GE PM880 User manual

GE Infrastructure
Sensing
Model PM880
Portable Hygrometer
User’s Manual
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
Fax [phone]
TestEquipmentDepot.com

GE Infrastructure
Sensing
Model PM880
Portable Hygrometer
User’s Manual
910-247B
February 2005
PM880 is a GE Panametrics product. GE Panametrics has joined other
GE high-technology sensing businesses under a new name—GE
Infrastructure Sensing.

iii
February 2005
Warranty
Each instrument manufactured by GE Infrastructure Sensing,
Inc. is warranted to be free from defects in material and
workmanship. Liability under this warranty is limited to
restoring the instrument to normal operation or replacing the
instrument, at the sole discretion of GE Infrastructure Sensing,
Inc. Fuses and batteries are specifically excluded from any
liability. This warranty is effective from the date of delivery to
the original purchaser. If GE Infrastructure Sensing, Inc.
determines that the equipment was defective, the warranty
period is:
• one year from delivery for electronic or mechanical failures
• one year from delivery for sensor shelf life
• six months from delivery for probe calibration
If GE Infrastructure Sensing, Inc. determines that the
equipment was damaged by misuse, improper installation, the
use of unauthorized replacement parts, or operating
conditions outside the guidelines specified by GE
Infrastructure Sensing, Inc., the repairs are not covered under
this warranty.
The warranties set forth herein are exclusive and are in lieu
of all other warranties whether statutory, express or
implied (including warranties or merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose, and warranties arising from course
of dealing or usage or trade).

February 2005
iv
Return Policy
If a GE Infrastructure Sensing, Inc. instrument malfunctions
within the warranty period, the following procedure must be
completed:
1. Notify GE Infrastructure Sensing, Inc., giving full details of
the problem, and provide the model number and serial
number of the instrument. If the nature of the problem
indicates the need for factory service, GE Infrastructure
Sensing, Inc. will issue a RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER
(RAN), and shipping instructions for the return of the
instrument to a service center will be provided.
2. If GE Infrastructure Sensing, Inc. instructs you to send your
instrument to a service center, it must be shipped prepaid
to the authorized repair station indicated in the shipping
instructions.
3. Upon receipt, GE Infrastructure Sensing, Inc. will evaluate
the instrument to determine the cause of the malfunction.
Then, one of the following courses of action will then be taken:
• If the damage is covered under the terms of the warranty,
the instrument will be repaired at no cost to the owner and
returned.
• If GE Infrastructure Sensing, Inc. determines that the
damage is not covered under the terms of the warranty, or
if the warranty has expired, an estimate for the cost of the
repairs at standard rates will be provided. Upon receipt of
the owner’s approval to proceed, the instrument will be
repaired and returned.

v
February 2005
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Getting Started
Charging the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Configuring the Battery Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
Charging the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
Powering On and Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
Powering On. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
Powering Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
Entering Data Using the Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
Entering Setup Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7
Selecting Probe Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7
Entering Calibration Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-9
Displaying Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-15
Saving Data in a Site File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-17
Chapter 2: Taking Measurements
Installing the Probe into a Sample System . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Connecting the Sample System to the Process. . . . . . . . . .2-3
Making Probe Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Recalling a Site File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
Operating the Sample System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
Conducting a Leak Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7
Shutting Down the Sample System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7

February 2005
vi
Table of Contents (cont.)
Chapter 3: Using the PM880 Screen
Screen Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
Setting Up the Screen to Display Measurements . . . . . . . .3-4
Selecting the Number of Views (Measurements) . . . .3-4
Selecting the Types of Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
Selecting Numeric, Line or Bar Graph Format . . . . . .3-5
Setting Up the Numeric Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Adjusting the Line/Bar Graph Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7
Creating Function Key Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9
Assigning/Re-assigning a Function Key . . . . . . . . . . .3-9
Clearing a Function Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10
Using the Backlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10
Manually Turning Backlight On and Off. . . . . . . . . .3-10
Setting the Backlight Timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10
Adjusting the Contrast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11
Taking a Bitmap Screen Capture (Snapshot) . . . . . . . . . .3-12
Chapter 4: Using Special Features
Selecting English or Metric Units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
Entering Date and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
Changing Date and Time Appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
Adding a Message to a Site File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
Setting a Probe Calibration Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6
Using Automatic Calibration (Auto-Cal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-8
Entering Constants and User Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-10
Entering a User Constant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-10
Entering a Saturation Constant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-12
Entering User Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-14
Setting Up User Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-19
Using Computer Enhanced Response. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-22
Entering Reference Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-24
Using Sleep Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-26
Placing the PM880 in Sleep Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-26
Resuming Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-26
Displaying Meter Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-27
Changing the Display Language. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-28
Using On-Line Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-29

