Monroe Electronics 287B User manual

Operator’s Manual
Model 287B
Ionizer Performance Analyzer
P/N 0340197
287B-1/100
V1.00
08302017
100 Housel Ave  PO Box 535  Lyndonville NY 14098
585-765-2254  fax: [phone] monroe-electronics.com

CONTENTS
Specifications ............ Section 1 .......................... Page 1
Specifications .......................................................... Page 1
Accessories included ............................................... Page 1
What this instrument does ....................................... Page 1
General Information .... Section 2 .......................... Page 2
Operation
Getting Started, a TutorialSection 3 ..................... Page 3
Confidence Check — Three steps to get going ........ Page 3
Further familiarization .............................................. Page 4
Test results .............................................................. Page 5
The Set-up Menu ..................................................... Page 6
Maintenance ................ Section 4 .......................... Page 7
Precautions ............................................................. Page 7
Cleaning .................................................................. Page 7
Battery ..................................................................... Page 7
Calibration ............................................................... Page 7
Glossary ...................... Section 5 .......................... Page 8
References .................. Section 6 .......................... Page 9
Warranty and Repair Information ................. Back Cover
Copyright© 1999
Monroe Electronics, Inc.
Printed in USA
Specifications and procedures subject to change without notice.

Section 1
SPECIFICATIONS:
Charger: 1100 volts, selectable polarity
Fieldmeter:
Accuracy 5% of reading, 2% typical
Zero Drift <4V in 90s, 2V typical
Trip points: Fixed 1000V and 100V
Charge plate: 1.7”x4” (10.6 inches periphery)
Capacitance 25pF
Self-discharge <10% of full scale in 200s
Display: 2x16 LCD, >5 updates per second
Timer 200.0s maximum, 0.1s resolution
Fieldmeter 1250V, 1V resolution
Sensors:
Humidity 5% typ. from 10% to 90%RH @25ºC
Temperature 2ºC typical
Oper. temp.: 25ºC, 10ºC
Battery: 9 volt NEDA #1604A or equivalent alkaline (>40 hour life or >1300
charge cycles). Longer life may be achieved by using 9-volt lithium.
Dimensions: 8.1x4x1.9 inches (206x102x48 mm)
Weight: 1lb, 6 oz. (0.63 kg)
Accessories included:
Carrying case
Banana patch cord
Alligator clip with boot
Battery
This manual and a manual supplement
What this instrument does —
 Model 287B IPA meets and far exceeds the basic requirements of ESD Association
(Draft) Standard Practice 3.3 for the Protection of Electrostatic Discharge
Susceptible Items – Periodic Verification of Air Ionizers.
 Model 287B IPA performs manual or automatic decay and balance tests for periodic
verification of ionization equipment and stores the results and averaged decay times for
up to ten manual tests and up to ten complete automatic test sequences.
 Provides real-time measurement and display of temperature and relative humidity.
 Performs self-tests.
 Battery powered and portable, sets up in seconds.
1

Section 2
GENERAL INFORMATION
The 287B IPA performs manual or automatic decay and balance tests for periodic
verification of ionization equipment. It then stores the results and averaged decay times for
up to ten manual tests and up to ten complete automatic test sequences. Temperature and
relative humidity are displayed real-time and recorded with the test data.
All instrument functions are controlled by four pushbuttons.
Display contrast can be adjusted through setup menu (page 6).
In DECAY mode, a built-in high voltage generator charges the plate to over 1050 volts.
During the test, the plate will discharge toward zero in the presence of ionization. The
elapsed time of decay between 1000 volts and 100 volts is displayed.
USER NOTE — For very fast decay times – faster than one second – ZERO errors may
occur.
In the BALANCE mode, isolated plate voltage, test duration Min and Max voltages are
displayed.
Self-tests include battery check and tests for functional errors.
Memory is non-volatile. Setup and data are retained during battery replacement.
The specifics of usage of the Model 287B for periodic verification of air ionizers are given in
detail in ESD Association (Draft) Standard Practice 3.3 for the Protection of Electrostatic
Discharge Susceptible Items – Periodic Verification of Air Ionizers.
2

