Sun Nuclear 1027 User manual

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Professional Continuous
Professional ContinuousProfessional Continuous
Professional Continuous
Radon Monitor
Model 1027
U.S. Patent #4,871,914
Document No. 102711C
November, 2000
To stay current on the accessories, applications, and software for the Radon
monitor, please visit Sun Nuclear’s website, http://www.sunnuclear.com.
Sun Nuclear Corporation
425A Pineda Court
Melbourne, FL 32940-7508
http://www.sunnuclear.com
e-mail: [e-mail]
telephone: [phone]
fax: [phone]

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Introduction
IntroductionIntroduction
Introduction
Description
DescriptionDescription
Description
The Model 1027 Professional Continuous Radon Monitor is a patented elec-
tronic detecting device using a diffused-junction photodiode sensor to mea-
sure the concentration of radon gas. The unit is operated from standard line
power and includes a 9-volt battery which provides backup power. A numer-
ical display shows the average radon gas concentration. Using the data ports,
you can print a complete report or download the data to a personal computer.
The Model 1027 has been evaluated and accepted by the U.S Department of
Environmental Protection (EPA).
About Radon
About RadonAbout Radon
About Radon
EPA maintains a comprehensive web site on radon at: http://www.epa.gov/
iaq/radon/ where you can also find html-ready versions of all of EPA's docu-
ments, brochures, and publications relating to radon.
Below are descriptions of three of the more common EPA publications on
radon, copied from site http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/index.html.
A Citizen's Guide to Radon (second edition) The Guide To Protecting Yourself
And Your Family From Radon.
This booklet was developed by the EPA, The U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, and the U.S. Public Health Service. This is the complete guide
to taking action to lower the radon level in your home. It offers strategies for test-
ing and discussions of what steps to take after you have tested, discussions of the
risk of radon, and radon myths. EPA Document Number 402-K-92-001, Septem-
ber 1994. (www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/citguide.html)
Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction How to Reduce Radon Levels in Your
Home...
This booklet is for people who have tested their home for radon and confirmed
that they have elevated radon levels. EPA Document Number 402-K-92-003.
(www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/consguid.html)
Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon
This guide has been developed for anyone buying or selling a home who wants to
learn about Radon. For sale by the U.S. Government Printing Office, Superinten-
dent of Documents, Mail Stop: SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-9328. Order
Number - ISBN: 0-16-041680-9. EPA Document Number: 402-R-93-003,
March 1993. (www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/hmbyguid.html)
Application
ApplicationApplication
Application
In a typical test, you locate the Radon Monitor in the home to be monitored,
connect power, and leave it unattended for a period of two or more days.

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Ambient room air, laden with radon, diffuses into the monitor’s detection
chamber. Radon decay by-products emit alpha particles which are detected
by the photodiode.
At the end of the monitoring period, the results are available in any of three
forms: numerical display on the control panel, printed report on the accessory
printer, or computer display. Once down-loaded to the computer, a report can
be printed using standard programs.
After obtaining the report data, you can clear the memory and immediately
begin another test. The instrument is completely reusable and requires no
supplies except power and an optional backup battery.
The printer need not be present during testing. The radon monitor can be
moved from the test site, and the report printed later. If multiple tests must
be run simultaneously, a single printer or computer can support many radon
monitors.
Specifications
SpecificationsSpecifications
Specifications
Description Value
Power Supply Transformer converts 120 VAC, 1-phase, 60 Hz to
12 VDC, 200 mA
Measurement Range: 0.1 to 999 picocuries/liter (pCi/l)
Operating Range: 45 degrees F to 95 degrees F
Accuracy ±25% or 1 pCi/l, whichever is greater after 24
hours
Disturbance Sensor: Inertial switch
Data Port: RS-232, 9-pin, D-connector allows printer data to
be sent to PC
Detector: Diffused-junction photodiode
Measurement Interval: 1 hour (4, 8, or 24-hour intervals available by spe-
cial order)
Sensitivity: 2.5 counts per hour per picocurie per liter
Display: 3-digit display LED
Battery Backup: One 9V alkaline battery supplies approximately 20
hours of operation. LED indicates low battery.
Weight: 2 Lbs
Size: 8” x 4.7” x 2.5”
EPA Evaluation: US EPA accepted

