ION GASCLAM 2 Mounting instructions

SOFTWARE MANUAL
GASCLAM 2

GasClam 2 Software Manual
Ion Science Ltd.
Unrivalled Detection. ionscience.com
Table of Contents
1. Introduction....................................................................................................................................5
1.1. Version Compatibility............................................................................................................................5
1.2. System Requirements ...........................................................................................................................5
1.3. Software Installation.............................................................................................................................5
1.4. Function ...............................................................................................................................................5
2. Connecting GasClam 2 to a PC ........................................................................................................6
3. Home Window ...............................................................................................................................6
3.1. Version Numbers ..................................................................................................................................7
3.2. GasClam 2 Status ..................................................................................................................................7
3.3. Power Supply........................................................................................................................................7
3.4. Logging Information............................................................................................................................10
3.5. Last Reading Stored.............................................................................................................................11
3.6. Error Notification ................................................................................................................................11
4. Logging Setup Window ................................................................................................................11
4.1. GasClam 2 Date and Time....................................................................................................................12
4.2. Save Setting Changes ..........................................................................................................................12
4.3. Manual Battery Selection ....................................................................................................................12
4.4. GasClam 2 Name.................................................................................................................................12
4.5. Erasing Logging Data ...........................................................................................................................12
4.6. Logging Settings..................................................................................................................................13
4.7. Venting Options..................................................................................................................................14
4.8. Water Level Sensor .............................................................................................................................14
5. Logging ........................................................................................................................................15
5.1. Pre-start check....................................................................................................................................15
5.2. Software Start/Stop ............................................................................................................................16
5.3. Logging Cycle ......................................................................................................................................16
6. Download Data............................................................................................................................17
6.1. Download Folder Path.........................................................................................................................17
6.2. Data File Format .................................................................................................................................18
7. View Data....................................................................................................................................18
7.1. Selecting a Data File to View................................................................................................................19
7.2. View Logging Data...............................................................................................................................19
7.3. View Logging Graph ............................................................................................................................22
8. Bump Test and User Calibration ...................................................................................................24

GasClam 2 Software Manual
Ion Science Ltd.
Unrivalled Detection. ionscience.com
9. Errors and Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................................25
9.1. Error Notification ................................................................................................................................25
9.2. Error Description and Solution.............................................................................................................25
9.3. Troubleshooting..................................................................................................................................26
Contact Details.................................................................................................................................27

GasClam 2 Software Manual
Ion Science Ltd.
Unrivalled Detection. ionscience.com
In this manual a Warning identifies conditions and actions that pose a hazard to the User or the Unit.
WARNING: Before using the GasClam you must read this and the user manual paying particular attention to
the sections covering optimisation of GasClam performance and the effects of water.
WARNING: Do not connect or disconnect any cables in hazardous areas and do not use non-approved
equipment in hazardous areas such as laptops, notebooks and mobile phones.
WARNING: For reasons of intrinsic safety, batteries MUST NOT be changed within hazardous areas. Always
ensure you are in a safe area before carrying out any type of work on your GasClam.
WARNING: To maintain the Unit’s certification and intrinsic safety use ONLY GasClam approved batteries.

GasClam 2 Software Manual
Ion Science Ltd.
Unrivalled Detection. ionscience.com
1. Introduction
WARNING: All connections between a PC and a GasClam and all software settings must be performed
outside the hazardous areas.
1.1. Version Compatibility
This manual is for GasClam 2 software version 6.1.11 onwards.
SW version 6.1.11 can be used with GasClam 2 using firmware 8.03 onwards.
1.2. System Requirements
This GasClam 2 software will run on the following operating systems:
Windows 7
Windows 10
The software needs 46 MB of free space on the hard disk for the installation.
The GasClam 2 software installation package (the latest version can be provided by your service centre) also
includes dotNet Framework (downloadable also from the Microsoft website).
1.3. Software Installation
Download GasClam 2 software from www.ionscience.com
Run the “setup.exe” file from the folder.
The guide will then go through the installation step by step.
The default location for the GasClam 2 software is:
C:\Program Files\Salamander\GasClam 2
The software can be installed for all users or just the current user.
The GasClam 2 shortcut is in the startup menu.
1.4. Function
The GasClam 2 software is used to:
•Configure the GasClam 2 for logging
•Download the logged data
•Perform primary analysis of logged data
•Export data for more detailed analysis in other programs such as Excel.
The software is also used to perform a periodic “Bump Test”.
The main settings for logging are the logging interval, variable interval logging programme, the number of
samples, the outlet gas venting method and whether a borehole water level sensor is fitted.
To help make data analysis easier the software can also set each GasClam 2 a “friendly” name so that if more than
one GasClam 2 is being used on a monitoring site it is easier to identify the Unit.

