MSA Altair User manual

Operating Manual
ALTAIR Single Gas
Gas Detection Wearable
Order No.: 10068081/05
Print Spec: 10000005389 (EO)
CR: 800000056057
MSAsafety.com

© MSA 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2022. All rights reserved
WARNING!
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.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
You are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.
English:
This device complies with RSS-210 of the Industry Canada Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
French:
Ce dispositif est conforme à la norme CNR-210 d'Industrie Canada applicable aux appareils radio exempts de licence. Son
fonctionnement est sujet aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) le dispositif ne doit pas produire de brouillage préjudiciable, et (2)
ce dispositif doit accepter tout brouillage reçu, y compris un brouillage susceptible de provoquer un fonctionnement
indésirable.
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

© MSA 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2022. All rights reserved
Contents
1 Instrument Safety 4
2 Using the Altair Single Gas Detector 5
2.1 Changing Alarm Setpoints 6
2.2 Activating the Altair Single Gas Detector 8
2.3 Altair Alarms 11
2.4 Oxygen Measurements 12
2.5 Accessing the Instrument Pages 12
2.6 Event Logging 14
3 Altair Function Checks 15
4 Calibrating the Altair Single Gas Detector 17
4.1 Calibrating the Toxic Gas Instruments (CO and H2S) 17
4.2 Calibrating an Oxygen Instrument 21
5 Warranty, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting 23
5.1 MSA Portable Instrument Warranty 23
5.2 Troubleshooting 24
6 Specifications 26
6.1 Instrument Specifications 26
6.2 Event Logging Specifications 26
7 Replacement and Accessory Parts 27

1 Instrument Safety
The Altair Single Gas Detector is:
• For use by trained, qualified personnel
• For use as a warning device only and not for measuring specific gas concentrations
• 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
NOTE: Although the Altair unit will detect up to 25% oxygen, all Altair versions are not certified or classified for use in
atmospheres containing more than 21.0% oxygen.
WARNING!
• Read and follow all instructions carefully.
• Do not use this detector to sample the instrument’s specified gas in gases other than air.
• Do not use the device to test for toxic gases in the following atmospheres as this may result in erroneous readings:
○ Reducing atmospheres
○ Furnace stacks
○ Inert environments
○ Atmospheres containing combustible airborne mists/dusts.
• Do not use the device to test for toxic gases in oxygen-deficient (<19.5 % vol) or oxygen-rich (>20.8 % vol)
atmospheres, as this may result in erroneous readings.
• Perform an alarm test and a bump test before each day’s use. If the instrument fails either check, the instrument must be
taken out of service.
• Do not use the instrument if it is damaged.
• Calibrate the instrument if it is subjected to physical shock.
• The instrument is factory-sealed and contains no user serviceable parts. Do not attempt to open the instrument. Do not
attempt to repair the instrument. Substitution of components may impair intrinsic safety.
• This unit contains a lithium battery; dispose of according to local regulations.
• Do not rely on the vibrating alarm in cold temperatures(<0°C) as the vibrating alarm may cease to operate under these
conditions.
• Use only to detect a gas for which a sensor is installed.
• Do not block sensor.
• Do not use pressurized air to clean the sensor 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.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.
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1 Instrument Safety

2 Using the Altair Single Gas Detector
Figure 1 Altair Overview
Figure 2 Altair Display
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2.1 Changing Alarm Setpoints
NOTE: Alarm setpoints can only be changed manually during or before activation. Once the instrument is activated, the Alarm
setpoints can be changed via the MSA FiveStar® LINK™ Software with IR communications.
To change Alarm setpoints before activation:
1. Press the "TEST" button once.
○ "TEST" displays.
○ After approximately one second, all segments and the LED activate.
○ The horn, LEDs, and vibrator also activate
○The Software Version displays for three seconds ("CO", "H2S", or "O2").
2. Alarm Setpoints display the:
○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 and hold the TEST button to increment the low alarm value.
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 and hold the TEST button to increment the high alarm value.
c. Once the correct value displays, release the TEST button and wait three seconds to continue.
