MSA altair 4x User manual

Operating Manual
ALTAIR®4X
Multigas Detector
Order No. 10106503/00

Declaration of ConformityMSA
ALTAIR 4X
GB 3
Declaration of Conformity
Manufactured by: Mine Safety Appliances Company
1000 Cranberry Woods Drive
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 USA
European authorized representative:
MSA AUER GmbH
Thiemannstrasse 1
D-12059 Berlin
We declare that the
MSA ALTAIR 4X
complies with the provisions of the council directive 94/9/EC [ATEX].This declaration is
based on the EC-Type Examination Certificate FTZU 07 ATEX 0169 X in accordance
with Annex III of the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC. Quality Assurance Notification issued by
Ineris, Notified Body number 0080, in accordance with Annex IV of the ATEX Directive
94/9/EC.
We additionally declare that this product is in conformance with the
EMC Directive 2004/108/EC in accordance with the standards
DIN EN 50270:2006 Typ 2 and DIN EN 61000-6-3:2007
MSA AUER GmbH
Dr. Axel Schubert
R&D Instruments
Berlin, May 2010

MSAContents
ALTAIR 4X
4GB
Contents
1 Safety Regulations ................................................................................................. 6
1.1 Correct Use .................................................................................................. 6
1.2 Liability Information ....................................................................................... 7
1.3 Safety and Precautionary Measures to be Adopted ..................................... 7
2 Description ........................................................................................................... 10
2.1 Overview ..................................................................................................... 10
2.2 Device Hardware Interfaces ....................................................................... 11
2.3 On-Screen Indicators .................................................................................. 13
2.4 Battery Care ............................................................................................... 14
2.5 Viewing Optional Displays .......................................................................... 16
2.6 Sensor Missing Alarm ................................................................................. 20
2.7 Sensor End of Life Warning ........................................................................ 20
2.8 Sensor End of Life Indicator ....................................................................... 20
2.9 Monitoring Toxic Gases .............................................................................. 20
2.10 Monitoring the Oxygen Concentration ........................................................ 22
2.11 Monitoring Combustible Gases .................................................................. 23
3 Operation .............................................................................................................. 24
3.1 Environmental Factors ................................................................................ 24
3.2 Turning on the Device ................................................................................ 25
3.3 Measurement Mode [Normal Operation] .................................................... 30
3.4 Device Setup .............................................................................................. 32
3.5 Data Logging .............................................................................................. 36
3.6 Function Tests ............................................................................................ 37
3.7 Safe LED .................................................................................................... 37
3.8 Bump Test .................................................................................................. 37
3.9 Calibration .................................................................................................. 39

ContentsMSA
ALTAIR 4X
GB 5
4 Maintenance ......................................................................................................... 44
4.1 Troubleshooting .......................................................................................... 45
4.2 Live Maintenance Procedure - Replacing and Adding a Sensor ................ 46
4.3 Cleaning ..................................................................................................... 48
4.4 Storage ....................................................................................................... 48
4.5 Scope of Delivery ....................................................................................... 48
5 Technical Specifications/Certifications ............................................................. 49
5.1 Technical Specifications ............................................................................. 49
5.2 Factory-set Alarm thresholds ...................................................................... 50
5.3 Certification ................................................................................................. 51
5.4 Performance Specification .......................................................................... 53
5.5 XCell Sensor Patents ................................................................................. 54
6 Ordering Information ........................................................................................... 55
7 Appendix ............................................................................................................... 56
7.1 Start Up Sequence [Power on] ................................................................... 56
7.2 Fresh Air Setup [FAS] ................................................................................. 57
7.3 Reset Screen Controls ............................................................................... 58
7.4 Bump Test .................................................................................................. 60
7.5 Options Setup ............................................................................................. 61
7.6 Sensor Setup .............................................................................................. 62
7.7 Calibrations ................................................................................................. 63