Section 3
OPERATION
Getting Started, a Tutorial
*Use in conjunction with supplemental guide included on CD
Confidence Check – Three steps to get going —
If you received this instrument directly from the factory, a battery was included but not
installed, memory was cleared and default settings are effective. The following will
familiarize you with your new Ionizer Performance Analyzer Model IPA 287B:
1) Install battery
a) Remove the two crosspoint screws from the battery compartment cover.
b) Carefully lift the cover off of the compartment.
c) Insert the battery, refer to label for orientation.
d) Replace the cover.
2) Demonstrate basic functions. Pressing a single button and releasing within two seconds
controls basic functions.
a) Press and release ‘ON-OFF’. The display will briefly show information about the
instrument and then the battery voltage. A low battery condition will present an error
message.
The main menu startup screen will show a blank voltage, memory usage status,
relative humidity, present temperature and battery voltage.
NOTE — If the instrument has been used it may display the option of clearing the
memory. Do so by scrolling to “Y” with  or  key then press ‘ENTER’.
b) Press and release ‘AUTO’. This will start the first automatic test sequence:
i) The instrument performs an autozero.
ii) The floating plate is charged to >+1050 volts.
iii) The plate begins to discharge. If allowed to discharge to <+1000
volts the timer will start at +1000 volts.
If discharge fails to reach +1000 volts within 200s, ‘Decay failed’
message will be displayed. Same message will appear if the meter
fails to decay to 100 volts within 200 second timer. Test will not be
save and Automatic decay test will be aborted.
iv) This test is the first automatic decay test. The first test in an
automatic sequence is always positive. The test is labeled ‘11+’
(Automatic Test Sequence 1, Test Number 1 [in a sequence of 6
tests], and the test voltage is + [positive]).
Abort this test by pressing the ‘AUTO’ button again (‘CANCEL’).
3

c) Press and release ‘+ CHARGE’. This will start a manual test where the test voltage
is positive.
(i) The instrument performs an autozero.
(ii) The floating plate is charged to >+1050 volts.
(iii) The plate begins to discharge. If allowed to discharge to <+1000 volts the
timer will start at +1000 volts.
If discharge fails to reach +1000 volts within 200s, ‘Decay failed’ message
will be displayed. Same message will appear if the meter fails to decay to
100 volts within 200 second timer. Test will not be saved and Automatic
decay test will be aborted.
(iv) This is a single positive manual decay test. The test is labeled ‘M1+’
(Manual, Test 1, + [positive]).
Abort this test by pressing the ‘CANCEL’ button.
d) Use the ‘ CHARGE’ button similarly to perform negative manual decay tests. Up to
ten manual decay tests may be run in any polarity order. The ten tests will be
labeled 1 thru 0 with the polarity indicated. Thus, the 5th test might be labeled ‘M5’.
3) Shut the instrument off (press and release ‘ON-OFF’). You will need at least an ionizer
and a ground connection to proceed.
Further familiarization —
In order to become more familiar with the accumulation and presentation of data we will
perform two automatic test sequences and a few manual tests and then examine the results:
1. Set up the ionizer.
2. Ground the 287B IPA. The ground jack is located on the left side of the instrument
case.
3. Access the main menu. The display should show 0% values for Automatic and
Manual memory usage.
If a message prompts you to ClrData (clear data),
a) Scroll to ‘Y’ with either the  or  button.
b) Accept this by pressing ‘ENTER’.
4. Run an automatic test sequence —
a) Press ‘AUTO’.
b) Let the test run its course. This is ‘Test 1’.
i) Six decay tests are run. These are in the order +++ or +++
depending on the current autosequence setup.
ii) A balance test is run. The duration of the balance test may be any value
between 10 and 90 seconds or it may be turned off in the SETUP menu.
4

