MSA ALTAIR 2X User manual

Operating Manual
ALTAIR® 2X
Single or Two Gas Detector
Order No.: 10148950/07
Print Spec: 10000005389 (EO)
CR: 800000059385
MSAsafety.com

© MSA 2023. All rights reserved
WARNING!
These instructions must be provided to users before use of the product and retained for ready reference by the user. Read
this manual carefully before using or maintaining the device. The device will perform as designed only if it is used and
maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Otherwise, it could fail to perform as designed, and persons
who rely on this device could sustain serious injury or death.
The warranties made by MSA with respect to the product are voided if the product is not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions in this manual. Please protect yourself and your employees by following the instructions.
Please read and observe the WARNINGS and CAUTIONS inside. For additional information relative to use or repair, call
1-800-MSA-2222 during regular working hours.
For countries of Russian Federation, Republic of Kazakhstan and Republic of Belarus, the gas detector will be delivered
with a passport document that includes valid approval information. On the CD with manual instruction attached to the gas
detector the user will find the documents "Type Description" and "Test Method" - appendixes to Pattern Approval Certificate
of Measuring instrument, valid in the countries of use.
The Declaration of Conformity can be found under the following link: https://MSAsafety.com/DoC.
MSA is a registered trademark of MSA Technology, LLC in the US, Europe and other Countries. For all other trademarks
visit https://us.msasafety.com/Trademarks.
1000 Cranberry Woods Drive
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
USA
Phone 1-800-MSA-2222
Fax [phone]
For your local MSA contacts, please go to our website www.MSAsafety.com

Contents
1 Safety Regulations 5
1.1 Correct Use 5
1.2 Liability Information 5
1.3 Safety and Precautionary Measures 5
1.4 Warranty 7
2 Description 8
2.1 Overview 8
2.2 On-Screen Indicators 10
2.3 Sensor End of Life Warning 11
2.4 Sensor End of Life Alarm 11
2.5 Backlight 11
2.6 Fresh Air Setup (FAS) 11
2.7 Bump Test for Sensors with XCell Pulse Technology 11
3 Use 12
3.1 Environmental Factors 12
3.2 Settings 12
3.3 First Use 13
3.4 Turning ON the Device 14
3.5 Function Checks Before Use 22
3.6 Duration of Use 25
3.7 Monitoring Gas Concentration 26
3.8 Changing Alarm Setpoints 28
3.9 Displaying Device Data 28
3.10 IR mode 29
3.11 Turning OFF the Device 30
3.12 Data Logging 30
3.13 Calibration 30
3.14 Using the Device with a GALAXY GX2 Automated Test System 35
4 Maintenance 36
4.1 Troubleshooting 36
4.2 Replacing the Battery 37
4.3 Replacing the Sensor 38
4.4 Cleaning 39
4.5 Storage 39
4.6 Scope of Delivery 39
5 Technical Data 40
5.1 Technical Specifications 40
5.2 Sensor Data 40
5.3 Data Logging Specifications 42
6 Certification 44
6.1 Marking, Certificates and Approvals According to the Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX) 45
6.2 Marking, Certificates and Approvals According to IECEx 46
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7 Ordering Information 47
7.1 Calibration Gas Cylinders 47
7.2 Replacement Parts and Accessories 47
7.3 Sensor Replacement Kits 48
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1 Safety Regulations
1.1 Correct Use
The ALTAIR 2X gas detector, hereafter referred to as device, is intended for use by trained and qualified personnel. It is
designed to be used when performing a hazard assessment to:
• Assess potential worker exposure to toxic gases and vapors.
• Determine the appropriate gas and vapor monitoring needed for a workplace.
The ALTAIR 2X gas detector can be equipped for:
• Detecting specific toxic gases for which a sensor is installed
It is imperative that this operating manual be read and observed when using the device. In particular, the safety instructions,
as well as the information for the use and operation of the device, must be carefully read and observed. Furthermore, the
national regulations applicable in the user's country must be taken into account for a safe use.
WARNING!
This product is supporting life and health. Inappropriate use, maintenance or servicing may affect the function of the device
and thereby seriously compromise the user's life.
Before use the product operability must be verified. The product must not be used if the function test is unsuccessful, it is
damaged, a competent servicing/maintenance has not been made, genuine MSA spare parts have not been used.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
Alternative use, or use outside this specification will be considered as non-compliance. This also applies especially to
unauthorised alterations to the product and to commissioning work that has not been carried out by MSA or authorised
persons.
1.2 Liability Information
MSA accepts no liability in cases where the product has been used inappropriately or not as intended. The selection and
use of this product must be under the direction of a qualified safety professional who has carefully evaluated the specific
hazards of the jobsite where it will be used and who is completely familiar with the product and its limitations. The selection
and use of this product and its incorporation into the safety scheme of the jobsite is the exclusive responsibility of the
Employer.
Product liability claims, warranties also as guarantees made by MSA with respect to the product are voided, if it is not used,
serviced or maintained in accordance with the instructions in this manual.
1.3 Safety and Precautionary Measures
WARNING!
The following safety instructions must be followed implicitly. Misuse can result in loss of life or serious injury.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
Use Device only for Assigned Gases
The device must be used only for gases for which a sensor is installed in the device.
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1 Safety Regulations