MSASafety Regulations
ALTAIR 4X
6GB
1 Safety Regulations
1.1 Correct Use
The ALTAIR 4X Multigas Detector is intended for use by trained and qualified per-
sonnel. It is designed to be used when performing a hazard assessment to:
- assess potential worker exposure to combustible and toxic gases and vapours
as well as low level of oxygen.
- determine the appropriate gas and vapour monitoring needed for a workplace.
The ALTAIR 4X Multigas Detector can be equipped to detect:
- Combustible gases and certain combustible vapours
- Oxygen-deficient or oxygen-rich atmospheres
- Specific toxic gases for which a sensor is installed.
It is imperative that this operating manual be read and observed when using the
product. In particular, the safety instructions, as well as the information for the use
and operation of the product, 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.
Alternative use, or use outside this specification will be considered as non-compli-
ance. 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.
While the device can detect up to 30 % oxygen in ambient air, it is
approved for use only up to 21 % oxygen.
Danger!
This product is supporting life and health. Inappropriate use, mainte-
nance or servicing may affect the function of the device and thereby se-
riously 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 compe-
tent servicing/maintenance has not been made, genuine MSA spare
parts have not been used.

Safety RegulationsMSA
ALTAIR 4X
GB 7
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 the product are the exclusive respon-
sibility of the individual operator.
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 to be Adopted
Check function each day before use
Before each use, check the function and calibration of the device. Otherwise there
is a danger that incorrect results will be displayed. The check is performed using a
suitable calibration gas.
Perform a bump test each day before use
Perform a bump test before each day's use to verify proper operation. 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. Also, perform a bump test more frequently if the tested
atmosphere contains the following materials, which may desensitize the combusti-
ble gas sensor and reduce its readings:
- Organic silicones
- Silicates
- Lead-containing compounds
- Hydrogen sulphide exposures over 200 ppm or exposures over 50 ppm for
one minute.
Check minimum concentration of a combustible gas
The minimum concentration of a combustible gas in air that can ignite is defined as
the Lower Explosive Limit [LEL]]. A combustible gas reading of "XXX” indicates the
atmosphere is above 100 % LEL or 5.00 % vol CH4, and an explosion hazard ex-
ists. Move away from hazardous area immediately.
Attention!
The following safety instructions must be observed implicitly. Only in this
way can the safety and health of the individual operators, and the correct
functioning of the device, be guaranteed.

MSASafety Regulations
ALTAIR 4X
8GB
Observe atmosphere
Do not use the device to test for combustible or toxic gases in the following atmos-
pheres as this may result in erroneous readings:
- Oxygen-deficient or oxygen-rich atmospheres
- Reducing atmospheres
- Furnace stacks
- Inert environments
- Atmospheres containing combustible airborne mists/dusts.
Use the device only to detect gases/vapours for which a sensor is installed.
Make sure adequate oxygen is present.
Not to be used for gases having a flashpoint in excess of 38 °C
Do not use the device to test for combustible gases in atmospheres containing va-
pours from liquids with a high flash point [above 38 °C], as this may result in erro-
neously low readings.
Physical shock
Recheck calibration if device is subjected to physical shock.
Sensor maintenance
Do not block sensor openings as this may cause inaccurate readings. Do not press
on the face of the sensors, as this may damage them and cause erroneous read-
ings. Do not use compressed air to clean the sensor holes, as the pressure may
damage the sensors.
Observe proper time for diplay stabilising
Allow sufficient time for device to display accurate reading. Response times vary
based on the type of sensor being utilized.
Observe proper battery maintenance
Use only battery chargers made available by MSA for use with this device; other
chargers may damage the battery pack and the device. Dispose of in accordance
with local health and safety regulations.
Use of the GALAXY Automated Test System is an alternate approved method for
charging ALTAIR 4X devices.

Safety RegulationsMSA
ALTAIR 4X
GB 9
Be aware of environmental conditions
A number of environmental factors may affect the sensor readings, including
changes in pressure, humidity and temperature.
Pressure and humidity changes also affect the amount of oxygen actually present
in the atmosphere.
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.
Be aware of the warranty regulations
The warranties made by Mine Safety Appliances Company with respect to the prod-
uct are voided if the product is not used and maintained in accordance with the in-
structions 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.

