PCE Instruments PCE-VA 20 User manual

PCE Americas Inc.
711 Commerce Way
Suite 8
Jupiter
FL-33458
USA
From outside US: +1
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
PCE Instruments UK Ltd.
Units 12/13
Southpoint Business Park
Ensign way
Hampshire / Southampton
United Kingdom, SO31 4RF
From outside UK: +44
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/english
www.pce-instruments.com
Manual
HVAC Meter PCE-VA 20
Version 1.1
Date of creation: 30.07.2015
Date of last change: 04.11.2015

Manual
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Contents
1Introduction ............................................................................................................. 3
2Safety notes ............................................................................................................. 3
3Specification ............................................................................................................ 4
3.1 Range:................................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Resolution: ............................................................................................................................ 4
3.3 Accuracy: .............................................................................................................................. 4
3.4 Technical Data:...................................................................................................................... 4
4System description ................................................................................................. 5
4.1 Display .................................................................................................................................. 5
4.2 Buttons.................................................................................................................................. 6
5Measuring ................................................................................................................ 7
5.1 Switch between measurement parameters............................................................................. 7
5.2 Volume flow measurements................................................................................................... 7
5.3 Measuring relative humidity ................................................................................................... 7
6Functions ................................................................................................................. 7
6.1 Data Hold.............................................................................................................................. 7
6.2 MIN/MAX............................................................................................................................... 7
6.3 Averaging.............................................................................................................................. 8
6.3.1 Multi-point average.................................................................................................................... 8
6.3.2 Time average............................................................................................................................ 8
6.4 Auto power-off function.......................................................................................................... 8
7SETUP ...................................................................................................................... 9
7.1.1 P1.0: Unit selection................................................................................................................... 9
7.1.2 P2.0: AREA Size....................................................................................................................... 9
7.1.3 P3.0: RH offset.......................................................................................................................... 9
8Calibration ............................................................................................................... 9
8.1 RH Calibration....................................................................................................................... 9
9Troubleshooting .................................................................................................... 10
9.1 Faults...................................................................................................................................10
9.2 Error codes...........................................................................................................................10
9.2.1 Air temperature........................................................................................................................10
9.2.2 Relative humidity......................................................................................................................10
9.2.3 Dew point and wet-bulb temperature........................................................................................10
9.2.4 Flow velocity............................................................................................................................11
9.2.5 Volume Flow............................................................................................................................11
10 Contact ................................................................................................................... 12
10.1 PCE Instruments UK.............................................................................................................12
10.2 PCE Americas......................................................................................................................12

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1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a vane anemometer PCE-VA 20 from PCE Instruments.
The vane anemometer PCE-VA 20 is able to measure air volume flow, air velocity and parameters like air
temperature and relative humidity. The gauge is extremely easy to handle and has a wide range of
application. With the multi-point and time average function, it’s possible to perform average measuring’s.
It is possible to add an airflow cone set (round or square), which makes the device to a multifunctional
gauge with a wide range of possibilities.
2 Safety notes
Please read this manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time. The device
may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel. There is no
warranty of damages or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual.
Don’t use the device with wet hands.
Do not use the device in areas with explosive atmospheres.
The device may only be used in approved temperature and humidity range.
The opening of the case should only be done by qualified personnel of the PCE Instruments.
The instrument should never be placed with the user interface (e.g. keyboard side) on a table.
You should not make technical changes on the device
The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth / use only pH-neutral cleaner
This user's handbook is published from PCE Instruments without any guarantee.
We expressly point to our general guarantee terms, they can be found in our general terms of business.
If you have any questions please contact PCE Instruments.

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3 Specification
3.1 Technical specifications
Range:
Flow velocity
0.2 … 30 m/s
Volume flow
0 … 99999 m³/s
Temperature
-20 … +60 °C
Relative humidity
0.1 … 99.9 %RH
Dew point
-5 … +59.9 °C
Wet-bulb temperature
-20 … +59.9 °C
Resolution:
Flow velocity
0.1 m/s
Volume flow
0.1 (0 … 9999.9) or. 1 (10000 … 99999)
Temperature
0.1 °C
Relative humidity (RH)
0.1 %RH
Accuracy:
Flow velocity
± (1.5% of measured value + 0.3 m/s) when
below 20 m/s
± (3% of measured value + 0.3 m/s) when above
20 m/s
Temperature
+0.6 °C
Relative humidity
±3 % (at +25 °C); else: ±5 %
Technical Data:
Fan diameter
Ø 10 cm
Fan anemometer dimensions
269 x 160 x 51 mm
Airflow cone dimensions
Round cone: Ø 210 mm
Square cone: 346 x 346 mm
Working conditions
0 … 50 °C, <80 %RH
Storage conditions
-10 … +50 °C, <90 %RH
Power supply
4 x AAA micro batteries
3.2 Contents of delivery
PCE-VA 20
1 x anemometer PCE-VA 20
4 x AAA batteries
1 x instruction manual
1 x carrying case
PCE-VA 20-SET
1 x anemometer PCE-VA 20
4 x AAA batteries
1 x round airflow cone
1 x square airflow cone
1 x instruction manual
1 x carrying case