vii
February 2005
Table of Contents (cont.)
Chapter 5: Logging Data
Setting up a New Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
Pausing a Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
Starting or Restarting a Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7
Ending a Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8
Viewing All Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9
Viewing Log Setup Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10
Displaying Logged Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12
Using the Graph Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12
Using the Spreadsheet Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-16
Chapter 6: Managing Files
Saving a New Site File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2
Recalling a Site File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4
Saving a Site File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5
Renaming a Site or Log File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-6
Renaming a Site File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-6
Renaming a Log File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-8
Copying a Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-9
Deleting All Types of Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-13
Sorting Files in the Site/Drive/Log Manager . . . . . . . . . .6-15
Chapter 7: Using the PM880 with a PC and Printer
Setting Up PM880 IR Communications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-2
Transferring and Printing Files Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3
Printing a Site or Log File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-4
Printing a Site File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-4
Printing a Site File (cont.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-5
Printing a Log File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-5
Printing Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-7
Transferring a File To a PC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-8
Transferring a File from a PC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-11
Using Windows Explorer in Windows 95/98/2000. .7-11
Using Windows NT 4.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-12
Using Windows 2000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-13

February 2005
viii
Table of Contents (cont.)
Chapter 8: Maintaining and Troubleshooting the
PM880
Checking the PM880 Memory Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-3
Checking the Battery Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-4
While Taking Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-4
Using the Battery Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-4
Testing the Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-6
Testing the Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-7
Testing the Watchdog Timer Circuit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-8
Resetting to Factory Default Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9
Viewing or Changing Security Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-11
Setting the Security Passcodes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-12
Setting Remote Access Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-13
Updating PM880 Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-15
Upgrading Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-15
Updating Software via IrOBEX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-17
Updating Software Via IrCOMM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-19
Removing/Replacing the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-22
Recharging the Batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-23
Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-23
Configuring the Battery Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-24
Charging the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-25
Error and Screen Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-26
Common Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-30
Replacing and Recalibrating the Moisture Probes . . . . . .8-33
Recalibrating the Pressure Sensors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-34

ix
February 2005
Table of Contents (cont.)
Chapter 9: Features and Specifications
The PM880 Hygrometer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-1
Probes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-2
M Series and TF Series Moisture Probes. . . . . . . . . . .9-3
Moisture Image Series Probe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-4
Cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-5
Overall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-6
Operational . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-6
Electronics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-7
Moisture Measurement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-9
Dew/frost Point Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-9
Temperature Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-10
Pressure Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-10
Sample System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-11
Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-11
Appendix A: Measurement Considerations
Choosing a Measurement Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Moisture/Temperature Probe Considerations . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Sample System Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5
Appendix B: Menu Maps

Getting Started 1-1
February 2005
Chapter 1
Getting Started
The GE Infrastructure Sensing PM880 is a versatile, battery-
powered portable hygrometer that is designed for spot sampling
moisture measurements. Although the PM880 offers many
options, it only requires battery charging and minimal setup to
begin taking measurements.
This chapter isdesigned toprovide a step-by-step guide to getting
the meter up and running as quickly as possible. Additional
programming options are discussed in later chapters.
Follow the sections in this chapter to setup your meter. This
chapter includes the following information:
•Charging the batteries
•Powering On and Off
•Entering Data Using the Keypad
•Entering Setup Data
•Displaying Measurements
•Saving Data in Site Files
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
FAX [phone] - TestEquipmentDepot.com

February 2005
1-2 Getting Started
Charging the Battery Pack
The PM880 is powered by a rechargeable NiMH battery pack.
When you receive the PM880, you will need to fully charge the
pack. The pack must be charged 4-5 hours until the amber LED
on the charger goes out to receive the maximum charge. When
fully charged, the pack provides 16 to 24 hours of continuous
operation, depending on the probe type and PM880 usage. An
internal battery gauge indicates the remaining power in the pack.
Before you charge the battery pack you must make sure the
charger is properly configured. Use the instructions below to
properly charge the battery pack.
Removing the Battery Pack
1. Make sure you are in a general-purpose location where you
can safely charge the pack.
!WARNING!
THE BATTERY PACK CAN BE INSTALLED
AND REMOVED IN HAZARDOUS AREAS,
HOWEVER, IT MUST BE CHARGED
IN GENERAL-PURPOSE AREAS ONLY.
2. Remove the four thumb screws on the back panel of the
PM880 that secure the pack.
3. Lift the pack out of the unit.

