Met One Instruments AEROCET 532 User manual

Met One Instruments, Inc
Corporate Sales & Service: 1600 NW Washington Blvd. Grants Pass, OR 97526
Tel [phone] Fax [phone]
www.metone.com serv[email protected]om
AEROCET 532
MANUAL

AEROCET 532 Manual Rev A Page 2
Copyright Notice
AEROCET 532 Manual
© Copyright 2021 Met One Instruments, Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. No part of
this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval
system, or translated into any other language in any form by any means without the
express written permission of Met One Instruments, Inc.
Technical Support
This manual is structured by customer feedback to provide the required information for
setup, operation, testing, maintaining, and troubleshooting your AEROCET 532. Should
you still require support after consulting your printed documentation, we encourage you
to contact one of our expert Technical Service representatives during normal business
hours of 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. In addition,
technical information and service bulletins are often posted on our website. Please
contact us and obtain a Return Authorization (RA) number before sending any
equipment back to the factory. This allows us to track and schedule service work and to
expedite customer service. Please have your instrument serial number available when
contacting the manufacturer.
Contact
Information:
Tel: + 541 471 7111
Fax: + 541 471 7115
Web: www.metone.com
Email: [e-mail]
Address:
Met One Instruments, Inc.
1600 NW Washington Blvd
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
U.S.A.
NOTICE
CAUTION—Use of controls or adjustments or performance of
procedures other than those specified herein may result in
hazardous radiation exposure.
WARNING—This product, when properly installed and operated, is
considered a Class I laser product. Class I products are not
considered to be hazardous.
There are no user serviceable parts located inside the cover of this device.
Do not attempt to remove the cover of this product. Failure to comply with this
instruction could cause accidental exposure to laser radiation.

AEROCET 532 Manual Rev A Page 3
Table of Contents
1. Introduction........................................................................................................... 5
2. Setup...................................................................................................................... 5
2.1. Unpacking..................................................................................................................................5
2.2. Layout........................................................................................................................................7
2.3. Default Settings .........................................................................................................................8
2.4. Initial Operation .........................................................................................................................8
3. User Interface ........................................................................................................ 8
4. Operation............................................................................................................... 9
4.1. About the Measurement ............................................................................................................9
4.2. Power Up...................................................................................................................................9
4.3. Operate Screen .........................................................................................................................9
4.3.1. Sampling ...........................................................................................................................11
4.3.2. Sample Status...................................................................................................................11
4.3.3. Sample History..................................................................................................................11
4.4. Sample Related Functions ......................................................................................................12
4.4.1. Starting/Stopping...............................................................................................................12
4.4.2. Measurement Type...........................................................................................................12
4.4.3. Sample Mode....................................................................................................................12
4.4.4. Count Mode.......................................................................................................................12
4.4.5. Sample Time.....................................................................................................................12
4.4.6. Hold Time..........................................................................................................................12
4.4.7. Sample Timing ..................................................................................................................13
5. Menu Selections.................................................................................................. 13
5.1. Edit Menu Items.......................................................................................................................14
5.2. Sample Setup Screen..............................................................................................................14
5.2.1. Location ID........................................................................................................................15
5.2.2. Measure ............................................................................................................................15
5.2.3. Mode .................................................................................................................................15
5.2.4. Count Mode.......................................................................................................................16
5.2.5. Sample Time.....................................................................................................................16
5.2.6. Hold Time..........................................................................................................................16
5.3. Toolbox Screen .......................................................................................................................16
5.3.1. Units..................................................................................................................................17
5.3.2. Memory .............................................................................................................................17
5.3.3. K-Factors...........................................................................................................................18
5.3.4. Flow...................................................................................................................................19
5.3.5. Display ..............................................................................................................................20
5.4. Initial Setup Screen .................................................................................................................20
5.4.1. Serial.................................................................................................................................21
5.4.2. Clock .................................................................................................................................22
5.4.3. Locations...........................................................................................................................23

AEROCET 532 Manual Rev A Page 4
5.5. About Screen...........................................................................................................................23
6. Charging the Battery........................................................................................... 24
7. Serial Communications ...................................................................................... 24
7.1. Commands ..............................................................................................................................24
7.2. Comma Separated Value (CSV) .............................................................................................26
7.2.1. Counts Format ..................................................................................................................26
7.2.2. Mass Format .....................................................................................................................27
8. Maintenance ........................................................................................................ 28
8.1.Service Schedule.....................................................................................................................28
8.2. Zero Count Test.......................................................................................................................28
8.3. Flow Rate Test.........................................................................................................................28
8.4. Annual Calibration ...................................................................................................................29
8.5. Filter Change...........................................................................................................................29
8.6. Flash Upgrade.........................................................................................................................29
9. Troubleshooting.................................................................................................. 30
10. Specifications...................................................................................................... 31