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Controls
ControlsControls
Controls
Figure 1. Controls, displays, and connections
1PRINTER PORT: Only the Model 020030 portable printer can be con-
nected to this port. The printer must be connected and powered-on before
the information transfer is initiated. (See “Optional Portable Printer” on
page 10.)
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2DATA PORT: This RS-232 data port is designed to provide a means to
transfer the information from the monitor to a personal computer. The
information transferred is identical to that which is sent through the
printer port. (For further information, see “Data Transfer to a Personal
Computer” on page 14.)
3BATTERY ON-OFF: This switch connects and disconnects the battery.
When ON, the battery will power the monitor whenever line power is not
available. When OFF, the battery will not power the monitor when line
power is disconnected. This switch should be in the OFF position any
time the monitor is not deployed for a test. This is important for two rea-
sons: first, the battery life will be reduced, and second, the monitor will
continue making measurements as long as battery power is available,
which could inadvertently affect the results of a recent test. A fresh bat-
tery will provide about 20 hours of backup power if line power fails.
4TOP PANEL-ENABLE/DISABLE: The key switch enables and disables
the digital display and buttons on the top panel of the monitor. When in
the DISABLE position, the monitor’s measurement performance is not
affected. The monitor will function effectively in either key position. This
feature is designed to mitigate the temptation to tamper with a test.
5DISPLAY: 3-digit LED display. Three decimal points appear when AVG
or CUR is pressed after memory is cleared.
6pCi/l: Picocuries per liter – the units of radon gas concentration shown on
the display.
7AVG: When this button is pressed, the measured long-term average radon
gas concentration in pCi/l is displayed on the 3-digit display. This is the
cumulative average of the entire period since the memory was last
cleared. This value is not lost if the monitor loses all power.
8CUR: When this button is pressed, the measured short-term radon gas
concentration is displayed. This is a rolling average of the most recent 12
hours. This value is lost if the monitor loses power.
9PRINT or CLEAR: These two buttons function as PRINT and CLEAR only
when the YELLOW LED is blinking. To get into this mode, hold both but-
tons down until the YELLOW LED turns on. Then release the buttons, and
the YELLOW LED will begin to blink.
10 CLEAR: (the YELLOW LED must be blinking) When the button is pressed,
the YELLOW LED will turn off. Hold the button down until the YELLOW
LED turns on again; then release the button. The YELLOW LED and dis-
play LEDs will blink once followed by a single blink of the YELLOW LED.
The monitor memory has been cleared. The disturbance switch is inactive
for the next 15 seconds.

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11 PRINT: (the YELLOW LED must be blinking) When this button is
pressed, the monitor sends a report of the information contained in mem-
ory to the both the PRINTER and DATA ports. When the button is
pressed, the YELLOW LED will turn on. When released, the LED will turn
off and the data is then transferred. When the information transfer is com-
plete, the YELLOW LED will blink once.
12 YELLOW LED: The yellow LED is a function indicator. Normally it is off.
When the unit is powered up, it blinks twice, followed by a single blink,
indicating that the startup test is complete and that the unit is functioning
normally. During monitoring, the YELLOW LED blinks each time an alpha
particle is detected. If the monitor fails during monitoring, the yellow LED
will blink rapidly. When the buttons are in the PRINT/CLEAR mode, the
Yellow LED is blinking. In this mode:
• When the PRINT button is pressed, the YELLOW LED will turn on.
When PRINT is released, the LED will turn off and the data is then
transferred. When the information transfer is complete, the YELLOW
LED will blink once.
• When the CLEAR button is pressed, the YELLOW LED will turn off.
Hold the button down until the YELLOW LED turns on again; then
release the button. The YELLOW LED and display LEDs will blink
once followed by a single blink of the YELLOW LED. The monitor
memory has been cleared.
13 LO BAT: When the red LED is on, battery has about two hours of life
remaining. Note: Power adapter must be unplugged for this LO BAT test.
14 POWER: The green LED is on continuously when the monitor is powered
by line power, blinks when monitor is powered by batteries only, and off
when LO BAT is on.
15 HV OFF: The red LED is normally off. When on, the High Voltage circuit
is off, indicating that the monitor has failed. The unit must be returned to
the manufacturer for service.
16 Battery compartment: A single 9-volt alkaline battery is used as a power
backup for the monitor. The battery is NOT recharged by the monitor. A
new battery will operate the monitor for approximately 20 hours.
17 Power connection: The power adapter should be plugged into the moni-
tor BEFORE the adapter is plugged into line power.

