General DLAF930S User manual

ENVIRONMENT METER WITH
DATALOGGING SD CARD
USER’S MANUAL
DLAF930SD
DLAF930SD
DLAF930SD
Please read this manual carefully and thoroughly before using this product.
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
Phone [phone]
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431
Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com

TABLE OF CONTENT
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 – 12
What’s in the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 –5
Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 –8
Normal Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 – 10
Holding and Storing Measurements. . . . . . . . . 10
Automatic vs. Manual Datalogging . . . . . 10 – 11
ransferring Data from the SD Card
to a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 12
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 13
Maintenance & roubleshooting ips . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Optional Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Return for Repair Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing eneral Tools & Instruments’ DLAF930SD Environment
Meter with Datalogging SD Card. Please read this user’s manual carefully and
thoroughly before using the instrument.
The DLAF930SD is a general-purpose handheld instrument that can make five kinds
of measurements:
• Air (wind) speed and temperature (simultaneously)
• Air temperature and humidity (simultaneously)
• Light level
• Surface temperature, as measured by an optional Type K or Type J
thermocouple
• Sound level (using an optional sound level probe and plug adapter)
The meter comes with a multi-function probe that is used to make the first three
types of measurement. Measurements of surface temperature and sound level are
made using optional accessories. Air speeds can be displayed in m/s
(meters/second), fpm (feet per minute), km/h (kilometers/hr), knots (nautical
miles per hour), or mph (miles per hour). Light levels can be displayed in lux
or ft-cd (foot-candles). Temperatures can be displayed in ºF (Fahrenheit) or
ºC (Celsius) units.
Several features and capabilities enhance the meter’s versatility. Among them are
automatic temperature compensation for measurements made by the anemometer
or a Type K or Type J thermocouples, the ability to hold readings and display
maximum and minimum readings, and an automatic power off function that extends
battery life.
Because it is microprocessor-based, the DLAF930SD can make full use of the
portability, reliability and large storage capacities that SD memory cards offer.
Measurements can be made automatically at any sampling rate between one second
and one hour. After time-stamping and storing the measurements on an SD card
plugged into the instrument (a process called datalogging), the user can remove the
card and plug it into to a laptop or desktop computer either directly or via a USB card
reader. The data logs are stored on the card as files with the .xls extension, which
can be opened by Microsoft’s Excel application.
The DLAF930SD has a backlit 2-1/2 in. diagonal display and is powered by six “AA”
Alkaline batteries or an optional 9-VDC AC adapter.
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KEY FEATURE
• Multi-function probe measures air speed and temperature, air temperature and
humidity, and light level. Optional accessories measure surface temperature and
sound level
• Big (2.5 in. diagonal) front-panel green backlit LCD is easy to read
• Displays maximum and minimum readings and holds any reading
• Automatically logs measurements at sampling time settable from one second to
one hour
• Also supports manual datalogging and changing of SD card storage location
• Outputs Excel-compatible data logs
• Accepts SD memory cards of up to 16 B capacity
• Auto power off function
• Powered by six “AA” batteries or optional 9V AC/DC adapter
OPERATING IN TRUCTION
WHAT’S IN THE CASE
The DLAF930SD comes fully assembled in a carrying case along with a multi-
function (temperature, humidity, air speed, light level) probe, a 2 B SD memory card
and this user’s manual.
Optional accessories available from eneral Tools & Instruments include:
• A sound level probe and plug adapter
• Types K and J thermocouples
• A 9VDC adapter for a 110V or 220V power supply
See the Optional Accessories section of this manual for more details.
Figure 1 shows all of the controls and indicators on the front, right side, back, top
and bottom of the DLAF930SD. It also shows (at right) the main components of the
included multi-function probe. Familiarize yourself with the positions and functions of
these controls, indicators and connectors before moving on to the setup procedure.
