecting
Purification. Use the arrow buttons to scroll. Press F3 ✔to open or select an
option. See Section 4 for specifics on Probe Pressure, Molar Mass, and
Purification.
Figure 7.5 The first Environment menu page. See dedicated Probe section for additional
screens and instructions.
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Programming Menu
7
7.5 Settings Menu
In the Settings menu you can set the displayed language, auto power off
(APO) time, display brightness, date/time, and keypad tone ON/OFF. You can
also view the meter firmware version (see Section 10.3 for firmware update in-
formation). Press F3 ✔to open and to change a setting. Additional informa-
tion below.
Figure 7.6 Settings menu.
• Language selection: Press F3 to select a language.
• Auto Power Off (APO) time: Press F3 to set the APO time to OFF, 10, 15,
20, 25, or 30 minutes. Note that APO is disabled while the Data Logging is
running. The APO function will be enabled automatically when the Data
Logging stops recording.
• Display brightness: Press F3 to select the brightness level from 1 (dim-
mest) to 10 (brightest).
• Date/Time setting: Use the navigation arrow buttons to set the Year, Month,
Day, Hour, and Minutes. You can also select 12 or 24 clock modes. When
12 hour clock mode is selected, the display shows AM or PM after the time.
• Keypad tone ON/OFF: Press F3 to set the keypad tone ON or OFF.
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Programming Menu
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Figure 7.7 Setting the Time and Date. Use the arrow buttons to change the Year, Month, Day,
Hour, Minutes, and 12 or 24 hour clock.
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