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Operation
OperationOperation
Operation
Unpacking
UnpackingUnpacking
Unpacking
Unpack the monitor. The package contains a monitor and key, a power
adapter, the user’s manual, and a 3.5 inch floppy disk.
NOTE: Save the packing material if you plan on returning the monitor for peri-
odic re-calibrations.
Startup
StartupStartup
Startup
1. Place the radon monitor in the desired position within the space to be
monitored for radon gas. The monitor does not need to be level.
2. Plug the power adapter into the power input jack on the monitor (Figure
2).
3. Then plug the power adapter into a 120 VAC, 60 Hz wall outlet. The
green POWER LED will turn on. Avoid using switch-controlled outlets.
Figure 2. Connecting power to the radon monitor
4. The YELLOW LED will blink twice followed by a single blink. This indi-
cates the monitor has performed all internal diagnostics and is function-
ing properly.
5. Activate the Top Panel controls by inserting the key and turning to the
ENABLE position.
6. Press the AVG button. If the memory is clear, three decimal points will
appear in the display area. If the memory is not clear, the AVG button will
cause the long term average radon concentration to be displayed.

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Clear Memory
Clear MemoryClear Memory
Clear Memory
1. Press and hold both push button switches on top until the yellow LED
turns on; then release the push buttons. The yellow LED will begin to
blink.
CAUTION: Clear the memory before starting a new measurement. If you
don’t clear the memory, the average values will be wrong because the old
measurements still in memory from the previous test will be averaged with
the new measurements.
2. While the yellow LED is blinking, press and hold the CLEAR button. At
first the yellow led turns off; then the yellow LED turns on continuously,
not blinking.
3. Release CLEAR button while the yellow LED is on continuously.
4. When the yellow LED and display LEDs blink, followed by a single blink
of the yellow LED, the monitor has been cleared.
Conduct Test
Conduct TestConduct Test
Conduct Test
1. If desired, switch on the backup battery. A fresh battery will provide about
20 hours of back-up operation.
2. Switch the Top Panel key switch to the DISABLE position and remove the
key.
NOTE: The tamper sensor is always active except for a 15-second period
immediately following the Clear command. To avoid a tamper notation on the
first reading, be sure that you do not move or jar the monitor after the tamper
sensor becomes active. In earlier models of the 1027, there were TILT and
LEVEL indicators that illuminated during this 15-second period. The original
TILT sensor has been replaced with a DISTURBANCE sensor which is more
sensitive to movement. To test this feature, CLEAR the 1027 memory and
conduct a test for several hours. During the test, try lifting or sliding the mon-
itor. Print the results. A “T” should appear in the interval when the distur-
bance was made.
3. At the end of the monitoring period, insert the key and turn the Top Panel
switch to the ENABLE position.
Display Result
Display ResultDisplay Result
Display Result
1. Press AVG to display the average radon concentration in pCi/l over the
total monitoring period.
2. Press CUR to display the radon concentration in the current 12-hour
period.