Check Function
Before each day’s use, check the function of the device (→chapter3.5 ). MSArecommends carrying out a routine
inspection prior to each day’s use.
Perform a Bump Test
Bump test frequency is often stipulated by national or corporate regulations; however, bump testing before each day's use is
generally the accepted best safety practice and is therefore MSA’s recommendation. The device must pass the bump test. If
it fails the test, perform a calibration before using the device.
Perform a bump test more frequently if the device is subjected to physical shock or high levels of contaminants.
Check Function and Alarm before Each Use
In case of failed function tests, the device must be removed from use.
Check Confidence Indicator
The Confidence indicator must flash every 15seconds after starting the device.
Defective Vibrating Alarm Possible
At ambient temperatures <0°C, the vibrating alarm can give a false alarm or can fail completely. In such conditions, do not
rely solely on the vibrating alarm.
Physical Shock
Perform a calibration if device is subjected to physical shock.
Sensor Maintenance
Do not block sensor opening as this may cause inaccurate readings. Do not press on the face of the sensor, as this may
damage it and cause erroneous readings. Do not use compressed air to clean the sensor holes, as the pressure may
damage the sensor.
Observe Proper Time for Display Stabilizing
Allow sufficient time for device to display accurate reading. Response times vary based on the type of sensor being utilized.
Be Aware of Environmental Conditions
A number of environmental factors may affect the sensor readings, including changes in pressure, humidity and
temperature.
Be Aware of the Procedures for Handling Electrostatically Sensitive Electronics
The device contains electrostatically sensitive components. Do not open or repair the device without using appropriate
electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. The warranty does not cover damage caused by electrostatic discharges.
Be Aware of the Product Regulations
Follow all relevant national regulations applicable in the country of use.
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1 Safety Regulations

