Met One Instruments AEROCET-380 User manual

AEROCET-380
Particulate Monitor
Operation Manual
Revision A
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

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AEROCET-380 Operation Manual Rev A

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AEROCET-380 Operation Manual Rev A
Copyright Notice
AEROCET-380 Manual
© Copyright 2022 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—7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday
through Friday.
Voice: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
Mail: Technical Services Department
Met One Instruments, Inc.
1600 NW Washington Blvd.
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.

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AEROCET-380 Operation Manual Rev A
Table of Contents
1INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................5
1.1 About This Manual.....................................................................................................................5
1.2 Technical Service.......................................................................................................................5
1.3 About the AEROCET-380..........................................................................................................6
1.4 Laser Radiation Safety and Conformity .....................................................................................6
1.5 AEROCET-380 Specifications ...................................................................................................7
2AEROCET-380 SETUP and STARTUP..................................................................8
2.1 Unpacking ..................................................................................................................................8
2.2 Layout.........................................................................................................................................9
2.3 Default Settings........................................................................................................................10
2.4 Initial Operation........................................................................................................................10
3User Interface.......................................................................................................10
4Operation..............................................................................................................11
4.1 About the Measurement...........................................................................................................11
4.2 Power Up .................................................................................................................................11
4.3 Operate Screen........................................................................................................................11
4.3.1 Sampling............................................................................................................................11
4.3.2 Sample Status ...................................................................................................................12
4.3.3 Sample History ..................................................................................................................12
5Main Menu............................................................................................................13
5.1 Edit Main Menu Items ..............................................................................................................13
5.2 Sample Setup...........................................................................................................................14
5.2.1 Location ID.........................................................................................................................14
5.2.2 Sample Time......................................................................................................................14
5.2.3 Units...................................................................................................................................14
5.2.4 Zero Period........................................................................................................................14
5.2.5 Span Test ..........................................................................................................................15
5.3 Toolbox.....................................................................................................................................15
5.3.1 Memory..............................................................................................................................15
5.3.2 K-Factor.............................................................................................................................16
5.3.3 Display...............................................................................................................................17
5.3.4 Flow Calibration.................................................................................................................17
5.4 Initial Setup ..............................................................................................................................18
5.4.1 Serial..................................................................................................................................18
5.4.2 Modbus..............................................................................................................................18
5.4.3 Clock..................................................................................................................................19
5.4.4 Locations ...........................................................................................................................19
5.4.5 WiFi Discovery...................................................................................................................20
5.5 About Screen ...........................................................................................................................21
6Charging the Battery...........................................................................................21

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AEROCET-380 Operation Manual Rev A
7WiFi Configuration and Setup............................................................................22
9Serial Communications.......................................................................................25
9.1 Commands...............................................................................................................................25
9.1.1 Computer Mode.................................................................................................................25
9.1.2 User Mode.........................................................................................................................25
9.1.3 Serial Commands..............................................................................................................26
9.2 Output.......................................................................................................................................27
9.2.1 Comma Separated Value (CSV) .......................................................................................27
9.2.2 Status.................................................................................................................................27
9.3 MODBUS Communication .......................................................................................................27
9.3.1 MODBUS 4x Registers......................................................................................................27
9.3.2 MODBUS 3x Registers......................................................................................................28
10 Maintenance.........................................................................................................29
10.1 Suggested Periodic Maintenance Intervals..............................................................................29
10.2 Flow Audit and Calibration.......................................................................................................29
10.3 PUMP and PURGE Filter Changes .........................................................................................29
10.4 Factory Service ........................................................................................................................30
10.5 Flash Upgrade..........................................................................................................................30
11 Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................31
12 Accessories .........................................................................................................32

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AEROCET-380 Operation Manual Rev A
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 About This Manual
This document is organized with the most important information grouped together for easy
reference by the user. All AEROCET-380 owners and operators should read and understand
the sections on installation, setup, and field calibrations. Other sections that provide in-depth
information on subjects such as theory, diagnostics, accessories, and alternate settings
provide valuable information which should be consulted as needed. Electronic version of this
manual is also available.
1.2 Technical Service
This manual is structured by customer feedback to provide the required information for
setup, operation, testing, maintaining, and troubleshooting your AEROCET-380 unit. 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: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.metone.com
Email: [email protected]
Address:
Met One Instruments, Inc.
1600 NW Washington Blvd.
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
U.S.A.

