Inficon WHISPER User manual

OPERATING MANUAL
Whisper®
Ultrasonic Leak Detector

2
EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
This declaration is issued under the sole responsibility of the manufacturer INFICON. The object of the
declaration is to certify that this equipment, designed and manufactured by INFICON, is in conformity
with the relevant Community harmonization legislation. It has been constructed in accordance with good
engineering practice in safety matters in force in the Community and does not endanger the safety of per-
sons, domestic animals or property when properly installed and maintained and used in applications for
which it was made.
Equipment Description: Whisper® Ultrasonic Leak Detector
Model Number: 711-202-Gxx (Applicable to all Group numbers)
711-203-Gxx (Applicable to all Group numbers)
Applicable Directives: 2014/30/EU General EMC
2011/65/EU RoHS
Applicable Standards:
Safety: EN 61010-1:2010 Safety requirements for electrical equipment
for measurement, control, and laboratory use.
General requirements.
IEC 60825-1:2014 Safety of Laser Products - Part 1: Equipment
Classification and requirements.
Emissions: CISPR 11/EN 55011:2009 Emission standard for industrial, scientific,
(+A1:2010) and medical (ISM) radio RF equipment
(Class B)
Immunity: EN 61326-1:2013 Edition 2.0 (EMC - Measurement, Control &
Laboratory Equipment)
Immunity per Table A.1 - Portable Test and
Measurement Equipment
RoHS: EN 50581:2013 Technical documentation for the assessment
of electrical and electronic products with
respect to the restriction of hazardous
substances
CE Implementation Date: April 20, 2016
Manufacturer Representative EU Authorized Representative
Brian King INFICON GmbH
Business Line Manager - Service Tools 50968 Köln, Bonner Str. 498
Two Technology Place
East Syracuse, NY USA 13057
INFICON
ANY QUESTIONS RELATIVE TO THIS DECLARATION OR TO THE SAFETY OF INFICON'S PRODUCTS
SHOULD BE DIRECTED, IN WRITING, TO THE AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS.

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WARNING
This symbol is used to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying this instrument.
CAUTION
CAUTION
Whisper includes a built-in laser pointer. It is important to adhere to
the following warnings and safety instructions to prevent injury:
Never shine a laser pointer into a person's eyes or stare into
the laser beam. This can cause instant temporary vision
dysfunction such as flash-blindness, disorientation, or glare.
This can be particularly dangerous if the exposed person is
engaged in a vision-critical activity such as driving. In addition,
prolonged and/or repeated exposure to the laser beam can be
hazardous and damaging to eyes.
Never aim a laser pointer anywhere at or near any person or
animal. Laser pointers are designed to point at inanimate
objects only. In some states and provinces, it is illegal to aim a
laser pointer at a law enforcement officer or any other person.
The purchaser/user is responsible for ensuring that his or her
use of the laser pointer conforms to any local laws.
Do not point a laser pointer at mirror-like surfaces. A reflected
beam can act like a direct beam to the eye.
Laser pointers are not toys. Do not allow a minor to use a laser
pointer unsupervised. In some states and provinces, it is illegal
for a minor to purchase and/or use a pointer. The
purchaser/user is responsible for ensuring that his or her
purchase or use of the laser pointer conforms to any local
laws.
Laser pointer not available in Japan.
INFICON® and Whisper® are registered trademarks of INFICON GmbH.

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Applications
A/C refrigerant leaks (any and all types of refrigerant)
Checking seals around windows, refrigerators, etc. (when using
Whisper Transmitter)
Diagnosing mechanical equipment such as pistons, solenoids,
bearings, etc. (when using contact probe)
Diagnosing solenoid operations
Leaks in pneumatic control systems
Leaks in compressed air systems
Leaks in vacuum systems
Steam traps
Electrical arcing
Specifications
Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . Detects a leak through a 0.004 in. (0.01 cm) diameter orifice
at 5.0 psig from a 12 in. (30.5 cm) distance
Usage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Indoor or Outdoor
Operating Temperature Range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +32°F to +122°F (0°C to +50°C)
(may be operated for a limited
time in lower temperature
environments)
Storage Temperature Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +14°F to +140°F (-10°C to +60°C)
Humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85% RH NC Max.
Altitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6500 ft. (2000 m)
Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 “D” cell alkaline batteries
Battery Life (with laser off) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Approximately 165 hours
Battery Life (with laser on) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Approximately 115 hours
Laser Pointer Class (Laser pointer not available in Japan) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Pollution Degree. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Overvoltage Category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Weight (with battery, not including case or accessories) . . . . . . . . 1.06 lb. (482 g)