3. Wait three seconds.
▪ the unit again turns OFF.
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Figure 3 Changing the Alarm Setpoints
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2.2 Activating the Altair Single Gas Detector
WARNING!
Do not use the instrument for gas detection prior to activating the instrument.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
1. The unit must be activated before it can be used to warn the user of a potentially hazardous condition.
a. To activate the personal protection instrument, press and hold the TEST button for three seconds until "ON" and
"?" are displayed.
b. Release the button and press once again to activate.
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").
5. Alarm Setpoints display the:
○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" display:
▪ "LO" "ALARM" "SET" "?" displays.
b. Press and hold the TEST button to increment the low alarm value:
▪ Once the maximum setpoint allowed is reached, this value rolls over and begins again at the lowest value.
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 and hold the TEST button to increment the high alarm value.
▪ Once the maximum setpoint allowed is reached, this value rolls over and begins again at the lowest value.
c. Once the correct value displays, release the TEST button and wait three seconds to continue.
6. The instrument now performs a 99-second activation countdown.
○ Once activated, the instrument remains active until a Low Battery error occurs.
▪ The Months Remaining counter begins at 24 months and counts down.
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Figure 4 Altair Activation Flow Chart
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Time Remaining (check before each day's use)
• In normal operating mode, the Altair Detector's remaining operating time (0 to 24 months) is always displayed.
• When les than one month remains, the display changes to the number of days remaining.
• The instrument is designed to continue to operate after 24 months have elapsed. A "+" followed by a numerical value and
"months" or "days" indicates that more than 24 months have expired.
• For the instrument to function properly (including after the 24-month initial period has elapsed), the end user must
continue to perform an alarm function check and bump test before each day's use.
• The instrument will continue to operate as long as:
○ The Low Battery warning indiciator is not displayed.
○ The instrument continues to pass the bump test as outlined in this manual.
• For the oxygen version:
○ If, after the inital 24-month period, the sensor output is less than 5% O2for more than five minutes, then it is
considered a sensor failure:
▪ Instrument will display "SNS/ERR".
• If the battery reaches its end of life, the
○Low Battery warning indicator activates:
▪ User must discontinue using the Altair Single Gas Detector at this time, although the instrument is still
detecting gas.
▪ Low Battery indicator flashes.
▪ Months remaining continues to display.
WARNING!
If Low Battery warning activates while using the device, leave the area immediately and remove the instrument from service.
The end of battery life is approaching.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
○Low Battery alarm activates:
▪ Horn sounds
▪ LEDs flash
▪ Low Battery indicator flashes
▪ "ERR" displays
▪ Pressing the "TEST" button silences the alarm
▪ Unit is no longer detecting gas and must be taken out of service.
WARNING!
If a Low Battery alarm activates, leave the area immediately and remove the instrument from service. The device no longer
has enough power to indicate potential hazards.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
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Confidence Indicator (see Figure 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.
2.3 Altair Alarms
Toxic Gas Measurements (see Figure 1 )
The Altair Detector can be purchased to detect the following gases in the atmosphere:
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) or
• Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S).
There are two alarm setpoints in the instrument.
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; it automatically clears once the gas
level falls below the setpoint.
• Refer to the instrument during Test mode for factory-set alarm setpoints.
• 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)
WARNING!
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 preset alarm level.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
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2.4 Oxygen Measurements
The Altair Detector can be purchased to measure the concentration of oxygen in an atmosphere. High and Low alarm setpoints
can be configured to alarm in any combination of oxygen:
• enrichment (greater than 20.8%)or
• depletion (less than 20.8%).
When an alarm setpoint is reached, the:
• Audible alarm sounds
• Alarm light flash
• Vibrator activates
• Type of alarm displays by alternately flashing the ALARM icon and the LO or HIGH icon, depending on how the Low and
High alarms were set.
• Low Alarm indicates:
○ the lower %O2level of the two alarm settings
○ a more urgent condition and the faster alarm sequence will be indicated
○ "LO" "ALARM" displays.
