sparklike Gasglass handheld User manual

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INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL

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TABLE OF CONTENT
1IMPORTANT............................................................................................................................... 3
2Delivered with the Gasglass Handheld.................................................................................. 4
3How does it work? .................................................................................................................... 4
4How to use Gasglass Handheld.............................................................................................. 4
4.1 Starting up for the first time ............................................................................................. 4
4.2 How to use the Gasglass Handheld encoder button ......................................................... 5
5How to charge the battery .......................................................................................................6
5.1 Using the Gasglass Handheld LCD Screen....................................................................... 7
5.1.1 Start Up.................................................................................................................... 7
5.1.2 Creating a log file .................................................................................................... 7
5.1.3 How to create a log file, Automatic naming of the log file...................................... 7
5.1.4 How to create a new log file and naming the log file ............................................. 8
5.1.5 How to exit log mode............................................................................................... 9
5.1.6 System info............................................................................................................ 10
5.1.7 Enable PC-Connection ......................................................................................... 10
6Things to consider before measuring.................................................................................. 11
6.1 High voltage ........................................................................................... 11
6.2 Light ........................................................................................... 11
6.3 In brief, Factors to consider when measuring .................................................................. 12
7How to perform a measurement ........................................................................................... 13
7.1 Restrictions ........................................................................................... 15
8How to connect to a PC..........................................................................................................16
9Troubleshooting the Gasglass Handheld............................................................................ 17
9.1 Errors when measuring ........................................................................................... 17
10 How to install the Gasglass Handheld PC software. ................................................. 18
11 Installing the PC software.............................................................................................. 23
12 How to find the right COM port from the PC. .............................................................. 26
13 How to use the Gasglass Handheld PC software....................................................... 28
14 Troubleshooting the PC software................................................................................. 34
15 Checking the calibration ................................................................................................ 35
15.1 Calibration check with pre-filled IG units .......................................................................... 35
15.2 Checking the calibration with premixed gas..................................................................... 37
16 Appendix A: Gasglass Calibration ............................................................................... 39
16.1 Accuracy of the device: ........................................................................................... 39
17 Appendix B: Deviation table.......................................................................................... 40
18 Appendix C: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS............................................................... 41

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1 IMPORTANT
The instrument uses high voltage. The instrument should NEVER be
used near computers or other sensitive electronic devices.
Persons with heart conditions or who use pacemakers should not use
this instrument.
The high voltage discharge should never be directed at humans or at
animals either directly or through a conductive material such as wires
or metal structures.
The instrument should never be used in wet or in humid conditions.
Never use the instrument while standing on unsteady surfaces.
The instrument is a precision measuring instrument and should be
handled accordingly.
HANDLE WITH CARE!
Always turn off the power when instrument is not in use.
Keep fingers and other body parts clear of the high voltage area when
in use.
Always turn off the power when instrument is not in use.
Keep fingers and other body parts clear of the high voltage area when
in use.

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2 Delivered with the Gasglass Handheld
1. Gasglass Handheld Device
2. Neck strap
3. CD with software and instructions
4. Instruction Manual
5. Battery
6. USB Cable
7. Battery charger
8. Carry case
3 How does it work?
A high voltage spark is ignited inside the IG unit (A). This
high voltage spark causes the argon atom to emit light to a
spectrometer (2), which measures the light. A
microprocessor (3) interprets the information of the
spectrometer and calculates an argon percent, which it
outputs to a display (4).
4 How to use Gasglass Handheld
4.1 Starting up for the first time
1. Open the battery
hatch
2. Insert the battery
3. Connect it to the
battery socket
4. Turn on the
device from the
ON/OFF switch

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Starting up for the first time continues
Note
Read all warnings before the device is taken in use
4.2 How to use the Gasglass Handheld encoder button
Press down to:
1. Enter MENU
2. Confirm a selection
3. Exit the menu
Turn to:
1. Scroll in the MENU
2. Name a log file
5. Device settings will
show on the screen
6. Ready to use

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5 How to charge the battery
There is on battery provided with the Gasglass Handheld. The battery can only be charged
when connected to the Gasglass Handheld. The Gasglass Handheld uses a 16.8 V, 2.0 A,
Li-ion battery as main power supply. The Gasglass Handheld is also provided with a back up
battery that enables the Gasglass Handheld to contain all data stored and maintaining a
current time and date even if the main battery runs out. The Gasglass Handheld battery is
designed so that it will be possible to perform measurements for at least 8 hours before the
battery runs out. This is naturally depending on the frequency of use. The charging time for an
empty battery is approximately 2 hours.
NOTE! Use ONLY the battery charger provided by the manufacturer. If any other
charger is used, it may cause the battery to EXPLODE.
1.
a) Connect the
provided charger to
the Gasglass
handheld.
2.
a) A red light will light
when the battery is
being charged. See
picture
b) The light will turn
green when the
battery is fully
charged.
c) Charging time is
approximately 2
hours.
3.
a) CHARGING ... Will
be displayed when the
battery is charged.