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1. he DLAF930SD’s controls and indicators and other physical features
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1-1 Liquid-crystal display
1-2 POWER/ESC button
1-3 FUNC./HOLD/NEXT button
1-4 REC/ENTER button
1-5 SET ▼button
1-6 LO ER ▲button
1-7 Socket for multi-function probe or
optional sound level probe
1-8 Socket for Type K or J
thermocouple thermometer
1-9 SD card socket
1-10 RS-232 output jack
1-11 RESET button
1-12 Socket for 9VDC AC adapter
1-13 Battery compartment cover
1-14 Battery compartment cover
screws
1-15 Kickstand
1-16 Tripod attachment nut
1-17 Multi-function probe head
1-18 Anemometer
1-19 Temperature-humidity sensor
1-20 Light sensor
1-21 Multi-function probe plug
TOP
RIGHT
SIDE
BACK
BOTTOM
FRONT
Fig. 1

SETUP
1. Choose the power source. Before using the DLAF930SD, make sure it is powered
by fresh batteries or an optional 9VDC AC adapter plugged into the bottom jack on
its right side (callout 1-12).
To remove the battery compartment cover (callout 1-13), remove the two screws
holding it in place (callout 1-14). Then install six “AA” batteries in the correct
orientation, using the polarity marks on the inside of the compartment as a guide.
Replace the cover by replacing the two screws.
2. Install an SD card. To prepare for setup, also install the supplied 2 B SD memory
card or another card with a capacity from 1 B to 16 B in the socket on the
bottom of the meter (callout 1-9). When installing the card, make sure its gold
contacts are facing front and push the card into the socket until you hear a click.
To remove the card, push it in until you hear a click and the card pops out.
Now power on the instrument by pressing the POWER/ESC button (callout 1-2) to
generate a short beep. (To power off the DLAF930SD, press the POWER/ESC button
and hold it until the instrument responds with a long beep.)
When the meter powers on, a series of transient startup screens will briefly appear.
Once the display has stabilized, perform the following eight setup steps in the order
presented.
3. Set the date and time. Press the SET ▼button (callout 1-5) and hold it for at
least five seconds, until the word “dAtE” appears on the bottom line of the display.
Then press the REC/ENTER button. The display will change to show the current
setting for the year on the top line of the display and the term "yy" below "dAtE"
on the lower line..
Set the current year by pressing the SET ▼or LO ER ▲button as many times as
necessary until the correct value appears above “yy”. Quickly (within three seconds),
press the REC/ENTER button to store the setting. The next screen that appears will
show the current setting for the month on the top line and the term "mm" below
“dAtE” on the bottom line. Use the SET ▼or LO ER ▲button to navigate to the
current month and press the REC/ENTER button to store the setting. When the next
screen shows “dd” below “dAtE”, again use the SET ▼or LO ER ▲button to
navigate to the current day and press the REC/ENTER button to store the setting.
(If you press buttons too slowly in setup mode, the screen will revert to the normal
display. To return to the setup sequence, press and hold the SET ▼button again. To
move ahead to the next field in the sequence or to the next parameter, press the
FUNC./HOLD/NEXT button.)
Once you have set the date, the display will prompt you to set the hour,
minute and second of the current time (represented by the terms "h", "m"
and "s" below "dAtE" on the bottom line). Again use the SET ▼or LO ER
▲buttons to navigate to the correct values, and the REC/ENTER button to
store the settings. When you press the REC/ENTER button to save a seconds
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setting, the display will switch to show “bASIC” above the phrase “dEC”.
This signals that the DLAF930SD is ready for your input in Step 4 of the
setup sequence.
4. Choose a decimal point or comma to represent the decimal division between
integers and fractions (for example, American-style 20.88 vs. European-style
20,88). Once you have set the date and time, the display will show the word
“bASIC” above the phrase “dEC”. Press the SET ▼button to make “bASIC”
(American style) or “Euro” appear in the upper display, as desired. Press the
REC/ENTER button to store the selection as the default.
5. Enable or disable auto power off. Once the format of decimal point divisions
has been set and stored, the display will show the word “yES’ over the term
“PoFF”. Press the SET ▼button until the desired automatic power off
management scheme (“yES” for enable; “no” for disable) is displayed. Press the
REC/ENTER button to store the selection. If enabled, the power off function shuts
off the DLAF930SD after a period of inactivity of ten minutes.
6. Enable or disable the beeper. Once the auto power off function has been
enabled or disabled, the display will show the word “yES” over the word “bEEP”.
Press the SET ▼button until the desired setting (“yES” or “no”) is displayed,
and then press the REC/ENTER button to store the selection as the default.
