Pilot Communications M1 User manual

1
EXPLOSIVE VAPOR DETECTOR
USER’S MANUAL
CONTENTS
1. Foreword ............................................................................................................ 2
2. Precautions ........................................................................................................ 2
3. Recommendations ............................................................................................. 3
4. Operational principle .......................................................................................... 3
5. EVD. Complete set............................................................................................. 5
6. EVD. Controls and connectors ........................................................................... 6
7. EVD. Power supply ............................................................................................ 7
7.1. Rechargeable battery power supply ....................................................... 7
7.2. Mains power supply ................................................................................ 7
7.3. Battery status control .............................................................................. 8
7.4. Battery charging...................................................................................... 8
8. EVD operation .................................................................................................... 9
8.1. Getting started ........................................................................................ 9
8.2. Threshold detection level adjustment ................................................... 10
8.3. Working capacity test............................................................................ 11
8.4. Search mode ........................................................................................ 12
8.5. View mode settings............................................................................... 14
8.6. Sound settings ...................................................................................... 15
8.7. Language settings ................................................................................ 15
8.8. Detailed information.............................................................................. 16
9. Sample heater .................................................................................................. 17
9.1. Sample heater operations..................................................................... 17
9.2. Sample collection using special swab .................................................. 20
10.Gauze sampler pump....................................................................................... 21
10.1. Sample collection using gauze sampler pump ..................................... 21
10.2. Sampler Pump battery charging ........................................................... 22
11. Contaminated elements cleaning ..................................................................... 23
12.Pilot®-M1 software ............................................................................................ 25
12.1. Minimal system requirements ............................................................... 25
12.2.Program setup....................................................................................... 25
12.3.Detector connection .............................................................................. 26
12.4.Program operation ................................................................................ 26
12.5.Current ionogram mode ........................................................................ 27
12.6.Browse les on Detector ....................................................................... 29
12.7.Browse les on PC................................................................................ 32
12.8.Detection zone adjustment.................................................................... 33
12.9.Select language .................................................................................... 33
13.Storage............................................................................................................. 34
14.Transportation .................................................................................................. 34
15.Technical specications.................................................................................... 35
16.Guarantee certicates ...................................................................................... 36
17.Troubleshooting guide...................................................................................... 37
FOR NOTES.......................................................................................................... 39
DSM1P-18003

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EXPLOSIVE VAPOR DETECTOR
USER’S MANUAL
1. FOREWORD
This Manual should be studied before any manipulation is made with the Detector.
2. PRECAUTIONS
The following precautions should be taken when operating the equipment.
Entering the premise from the cold, keep the Detector in a carrying case for at least 2
hours before opening.
When setting the equipment ensure that:
• the ventilation holes are not covered;
• air is allowed to circulate freely around the body;
• it is on a vibration free surface;
• it will not be exposed to strong interference from an external source;
• it will not be exposed to electrostatic discharges;
• it will not be exposed to excessive heat (higher then 70°С even when it’s switched
o󰀨) or to direct sunlight;
• avoid condensate, splashes or water from entering the inside of the Main Unit
body. If a foreign body or water does enter the equipment contact your nearest
dealer or service center;
• don’t use the Main Unit in a dusty and smoky environment;
• don’t remove the cover from the body!
• don’t handle the cables with wet hands!
• don’t pull out the plugs by pulling on the cables - hold the plug!
• In addition, never place heavy objects on the equipment!
WARNINGS
PILOT®-M1 represents a functionally complete device – thus needs
no maintenance from the User.
Don’t try to disassemble it.
Ask qualied personnel for service and repair.