Be Aware of the Warranty Regulations
The warranties made by Mine Safety Appliances Company with respect to the product are voided if the product is not used
and maintained in accordance with the instructions in this manual. Please protect yourself and others by following them. We
encourage our customers to write or call regarding this equipment prior to use or for any additional information relative to
use or service.
Accessible Metal Parts
The device enclosure includes accessible metal part. The end user shall determine suitability in the specific application. The
measured capacitance of the device on the belt clip is 40 pF.
1.4 Warranty
ITEM WARRANTY
PERIOD
Chassis and electronics Three years
H2S, CO, SO2, NO2sensors Three years
Cl2, NH3sensors Two years
Specific battery run-time over temperature is not warranted.
This warranty does not cover filters, fuses or replaceable batteries. This warranty is valid only if the product is maintained
and used in accordance with Seller's instructions and/or recommendations.
The Seller shall be released from all obligations under this warranty in the event repairs or modifications are made by
persons other than its own or authorised service personnel or if the warranty claim results from physical abuse or misuse of
the product. No agent, employee or representative of the Seller has any authority to bind the Seller to any affirmation,
representation or warranty concerning this product. Seller makes no warranty concerning components or accessories not
manufactured by the Seller, but will pass on to the Purchaser all warranties of manufacturers of such components.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AND IS
STRICTLY LIMITED TO THE TERMS HEREOF. SELLER SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Exclusive Remedy
It is expressly agreed that Purchaser's sole and exclusive remedy for breach of the above warranty, for any tortious conduct
of Seller, or for any other cause of action, shall be the replacement at Seller's option, of any equipment or parts thereof,
which after examination by Seller is proven to be defective.
Replacement equipment and/or parts will be provided at no cost to Purchaser, F.O.B. Seller's Plant. Failure of Seller to
successfully replace any nonconforming equipment or parts shall not cause the remedy established hereby to fail of its
essential purpose.
Exclusion of Consequential Damage
Purchaser specifically understands and agrees that under no circumstances will seller be liable to purchaser for economic,
special, incidental or consequential damages or losses of any kind whatsoever, including but not limited to, loss of
anticipated profits and any other loss caused by reason of non-operation of the goods. This exclusion is applicable to claims
for breach of warranty, tortious conduct or any other cause of action against seller.
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1 Safety Regulations

2 Description
2.1 Overview
Figure 1 Device view
1 Alarm LED (red) 5 Button
2 Infrared port 6 Display with backlight
3 Sensor cover 7 Gas type
4 Safe LED (green) 8 Audible alarm transmitter
The device monitors gases in ambient air and in the workplace. The following toxic gases can be monitored in the ambient
air:
• Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
• Carbon monoxide (CO)
• Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
• Chlorine (Cl2)
• Ammonia (NH3)
The Two Gas (Two-Tox) sensor provides two sensing capabilities in a single sensor. The following combinations are
possible:
• Carbon monoxide/hydrogen sulfide (CO/H2S)
• Carbon monoxide/nitrogen dioxide (CO/NO2)
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2 Description

• Hydrogen sulfide/sulfur dioxide (H2S/SO2)
The alarm levels for the individual gases are factory-set and and cannot be changed during operation. Changes can only be
made through MSA Link software.
Short Term Exposure Limits (STEL)
The STEL alarm is calculated over a 15minute exposure.
STEL calculation examples:
Assume the device has been running for at least 15 minutes:
15minute exposure of 35ppm:
(15minutes x 35ppm)
= 35ppm
15minutes
10minute exposure of 35ppm and 5minutes exposure of 5ppm:
(10 minutes x 35 ppm) + (5 minutes x 5 ppm)
= 25ppm
15minutes
If the device is on for longer than 15 minutes, the STEL is calculated for the most recent fifteen minutes of runtime.
Time Weighted Average (TWA)
The TWA alarm is calculated over an eight-hour exposure.
TWA calculation examples:
1hour exposure of 50ppm:
(1 hour x 50 ppm) + (7 hours x 0 ppm)
= 6.25ppm
8hours
4hour exposure of 50ppm and 4hour exposure of 100ppm:
(4 hours x 50 ppm) + (4 hours x 100 ppm)
= 75ppm
8hours
12hour exposure of 100ppm:
(12 hours x 100 ppm)
= 150ppm
8hours
If the device is ON for less than 8 hours (480 minutes), the balance of the minute ppm values is set to zero.
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2 Description

2.2 On-Screen Indicators
Figure 2 Display
Only displayed for two gas detectors. The label above this bar shows which gas concentration
is currently displayed
Sensor life Symbol – Indicates the end of sensor life
Bump Check Symbol – Indicates successful bump test or calibration
Alarm Symbol – Indicates alarm state.
No Gas Cylinder – Indicates cal gas should not be applied and device must be exposed to fresh
air
Cal Gas Cylinder – Indicates cal gas must be applied
PEAK Symbol – Indicates a PEAKreading or high alarm
Minimum – Indicates a minimum value or low alarm
Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) Symbol – Indicates a STELalarm
Time Weighted Average (TWA) Symbol – Indicates a TWAalarm
Hourglass – Indicates user should wait
Device confidence indicator
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2 Description