7. Select the thermocouple type. Once the beeper has been enabled or disabled,
the lower part of the display will show the term “tYPE”. Press the SET ▼or
LO ER ▲button until your thermocouple’s type (K or J) appears on the display.
Then press the REC/ENTER button to store the selection.
8. Select the temperature unit. Once the thermocouple type has been selected
and stored, the lower part of the display will show the term “t-CF”. Press the SET
▼or LO ER ▲button until the unit you prefer (“F” for Fahrenheit or “C” for
Celsius”) is displayed. Then press the REC/ENTER button to store the selection
as the default.
9. Set the datalogging sampling time. Once the default temperature unit has been
selected and stored, the display will show a value above the letters “SP-t”. Press
the SET ▼or LO ER ▲button to decrease or increase the value until the
desired sampling time appears above “SP-t”. The options are 0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30,
60, 120, 300, 600, 1800 and 3600 seconds (0 seconds to 1 hour).
10. Format the SD card. Once the sampling time has been set and stored, the term
“Sd-F” will appear in the lower half of the display. Press the REC/ENTER button.
Pressing the REC/ENTER button causes the word “no” or “yES” to appear over the
term “Sd-F”. Press the ▼button to make a selection. Choose “yES” whenever a
new SD card is being used, or when a used card is being repurposed (from use
with another SD card instrument or a camera, for example) and all data on it is
to be erased. Choose “no” to preserve any data on a card previously used with
this instrument.
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If you choose “yES”, after you press the REC/ENTER button the instrument will
prompt you to confirm that decision by displaying the term “Ent” below “yES” and
sounding three beeps. To confirm that you want to begin the erasure/formatting
procedure, press the REC/ENTER button. “Ent” will then flash several times and the
instrument will sound another three beeps to confirm that the SD card has been
erased and formatted.
Once the SD card has been set up, the display will then either return to the first of the
eight steps in the setup sequence—setting the current date and time—or show the
term “ESC”. If “ESC” appears, press the POWER/ESC button to exit the setup
procedure and enter normal operating mode.
NORMAL OPERATION
1. o prepare to make measurements, power on the DLAF930SD and make sure
an SD card is firmly seated in the socket on the bottom of the meter.
The meter can make and display five kinds of measurements:
• Air speed and temperature (simultaneously)
• Air temperature and humidity (simultaneously)
• Surface temperature, as measured by an optional Type K or Type J
thermocouple
• Light level
• Sound level (using an optional sound level probe and plug adapter)
2. o select the measurement mode, use the FUNC./HOLD/NEXT button. Pressing
the button repeatedly cycles through the four main modes (sound level is
measured in a separate operating mode, as explained below). When the
FUNC./HOLD/NEXT button is released, the selected mode becomes the default until
the button is pressed again.
By default, the DLAF930SD uses Celsius units for temperature measurements. If you
wish to make Fahrenheit units the default, press the SET ▼button to enter the setup
procedure and perform Step 8.
3. o measure air speed and temperature simultaneously, seat the multi-function
probe plug (callout 1-21 of Fig. 1) in its socket (callout 1-7) on the top of the meter.
Then press the FUNC./HOLD/NEXT button until the display shows the term “An”.
Holding the probe by its handle, turn its head so the anemometer vanes face the flow
of air. The upper part of the display will show the air speed while the lower part will
show the temperature (as “ºF” or “ºC”).
o change the units of air speed, use the REC/ENTER button (which has the word
“Unit” stenciled below it). Repeated presses of the button cycle through the five options
for air speed units: m/s (meters/second), fpm (feet per minute), km/h (kilometers/hr),
knots (nautical miles per hour), and mph (miles per hour). Release the REC/ENTER
button when the unit you wish to use appears, making it the default until changed.
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4. o measure air temperature and humidity simultaneously, seat the multi-
function probe plug in its socket on the top of the meter. Then press the
FUNC./HOLD/NEXT button until the display shows the term “rH”. Holding the probe
by its handle, expose its head to a representative volume of air whose temperature
and humidity you wish to measure. The upper part of the display will show the
measured relative humidity value (as “%RH”) while the lower part will show the
temperature (as “ºF” or “ºC”).