AEROCET 532 Manual Rev A Page 5
1. Introduction
The AEROCET 532 is a full–featured, battery operated, handheld particle counter or
mass monitor.
In count mode, the unit will measure particle counts at eight fixed sizes (0.3 µm, 0.5 µm,
1.0 µm, 2.5 µm, 4.0 µm, 5.0 µm, 7.0 µm, and 10.0 µm).
In mass mode the unit will measure PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM7, PM10 and TSP mass
concentration levels.
This instrument can store up 15,000 sample events including data from the ambient
temperature (AT) / relative humidity (RH) probe. Sample history events can be viewed
on the LCD display and downloaded to a computer.
2. Setup
The following sections cover unpacking, layout and performing a test run to verify
operation.
2.1. Unpacking
Unpack and inspect the contents of the shipping container. Standard items (included)
are shown in Figure 1 –Standard Accessories. Optional accessories are shown in
Figure 2 –Optional Accessories. Contact the supplier if any items are missing. Any
damages incurred during shipping are the responsibility of the carrier. If any damage to
the shipment is noticed before unpacking, a claim must be filed with the commercial
carrier immediately. You should follow any special unpacking instructions provided by
the carrier as you then carefully remove all items from the containers and inspect each
component. It is recommended to document and photograph all damaged packages
and items before, during, and after unpacking them. Contact Met One Instruments (see
the Technical Support section at the beginning of this manual) to arrange for any
replacement items needed.
ATTENTION:
A Silicon Labs CP210x Driver for the USB connection must be installed before
connecting to the USB Type C port.
Driver download weblink: https://metone.com/usb-drivers/

AEROCET 532 Manual Rev A Page 6
Figure 1 –Standard Accessories
Flow Meter
PN 9801
Flow Meter
PN Swift 6.0
Docking Station
PN 83529
Figure 2 –Optional Accessories
AEROCET 532 Standard Equipment
AEROCET 532
PN AEROCET-532
Battery Charger
PN 390031
Power Cord
PN 400113
Carrying Case
PN 550537
Calibration Certificate
AEROCET 532-9600
ISO-Kinetic Probe
PN 83117
Zero Count Filter
PN G3111
USB Cable
PN 502116
Manual
AEROCET-532-9800
Rubber Boot
PN 83549

AEROCET 532 Manual Rev A Page 7
2.2. Layout
The following figure shows the layout of the AEROCET 532 and provides a description
of each of the components.
Figure 3 –AEROCET 532 Layout
Component
Description
Power Switch
Switch that turns the AEROCET 532 on or off. Slide up (towards inlet
nozzle) to turn on and slide down to turn off.
Charging Jack
Input jack for the battery charger. This connection charges the internal
battery pack and provides continuous operating power for the unit.
Keyboard
2 key membrane keypad.
USB C Port
For USB serial communication.
Rotary Dial
Multifunction dial (rotate and press).
AT/RH Sensor
Integrated sensor that measures ambient temperature and relative
humidity.
Isokinetic Probe
The isokinetic probe reduces turbulence in the air sample. It attaches
over the air inlet nozzle.
Charging Jack
Isokinetic Probe
AT/RH Sensor
USB C Port
Power Switch
Rotary Dial
Keyboard

AEROCET 532 Manual Rev A Page 8
2.3. Default Settings
The AEROCET 532 comes with the user settings configured as follows.
Parameter
Value
Sample Type
Mass (µg/m3)
Sample Mode
Continuous
Count Mode
Cumulative
Sample Time
1 Min
Sample Hold Time
0 seconds
Volume (concentration)
CF (particles / ft3)
Temperature Units
C
USB Baud Rate
115200
2.4. Initial Operation
Before operating the AEROCET 532 for the first time, it is recommended that the unit be
fully charged. Information regarding charging the battery is found in section 6 of this
manual.
Complete the following steps to verify proper operation.
1. Slide the power switch up to turn on the power.
2. Observe the Startup screen for 2 seconds then the Operate screen (Section 4.3)
3. Press START/STOP key. The AEROCET 532 will begin sampling.
4. Observe the PM levels on the display.
5. Turn the rotary dial to view other PM levels.
6. The unit is ready for use.
3. User Interface
The AEROCET 532 user interface is composed of a rotary dial, 2 button keypad, and an
LCD display. The following table describes keypad functionality. Note some keys have
more than one function.
Key
Description
•Sample Screen: Starts or stops a sample.
•Settings Menu: Return to Sample screen.
•Edit Setting: Cancel edit mode and return to Sample screen.
•Sample Screen: Display the Settings menu.
•Settings Menu: Return to Sample screen.
•Edit Setting: Cancel edit mode and return the Settings menu.