iii) The test results are displayed at the end of the test. The results are
displayed in three windows which may be scrolled with either the  or 
button. The first window shows the positive and negative decay times
(from 1000 volts to 100 volts) for tests number 1 and 2 in the sequence.
The second window shows decay times for test number 3 and the
average times for three + and three – decay tests. The third window
shows the + and – balance peak voltages and the temperature and
humidity taken during the test sequence.
c) Press ‘ENTER’ to return to the main menu.
d) Repeat a, b and c to gather a second set of data. This will be ‘Test 2’.
5. Run manual decay tests —
a) Press and release ‘+ CHARGE’ and let the first manual decay test run its
course and display a result. That manual decay test will be labeled ‘M1+’. To
return to the main menu, press ‘ENTER’.
b) Press and release ‘+CHARGE’ again and run the test to completion. This
second manual decay test will be labeled ‘M2+’. To abort one of these tests at
any time during the test press the button that got the test started.
c) Return to the main menu. Press and release ‘CHARGE’. This third manual
decay test will be labeled ‘M3’ when completed. Return to the main menu.
6. Run manual balance tests —
a) Press and hold either the  or  button until Balance test is indicated on the
display then release. This will start your fourth manual test. It will be labeled
‘M4B’ when finished. Return to the main menu.
b) Repeat for a fifth manual test. This test will be labeled ‘M5B’. Note that if you
hold the button down too long to start the test, the test will be nullified.
Following test ‘M5B’, return to the main menu. The memory usage will be
displayed as ‘A20%M50%’. You have conducted 2 out of 10 automatic
sequences and 5 out of 10 manual tests. Note that if either A or M shows 99%,
memory is full for that test and another of that test cannot be run until memory
is cleared.
7. At this point, you may elect to shut the equipment down and retire to a different
location to contemplate the results.
Test results —
Press and release the ‘ON-OFF’ button. You will be prompted for a Y/N? response to the
ClrData (clear data) question. NO!! Press ‘ENTER’ to accept “N”. That will take you to the
main menu while retaining the data.
5

To display the data, press and hold the ‘SETUP’ button (same button as ‘ON-OFF’) until the
display goes past ‘Off’ and shows the word ‘Set-up’, then release. If you hold the button too
long the action will be nullified.
To review the data, press ‘ENTER’ to accept and use the  or  keys to scroll. Press
‘ENTER’ when you are done to return to the main menu.
The Set-up Menu —
The Set-up menu allows the user to modify several functions of the IPA 287B. You have
already accessed the Set-up menu above to review your data. To enter the Set-up menu
from the main menu, press and hold the ‘SETUP’ button until the display goes past ‘Off’ to
‘Set-up’. To scroll the items, use the  or  keys. The  key scrolls down from the top of
the logical list. To EXIT the Setup menu at any time, press ‘ON’. Items are as follows:
1. RvwData — Review Data. ‘Enter’ to review data or scroll down  to next item. Unit will
return to main display after ‘Enter’ is executed.
2. ClrData — Clear Data. ‘Enter’ prompts Y/N? Use  or  key to select, ‘ENTER’ to
execute. Unit will return to main display after ‘Enter” is executed.
3. Auto Seq — Auto Sequence. ‘Enter’ presents options.  or  key selects option.
‘ENTER’ accepts choice. Default is +++.
4. Tst dly — Test delay. Delay between automatic decay tests. Range is 0 to 30 seconds.
Default is 5 seconds. ‘Enter’ allows access to change delay time.
5. Bal (Y/N) — Balance test included in automatic sequence? Default is “Y”. ‘Enter’ allows
access to change balance test inclusion.
6. Bal dur — Balance test duration. Select what period of time you wish to test ionizer
balance if the balance test is enabled. ‘Enter’ allows access to change balance test
time. Range is 10 to 90 seconds. Default is 60 seconds.
7. AutoShtDwn — Auto Shut Down. Time before automatic instrument shutdown on lack
of activity. Battery saver. Range is 1 to 15 minutes. Disable by setting to ‘0min’. Default
is 1 minute.
8. LCD Contrast — Adjust contrast of display. ‘Enter’ allows access to adjust contrast
using  or  keys. ‘Enter’ to save or ‘ON’ to exit. Range is 0 to 1000, default is 520.
9. Fac. Deflt — Reset factory defaults. ‘ENTER’ prompts “Y/N?” response. Resetting
defaults does not disturb accumulated data.
10. Exit — ‘Enter’ or ‘ON’ will exit setup.
6