NOTE: False oxygen alarms can occur due to barometric pressure (altitude) changes or extreme changes in ambient
temperature. It is recommended that an oxygen calibration be performed at the temperature and pressure of use. Be sure that
the instrument is in known fresh air before performing a calibration.
2.5 Accessing the Instrument Pages
The Information page can be accessed by pushing the TEST button once. This information includes:
1. Current oxygen reading in %O2(oxygen versions only)
2. Test gas mode
3. Functional check of LCD, vibrator, LEDs and horn
4. Gas type
5. Low Alarm setpoint ("LO" "Alarm")
6. High Alarm setpoint ("HI" "Alarm")
7. Minimum Oxygen concentration ("LO")- for oxygen only
8. Peak Reading
○ Toxic ("HI")
○ Oxygen ("HI")
○ The Peak/ Hi and Min/ Low values can be cleared.
○ When this page is displayed, press the TEST button to clear.
▪ "CLR" displays.
9. Alarm Time in hours (hour glass "HRS" and number of hours)
10. IRmode.
○ When instrument displays "IF?", press button to enter IR mode.
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○ If IR communications are not detected for three minutes or the TEST button is pressed, the instrument will exit
this mode.
○ See Figure 5 for additional details.
Figure 5 Accessing Altair Pages Flow Chart
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2.6 Event Logging
• The Altair Single Gas instrument has the capability of recording 25 of the most recent events.
Press the TEST button.
• The instrument pages begin to display
• Events will be transferred to the PC during this sequence, if:
○ the top of the instrument is pointed toward the optional IR Receiving device
○ a PC is running MSA FiveStar Link Software (P/N 710946)
○ "CONNECT" is pressed in the PC FiveStar LINK Software package.
• The following events are recorded:
○ Alarm - Alarm Type - Alarm Value - Time/Date
○ Alarm Clear - Alarm Type - Alarm Value - Time/Date
○ Cal (Pass/Fail) - Time/ Date
○ Bump (Pass/Fail)- Time/ Date
○ Error Non-Shutdown - Error Type (See Error List)- Time/Date
○ End of Life - Reason (Error - see Error List) - Time/Date
NOTE: The time and date is based on the PC time and date. Ensure the PC is correct before the events are transferred.
NOTE: Instrument power loss can result in lost time in the session log.
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3 Altair Function Checks
Confidence and Heartbeat Indicator
• The alarm lights and heartbeat indicator on the display will flash approximately every 60 seconds to indicate that the
Altair Detector is operating.
WARNING!
Perform an alarm test and a bump test before each day’s use. If the instrument fails either check, the instrument must be taken
out of service.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
Alarm Test
• Check before each day's use.
• Press the TEST button momentarily. A one-second test of the alarms will occur; this includes the:
○ display
○ alarm lights
○ vibrator
○ horn.
• If these items do not activate, remove the instrument from service.
Bump Test
• Check before each day's use.
• Press the TEST button momentarily:
○ oxygen versions will display the current oxygen reading; calibrate the unit it it reads other than 20.8%.
○ "TEST" "GAS" "?" will display.
○ alarm test will activate.
• Press the TEST button again while "TEST""GAS" "?" is displayed to activate the Bump Test mode.
○ the hourglass and "GAS" will display.
• Apply gas only AFTER the hourglass and "GAS" are displayed.
○ If gas is detected, the display will indicate "OK".
NOTE: See Table 1 for applied gases.
• Press the TEST button again:
○ The "√" that appears on the display:
▪ indicates that the instrument passed the bump test.
▪ remains for 24 hours, indicating that a bump test was performed on this instrument within that last 24 hours.
NOTE: See Figure 6 for details.
• If the "√" does not appear and "ERR"is indicated:
○ Check that the:
▪ Sensor inlet is not clogged
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3 Altair Function Checks

▪ correct calibration cylinder is used to perform the bump test
▪ gas cylinder has not expired and is not empty
▪ gas was applied at the appropriate time
▪ gas tubing is seated in the front instrument case during testing.
○ Repeat the bump test process as needed.