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NOTE: The AVG and CUR display values continue to update during the entire
test, even if the test period exceeds the maximum storage of 90 intervals. The
interval storage stops updating after 90 intervals until the next memory clear.
Print Report
Print ReportPrint Report
Print Report
To print out a report on the accessory printer, see “Print Report” on page 11.
To interpret the report, see “Typical Printer Report” on page 12.
Download Report
Download ReportDownload Report
Download Report
To display and/or print out a report on a computer (PC), see “Data Transfer to
a Personal Computer” on page 14.
Shutdown
ShutdownShutdown
Shutdown
1. Unplug the power adapter from the wall outlet.
CAUTION: Switch off the backup battery. If the battery is on, the monitor
continues to operate.
2. Switch off the backup battery to avoid measurement interference with the
completed test and prevent depletion of the battery.
Delayed Reports and Displays
Delayed Reports and DisplaysDelayed Reports and Displays
Delayed Reports and Displays
You can also display, print, or download the results of the test later at another
location, provided you understand the following differences:
• When you remove all power, the value of the latest partial interval and
the CUR value are lost from temporary memory.
• If power is on (including battery power) the unit continues to operate, pro-
viding values that are averaged into the result.
If you take an AVG reading, disconnect power, then restore power later and
take a second reading; the second AVG reading may be slightly different from
the first. This is because the first AVG reading includes the value for the partial
1-hour interval in process. This partial value is stored in temporary memory
and is lost when power is disconnected. The second AVG value is calculated
using only completed intervals stored in non-volatile memory.

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Optional Portable Printer
Optional Portable PrinterOptional Portable Printer
Optional Portable Printer
Description
DescriptionDescription
Description
The Model 020030 is a small, portable, dot-matrix impact printer (Figure 3).
It uses an inked ribbon to generate the printed image. This allows the printer
to utilize ordinary adding machine tape paper (2.25” wide; 2.5” outer diam-
eter & 0.44” inner diameter).
The printer is controlled by a three-position switch.
• The left position is OFF.
• The center position is ON.
• The right position, which is only momentary, has two functions:
1. When the printer is first turned on, you can pass through the center posi-
tion to the right position, and the printer will begin a print test. This will
continue until the printer is turned OFF.
2. During all other times, the right position of the switch is the PAPER
ADVANCE.
Figure 3. Optional portable printer
Connection
ConnectionConnection
Connection
1. Connect the printer data plug to the PRINTER PORT receptacle on the
radon monitor (Figure 4).
2. Connect the power converter output plug to the matching 2-pin plug from
the printer cable. There is no preferred polarity on the two pins.

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3. Connect the printer power converter to the wall plug.
4. Connect the radon monitor power converter to the radon monitor.
5. Connect the radon monitor power converter into the wall plug.
Figure 4. Connecting the printer
Print Report
Print ReportPrint Report
Print Report
1. Connect and power up the printer and radon monitor.
2. Press and hold both push button switches on top of the radon monitor
until the yellow LED turns on continuously. Then release the buttons, and
the yellow LED begins to blink.
3. While yellow LED is blinking, press and hold the PRINT button until the
yellow LED turns on solid, not blinking.
4. Release the PRINT button.
5. The printer will begin printing out a paper report on the optional printer.
6. When the yellow LED blinks once, information transfer is complete.

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Typical Printer Report
Typical Printer ReportTypical Printer Report
Typical Printer Report
Figure 5. Typical Printer Report
Changing Printer Ribbon
Changing Printer RibbonChanging Printer Ribbon
Changing Printer Ribbon
The inked ribbons will become light over time from either use or natural drying
of the ink.
Information to be written in by
testing professional.
“T” (tamper) Indicates move-
ment occurred during this inter-
val. The unit may have been
tampered with.
“P” (power) Indicates power
interrupt during this interval.
Again, the unit may have been
tampered with.
TABULAR DATA. Average radon
gas concentration during each
measurement interval is printed
in sequential order; reading in
rows from left to right up to a
maximum of 90, 1-hour mea-
surement intervals.
Long term average since last
memory CLEAR.
Long term average less the first
4 hours of data.
PROFILE DATA Each concentra-
tion value is graphically repre-
sented in the same order as the
tabular printout. Scale is auto-
matically adjusted to show max-
imum value in pCi/l.