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AEROCET-380 Operation Manual Rev A
1.3 About the AEROCET-380
The Met One Instruments, Inc. model AEROCET-380 is a type of nephelometer which
measures real-time airborne TSP particulate concentration levels using the principle of
forward laser light scatter.
Laser Light Scatter System
Sample air is drawn into the AEROCET-380 and through the laser optical module, where the
particulate in the sample air stream scatters the laser light through reflective and refractive
properties. This scattered light is collected onto a photodiode detector at a near-forward
angle, and the resulting electronic signal is processed to determine a continuous, real-time
measurement of airborne particulate mass concentrations.
1.4 Laser Radiation Safety and Conformity
The AEROCET-380 is considered a Class I laser product. Class I products are not
considered to be hazardous.
This system contains a diode laser operating at < 5 mW power and 670 nm wavelength. This
is visible to the naked eye and can cause damage to the eye if directly exposed. A protective
optical housing fully encapsulates the laser beam and optics system within the AEROCET-
380. Do not attempt to disassemble the optical module. Failure to comply with this instruction
could cause accidental exposure to laser radiation. The manufacture certifies that this
product operates in compliance with following standards and regulations:
•FDA / CDRH This product is tested and complies with 21 CFR, Subchapter J, of
the health and Safety Act of 1968.
•US 21 CFR 1040.10.
Always power down the system whenever service or repair work is being performed inside
the instrument enclosure. Only trained technicians should attempt to repair the AEROCET-
380.

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AEROCET-380 Operation Manual Rev A
1.5 AEROCET-380 Specifications
PARAMETER
SPECIFICATION
Measurement Principles:
Particulate concentration by forward light scatter laser Nephelometer.
Measurement Range:
0 to 100 mg/m3(0 to 100,000 g/m3)
Measurement Sensitivity:
0.001 mg/m3.
Nephelometer Accuracy:
± 5% traceable standard with 0.6 µm PSL.
Particle Size Sensitivity:
0.1 to 100 µm. Optimal sensitivity 0.5 to 10 µm particles.
Long Term Stability:
5% with clean optics.
Laser Type:
Diode Laser, 5 mW, 670nm. Visible red.
Display:
3.5” color LCD.
Flow Rate:
2.0 liters/minute ± 0.1 LPM. Actual volumetric flow.
Pump Type:
Brushless Diaphragm (20,000 hour).
Power:
Input: 14.8V Li Battery, Output: 16.8VDC @ 1.8A
Power Consumption:
5.25 W.
Digital I/O:
RS-485, USB C, WiFi
Purge Filter
0.01 micron
Pump Filter:
5.0 micron.
Serial Communication:
ASCII, MODBUS
Internal Data Storage
>15,000 records
Operating Temperature:
0 - 40°C
Ambient Humidity Range:
0 to 90% RH, non-condensing.
Factory Service Interval:
24 Months typical, under continuous use in normal ambient air.
Unit Weight:
2.3kg (5.1lbs)
Unit Dimensions:
21.6cm high, 15.2cm wide, 21.0cm deep (8.5” x 6.0” x 8.25”)
Specifications may be subject to change without notice.