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Press Function
•Sample Screen: Display the Settings menu.
•Settings Menu: Navigate to the highlighted menu item
selection.
•Edit Setting: Enter setting edit mode.
Dial Function
•Sample Screen: dial to scroll parameter list.
•Settings Menu: dial to move/scroll highlight to menu item.
•Edit Setting: dial to change picklist and numbers parameters
4. Operation
The following sections cover the basic operation.
4.1. About the Measurement
The AEROCET 532 counts and sizes particles in 8 different size ranges then uses a
proprietary algorithm to convert count data to mass measurements (µg/m3).
Fundamentally, the AEROCET 532 calculates a volume for each detected particle then
assigns a standard density for the conversion.
The standard density value is augmented by the K-Factor setting to improve
measurement accuracy. The AEROCET 532 provides a separate K-Factor setting for
each measurement range (PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM7, PM10, and TSP). These K-Factors
can be modified on the K Factor screen as discussed in section 5.3.3, with serial
commands, or with Comet software.
K-Factor values should be empirically derived via comparison with a reference unit.
4.2. Power Up
AEROCET 532 power is controlled by a slide switch located on the left hand side of the
unit. Move the power switch to the on position (towards the top of the case) to power up
the unit.
The first screen shown on power up is the Startup screen. This screen displays the
company logo for 2 seconds before loading the Operate Screen.
4.3. Operate Screen
The Operate screen displays the count or mass measurement. It is determined by the
Mode setting. The Operate screen displays the sample status, date and time, battery
status, sample data, location, temperature, and relative humidity. Figure 4 and Figure 5
shows the Mass and Count screens. Four size channels are displayed. Rotate the dial
to display additional sizes and the location.
When sampling in mass mode, the size selection represents the upper threshold of your
sample. For example, when you read the value for PM10 it contains all mass that is
size PM10 and lower. Conversely, when sampling in count mode, the size selections
represent the lower threshold of your sample. An example would be that the 1.0 µm
cumulative size contains all particulate that are 1.0 µm and larger.

AEROCET 532 Manual Rev A Page 10
Figure 4 –Mass Operate Screen
Figure 5 –Count Operate Screen

AEROCET 532 Manual Rev A Page 11
4.3.1. Sampling
The Operate screen displays current sample information when the unit is sampling (real
time data). Concentration values are time dependent so these values may fluctuate
early in the sample; however, after several seconds the measurement will stabilize.
4.3.2. Sample Status
The top of the Operate screen displays the status of the AEROCET 532 while the unit is
sampling. The time remaining is shown at the top left of the screen. A status bar fills
with green as time progresses. If a hold time is entered, the status bar will fill yellow
during the hold time.
4.3.3. Sample History
Sample history (previous data) can be viewed on the Operate screen when the unit is
stopped or sampling. Pressing the knob puts the operate screen in History Mode.
History mode allows you to scroll through previously recorded samples and view the
historical data. Once in history mode, press the knob to toggle between record scroll
and data scroll. Record scrolls allows you to scroll between historical records (arrows at
the top indicate history scroll mode). Data scroll allows you to scroll the data up and
down and view each’s channels data (arrows on the right indicate data scroll mode).
Press START at any time to start a new sample. Figure 6 and Figure 7 show the history
screen in both modes. Press ESC to exit history mode.
Figure 6 –History Record Scroll Screen

AEROCET 532 Manual Rev A Page 12
Figure 7 –History Data Scroll Screen
4.4. Sample Related Functions
The following sub-sections cover sample related functions.
4.4.1. Starting/Stopping
To start or stop a sample, press the START/STOP key. A sample event can be manually
started or stopped from either the Operate screen or the menu.
4.4.2. Measurement Type
The measurement type determines if the instrument reports mass (µg/m3) or particle
concentration (particles/volume). Measurement type is discussed in section 5.2.
4.4.3. Sample Mode
The sample mode controls single sample or continuous sampling. The Single setting
configures the unit for a single sample. The Continuous setting configures the unit for
continuous sampling. Sample modes are discussed in section 5.2.3
4.4.4. Count Mode
The count mode determines if particle counts are displayed in Cumulative or
Differential mode. Count modes are discussed in section 5.2.4
4.4.5. Sample Time
The sample time is the length of time the unit will sample for. In Single mode the unit
will stop sampling after this period and in Continuous mode the unit will continue to
sample at the sample time interval. The sample time is user selectable for 1, 2, 5, 10,
15, 30, or 60 minute samples.
4.4.6. Hold Time
The hold time is used when the sample mode is set to auto (continuous sample). The
hold time represents the time from the completion of the last sample to the start of the