Getting Started 1-3
February 2005
Configuring the Battery Charger
The PM880 battery charger has a switchable voltage input of 115
to 230 VAC. Before you plug the pack into the charger you must
make sure the voltage selector is in the correct position before
plugging it in.
Caution!
The battery charger is intended for indoor use only. See
Specifications for power cord type. Risk of electrical
shock: dry locations use only. Charge on NiMH type
rechargeable batteries. Other types of batteries may
burst causing injury and/or damage.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
!DANGER!
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK,
CAREFULLY FOLLOW GUIDELINES BELOW.
a. BE SURE VOLTAGE SELECTOR IS IN CORRECT
VOLTAGE POSITION BEFORE PLUGGING IN. SEE
BOTTOM OF CHARGER.
b. FOR USE IN THE U.S., THE VOLTAGE SELECTOR
SWITCH MUST BE PLACED IN THE 115 VOLT
POSITION.
c. FOR USE IN COUNTIRES OUTSIDE THE U.S., PLACE
THE VOLTAGE SELECTOR IN THE CORRECT
POSITION. CONFIRM THE VOLTAGE AVAILABLE AT
YOUR LOCATION BEFORE USING THE PRODUCT.
d. FOR CONNECTION TO A SUPPLY NOT IN THE U.S.,
USE AN ATTACHMENT PLUG OR ADAPTOR OF THE
PROPER CONFIGURATION FOR THE POWER OUTLET.

February 2005
1-4 Getting Started
Charging the Battery Pack
1. Plug the pack into the battery charger.
2. Connect the charger to AC power. When power is applied, the
amber LED glows and the charger automatically begins
charging the pack.
3. The pack is fully charged when the amber LED goes out
(approximately 4-5 hours).
IMPORTANT: When you receive your unit, you should
completely charge the battery pack before you
use it for the first time.
4. Remove the pack from the charger and reinstall it in the
PM880. Refer to Checking the Battery Status on page 8-4 for
details on monitoring the battery.

Getting Started 1-5
February 2005
Powering On and Off
IMPORTANT: For CE compliance, the PM880 is classified as a
battery-powered device.
Powering On
To turn the PM880 on, press the red button in the upper-right-
hand corner of the keypad. Immediately upon power up the
PM880 displays a series of messages and performs various
checks. The screen then appears similar to the one shown in
Figure 1-1 below.
Note: If the meter displays a Probe Reminder message, press
[ENTER].
Figure 1-1: Screen After Powering On
Note:
If the meter fails any of these tests, contact GE
Infrastructure Sensing.

February 2005
1-6 Getting Started
Powering Off
1. To turn the PM880 off, press the red key for 3 seconds. The
screen now appears similar to Figure 1-2 below.
2. Press [F1] to shut down the PM880.
Figure 1-2: The Shutdown Menu
Entering Data Using the Keypad
Use the information below to familiarize yourself with how to
enter data using the PM880 keypad.
Use the arrow keys to scroll to a menu topic and then press
[ENTER] to open the menu item.
When entering data into a menu window, press:
•The [  ] key to scroll forward through the menu options.
•The [  ] key to scroll back through menu options.
•The [F2] key (Cancel) or the [ESC] key to exit a menu at any
time and return to Operate Mode without changing data.
Note: If you enter an incorrect numeric value, press the [  ] key
to erase the last digit entered.

Getting Started 1-7
February 2005
Entering Setup Data
For immediate operation, the PM880 requires only a moisture
probe and its corresponding calibration data. You should enter
data for each site where you plan to make a measurement. Once
entered, you can save it into a file that can be recalled at the
measurement site. Use the sections that follow to program your
meter.
Note: The PM880 has additional menus that enable you to tailor
measurements as specifically as possible to your
particular application. For more information on menu
options refer to Chapter 4, Using Special Features.
Selecting Probe Type
Use the steps below to select the probe type for the measurement
site. Refer to Figure 1-9 on page 1-19 for a menu map.
Note: You may also enter a constant value for moisture,
temperature or pressure measurement (rather than a live
input). For more information refer to Entering Constants
and User Functions on page 4-10.
1. If the menu is not active, press [MENU].
2. Use the arrow key to scroll to Program and press [ENTER].
3. Use the arrow key to scroll to Probe and press [ENTER]. The
screen appears similar to Figure 1-3 below.
Figure 1-3: The Probe Window