Flow check symbol - Indicates that a flow check is being prepared or should be executed
Battery condition - Indicates the battery charge level
Indicates a battery alarm when flashing
Electronic pulse check symbol - Indicates a currently running electronic check of the sensor
Indicates required interaction
Gas concentration
Volume percent
Parts per million
mg/m3
2.3 Sensor End of Life Warning
If a sensor is nearing its end of life, the device will warn the user following a sensor calibration. The sensor is still fully
functional at this point, but the warning gives the user time to plan for a replacement sensor and minimise downtime. The
♥symbol will be continuously displayed.
2.4 Sensor End of Life Alarm
If a sensor fails two calibrations in a row, a sensor End of Life Alarm condition is present. The ♥symbol will flash
continuously.
2.5 Backlight
The backlight can be manually activated with a quick push of the button. The backlight remains ON for a certain time,
depending on the instrument settings.
2.6 Fresh Air Setup (FAS)
This check eliminates background contaminants, reducing the possibility of inaccurate readings.
The Fresh Air Setup zeroes toxic gas sensors. The Fresh Air Setup will not function if it is activated in a non-fresh air
environment. If a dangerous level of gas is present, the device will ignore the Fresh Air Setup and go into alarm.
2.7 Bump Test for Sensors with XCell Pulse Technology
Sensors with XCell Pulse Technology can be bump tested with a combination of a pulse check and a flow check.
First, the device carries out an electronic pulse check of the sensor. Second, the user executes a flow check by exhaling
onto the face of the device.
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2 Description

