Met One Instruments GT-526 User manual

Seite | 1
GT-526 9800 Rev A
Particlecounter
Modell GT-526
Manual
Met One Instruments Inc. CCS Messgeräte Vertriebs-GmbH
1600 NW Washington Blvd. Burghalde 13
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526 72218 Wildberg-Sulz
Tel: [phone] Tel: ++49 (0)7054 93 22-0
Fax: [phone] Fax: ++49 (0)7054 93 22-20
mail: [e-mail] mail: [e-mail]
www.metone.com www.ccs-wildberg.de

Seite | 2
GT-526 9800 Rev A
Copyright Notice
GT-526 Manual
© Copyright 2007 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
Should you require support, please consult your printed documentation to resolve your problem. If you
are still experiencing difficulty, you may contact a Technical Service representative during normal
business hours—7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, Monday through Friday.
Voice: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
Mail: Technical Services Department
Met One Instruments, Inc.
1600 Washington Boulevard
Grants Pass, OR 97526
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.

Seite | 3
GT-526 9800 Rev A
Table of Contents
1. Introduction...........................................................................................................5
2. Setup......................................................................................................................5
2.1. Unpacking..............................................................................................................................5
2.2. Layout....................................................................................................................................8
2.3. Default Settings......................................................................................................................9
2.4. Initial Operation......................................................................................................................9
3. User Interface........................................................................................................9
3.1. Keypad.................................................................................................................................10
3.2. Menu....................................................................................................................................11
4. Operation.............................................................................................................12
4.1. Power Up.............................................................................................................................12
4.1.1. Startup Screen..................................................................................................................12
4.2. Operate Screen....................................................................................................................12
4.2.1. Sampling...........................................................................................................................13
4.2.2. Non-Sampling...................................................................................................................14
4.2.3. Warnings...........................................................................................................................15
4.3. Sampling..............................................................................................................................15
4.3.1. Starting/Stopping...............................................................................................................15
4.3.2. Sample Error.....................................................................................................................15
4.3.3. Real-Time Output..............................................................................................................15
4.3.4. Sample Length..................................................................................................................15
4.3.5. Sample Hold Time.............................................................................................................16
4.3.6. Sample Timing...................................................................................................................16
4.4. Sample Setup.......................................................................................................................16
4.5. Recalling Sample Data.........................................................................................................17
4.6. Printing Sample Data............................................................................................................17
4.6.1. Selecting Data Range........................................................................................................17
4.6.2. Printing...............................................................................................................................18
4.7. Memory Management...........................................................................................................19
4.7.1. Viewing Usage...................................................................................................................19
4.7.2. Clearing..............................................................................................................................20
4.8. Unit Settings..........................................................................................................................20
4.9. Setting Date/Time..................................................................................................................21
4.10. Viewing Version Information................................................................................................22
4.11. Charging The Battery..........................................................................................................22
4.12. Communications..................................................................................................................22
4.12.1. Connection........................................................................................................................23
4.12.2. Commands........................................................................................................................23
4.12.3. Real Time Output..............................................................................................................24
4.12.4. Comma Separated Value (CSV).......................................................................................25
4.12.5. Printer Style.......................................................................................................................25
4.13. Flash Upgrade......................................................................................................................26

Seite | 4
GT-526 9800 Rev A
5. Maintenance..........................................................................................................26
5.1. Service Schedule...................................................................................................................26
5.2. Zero Count Test.....................................................................................................................26
5.3. Flow Rate Test.......................................................................................................................27
5.4. Annual Calibration..................................................................................................................27
6. Troubleshooting....................................................................................................28
7. Electrical & Safety Conformity.............................................................................29
8. Warranty.................................................................................................................29
9. Specifications........................................................................................................30

Seite | 5
GT-526 9800 Rev A
1. Introduction
The GT-526 is a six channel handheld particle counter used to measure particle concentration in the
air. An internal pump is used to draw air into the unit for sampling. The unit then utilizes scattered laser
light to count individual particles as the air is drawn through the unit. Counted particles are converted
into a concentration and displayed on the front LCD screen of the unit. Completed samples are stored
for either viewing on the front LCD screen or retrieving serially.
2. Setup
Setup for the GT-526 is very simple since the unit is a handheld device and most features are
integrated into the unit. The following sections cover unpacking, layout and performing a test run to
verify operation.
2.1. Unpacking
When unpacking the GT-526 and accessories, inspect the carton for obvious damage. If the carton is
damaged notify the carrier. Unpack everything and make a visual inspection of the GT-526
components. The GT-526 is shipped with the items shown on the following pages. The first page
shows the standard equipment shipped with the GT-526 and the next page shows the optional
equipment which can be purchased with the GT-526. If any of the equipment is missing, contact the
supplier immediately.
GT-526 Standard Equipment