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EXPLOSIVE VAPOR DETECTOR
USER’S MANUAL
3. RECOMMENDATIONS
The portable Explosive Vapor Detector (EVD) «PILOT®-M1» is intended for detection of
charges of explosives in non-tight volumes and traces of explosives on a surface of surveyed
objects. Detection is carried out by sampling air from internal volumes of surveyed objects
or from their surfaces and the analysis of tests on contents of characteristic components of
explosive vapor.
The detector is capable to detect traces of explosives based on nitroglycerine (NG), EGDN,
trinitrotoluene (tol, trotyl, TNT), PENT (tetranitrapentaerythrit, pentaerythrittetranitrate,
Pentrit, PENT), hexogen (RDX), oktogen (HMX), tetryl (Tetril) and nitrocellulose powders,
engaging mixing explosives on their ground: Semtex and other plastic and elastic explosives
on the basis of RDX, PENT or their mixture, B-type compositions (ТГ-20, ТГ-40, ТГ-60, ТГ-
80, МС, ТГАФ)*, C-type (C1, C2, C3, C4, ПВВ-4*, ПВВ-5А*, ПВВ-7*, ПВВ-12М*, ЭВВ-11*,
ЭВВ-32*, and etc.), H-6, HBX, Minol-2, Amatol (amatol, аммонит № 6-ЖВ*), Primacord,
Primasheet, Tetritol, Tritonal, Cordit N, A-IX-1, A-IX-2, A-IX-20, octols*, ocfols* and etc.
* - explosives of Russian origin.
4. OPERATIONAL PRINCIPLE
The proper sample collection is governing condition for any trace detector. The versatile
EVD is capable of analyzing either trace particle or vapor samples, allowing the operator to
apply an adequate sampling technique for the substance suspected.
For example, most explosives do not have a strong vapor presence and in the real world are
very di󰀩cult to detect by vapor. Therefore, the most reliable collection and analysis method
for those substances is particle collection.
The EVD operational principle is based on Drift Spectrometry method - free ions mobility in
an alternating electric eld. Explosives vapor detection is realized by assay collection from
the suspect object surface or its inner space and subsequent analysis of these samples for
the presence of typical components. Sample collection is accomplished by means of air
suction from object’s surface or through the holes, chinks and slots in its body. It can be done
directly or by means of additional pump. Assay for analysis can be obtained by wiping the
inspected surface with sampling swabs as well.
Explosives particles collected by swab or its adsorbed vapor are ionized and directed
into a drift-box with alternating electric eld. Then distinctive ions typical to explosives are
separated and registered.
The obtained analysis data is processed by build-in CPU and displayed on LCD.

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EXPLOSIVE VAPOR DETECTOR
USER’S MANUAL
Special sample Heater (supplied) provides ultimate possibilities:
– Explosives detection not only from a gaseous but also solid phase (microparticles).
– Less volatile matters detection like RDX, PENT and compositions on their base (plastic
and elastic explosives).
– Minimization of environment inuence (humidity, temperature and air turbulence) on
detection facility.
– Simultaneous sample collection in various places by means of dedicated Sampler Unit
or swabs
Moreover, supplementary Gauze Sampler Unit (air pump) allows operator to collect
samples even in a dusty and smoky environment when a direct usage of the Main Unit is not
recommended.
SPECIAL WARNING!
«Pilot®-M1» EVD is a high sensitive device.
• don’t store the Detector in ammunition, explosives and weapon rooms;
• don’t use the Detector in a premise where explosives are stored;
• don’t allow personnel with direct contact with explosives from any operation with
the Detector;
• don’t collect samples and place the detector in the inspection zone, if there’s
alarm signal of maximum intensity indicating high concentration of vapor or
microparticle explosives;
• don’t use the detector over the sources, which intensively emit moisture vapors,
acids, alkalis, solvents or oily vapors (for example when cooking on electric or gas
heaters).
Remember that contamination of the detector’s internal and/or external surfaces with
(for example) oily substances and deposition of microparticle explosives on them will
cause permanent false alarms.
For troubleshooting you should return the detector to the manufacturer to repair the
device at User’s cost.

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EXPLOSIVE VAPOR DETECTOR
USER’S MANUAL
5. EVD. COMPLETE SET
1. EVD, Main Unit 1
2. Test unit (Imitator) 1
3. Sample Heater 1
4. Self-contained Gauze Sampler Pump 1
5. Metallic Gauze Sampler 3
6. Special Swab Sampler 30
7. Power cable for the Charger 1
8. Charger 1
9. Rechargeable Battery 2
10. Tweezers 1
11. AC / DC Adapter 1
12. USB cable 1
13. User’s Manual 1
14. Carrying case* 1
15. Software* 1
* - not shown on Fig. 1.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
10
11
8
13
12
Fig. 1

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EXPLOSIVE VAPOR DETECTOR
USER’S MANUAL
6. EVD. CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS
Pilot®-M1 EVD Main Unit
Computer coupling port
Sample heater
coupling port
Battery compartment
shut
Suction port
Fig. 2
Touchscreen
ON / OFF Button
Rechargeable
Battery
Handle
Power supply
socket Fig. 3a
Fig. 3b

