ITW Simco-Ion FMX-004 User manual

INST-14031010
Simco-Ion Handy Digital Electrostatic Fieldmeter
Model FMX-004
INSTRUCTIONS
Installation/Operation/Maintenance
CAUTION
It is important that these instructions be read and understood
before attempting to install or operate the equipment. Failure
to do so could result in serious personal injury and/or damage
to the equipment. At the end of this manual, a written
warranty is provided. This should be preserved carefully.

NOTES TO USERS
WARNING
This equipment is not constructed for classified (hazardous)
environment. It cannot be used where it will be exposed to ignitable or
corrosive materials and gases.
CAUTION
This equipment is intended for use in electrostatic processes that are free from
water, oil, solvent and other conductive contaminants. Exposure to such
contaminants will cause failure of the electrical insulation system in the
product. Special care should be taken to ensure that there is no dew formation.
This equipment should be stored or used in a place having less than 60 %RH.
Do not insert any object in the opening for the sensor located at the measuring
side of the instrument; no foreign substance should ever enter into the sensor
opening.
This equipment should not be operated in an ambient with corrosive fumes of
acid/alkali or corrosive gases such as chlorine.
This equipment is battery operated, do not connect with any other utility line.
The normal operating conditions are indicated on its nameplate. When not in
use, please switch off the instrument.
This equipment must have proper grounding for accurate measurement.
This equipment is likely to be damaged if dropped. In such an event, it should
be carefully examined and any necessary repairs be made by an authorized
technician. This is an electronic instrument and contains sensor that is sensitive
to mechanical vibrations and shock. As it also contains a microcomputer chip
and electronic circuitry, it should not be used in an environment where there is
a lot of electromagnetic noise.
Suspend measurement when the voltage reading is outside the measuring
range. If the range is exceeded, there is a possibility of damaging the sensor.
It is possible to use this product in ionized air. However, normally specified
accuracy of 10 % cannot be guaranteed in this case.
Do not exert any pressure on the LCD display from the top.
The instrument has been calibrated for a measuring distance of 25±0.5 mm.
This calibration is not valid outside this distance. Do not tamper with the
sensor location and the guiding LEDs for that could alter the measuring
distance.
The equipment was assembled and inspected at Simco Japan, Inc. Do not
attempt to disassemble or modify its construction. If you are not clear about its
operation and maintenance, call Simco Japan's authorized agent in your area.
--1

Thank you for buying Simco-Ion products. This equipment
will meet your expectations and provide safe operation when
it is properly installed and maintained.
Checking the contents of
package
Please carefully remove the equipment from the carton and inspect.
Note any damage that might have occurred during shipment. Empty
the carton to ensure that small parts are not discarded.
If any damage has occurred during shipment, the local carrier should
be notified at once. A report should be forwarded to SIMCO JAPAN,
INC. The address and other relevant informations are written on the
back cover page.
Packing contents
(1) FMX-004 Electrostatic Fieldmeter ............................................ 1 pc.
(2) Ion balance plate ......................................................................... 1 pc.
(3) Grounding cord, 1 m long .......................................................... 1 pc.
(4) Soft case ....................................................................................... 1 pc.
(5) Battery (type 6F22, 9 V) ............................................................. 1 pc.
(6) Instructions Manual / Warranty .............................................. 1 pc.
Option
Grounding and Analog out cord, 1.8 m long / ............... 1 set.･Bracket
Please check if any part is missing or does
not have satisfactory finish. Contact us or
our agents immediately in the event of such
occurrence.
--2

Section 1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Simco-Ion Model FMX-004 Electrostatic Fieldmeter is a
compact instrument used for measuring electrostatic
potentials. It is small (pocket size), portable, handy and
easy to use.
It has a micro-computer inside. The fieldmeter can be
turned on/off by a push button POWER switch (red). A
grey push button switch marked ZERO is used for zero
adjustment. A green push button switch marked HOLD
holds the display and is especially useful where the display
is difficult to see during a measurement.
Simco-Ion Model FMX-004 can correctly measure static
voltages within 30 kV (30,000 V) range at a distance of±
25 . Two LED guide ring lights are provided on the㎜
sensor side of the unit to help position the instrument at the
right distance from a charged object. The conductive case
and ground lead facilitate grounding for proper
measurement. Whenever the MODE button is pushed, the
measurement mode is revokable.
Model FMX-004 can be used for static voltage as well as
Ion Balance voltage measurements. Ion balance voltage
measurement to 300 V is possible by attaching a Ion±
Balance Plate and using a light blue push button switch
marked IB. The plate can be kept attached to either end of
FMX-004 when not in use.
Compact design of this unit makes measurements easy and
usable in relatively inaccessible work areas. It can be used
in various applications such as in deciding the location of
static eliminators, in investigating static charge levels, in
deciding the need for charge neutralization, as a support for
the maintenance of static eliminators etc.
--3