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5.1 Using the Gasglass Handheld LCD Screen
5.1.1 Start Up
- When the Gasglass Handheld is started up the following screen will show:
5.1.2 Creating a log file
The Gasglass Handheld has the ability to log (store) approximately 2000 measurements.
Logging the data enables:
a) To store each measurement set as a separate log file
b) To store a number of different log files
(One log file can contain several measurements)
c) To measure along the day, review and edit the data at a later stage
5.1.3 How to create a log file, Automatic naming of the log file
NOTE there can be several log files with the same name
1.
The window shows the
factory settings of the
device. This information is
important when
communicating with the
manufacturer regarding
the device
2.
The window shows:
- Measurement
- NOT LOGGED
The measured data
has not been stored
- Time
- Battery power status
1.
a) Press the encoder
to enter MAIN MENU.
b) Scroll to
LOGGING ON/OFF
by turning the encoder
button.
c) Select
LOGGING ON/OFF
b
y
p
ressin
g
button
3.
LOGGING:
[FILE NAME]
will show on the screen
2.
a) Screen will show the
new log file name. The
number will increase
with 1 (one) from the
last log file name
b) Press the button to
confirm the new log file
name

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5.1.4 How to create a new log file and naming the log file
NOTE! There can be several log files with the same name
4.
LOGGING:
[FILE NAME]
will show on the
screen
1.
a) Press the encoder
to enter MAIN MENU.
b) Scroll to
NEW LOG FILE
by turning the
encoder
button.
c) Select
NEW LOG FILE
by pressing button
2.
a) Increase /
Decrease
the log file number by
turning the encoder
button.
b) Press the button to
confirm log file
number
3.
a) Press the button to
confirm the new log
file name

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5.1.5 How to exit log mode
1.
a) Press the encoder to
enter MAIN MENU.
b) Scroll to
LOGGING ON/OFF
by turning the encoder
button.
c) Select
LOGGING ON/OFF
by pressing button
2.
a) The text
DATALOGGING OFF
will be displayed
b) Confirm by pressing
button
3.
a) NOT LOGGED will be
displayed after every
measurement to indicate
that log mode is shut off.

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5.1.6 System info
By choosing this mode, the current settings of the device will be displayed. This information is
only important when in contact with the manufacturer.
5.1.7 Enable PC-Connection
1.
a) Press the encoder to
enter MAIN MENU.
b) Scroll to
SYSTEM INFO
by turning the encoder
button.
c) Select
SYSTEM INFO
by pressing button
2.
The information on the
screen contains vital
information for the
distributor or the
manufacturer when
trouble shooting and is
only important in such
cases.
1.
a) Press the encoder to
enter MAIN MENU.
b) Scroll to
PC-CONN
by turning the encoder
button.
c) Select
PC-CONN
by pressing button
2.
PC-CONNECTION
ENABLED will be
displayed.
For further steps please
see.
HOW TO CONNECT TO
A PC