AEROCET 532 Manual Rev A Page 13
next sample. The hold time is user settable from 0 –9999 seconds and is discussed in
section 5.2.6.
4.4.7. Sample Timing
The following figures depict the sample timing sequence for both manual and auto
sampling modes. Figure 8 shows the timing for manual sample mode. Figure 9 shows
the timing for auto sample mode.
Figure 8 –Manual Mode Sample
Figure 9 –Auto Mode Sample
5. Menu Selections
The Main Menu is accessible by pressing the MENU key on the Operate screen. The
table below and Figure 10 show the Main Menu items. Rotate the dial to navigate to a
menu item then press the dial to display a screen where you can view or change item
setting(s).
Menu Item
Description
Press the dial to
navigate to…
Sample Setup
View / change location ID, Mass / count
mode, single or continuous mode,
cumulative or differential count mode, sample
time and hold time.
Sample Setup screen
Toolbox
View / change units, memory, K-factors, flow,
and display.
Toolbox screen
Initial Setup
View / change serial settings, clock, and
locations.
Initial Setup screen
About
Display firmware version, serial number,
service contact, calibration date, and run
time.
About screen
Start
Time Sample Time Stop
Time
Start
Time Sample Time Hold Time Sample Time Stop
Time

AEROCET 532 Manual Rev A Page 14
Figure 10 –Main Menu Screen
5.1. Edit Menu Items
To change settings, press MENU to display the Main Menu, rotate the dial to navigate to
the desired item and press the dial to display the item view/edit screen.
To edit pick list items (e.g. Sample Setup: Single or Continuous), rotate the dial
to navigate to the item. Press the dial to select the item. Rotate the dial to change the
setting. Press the dial to save the setting or ESCAPE to cancel and return to the main
value.
To edit alpha-numeric and numeric values (e.g. Location), rotate the dial to navigate
to the item. Press the dial to select the item. Rotate the dial to increment or decrement a
value. Press the dial to select the next character. Press the dial for all remaining
characters to save the value or ESCAPE to cancel and return to the main value.
5.2. Sample Setup Screen
Figure 11 shows the Sample Setup Screen. The 6 parameters are covered in the
following sections.

AEROCET 532 Manual Rev A Page 15
Figure 11 –SAMPLE SETUP Screen
5.2.1. Location ID
The Location ID is used to assign a unique name to a location or area. This
important field is included in sample data records (display and csv output). Use the dial
to scroll through a list of custom location IDs. To edit the list, see toolbox location ID in
section 5.4.3.
5.2.2. Measure
The Measure is either Mass or Counts concentration.
Selection
Description
Mass
When MASS is selected the unit will report PM levels
PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM7, PM10 and TSP in µg/m3.
Counts
When COUNTSis selected the unit will report fixed
particle sizes: 0.3 µm, 0.5 µm, 1.0 µm, 2.5 µm, 4.0 µm,
5.0 µm, 7.0 µm, and 10.0 µm.
5.2.3. Mode
The sample Mode controls single sample or continuous sampling as illustrated below.
Selection
Description
Single
The Single setting configures the unit for a single sample.
Continuous
The Continuous setting configures the unit for continuous
sampling.

AEROCET 532 Manual Rev A Page 16
5.2.4. Count Mode
The count mode determines if particle counts are displayed in Cumulative or
Differential mode. Cumulative mode displays the particles as all sizes greater
than the selected size. Differential mode displays the counts as all particles
between the selected size and the next larger size channel. This setting is only valid for
count measurement type and will not appear on the Sample Setup screen if Mass
measure is selected.
5.2.5. Sample Time
The Sample Time is the length of time the unit will sample for. In Single mode the
unit will stop sampling after this period and in Continuous mode the unit will continue
to sample at the sample time interval. The sample time is user selectable from 1
minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or 1 hour.
5.2.6. Hold Time
The Hold Time is the time between samples when sampling in Continuous mode.
The Hold Time is user settable from 0 –9999 seconds. The pump will remain on
during the hold period if the HOLD time is 60 seconds or less. The pump will stop after
each sample, and start a few seconds before the next sample, if the Hold time is
greater than 60 seconds. Hold times greater than 60 seconds will increase pump life,
as well as increase operating time because of lower battery usage. This setting will not
appear on the Sample Setup screen if Single mode is selected.
5.3. Toolbox Screen
Figure 12 shows the Toolbox screen.
Figure 12 –Toolbox Screen