Section 2. FEATURES
The special features of FMX-004 are;
Compact and light body●Multi function micro-computer chip●Large digital display●Pos. (red) & Neg. (blue) Bar graph●Easy plate attachment for ion balance measurement●Digital zero function●Power supply automatic off function●Hold function●"Err"displayforsensorfault●LED assisted distance indication●Battery condition display (4 stages)●Output voltage the measuring data in the●analogue voltage.
Four measurement modes AUTO, Hi, Low,●(
)Ionbalance
Section 3. SPECIFICATIONS
Static voltage measuring range: AUTO MODE
0 ± 1.49 kV (Low range)-
± 1.0 kV ±30.0 kV (Hi range)-
HI Range MODE 0 ±30.0 kV-
LOW Range MODE 0 ±3.00 kV-
Ion balance voltage measuring range: 0 ± 300 V-
Measuring distance: 25 ± 0.5 (between charged object and fieldmeter)㎜㎜
Response time: less than one second
LCD display renewal rate: 5 times/second
Accuracy: ± 10%
Ambient conditions: 10 40 and 0 60 %RH-- ℃
Display: Large LCD display (digital and bar graph)
Bar graph: red LCD for positive polarity voltage
blue LCD for negative polarity voltage
Precision: • AUTO ± 0.1 kV for low range
± 2.0 kV for high range
--4

• HI range ± 2.0 kV
• LOW range ± 0.2 kV
• Ionbalance ± 20 V
Digital reading: AUTO . 0.00 ± 1.49 kV (Low range)□□□ ⇒ -
. ± 1.0 kV ± 30.0 kV (Hi range)□□ □ ⇒ -
. 0.0 ± 30.0 kVHI range □□ □ ⇒ -
0.00 ± 3.00 kVLOW range .□□□ ⇒ -
0 ± 300 VIonbalance □□□ ⇒ -
[HOLD]: Retains display after a measurement
[A.OFF]: Auto power-off function deactivated
[Err]: Error sign if sensor is damaged
Battery condition display (4 stages)
Analog out: 40msResponse speed
Output Voltage : • AUTO ± 3.00 V (2.0 kV = 0.20 V)
• HI range ± 3.00 V (1.0 kV = 0.10 V)
• LOW range ± 3.00 V (2.0 kV = 2.00 V)
• Ionbalance ± 3.00 V (200 V = 2.00 V)
Beep sound at the time of the following functions:
• Power is turned on while pressing POWER switch less than 3
seconds: one beep
• Power is turned on while pressing POWER switch more than 3
seconds: three beeps (for cancellation of the auto power off
function)
• Auto power off indication: At one second interval for five seconds
before power is turned off
• Over range: Continuous warning sound
Auto power off: Power is turned off automatically if the unit is left on for
five minutes approximately. For continuous operation red
POWER button should be pressed more than three seconds
when power is turned on.
Power: 9V, 6F22Y manganese battery; life: approx. 30 h
Overall size: 115 mm (L) x 73 mm (W) x 25 mm (H);
(without ion balance plate)
123 mm (L) x 73 mm (W) x 25 mm (H);
(with ion balance plate)
Weight: 140g with battery for Static charge measurement
170g with battery and ion balance plate
Case material: Conductive resin (ABS)
--5

Section 4. POWER SOURCE
4.1 Power source
This equipment is battery operated, do not connect with any other utility
line. The battery is not installed at the time of shipment. Install the
battery provided according to the procedure described in 5.2 Battery
Replacement.
4.2 Battery Replacement
FMX-004 uses 9V, 6F22 Manganese battery. The life of the battery is
about 30 hours. When FMX-004 is turned on, the battery condition is
displayed as shown in the figure below. Replace the battery when display
shows the battery to be empty.
CAUTION
The dark area of battery indicator on the display is not proportional to
the remaining energy.
[Replacement procedure]
There is a battery compartment at the back side of FMX-004. Press①down on the dented area marked "OPEN" and slide the lid open.
Remove the old battery carefully (if present).②Connect the new battery and insert it into the battery compartment.③Make certain of the polarity. The battery is not installed at the time of
shipment. A battery is enclosed in the same package.
Reattach the lid to the battery compartment.④
CAUTION
Do not exert excessive pressure; it might damage the lid.・
Be careful while connecting or disconnecting a battery. Do not pull・the plug by the connecting leads.
The plug will be damaged when it is connected forcibly in the wrong・polarity terminals.
Before closing the cover, make sure that no part of the leads are・outside the battery compartment.
--6

