Particle Measuring Systems HandiLaz Mini User manual

Registration applies to the Boulder, Colorado facility.
PARTICLE MEASURING SYSTEMS HEADQUARTERS
5475 Airport Blvd., Boulder, CO 80301, USA
[phone] 1-800-238-1801 FAX: [phone]
Instrument Service & Support: 1-800-557-6363
Customer Response Center: 1-877-475-3317
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Tel: [phone] FAX: [phone]
[email protected]
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Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
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Tel: [phone] Ext. 751 Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
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Tel: [phone]
[email protected]
PARTICLE MEASURING SYSTEMS , PUERTO RICO
Tel: [phone] or 787-380-5446
[email protected]
www.pmeasuring.com
HandiLaz Mini
Operator’s Manual
P/N 1000010551 Rev E

ii
HandiLaz Mini Operator’s Manual
P/N 1000010551 Rev E
© 2006 by Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
HandiLaz® is a registered trademark of Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.
Portions of the software described in this document are © Microsoft Corporation. All Rights
Reserved.
All trademarks appearing in this manual are the property of their respective owners.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this document may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the express written permission of
Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.
Particle Measuring Systems may have patents or pending patent applications, trademarks,
copyrights,orotherintellectualpropertyrightscoveringsubjectmatterinthisdocument.Providing
you with this document does not give license to these patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other
intellectual property except as expressly provided in a written agreement from Particle Measuring
Systems.
Quality Policy
The Quality Policy of Particle Measuring Systems is to strive to meet or exceed the needs and
expectations of our customers and to align the activities of all employees with the common focus
of customer satisfaction through continuous improvement in the quality of our products and
services.
Environmental Information
This equipment must be properly disposed of at end-of-life by means of an authorized waste
management system. Information regarding dismantling of the equipment and location of any
hazardous materials can be located on our web site at:
http://www.pmeasuring.com/support/papers/disassemblyinstructions.

iii
- Declaration of Conformity
Application of Council Directive(s): 89 / 336 /EEC, 73 / 23 /EEC
Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared: EMC EN 61326: 1997/A1: 1998/A2: 2001
Safety EN 61010-1: 2001
Manufacturer’s Name: Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.
Manufacturer’s Address: 5475 Airport Boulevard, Boulder, CO 80301 USA
Manufacturer’s Telephone/FAX: [phone]
Distributor’s Name: Particle Measuring Technique, Great Britain
Distributor’s Address Unit B1 South, Willow End Park
Danemoor, Malvern WR14 1XZ
Worchestershire, WR13 6NN United Kingdom
Distributor’s Telephone/FAX: [phone]
Type of Equipment: Particle Counter
Model No: HandiLaz Mini
I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified above conforms to the above
Directive(s) and Standard(s).
Signature: Signature:
Full Name: Kristi Urquidi Full Name: David Hall
Position: Vice President Operations Position: Managing Director
Place: Boulder Date: December 6, 2005 Place: Malvern Date: December 6, 2005

iv
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Table of Contents
v
Quality Policy - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ii
Environmental Information - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ii
Chapter 1: Introduction - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-1
Control Keys- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-2
Specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-4
Chapter 2: Taking Samples - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-1
Introduction - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-1
Sample in Six Key Pushes (Using current sampling settings) - - - - - - - - 2-1
Sample in Two Key Pushes Using HOTKEY
(Using designated mode & settings)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-1
Sampling Sequence - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-1
Changing Sampling Settings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-2
Data Display - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-3
Chapter 3: Measure Mode Settings- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-1
Using REPEAT Sampling Mode - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-1
REPEAT Sample Parameters - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-2
Taking REPEAT Samples - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-2
SINGLE Sampling Mode - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-3
Setting SINGLE Sample Parameters - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-3
Using CONT (Continuous) Sampling Mode- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-4
Setting CONT (Continuous) Sample Parameters - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-4
Taking CONT (Continuous) Sample - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-5
CALC (Calculation) Mode - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-5
Setting CALC (Calculation) Sample Parameters - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-6
Taking CALC (Calculation) Sample - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-6
ISO Sampling Mode- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-6
Setting ISO Sample Parameters- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-7
Taking ISO Sample- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-8
Chapter 4: Data Processing Settings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4-1
DISPLAY- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4-1
CALC (Calculation) Records - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4-3
UPLINK- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4-3
PRINT - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4-4
CLEAR - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4-5

