MSA Altair Pro User manual

ALTAIR®Pro
Single Gas Detector
Operating Manual
Detector de un sólo gas
ALTAIR®Pro
Manual de Operación
Détecteur mono-gaz
ALTAIR® Pro
Mode d’emploi
Manufactured by/Fabricado por/Fabriqué par
MSA NORTH AMERICA
P.O. Box 427, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15230
(L) Rev 2 IMZ001-034 10074734
In North America, to contact your nearest stocking location, dial toll-free 1-800-MSA-2222
To contact MSA International, dial 1-412-967-3354 or 1-800-MSA-7777
© MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY 2007 - All Rights Reserved
This manual is available on the internet at www.msanet.com
Para comunicarse con el lugar de abastecimiento más cercano en América del Norte, llame gratis
al 1-800-MSA-2222. Para comunicarse con MSA International, llame al 1-412-967-3354 ó 1-800-
MSA-7777
© MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY 2007. Se reservan todos los derechos.
Este manual puede obtenerse en la Internet, en el sitio: www.msanet.com.
En Amérique du Nord, pour contacter notre dépôt le plus proche, composez le numéro gratuit 1-
800-MSA-2222 pour contacter MSA International, composez le 1-412-967-3354 ou 1-800-MSA-7777
© MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY 2007 - Tous droits réservés.
Ce manuel est disponible sur l’Internet au www.msanet.com.

ALTAIR®Pro
Single Gas Detector
Operating Manual
In North America, to contact your nearest stocking location, dial toll-free 1-800-MSA-2222
To contact MSA International, dial 1-412-967-3354 or 1-800-MSA-7777
© MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY 2007 - All Rights Reserved
This manual is available on the internet at www.msanet.com
Manufactured by
MSA NORTH AMERICA
P.O. Box 427, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15230
(L) Rev 2 IMZ001-034 10074734

i
THIS MANUAL MUST BE CAREFULLY READ BY ALL INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE OR WILL
HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR USING OR SERVICING THE PRODUCT. Like any piece
of complex equipment, this instrument will perform as designed only if it is used and
serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. OTHERWISE, IT COULD
FAIL TO PERFORM AS DESIGNED AND PERSONS WHO RELY ON THIS PRODUCT FOR
THEIR SAFETY COULD SUSTAIN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR LOSS OF LIFE.
The warranties made by Mine Safety Appliances Company with respect to the product
are voided if the product is not used and serviced 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 repairs.
"! WARNING

Table of Contents
Chapter 1,
Instrument Safety and Certifications . . . . . .1-1
Certifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
Figure 2-1. ALTAIR Pro Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
Figure 2-2. ALTAIR Pro Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
Chapter 2,
Using the ALTAIR Pro Single Gas Detector .2-1
Changing Alarm Setpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
To Change Alarm Setpoints Manually: . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
Figure 2-3. ALTAIR Pro Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
Turning ON the ALTAIR Pro Single Gas Detector . . . . .2-5
Figure 2-4. ALTAIR Pro Turn-On Flow Chart . . . . . .2-7
Battery Life Indicator (See FIGURE 2-2) . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
"CAUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
Confidence Indicator (see Figure 2-2) . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9
Backlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9
ALTAIR Pro Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9
Toxic Gas Measurements (see figure 2-1) . . . . . . . . .2-9
"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9
Oxygen Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11
"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11
Accessing the Instrument Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12
For All Versions (Excluding the Steel Mill Version): . .2-12
Steel Mill Version Only: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14
Turning OFF the ALTAIR Pro Detector . . . . . . . . . . .2-15
Figure 2-5. Accessing ALTAIR Pro Pages
(Does not apply to the Steel Mill Version) . .2-16
Data Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17
Session Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17
Periodic Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17
ii

