RKI Instruments AirLink 5950 User manual

RKI Instruments, Inc.
www.rkiinstruments.com
AirLink 5950
Operator’s Manual
Part Number: 71-0662
Revision: P1
Released: 2/2/24

2• AirLink 5950 Operator’s Manual
Product Warranty
RKI Instruments, Inc. warrants gas alarm equipment sold by us to be free from defects in
materials, workmanship, and performance for a period of one year from date of shipment from
RKI Instruments, Inc. Any parts found defective within that period will be repaired or replaced, at
our option, free of charge. This warranty does not apply to those items which by their nature are
subject to deterioration or consumption in normal service, and which must be cleaned, repaired, or
replaced on a routine basis. The following are examples of such items:
• Absorbent cartridges
• Pump diaphragms and valves
•Fuses
•Batteries
• Filter elements
Warranty is voided by abuse including mechanical damage, alteration, rough handling, or repair
procedures not in accordance with the operator’s manual. This warranty indicates the full extent
of our liability, and we are not responsible for removal or replacement costs, local repair costs,
transportation costs, or contingent expenses incurred without our prior approval.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES AND
REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ALL OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES
ON THE PART OF RKI INSTRUMENTS, INC. INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR APARTICULAR PURPOSE. INNO EVENT SHALL RKI
INSTRUMENTS, INC. BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS OR
DAMAGE OF ANY KIND CONNECTED WITH THE USE OF ITS PRODUCTS OR FAILURE OF ITS
PRODUCTS TO FUNCTION OR OPERATE PROPERLY.
This warranty covers instruments and parts sold to users by authorized distributors, dealers, and
representatives as appointed by RKI Instruments, Inc.
We do not assume indemnification for any accident or damage caused by the operation of this gas
monitor, and our warranty is limited to the replacement of parts or our complete goods.

AirLink 5950 Operator’s Manual • 3
Table of Contents
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
External Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Control Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Sensor Wiring Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Wiring to Sensor 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Wiring to Sensor 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Start Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Magnetic Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Turning Off the Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Faults. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Using the Basic Configuration Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Turning on Sensor 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Setting the Radio Address. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Using the Advanced Menu Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Testing the Relay/Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Setting the Network I.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Viewing the Unit Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Selecting the Radio Time Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Setting the LCD Contrast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Restoring the Factory Default Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Battery Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Antenna Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

4• AirLink 5950 Operator’s Manual
Overview
The AirLink 5950 is a WireFree Switch-State Transmitter for use in conjunction with a new or
existing WireFree system.
The AirLink 5950 receives signals from up to two individually addressable sensors (pressure
switch, temperature sensor, flow sensor, tank level sensor,etc.), and then transmits the state of
(and change of state of) that switch.
This document should be read before initial operation of the product.
NOTE: The figures and enclosure wording in this manual represent the AirLink 5950 XP;
however, the AirLink 5950 NXP’s internal components and operation are identical.
About this Manual
The AirLink 5950 Gas Monitor Operator’s Manual uses the following conventions for notes,
cautions, and warnings:
NOTE: Describes additional or critical information.
CAUTION: Describes potential damage to equipment.
WARNING: Describes potential danger that can result in injury or death.
CAUTION: Refer to accompanying documentation.
VDC (DC voltage)
!

AirLink 5950 Operator’s Manual Specifications • 5
Specifications
Table 1: Specifications
Battery Voltage 3.6 VDC
Battery Life Up to 2 years (normal operation)
Operating Temperature -40°F to 129°F (-40°C to 54°C)
Input Signal 1-52 Networks (1-78 for 2.4 GHz)
1-255 Addresses per Network
Output Wireless radio
Dimensions (without antenna) 15.76 in. L x 5.11 in. W x 5.37 in. H
(40 cm L x 13.0 cm W x 13.6 cm H)
Weight 6 lbs.
User Buttons and Magnetic
Switches
MENU, ADD, SUB
Radio Options
2.4 GHz, ISM, 100 mW
OR
900 MHz, 200 mW
Standard Accessory • AirLink 5950 Operator’s Manual (this document)
• Magnetic Wand

6• External Components AirLink 5950 Operator’s Manual
External Components
Figure 1: Component Location
Control Board
Figure 2: Control Board

AirLink 5950 Operator’s Manual Sensor Wiring Setup • 7
Sensor Wiring Setup
NOTE: The figures and enclosure wording in this manual represent the AirLink 5950 XP;
however, the AirLink 5950 NXP’s internal components and operation are identical.
Although applications will vary, most switches use three wires: normally open (NO), common
(COMM) and normally closed (NC).
On the opposite side of the board from the terminals there are two switches which determine
whether the NO or NC side of the connected switch is being monitored by the control board.
If the side being monitored is open, a “0” will appear on the screen and be transmitted. If the side
being monitored is closed, a “1” will appear on the screen and be transmitted.
Wiring to Sensor 1
The AirLink 5950 is a wired transmitter that uses an external 4 - 20 mA sensor provided by the
user. Refer to the following procedure when wiring the Sensor 1 to the transmitter.
1. Power off the device by touching and holding the magnetic wand against the right side of the
device for four seconds to activate SUB.
2. Unscrew and remove the enclosure lid.
3. Grip the front panel thumbscrews and pull the front panel out of the enclosure.
CAUTION: Do not use any metal object to help remove the front panel. Do not
remove any connecting wires.

