ion science PhoCheck Plus 1000Ex User manual

PhoCheck+ Instrument User Manual V2.5
PhoCheck+ 1000Ex, PhoCheck+ 2000Ex, PhoCheck+ 3000Ex, PhoCheck+ 5000Ex
PhoCheck+ Instrument User Manual part number: 845221
Register your instrument online
to receive your Extended 2 Year
Warranty. See page 38 for
details.

PhoCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd
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PhoCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd
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Declaration of conformity
Manufacturer: Ion Science Ltd, The Way, Fowlmere, Cambridge, England. SG8 7UJ
Product: PhoCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 and 5000
Product description: Intrinsically safe photo-ionisation detector for detecting volatile organic compounds
Directive 94/9/EC ATEX
Identification: II 2 G Ex ia IIC T4 (-20°C ≤Ta ≤+60°C)
Notified Body: Baseefa Ltd, 1180, Buxton, UK
EC Type Examination Certificate(s)
Baseefa03ATEX742 latest supplement Baseefa03ATEX742/8X issued 1st July 2009
Ref Baseefa Cert Report 03(c)0400, 05(c)0007
IECEx BAS 04.0033 latest revision no.5 issued 3rd July 2009
IECEx Test Report UK/Bas 04/0642 05/0007 GB/BAS/EX TR09.0116/00
Standards
BS EN 60079-0:2006 Electrical Apparatus for Potentially Explosive Atmospheres –General Requirement
BS EN 60079-11:2007 Explosive Atmospheres –Equipment Protection by Intrinsic Safety I
BS EN 61010-1:2001 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and
Laboratory use –General requirements
Directive 2004/108EC Electrical Equipment –Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
BS EN 61326-1:2006 Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use –EMC
Requirements (Class B and General Immunity)
Other Standards
BS EN ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management Systems –Requirements
BS EN 13980:2002 Potentially Explosive Atmospheres –Application of Quality Systems
On behalf of Ion Science Ltd, I declare that, on the date this product accompanied by this declaration is placed on the
market, the product conforms to all technical and regulatory requirements of the above listed directives.
Name: Mark Stockdale Position: Technical Director
Signature: Date: 20th November 2009

PhoCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd
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Contents Page
Declaration of Conformity . . . . 2
Statements . . . . . 4
Responsibility for use . . . 4
Warnings . . . . 4
Caution . . . . . 4
Quality Assurance . . . 4
Disposal . . . . 4
Calibration Facility . . . 4
Ion Science Contact Details . . 4
Introduction to PhoCheck+. . . . 5
Getting Started . . . . . 6
Instrument Functions . . . . 7-9
Function Locations . . . 8
How the PhoCheck+ Menu Works . 9
Quick Reference. . . . 10-11
Instrument Display . . . . 12-13
Symbols Explained . . . 12
Graphical Screen. .. . . 13
Digital Display . . . 13
Function Menu . . . . 13
Instrument Menu . . . . . 14-19
Data logging . . . . 14
View Data . . . . 14
Zone Maintenance . . . 15
PC Communication . . . 15
Alarm . . . . . 16
Sound (Confidence Beep) . . 16
Calibration . . . . 16
Back-light . . . . 18
Date / Time . . . . 18
PID Gas Selection . . . 18
PID Lamp . . . . 18
Unit Selector . . . . 19
Data Log Memory Alarm . . . 19
Application (Health & Safety). . . 19
Application (Survey) . . . 19
Security . . . . 19
IonPC Software . . . . . 20-27
PC Requirement . . . . 20
Connecting PhoCheck+ to PC . . 20
Starting IonPc . . . . 20-21
Downloading Data . . . 21
Calibration . . . . 22
Menu Set-up and Settings . . 23-26
Software Disclaimers . . . 27
Batteries . . . . . . 28-29
Diagnostics . . . . . 30-31
Maintenance . . . . . 32-33
Accessories . . . . . 34
Protective/Decontamination Cover . 35-36
Upgrade Options . . . . . 37
Instrument Warranty and Service . . . 38
Technical Specification . . . . 39-40