MSADescription
ALTAIR 4X
10 GB
2 Description
2.1 Overview
Fig. 1 device view
The device monitors gases in ambient air and in the workplace.
It is available with a maximum of three sensors, which can display readings for four
separate gases [one Dual Toxic Sensor provides both CO and H2S sensing capa-
bilities in a single sensor].
1 Communication 8 Display
2 Safe LED [green] and
Fault LED [yellow]
9 Alarm LEDs [4]
3 Sensor Inlets 10 Belt Clip
4 Horn 11 Charging Connection
5
T Button 12 Screws [4]
6
S Button 13 Charge LED [red/green]
7ON/OFF Button
9
9
1 2
9
3
4
5
6
7
8
311
10
12

DescriptionMSA
ALTAIR 4X
GB 11
The alarm levels for the individual gases are factory-set and can be changed
through the Setup Menu. These changes can also be made through MSA Link soft-
ware. Ensure that the latest version of the MSA Link software has been downloaded
from MSA’s website www.msanet.com.
2.2 Device Hardware Interfaces
Device operation is dialog driven from the display with the aid of the three function
buttons [→Fig. 1].
Button Definitions
While the device can detect up to 30 % oxygen in ambient air, it is
approved for use only up to 21 % oxygen.
If gas is present during Fresh Air Setup, the device will fail and enters
Measure mode.
Button Description
ON/OFF The ON/OFF button is used to turn device on or off and to confirm
user action selections.When the Sbutton and the ON/OFF button
are pressed simultaneously for device start-up, the Options Setup
Mode displays.
TThe Tbutton is used to move forward through data screens in
measuring mode, or as page back and to decrease the values in
set-up mode. Holding this button for 3 seconds while in Normal
Measure Mode will activate the InstantAlert alarm.
SThe Sbutton is used to reset peak, STEL TWA and acknowledge
alarms [where possible] or access calibration in measuring mode. It
is also used as page up or to increase the values in set-up mode.

MSADescription
ALTAIR 4X
12 GB
LED Definitions
Vibrating Alarm
The device is equipped with a vibrating alarm.
Backlight
The backlight automatically activates when any button is pressed. The backlight re-
mains on for the duration of the user-selected timeout. This on/off duration can be
set through MSA Link software.
Horn
The horn provides an audible alarm.
Operating Beep
This operating beep activates every 30 seconds by momentarily beeping the horn
and flashing the alarm LEDs under the following conditions:
- Operating beep is enabled
- Device is on normal Measure Gases page
- Device is not in battery warning
- Device is not in gas alarm
- Audible and visual options are enabled
LED Description
GREEN The Safe LED flashes once every 15 seconds to notify the user
that the device is on and operating.This option can be turned off
through the MSA Link software.
RED The red LEDs are visual indications of an alarm condition or any
type of error in the device.
YELLOW The yellow LED is a visual indication of an device fault condition.
This LED will be on with the following conditions:
- Device memory error
- Sensor Missing
- Sensor Error
RED/GREEN The Charge LED is a visual indication of charge status.
-RED:
is charging
- GREEN: complete charge

DescriptionMSA
ALTAIR 4X
GB 13
2.3 On-Screen Indicators
Fig. 2 Display
1 Graphic Symbols 3 Gas Concentration
2 Gas Type
Alarm Symbol – Indicates alarm state.
Motion Alert – Indicates Motion Alert is active.
Bump Check Symbol – Indicates successful bump or cal.
Indicates required interaction.
Battery Condition – Indicates the battery charge level.
Sensor Labels.
Cal Gas Cylinder – Indicates cal gas must be applied.
No Gas Cylinder – Indicates cal gas should not be applied and device
must be exposed to fresh air.
Hourglass – Indicates user should wait.
1
2
3
O2
CO
H2S
COMB/EX