Seite | 6
GT-526 9800 Rev A
GT-526 Optional Equipment

Seite | 7
GT-526 9800 Rev A

Seite | 8
GT-526 9800 Rev A
2.2. Layout
The following figure shows the layout of the GT-526 and provides a description of each of the
components.
Component
Description
Power Switch Switch that turns the GT-526 on or off. Slide
up (towards inlet nozzle) to turn on and
slide down to turn off.
Charging Jack Input jack for AC to DC converter. Charges
the internal batteries and provides
continuous power for the unit.
Serial Port Connection used for serial communication
(either RS-232 or RS-485).
Temperature/RH Connector Mating connector for the optional external
Temperature/RH sensor.
Inlet Nozzle Nozzle through which air sampling occurs.
Under normal operation an iso-kinetic probe
is connected to the nozzle to ensure even
flow velocity. When performing a zero count
a zero filter is connected.
Display Adjust Used to adjust the LCD display contrast.
Flow Adjust Used to adjust the sample flow rate of the
GT-526.

Seite | 9
GT-526 9800 Rev A
2.3. Default Settings
The GT-526 comes with the sample settings and unit settings set to the following default values.
Parameter
Value
Sample Location 1
Sample Mode Manual
Sample Time 60 seconds
Sample Hold Time 0 seconds
Volume FT3
Temperature Units C
Baud Rate 9600
Printer Mode RS-232
2.4. Initial Operation
Before operating the GT-526 for the first time, it is recommended that the unit be fully charged.
Information regarding charging the battery is found in section 4.11 of this manual.
3. User Interface
The GT-526 user interface is composed of a 7 button keypad and a LCD display. The following
sections provide an overview of the keypad and menu systems, which will be referenced throughout
the document.

Seite | 10
GT-526 9800 Rev A
3.1. Keypad
The GT-526 keypad is composed of 7 buttons as shown in Figure 2.
The following table provides a description of how each button is used in the operation of the unit.
Key
Description
• Starts or stops the unit sampling when either the Operate or Main
Menu Screen is displayed.
• Starts the unit printing when in the Print Data Screen.
• Recalls the selected data when in the Recall Data Screen.
• Loads the Main Menu Screen when not editing a field in a screen.
• Loads the Operate Screen when in the Main Menu Screen.
• Stops editing a field and returns the field to the original value
before editing began.
• Loads the screen associated with menu item.
• Begins editing of the selected item in a screen when not already
editing.
• Stops editing a field and saves the changed value.
• Navigates up when not editing.
• Modifies field when editing.

Seite | 11
GT-526 9800 Rev A
3.2. Menu
The GT-526 main menu provides access to core functions of the GT-526 and is accessible by
pressing the menu key on the Operate Screen. Figure 3 shows the whole GT-526 main menu (4 lines
visible at a time on unit).
Menu Item Description
SAMPLE SETUP Loads the Sample Setup Screen where sample specific
settings can be modified.
RECALL DATA Loads the Recall Data Screen where a specific event
can be recalled based on time.
PRINT DATA Loads the Print Data Screen where stored data can be
printed out based on a time range.
MEMORY Loads the Memory Screen where memory usage can
be viewed and memory cleared.
SETTINGS Loads the Settings Screen where GT-526 settings can
be modified.
CLOCK Loads the Set Clock Screen where the date and time
can be set.
ABOUT Loads the About Screen where GT-526 version
information can be viewed.

Seite | 12
GT-526 9800 Rev A
4. Operation
The primary function of GT-526 is to take samples, store the data and retrieve the data. All other
operations of the unit are derived from this basic purpose. The following sections cover the basic
operation of GT-526.
4.1. Power Up
The GT-526 power is controlled by a switch located on the upper right hand side of the unit. To power
up the unit move the switch to the on position (towards the top of the case). The following sections
describe the screen sequence on power up.
4.1.1. Startup Screen
The first screen shown on power up is the Startup Screen. The Startup Screen displays the product
type and company website for 1 second before loading the Operate Screen. Figure 4 shows the
Startup Screen.
4.2. Operate Screen
The Operate Screen is designed to provide user feedback on the sampling process. The Operate
Screen displays the sample status, current event data and previous event data depending upon the
GT-526 operation status and user selections. Figure 5 shows the Operate Screen when the unit is not
running, no samples have been taken and the RH/Temp probe is not connected (the top line is always
the same, the remaining lines scroll).