Chapter 3,
ALTAIR Pro Function Checks . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
Confidence and Heartbeat Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
Alarm Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
Bump Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
Figure 3-1. Bump Test Flow Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
Table 3-1. Factory Set Default
Calibration/Bump Test Values . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
Chapter 4,
Calibrating the ALTAIR Pro
Single Gas Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
Calibrating the Toxic Gas Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
"CAUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
Figure 4-1. Calibration (Toxics) Flow Chart . . . . . .4-4
Calibrating an Oxygen Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
Figure 4-2 Calibration (Oxygen) Flow Chart . . . . . .4-6
Chapter 5,
Warranty, Maintenance, & Troubleshooting .5-1
MSA Portable Instrument Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
Table 5-1. Troubleshooting Guidelines . . . . . . . . . .5-3
Repair Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
Replacing the ALTAIR Pro Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
Replacing the ALTAIR Pro Sensor
(Except Remote O2 Version) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
"CAUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
"CAUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
"CAUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5
"CAUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5
"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5
Figure 5-1. Sensor and Battery Replacement
(Except Remote O2Version) . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5
Replacing the ALTAIR Pro Remote O2Sensor . . . . . .5-6
"CAUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
"WARNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
iii

Chapter 6,
Performance Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1
Table 6-1. Certifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1
Table 6-2. Instrument Specifications . . . . . . . . . . .6-2
Table 6-3. Oxygen
Typical Performance Specifications . . . . . . . .6-3
Table 6-4. Toxic Performance Specifications . . . . .6-3
Table 6-5. Data Logging Specifications . . . . . . . . .6-4
Chapter 7,
Replacement and Accessory Parts . . . . . . . .7-1
Table 7-1. Replacement Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1
iv

1-1
Chapter 1,
Instrument Safety and Certifications
The ALTAIR Pro Single Gas Detector is:
• For use by trained, qualified personnel
• Designed to be used when performing a hazard assessment to
determine the appropriate gas monitoring needed for a workplace.
• To be used when performing a hazard assessment to:
• Assess potential worker exposure to Specific toxic gases
for which a sensor is installed
• Oxygen-deficient or oxygen-rich atmospheres for oxygen
versions only
NOTE: Although the ALTAIR Pro O2unit will detect up to 25%
oxygen, all ALTAIR Pro versions are not certified or classi-
fied for use in atmospheres containing more than 21.0%
oxygen.
• Read and follow all instructions carefully.
• Do not use this detector to sample the instrument’s
specified gas in gases other than air.
• Perform an alarm function check and a bump test
before each day’s use. If the instrument fails either
check, the instrument must be taken out of service.
• Recheck response and alarm function if the instrument
is subjected to physical shock.
• Do not alter this instrument or make repairs beyond
those specified in this manual. Only MSA-authorized
personnel may repair this unit; otherwise, damage may
result.
• This unit contains a lithium battery; dispose of
according to local regulations.
• Wait for an accurate reading; response times vary,
based on the gas being detected.
• Use only to detect a gas for which a sensor is
installed.
• Do not block sensor.
• Leave area immediately if a gas alarm condition is
reached.
"WARNING

1-2
• Do not use pressurized air to clean the sensor or
alarm holes.
• All instrument readings and information must be
interpreted by someone trained and qualified in
interpreting instrument readings in relation to the
specific environment, industrial practice and exposure
limitations.
• ALTAIR Pro Detector’s gas sensors may have a cross-
sensitivity response to common interference gases
other than the gas it is designed to detect. In some
cases, this cross-sensitivity may be positive,
producing a reading higher than actual. In other cases,
it may be negative, giving lower readings or even
negative. Contact MSA for further details if cross-
sensitivity may be an issue.
• Special requirements for ALTAIR PRO O2-R Remote
Oxygen Detector:
•Operate this instrument only in ambient
temperatures ranging from 0ºC to 40ºC
(32ºF to 104ºF).
•If the instrument is taken into an environment
where the ambient temperature is 15ºC (59ºF) or
more, higher or lower, than its previous location,
do not use the instrument for a period of
40 minutes to allow the sensor to adjust to the
new conditions. After this 40-minute period,
perform a Fresh Air Set-up (FAS) to re-zero the
sensor. Perform the FAS in fresh air only.
•Quick changes in barometric pressure result in
an offset in the sensor reading for a few
minutes. If this occurs, do not use the
instrument for a period of five minutes; then,
perform a Fresh Air Set-up (FAS) to re-zero the
sensor. Perform the FAS in fresh air only.
• Conditions for Safe Use:
•When it is necessary to replace the battery, use
only a Lithium battery listed in TABLE 6-2.
•Use only the specified MSA cable connecting the
remote Oxygen sensor.
•The maximum length of the remote sensor
connecting cable must not exceed 3.3 meters
(10 feet).
INCORRECT USE OR FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING
CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Certifications
The ALTAIR Pro Single Gas Detector meets applicable industry and
government standards as indicated on the instrument Approval label
and specified in TABLE 6-1.
1-3