MSADescription
ALTAIR 4X
14 GB
2.4 Battery Care
Battery Life Indicator
The battery condition icon is continuously displayed in the upper right-hand corner
of the display. As the battery is depleted, battery icon segments blank until only the
battery icon outline remains.
Each indicator segment represents approximately 25 % of the total battery capaci-
ty.
Battery Warning
The nominal run-time of the device at room temperature is 24 hours. Actual run-
time will vary depending on ambient temperature and alarm conditions. The runtime
of the device at -20 °C [-4 °F] will be approximately 14 hours.
The alarm levels for the individual gases are factory-set and can be changed
through the Setup Menu.
A Low Battery Warning indicates that a nominal 30 minutes of operation remain be-
fore the battery’s charge is depleted.
Minimum – Indicates a minimum value or low alarm.
PEAK Symbol – Indicates a PEAK reading or high alarm.
STEL Symbol – Indicates a STEL alarm.
TWA Symbol – Indicates a TWA alarm.
Sensor life Symbol – Indicates the end of sensor life
Attention!
If battery warning alarm activates while using the device, leave the area
immediately as the end of battery life is approaching.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or
death.
The duration of remaining device operation during a Low Battery
Warning depends on ambient temperatures.

DescriptionMSA
ALTAIR 4X
GB 15
When the device goes into Low Battery Warning, the:
- battery life indicator flashes
- alarm sounds
- alarm LEDs flash
- display shows "Low Batt" and
- device repeats this warning every 15 seconds and continues to operate until it
is turned off or battery shutdown occurs.
Battery Shut Down
The device goes into battery shutdown mode 60 seconds before final shutdown
[when the batteries can no longer operate the device]:
- On the display flashes "Low Batt" and
- Alarm sounds and lights flash; alarm cannot be silenced,
- No other pages can be viewed; after approximately one minute, the device
automatically turns off.
When battery shutdown condition occurs:
(1) Leave the area immediately.
(2) Recharge the battery.
Attention!
If battery shutdown alarm activates, stop using the device as it no longer
has enough power to indicate potential hazards, and persons relying on
this product for their safety could sustain serious personal injury or
death.

MSADescription
ALTAIR 4X
16 GB
Battery Charging
The charger is capable of charging a completely depleted pack in less than four
hours in normal, room-temperature environments.
- Minimum and maximum ambient temperature to charge the device is 10 °C
[50 °F] and 35 °C [95 °F], respectively.
- For best results, charge the device at room temperature [23 °C].
To Charge the Device
- Firmly insert the device into the charging cradle.
- The battery symbol will scroll through a progressively increasing number of seg-
ments and the charge LED will be red until 90 % of full charge has been ob-
tained. Then the battery symbol will remain fully illuminated and the charge LED
will be green while the battery is trickle charged to its full capacity.
- If a problem is detected during charging, the battery symbol will flash and the
charge LED will be orange. Remove, then replace the device in the charging
cradle to reset the charge cycle.
2.5 Viewing Optional Displays
The Main Screen appears at device turn-on.
Optional displays can be viewed by pressing the Tbutton to move to:
Bump Mode
(1) To select the Bump mode, press the ON/OFF button.
(2) To move forward, press the Tbutton.
(3) To move backward to the Main page, press the Sbutton.
Warning!
Risk of explosion: Do not recharge device in hazardous area.
Attention!
Use of any charger, other than the charger supplied with the device, may
damage or improperly charge the batteries.
Allow very hot or cold devices to stabilise for one hour at room temper-
ature before attempting to charge.

DescriptionMSA
ALTAIR 4X
GB 17
Peak Readings [PEAK page]
The peak icon [→chapter 2.3] shows the highest levels of gas recorded by the de-
vice since turn-on or since peak readings were reset.
To reset the peak readings:
(1) Access the PEAK page.
(2) Press the Sbutton.
Minimum Readings [MIN page]
This page shows the lowest level of oxygen recorded by the device since turn-on or
since the MIN reading was reset.
The minimum icon [→chapter 2.3] appears on the display.
To reset the MIN reading:
(1) Access the MIN page.
(2) Press the Sbutton.
Short Term Exposure Limits [STEL page]
The STEL icon [→chapter 2.3] appears on the display to show the average expo-
sure over a 15 minute period.
When the amount of gas detected by the device is greater than the STEL limit:
- Alarm sounds
- Alarm LEDs flash
- STEL icon flashes.
To reset the STEL:
(1) Access the STEL page.
(2) Press the Sbutton.
The STEL alarm is calculated over a 15 minute exposure.
Attention!
If the STEL alarm activates, leave the contaminated area immediately;
the ambient gas concentration has reached the preset STEL alarm level.
Failure to follow this warning will cause over-exposure to toxic gases and
persons relying on this product for their safety could sustain serious per-
sonal injury or death.