GasClam 2 Software Manual
Ion Science Ltd.
Unrivalled Detection. ionscience.com
2. Connecting GasClam 2 to a PC
WARNING: Do not connect or disconnect any cables in hazardous areas and do not use non-approved
equipment in hazardous areas such as laptops, notebooks and mobile phones.
2.1.1. Connecting to a GasClam 2
Whilst the GasClam 2 is outside the hazardous area it can be programmed using a computer with the GasClam 2
software. Use the Serial Communication Cable (supplied) and an RS232-USB converter (not supplied) (The RS232
convert may need to install drivers the first time it is connected to the computer).
1) The GasClam 2 must have a charged battery inserted. (See
User Manual to change batteries correctly)
2) Remove the cap from the GasClam 2 Com Port and carefully
connect the Serial Communication Cable ensuring that the two red
dots are aligned, then push for a firm click.
3) Connect the Serial Communication Cable to the RS232
converter and connect to the USB port of the computer.
4) Start the GasClam 2 software using the shortcut icon.
5) The software will start in the “Home” window.
2.1.2. Disconnecting from a GasClam 2
When finished close the software, disconnect the Com Cable and replace the
Com Port Cap on the GasClam 2.
3. Home Window
The GasClam 2 Home window displays the current status of the GasClam 2 and shows the recorded values from
the last sample taken. Buttons are provided to access further features including Logging Setup.
GasClam 2
“friendly name”
Logging Setup
GasClam
Status Box
Logging
“Start/Stop”
Error Notification
Box
Last Reading
Stored Box
Version Numbers

GasClam 2 Software Manual
Ion Science Ltd.
Unrivalled Detection. ionscience.com
3.1. Version Numbers
All the version numbers are displayed in the last line in the “Home” window, before starting check that all the
numbers are correct.
Firmware Version Hardware Version Software Version
For new manuals and software updates contact Ion Science or your local dealer / service centre. For Firmware
updates contact your local service centre.
3.2. GasClam 2 Status
The main information about a GasClam 2 when it is connected is shown in the Status Box.
3.2.1. On Line Status
The title of the status box in blue displays that a GasClam 2 is online
(connected) and the date and time of the GasClam 2’s internal clock.
3.2.2. Serial Number
The serial number displayed must correspond to the serial number on
the GasClam 2 data plate, otherwise contact your service centre.
3.2.3. COM port
Displays which com port is being used by the software on your
computer. This is useful if there is a conflict with the com ports.
3.3. Power Supply
WARNING: For reasons of intrinsic safety, batteries MUST NOT be changed within hazardous areas.
Always ensure you are in a safe area before carrying out any type of work on your GasClam.
WARNING: To maintain the Unit’s certification and intrinsic safety use ONLY GasClam approved batteries.
The FW version should
show “08.03 –CRC84”.
If the firmware version is
lower, then the GasClam 2
needs to have the latest
firmware installed
The GasClam 2 HW
version should show
“HW:8”
If the HW number is lower
this software is not fully
compatible with the
GasClam 2 and an earlier
version of the SW should
be used
The SW version, which
should correspond with
this manual

GasClam 2 Software Manual
Ion Science Ltd.
Unrivalled Detection. ionscience.com
The GasClam 2 can use 4 approved power sources:
2x 1.5 V Alkaline-Manganese Duracell - MN1300 (Alk-Mn)
2.6 V Nickle Metal Hydride rechargeable battery pack (NiMH)
7.2 V Lithium non-rechargeable primary battery pack (Li)
12 V External dc power supply (Ext)
The GasClam 2 automatically selects the power supply type based on the voltage of the source.
Important: all sources must be of the nominal voltage when inserted otherwise an incorrect source can be
selected, it is highly recommended that when replacing batteries only new or fully charged batteries are inserted.
The power source is automatically selected after a hard reset (the GasClam 2 is without power for more than 10s)
and is set in the GasClam 2 memory until the next hard reset.
NOTE: The Alkaline and Metal Hydride batteries have similar nominal voltages. The GasClam 2 automatically
selects the Mi-MH battery, however when Alkaline batteries are inserted change the power supply manually (see
Logging Setup section).
After new batteries have been inserted or an external power supply connected, check that the correct power
supply has been selected in the “Power Supply” line and that the “Power Status” is showing the correct voltage
and colour.
The “Power Status” voltage and bar are a live reading of the battery voltage and will change during the sampling
sequence as the load on the battery changes. The bar also changes colour according to capacity of the battery or
external power supply providing a rough guide to the actual state of the supply.
Green: Capacity is fine for a long sampling period.
Yellow: Batteries need to be replaced very soon.
Red: Replace batteries immediately.
If the voltage falls below a set value, indicating that the capacity is no longer sufficient to continue sampling the
GasClam 2 will automatically interrupt logging and switch to Sleep Mode. A battery error will be logged. All
logging and error data is stored in non-volatile memory and will not be lost.
1) Alkaline-Manganese Duracell - MN1300 (Alk-Mn)
Nominal voltage 3.1 V
Minimum auto-select voltage > 2.6
V Stop logging sleep voltage ≤ 2.1
2) Nickle Metal Hydride rechargeable battery pack (NiMH)
Nominal voltage 2.7 V
Minimum auto-select voltage > 2.4 V Stop logging sleep
voltage ≤ 2.1
3) Lithium non-rechargeable primary battery pack (Li)
Nominal voltage 6.85 V
Minimum auto-select voltage > 6.7
V Stop logging sleep voltage ≤ 4.0