Section 5. MEASUREMENT
FMX-004 has four button switches to perform many functions.
Button Color Name Functions
Red Power switch Turns on and off the power, a whitePOWER LED for brighter display and Auto
Power Off function.
Setting of ON-OFF of analog out mode
Blue Mode switch Changes the mode to measurementMODE Green Hold switch Holds the measured value and the barHOLD graph
Gray Digital zero switch Adjusts the displayed value to zeroZERO
5.1 Grounding connection
The accuracy might be affected by the static charge on the person making
the measurement if FMX-004 is ungrounded. For proper measurement,
the operator should be grounded using a wrist strap and/or FMX-004 shall
be grounded on the right side grounding socket by the grounding lead
provided with the equipment.
CAUTION
The plastic case of FMX-004 is made of conductive resin. The
grounding terminal provides the reference potential for the electrical
circuit. This terminal should be grounded properly for proper
measurement. If it is not properly grounded, the accuracy is not
guaranteed.
5.2 Selection of the measurement mode
There are 4 modes of operation based on whether Auto-off function is
operative or not.
5.2.1 Standard mode for static charge (voltage) measurement
Press the center of red circle button switch marked "POWER" once①after turning the sensor of FMX-004 toward an uncharged area. A
single beep (0.25 second) sounds once to inform that FMX-004 is
into standard mode.
As the power is turned on, LCD display shows digital numerical②value, polarity sign, unit of measurement "kV", bar graph scale and
battery condition. At this time, please confirm the state of the battery
from "Battery condition display" as described in Section 5. The two
red LEDs beside the sensor, also, turn on and FMX-004 is ready for
static charge measurement.--7

Five minutes after the power is turned on, FMX-004 will turn itself off③automatically. This is called "Auto power off function". In this case, a
combination of two beeps (0.15 second on and 0.1 second off) sounds
five times at one second interval to inform that FMX-004 will be turned
off soon.
When the power is on, if POWER button is pressed, FMX-004 turns off④and all indications disappear.
CAUTION
FMX-004 can be activated by pressing POWER button just once・lightly. There is no need to press it repeatedly. Frequent unnecessary
on/off operation or pressing by a nail may affect the life of switches
and the cover sheet.
In standard mode, the measurement cannot be done for more than five・minutes when "Auto power off function" is operative. For more than
five minutes measurement, select continuous measurement mode
when power is turned on as described in the next section.
5.2.2 Standard mode for ion balance measurement
FMX-004 can be used easily to measure ion balance voltage (offset voltage)
for many kind of ionizers using a ion balance plate provided.
5.2.2.1 Ion balance plate installation
During static charge measurement, the ion balance plate is attached to①the bottom end (opposite to that with the sensor) normally. For ion
balance measurement it should be removed and attached to the top end
having the sensor.
Press rear side release buttons from both side and draw out the ion②balance plate.
Insert the plate into the sensor side slots until it clicks into place and③stops as shown in the photograph below.
The plate should enter smoothly. It should not move when secured in④place properly. Forcible insertion could result in damage to the unit.
In order to remove the plate after ion balance measurement, press⑤sensor side release buttons from both sides and draw it out. The plate
can be kept attached to either end of FMX-004 when not in use.
--8