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AEROCET-380 Operation Manual Rev A
2 AEROCET-380 SETUP and STARTUP
The following sections cover unpacking, layout and performing a test run to verify operation.
2.1 Unpacking
When unpacking a new AEROCET-380, verify that the contents are undamaged. Any
damages incurred to the equipment 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 section 1.2 of this manual) to arrange for any replacement items needed.
See section 12 Accessories for more details.
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/

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AEROCET-380 Operation Manual Rev A
2.2 Layout
Figure 2-1 - AEROCET-380 Layout
Component
Description
Power Switch
Switch that turns the AEROCET-380 on or off. Press up to turn on and
press 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.
RS-485 Port
For RS-485 serial communication. Optional cable required.
USB C Port
For USB serial communication.
Pump Filter
A 5 micron pump filter keeps any large particles from entering the
sample pump.
Purge Filter
A 0.01 micron purge filter cleans the recirculated purge air which is used
to keep the optics clean during normal operation.
Display
3.5” color LCD display.
Keypad
2 key membrane keypad.
Rotary Dial
Multifunction dial (rotate and press).
Inlet
Ambient air inlet
TSP Cap
The TSP cap prevents bugs and other large debris from combining with
the air sample. It attaches over the air inlet nozzle.
TSP Cap
Display
RS-485 Port
Pump Filter
Inlet
Charger Jack
Power Switch
USB C Port
Keypad
Rotary Dial
Purge Filter

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AEROCET-380 Operation Manual Rev A
2.3 Default Settings
The AEROCET-380 comes with the user settings configured as follows:
Parameter
Value
Sample Location ID
1
Sample Time
5 Minutes
Self Test Period
1 Hour
Count Units
ug/m3
Baud Rate
115200
K Factor
1.0
2.4 Initial Operation
Before operating the AEROCET-380 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. Press the power switch up to turn on the power.
2. Observe the Startup screen for 2 seconds then the Operate screen (Section 4.1)
3. Press START/STOP key. The AEROCET-380 will run a purge cycle, then a zero cycle,
then begin sampling.
4. Observe the PM level on the display.
5. The unit is ready for use.
3 User Interface
The AEROCET-380 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
•Operate Screen: Starts or stops a sample.
•Settings Menu: Return to Operate screen.
•Edit Setting: Cancel edit mode and return to Operate screen.
•Operate Screen: Display the Settings menu.
•Settings Menu: Return to previous screen.
•Edit Setting: Cancel edit mode and return the previous menu.
Press Function
•Operate Screen: Display the sample history.
•Settings Menu: Select the highlighted menu item.
•Edit Setting: Enter setting edit mode.
Dial Function
•Settings Menu: dial to move/scroll highlight to menu item.
•Edit Setting: dial to change picklist and numerical
parameters

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AEROCET-380 Operation Manual Rev A
4 Operation
The following sections cover the basic operation.
4.1 About the Measurement
The AEROCET-380 is a nephelometer which measures real-time airborne particulate
concentration levels using the principle of forward laser light scatter. The included isokinetic
probe enables the user to measure TSP (total suspended particulate) particles. Additional
cyclones can be obtained to measure PM1, PM2.5, or PM10 particulate cut points.
4.2 Power Up
AEROCET-380 power is controlled by a switch located on the back of the unit. Press 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 briefly displays the
company logo before loading the Operate Screen.
When the unit is started it first enters a Purge / Zero cycle where the purge pump is turned
on to purge the dirty particles from the engine then it does a Zero calibration. The unit will
then perform a span check if this is enabled in the Sample Setup before sampling begins.
When the unit is stopped, the purge pump runs again for 30 seconds to clean out the engine
before leaving it dormant.
4.3 Operate Screen
The Operate screen displays the sample status, date and time, battery status, sample data,
and location. Figure 4-1 shows the Operate screen.
2021-08-25 14:54:26
Aerocet 380
10 ug/m3
Status
Location
Running
ROOM 1
Figure 4-1 - AEROCET-380 Operate Screen
4.3.1 Sampling
The Operate Screen displays current sample information when the unit is sampling (real time
data). Concentration values (ug/m3, mg/m3) are time dependent so these values may
fluctuate early in the sample; however, after several seconds the measurement will stabilize.
The concentration units can be changed in the Sample Setup menu.