GasClam 2 Software Manual
Ion Science Ltd.
Unrivalled Detection. ionscience.com
4) 12 V External dc power supply
(Ext) Nominal voltage 11.7 V
Minimum auto-select voltage > 10.5 V Stop logging sleep
voltage ≤ 2.5
Maximum voltage < 13.1 V
3.3.2. Battery Life and Sample Count
The battery life and the number of samples taken will depend on the operating temperature, humidity and the
logging interval of the chosen battery type. All batteries will have a reduced life at low temperatures.
Power Supply
Voltage
(V)
Capacity
(Ah)
Operating
range (C)
Maximum Number of Samples for
Logging Interval (1)
Nominal Battery Life in
days for interval (2)
5 min
15 min
1 hour
15 min
1 hour
Alkaline Duracell 2x
3.0
13.5
0 –50
197
963
963
8
32
NiMH Rechargeable
2.6
9.5
0 –40
680
666
666
5
23
Li Long Life Primary
7.2
19.0
0 –50
x
2937
2937
24
98
(1) The “Maximum Number of Samples” depends on actual operating temperature, the number of gas
sensors and the state of the filters. Values in the table are for 20 °C with the maximum number of sensors and
clean filters.
(2) The “Nominal Battery Life” is a conservative calculation of the number of days a battery should last under
“nominal” conditions (fully charged battery at start, operating temperature 20 °C, clean filters and all sensors).
Values in the table are 80% of the average calculated value. Other factors such as relative humidity can also affect
the battery life.
3.3.3. Alkaline Batteries
Alkaline batteries are useful for initial checks and can be used for immediate deployment in the field when the
rechargeable battery is not charged. However, for normal field work it is recommended to use either the NiMH
rechargeable or Li long-life battery packs.
The Duracell batteries can be stored in the instrument case as a reserve because they have a long “shelf life” but
do not use them after the date shown on the battery. Also they are not suitable for short logging intervals (less
than 15 minutes).
Important: when a GasClam 2 is to be stored for more than 2 months it MUST be fitted with the Duracell
batteries to maintain the electronics.
3.3.4. NiMH Rechargeable
The NiMH rechargeable battery packs should be fully charged using the charger provided (see instructions) and
used for logging as soon as possible. Rechargeable batteries do not have a long “shelf life” as they will self-
discharge over time.
This also means that battery life is not proportional with an increase in logging interval, e.g. if the logging interval
is increased from 1 hour to 12 hours the nominal battery life will not increase 12 times to 276 days (9 months).
The NiMH batteries self-discharge at a rate of 15% - 20% per month.

GasClam 2 Software Manual
Ion Science Ltd.
Unrivalled Detection. ionscience.com
To obtain the maximum working life from the NiMH battery packs it is recommended that they are always first
fully discharged and then charged using the charger provided and also the NiMH battery packs should be charged
at least once every 6 months even if they are not being used.
3.3.5. Lithium Long-Life
The Long-life battery pack will last up to 3 months at an hourly logging interval. Only the Li battery pack has a
restriction on the minimum logging interval which must not be less than 15 minutes.
The Li battery pack has a built-in fuse to maintain intrinsic safety and if the GasClam 2 is switched on/off rapidly
using the Push-button cable in rare cases this can cause the fuse to blow. If the GasClam 2 does not react with a Li
battery pack first check the battery using a voltmeter.
Important: Adhere to the conditions of use and safety instructions enclosed with the Li battery packs.
3.4. Logging Information
3.4.1. Sample Count
When the GasClam 2 is in Sleep Mode the value shown is the total
number of samples that are stored in memory, e.g. 359. After
erasing logging data it will be zero (see Logging Setup section).
When the GasClam 2 is in Logging Mode and Sampling the value
shown is the number of completed samples for the current logging
run. After Sampling is complete the number increases by one.
3.4.2. Sampling every
Shows the set Logging Interval (see Logging Setup section).
3.4.3. End Date
Displays the date and time when Logging should finish, based on
the remaining logging memory –note this is an approximate value,
the logging memory is not only used to store sampling data but also
errors and other information and the volume can vary.
3.4.4. Vent Mode
Shows the state of Venting Mode (see Logging Setup section).
3.4.5. Logging Status
Displays the current status and progress:
Sleep Mode the GasClam 2 is not logging, data can be downloaded and setup.
Logging Mode –the GasClam 2 is logging but between samples.
Sampling –the GasClam 2 is logging and currently taking a sample or recoding the results.
Erase Memory –the GasClam 2 is logging data is being
deleted.
Undefined –if this appears it is an error, immediately contact a service centre.