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EXPLOSIVE VAPOR DETECTOR
USER’S MANUAL
7. EVD. POWER SUPPLY
EVD can be powered both by rechargeable battery and wall outlet.
7.1. RECHARGEABLE BATTERY POWER SUPPLY
NOTE: Use only rechargeable batteries from
supplied set. EVD is compatible with NP-F770
battery (7.2 V). Please contact manufacturer
for details.
Battery replacement:
1. Make sure the EVD Main Unit is o󰀨 and AC/DC
adapter isn`t connected.
2. Open the battery compartment shut (Fig. 4a)
3. Remove discharged battery from the battery
compartment (Fig. 4b).
4. Place charged battery into the battery
compartment.
5. Close the battery compartment shut.
7.2. MAINS POWER SUPPLY
1. Take an AC/DC Power Adapter (No.11 on the
Fig. 1).
2. Connect AC/DC to a corresponding socket on the
back side of the Main Unit body.
3. Couple AC/DC Adapter plug to the wall outlet.
NOTE: The battery is charging while EVD is
supplied from wall outlet via corresponding
AC/DC adapter (Fig. 5a).
While th EVD is o󰀨 battery charging progress is
shown on the display (Fig 5b).
Fig. 5a
Battery
charging
indicator
Fig. 5b
Fig. 4b
Fig. 4a

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EXPLOSIVE VAPOR DETECTOR
USER’S MANUAL
7.3. BATTERY STATUS CONTROL
The battery status is shown in lower right corner of the screen. (Fig. 6a).
Discharged battery is indicated by audio signal and «BATTERY IS LOW» message on the
screen. (Fig. 6b)
7.4. BATTERY CHARGING
1. Connect AC/DC Adapter plug to the charger (Fig. 7a).
2. Insert discharged battery into the charger until it’s locked (Fig. 7b).
3. Couple AC/DC adapter plug to the wall outlet - red LED will light in conrmation.
4. After nishing the charging process green LED will light.
battery status
indicator
Fig. 6a Fig. 6b
Fig. 7a Fig. 7b

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EXPLOSIVE VAPOR DETECTOR
USER’S MANUAL
8. DETECTOR OPERATION
8.1. GETTING STARTED
1. Take the EVD Main Unit.
2. Provide its power supply: insert a charged battery
(see page 7) or couple AC/DC adapter.
3. Place the EVD at least 50 cm far from surroundings.
4. Switch on the EVD by pressing ON/OFF button.
5. After the system test the EVD will pass to a
«READY» mode (Fig. 8, 9).
6. To enter «SEARCH» mode (Fig. 10) tap
(Fig. 9).
Periodic audio signal corresponds to vapor analysis
period of the method employed.
NOTE: In a complicated environment condition
might be a situation when the air in that place,
i.e. the gaseous background of the environment,
causes a false alarm.
The system reacts by a corresponding audio signal
and the LCD indication «ALARM» (Fig. 11). In such
case operator should readjust a threshold detection
level.
Fig. 9
Number of
ionogram
Fig. 11
Fig. 8
Number of
ionogram
Fig. 10
Ionogram

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EXPLOSIVE VAPOR DETECTOR
USER’S MANUAL
8.2. THRESHOLD DETECTION LEVEL
ADJUSTMENT
1. Tap the touchscreen to make icon
appear, than tap to enter Settings
Menu.
2. Select «THRESHOLD» by tapping it (Fig. 13).
3. Adjust threshold detection level by tapping
or (Fig. 14). Tap to apply
settings.
4. To exit from Settings Menu tap (Fig. 13).
The EVD will pass to a «READY» mode (Fig. 15).
NOTE: The EVD working capacity should be
checked after threshold level adjustment!
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 15
Threshold
detection
level
Fig. 14
Threshold
detection
level

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EXPLOSIVE VAPOR DETECTOR
USER’S MANUAL
8.3. WORKING CAPACITY TEST
1. Take an imitator (container with TNT vapor
source).
2. Open an imitator’s container (Fig. 16).
3. Tap to enter «SEARCH» mode.
4. Draw the suction port of the Main Unit near
opened imitator within 30…40 mm distance
(Fig. 16).
5. If the Detector operates properly the Alarm sound
will be present and the LCD will indicate the word
«ALARM» (Fig. 17).
Sound alarm and «CONTAMINATION
HAZARD» (Fig. 18) message indicates
high explosive concentration. In this case
immediately take away detector from the object.
Pilot®-M1 Detector will stop analysys procedure.
Tap to check last analysys
results (Fig. 19).
6. Close the imitator’s container.
7. Tap to enter «READY» mode and wait until cleaning procedure is completed
(Fig. 20).
8. The Detector is ready for operation.
30 ... 40 mm
imitator
container
Fig. 16
Fig. 18
signal
level
Fig. 17
Fig. 19 Fig. 20