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4.3.2 Sample Status
The top of the Operate screen displays the status of the AEROCET-380 while the unit is
sampling. A status bar fills with green as time progresses. The status line below the sample
mass data indicates whether the unit is purging, zeroing, or sampling. The following table
shows the various status messages and their meaning:
Status
Description
Purging
Purge pump is turned on to purge the dirty particles from the engine.
Zeroing
Zero calibration is performed.
Span
Settling/Sampling
Optional internal test to check that the unit can read high and zero
concentrations.
Sampling
The AEROCET-380 is currently counting and taking real time
samples.
Stopping
Waiting for the sample to finish before coming to a complete stop.
OFF
The AEROCET-380 is not sampling.
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.
In history mode, use the dial action of the rotary knob to scroll through the previous sample
data records. Use the ESCAPE button to exit history mode. A new sample can be started
without exiting the history mode by pressing the START button.

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AEROCET-380 Operation Manual Rev A
5 Main Menu
The Main Menu is accessible by pressing the MENU key while on the Operate screen. The
table below and Figure 5-1show the Main Menu items. Use the rotary dial to highlight the
desired menu item and then press it to enter that menu screen.
Menu Item
Description
Sample Setup
View / change location ID, sample time, concentration units,
zero period, and enable/disable span test.
Toolbox
View / change memory, K-factors, display, and flow
calibration.
Initial Setup
View / change serial settings, clock, and locations.
About
Display firmware version, serial number, service contact,
calibration date, and run time.
Figure 5-1 - Main Menu Screen
5.1 Edit Main 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. Units: ug/m3 or mg/m3), 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 previous screen.
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 previous screen.

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5.2 Sample Setup
Figure 5-2 shows the Sample Setup screen. The 5 parameters are covered in the following
sections.
Figure 5-2 - 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 5.4.4.
5.2.2 Sample Time
The Sample Time is the length of time the unit will sample for. The sample time is user
selectable from 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or 60
minutes.
5.2.3 Units
This setup feature allows the user to select the concentration to be displayed in ug/m3 or
mg/m3.
5.2.4 Zero Period
The Zero Period allows the operator to select the Auto Zero / Self-Test time interval. This is
user selectable intervals of 1-Hr, 2-Hr, 12-Hr, 24-Hr.
When the unit is started it first enters a Purge / Zero cycle where the purge pump is turned
on to purge the dirty particles from the engine then it does a zero calibration. A span check
then occurs after the zero calibration if it is enabled. This sequence is repeated at the
interval selected for the Zero Period.

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5.2.5 Span Test
The span check can be enabled/disabled by selecting Yes/No in the Span Test screen. This
test causes the instrument to briefly detect a high concentration. It then verifies that the
instrument continues to read at or near zero.
5.3 Toolbox
Figure 5-3 shows the Toolbox screen.
Toolbox
Memory
K-Factor
Display
Flow Calibration
Figure 5-3 - Toolbox Screen
5.3.1 Memory
The AEROCET-380 can store up to 15,000 sample records in its memory. For instructions
on viewing stored data, see Section 4.3.3. Because this memory is circular, once all records
are full, any new samples taken will overwrite the oldest stored sample data.
The Memory screen provides indication of the available memory capacity and a means to
completely erase all data currently saved in memory. The Free field shows the percentage of
space available for data storage. When 0% is displayed, the memory is full and the oldest
data will be overwritten by new data.
Press down on the rotary dial to activate the CLEAR command and erase the unit’s memory.
A confirmation screen will appear. Select the CLEAR option on the confirmation screen to