8• Sensor Wiring Setup AirLink 5950 Operator’s Manual
4. Locate the Sensor 1 terminal block on the control board and rotate the board so that the
terminal block is accessible for wiring.
CAUTION: Use appropriate construction technique to maintain the explosion proof
classification of the assembly.
5. Connect a wire (red) from Sensor 1 to the terminal labeled “NO” on the Sensor 1 Terminal
Block.
6. Connect a wire (black) from Sensor 1 to the terminal labeled “COMM” on the Sensor 1
Terminal block.
7. Connect a wire (green) from Sensor 1 to the terminal labeled “NC” on the Sensor 1 Terminal
Block.
Figure 3: Sensor 1 Wiring
8. To wire in Sensor 2, proceed to the next section. To finish wiring Sensor 1, replace the unit
back in the enclosure by matching each mounting post to its corresponding eyelet inside the
enclosure.

AirLink 5950 Operator’s Manual Sensor Wiring Setup • 9
9. Verify that each mounting post is properly fitted in its corresponding eyelet inside the
enclosure.
10. Verify that the sealing ring (located on the threads of the open enclosure) is still in place.
11. Place the enclosure lid on top of the enclosure base.
12. Rotate the lid until it is tightly screwed in place (approximately 20 rotations).
Wiring to Sensor 2
The AirLink 5950 is a wired transmitter that uses an external 4 - 20 mA sensor provided by the
user. Refer to the following procedure when wiring Sensor 2 to the transmitter.
1. Power off the device by touching and holding the magnetic wand against the right side of the
device for four seconds to activate SUB.
2. Unscrew and remove the enclosure lid.
3. Grip the front panel thumbscrews and pull the front panel out of the enclosure.
CAUTION: Do not use any metal object to help remove the front panel. Do not
remove any connecting wires.
4. Locate the Sensor 2 terminal block on the control board and rotate the board so that the
terminal block is accessible for wiring.
CAUTION: Use appropriate construction technique to maintain the explosion proof
classification of the assembly.

10 • Sensor Wiring Setup AirLink 5950 Operator’s Manual
5. Connect a wire (red) from Sensor 2 to the terminal labeled “NO” on the Sensor 2 Terminal
Block.
6. Connect a wire (black) from Sensor 2 to the terminal labeled “COMM” on the Sensor 2
Terminal block.
7. Connect a wire (green) from Sensor 2 to the terminal labeled “NC” on the Sensor 2 Terminal
Block.
Figure 4: Sensor 2 Wiring
8. To finish wiring Sensor 2, replace the unit back in the enclosure by matching each mounting
post to its corresponding eyelet inside the enclosure.
9. Verify that each mounting post is properly fitted in its corresponding eyelet inside the
enclosure.
10. Verify that the sealing ring (located on the threads of the open enclosure) is still in place.
11. Place the enclosure lid on top of the enclosure base.

AirLink 5950 Operator’s Manual Operation • 11
12. Rotate the lid until it is tightly screwed in place (approximately 20 rotations).
Operation
NOTE: The figures and enclosure wording in this manual represent the AirLink 5950 XP;
however, the AirLink 5950 NXP’s internal components and operation are identical.
WARNING: Do not remove the enclosure lid while the circuits are energized unless the area is
determined to be non-hazardous. Keep the enclosure lid tightly closed during
operation.
Start Up
This section describes procedures to start up the AirLink 5950 and place it into normal operation.
1. Complete the installation procedures described earlier in this manual.
2. With the magnet, touch and hold ADD to turn the AirLink 5950 on. The RKI Instruments Inc.
logo and a 60-second countdown appear on the display.
• After five seconds, the following screen appears:
• After 35 seconds, the display will show the Model Number, Manufacture Date, Serial
Number, Version, and Build.
3. When the switch state screen appears, the AirLink 5950 is in Normal Operating Mode.
During Normal Operation, the screen displays the 4-20 mA reading(s) of the connected
sensor(s).