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Introduction to PhoCheck+_ ________________________________________
PhoCheck+ is a portable gas detector, suitable for the detection of a large range of Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOC's), which are dangerous from both a poisoning and explosive perspective. Total VOC‟s are
detected using PID (Photo Ionisation Detection) technology.
The PhoCheck+ versions are fully upgradeable in the field (i.e. PhoCheck+ 1000 to a 5000 or a 2000 to a
3000 etc). See page 37 for more details relating to upgrade options.
PhoCheck+ has two principle modes of operation; Survey and Health & Safety. Health & Safety mode is
available on 3000 and 5000 versions.
Survey is the default mode of operation. This mode is often used in applications such as Head Space
Sampling and Leak Detection where several areas (or Zones) are to be monitored and readings data logged.
All sensor readings are real time measurements and alarm levels are set manually.
Health & Safety mode is used to check for conformity of short-term exposure levels (STEL) or time-weighted
averages (TWA) that are specific for particular hazardous environments (for example EH40 in the UK and
OSHA in the USA). In this mode of operation STEL's and TWA's are continually calculated and compared to
levels set in the instrument‟s gas table. For more information on these modes of operation please see page
19.
PhoCheck+ versions 2000, 3000 and 5000 automatically data log the readings every second. These readings
are stored in the instrument's memory with a date and time stamp. For more information please see page
18.

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Getting started _____
1. Rechargeable Batteries
PhoCheck+ instruments leave the factory fully charged, however prolonged periods of storage may result in
the battery pack discharging. We recommend charging the instrument for 12 hours before use. See the
battery section of this manual page 28.
2. Alkaline Batteries
Fit the battery pack supplied with the PhoCheck+. For more information please see the battery section of
this manual page 28.
3. Selecting a gas from the internal gas table
PhoCheck+ instruments leave Ion Science pre-set for gas type TVOC (total volatile organic compounds).
Instruments are factory calibrated against isobutylene and all response factors are equivalent to this. By
changing the gas from the gas table all readings will be given using that gases response factor. To change
the selected gas please see page 18.
Turn the instrument on by pressing the key.
Press and hold the key and check the correct gas, alarm levels and zero mode are selected.
The screen will flash for 1 minute while the detector warms up –check for a reading on the display
Between 0.2ppm and 2ppm.
Replace the probe and filter with the blue carbon filter –check for a reading from 0.0 to 0.2ppm.
Remove the carbon filter and replace the probe and filter.
If the results are not as expected, perform a custom calibration first ensuring the correct gas is
selected.
4. Setting alarm levels
We recommend that alarm levels are set to user specifications as soon as possible before being used for the
first time. Please see page 16 for details of how to set alarm levels.
5. Setting date and time
We recommend that the correct local date and time be set to the instrument as soon as possible before
being used for the first time. Please see page 18 for details on how to set the date and time.

PhoCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd
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Instrument Functions _
Keypad function descriptions
ON/OFF
To switch the PhoCheck+ instrument ON - Press the ON/OFF key.
To switch the PhoCheck+ instrument OFF - Ensure you are on the „DISPLAY/FUNCTION
SELECTION SCREEN‟ or a Display screen. Press and hold the ON/OFF key. A TIMER
symbol will appear and a line will travel across the bottom on the screen, release the
ON/OFF button once the line has travelled the length of the screen. The DELAY symbol
will briefly appear before the instrument turns OFF completely. This procedure has been
designed to avoid accidental switch OFF.
ENTER
This key selects options and confirms settings.
ESCAPE
This key is used to return the display to the previous screen and to abort an adjustment.
Repeated pressing of this key will return the display to the DISPLAY/FUNCTION
SELECTION SCREEN.
UP
Use to scroll up or change selection
DOWN
Use to scroll down or change selection
ZERO
Pressing the Zero key Zeros-out background readings. See the „INSTRUMENT DISPLAY‟
section of this manual for more detail (Page 12)
Wait
Symbol

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Instrument Functions _____
Function locations
From the DISPLAY/FUNCTION SELECTION screen highlight the function menu icon then press ENTER, use
the UP/DOWN keys to view the available functions then press ENTER to select the function options
LEL Gas Selection (P26)
Display/Function
Selection (P 12)
View Data (P 14)
Zone Maintenance (P 15)
PC Communication (P 15)
Alarm (P 16)
Calibration (P 16)
Back-light (P 18)
Date & Time (P 18)
Gas Selection (P 18)
PID Lamp (P 18)
Units (P 19)
Data Log Memory Alarm
(P 19)
Application mode -
H & S or Survey (P 19)
Sound (P 16)