Chapter 2,
Using the ALTAIR Pro
Single Gas Detector
Figure 2-2. ALTAIR Pro Display
Figure 2-1. ALTAIR Pro Overview
2-1

Changing Alarm Setpoints
NOTE: Alarm setpoints can only be changed manually during instru-
ment setup, which can be entered after battery attachment or
reattachment. See FIGURE 2-3 for details. Alarm setpoints can
also be changed electronically using the the MSA FiveStar®
LINK®Software. The latest software version can be downloaded
from the MSA webpage (www.msanet.com).
To Change Alarm Setpoints Manually:
1. Ensure instrument is turned OFF before proceeding.
2. Remove and re-attach battery.
3. Turn instrument ON.
The unit must be turned ON before it can be used to warn the user
of a potentially hazardous condition.
a. To turn ON the personal protection instrument, press and hold
the "TEST" button for three seconds.
• "ON" displays during this time period.
NOTE: The Steel Mill version cannot be turned OFF without
removing the battery.
4. "ALARM", "SET", "?" displays for three seconds.
5. To change the alarm setpoints manually, press the button once
while "ALARM", "SET", "?" displays.
NOTE: If the TEST button is not pressed, the instrument turns ON,
as usual, after three seconds.
6. The Software Version displays for three seconds
7. The gas type displays for three seconds.
["CO", "CO+" (steel mill version), "H2S", or "O2", etc.].
8. Alarm Setpoints are displayed:
•Low Alarm Setpoint for three seconds
• LO and ALARM icons turn ON
a. To change the low alarm setpoint, press the TEST button
when "LO" "ALARM" displays:
• "LO" "ALARM" "SET" "?" displays.
b. Press the TEST button in rapid succession to increment
the low alarm value.
2-2

• The TEST button can be held down to increment by
larger amounts.
c. Once the correct value displays, release the TEST button
and wait three seconds to continue.
•High Alarm Setpoint for three seconds
• HI and ALARM icons turn-ON
a. To change the high alarm setpoint, press the TEST button
when "HI" "ALARM" displays:
• "HI" "ALARM" "SET" "?" displays
b. Press the TEST button in rapid succession to increment
the high alarm value.
• The TEST button can be held down to increment by
larger amounts.
c. Once the correct value displays, release the TEST button
and wait three seconds to continue.
•Short Term Exposure Limits, "STL", displays; then, the STEL
setpoint displays for three seconds.
a. To change the STEL setpoint, press the "TEST" button
when the setpoint displays.
• "ALARM""SET","?" displays.
b. Press the TEST button in rapid succession to increment
the STEL alarm value.
• The TEST button can be held down to increment the
STEL alarm value.
c. Once the desired value displays, release the TEST button
and wait three seconds to continue.
•Time Weighted Average, "TWA", displays; then, the TWA
setpoint displays for three seconds.
a. To change the TWA setpoint, press the "TEST" button
when the setpoint displays.
• "ALARM""SET","?" displays.
b. Press the TEST button in rapid succession to increment
the TWA alarm value.
• The TEST button can be held down to increment the
TWA alarm value.
c. Once the desired value displays, release the TEST button
and wait three seconds to continue.
2-3