12 • Operation AirLink 5950 Operator’s Manual
Magnetic Buttons
Use the provided magnet to operate the AirLink 5950 without having to remove the junction
box’s lid. Touch the magnet to the outer edge of the junction box lid near the button you want to
actuate. Tapping the junction box is the same as pressing and releasing the button. Holding the
magnet against the junction box is the same as pressing and holding the button.
Turning Off the Device
1. Press and hold SUB for approximately 4 seconds to turn the AirLink 5950 off.
The AirLink 5950’s display will continue to read “OFF” until power is no longer supplied to
the unit.
Faults
In the event of a failure, the device will show a fault code until the fault has been cleared or is
corrected.
For a list of the fault codes, and their associated meaning, see page 22.
Touch magnet here to
activate MENU button
Touch magnet here to
activate ADD button Touch magnet here to
activate SUB button

AirLink 5950 Operator’s Manual Using the Basic Configuration Menu • 13
Using the Basic Configuration Menu
NOTE: The figures and enclosure wording in this manual represent the AirLink 5950 XP;
however, the AirLink 5950 NXP’s internal components and operation are identical.
WARNING: Do not remove the enclosure lid while the circuits are energized unless the area is
determined to be non-hazardous. Keep the enclosure lid tightly closed during
operation.
The AirLink 5950 has two menus for configuring the device and adjusting system settings: the
Basic and Advanced Menu Modes.
The Basic Configuration Menu allows access to the following features:
• Turning on Sensor 2 (page 13)
• Setting the Radio Address (page 14)
To enter the Basic Configuration Menu from Normal Operating Mode, press MENU.
Turning on Sensor 2
If the AirLink 5950 detects two sensors, Sensor 2 can be turned on and off using the Basic
Configuration Menu.
1. Press MENU while in Normal Operating Mode to enter the Basic Configuration Menu. The
following screen appears.
2. Press ADD or SUB to change the Sensor 2 On/Off setting.
3. To confirm the desired setting, press MENU to move to the next setting: Sensor 1 Radio
Address.

14 • Using the Basic Configuration Menu AirLink 5950 Operator’s Manual
Setting the Radio Address
To ensure proper communication with the receiving monitor, set the Radio Address to match the
one assigned to the sensor assembly.
To set the Radio Address, perform the following:
1. After the Sensor 2 On/Off setting has been selected, press MENU while in Normal Operating
Mode to enter the Basic Configuration Menu. The following screen appears:
2. Press ADD or SUB to increase or decrease the Sensor 1 Radio Address setting.
3. Press MENU to proceed to Sensor 2 Radio Address if Sensor 2 is turned on. Repeat Step 2.
NOTE: The Radio Ad 2 screen is only available if the Sensor 2 setting is turned on
(see page 13). If Sensor 2 is turned off, the AirLink 5950 returns to Normal
Operation.
4. After setting both Radio Addresses, press MENU to confirm Radio Address 2 and return to
Normal Operation. Configuration is now complete.
5. Continue to “Using the Advanced Menu Mode” on page 15 for procedures on adjusting and
viewing system settings.

AirLink 5950 Operator’s Manual Using the Advanced Menu Mode • 15
Using the Advanced Menu Mode
NOTE: The figures and enclosure wording in this manual represent the AirLink 5950 XP;
however, the AirLink 5950 NXP’s internal components and operation are identical.
The AirLink 5950 has two menus for configuring the device and adjusting system settings: the
Basic and Advanced Menu Modes.
The Advanced Menu Mode allows access to the following features:
• Testing Relay 1 and Relay 2 (page 15)
• Setting the Network I.D. (page 16)
• Viewing the Unit Info (page 16)
• Setting the LCD Contrast (page 18)
• Restoring the Factory Default (page 18)
Testing Relay 1 and Relay 2
Use the Relay Test screen(s) to periodically test the monitor’s alarm configuration and the
detector connection(s) to the AirLink 5950.
1. Enter the Advanced Menu Mode by pressing and holding MENU for 6 seconds while in
Normal Operating Mode. The following screen appears.
2. Press ADD or SUB to toggle the on-screen reading between 0 and 1.
3. Press MENU to proceed to Relay Test 2 if Sensor 2 is turned on. Repeat Step 2.
NOTE: The Relay Test 2 screen is only available if the Sensor 2 setting is turned on
(see page 13). If Sensor 2 is turned off, the AirLink 5950 proceeds to the
next menu item: Network I.D.

16 • Using the Advanced Menu Mode AirLink 5950 Operator’s Manual
4. After testing the relay(s), press MENU to move to the next menu item: Network I.D.
Setting the Network I.D.
To ensure proper communication with the receiving monitor, set the relay Network ID to match
the one assigned to the monitor.
1. If necessary, enter the Advanced Menu Mode by pressing and holding MENU for 6 seconds
while in Normal Operating Mode.
2. After testing the relay(s), press MENU to view the Network ID screen. The following screen
appears.
3. Press ADD or SUB to change the on-screen Network I.D. to the desired value.
4. After the desired setting is displayed, press MENU to set the Network ID and move to the
next menu item: Unit Info.
Viewing the Unit Info
Use the Unit Info screen to view the unit’s battery voltage, radio miss, manufacture date, and
serial number.
1. If necessary, enter the Advanced Menu Mode by pressing and holding MENU for 6 seconds
while in Normal Operating Mode.
2. After the setting the Network ID, press MENU to view the Unit Info screen. The following
screen appears.
3. After viewing the Unit Info, press MENU to move to the next menu item: Radio Time.