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1. Press down on the groove marks located on either side of the clear plastic
window below the paper-tear bar (Figure 6). This will cause the back end
of the panel to pop up.
2. Remove the panel exposing the ribbon cartridge.
3. Press down on the left end of the cartridge and it will pop up.
4. Remove the cartridge and replace it with a new cartridge (SNC part num-
ber 850013).
Figure 6. Changing ribbon and paper roll in the printer
Changing Paper
Changing PaperChanging Paper
Changing Paper
The Model 020030 uses ordinary adding machine tape paper (SNC part
number 850037).
1. Lifting up on the paper roll removes it from the printer. The printer spindle
(SNC part number 850035) will be through the center of the paper roll.
2. Remove the spindle and transfer it to the new paper roll.
3. Turn the printer ON, wait a few seconds to avoid activating the print test
function, and then press the switch to the right position. The paper feed
mechanism will begin.
4. While holding the switch in the right position, begin to feed the end of the
new paper roll into the slot near the bottom front of the well in which the
paper normally sits (Figure 6). The printer mechanism will grab the
paper. Do not force it.
5. Once the paper is being pulled into the printer, continue to hold down on
the switch until the paper appears at the top of the printer.
6. Release the switch, and replace the paper roll in the well by pressing the
two ends of the spindle into the small notches on either side of the paper
well.

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Data Transfer to a Personal Computer
Data Transfer to a Personal ComputerData Transfer to a Personal Computer
Data Transfer to a Personal Computer
Description
DescriptionDescription
Description
The DATA PORT on the Model 1027 Professional Continuous Radon Monitor
provides an alternate method of printing the information report that is nor-
mally obtained from the Sun Nuclear Corporation Model 020030 paper tape
printer.
Connection
ConnectionConnection
Connection
1. To utilize the DATA PORT, you must have a standard “9 pin D” serial
extension cable with one male and one female connector. These cables
are available from your local computer store.
2. Connect the cable from the Model 1027 Data Port to Com 2 or any
unused RS-232 serial port on a standard IBM compatible PC or laptop
(Figure 7). Serial ports are sometimes identified as Com 1 or Com 2.
3. If your PC has only a 25-pin connector, you will need a 9-pin to 25-pin
adapter or a different cable. These are also available from your local com-
puter store.
Figure 7. Connecting the data port to a computer
Windows Software
Windows SoftwareWindows Software
Windows Software
A 3.5 inch floppy disk is included with your Model 1027 radon monitor. This
disk contains a program named SETUP.EXE. When executed, this setup file
installs the Radon 1027 application software on any personal computer using
the Microsoft Windows operating system (see “System Requirements” on
page 15).
The Windows software application lets you:
• print reports from any printer connected to your computer,

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• apply headers, footers, dates, and serial numbers to reports,
• annotate and edit reports,
• store reports as text files,
• store reports that can be imported into a spreadsheet.
System Requirements
System RequirementsSystem Requirements
System Requirements
The software runs on any PC operating on Microsoft Windows 95, 98, ME,
NT 4.0, or Windows 2000. Approximately 1 MB of disk space and 32 MB or
RAM are required.
Installing the Software
Installing the SoftwareInstalling the Software
Installing the Software
1. Insert the program diskette in the floppy drive of your computer.
2. Click Start at the bottom of the screen, and select Run from the Start
menu. The Run dialog box opens.
3. Use the Browse button to find the SETUP.EXE file on the floppy diskette.
The floppy drive is normally the A: drive in most systems.
4. Highlight the file SETUP.EXE and click Open. The file SETUP.EXE will
now appear in the Run dialog box (Figure 8).
Figure 8. Run the Setup.exe file on the floppy disk
5. Click OK. The Welcome screen will appear (Figure 9).

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Figure 9. Welcome screen
6. Click the Next button and follow the on-screen directions.
7. When the installation is complete, click the Finish button. The installation
screen will close. In Windows 95 and higher, the Radon 1027 icon will
appear on the desktop.
Starting the Software
Starting the SoftwareStarting the Software
Starting the Software
1. Double-click on the desktop icon (Figure 10) to start the program. If the
desktop icon is not visible, click Start > Programs > SNC Group > Radon
1027.
Figure 10. Desktop icon
2. The program opens with a blank screen (Figure 11). On the menu bar,
the Get Data is dimmed because the Com Port is not selected.