CAUTION
Make certain that the surface of a white plastic plate under the ion・balance plate is clean before attaching it to FMX-004 for ion balance
measurement.
The ion balance plate should be stored or used in a place having less・than 60 %RH.
5.2.2.2 Grounding connection
FMX-004 can be used to measure low voltages up to ±300 V in the ion
balance mode. It is important to connect it to ground using the grounding
lead supplied, especially for ion balance measurement.
CAUTION
The plastic case of FMX-004 is made of conductive resin. The
grounding terminal provides the reference potential for the electrical
circuit. This terminal should be grounded for proper measurement. The
accuracy is not guaranteed for measurement with an ungrounded
FMX-004.
5.2.2.3 Ion balance measurement
Initially, ground the plate to remove any static charge. Press the center①of red circle button switch marked [POWER] once. A single beep (0.25
second) sounds to inform that FMX-004 is into standard mode.
Press the center of blue circle button switch marked [MODE] once.②LCD display shows "IB" along with digital numerical value, polarity
sign, unit of measurement "V", bar graph scale and battery condition.
FMX-004 is, now, ready for ion balance measurement. The two red
LEDs, located beside the sensor, do not light up. Please confirm state of
the battery from "Battery condition display" as described in Section 4.
Five minutes after the power is turned on, FMX-004 will turn itself off③automatically. This is called "Auto power off function". In this case, a
combination of two beeps (0.15 second on and 0.1 second off) sounds
five times at one second interval to inform that FMX-004 will be turned
off soon.
Press [POWER] button again to turn off FMX-004. All indications④disappear.
CAUTION
FMX-004 can be activated by pressing [POWER] button just once・lightly. There is no need to press it repeatedly. Frequent unnecessary
on/off operation or pressing by a nail may affect the life of switches
and the cover sheet.
--9

In standard mode, the measurement cannot be done for more than five・minutes when "Auto power off function" is operative. For more than
five minutes measurement, select continuous measurement mode
when power is turned on as described in the next section.
Section 6. FUNCTION
6.1 Continuous mode
Keep [POWER] button pressed for three seconds after turning the①sensor side toward an uncharged area. The number of red bars in the
upper right side bar graph on the display increases by one at one
second interval. When three red bars appear, release [POWER] button.
Three beeps (0.15 second on and 0.1 second off) inform that FMX-004
is into continuous measurement mode. This is called "Cancellation of
the Auto power off function".
In continuous measurement mode, LCD display shows digital numerical②value, polarity sign, unit of measurement "kV", bar graph scale, battery
condition and "A.OFF". Please confirm the state of the battery. The two
red LEDs for assisting in working distance adjustment should be turned
on. FMX-004 is now ready for continuous static charge measurement.
One minute after power is turned on, the red LED will be turned off③automatically in order to reduce the consumption of the battery. To turn
the LEDs on again either press HOLD button twice or ZERO button
once. Once turned on, LEDs remain on for one minute.
Press POWER button once again to turn off the unit after measurement.④All indications disappear.
CAUTION
FMX-004 cannot be turned off without pressing POWER button in・continuous measurement mode. Confirm that power is turned off by
observing the disappearance of all indicators. If power is not turned
off, the battery will be drained completely.
--10

FMX-004 cannot return to this mode automatically, even if it is turned・on again after turning off in continuous mode. For going into
continuous mode, the operation described in 6.2.2 is should be①
carried out when power is turned on.
6.3 Zero adjustment by "Digital zero function"
A gray button switch marked [ZERO] on the front panel can be used to
adjust the reading to zero if the fieldmeter reading is not zero. To make
FMX-004 read zero in this condition, press the button once turning the
sensor toward an uncharged area.
CAUTION
The digital zero function cannot be used for zero adjustment, if the・reading of FMX-004 exceeds [±0.30(Au,Lo),±0.3(Hi),±50(IB)]
. Also, when in hold mode, the function isapproximately
inoperative.
If the reading is more than [±0.30(Au,Lo),±0.3(Hi),±50(IB)] in a・measurement, the digital zero function is inoperative. However, if the
reading is less than [±0.30(Au,Lo),±0.3(Hi),±50(IB)], the real zero
point would be shifted by this function when [ZERO] button is
pressed.
6.4 Focussing LED
FMX-004 has two red LEDs on the sensor side of the unit to help
position the unit at the right distance from a charged object. The
measuring distance is 25 mm. With the sensor and LEDs pointing
towards the charged object, slowly bring FMX-004 close from far till two
light beams converge into a concentric circle.
CAUTION
・㎜The focussing distance of the two red light beams is adjusted to 25
in factory. It can be checked easily by directing the beams toward a
white sheet of paper and moving the fieldmeter toward and away from
the paper. --11