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6 Things to consider before measuring
To be able to use the instrument in the best way
there are some factors influencing the
measurement that should be considered. The
Gasglass Handheld requires two main things;
LIGHT (Optics) and HIGH VOLTAGE (Electricity).
If either or both of these factors are disturbed, the
measurement might be affected.
6.1 High voltage
The measurement is made using a high voltage spark. The voltage is approx. 50 000 V but the
current is very small. Coming into contact with the spark will sting a little but not harm a normal
healthy person even though the instrument MAY NOT to be used by a person with a
pacemaker or who is in poor physical health. Nor should the spark ever be pointed at any
sensitive areas (eyes etc.). When measuring, the hand unit will create a spark that passes
through Glass 1 and ignites inside the air space. Glass is an electrically insulating material, as
is air. This means that the spark needs to be strong enough to jump the air gap. In addition to
the other electrically insulated materials, such as laminated glass, plastic films, etc. on either
side of Glass 1, this makes it even harder to ignite inside the IG. If there is a metallic coating
on Glass 1, it will be impossible for the spark to get through as the metallic film will cause the
spark to stay on the surface. Argon gas is a better conductor for the spark than air. This means
that the spark actually ignites easier when the fill level is higher. The other thing that helps the
spark "jump" is a Low-E coating on Glass2, which grounds the spark.
6.2 Light
The measurement is dependent on a stable light signal. The light can not be measured if the
total light level is too weak or too strong. The total light intensity increases with the background
light level as well as with increasing argon percent when measured. If the background light is
too strong, e.g. measuring against the sun or a bright lamp, the argon light will “drown” in the
sunlight. If the argon concentration is very low, the signal light is very low causing the
spectrometer not to see the light.

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6.3 In brief, Factors to consider when measuring
Factors affecting the optics: Correct conditions:
- Coloured glass - Stable dark background light
- Tinted glass (minimal effect) - Hand unit NOT moved during
- Strong background light measurement
(Against the sun or other source)
- Dirt on glass (minimal effect)
Factors affecting the spark: Factors making it easier for the
spark to “jump“
- Thick glass (over 6 mm) - High argon fills
- Plastic films on Glass 1 - Metallic coating on Surface 3
(Laminated glass, coatings, etc.) - Thin glass (6mm or less)
- Metallic films on Glass 1 - Thin air space (20mm or less)
- Metallic components in Glass 1
- Low Argon fill
- Wide spacer (over 20mm)

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7 How to perform a measurement
As described above there are different factors that may affect the measurement result.
Sparklike has done extensive research on how to obtain the best possible results when
measuring with the Gasglass.
The following procedures are recommended when
measuring with the Gasglass.
Measure close to the spacer
As the spacer bar of an IG unit is often metallic or
contains metal, the spacer bar will help the spark to
ignite. It is therefore suggested that the
measurement is made close to the spacer. The
centre of the Gasglass Handheld should be approx.
5cm (2”) from the inner side of the spacer (Approx.
10mm from the side of the hand unit). There is no
difference at which height of the IG it is measured.
Measure several times: “Because you can“
When measuring the spark will ignite inside the air space ionizing
the gases, leaving the gases ionized for a small period of time.
This means that the second measurement will ignite easier and
producing a better result. The Gasglass can also be set to average
measurements internally. Measuring more than three times on one
place may cause the Low-E coating to burn changing the readout
of the Gasglass. For repetitive measurements, move the hand unit
slightly after two or three measurements.
Keep the IG upright
Due to the earth’s magnetic field and
the ionization of the gasses, the spark
will try to “travel up” during the
measurement. This causes the spark
to act more erratically than if the IG
would be laying flat down. In this way, however the Low-E is protected better from burning so it
is suggested to measure the IG standing up.

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Do not move the hand unit during ONE single measurement
During one measurement cycle two
individual measurements are being
made; one background
measurement and one with the
spark on. If the hand unit is being
moved during the measurement
cycle, the background is altered and
the results may not be accurate.
Keep the hand unit flush to the IG unit
If there is space between the
spark electrode and the surface
of the glass, a big part of the
spark burst will occur outside of
the IG unit. This means that the
instrument is not measuring the
spark inside the window but a
mix of the inside gas and normal
air causing the readings to be too
low. The user can easily hear when the hand unit is flush to the IG.
Non Low-E IG units
As the LoW-E coating is metallic, this will act as a ground for the spark. This grounding is
being used when the instrument is calibrated. If the window has no Low-E coating, there is no
ground to where the spark will ignite producing more erratic readings. These windows should
be measured with either a finger on the back of the IG or some other metallic ground for the
spark.