3 Use
3.1 Environmental Factors
A number of environmental factors may affect the gas sensor readings, including changes in pressure, humidity and
temperature.
Temperature Changes
The sensors have built-in temperature compensation. However, if temperature shifts dramatically, the sensor reading may
shift. Zero the device at the work site temperature for the least effect.
3.2 Settings
Any changes of the device settings can only be carried out using the MSA Link™ software. Ensure that the latest version of
the MSA Link software is used.
The MSA Link application is available free on www.MSAsafety.com.
Modes
Always-On
Mode
When Always-On mode is enabled, the device cannot be turned OFF with the ON/OFF button. There are
three ways to power off the device when this mode is enabled:
• Remove device battery, or
• Disable Always-On mode via MSA Link software, or
• Enable Sleep mode
Go/No-Go
Mode
When Go/No-Go mode is enabled, the device does NOT display a numeric gas reading. Instead, the device
displays "OK" unless it enters a gas alarm state. When in gas alarm, the device displays "XXXX".
Although the gas exposure data is not displayed, that data is still recorded in the device's data log.
Motion
Alert Mode
When Motion Alert mode is enabled, the device enters pre-alarm when no motion is detected for 20 seconds.
This condition can be cleared by moving the device. After 30seconds of inactivity, the full Motion Alert alarm
is triggered. This alarm can only be cleared by pressing the button.
NOTE: When Motion Alert is enabled, it is not possible to enable Sleep mode.
Persistent
Alarm
Mode
When Persistent Alarm Mode is enabled, the device's red alarm LEDs continue to flash following a cleared
gas alarm. The LEDs must be deactivated via an IRcommunication with MSA Link or with the MSA Galaxy
GX2 automated test stand.
Sleep
Mode
To save battery run time, the device can be setup to automatically go into sleep mode. If activated, the
device will go into sleep mode if
• The device has been continuously activated for at least 8hours
• The device has not detected any movement continuously for at least 2hours -after the 8-hour
minimum operation time has elapsed
• The device has not seen any alarm or readings other than 0ppm (mg/m³) during the 2hours of no
movement
Before going into sleep mode, the device will show a warning to notify the user it will go into sleep mode if the
device is not moved or no button is pressed. During sleep mode, the device will be inactive, not measuring
gas and not displaying any readings. The device can be reactivated by either pressing the button or
deliberately moving the device so that a noticeable movement can be detected.
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NOTE: When Sleep Mode is enabled, it is not possible to enable Motion Alert.
Operating
Beep
This operating beep activates every 30seconds by momentarily beeping the horn under the following
conditions:
• Operating beep is enabled
• Device is in normal operating mode
• Device is not in battery warning
• Device is not in gas alarm
• Audible and visual options are enabled
3.3 First Use
Before the device can be used for monitoring possible toxic gases in the atmosphere, it must be
commissioned (→Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).
When switching on the device for the first time and after a battery replacement the device will initialize the battery. During a
battery initialization, BATTTEST is shown on the display followed by a sequence of LED illuminations and activation of the
vibration motor. The device then continues the start-up as described in section3.4 .
1. Calibrate devices with XCell Pulse Technology before first use to ensure optimal sensor performance.
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3.4 Turning ON the Device
1. Press the button.
• All display segments are activated
• Audible alarm sounds
• Alarm LEDs light
• Vibrating alarm is activated.
The device displays the following for a few seconds each:
•MSA
• Software version
•WAIT (Displayed for up to 20seconds during sensor discovery)
• If enabled: individual alarm indication settings
• Gas type
• Low alarm icon with low alarm setpoint
• High alarm icon with high alarm setpoint
• STEL alarm icon with STEL alarm setpoint
• TWA alarm icon with TWA alarm setpoint
• Calibration gas settings
2. If the LastCalDate page is enabled, the display will show the last cal date of the installed sensor (DD-MMM-YY).
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Figure 3 Startup
3. Fresh Air Setup prompt (FAS?)/Pulse Check start screen (PULSE) is displayed, depending on the sensor installed.
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WARNING!
Only carry out the Fresh Air Setup/bump test in fresh, uncontaminated air; otherwise, inaccurate readings can falsely
indicate a hazardous atmosphere as safe. If the quality of the surrounding air is uncertain, do not carry out a Fresh Air
Setup/bump test. Do not use the Fresh Air Setup/bump test as a substitute for daily calibration checks. The calibration
check is required to verify span accuracy.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
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Figure 4 Startup, continued
FAS
FAS? is displayed.
1. To start the FAS press the button while FAS? is displayed.
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3 Use

The display will show the results of the setup, PASS or ERR.
The fresh air setup has limits.
If a hazardous level of gas is present, the device displays ERR.
Press the button to acknowledge the error and perform a calibration.
Bump Test for Devices with XCell Pulse Technology
This test will start automatically.
•PULSE is displayed shortly.
• The electronic pulse check icon and a countdown are displayed.
• At the end of the countdown, the results of the electronic pulse check are displayed (PASS or ERR).
If ERR:
1. Press the button to return to normal operating mode and perform a calibration.
If PASS:
• The display shows the Flow check icon and WAIT for followed by a countdown.
At the end of the countdown, the display will show FLOW and the green LEDs near the sensor will flash.
1. Exhale into the device.
Hold device close to mouth (5cm/2inches distance) and blow forcefully onto the sensor opening for 2seconds.
The results of the test are then displayed (PASS or ERR).
If ERR:
1. Press the button to return to normal operating mode and perform inspection of sensor.
2. Repeat the bump test if necessary.
3. If the bump test fails, calibrate the device (→Section3.13 ).
If PASS:
• The device returns to normal operating mode.
• A √is displayed for 24hours to indicate that the self-test was successful.
• If the safe LED (green) option is enabled, the green LEDs will flash periodically.
To clean the sensor inlet before or after a flow test, only use approved cleaner described in section7.
4. To bypass FAS, do not press the button.
The device continues the ON sequence.
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Figure 5 FAS (Devices without XCell Pulse technology)
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Figure 6 Bump test for devices with XCell Pulse technology
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