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Figure 11. Program opens with a blank screen
Com Port Setup
Com Port SetupCom Port Setup
Com Port Setup
Most PCs have at least two Com Ports (serial communications ports), identi-
fied as Com Port 1 and Com Port 2, with connectors located at the back of
the computer. A few computers also have Com Ports 3 and 4. You can connect
to any open Com Port.
1. To select, click Com Port on the menu to display the available Com Ports.
Unavailable Com Ports will be dimmed.
2. Click the Com Port to which the radon monitor is connected. A bullet will
appear next to the selected port (Figure 12).
Figure 12. Select the desired Com Port
3. If you accidentally select the wrong port, reselect the correct port.
Menu bar
Editing area
Message area

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Information Setup
Information SetupInformation Setup
Information Setup
If desired, you can automatically add header and footer information to each
report when the data is transferred from the radon monitor. This information
is entered in a special dialog box before the data is transferred.
1. Click Edit > Info... to open the Information Setup dialog box (Figure 13).
Figure 13. Information setup
2. Enter the desired information as follows:
•Enable Info—select this item if you want the information to be
placed in the report. If you clear this box, none of the information will
appear on the report.
•Monitor S/Ns—enter the serial number for each of the Model 1027
radon monitors you are using, and press the down arrow. This inserts
the numbers in the list below. Prior to transferring a report to your PC,
double-click the serial number you want to appear in the Radon Mon-
itor S/N box. To remove a S/N from the list, click on it, and press the
Delete key.
•Header Info—enter any text you want to appear at the top of the re-
port.
•Start Date/Start Time—select the date and time the test started.
•End Date/End Time—select the date and time the test ended.
•Radon Monitor S/N—select the serial number of the radon monitor
used in the test by double-clicking the correct serial number from the
list of serial numbers in the box at the left.
•Location—enter the location of the monitor during the test.
•Footer Info—enter any text you want to appear at the bottom of the
report.

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3. Click the down arrow in the date box to open a calendar (Figure 14). Then
scroll to the desired month and double-click the desired date. The
selected date appears in the Date box. You can also type in the date
directly or highlight the month, day or year and increment or decrement
the value with the up/down arrow keys.
4. In the time boxes, type in the times desired, or highlight the hours, min-
utes, or seconds and click the arrows to increment or decrement the
selected value.
Figure 14. Using the calendar to select the date
5. Click OK to save the information.
Data Transfer
Data TransferData Transfer
Data Transfer
To perform data transfer to your personal computer, perform the following
steps:
1. Be sure the Model 1027 Radon Monitor is properly connected and pow-
ered-up.
2. Start the Radon 1027 application program by clicking on the desktop
icon or selecting it from Start > Programs > SNC Group > Radon 1027.
3. When the program opens, verify that the proper Com Port is selected.
4. Click on Get Data on the menu. The message at the bottom of the screen
will say “Listening for data on Com 1...”
5. Hold down both buttons on top of the Model 1027 until the yellow LED
comes on continuously. Then release both buttons. The yellow LED will
now be flashing.
6. With the yellow LED flashing, press and release the Print button to trans-
mit the data. The message at the bottom of the screen will say “Acquiring
data on Com 1, please wait...”

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7. The Model 1027 report will appear on the computer screen (Figure 15).
Figure 15. Report displayed in the editing screen
8. Use the scroll bars at the right side and bottom to view other parts of the
report.
Editing and Printing Reports
Editing and Printing ReportsEditing and Printing Reports
Editing and Printing Reports
1. The entire central part of the screen is an editing window. You can add
to, delete from, or change any part of the report.
2. Use standard Windows keystrokes to enter or delete characters.
3. Use the Cut, Copy, and Paste commands on the Edit menu to make major
changes to the report.
4. To interpret the results of the report, see Figure 5, page 12. The data
between the header and footer is the same as on the optional printer tape.
5. To print the report, select File > Print. The standard Windows Print dia-
log box opens.
6. Click OK to print.
Saving Reports
Saving ReportsSaving Reports
Saving Reports
1. A report can be saved in one of two formats:
• Normal ASCII text format (“Text Files”). The program adds the suffix
“_t” to the filename.