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Instrument Functions _____
How the PhoCheck+ Menu Works
Once in the function menu with the function-symbol you require on the screen press
the ENTER key to select it. (See Figure 1.)
A cursor (highlighted symbol or number) can be moved from one selection
to another by using the UP and DOWN keys. (See Figure 2.) Pressing 'Enter'
will cause the selection to flash. When flashing use the UP and DOWN keys to adjust it.
When you have adjusted the parameter to an acceptable level press the ENTER key. The adjusted
parameter will be stored. In many cases a tick () will appear to confirm the action.
Although there is a variation in complexity of some functions, this basic concept of selection, adjustment and
confirmation is common throughout this instrument.
You can abort a selection by pressing the ESCAPE (Esc) key.
Fig 1
Fig 2

PhoCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd
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Quick Reference _____
This quick reference indicates which functions are relevant to which instruments.
Display/Function Selection (Page 12)
PhoCheck+1000, 2000, 3000, & 5000
Allows the user to view detected VOC levels in either graph or number
format and to adjust the instrument functions and parameters.
View Data (Page 14)
PhoCheck+2000, 3000 & 5000
Allows viewing of stored data in the instruments internal memory.
Zone Maintenance (Page 15)
PhoCheck+2000, 3000 & 5000
Allows the creation, selection and deletion of Zone names.
Data Transfer (Page 15)
PhoCheck+1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Enables data transfer between instrument and PC/laptop.
Alarm (Page 16)
PhoCheck+1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Allows the adjustment of upper and lower Alarm levels in survey mode.
Sound (Page 16)
PhoCheck+1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Allows the selection of audible indicators including a confidence beep.
Calibration (Page 16)
PhoCheck+1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Allows the selection of Factory or Custom calibration.

PhoCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd
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Quick Reference _____
Back-light (Page 18)
PhoCheck+1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Allows the selection of back-light options.
Date / Time (Page 18)
PhoCheck+2000, 3000 & 5000
Allows the adjustment of the date and time.
PID Gas Selection (Page 18)
PhoCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Allows the selection of gases from the internal gas table.
PID Lamp (Page 18)
PhoCheck+1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Allows the selection of different PID lamps.
Units (Page 19)
PhoCheck+1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Allows the selection of ppb, ppm or mg/m3as measurement units.
Data log Memory Alarm (Page 19)
PhoCheck+2000, 3000, & 5000
Allows the setting of an alarm to warn the user when the data logging
memory is full.
Application (Page 19)
PhoCheck+3000 & 5000
Allows the selection of modes of operation, „Health and Safety‟ for STEL and
TWA monitoring or „Survey‟ for general use. The PhoCheck+ 1000 & 2000
instruments do not have Health & Safety mode as standard and are Survey
instruments only, however Health and Safety mode is an upgradeable
feature.

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Instrument Display
Display/Function Selection Screen
The DISPLAY/FUNCTION SELECTION SCREEN or Top Menu is found by repeatedly pressing the ESCAPE
(Escape) key. The DISPLAY/FUNCTION SCREEN allows the user to switch between the graphical readings,
the digital readings and the Tools Menu. The symbols shown on this screen can be selected using the UP
and DOWN keys. The highlighted symbol appears as shown in the example below for the function menu.
Instrument Symbols Explained
Symbols are used to indicate features in the menu. Please see an explanation of each below.
Bump Test
This symbol of a gas bottle can be set via the IonPC software to be displayed once a week when the
instrument is turned on. This is to remind the user to test the instrument responded accurately when it is
supplied with gas. See page 20of the software section for more information.
Battery Status
The battery status indicator can be accessed by pressing and holding on the graphical and the digital
displays.
Peak Hold
The number to the right of this symbol indicates the highest gas concentration reached by the instrument
since being switched ON. This PEAK reading can be reset by pressing and holding the ENTER key for 5
seconds.
Background Zero Reference
When in SURVEY mode pressing the ZERO key alternates
between RELATIVES and ABSOLUTE modes. There is always
some volatile gas in ambient air, which is detectable with
PhoCheck+. ABSOLUTE mode displays the entire sensor signal.
RELATIVE mode REMOVES the ambient signal and sets the
ZERO point at an artificial level.
Graph Screen
Large Number Screen
Function menu
Charged
Discharged
Relative
Absolute