Table of Contents
vi
Chapter 5: Options Settings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-1
Setting ALARM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-1
Setting UNITS- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-2
Setting UTILITIES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-3
Setting Date, Time, or Instrument ID - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-3
Setting Communications Protocol - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-4
Setting HOTKEY- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-4
Taking Samples Using HOTKEY- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-5
Setting AUTOSTART (AUTOST) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-6
Initial DELAY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-6
AUTOSTART - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-6
To set DELAY and AUTOSTART: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-6
Chapter 6: Downloading Data to PC - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-1
Introduction - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-1
Notes - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-2
PC Requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-2
Communications Requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-2
Troubleshooting Data Download - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-3
Appendix A: Menu Tree - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A-1
Appendix B: Abbreviations and Definitions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B-1
Appendix C: Printer Setup - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C-1
Setting the Printer’s Functions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C-1
Appendix D: Error Messages and Alarms- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D-1
Error Code and Alarm Locations - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D-1
Error Code and Symbol Legend - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D-2
Error Code Priority- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D-2
Low Battery Power - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D-2
Appendix E: Data Retrieval Software, Installing and Running- - - - - - - - - - E-1
Minimum System Requirements- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - E-1
Software Installation- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - E-1
Using the Retrieval Software - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - E-5
Connect the PC to the HandiLaz Mini - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - E-5
Start the Retrieval Software - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - E-6
Start HandiLaz Mini and Verify or Set its Address- - - - - - - - - - - - - E-6
Set HandiLaz Mini to Upload Data - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - E-6

Table of Contents
vii
Upload Data to the PC- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - E-7
Select the Sampling Mode of the Data to be Uploaded - - - - - - - - - - E-8
Error Messages- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - E-9
Save all Data - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - E-10
Save Data from a Time/Date Range- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - E-10
View the CSV File with Microsoft Excel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - E-11
Print all Records- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - E-12
Print a Range of Records - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - E-12
View the Details of a Data Record- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - E-13
Change the Current Time on the HandiLaz Mini - - - - - - - - - - - - - - E-13
Appendix F: International Precautions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - F-1
WARNING- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - F-1
AVERTISSEMENT- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - F-1
WARNUNG - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - F-1
ATTENZIONE - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - F-1
PRECAUSION - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - F-1
Hazard Symbols- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - F-2
Symboles de risque - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - F-2
Warnschilder- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - F-2
Simboli di pericolo- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - F-3
Simbolos de peligro - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - F-3

Table of Contents
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ix
List of Figures
HandiLaz Mini- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -1-3
Sampling Setup Screen: REPEAT Mode - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -2-3
Data Display Screen: REPEAT Mode - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -2-3
Welcome Dialog Box - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -E-2
Start Installation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -E-3
Program Group Box - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -E-4
Installation Progress - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -E-4
Installation Successful- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -E-5
Connection by means of RS-232 Cable - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -E-5
Connection by means of USB Cable - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -E-6
Data Retrieval Software Main Dialog Box - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -E-7
Data Display from the Repeat Mode - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -E-8
File Location, Name, and Extension - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -E-10
Set HandiLaz Mini System Time from Data Retrieval Software- - - - - - - - - - - - - -E-14