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EXPLOSIVE VAPOR DETECTOR
USER’S MANUAL
8.4. SEARCH MODE
1. Tap to enter «SEARCH» mode.
2. Draw the suction port of the Main Unit near an inspected surface (Fig. 21) within 30-40
mm distance (not more!).
3. Scan an inspected surface or an object sliding Detector smoothly without jerky motions
approx. 10 mm/sec (no faster!). Hold the Detector at a right angle to the surface. The
maximum deection should be no more then ± 10 degrees (Fig. 22).
NOTE: Shelter the place of operation from wind and draught.
±10 Degrees
Scanning track
30 ... 40 mm
Fig. 21
10 mm/sec
Fig. 22
Questioned object surfaceCurved scanning path and rate at the
time of its investigation

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EXPLOSIVE VAPOR DETECTOR
USER’S MANUAL
Pay special attention to locks, handles, slots
and cracks of an object where the explosive
residue or its vapor are more probable.
4. In case of explosives detection the repeated audio
signal and the word «ALARM» on the LCD should
appear (Fig. 24).
5. Sound alarm and «CONTAMINATION
HAZARD» (Fig. 25) message indicates
high explosive concentration. In this case
immediately take away detector from the
object.
The Detector will stop analysys procedure. Tap
to check last analysys results.
Tap or for ionogram swithing.
Tap to return «READY» mode.
NOTE:
There can be cases of short-term loss of detector’s working capacity in case of
presence of objects with high concentration of explosives in vapor/microparticle form
around them. It can also happen when moving the detector between the premises,
from the premise outside and back or when there are temperature/humidity changes.
In these cases, false alarm signal can be generated or test unit (imitator) can be
ignored. Self-recovery of working capacity in such situations can take from several
minutes to several tens of minutes.
Fig. 23
Fig. 24
signal
level
Threshold
detection
level number of
ionogram
Fig. 25

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EXPLOSIVE VAPOR DETECTOR
USER’S MANUAL
8.5. VIEW MODE SETTINGS
1. Tap the touchscreen to make icon
appear, than tap to enter Settings
Menu.
2. Select «VIEW MODE» by tapping it (Fig. 26).
3. Select «NORMAL» (Fig. 27) or «GRAPHIC»
(Fig. 28) by tapping it. Tap to apply settings.
«NORMAL» ans «GRAPHIC» views are shown on
Fig. 29,30.
4. To exit from Settings Menu tap the icon
again. The Detector will pass to a «READY» mode.
Normal view Graphic view
Fig. 26
Fig. 27
Fig. 28
Fig. 29
Threshold
detection
level
signal
level
Fig. 30
Threshold
detection
level
signal
level

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EXPLOSIVE VAPOR DETECTOR
USER’S MANUAL
8.6. SOUND SETTINGS
1. Tap the touchscreen to make icon
appear, than tap the to enter Settings
Menu.
2. Select «SOUND» by tapping it (Fig. 31).
3. Select «FULL» (Fig. 32), «ONLY ALARM»
(Fig. 33) or «OFF» (Fig. 34) by tapping it.
• set «FULL» if the sound is turned on;
• set «ONLY ALARM» if alarm audio signal
only;
• set «OFF» if the sound is turned o󰀨.
Tap to apply settings.
4. To exit from Settings Menu tap the icon .
The Detector will pass to a «READY» mode.
8.7. LANGUAGE SETTINGS
1. Tap the touchscreen to make icon
appear, than tap to enter Settings
Menu.
2. Select «LANGUAGE» by tapping it (Fig. 35).
Fig. 31
Fig. 32
Fig. 33
Fig. 34
Fig. 35

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EXPLOSIVE VAPOR DETECTOR
USER’S MANUAL
3. Select language (Fig. 36,37).
Tap to apply settings.
4. To exit from Settings Menu tap . The
Detector will pass to a «READY» mode.
8.8. DETAILED INFORMATION
1. Tap the touchscreen to make icon
appear, than tap to enter Settings
Menu.
2. Select «ABOUT» by tapping it (Fig. 38).
3. «ABOUT» screen contains information about
serial number and manufacturing date (Fig. 39).
4. Tap to return Settings Menu.
5. To exit from Settings Menu tap the icon .
The Detector will pass to a «READY» mode.
Fig. 36
Fig. 37
Fig. 38
Fig. 39