AirLink 5950 Operator’s Manual Using the Advanced Menu Mode • 17
Selecting the Radio Time Setting
The Radio Time setting for both radios is used to set the amount of time to elapse between radio
transmissions from the AirLink 5950 (between 1-255 minutes) to the receiving AirLink monitor.
1. If necessary, enter the Advanced Menu Mode by pressing and holding MENU for 6 seconds
while in Normal Operating Mode.
2. After the viewing the Unit Info screen, press MENU. The following screen appears.
3. Press ADD or SUB to select the Radio Time 1 setting (between 1 and 255).
4. Press MENU to proceed to Radio Time 2 if Sensor 2 is turned on. Repeat Step 3.
NOTE: The Relay Time 2 screen is only available if the Sensor 2 setting is turned on
(see page 13). If Sensor 2 is turned off, the AirLink 5950 proceeds to the
next menu item: LCD Contrast
5. After selecting the radio time(s), press MENU to move to the next menu item: LCD Contrast.

18 • Using the Advanced Menu Mode AirLink 5950 Operator’s Manual
Setting the LCD Contrast
Use this menu item to set the LCD’s contrast value.
1. If necessary, enter the Advanced Menu Mode by pressing and holding MENU for 5 seconds
while in Normal Operating Mode.
2. After the selecting the Radio Time setting(s), press and release MENU until the following
screen appears.
3. Press ADD or SUB to change the on-screen value to the desired Contrast value.
4. After the desired setting is displayed, press MENU to confirm the setting and move to the
next menu item: Return to Factory Default.
Restoring the Factory Default
Use this menu item to restore the AirLink 5950 to the following factory default settings:
• Network ID set at 5
• Sensor 1 is set to “On”
• Sensor 2 is set to “On”
• Radio Address 1 is set at 1
• Radio Address 2 is set at 2
• Radio Time 1 is set at 1
• Radio Time 2 is set at 1
• Contrast is set at 31
1. If necessary, enter the Advanced Menu Mode by pressing and holding MENU for 5 seconds
while in Normal Operating Mode.
2. Press and release MENU until the following screen appears.

AirLink 5950 Operator’s Manual Maintenance • 19
3. Press ADD to proceed with restoring the factory default settings or SUB to return to Normal
Operating Mode.
4. If ADD was pressed, the following screen appears:
Press ADD to proceed with restoring the factory default settings or SUB to return to
Normal Operating Mode.
Maintenance
NOTE: The figures and enclosure wording in this manual represent the AirLink 5950 XP;
however, the AirLink 5950 NXP’s internal components and operation are identical.
Battery Replacement
To ensure full-functionality, the battery should be replaced if the voltage is less than 3.0. To check
the battery voltage, refer to the Viewing the Unit Info section this manual.
The device uses a “D” Lithium 19AH battery with connector. New batteries should only be
obtained from RKI Instruments, Inc.
WARNING: Only use RKI-supplied replacement batteries. Do not mix old and new batteries.
Do NOT charge battery packs.
CAUTION: The internal components can be static sensitive. Use caution when opening the
enclosure and handling internal components. DO NOT use any metal objects or
tools to remove the batteries.
1. Press and hold the SUB button for approximately 4 seconds, until “OFF” shows on the display
screen.
2. Unscrew the enclosure lid and set it aside.

20 • Maintenance AirLink 5950 Operator’s Manual
3. Pull straight up on the Front Panel Thumb-Screws until the internal components are removed
from the standing eyelets.
CAUTION: Do not use any metal object to help remove the front panel. Do not
remove any connecting wires.
4. Locate the battery connectors on the terminal board assembly. Squeeze the locking tab on one
battery plug and gently pull it straight out of the battery connector. Repeat this step for the
second battery plug and connector.
5. Gently remove the batteries from the battery spring clips.
6. Gently slide the new batteries into the spring clips in the same orientation as the old batteries.
7. Plug the battery on the bottom of the radio board into the closer battery terminal.
8. Plug the battery on the top of the radio board into the other available battery terminal.
9. Place the internal system back into the enclosure, matching each mounting post to its
corresponding eyelet anchored within the base of the enclosure.
10. Using the thumbscrews, gently push to seat the internal system into the mounting posts.
11. Verify that the sealing ring, seated at the threaded opening of the device enclosure, is correctly
in place.
12. Secure the enclosure lid back onto the enclosure.