Seite | 13
GT-526 9800 Rev A
The top line of the Operate Screen is reserved for the date/time, status or alarm depending upon the
machine status. The top line always remains the same while the other 3 lines scroll to display the full
list. The first 6 scrollable items are the count channels, which show either the current or previous count
values. If the RH/Temp probe is connected to the unit, the next 2 items are the Temp and RH as
shown in Figure 6. The last item is the location, which is a user settable sample setting and is
discussed in section 4.4.
The units for the counts are determined by a user settable setting. The counts can be displayed in
units of cubic feet (CF) or liters (/L). The units for the temperature are also determined by a user
settable unit setting. The temperature can be displayed in units of Celsius (C) or Fahrenheit (F). Both
unit settings are discussed in section 4.8.
4.2.1. Sampling
When the unit is sampling, the Operate Screen displays the current sample information. All of the
scroll fields are as described in section 4.2 and they are real-time values as long as the unit is
sampling. The count values are scaled while the unit is sampling as an approximation of the final count
values. Figure 7 shows the Operate Screen while sampling with RH/Temp probe connected.

Seite | 14
GT-526 9800 Rev A
The top line of the Operate Screen displays the status of the GT-526 while the unit is sampling. The
following table shows the various status messages and their meaning:
Status Description
STARTING… GT-526 is starting the sample and is waiting for the count
system to initialize.
HOLDING… GT-526 is in auto mode and is waiting for the hold time to
finish.
STOPPING… GT-526 is stopping the sample and is waiting for the count
system to stop.
██████10 GT-526 is sampling. The progress bar moves from left to
right as the sample is closer to finished. The time remaining
is displayed to the far right.
4.2.2. Non-Sampling
When the unit is not sampling, the Operate Screen displays previous sample information or real time
information. The Operate Screen defaults to showing real time information, which includes the current
counts, temperature, rh and location. In the case of counts, since the unit is not counting, the
displayed values will show the previous count or no counts if a sample has not been taken. Figure 8
shows the Operate Screen while not sampling and displaying real time information.
The top line of the Operate Screen displays the date and time associated with the data being
displayed. When real time information is being displayed the top line shows the current date and time
value.
To navigate and view previous data, the left and right arrow keys are used. Pressing the left arrow key
shows older events while pressing the right arrow key shows newer events. Each press of an arrow
key moves 1 record in the associated direction. When the oldest record has been reached, pressing
the left arrow key will not change the current record being viewed. When the newest record has been
reached, pressing the right arrow key will cause the Operate Screen to display real time information.
Pressing the Enter key at any time causes the Operate Screen to display real time information.

Seite | 15
GT-526 9800 Rev A
4.2.3. Warnings
The low battery warning occurs when the battery voltage drops beneath 5.80 V and persists until the
voltage rises above 5.90 V. When a low battery warning occurs, the Operate Screen displays the low
battery warning on the top line of the Operate Screen. This warning alternates with the normal text
displayed when no alarm is occurring. The low battery warning is displayed whether the unit is
sampling or not sampling. Figure 9 shows the Operate Screen with the low battery error on the top
line.
4.3. Sampling
The primary function of the GT-526 is to sample and the following sub-sections cover sample related
functions.
4.3.1. Starting/Stopping
A sample can be manually started or stopped from either the Operate Screen or the menu. To start or
stop a sample from either of these screens press the START/STOP key on the keypad. Starting or
stopping a sample from the menu will load the Operate Screen.
Depending upon the current sample mode of the GT-526; the sample will either run a single sample or
continually run samples. If the GT-526 is set to continually run samples, the unit will continue to
sample until the internal memory is full or unit is stopped. GT-526 sample modes are discussed in
section 4.4.
4.3.2. Sample Error
In the event that an error occurs during the unit sampling, the sample is stopped and the error is
displayed.
4.3.3. Real-Time Output
GT-526 provides real-time output on the serial port at the end of each sample. The format of the
output is controlled by the printer mode setting (section 4.8). Section 4.12.3 covers real-time output in
greater depth.
4.3.4. Sample Length
The sample length determines the amount of time that counts are accumulated while the pump is
running. The length of the sample is user settable from 1 – 999 seconds and is discussed in section
4.4.