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4 System description
Upper display:
Air velocity, air humidity, timer and number of recordings in
average mode.
Lower display:
Air temperature, volume flow, wet bulb temperature, dew
point temperature
4.1 Display
Display indication Meaning
HOLD: Freeze the current display
AVG: Averaging
MAX/MIN: Highest and lowest values
Low battery warning
m/s; fpm: Flow velocity display units
%RH: Relative humidity
°C und °F: Temperature display units
CMM, CFM: Airflow volume units
WBT: Wet-bulb temperature
DP: Dew point temperature
Inch2; cm2: Area display units
cone symbol

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4.2 Buttons
The device is controlled via four buttons. The on/off-button, the HOLD/MIN/MAX-button, die up-button
and the down-button:
Turn the meter on and off.
Long press to enter and exit the setup mode.
Freeze current reading on LCD.
Long press to view MIN and MAX values.
In average mode, press to record data or start timed
recording.
In setup mode, press to enter data settings.
Switches to upper display.
Long press to go into average mode.
In average mode, press to average and return to normal
mode.
In setup mode, press to select category or increase
value.
Switches lower display.
In average mode, press to view, recorded and average
reading of all parameters.
In setup mode. Press to select category or decrease
value.

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5 Measuring
5.1 Switch between measurement parameters
The anemometer shows 2 different measurement parameters at the same time. By default, these
parameters are air temperature on the lower display and flow velocity on the upper display. To change
the displayed parameters, use the Up and Down buttons.
By pressing Up, you can switch between flow velocity and relative air humidity on the upper display.
When pressing Down, you can switch between air temperature, volume flow, wet bulb temperature and
dew point temperature on the lower display.
5.2 Volume flow measurements
Before measuring the volume flow, you have to enter the dimensions of the cross-sectional area in the
setup menu (see chapter 7.1.2 for more information).
After AREA setting is completed, press the down button to switch the display to air volume flow and the
measured air volume flow will be displayed on the lower LCD.
You can also measure the volume flow with an airflow cone. To do so, just attach one of the optional
cones to the meter. The anemometer detects the cone automatically and shows a cone indication on the
display. After that, the device will calculate the volume flow.
Note: Make sure the airflow cone is well mounted and locked tight.
5.3 Measuring relative humidity
The capacitive humidity sensor is built in the centre of the vane.
Press the Up button to show the relative air humidity on the upper display.
It is also possible to set an offset value. See chapter 7.1.3 for more information.
6 Functions
6.1 Data Hold
In normal measuring mode, press the Hold button to freeze the current reading on the LCD. A “HOLD”
icon appears on the display. To unfreeze the reading, just press the press the Hold button again.
6.2 MIN/MAX
In normal measuring mode, press and hold the Hold button for 3 seconds. The display now shows the
MIN value, as well as a “MIN” indication.
Press and hold the button again, to view the MAX value. The display also shows a “MAX” indication.
Press and hold the Hold button once again to return to normal measuring mode.
Note: While viewing the MIN and MAX values, you can use the Up and Down buttons to switch between
the different parameters.