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Instrument Displays _____
Alarm arrows
The arrows represent the importance level of the alarm. The single arrow represents the lower alarm and
the two arrows represent the upper alarm.
Application (PhoCheck+ 3000 & 5000)
When the symbol is present the instrument is in HEALTH & SAFETY mode. When it is absent the instrument reverts
to SURVEY mode. Please see Application section of this manual for more information (page 19).
Display Screens Explained (PhoCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000)
Graphical Display
Allows the viewing of real-time measurements in graph format
relative to the set alarm levels.
When in SURVEY mode the type of gas being
detected, the measured units, the peak hold and real-time
readings are also displayed.
Additional information such as alarm levels and battery status
can be viewed by pressing and holding the ENTER key.
When in HEALTH & SAFETY mode (see page 19) the on screen information is slightly
different as STEL and TWA calculations are displayed in figures and the graph
remains in real time. Again additional information can be viewed by pressing and
holding the ENTER Key.
Digital Display
Enables the viewing of real time measurements in large numerical format for easy
viewing in varied light conditions.
Additional information such as alarm levels, battery status and a
peak hold reading can be viewed by pressing and holding the ENTER
key.
When in HEALTH & SAFETY mode the STEL and TWA alarm
levels and calculated values are shown when holding the ENTER key. (PhoCheck 3000
& 5000)
Function Menu
Once selected use the UP and DOWN keys to highlight the function you require and
press ENTER to select. Many features can be adjusted in this section including gas
selection, zone maintenance, data transfer and alarm levels. Details of these and
other functions are to be found from page 12.
Indicates that 'Health & Safety' mode is selected
Upper and lower
alarm levels
Function menu

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Zone
Instrument Menu _____
In the Tools Menu use the UP and DOWN keys to find the function you require. To select the function, press
the ENTER key.
Data Logging, Zones & Files (PhoCheck+ 2000, 3000 & 5000)
PhoCheck+ automatically data log the instruments readings every second. These readings are stored in the
instrument's memory with a date and time stamp. The instrument has been designed to continuously store
data; once the memory has reached its full capacity (8 Mb) it will automatically begin to overwrite previous
readings. An alarm can be set (see page 16) to inform the user that this is due to happen, giving time to
download any data that may be over written.
Stored data can be viewed on the PhoCheck+ instrument or it can be downloaded to a PC for analysis and
to be archived. Ion Science recommends downloading saved readings once a week.
In some applications readings need to be recorded in many different locations leading to many hundreds of
stored files. PhoCheck+ was designed with these requirements in mind and has the facility to store files into
ZONES. The PhoCheck+ has a default Zone called Zone 0 (which can not be deleted), unless specified all
readings will automatically be stored under this Zone. The PhoCheck+ has an additional 199 Zones which
the user can name themselves, either direct via the instrument or by using the IonPC software.
View Data (PhoCheck+ 2000, 3000 & 5000)
This function allows the stored data to be viewed or deleted
First select the Zone of interest by moving the cursor using the
UP and DOWN keys, press ENTER to select it.
Then select the required File in the same way. Now select the View Data symbol,
this will show the first reading logged with a date and time stamp
and the number of logged readings within the selected file.
To view the stored data in a graphical form press the ENTER key.
A graph representing the stored readings within the selected file
will be displayed.
The flashing cursor can be moved along the graph
to a reading of interest.
When the cursor stops the reading will be displayed in the units selected,
press the ENTER key to see the date and time stamp of that reading if required.
The Alarm Indicator dotted line is present on a graph to show that this is the exact
point at which an alarm was set off. The instrument will continue to alarm until the
alarm is acknowledged by the user by pressing the ENTER key, this is shown on the
graph as a dashed line (Alarm acknowledgement).
Delete
Date/Time
Number of logged
readings
Reading
Alarm Indicator
Cursor
View Data
File