If the reading blinks at over range with a continuous warning sound・during the static charge measurement, maximum voltage reading limit
has been exceeded. If this condition persists, the sensor of FMX-004
might be damaged. Please suspend the measurement in this case.
6.5 Hold mode
When the center of green circle
button switch marked [HOLD]
is pressed once during the
measurement, the digital
numerical value and the bar
graph will be held on the
display. This is called "Hold
function".
This function allows the
operator to move FMX-004
after measurement where it can be more easily read. [HOLD] is shown on
the left side of the display; the red LEDs are turned off. Once FMX-004 is
in hold mode, no more measurement is possible. One more pressing of the
button will cancel the hold function to resume measurement again with the
red LEDs turned on.
CAUTION
The numerical value and the bar graph displayed on the LCD will・change if FMX-004 moves during measurement. Hold function enables
measurements in inaccessible areas.
Please note that the display of measured voltage as the numerical value・and the bar graph are not saved in FMX-004, even if it is turned off in
hold mode. Data and mode informations will be lost by switching off
the unit.
6.6 Analog out mode
Use the analog out cable of the option when you use an analog out.①Moreover, it is a mini Jack specification of monaural 3.5mm. Can use a
plug on the market. The tip of the plug (chip) is a signal wire when
wiring, and the foundation side (sleeve) is grounded.
When "Aof" is displayed when the power supply is turned on, an analog②out is turning off. Keep turning off the power supply once when an
analog out is turned on and pushing the [POWER] button again. One
bar graph in the upper right of the display display increases at intervals
of one second. When the POWER button is separated when becoming
five or more, "Aon" or "Aof" is displayed in the morrow.
--12

Section 7. TABLES OF FUNCTIONS
7.1 Function switches
Situati Functio Color Operations Mode Unit Additional
on n display
switch
−Pressing less than 3 Standard kVON/OF seconds
FPOWE A.OFFRED Pressing 3 seconds or Continuou
more sRAon/AoFPressing 5 seconds or Analoge −
more out
−Press once more to turn −−
off
MODE kV/V Au, Hi, Lo,After BLUE AUTO. HI. LOW. Standard IBPower IONBALANCE or
ON measurement ON/OFF. continuou
s
HOLD HOLDGREE Hold function ON/OFF. Holds the digital
value and the bar graph information by
Npressing once.
Zero adjustment of the displayed values by pressing once.
G R A The display should read less than [±0.30] kV for staticZERO Y charge measurement and less than [±50] V for ion balance
measurement for zero function to operate.
7.2 Beep sounds
Once Three times Twice for five times Continuous
each at one second
interval
「」 「 」 「 」 「 」Pi PiPiPi PiPi Piii
0.25 seconds ON 0.15, OFF 0.1 ON 0.15, OFF 0.1
seconds seconds
When power is When power is turned 5 seconds before Measuring
turned on. POWER on. POWER button is stopping by auto range
button is pressed for pressed for 3 seconds power off function. exceeded
less than 3 seconds. or more.
--13

Simco-Ion EQUIPMENT
REPAIR WARRANTY
Simco-Ion equipment has been carefully tested and inspected at the
factory and is warranted to be free from any defects in materials or
workmanship.
Simco Japan, Inc. will, under this warranty, repair or replace any
equipment, which proves upon their examination, to have become
defective within the Warranty period from the date of shipment. A one
year Warranty applies to all Simco-Ion equipment. The equipment is
to be returned by the purchaser to Simco Japan, Inc. or authorized
agent of Simco-Ion, transportation prepaid and insured for its full
purchase price.
Prior to returning any goods for any reason, contact Simco Japan,
Inc. or authorized agent for a Return Authorization Number. This
number must accompany all returns.
The Warranty does not apply when the equipment has been tampered
with, misused, improperly installed, altered, has received damage
through abuse, carelessness, accident, connected to improper line
voltage, or has been serviced by anyone other than an authorized
factory representative.
The warranty does not apply when Simco-Ion parts and equipment
have been energized by other than appropriate Simco-Ion Power unit
or generator, or when Simco-Ion Power unit or generator has been
used to energize other than Simco-Ion parts and equipment.
Simco Japan, Inc. makes no Warranty, expressed or implied, nor
accepts any obligation, liabilities or responsibility in connection with
the use of this product other than the repair or replacement of parts as
stated herein.
Handy digital Electrostatic FieldmeterProduct Model FMX-004Name
AoneyearDelivery Product's serial number contains Warranty WarrantyDate information on the shipping date. Period
--14

SIMCO JAPAN, INC.
1-2-4, Minatojima-Nakamachi,
Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0046, Japan
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
WEB: http://www.simcoion.jp/
INQUIRY e-mail: [e-mail]