x
List of Figures
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HandiLaz Mini Operator’s Manual Page 1-1
Chapter 1
Introduction
The HandiLaz® Mini is a handheld, 3-channel, airborne-particle counter
designed for speedy assessment of microcontamination levels in cleanrooms
and other controlled environments. Its molded chassis is designed for ease of
handling and cleaning. It can be powered either from a direct AC source, or
from four internal NiMH batteries that can be recharged.
The HandiLaz Mini is ergonomically designed to fit in the palm of your hand.
The Mini is rugged and dependable, providing tremendous value for cost-
conscious users who want a reliable, easy-to-use, handheld particle counter.
Features:
•Small and light enough to be carried comfortably for long periods
•Simple to use and maintain
•Sizing sensitivities from 0.3 to 5.0 microns
•Sample flow of 0.1 ft.
3
/min. (2.83 LPM)
•The internal batteries can be charged rapidly
•Stores data internally for review, print, or transfer to a PC
•Interfaces with an external PC to allow result analysis (using software)
• Optional external printer

Page 1-2 HandiLaz Mini Operator’s Manual
Chapter 1: Introduction
Control Keys
ENTER • Moves to the highlighted screen or
• Enters the selected option, and then moves to the next
choice.
PREV Returns to previous screen.
UP/DOWN Arrows • Changes displayed value or
• Toggles between screen displays (e.g., from 0.5 to 5.0
µm, or from #/Ft.
3
to #/M
3
) or
• Moves to the next stored record
START/STOP • Starts or Stops sampling or
• Starts display or printing of records

Control Keys
HandiLaz Mini Operator’s Manual Page 1-3
Figure 1-1: HandiLaz Mini
Power and
communications
connectors
PREVIOUS
Screen Key
ENTER Key
POWER
On/Off Key
Arrow Keys
START/STOP
Key

Page 1-4 HandiLaz Mini Operator’s Manual
Chapter 1: Introduction
Specifications
Channel thresholds:
0.3, 0.5, and 5.0 µm
Flow rate:
0.1 cfm (2.83 liters per minute)
Flow sensor:
Smart flow control based on pressure transducers
Light source:
Laser diode
Calibration particles:
NIST-traceable particles
Maximum concentration
(@ 5% coincidence error):
>2,000,000/ft.
3
Zero count:
<1 per five min. (meets JIS)
Counting efficiency:
50% ± 20% @ 0.3 µm (meets JIS for first channel)
ISO Classes:
Best for ISO 5–8
Sample output filtering:
None
Communication modes:
RS-232C or RS-485
Communications protocol:
9600 bps Baud rate
Data display modes:
Counts, Counts/m
3
, Counts/ft.
3
Sampling modes:
• Single
• Repeat
• Continuous
•Calculation
• ISO (calculations for 0.5 and 5.0 µm)
Key internal software features:
• ISO certification, Hotkey, Autostart, Sampling,
Display, Uplink, Print, Clear and Alarms
Standard reports (from optional
external printer):
Repeat, Single or Continuous mode,
Calculation or ISO mode
Error messages
(real-time):
• Excessive Concentration
• Exceeds Alarm Limits
• Laser Power
• Low Battery, Printer Buffer
External software:
Downloads CSV file
Data storage:
Up to 10,000 samples. Calculations and ISO modes take
more than one storage space

Specifications
HandiLaz Mini Operator’s Manual Page 1-5
NOTE: Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Data security:
Cannot edit stored data
External surface:
ABS (plastic resin)
Appropriate cleaning materials:
Methanol or neutral detergents
Dimensions (w, h, d):
4.3 ×7.6 ×2.7 inches (11 ×20 ×7 cm)
Weight:
1.5 pounds (0.68 kg) without batteries
Power:
AC adapter: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Batteries:
4 rechargeable, AA NiMH batteries (1.2 VDC, 2100 mA)
Operating time on battery:
3 hours
Battery charging:
External; 3.5 hours
Operating environment:
• Temperature: 10-35°C
• Humidity: 0–85%, non-condensing
• Area type: cleanroom