Figure 2-3. ALTAIR Pro Setup
2-4

Turning ON the ALTAIR Pro Single Gas Detector
1. The unit must be turned ON before it can be used to warn the user
of a potentially hazardous condition.
a. To turn ON the personal protection instrument, press and hold
the TEST button for three seconds.
• "ON" displays during this time period.
NOTE: The Steel Mill version cannot be turned OFF without
removing the battery or using FiveStar LINK software. The
latest software version can be downloaded from the MSA
webpage (www.msanet.com).
2. The following occurs:
• an LCD Functional Test activates the cell segments
• the horn, LEDs and vibrator also activate.
3. The Software Version displays for three seconds.
4. The instrument gas type displays for three seconds ("CO", "H2S",
or "O2", etc.).
5. Alarm Setpoints display the:
•Low Alarm Setpoint for three seconds
• "LO" and "ALARM" icons turn ON
•High Alarm Setpoint for three seconds
• "HI" and "ALARM" icons turn ON
6. Short Term Exposure Limit, STL, and the "ALARM" icon display,
followed by the STL alarm setpoint for three seconds.
7. Time Weighted Average, TWA, and the "ALARM" icon displays,
followed by the TWA alarm setpoint display for three seconds.
8. If Calibration Due (CAL DUE) is enabled via FiveStar LINK
software (default is OFF):
• "CAL" and the hourglass display.
NOTE: See FIGURE 2-4 for details.
• If calibration is due, "DUE" and the hourglass display
for three seconds.
• The instrument beeps and flashes "CAL" "DUE" every
minute until instrument calibration is performed.
• If calibration is not due, the hourglass, number of days to
calibration, and "DAYS" display.
2-5

9. User is prompted for a Fresh Air Setup (FAS):
• "SET", "?" icon and FAS display.
If Fresh Air Setup is desired, immediately press the TEST button.
• "HOURGLASS", "SET", and FAS display.
If user does not desire FAS, do NOT press the TEST button:
• The instrument continues the ON sequence.
NOTE: When performing a fresh air setup, the instrument must be
in a known clean air. The fresh air setup has limits.
If a hazardous level of gas is present, the ALTAIR Pro
instrument displays "FAS / ERR".
Press the TEST button to acknowledge the error. and
perform an instrument calibration.
10. If the instrument was configured for Oxygen, it displays:
• Oxygen reading
• % icon
• battery indicator.
If the instrument is configured for a toxic gas, it displays:
• gas reading
• PPM icon
• battery indicator.
Battery Life Indicator (See FIGURE 2-2)
• The battery condition icon continuously displays in the upper right-
hand corner of the display.
• As the battery is depleted, battery icon segments go blank until
only the outline of the battery icon remains.
• Each battery indicator segment represents approximately
1/4 of the total battery capacity.
2-6

2-7
Figure 2-4. ALTAIR Pro Turn-ON Flow Chart

Battery Warning
• A battery warning indicates that a nominal two days of operation
remain before the instrument's battery is depleted.
NOTE: The duration of remaining instrument operation during bat-
tery warning depends on:
• Ambient temperature (Colder temperatures may reduce
battery life)
• The number and duration of alarms during battery warning.
• When the ALTAIR Pro unit goes into battery warning the:
• Battery outline indicator flashes
• Audible alarm sounds every 30 seconds
• Alarm lights flash every 30 seconds.
During Battery Warning condition, prepare to exit the work
area since the instrument could go into battery Shutdown at
any time, resulting in loss of sensor function.
Battery Shutdown
• When the battery can no longer operate the instrument, the
instrument goes into Battery Shutdown mode:
• Battery outline indicator flashes
• Alarm icon turns ON
• Alarm sounds every 30 seconds
• Alarm lights flash
• No gas reading display
• Display alternates between "BAT" and "ERR"
• No other instrument pages can be viewed
• The instrument remains in this state until it is:
• Turned OFF or
• Battery is completely depleted.
• The alarm lights and the horn can be silenced by pushing the
TEST button.
"CAUTION
2-8