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7.1 Restrictions
Following is a list of different IG types that can be measured
and types that can not or are difficult to measure. Consult your
local distributor or Sparklike for any special types.
Most of the restrictions are caused by the Glass 1
B. IG with Glass 1 = Clear glass and NO Low E
Surface 1 Glass 1 Surface 2 Spacer Surface 3
Glass
2
Surface
4
none
Clear
max.
6mm none
max.
24mm none
max.
6mm none
C. IG with Glass 1 = Toughened and Low E on surface 3
Surface 1 Glass 1 Surface 2 Spacer Surface 3
Glass
2
Surface
4
none
Tgh.
max.
6mm none
max.
24mm Low E Float N/A
D. IG with Glass 1 = Toughened glass and NO Low E
Surface 1 Glass 1 Surface 2 Spacer Surface 3
Glass
2
Surface
4
none
Tgh.
max.
6mm none
max.
24mm none
max.
6mm none
E. IG with Glass 1 = Tinted
Same restrictions as for A. and B. but might need separate calibration
F. IG with Glass 1 = Laminated
Laminated windows themselves have more limiting factors such as
film
thickness, overall Glass 1 thickness etc.
Please contact distributor or manufacturer.
G. IG with Glass 1 = Frosted
Same restrictions as for A. and B. but might need separate
calibration
H. Triple glazing
Due to different layouts of a triple glazing IG, there are several
layouts
that are impossible to measure. Consult your distributor or Sparklike
for detailed information. If Glass 1 and Glass 3 = Clear glass and
Glass 2 has a Low-E coating the measurement can be done easily.

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8 How to connect to a PC
Provided with the Gasglass Handheld is a PC software that can be found on the product CD.
Please make sure that all needed software and drivers are installed before attempting to
connect the Gasglass Handheld to the PC.
1.
a) Connect the
provided USB
cable to the USB
socket in the
Gasglass
Handheld.
b) Connect the
provided USB
cable to the PC
2.
a) Start up the
Gasglass
Handheld
4.
a) Start up the PC
software
b) Press the
Read Data log(s)
See. How to use the
PC software.
3.
a) Enable the PC-
connection from the
Gasglass Handheld.
See. Using the
Sparklike LCD
Screen

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9 Troubleshooting the Gasglass Handheld
9.1 Errors when measuring
There are a number of factors that can affect the measurement. When these factors occur an
error message will be shown on the screen. The message is shown at the low left of the
screen. The Gasglass Handheld will present a reading in most cases even if the error is
shown. This because the measurement might be OK even if an error is shown and the
operator must decide of the measurement is used or not.
In some cases it is also possible to produce a measurement result even if measuring in open
air, this mainly due to movement of the Gasglass handheld during the measurement.
The error messages are as follows:
ERR: 1 Too high signal.
When measuring very high fill levels (over 97,5% Ar) the light
signal will increase significantly.
Actions: The measurement is very likely to be OK and can be used.
ERR: 2 Too high Background and Signal
If the overall light is too high the sensor within the Gasglass
Handheld will saturate and the measurement can is not reliable.
Actions: See that the measurement is not taken right against
neither strong sunlight nor a strong indoor light source. This is usually
combined with a very high fill level in the IG unit.
ERR: 4 Too high background
The overall light is too strong
Actions: See that the measurement is not taken right against
strong sunlight nor a strong indoor light source.
ERR: 8 Too low background
The Gasglass Handheld is not receiving enough signal.
Actions: Clean the optical “eye” in the front of the Gasglass
Handheld. The optics of the device might also be damaged.
Please contact your distributor.
ERR: 16 No spark
The spark has not ignited inside the IG unit.
Actions: The fill level might be very low or some other restrictions
might have occurred. See Restrictions.

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10 How to install the Gasglass Handheld PC software.
To be able to use the PC software some additional software needs to be installed. Please
follow these instructions in the order that are explained below.
Installing the USB <-> Serial Converter.
For the Gasglass Handheld to be able to communicate with a PC it’s needed to create a virtual
serial port (COM) from one of the PCs USB ports. With the provided CD there is software that
does this.
Please note that the pictures for these instructions are for windows XP and if another version
of windows is used, the lay out may be different.
A. Insert the Provided CD into the PC
B. Connect the Gasglass Handheld via the provided USB cable to one of the PCs USB
sockets.
C. Turn on the Gasglass Handheld
D. A information box in the bottom of the screen will appear.
E. The install wizard software will start up automatically. Do not allow windows to search for
the drivers. Tag; No, not this time.

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F. This wizard for installing USB < - > Serial opens up. Tag; Install the software automatically.
NOTE! Insert the CD at this stage.
G. When the installation wizard has found the drivers it was looking for it will start the
installation (this might take a few minutes)

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H. The first stage of the installation is completed. Press finish.
NOTE! The installation will continue.
I. The found new hardware sign will pop up again.
J. The welcome to install new software wizard will appear. Do not allow windows to search for
software. Tag; No, not this time.