Section 4
MAINTENANCE
Precautions —
User maintenance should be limited to keeping the instrument clean and free from physical
damage. Store the instrument in its protective carrying pouch when not in use. Do not allow
any object to come in contact with the white insulators under the measurement plate. Do
not wrap cords around these insulators.
Cleaning —
If self-discharge becomes excessive (out of spec.), clean the insulators with a clean swab
and a 70%/30% mix of clean technical grade isopropyl alcohol and de-ionized water.
Fingerprints and other contaminants may be removed from the case with a clean lint-free
cloth dampened in the same solution. DO NOT use soap or detergent.
Battery —
Need for battery replacement is indicated by a warning message whenever the battery
voltage persistently dips below 7.5 volts. A fresh battery should be installed when this
occurs. The battery should be removed if the unit is to be stored for an extended period of
time. Removal of the battery when the unit is off does not disturb settings or data.
Calibration —
Calibration is not a user function and is beyond the scope of this manual. Calibration
information is available from the factory. Monroe Electronics recommends annual
calibration and/or when the instrument is damaged or repaired or where called for more
often by contract. We offer repair and calibration services for a fee.
7

Section 5
GLOSSARY
   Blank voltage (Main Menu Startup screen)
 or  Polarity indicator (positive or negative voltage)
 or  Scroll up or down list
A Refers to Automatic test
Auto Seq See the Set-up Menu (Page 6)
AutoShtDwn See the Set-up Menu (Page 6)
Bal See the Set-up Menu (Page 6)
Bal dur See the Set-up Menu (Page 6)
C Celsius temperature
Charge Indicates that the plate is being charged
ClrData See the Set-up Menu (Page 6)
Decay Indicates that the plate voltage is decaying
Delay Pause between auto tests
Enter When displayed, press ENTER to view or modify the present option
Decay Failed Voltage did not decay to 100V within 200sec; or discharge failed to
reach +1000V
Exit See the Set-up Menu (Page 6)
Fac. Default See the Set-up Menu (Page 6)
M Refers to Manual test
MDA Average times for Manual Decay tests
MemUsed Shows percentage of Automatic and Manual memory currently in
use
Min Minutes (see AutoShtDwn and The Set-up Menu (Page 6)
Mn Min voltage in balance tests
Mx Max voltage in balance tests
MnB Balance results for Manual test n where n is test number
Mn+ or Mn Decay time for Manual test n where n is test number (1-0)
MnTH Temperature and Humidity data for Manual decay test n
NAD Average Decay times for automatic sequence N
NBa Balance results for automatic sequence N
NnD+ or NnD Decay times for automatic test number n (1-3) in test sequence N (1-
0)
NTH Temperature and Humidity for automatic sequence N
Null Results from holding any primary key too long — reverts to main
display
Off If ON/OFF key is released while Off is displayed, the unit will be shut
off
ON=EXIT Press ‘ON’ key to exit Set-up menu
RH Relative Humidity in percent
RvwData See the Set-up Menu (page 6)
Sec or s Time in seconds
Set-Up Release key to enter Set-Up mode
Tst dly See the Set-up Menu (Page 6)
V Volts
Ver Firmware version
Zeroing Indicates that the instrument is being autozeroed
Unable to charge Indicates the meter is unable to charge above start value 8