MSADescription
ALTAIR 4X
18 GB
STEL calculation examples:
Assume the device has been running for at least 15 minutes:
15 minute exposure of 35 ppm:
10 minute exposure of 35 ppm and 5 minutes exposure of 5 ppm:
Time Weighted Average [TWA page]
The TWA icon [→chapter 2.3] appears on the display to show the average expo-
sure since the device was turned on or since the TWA reading was reset. When the
amount of gas detected is greater than the eight-hour TWA limit:
- Alarm sounds
- Alarm LEDs flash
- TWA icon flashes.
To reset the TWA:
(1) Access the TWA page.
(2) Press the Sbutton.
The TWA alarm is calculated over an eight-hour exposure.
[15 minutes x 35 ppm] = 35 ppm
15 minutes
[10 minutes x 35 ppm] + [5 minutes x 5 ppm] = 25 ppm
15 minutes
Attention!
If the TWA alarm activates, leave the contaminated area immediately;
the ambient gas concentration has reached the preset TWA alarm level.
Failure to follow this warning will cause over-exposure to toxic gases and
persons relying on this product for their safety could sustain serious per-
sonal injury or death.

DescriptionMSA
ALTAIR 4X
GB 19
TWA calculation examples:
1 hour exposure of 50 ppm:
4 hour exposure of 50 ppm and 4 hour exposure of 100 ppm:
12 hour exposure of 100 ppm:
Time Display
Current time appears on the display in a 12 hour format by default.
A 24-hour format can be selected using MSA Link.
Date Display
Current date appears on the display in the format: MMM-DD-YYYY.
Last cal page
Displays the device last successful calibration date in the format:
MMM-DD-YYYY
Cal due page
Displays the days until the device's next calibration is due [user selectable].
Motion Alert Activation
To activate or deactivate the Motion Alert feature, press the Sbutton while the
Motion Alert Activation page is displayed. When the Motion Alert feature is active,
the Motion Alert symbol [→chapter 2.3] will flash every 3 seconds. The device will
enter 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 Sbutton.
[1 hour x 50 ppm] + [7 hours x 0 ppm] = 6.25 ppm
8 hours
[4 hours x 50 ppm] + [4 hours x 100 ppm] = 75 ppm
8hours
[12 hours x 100 ppm] = 150 ppm
8hours

MSADescription
ALTAIR 4X
20 GB
2.6 Sensor Missing Alarm
The device enters the Sensor Missing alarm if the instrument detects that an ena-
bled O2or Combustible sensor is not properly installed in the instrument or is not
functional.
For the O2sensor, the sensor missing feature is checked when the instrument is
turned on and when leaving the Setup Mode.
The combustible Sensor Missing feature is continuously monitored.
If a sensor is detected as missing, the following occurs:
-"SENSOR ERROR" displays
- The flag above the sensor detected as missing flashes on the display
- Alarm sounds and lights flash.
- Yellow Fault LED is on solid.
- If there is a sensor error at startup, the device shuts off in 60 seconds.
2.7 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. For more details see chapter 3.9.
2.8 Sensor End of Life Indicator
If the device cannot calibrate one or more sensors, the device will display
"SPAN ERR" followed by the Alarm symbol and ♥symbol to indicate end of sensor
life. For more details see chapter 3.9.
2.9 Monitoring Toxic Gases
The device can monitor the concentration of the following toxic gases in ambient air:
- Carbon Monoxide [CO]
- Hydrogen Sulphide [H2S]
The device displays the gas concentration in parts per million [PPM] or mg/m3on
the Measuring page until another page is selected or the device is turned off.