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Introduction
Whisper will detect and locate sources of ultrasonic disturbance through the use
of sophisticated circuitry.
An ultrasonic disturbance is created when objects collide. Vacuum leaks create
collisions between molecules flowing through an orifice. Pressure leaks create
collisions between molecules exiting an orifice. All gases and liquids create
disturbances if forced into, or out of, an orifice. All solid materials create
disturbances when any friction exists.
Whisper is capable of detecting and locating sources of ultrasonic disturbances
created by gases, liquids, or solids.
Whisper has different ways of indicating these disturbances. When used without
headphones, Whisper's indicators will illuminate and the unit will beep in response
to sources of ultrasonic noise. When headphones are plugged in, Whisper's
heterodyne feature is enabled, bringing ultrasonic frequencies to a range audible
to the human ear. This is often the best way to use Whisper. You can also use the
metal contact probe on solid objects. Please refer to the appropriate sections of
this manual for more information on these features and how to best use them.
Power button
Touch pad
Battery indicator
Battery cover
Laser aperture
Headphone
jack

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General Information
Whisper is sensitive only to ultrasound (40 to 43 kHz) and is unaffected by audible
noise.
INTERNAL NOISE CONTROL (I.N.C.) allows the use of this instrument in
extremely noisy environments such as mechanical rooms, around operational
chillers, etc. Drag your finger upward on the sensitivity touch pad to increase
sensitivity when experiencing little or no environmental noise. Drag your finger
downward on the sensitivity touch pad to reduce sensitivity in response to an
increase in environmental noise.
Many variables can affect the amount of ultrasound generated by the leakage of
gas through an orifice. Such factors include the pressure/vacuum relative to the
surrounding environment, how smooth the edges of the orifice are, the diameter of
the orifice, Whisper’s distance from the orifice, and the presence of airflow, which
may dissipate the ultrasound.
As you use Whisper, keep in mind that these factors may affect your ability to
detect ultrasonic leaks.

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Locating Leaks
NOTE: Bumping the accessory probe or nose piece into objects while seeking
leaks will cause false alarms. Leaks will be indicated by a beeping alarm
and flashing indicators. Disregard occasional short alarms.
WARNING
Always keep clear of hot and/or moving engine and machinery
parts. Damage or injury could result.
1. Long press the power button to turn Whisper On/Off. The Battery indicator will
illuminate while Whisper is On.
NOTE: If the Battery indicator flashes, the batteries are low and should be
replaced.
2. Press the power button briefly to enable/disable the laser pointer feature (if
equipped). This feature allows for easier and more accurate location of a leak
site. See “Laser Pointer Feature” for more information.
3. Point Whisper in the direction of the suspected leak and scan the area by
making a slow “X” (a vertical and horizontal type sweeping motion) while
keeping the nose piece (or rubber extension probe) pointed in the general
direction of the suspected leak.
4. If you are using Whisper without headphones, it will beep when an ultrasonic
disturbance is detected. If you are using headphones, Whisper will make a
variety of different noises due to its heterodyne feature. (See "Heterodyne
Feature" for more information.) To isolate the ultrasonic disturbance, gradually
decrease sensitivity by slowly dragging your finger down the touch pad until the
beeping stops. The sensitivity level will be indicated briefly by the number of
illuminated indicators next to the touch pad.
5. Move closer to the suspected leak, continuing the sweeping pattern and
narrowing the range of the sweep by making smaller patterns until beeping
resumes. This will lead to the location of the disturbance. To narrow the scan
area, attach the flexible rubber extension to the probe and repeat step 3.
6. Repair all leaks as located and repeat scan.

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Heterodyne Feature
Whisper features heterodyne capability, which converts the ultrasonic frequencies
to sounds that can be heard by the human ear. This allows you to easily isolate
the ultrasonic source.
Plug the included headphones into the jack on the right side of Whisper to enable
heterodyne capability. Dragging your finger upward/downward on the sensitivity
touch pad will increase/decrease the volume of the headphones.
NOTE: Sensitivity defaults to a lower level when headphones are plugged in to
protect against hearing damage. Use the touch pad to increase sensitivity
if needed.
Laser Pointer Feature
Whisper (if equipped) features an integrated laser pointer. This feature is
designed to aid in pinpointing leak sites. To enable/disable the laser pointer
feature, briefly press the power button. The laser pointer will automatically disable
if Whisper is turned Off.
NOTE: Laser pointer not available in Japan.
WARNING
Do not aim the laser pointer at any person or animal.
High Noise Environments
In noisy environments, it may be necessary to “tune out” unwanted signals from
other areas in close proximity to where you are scanning for leaks. Begin by
pushing the rubber extension probe over the nose piece. When the extension is
attached, Whisper’s sensing angle is reduced, increasing the directional capability
and reducing the effects of the adjacent noise sources. This allows Whisper's
detection capabilities to become more directional. If you suspect the reading
originates from a source other than what you are scanning, point the probe toward
the suspected source (maybe a compressor, V-belt, discharging steam line, etc.)
and slowly decrease sensitivity until the alarm stops. Turn the probe back in the
direction of the suspected leak and continue to scan. This step may have to be
repeated as you move around to other locations in search of leaks. If the probe is
close to internal moving parts of equipment, and the alarm sounds, push the
rubber probe against the equipment housing. If the alarm still sounds, internal
friction of moving parts, and not a leak source, may be causing the alarm.

