RKI Instruments 65-2658RK-CH4-4 User manual

RKI Instruments, Inc.
www.rkiinstruments.com
65-2658RK-CH4-4
M2A Transmitter
Operator’s Manual
Part Number: 71-0461
Revision: D
Released: 8/28/20

2 65-2658RK-CH4-4 M2A Transmitter Operator’s Manual
WARNING
Read and understand this instruction manual before operating
instrument. Improper use of the gas monitor could result in bodily
harm or death.
Periodic calibration and maintenance of the gas monitor is essential
for proper operation and correct readings. Please calibrate and
maintain this instrument regularly! Frequency of calibration depends
upon the type of use you have and the sensor types. Typical
calibration frequencies for most applications are between 6 and 12
months, but can be required more often or less often based on your
usage.

65-2658RK-CH4-4 M2A Transmitter Operator’s Manual 3
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. Examples of such items are:
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. IN NO 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.
a) Absorbent cartridges d) Batteries
b) Pump diaphragms and valves e) Filter elements
c) Fuses

4 65-2658RK-CH4-4 M2A Transmitter Operator’s Manual
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
About the M2A Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
About this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Chapter 2: Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
External Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Internal Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Chapter 3: Installation & Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Mounting the M2A Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Wiring the M2A Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Start Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Chapter 4: Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Normal Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Information Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4 - 20 mA Signal Output Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Alarm Indications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Chapter 5: Configuration Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Viewing & Changing M2A Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Chapter 6: Gas Type Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Selecting the Gas Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

65-2658RK-CH4-4 M2A Transmitter Operator’s Manual 5
Chapter 7: Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Preventive Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Calibration Frequency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Determining Response Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Replacing the IR CH4 Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Chapter 8: RS-485 Modbus Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Wiring the M2A in a Modbus System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Using the M2A in a 4-wire Modbus System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Modbus Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Supported Modbus Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Chapter 9: Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Appendix A: Control Button Quick Reference Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Appendix B: PLC and DCS Device Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Appendix C: Function Code 16 Registers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

6 65-2658RK-CH4-4 M2A Transmitter Operator’s Manual
Chapter 1: Introduction
Overview
This chapter briefly describes the 65-2658RK-CH4-4 M2A Transmitter. This chapter also describes the 65-
2658RK-CH4-4 M2A Transmitter Operator’s Manual (this document). Table 1 at the end of this chapter lists the
specifications for the M2A.
About the M2A Transmitter
The M2A transmitter is a fixed mount, continuous-monitoring detector head. All user adjustable parameters may
be accessed using push button switches. In addition, calibration may be performed non-intrusively by use of a
magnetic wand accessory which activates magnetic switches through a window at the front face of the detector
head.
The M2A displays the current gas reading on an OLED display which is visible through the window in the cover
(front face) and provides a 4 - 20 mA signal which indicates the target gas reading for use by a gas monitoring
controller, recording device, or programmable controller. The M2A also provides an RS-485 Modbus output.
Three sets of relay contacts, two controlled by the gas alarms and one by the fail alarm, rated at 115 VAC 5 amps
are available for controlling devices such as lights or horns or for controlling higher rated relays.
Four operating modes allow you to display and change setup and calibration settings and change the gas type.
They are Calibration Mode, Configuration Mode, Gas Type Mode, and Modbus Mode.
About this Manual
The M2A Transmitter 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.

65-2658RK-CH4-4 M2A Transmitter Operator’s Manual 7
Specifications
Table 1 lists specifications for the M2A.
WARNING: When using the M2A, you must follow the instructions and warnings in this manual to
assure proper and safe operation of the M2A and to minimize the risk of personal injury. Be
sure to maintain and periodically calibrate the M2A as described in this manual.
Table 1: M2A Specifications
Target Gas/Detection Range Methane: 0 - 100% volume, 1% volume increments
Alarm Settings (Alarm 1/Alarm 2)* 100%/100%
Construction (housing) Explosion-proof Junction Box, NEMA 4X
Area Classification Explosion-proof for Class I, Groups B, C, and D
Sampling Method Diffusion
Input Power 10 - 30 VDC
Controls • Three push button switches
• Three magnetic switches for non-intrusive calibration
Weight 5.5 lbs.
Signal Output • 4 to 20 mA with impedance maximums listed below
-12 VDC input: 500 ohms impedance max
-24 VDC input: 1000 ohms impedance max
• RS-485 Modbus
Operating Temperature -20°C to 50°C
Accuracy ± 5% of reading or ± 2% of full scale (whichever is greater)
* These are the RKI factory settings. You can change the alarm settings in Configuration
Mode. See “Viewing & Changing M2A Parameters” on page 27.