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Instrument Menu _____
Deleting a File (PhoCheck+ 2000, 3000 & 5000)
Should you wish to delete a File, select the Zone and file to be deleted
as if you were about to view the data. Now select the delete symbol
(Trash can) in the View Data screen. Options are given to delete the
currently selected File or All Files.
WARNING: Selecting All Files will delete all files stored in all Zones.
A tick '' confirms the function has been carried out.
Zone Maintenance ( PhoCheck+ 2000, 3000 & 5000)
Zones can be created, selected or deleted in this
function. Select the NEW symbol to create a
new zone name, the LIST symbol to select an
existing ZONE and the Delete symbol to delete an existing
zone name.
Selecting the NEW symbol allows the creation of Zone names made
up of 8 characters consisting of letters, numbers and symbols. Use
the up and down keys to choose the characters and press enter
to confirm your selection. Letter order on the instrument is
shown on the right, the highlighted A is the start letter.
Selecting the LIST symbol allows you to view existing Zone
names, and to select the zone under which you wish to save
data.
Selecting the DELETE symbol allows the previously created Zone names to be
deleted. A tick '' confirms a Zone has been deleted.
Please note that when deleting a zone all data saved under this zone will be deleted. If you wish to keep the
data ensure you download it to a PC before it is deleted. Zones can also be added, edited and deleted via
the IonPC software.
PC Communication (PhoCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000)
When this menu option is selected the instrument is ready to communicate with a PC.
To begin communication between the instrument and the computer
select the Data Transfer option. When the instrument is
communicating with a PC a '' will be displayed in the data transfer
symbol and when not communicating an X will be shown. Place the instrument on its side with its infrared
window a few inches from the PC's IRDA . To exit the data transfer option press the ESC key.
Single File All Files
New List Delete
Zone
Delete
View data
File

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Instrument Menu
Alarm (PhoCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000)
When in SURVEY mode, upper and lower alarm
levels can be set by the user to indicate particular
levels of detection specific to their needs.
Both alarms give an audible and visible output (flashing LED) but with increased urgency with the upper
alarm. An alarm state indicates that PhoCheck+ has detected the user set alarm level which has been
exceeded. The alarm will continue to sound and flash until the user acknowledges the alarm by pressing
ENTER. Please note that it is the user’s responsibility to respond appropriately to an alarm
condition.
Upper and lower alarm levels in survey mode are simple to set via the instrument. Use the up and down keys
to select the Alarm graphic in the function menu and press Enter. Then select the alarm you wish to adjust
(Upper or Lower), press enter again then use the up and down keys to change the alarm setting. These
alarms can also be easily adjusted on a PC via the Gas Table in the IonPC software. Please note that for
safety reasons the lower alarm cannot be set above the upper alarm and the upper alarm cannot be set
below the lower alarm.
When in Health and Safety mode, alarms are triggered by STEL and TWA alarm levels pre-programmed
into the instrument‟s gas table. An Alarm in Health & Safety mode indicates the user has been exposed to
levels exceeding those set within the gas table. When PhoCheck+ alarms in Health and Safety mode, the
relevant TWA or STEL figure shown on the display will flash. These values cannot be changed either via the
instrument or the IonPC software.
Sound (PhoCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000)
Audible outputs can be selected to indicate
functions. When Signal is selected, the rate at
which the instrument BEEPS increases with the detected gas. When Confidence is selected the instrument
BEEPS every few seconds to indicate it is functioning. This feature can be useful if the instrument is out of
sight. When Key is selected the instrument BEEPS when a key on the keypad is pressed. Alarm can only be
adjusted using the IonPC software to avoid the accidental switch off.
Calibration (PhoCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000)
'Factory calibration' is set by Ion Science during
instrument manufacture. 'Custom calibration' can be
set by the instrument user.
General description
Due to the linear output of the Ion Science PID detector , PhoCheck+ instruments only require a two-point
calibration. The PhoCheck+ scales its linear output across a ZERO level (clean air reference) and the SPAN (a
user defined gas concentration).
Factory Calibration
'Factory' calibration offers a safe set of calibration data. This should be used if the custom calibration fails
and will keep the unit working until a good custom calibration is completed.
ION Science recommends an annual service and calibration for users who require a traceable calibration.
During this service the lamp and detector is brought back to factory specifications and new Factory
Calibration data is stored.
Factory Custom
Signal Confidence Key Alarm