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EXPLOSIVE VAPOR DETECTOR
USER’S MANUAL
9. SAMPLE HEATER
Special Sample Heater (Fig. 40) supplies an operator
with a unique chance to detect less volatile explosive
matters right on spot.
Moreover, it permits to reveal explosives from liquid
and solid (i. e. micro-particles) phases.
In that case the EVD can be placed in a friendlier
environment with a minimum inuence of high
humidity, dust, smoke, low and high temperature.
9.1. SAMPLE HEATER OPERATIONS
1. Place on stable plane surface.
2. Make sure detector is o󰀨.
3. Connect the EVD to the Sample heater
until it stops (Fig. 41-42).
4. Switch on the EVD (see page 9).
After turning on the detector checking
background signal. Icon in the bottom right
corner of LCD indicates connected
sample heater and Heater’s LED light
changes color from red to green (Fig. 43).
NOTE: In case of high signal amplitude (Fig.
44 on page 18), cleaning of the Sample Heater
is recommended (see «11. Contaminated
elements cleaning», page 23).
LED indicator
Fig. 40
Fig. 41
Fig. 42
Fig. 43
Connected
heater icon

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EXPLOSIVE VAPOR DETECTOR
USER’S MANUAL
6. After checking background signal the EVD will
pass to an «READY» mode (Fig. 45).
NOTE: Every time starting an investigation check
the Heater purity. This will help to avoid a false
alarm. Carry out several null-cycle measurements
(with out special swabs and other sampler units!)
to conrm the device purity.
In case of long-term usage sample heater
contamination may occur. It leads to false alarms.
In such cases recommended periodically update
background signal: In «READY» mode tap
(Fig.45). To update the background signal tap
«SETTING» (Fig. 46). Detector will update the
background signal and returns to the «READY»
mode.
7. To reach working chamber of the Heater turn the
lower part of it downwards (shown by an arrow)
(Fig. 47). Use plastic knob for this purpose.
8. Open the working module of the Heater and
insert the swab (Fig. 48 on page 49) or the
Metallic Gauze Sampler (Fig. 49 on page 49).
NOTES:
• Place the swab in the middle of the working
area with the used side UPWARDS - towards
Detector’s suction port.
• Don’t touch heating element of the Heater
barehanded. Use tweezers (supplied).
• Sample analysis is available within 1…2
hours from the moment of sample collection.
Fig. 45
Fig. 44
Fig. 46
Fig. 47

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EXPLOSIVE VAPOR DETECTOR
USER’S MANUAL
9. Close the working module (Fig. 50).
10. Tap to enter «SEARCH» mode (Fig. 51). In
case of explosive detection ALARM signal should
appear (Fig. 52).
NOTE: If «CONTAMINATION HAZARD»
(see Fig 24, 25 on page 13) warning appears
immediately remove Metallic Gauze Sampler or
swab sampler from sample heater! The EVD will
run «self-cleaning» procedure with countdown
timer.
11. After this the EVD keeps operating in result viewing
mode.
12. Remove the swab or Metallic Gauze Sampler from
sample heater.
13.Tap or for ionogram swithing
(Fig. 53).
Tap to return «READY» mode.
14. Turn o󰀨 the detector. Unplug AC/DC adapter if it is
necessary.
Fig. 48 Fig. 49 Fig. 50
Fig. 52
Fig. 51
Fig. 53

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EXPLOSIVE VAPOR DETECTOR
USER’S MANUAL
9.2. SAMPLE COLLECTION USING
SPECIAL SWABS
1. Take the swab from the package
(Fig. 54). Use tweezers (supplied) for
better accuracy.
2. Wipe smoothly the questioned surface:
Press the swab slightly with your index
nger to the surface to be examined
and carry out several circular motions
(Fig. 55).
3. Examine thoroughly the used side of the
swab and remove apparent particles to
prevent the Detector’s contamination
(Fig. 56).
4. Examine the swab with Pilot-M1
Detector in a «SEARCH» mode (refer
to «8.1. Detector operation. Getting
started», page 9).
5. If no «ALARM» signal was received
in this mode, put the swab into the
Heater (refer to «9.1. Sample Heater
operations», page 17).
NOTE: to avoid system contamination keep used swabs separatly from
pure (non-used) ones!
It is prohibited to store used swabs inside the carring case!
Fig. 55
Fig. 54
Fig. 56