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AEROCET-380 Operation Manual Rev A
continue with erasing the data and then returning to the memory screen. Selecting CANCEL
on the confirmation screen will return to the Memory screen without erasing the data.
Figure 5-4 - Memory Screens
5.3.2 K-Factor
The K-Factor for the mass concentration can be set in the K-Factor screen. A K-Factor is a
multiplier that is related to the specific gravity of the particulate 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 accuracy of the mass output can be
affected by variations in size, color, shape, and index of refraction of the sampled particles.
The individual user k-factor can be set from 0.1 to 20.0.
The AEROCET-380 calibration is performed using ideal polystyrene latex (PSL) spheres,
which provide a powerful tool for assessing the sensitivity, accuracy, and resolution. The
particle detector is compared to a reference poly-dispersed suspension of PSL spheres in
clean filtered air for both calibration and certification of performance specifications.
Calculate the K-Factor as the reference concentration divided by the AEROCET-380 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.

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5.3.3 Display
The Display screen allows the user to change the backlight brightness from 10-100% and
select the display timeout to dim the screen for none, 1, 5, or 10 minutes.
Figure 5-5 - Display Setup Screen
5.3.4 Flow Calibration
The Flow Calibration is used for field audits or calibrations of the sample flow measurement.
Remove the TSP cap and any cyclones from the Aerocet-380 inlet tube, and then connect
the top of inlet tube to the outlet of a traceable flow meter using a length of appropriate
flexible tubing. The AEROCET-380 flow rate should be maintained to within ±0.1 LPM (1.9 to
2.1 LPM) for proper cut-point performance of inlet cyclones.
Figure 5-6 - Flow Calibration Screen
The Flow parameter is the current reading from the AEROCET-380 flow sensor, in actual
volumetric liters per minute. The AEROCET-380 should automatically regulate to the
setpoint (2.0 LPM) when the flow calibration screen is entered. This may take a moment.
The Reference parameter is where one can enter the correct value from your traceable flow
meter, using the scroll wheel. The flow reading that you enter must be in actual
conditions. The Flow value should change to match the Reference value when you select
the SET key.

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AEROCET-380 Operation Manual Rev A
The DEFAULT key can be selected to clear out all previous field calibrations and restore the
factory calibration for the sensor. Use this if difficulty is encountered during the calibration.
Press ESCAPE to escape without changes.
Note: To audit the AEROCET-380 flow rate without changing the calibration, simply compare
the flow value to a traceable standard and record the results. If the SET key is not selected,
then no flow calibrations are affected.
5.4 Initial Setup
Figure 5-7 shows the Initial Setup Screen.
Figure 5-7 - Initial Setup Screen
5.4.1 Serial
The Serial setting controls various communication behavior of the AEROCET-380 The
following table lists the Serial settings and describes their meanings.
Selection
Description
Network ID
Unique ID assigned to each device for networking mode (1 –
999)
485 Baud
Baud rate for the 485-serial port. The baud rate list includes
1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and 115200.
WiFi Baud
Baud rate for the WiFi connection. Same baud rates as listed
above.
5.4.2 Modbus
The Modbus setup screen allows the user to select the port that will transfer the Modbus
communication and the Modbus Address needed for the protocol. Port selections are USB,
RS-485, and WiFi. The Address range is 1-247.
Initial Setup
Serial
Modbus
Clock
Locations
WiFi Discovery

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AEROCET-380 Operation Manual Rev A
5.4.3 Clock
Use the Clock selection to set the date and time. Turn the dial to select
year/month/date/hour/minute/second to change. A green box will surround the selection.
Press the dial to edit. Turn the dial to change, then press to confirm the change. Press the
dial on the SET box to change the settings and return to the Initial Setup screen.
Figure 5-8 - Clock Screen
5.4.4 Locations
The Locations screen allows the user to set up to 10 predefined alpha numeric locations.
Each location can use up to 7 characters. To enter a new location, press the dial on the
location to change. Rotate the dial to scroll through alpha/number/space options for each
character. Press the dial to select each character. All 7 characters must be selected to save
the location ID. It is suggested to use spaces for a location with less than 7 characters.
Figure 5-9 - Locations Screen