5. o measure surface temperature with a thermocouple, make sure the multi-
function probe is not in its socket. Plug an optional Type K or Type J thermocouple
into its dedicated socket (callout 1-8 of Fig. 1). Then press the FUNC./HOLD/NEXT
button until the display shows the term “tP”.
Touch the wire end of the thermocouple to the surface whose temperature you wish
to measure. The display will show its temperature (as “ºF” or “ºC”).
By default, the DLAF930SD is configured for a Type K thermocouple. To use a Type J
thermocouple, press the SET ▼button to enter the setup procedure and perform
Step 7.
6. o measure the ambient light level or the intensity of a light source, seat the
multi-function probe plug in its socket on the top of the meter. Then press the
FUNC./HOLD/NEXT button until the display shows the term “LIgHt”. Completely
cover the light sensor (callout 1-20 of Fig. 1) with your hand. If the display shows
a value other than zero, press the LO ER ▲button and hold it for at least three
seconds until you hear a beep and the display shows a zero reading. Then uncover
the light sensor.
Holding the probe by its handle, either expose its head to ambient light or point it at
the light source whose intensity you wish to measure. The display will show the
measured light intensity in units of lux or foot-candles (ft-cd).
To change the unit of light intensity, use the REC/ENTER button. Repeated presses of
the button toggle through the two options for light intensity units: lux or ft-cd.
Release the REC/ENTER when the unit you wish to use appears, making it the default
until changed.
7. o measure sound intensity using an optional sound level probe and plug
adapter, first power off the DLAF930SD. Then plug one end of the plug adapter into
the probe and the other end into the socket at the top of the meter (callout 1-7 of
Fig. 1). Power on both the sound level probe and the DLAF930SD. The meter’s
display will briefly show the word “Sound” and then switch to a normal
measurement display. Point the head of the sound level probe at the sound source
whose volume you wish to measure. The display will show the sound level, in units
of dB.
Whenever the meter is in measurement mode, you can turn off the backlight (which
is on by default) by briefly pressing (but not holding) the POWER/ESC button. To
reactivate the backlight, briefly press the button again.
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Whenever the instrument is in measurement mode, you also can check the current
date and time by briefly pressing the SET ▼button (which has the words “Time
check” stenciled below it). Doing so causes both values to appear briefly at the lower
left of the display.
HOLDING AND STORING MEASUREMENTS
8. o hold a measured value, press the FUNC./HOLD/NEXT button during the
measurement. Doing so will cause the word “HOLD” to appear at the top of the
display. Pressing the FUNC./HOLD/NEXT button again releases the hold.
9. o record and recall readings, press the REC/ENTER button while making
measurements. This will make the term “REC” appear at the top of the display.
Pressing the REC/ENTER button again, briefly, will make the term “MAX” appear
to the right of “REC” and switch the display to the maximum value stored in
memory during the last recording session. Pressing the REC/ENTER button again,
briefly, will make the term “MIN” appear to the right of “REC” and switch the
display to the minimum value stored during the last session.
10. o exit recording mode, press the REC/ENTER button and hold it for at least
three seconds, until the term “REC” disappears from the top line of the display.
The display will then revert to showing the current reading.
AUTOMATIC VS. MANUAL DATALOGGING
The DLAF930SD can automatically log data at a user-selected sampling period from
1 second 3,600 seconds (one hour). To view the sampling time that the instrument
has been set up to use, press the LO ER ▲button (which has the words “Sampling
check” stenciled below it) once. To change the sampling time, perform Step 9 of the
setup procedure.
11. o start automatic datalogging, press the REC/ENTER button once. The top line
of the display will then show the term “REC”. Pressing the LO ER ▲button at
this point will make REC flash and add the flashing term “LO ER” at the top
right of the display. This indicates that the instrument is currently storing
measured values and their time stamps in memory.
12. o pause automatic datalogging, press the LO ER ▲button once; this action
makes the flashing term “LO ER” disappear from the top right of the display
and changes the term “REC” from flashing to constant. Pressing the LO ER ▲
button again resumes automatic datalogging.
13. o end automatic datalogging, press the REC/ENTER button and hold it for at
least two seconds. This action causes the “REC” message to disappear.
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