If a Battery Shutdown condition occurs, stop using the
instrument and leave the area immediately. The instrument
can no longer alert you of potential hazards since it does not
have enough power to operate properly.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal
injury or death.
• When the instrument battery is running low, remove it from service
and replace the battery.
Confidence Indicator (see Figure 2-2)
• The Confidence indicator flashes once every 60 seconds to notify
the user that the instrument is ON and operating normally. In
addition, both LEDs will flash briefly every 60 seconds.
Backlight
• The backlight can be manually activated with a quick push of the
TEST button.
• The backlight remains ON for 10 seconds.
ALTAIR Pro Alarms
Toxic Gas Measurements (see FIGURE 2-1)
The ALTAIR Pro Detector can be purchased to detect the following
gases in the atmosphere:
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) or
• Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)
• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
• Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
• Ammonia (NH3)
• Phosphene (PH3)
• Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)
• Chlorine (Cl2)
• Chlorine Dioxide (ClO2).
• The ALTAIR Pro Detector displays the gas concentration in parts
per million (PPM) on the measuring page.
• The instrument remains on this page until another page is
selected or the instrument is turned OFF.
• There are four alarm setpoints in the instrument:
"WARNING
2-9

• High Alarm
• Low Alarm
• STEL Alarm
• TWA Alarm
• The backlight turns ON for 20 seconds during an alarm condition.
1. If the gas concentration reaches or exceeds the low alarm setpoint:
• The instrument will:
• display and flash "LO" and "ALARM" on the LCD
• enter a low alarm sequence.
• The low alarm can be silenced for five seconds by pressing the
TEST button; it automatically clears once the gas level falls
below the setpoint.
2. If the gas concentration reaches or exceeds the
high alarm setpoint:
• The instrument will:
• display and flash "HI" and "ALARM" on the LCD
• enter a High alarm sequence.
• The high alarm can be silenced for five seconds by pressing
the TEST button while it is still in high alarm.
• The High alarm is latching and will not reset when gas
concentration falls below the HIGH setpoint.
NOTE: To reset alarm, push the TEST button after the gas
level falls below the setpoint.
• Refer to the instrument during turn ON for factory-set alarm points.
• If a gas concentration exceeds an alarm setpoint, the:
• Audible alarm sounds
• Alarm lights flash
• Vibrator activates
• Alarm type displays, alternately flashing the ALARM icon
and the:
• LO icon (if the low alarm setpoint was exceeded)
• HI icon (if the high alarm setpoint was exceeded).
3. If the STEL (Short Term Exposure Limit) reading reaches or
exceeds the STEL alarm setpoint:
• The instrument will:
• display and flash "LO" AND "ALARM" on the LCD
2-10

• Enter a Low alarm sequence.
• The STEL alarm can be silenced for five seconds by pressing
the TEST button while it is still in alarm
• The STEL alarm is non-latching and will reset when STEL
reading falls below the STEL setpoint
• The STEL value can be cleared. (See FIGURE 2-5 for details.)
• The STEL alarm can be disabled using FiveStar LINK Software.
The latest software version can be downloaded from the MSA
webpage (www.msanet.com).
4. If the TWA (Time Weighted Average) reading reaches or exceeds
the TWA alarm setpoint:
• The instrument will:
• display and flash "LO" and "ALARM" on the LCD
• Enter a Low Alarm sequence.
• The TWA alarm can be silenced for five seconds by pressing
the TEST button while it is still in alarm
• The TWA alarm is latching and will not reset
• The TWA value can be cleared. (See FIGURE 2-5 for details.)
• The TWA alarm can be disabled using FiveStar LINK Software.
• Refer to the instrument during Test mode for factory-set alarm
setpoints.
If a toxic or oxygen gas alarm condition is reached while
using the instrument as a personal or area monitor, leave the
area immediately: the ambient condition has reached a pre-
set alarm level. Failure to follow this warning will cause over-
exposure to toxic gases, which can result in serious person-
al injury or death.
Oxygen Measurements
• The ALTAIR Pro Detector can be purchased to measure the
concentration of oxygen in an atmosphere.
• The value displayed is percent by volume of oxygen in the
atmosphere.
• High and Low alarm setpoints can be configured to alarm in
any combination of oxygen:
• enrichment (greater than 20.8%) or
"WARNING
2-11