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Using the Contact Probe (if equipped)
The optional metal contact probe offers additional capabilities when used with
Whisper. The contact probe can be a useful accessory in diagnosing machinery.
For best results, always use the headphones when using the contact probe to
enable the heterodyne feature.
To use the contact probe, twist the threaded end into Whisper’s plastic nose piece
and turn Whisper On. Touch the end of the contact probe to bearing housings,
solenoids, pistons, and other mechanical equipment to allow the frequencies to
travel into Whisper's ultrasonic transducer. Adjust sensitivity as needed. Properly
functioning machinery sounds smooth and clear, while poorly functioning
machinery may make irregular or grinding noises. Over time you will learn to
recognize when machinery sounds to be in good working order or when it sounds
worn and in need of maintenance.
WARNING
Do not place the contact probe in running machinery, fan cages,
drive belts, or other moving parts. Always use extreme caution
when using the contact probe around machinery.
Whisper Transmitter Accessory (if equipped)
Whisper Transmitter is an accessory which can be used with the Whisper
Ultrasonic Leak Detector to locate leaks in walk-in coolers/freezers, wall and
ceiling joints, around doors, windows, body seals, rubber moldings, ducts, etc.
Whisper Transmitter produces the frequency detected by Whisper. By placing
Whisper Transmitter in a sealed area and scanning the exterior of the area.
Whisper can detect any signal escaping the sealed area. A flaw in the seal can be
quickly and accurately pinpointed.
1. Turn the transmitter power switch on. The POWER indicator will illuminate to
indicate it is operating.
NOTE: You will not be able to hear the tone generated by the transmitter.
2. Place Whisper Transmitter into the area to be tested. Seal area to be tested
completely.
3. Set the “Sensitivity” control on Whisper to maximum.
4. Scan the exterior area for the suspect leaks. To pinpoint leaks, see "Locating
Leaks" on page 7.
NOTE: When using Whisper Transmitter and headphones, Whisper will indicate
ultrasonic disturbances through a variable-pitch tone

If your Whisper did not come with a Whisper Transmitter, you may order one
under part number 711-600-G1 from your authorized distributor.
Care and Maintenance
To clean exterior surfaces, wipe with a soft damp cloth.
When the batteries near the end of their useful life, the battery indicator will flash.
To change the batteries, depress the release tab using a coin or screwdriver and
slide the cover back. Replace the batteries with two new “D” cell alkaline batteries.
Replace the cover by holding it in place along the side rails while sliding it forward
to engage both the rear hooks and the front release tab.
To avoid accidental damage to Whisper or the headphones, unplug the
headphones when placing it in the case for storage.
Warranty
INFICON warrants your Whisper Ultrasonic Leak Detector to be free from defects
of materials or workmanship for two years from the date of purchase. INFICON
does not warrant items that deteriorate under normal use, such as power cells. In
addition, INFICON does not warrant any instrument that has been subjected to
misuse, negligence, or accident, or has been repaired or altered by anyone other
than INFICON.
INFICON’s liability is limited to instruments returned to INFICON, transportation
prepaid, not later than thirty (30) days after the warranty period expires, and which
INFICON judges to have malfunctioned because of defective materials or
workmanship. INFICON’s liability is limited to, at its option, repairing or replacing
the defective instrument or part.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, whether of
merchantability or of fitness for a particular purpose or otherwise. All such other
warranties are expressly disclaimed. INFICON shall have no liability in excess of
the price paid to INFICON for the instrument plus return transportation charges
prepaid. INFICON shall have no liability for any incidental or consequential
damages. All such liabilities are excluded.
Accessory/Replacement parts
Whisper Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . 711-600-G1
Contact probe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 711-316-G1
Rubber extension probe. . . . . . . . 070-1128
Standard headphones . . . . . . . . . 032-0430
Premium headphones . . . . . . . . . 032-0427

TWO TECHNOLOGY PLACE
EAST SYRACUSE, NY 13057-9714 USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
www.inficonservicetools.com
© 2017 INFICON 074-504-P1D