Seite | 16
GT-526 9800 Rev A
4.3.5. Sample Hold Time
The sample hold time is used when the sample mode is set to auto (continuous sample). The sample
hold time represents the time from the completion of the last sample to the start of the next sample.
The hold time could also be considered the amount of time between samples when no sampling is
occurring. The sample hold time is user settable from 0 – 999 seconds and is discussed in section 4.4.
4.3.6. Sample Timing
The following figures depict the sample timing sequence for both manual and auto sampling modes.
Figure 10 shows the timing for manual sample mode.
Figure 11 shows the timing for auto sample mode.
4.4. Sample Setup
To access the sample settings select SAMPLE SETUP from the menu. Figure 12 shows the Sample
Setup Screen.

Seite | 17
GT-526 9800 Rev A
4.5. Recalling Sample Data
Stored sample events can be viewed from the Operate Screen (as described in section 4.2.2), but
requires navigating one record at a time to reach a desired record. The Recall Data Screen provides a
way to quickly navigate to a record based on time. The Recall Data Screen is accessed by selecting
RECALL DATA from the main menu. If no sample events are available the screen shown in Figure 13
is displayed. To exit the No Samples Events Screen press the Start/Stop, ESC or Enter keys.
Figure 14 shows the Recall Data Screen when there are sample events available.
To recall data, enter the desired date/time string of the data to recall and select the START/STOP
button. The unit will recall the data from the date/time entered (if an exact match is found) or the next
most recent data available. The screen shown when the data is recalled is the Operate Screen. The
screen reacts in exactly the same manner as described above and it now has the desired data shown.
4.6. Printing Sample Data
Stored sample events can be printed through the printer port within a user selected range. The
following sections describe the process of printing sample data.
4.6.1. Selecting Data Range
To access the printing feature of the GT-526, select PRINT DATA from the menu. If no sample events
are available the screen shown in Figure 15 is displayed. To exit the No Samples Events Screen press
the Start/Stop, ESC or Enter keys.

Seite | 18
GT-526 9800 Rev A
Figure 16 shows the Print Data Screen when there are sample events available.
To select which sample events to print, the location and time range must be specified. The following
table describes the printing selection settings.
Setting Description
Location The location ID of the sample events to print. Setting location to
000 prints all locations.
Settable from 0 - 999
01 JAN’00 The date/time to begin printing sample events from.
18 AUG’06 The date/time to stop print samples at.
4.6.2. Printing
After the print settings have been selected, the Printing Status Screen is displayed. Figure 17 shows
the Printing Status Screen as it would look when finished.
The following table describes the status components of the Printing Status Screen.
Status Description
Scanning… Displays how many records have been checked to determine if
they meet the print settings.
Printing Displays how many records have been printed.
Finished! Is shown when the printing has completed.
Pressing the ESC button cancels the data printing and loads the menu. The format of the print is
dependent upon the port setting (Section 4.8).

Seite | 19
GT-526 9800 Rev A
4.7. Memory Management
The GT-526 memory is composed of a single file which contains the data from sample events. Every
time a sample is completed, the GT-526 stores that data into the memory. The GT-526 memory is
circular, meaning when the memory is full, the unit will start overwriting the oldest saved samples with
new samples. GT-526 provides the user the ability to view the memory usage as well as clear the
memory.
4.7.1. Viewing Usage
To view the amount of memory left in GT-526 for data storage or to clear the memory, the Memory
Screen is used. The Memory Screen is accessed by selecting MEMORY from the menu. Figure 18
shows the Memory Screen.
The following table lists the Memory Screen items and their description.
Item Description
FREE Shows the percentage of memory space which is available for data
storage. When 0% is shown the memory is overwriting the oldest
data with new data.
SAMPLES Shows the number of samples which can be store in memory before
the memory is full. When 0% is shown the memory is overwriting the
oldest data with new data.

Seite | 20
GT-526 9800 Rev A
4.7.2. Clearing
Clearing the GT-526 memory removes all data from sampled events. To clear the GT-526 memory
select the ENTER key while in the Memory Screen. The Memory Caution Screen, as shown in Figure
19, is shown to verify that the memory is to be cleared.
If the ENTER key is pressed the memory clear is performed and Memory Clear Done Screen is
shown, Figure 20.
Figure 20 – Memory Clear Done Screen
4.8. Unit Settings
To access the GT-526 settings select SETTINGS from the menu. Figure 21 shows the Settings
Screen.
The following table lists the settings and describes their meanings.
Setting Description
VOLUME This is the volume used in displaying the concentration. GT-
526 either displays concentration in cubic feet (CF) or liters
(/L).
Settable to either CF or /L.
TEMP This details the units used to display temperature. GT-526
either displays temperature in Celsius (C) or Fahrenheit (F).
Settable to either C or F.