February 2005
1-8 Getting Started
Selecting Probe Type (cont.)
4. At Type, press [ENTER] to open the drop-down list of probe
types.
Note: If you do not know the probe type, refer to the Calibration
Data Sheet.
5. Use the arrow keys to scroll to the desired selection and press
[ENTER].
6. Press [F3] (OK) to exit.
What’s Next?
Do one of the following:
•If you are using an M and TF Series probes, proceed to
Entering Calibration Data on the next page.
•If you are using an MIS Probe (MISP), proceed to
Displaying Measurements on page 1-15.
Note: If you have an MISP probe that was sent back to the
factory for calibration without the electronics module you
need to enter calibration data as described in Entering
Calibration Data on the next page.

Getting Started 1-9
February 2005
Entering Calibration Data
The PM880 needs moisture and/or pressure calibration data for
probes. You need to enter this data
•when setting up a new unit
•sent a probe(s) back to the factory for calibration
Be sure you have the Calibration Data Sheets that are supplied
with each GE Infrastructure Sensing probe. Each Calibration
Data Sheet consists of a list of data points that you will need to
enter or verify, and lists its corresponding probe serial number.
Calibration Data Sheets are usually packed inside the probe cases.
Since the PM880 enables you to use more than one probe, the
meter provides a place to enter the probe serial number to help
you match the probes to the corresponding site files. The probe
serial number is stored as part of the site file.
Use the sections on the following pages to enter the serial
number, moisture and pressure calibration data for the probes.
Entering Probe ID
1. If the menu is not active, press [MENU].
2. Use the arrow key to scroll to Program and press [ENTER].
3. Use the arrow key to scroll to Calibrate and press [ENTER].
4. Use the arrow keys to scroll to the Probe ID tab and press
[ENTER]. A screen similar to Figure 1-4 below appears.
Figure 1-4: The Probe ID Window

February 2005
1-10 Getting Started
Entering Probe ID (cont.)
5. Use the arrow keys to scroll to S/N and press [ENTER].
6. Use the numeric keys to enter the serial number from the
Calibration Data Sheet and press [ENTER]. The serial number
is also scribed on the hex nut of the moisture probe.
7. Use the arrow keys to scroll to the suffix box and press
[ENTER] to open the drop-down list.
8. Use the arrow keys to scroll to the desired suffix and press
[ENTER].
9. Press [F3] (OK) to exit.
Entering Moisture Calibration Data
You only need to enter calibration data for M and TF Series
probes. The Moisture Image
®
Series (MISP) probe stores all
calibration data in its electronics module, and uploads it into the
PM880 memory when needed.
Note: It is not necessary to enter calibration data for the
Moisture Image Series (MISP) unless you send the probe
back to the factory for calibration without its electronics
module. If this is the case, you must manually enter the
calibration data as described below.
Enter moisture calibration data (MH or FH) and dew point
readings (up to 20 data points) for the moisture probe as
described below. Refer to Figure 1-9 on page 1-19 for a menu
map.
Note: If you are using a MISP probe and do not need to enter
data, proceed to Displaying Measurements on page 1-15.
1. If the menu is not active, press [MENU].
2. Use the arrow key to scroll to Program and press [ENTER].
3. Use the arrow key to scroll to Calibrate and press [ENTER].
4. If necessary, use the arrow key to scroll to Hygro and press
[ENTER]. The screen appears similar to Figure 1-5 on the next
page.

Getting Started 1-11
February 2005
Entering Moisture Calibration Data (cont.)
5. Press [  ] to move the pointer to the 00/MH box in the
calibration table.
6. Press [ENTER] to change the value. Use the numeric keys to
enter the desired MH or FH value, and press [ENTER].
Figure 1-5: The Hygro Window in Calibration
7. Press [  ] to move to the next text box, and press [ENTER].
Use the numeric keys to enter the corresponding dew point
reading and press [ENTER].
8. Use the arrow keys to scroll to additional data points and
repeat steps 5, 6 and 7 until you have entered the values for
each data point.
Note: To insert an additional data point, press [F1] (Insert).
To delete a data point, press [F2] (Delete).
9. When you have completed entering values, press [F3] (EXIT).
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
FAX [phone] - TestEquipmentDepot.com