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Instrument Menu _____
Calibration (continued)
Custom calibration
For increased accuracy you can perform a Custom Calibration. You will need a cylinder of calibration gas and
a regulator. 100ppm Isobutylene calibration gas at a flow rate above 250ml/min. PhoCheck+ allows you to
custom calibrate using any gas from the Gas Table and any concentration from 10ppm. Use the IonPC
software to adjust the desired gas and concentration.
Custom Calibration Procedure
Have a cylinder of gas, regulator and zero carbon filter on hand before starting this procedure. The LAMP
calibration is only really necessary if the instrument is to be used for ppb applications on PhoCheck 5000.
Custom Calibration Procedure
Please ensure you are familiar with this entire calibration procedure before attempting to calibrate the
PhoCheck+ instrument.
Note: The calibration of the PhoCheck+ instrument must be carried out in a clean air environment. Ensure
all parts of the calibration kit are available and ready for use.
1. Select Custom Calibration procedure –a tick '' will appear to confirm the
selection. Pressing Enter allows the user to enter the Custom calibration
menu.
2. Scroll down and select the flashing ZERO
3. Remove the caps from both ends of the carbon canister included in the Cal Kit
Sample supplied with your PhoCheck+, remove the probe and filter from the
instrument and fit the carbon canister. Alternatively a known clean air supply can
be used. Note –the carbon canister simply pushes onto end fitting - do not force
and no turning is required.
4. Press the Enter key to start the ZERO process. A counter will count down showing
how long the canister needs to remain connected.
5. At the end of the count down a tick '' will appear, indicating that the Zero has
been accepted. Press Escape.
6. Disconnect the carbon canister and replace the cap ends. The useful life of the
carbon canister will be shortened if the canister is open to atmosphere for
prolonged periods.
7. Scroll down and select the flashing VOC.
8. The next screen shows the gas and gas concentration you have previously set up
via the IonPC software. Select Enter.
9. A screen will show VOC, a gas bottle and a flashing highlighted number.
10. Present the instrument with the calibration gas and press enter, the number will
begin to count down showing how long the instrument needs to be presented
with the gas. A tick '' will appear indicating that the calibration has been
accepted. Escape out of the calibration menu.
11. Now replace the instruments filter and probe ready for use.
12. Carry out a Bump Test to ensure calibration was successful. Instrument is now
ready for use.
If you are not successful in calibrating the instrument check the following points:-
The carbon canister may be contaminated
The calibration gas may be low or empty
If using a connector pipe there may be a kink restricting the flow of gas
PID lamp may require cleaning
PID lamp may need replacing
1.
2.
4.
7.
8.
9.
10.

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Instrument Menu
Back-light (PhoCheck+1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000)
The instrument display can be illuminated when in low light
conditions. When On is selected the back-light is on when ever
the instrument is switched on. When Off is selected the back-light is permanently off.
When Timed is selected the back-light illuminates for a pre-set time after every key
press. When timed is selected pressing enter allows the user to adjust the on time
from 1 to 60 seconds. This menu options is also available on the IONpc software.
Date / Time (PhoCheck+2000, 3000 & 5000)
The Date / Time function allows the adjustment of the time and
date used within the PhoCheck+ internal clock. The internal
clock is used for the data logging date / time stamp. When readings are being stored
for download and future use and record keeping ensure that the clock and date are accurately set.
The 12/24 hour time format is also adjustable. Ion Science recommends that you set your date and time
before using your instrument for the first time. This menu options is also available on the IONpc software.
PID Gas Selection (PhoCheck+1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000)
The PhoCheck+ photo ionisation detector (PID) is non-selective. Although
many VOC gases are detectable, the PhoCheck+ PID cannot differentiate
between the gases. When you select the VOC gas you wish to measure from the PhoCheck+ internal
gas list, the instrument will calculate the equivalent level for that selected gas against an isobutylene
calibration. Please note that there may be other detectable gases present that may effect the
measurement.
Custom offers a quick route to the last 10 selected gases. When selected, use the UP
and DOWN keys to change the gas then press ENTER to select.
List allows selection of any gas from within the gas table held in the PhoCheck+
memory.
After selecting the List symbol, select the first letter of the gas you wish to select and
press ENTER. The PhoCheck+ will then list all gases starting with that letter. WMD
gases are prefixed with the letters WMD.
Alarm levels that are set in the Gas table will be automatically selected. Should a gas be
selected that is not compatible with the selected lamp the following symbol will appear
to highlight the incompatibility.
PID Lamp (PhoCheck+1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000)
An alternative lamp to the Krypton 10.6eV (standard) can be
purchased, fitted and selected. A tick '' confirms the selection.
Should a Lamp be selected that is not compatible with the selected
gas the following symbol will appear to highlight the incompatibility. This menu
option is also available on the IONpc software.
Custom List
On Off Timed