• If the "√" does not appear, calibrate the instrument and repeat the Bump Test.
Figure 6 Bump Test Flow Chart
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Table 1 Calibration/Bump Test Values
INSTRUMENT TYPE BUMP TEST GAS CALIBRATION GAS
CO 60 ppm 60ppm
H2S 40 ppm 40 ppm
O2<19%* 20.8%
*The O2bump test can also be performed by exhaling on the sensor inlet for approximately three to five seconds.
4 Calibrating the Altair Single Gas Detector
WARNING!
Perform a calibration per the instructions in this user guide. Do not continue operation of a detector that is not able to pass
calibration.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
• While the Altair Single Gas detector is designed to be a maintenance free instrument, under normal circumstances MSA
recommends calibration at least every six months or in accordance with local regulations. The device must be calibrated
if it does not pass a Bump Test or if any of the conditions listed below exist.
• For oxygen instruments, perform a calibration if any of the following occur:
○ physical shock
○ there are changes in barometric pressure (altitude changes)
○ there are extreme changes in ambient temperature and humidity (see 6.1 Instrument Specifications).
○ the instrument does not pass a bump test.
• For toxic instruments (CO and H2S), perform a calibration if any of the following occur:
○ physical shock
○ extended use in extreme temperatures
○ high concentration exposure
○ the instrument does not pass a bump test.
4.1 Calibrating the Toxic Gas Instruments (CO and H2S)
To enter the calibration mode, make sure you are in fresh, uncontaminated air. See Figure 7 for more details.
WARNING!
Do not perform calibration unless you are certain you are in fresh, uncontaminated air; otherwise, inaccurate readings can
occur which can falsely indicate that a hazardous atmosphere is safe.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
1. In normal operating mode, press the TEST button.
○ "TEST""GAS" "?" displays.
2. Press and hold the TEST button for three seconds when the "TEST" "GAS""?"displays.
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○ "TEST""CAL" screen displays
○ After three seconds, "FAS""?"displays asking the user if a fresh air setup/calibration is desired.
3. Press the TEST button to enter zero calibration.
NOTE: Otherwise, the instrument will return to the normal operating mode.
4. During zero calibration:
○ the hour glass and "FAS"display
○ If the instrument successfully calibrates:
▪ "OK"displays
○ If the instrument does not successfully calibrate:
▪ "ERR" displays
▪ instrument returns to normal operating mode after five seconds.
5. Once the instrument successfully calibrates and the "OK" displays, press the TEST button to enter calibration.
▪ "CAL""?"displays.
6. While the "CAL""?"displays, press the TEST button to enter the Gas Calibration mode.
▪ The current expected test gas is shown (in ppm).
a. To change the expected calibration gas:
1) Press the TEST button
▪ "TEST""SET" "?""ppm" displays.
2)Press the TEST button again to set (hold the TEST button to scroll to a different value).
3)Wait three seconds to return to the Calibration mode.
WARNING!
The expected gas concentrations must match the gas concentrations listed on the calibrations cylinder(s).
Failure to follow this warning will cause an incorrect calibration, which can result in serious personal injury or
death.
b. Apply the appropriate test gas
○ The display toggles between the current gas reading, the hourglass and "CAL".
○ Once the instrument passes calibration (this will take no more than 90 seconds), "OK" displays.
○ Otherwise, "ERR"displays.
○ Wait five seconds to return to the normal operating mode.
c. If "ERR"displays after calibration , the current settings did not change. Immediately check that:
○ The calibration cylinder matches the expected calibration value expected in the instrument
○ The calibration cylinder is not empty and has not expired.
○ The regulator is 0.25 liters/ minute
○ The tubing is seated in teh front instrument case during gas calibration mode.
▪ If necessary, repeat steps 1 through 6.
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○ The display msut read "OK"; if "ERR" remains, remove the instrument from service.
d. Perform a bump test to confirm operation and activate the "√".
Figure 7 Calibration (Toxics)Flow Chart (part 1 of 2)
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Figure 8 Calibration (Toxics)Flow Chart (part 2 of 2)
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