Page 1-6 HandiLaz Mini Operator’s Manual
Chapter 1: Introduction
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HandiLaz Mini Operator’s Manual Page 2-1
Chapter 2
Taking Samples
Introduction
While the HandiLaz Mini offers 5 different sampling modes, the setup and
screens are quite similar for all. In fact, if you want to use the same setup you
used last time, it takes as few as 6 key pushes to start sampling. If this isn’t fast
enough, you can use the HOTKEY option (see Chapter 5) to reduce this to only
two key pushes. Sampling setup screens are quite similar from one sampling
mode to another, using a version of the same setup screen. (See Chapter 3 for
more details on the different sampling modes.)
Sample in Six Key Pushes (Using current sampling settings)
1 Press Power = ON.
2 <MENU> will be displayed, with the cursor on “MEASURE MODE.”
Press ENTER.
3 <MEASURE MODE> will be displayed, with the cursor on “REPEAT.”
Press ENTER.
4 REPEAT Screen will be displayed, with the cursor on “NO.” Press the Arrow
key to change value to “OK.”
5 Press ENTER.
6 SAMPLING Screen will be displayed, with the cursor on “OK.” Press ENTER.
Sample in Two Key Pushes Using HOTKEY (Using designated
mode & settings)
1 Press Power = ON.
2 Press START/STOP.
Sampling Sequence
If you have preset the unit to AUTOSTART, the unit will conduct sampling as
follows:

Page 2-2 HandiLaz Mini Operator’s Manual
Chapter 2: Taking a Quick Sample
1 “WAIT” will be displayed for preset period (min. of 10 sec.), allowing the unit
to calculate and stabilize the flow, plus the allowing the operator to withdraw
from the area near the sampling probe.
2 “RUN” will be displayed while the unit takes the first sample.
3 “WAIT” will be displayed for the inter-sample interval, i.e., between sequential
samples from the same location. For sampling to beskipped for an inter-sample
interval of M seconds, the Cycle Time (i.e., “INT”) must be set M seconds
longer than the “SAMPLE” time.
4 “RUN” will be displayed while the unit takes the next sample.
5 “END” will be displayed when the sampling sequence is completed.
If you have NOT preset the unit to AUTOSTART, after the “WAIT” period is
completed, the unit will display “READY.” Press the START/STOP key to
begin sampling and display “RUN.”
Changing Sampling Settings
The sampling setup screen is shown in Figure 2-1. The key parameters are:
Sampling Mode Already selected by user in <MEASURING MODE>
Particle Size Channels Automatically set by selecting the Sampling Mode.
(ISO Mode only uses 0.5 and 5.0 µm channels)
Location Number Tags data record and print strip with a numeric ID.
(Allows values from 000 to 255)
STR Stores data in unit if set = Y (for YES)
BEEP Provides audible beep is set = Y (for YES)
SAMPLE Time Duration of single sample (in MM:SS)
TIMES Number of sequential samples taken at this location
INT Cycle Interval = Time to take sample + Inter-sample Delay
(If INT set = Sample time, then Inter-sample Delay = 0.
Once unit notices, it will reset the lower value to = Sample time)
NO Sampling setup is NOT completed
OK Sampling setup IS completed, ready to start sampling

Data Display
HandiLaz Mini Operator’s Manual Page 2-3
Figure 2-1: Sampling Setup Screen: REPEAT Mode
Data Display
At the end of sampling the results are displayed on the LED screen (see Figure
2-2). The displayed information is as follows:
Sampling Mode Mode used to collect data
Storage Location Last Saved Sample is stored in this location
Beep Mode Status B shows Beep Mode = YES;
“blank” shows Beep Mode = NO
Battery Icon Icon outline with blank interior = Battery is very low.
Icon blacked-in = Battery has adequate charge.
END Sampling sequence has been completed
0.3, 0.5 & 5.0 Channel size labels: Cumulative counts of that size or larger
CNT Units set to show as raw Counts (alternatively, choose #/Ft
3
or #/M
3
)
# Samples Completed / # Samples Scheduled Example: “02/03” means
the program completed 2 samples
at this location, compared to the 3 samples scheduled.
:
Figure 2-2: Data Display Screen: REPEAT Mode

Page 2-4 HandiLaz Mini Operator’s Manual
Chapter 2: Taking a Quick Sample
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