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Instrument Menu
Unit Selector (PhoCheck+1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000)
The PhoCheck+ photoionisation detector can be selected to
measure VOC's in either ppm (Parts per million, by volume),
ppb (Parts per billion) or mg/m3(Milligrams per cubic meter).
NB: the ppb option is available on the PhoCheck+ 5000 and is upgradeable on the 1, 2 and 3000 versions.
This menu option is also available on the IONpc software.
Data Log Memory Alarm (PhoCheck+2000, 3000 & 5000)
PhoCheck+ has been designed to continuously store data. Once
the memory has reached its full capacity (8 Mb) it will
automatically begin to over write previous readings. An alarm can be set to inform the user that this is due
to happen giving the user time to download any data that may be over written if they wish to do so. This
menu option is also available on the IONpc software.
Application - Survey Mode (PhoCheck+1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000)
SURVEY is the default mode of operation whenever the HEALTH & SAFETY mode is NOT selected. All
functions can be adjusted or selected in this mode unless the SECURITY mode is set via the IonPC software.
SURVEY mode is often used in applications where several areas (or Zones) can be monitored and readings
data logged. Saved data can then be downloaded to a PC for long-term storage and review. High and low
alarm levels can be set.
Application - Health & Safety Mode (PhoCheck+3000 & 5000)
Modes of operation are selected to suit how the instrument is
being used. Health & Safety mode is used to check for
conformity of short-term exposure levels (STEL) or time-weighted averages (TWA)
that are specific for particular hazardous environments (for example EH40 in the UK
and OSHA in the USA). In this mode of operation STEL‟s and TWA‟s are continually
calculated and compared to levels set in the instruments gas table. You can not
adjust settings or parameters of the instrument while in Health & Safety mode as
these could effect the ongoing calculations. Should you want to proceed with an
adjustment a WARNING screen will appear. You have the option to continue with
the adjustment by pressing Enter or abort and continue monitoring by pressing the
ESC key. Continuing with the adjustment will reset the instrument, calculations will
begin again from 0 once back in Health & Safety mode.
Security
When the PhoCheck+ is connected to a PC via the PhoCheck+ software package (see page 20), the
instrument can be locked in the Menu Settings area of the software package. This facility allows the
instrument to be set-up by a qualified or competent person. locked and then handed to an operator for use.
When in secure mode the PhoCheck+ functionality cannot be changed or adjusted. The user can only view
the display screens and switch the instrument On and Off.
When selected

PhoCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000 Ex Ion Science Ltd
Page 20 of 41
IonPC Software _____
PC Requirements
IonPC Software must be used in conjunction with a PC/laptop using Windows XP. An IRDA port is required
for communication with the instrument. Many laptops are supplied with this facility. Alternatively IRDA
modules can be purchased from most computer retailers for use with your instrument. Before connecting
your PhoCheck+ to a PC for the first time, confirm that the PC‟s IRDA works correctly with another devise.
Installation of IonPC Software
1. Insert Ion Science software CD into your CD rom drive
2. The CD will automatically start up
3. Click on the Download Software button
4. The IonPC setup wizard will start.
7. Follow the instructions on screen.
8. The installer will automatically create a folder in your C drive to save IonPC into if you do not want
to save it there Browse for the location you would like it to be saved in and click Next
9. Select Next again and on to install the software
10. The software will take a few seconds to install then click Finished
11. You will now be able to open your IonPC software from the Icon on your desk top or from your Start
Menu/Programs/IonPC
Connecting PhoCheck+ with a PC
Switch on your PhoCheck+ instrument, enter the function menu and select the Data Transfer symbol by pressing
the enter key. When communicating with a computer the PhoCheck+ displays a '' within the data transfer
symbol. When not communicating an X will appear.
Place the PhoCheck+ on its side with the instruments infrared window a few
inches from the PC IRDA, then start the IonPC software.
Starting IonPC Software
Start the IonPC software either from your desktop via the shortcut or from the Start menu/Programs/Ion PC.
The instrument has 8Mb of memory, which is divided into 1Mb segments. When a segment becomes full,
data is then stored in the next segment.
Each time the user starts data logging, a new file is created. So, for example, six data logging sessions will
create six data files.
When a data logging session records data which spans across two or more 1Mb segments, a corresponding
number of files will be created and stored within the instrument and will apply to that particular data logging
session only. So, for example, two 1Mb segments spanned will result in two files created.
When the data is to be downloaded via the IonPC software, any files that have spanned two or more 1Mb
segments (i.e. two or more files) will be recognised and downloaded as a single file.