8 65-2658RK-CH4-4 M2A Transmitter Operator’s Manual
Chapter 2: Description
Overview
This chapter describes the components of the M2A transmitter. The transmitter is a 4 - 20 mA type detector head.
It consists of the IR CH4 detector, calibration adapter/splash guard, terminal PCB, the M2A junction box, and the
detector junction box. The two-junction-box configuration is intended for situations where the detector needs to
be installed at an inaccessible location. The detector junction box can be installed at the inaccessible location and
the M2A junction box can be installed in a more readily accessible area.
External Description
This section describes the junction boxes and all external components of the M2A transmitter.
Figure 1: M2A External Components
Magnetic
Wand
Terminal
Strip
3/4 NPT Conduit Hub3/4 NPT Conduit
Hub, Plugged
Calibration Adapter/
Splash Guard
3/4 NPT
Conduit Hub
M2A
Junction
Box IR CH4 Detector
Detector
Junction Box
Mounting Slot (2x)
3/4 NPT
Conduit Hub
Window

65-2658RK-CH4-4 M2A Transmitter Operator’s Manual 9
M2A Junction Box
The M2A’s cast aluminum junction box protects the terminal PCB and wiring connections made to the terminal
PCB. Use the three 3/4 NPT conduit hubs to wire the remotely installed IR CH4 detector and connect wiring
from an external device, typically an RKI controller. The top hub is shipped with a factory installed and sealed
conduit plug to avoid leaks into the junction box. If necessary, the conduit plug can be removed and the top hub
can be used for wiring.
WARNING: If the top conduit hub is used for wiring, be sure to seal the threads to ensure water does not
enter the junction box. See “Wiring the M2ATransmitter” on page 16 for complete wiring
instructions.
Use the junction box’s two mounting slots to mount the M2A to a vertical surface at the monitoring site. The
window in the cover on the front of the junction box allows you to view the OLED display and use the magnetic
wand to actuate the magnetic control switches so you can perform non-intrusive calibration. Removing the cover
allows you to access the interior of the junction box.
Detector Junction Box
The detector junction box is intended to be installed remotely from the M2A junction box. The IR CH4 detector
is factory installed in the bottom 3/4 NPT conduit hub. A terminal strip is provided for wiring connections and
the detector is factory wired to one side of this terminal strip. The other side of the terminal strip is for user-
supplied wiring to the detector terminal strip located in the M2A junction box. This wiring should go through the
top 3/4 NPT conduit hub. Three spacers installed on the back of the junction box controls the distance of the
junction box from a mounting surface.
Infrared CH4 Detector
The infrared methane (CH4) detector is made up of a miniature infrared CH4 detector housed and encapsulated in
a pipe nipple. The pipe nipple has 3/4 NPT threads on each end and a 1 1/4” hex that allows removal or
installation of the detector with a wrench. A porous flame arrestor that is coated with a hydrophobic film that
repels liquids is on one end of the detector and allows sample gas to enter the detector. Four color coded leads,
red, white, green, and black, extend from the other end of the detector. The leads allow you to connect the
detector to the terminal strip.
Calibration Adapter/Splash Guard
A calibration adapter/splash guard is installed on the IR CH4 detector. A fitting at the bottom of the calibration
adapter/splash guard allows a length of tubing to be connected for calibration and routed to a more easily
accessible location (near the M2A junction box is optimal for ease of calibration). The calibration adapter/splash
guard also protects the detector from splashing water or direct water spray.
Magnetic Wand
The magnetic wand is a short plastic rod with a magnet in one end. It is used to actuate the magnetic control
switches on the control PCB while the junction box cover is still installed so that non-intrusive calibration can be
performed.

10 65-2658RK-CH4-4 M2A Transmitter Operator’s Manual
Internal Description
This section describes the internal components of the M2A. The internal components of the M2A include the
terminal PCB which provides for all the wiring connections to the M2A and the control PCB which displays the
gas reading and has the control buttons.
Figure 2: M2A Internal Components
Terminal PCB
The terminal PCB is encapsulated in epoxy for protection against moisture and physical damage. It is mounted
into the rear of the junction box with three standoffs and rests on a thin layer of foam. A banana jack is screwed
into each of the standoffs and used for mounting the control PCB. The terminal PCB converts the electrical
output from the detector to a signal which can be displayed by the OLED display, a 4 - 20 mA signal (that is
proportional to the detection range), and an RS-485 Modbus output signal. The 4 - 20 mA signal may be used by
a recording device, gas monitor controller, or programmable controller. The Modbus output may be used to
connect the M2A to a Modbus network. The terminal PCB also controls three relays, one fail and two gas alarm
relays.
Two columns of plug-in style terminal strips are used to make all wiring connections to the M2A. The column on
the left consists of the power/signal, detector, and Modbus terminal strips. The column on the right consists of
the relay terminal strips. A 20 position connector at the bottom of the terminal PCB is used to connect the
terminal PCB to the control PCB with a ribbon cable. A 5 position connector on the left side of the terminal PCB
is used by factory or field service personnel to program the M2A. A factory adjust pot just above the
programming connector is used to set the detector current.
NO
Control PCB
M2A TRANSMITTER
RKI INSTRUMENTS
M2A JunctionBox
Terminal PCB
3/4 NPT Conduit
Opening for Wire Entry
3/4 NPT Conduit Opening, Plugged