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6.3 Averaging
6.3.1 Multi-point average
In normal measuring mode, press and hold the Up button for 2 seconds to enter multi-point average
mode. (The upper display shows the record number and the lower is the measured reading)
Press the hold-button to record readings.
Once you are finished with recording, press the Up button to view the average value on the lower
display. Also the ”AVG“ indication starts to flash.
Press the Down button to switch between the different measurement parameters.
By pressing the Up button again, you return to the normal measuring mode.
6.3.2 Time average
In normal measuring mode, press the Up button for 2 seconds to enter multi-point average mode. Press
the Up button again to enter timed average mode. (The upper display shows the duration time in
seconds. The maximum time is 19999 seconds. The lower display shows the current reading)
Press the Hold button to start recording. The timer on the upper display starts counting.
Press the Up button to stop and calculate the timed average. You can see the duration on the
upper display and the average value on the lower display. Also the ”AVG“ indication starts to
flash.
Press the Down button to switch between the different measurement parameters.
By pressing the Up button again, you return to the normal measuring mode.
6.4 Auto power-off function
The anemometer shuts down automatically after 20 minutes of inactivity.
Deactivate the auto power-off function
To deactivate the auto power-off function, follow these steps:
With the fan anemometer powered off, press and hold the On/Off and AVG keys simultaneously for 2
seconds.
The display now shows "n". After that, the fan anemometer switches to the normal measuring mode or
the warm-up phase begins.
The auto power-off function is now deactivated. The anemometer will not shut down automatically.
To re-activate the auto power-off function, turn the fan anemometer off and back on.

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7 SETUP
To enter the settings, press and hold the On/Off button for 2 seconds in normal measuring mode.
You can choose between the following settings:
P1.0: Unit selection
P2.0: AREA size
P3.0: RH offset
To switch between the settings, use the Up and Down buttons.
To exit the setup, press and hold the On/Off button again.
7.1.1 P1.0: Unit selection
When P1.0 is selected, press the Hold button to enter the unit selection. By pressing the Up or Down
button, you can now switch between metric and imperial units. The units include air velocity (m/s, fpm),
temp. (°C, F), volume flow (cmm, cfm) and area size (cm², inch2). After finishing the selection, press the
Hold button to return to setup selection.
7.1.2 P2.0: AREA Size
In P2.0 you can set the dimensions of the cross-sectional area for volume flow measurements. Press the
Hold button to enter the area setting. The lower display now shows “99999” with the first digit flashing.
Press the Up button to change the selected digit and press the Down button to move to the next digit.
Once you set up the area properly, press the Hold button to confirm the input and to return to the setup
selection.
7.1.3 P3.0: RH offset
In P3.0 you can set a humidity offset. To do so, press the Hold button when P3.0 is selected. Now the
upper display shows the flashing offset value. Press the Up button to increase the offset value and the
Down button to decrease it. Once you are finished, press the Hold button again to confirm your input and
to return to the setup selection.
8 Calibration
8.1 RH Calibration
The humidity calibration of this meter requires specific fixture and cannot be done by end users. Please
contact the dealer for calibration service.

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9 Troubleshooting
9.1 Faults
Fault
Possible cause
Remedy
It is not possible to power
on the fan anemometer
On/Off key pressed too
fleetingly
Press the On/Off key slightly
longer
Batteries not inserted
correctly
Check correct polarity
Battery voltage insufficient
Replace batteries
9.2 Error codes
9.2.1 Air temperature
Error code
Error
Remedial action
E02
Temperature is below measuring
range
Acclimatize the fan anemometer
at room temperature for 30
minutes. If E02 is still displayed,
return the fan anemometer for
repair.
E03
Temperature is above measuring
range
Acclimatize the fan anemometer
at room temperature for 30
minutes. If E02 is still displayed,
return the fan anemometer for
repair.
E31
Temperature sensor defective
Return the fan anemometer for
repair.
9.2.2 Relative humidity
Error code
Error
Remedial action
E04
Caused by temperature error
Please refer to the errors of air
temperature
E11
Calibration error
Return the fan anemometer for
relative humidity calibration
E31
Humidity sensor defective
Return the fan anemometer for
repair.
9.2.3 Dew point and wet-bulb temperature
Error code
Error
Remedial action
E04
Caused by temperature or
humidity error
Please refer to the paragraphs
above

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9.2.4 Flow velocity
Error code
Error
Remedial action
E03
Flow velocity is above range
Take measurements within
range If E03 is still displayed,
return the fan anemometer for
repair.
9.2.5 Volume Flow
Error code
Error
Remedial action
E03
Value is above display range.
Check entered tube area.
E04
Error with flow velocity
Return the fan anemometer for
repair.

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10 Contact
If you have any questions about our range of products or measuring instruments please contact PCE
Instruments.
10.1 PCE Instruments UK
By post:
PCE Instruments UK Ltd.
Units 12/13 Southpoint Business Park
Ensign Way, Southampton
Hampshire
United Kingdom, SO31 4RF
By phone:
02380 987 035
10.2 PCE Americas
By post:
PCE Americas Inc.
711 Commerce Way
Suite 8
Jupiter
33458 FL
USA
By phone:
561 320 9162