AEROCET 532 Manual Rev A Page 17
5.3.1. Units
The Units setting allows the volume and temperature units to be selected.
Volume: The AEROCET 532 supports total counts (TC), particles per liter (/L),
particles per cubic foot (CF), and particles per cubic meter (M3). Particle count
information updates while the unit is sampling. Concentration values (/L, CF, M3) are
time dependent so these values may fluctuate early in the sample; however, after
several seconds the measurement will stabilize.
AT: The AEROCET 532 displays ambient temperature (AT) in Celsius (C) or
Fahrenheit (F).
Figure 13 - Units Setup Screen
5.3.2. Memory
The Memory screen allows the user to view available memory or to clear the memory.
The AEROCET 532 memory is circular, meaning when the memory is full, the unit will
start overwriting the oldest saved samples with new samples. Free shows the percent
of space available for data storage. When 0% is displayed, memory is full and the oldest
data will be overwritten by new data. Viewing sample history is described in section
4.3.3. Select CLEAR to clear the unit’s memory and return to the Memory screen.
Select CANCEL to return to the Memory screen.

AEROCET 532 Manual Rev A Page 18
Figure 14 - Memory Screens
5.3.3. K-Factors
The K-Factor for each PM mass fraction can be set in the K-Factor screen. A K-
Factor is a multiplier that is related to the specific gravity of the air being measured. It
improves the accuracy of the mass measurement when derived from a reference or
gravimetric device, because not all air is created equal.
The individual user k-factors for each mass channel can be set from 0.1 to 20.0.
Figure 15 - K-Factor Screen
The AEROCET 532 calibration is performed using ideal polystyrene latex (PSL)
spheres, which provide a powerful tool for assessing the sensitivity, accuracy,
resolution, and false count level. The particle detector is compared to a reference mono-
dispersed (single size) suspension of PSL spheres in clean filtered air for both
calibration and certification of performance specifications. This calibration technique

AEROCET 532 Manual Rev A Page 19
provides a standard traceable reference and a measure of how well the unit maintains
its reproducibility.
Calculate the K-Factor for each particulate size fraction as the reference concentration
divided by the AEROCET 532 light scatter concentration over the same time period. For
example, if the reference total concentration was 51 μg/m3and the AEROCET total
concentration was 38 μg/m3, then the K-Factor would be 51 divided by 38 or 1.34.
The K-Factor is only valid at the same site and for the same particulate type. If the local
particulate source changes, the K-Factor may no longer be valid. The accuracy of the
mass output can be affected by variations in size, color, shape, and index of refraction
of the sampled particles.
5.3.4. Flow
The Flow screen is where a flow calibration is performed. When this screen is
selected, a warning will appear to use an external flow meter to adjust the AEROCET
532 flow to 2.83 LPM. Select OK to proceed or CANCEL to exit.
The pump will start automatically when you enter the Flow screen and stop when you
leave the screen. Use the following procedure to adjust the flow rate when a periodic
flow rate check (Section 8.3) indicates a flow rate error greater than +/- 5%.
1. Remove the isokinetic inlet.
2. Connect a reference flow meter to the inlet fitting on the top of the unit and allow
the flow to stabilize.
3. Twist the dial clockwise to increase the flow rate and turn the dial
counterclockwise to decrease the flow rate until the flow rate is 2.83 LPM (0.1
CFM) ±5%.
4. Press the dial to save the calibration. Press ESCAPE to cancel without saving.
Figure 16 - Flow Screen
The progress bar shows the pump pulse width modulation (PWM) as a percentage. A
green progress bar means the PWM is in a good place. An orange progress bar
indicates the filter is getting close to needing to be replaced. A red progress bar
indicates the filter needs to be replaced.

AEROCET 532 Manual Rev A Page 20
Figure 17 - Flow Screen Progress Bar Color Changes
5.3.5. Display
The Display screen allows the user to change the backlight brightness from 0-100%
and select the display timeout to dim the screen for none, 1, 5, or 10 minutes.
Figure 18 - Display Setup Screen
5.4. Initial Setup Screen
Figure 19 shows the Initial Setup screen.