Sun Nuclear 1027 User manual

Title
Radon Monitor User’s Guide
Accurate, Reliable, Economical
Model 1027

ii
User’s Guide, Continuous Radon Monitor
© Copyright 2016 by Sun Nuclear Corporation. All rights reserved.
The information contained in this manual is copyrighted and all rights reserved by
Sun Nuclear Corporation. Copying, duplicating, selling, or otherwise distributing
any part of this product without the prior written consent of Sun Nuclear Corpo-
ration is prohibited.
Sun Nuclear Corporation reserves the right to make periodic modifications to this
document without obligation to notify any person or entity of such revision.
This manual is written for:
Software version: 1.0.0.1
Continuous Radon Monitor™ is a trademark of Sun Nuclear Corporation. Other
trademarks or trade names are the property of their respective owners.
Document 102711, Rev F-1, 08 September 2016
Corporate Headquarters
3275 Suntree Boulevard
Melbourne, FL 32940 USA
[phone]
www.sunnuclear.com

iii
Preface
Application
The Continuous Radon Monitor, Model 1027, is intended for use in indoor
applications of radon gas sampling. In a typical test the user locates the Model
1027 in the home to be monitored, connects power, and leaves the Model 1027
unattended for a period of two or more days. Ambient room air diffuses into the
Model 1027’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 optional printer, or
computer display. Once data is downloaded to the computer, a report can be
printed using standard programs.
After obtaining report data, the memory can be cleared and a new test can begin.
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 Model 1027 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.
Health and Safety Instructions
To protect Continuous Radon Monitor performance and cable insulation, never
pull on a cable to disconnect it. Always grasp the plug or connector.
Inspect all cables periodically for damage. Do not use any cable that is damaged
or has broken insulation. Replace the cable immediately. If any mechanical or
electrical degradation is suspected, contact Sun Nuclear Corporation for repair or
replacement.
Check for physical damage prior to and after each use.
WARNING: To avoid risk of electric shock, this device must only be
connected to a supply mains with protective earth (ground).
WARNING: Never use the radon monitor in an area that could contain
explosive gases. A spark from inside the device could ignite an
explosion.
This equipment must be used in accordance with the instructions in
this manual. Read all instructions and safety labels before use.

iv
Do not permit water or any other liquids to spill onto the instrument.
Inspect the device periodically for damage. If measurement errors or device
damage are suspected, contact Sun Nuclear Corporation.
The device is not intended to be used in an oxygen rich environment.
For instructions to report health or safety related concerns, see Reporting Health
or Safety Related Issues or Concerns on page 38.
Regulatory Information
For a definition of the symbols used throughout this document and additional
information related to user and device safety, see Regulatory Supplement on
page 37. Review this information thoroughly before setting up and using the
device.
Document Conventions
•Bold typeface indicates a button name or an entry that the user must type.
•Italicized typeface indicates the title of a manual, a cross-referenced
subsection in this manual, or introduces a new term or phrase.
•Bold italicized typeface indicates a menu option.
• “Text in double quotes” indicates a message that is displayed to the user.
• ‘Text in single quotes’ indicates the name of a window or dialog box.
• The Z suffix in a part number indicates a RoHS2 compliant part.

v
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii
Health and Safety Instructions . . .iii
Regulatory Information . . . . . . . .iv
Document Conventions . . . . . . . .iv
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Options and Accessories . . . . . 2
Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Unpack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Set Up Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Set Up Thermal Printer . . . . . . . 4
Set Up Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Install Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Set Up Communication . . . . . . . . 6
Using Serial Port . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Using USB to Serial Adapter . . 8
Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Set Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Clear Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Conduct Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Display Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Delayed Results . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Interpreting Results . . . . . . . . . . 15
Shutting Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Thermal Printer Reports . . . . . . . 17
Computer Reports . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Set Up Report Information . . . 18
Transfer Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Edit and Print Reports . . . . . . 20
Save Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Support and Maintenance . . . . . . 21
Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Disposing and Recycling . . . . 21
Service and Calibration . . . . . 21
Change Backup Battery . . . . . 22
Thermal Printer Maintenance . . 22
Rechargeable Battery Pack . . 22
Efficient Printer Battery Use . 23
Printer DIP Switch Settings . . 23
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Troubleshooting Model 1027 25
Troubleshooting Thermal
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Troubleshooting USB to Serial
Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Contacting Sun Nuclear Support 29
Support Website . . . . . . . . . . 29
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Hardware Reference . . . . . . . . . 30
Model 1027 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Thermal Printer . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Software Reference . . . . . . . . . 33
Radon Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Recommended System
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Model 1027 Specifications . . . . 35
Regulatory Supplement . . . . . . . 37
Sun Nuclear Corporation
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Operator Responsibility . . . . . . . 38
Reporting Health or Safety
Related Issues or Concerns . . 38
Modifications to Equipment . . . 38
Interaction with Other
Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . 38
Contents

vi
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1
1 Introduction
Description
The Model 1027 Professional Continuous Radon Monitor is an electronic device
that uses a diffused-junction photodiode sensor to measure the concentration of
radon gas.
The unit is operated using mains power and includes a 9-volt battery for backup
power. A numerical display shows the average radon gas concentration.
The Model 1027 has been evaluated and accepted by:
• National Radon Safety Board (NRSB); Device code: 31807; Group Code: CR.
• National Environmental Health Association National Radon Proficiency
Program (NEHA-NRPP); Device Code: 223; Group Code: 4.
Features
• Simple 2 button (print/clear) operation
• 3 digit LED display readout
• 90 data point storage
• 2.7 cph per pCi/L sensitivity
The Model 1027 can complete a professional report on-site with the optional
compact thermal printer, or at a later time with the included Radon Monitor
software application.
The Model 1027 includes the Radon Monitor software application. When installed
on a laptop or personal computer, the application is used to:
• Print reports from any printer connected to the computer.
• Apply headers, footers, dates, and serial numbers to reports.
• Annotate and edit reports.
• Store reports as text files.
• Store reports in a format that can be imported into a spreadsheet.
The latest released software and the Radon Monitor User’s Guide can be
downloaded from the Sun Nuclear Support website for Radon monitor products,
https://support.sunnuclear.com/radon/. Software upgrades or patches may
become available later and they are available for download on the Support
website.

2
Parts
The following parts are shipped with Continuous Radon Monitor, Model 1027.
Options and Accessories
The following accessories can be used with the Model 1027.
Part Number Qty Description
102730 1 Professional Continuous Radon Monitor, Model 1027
741011 1 Power supply, 18 VDC, 0.3A,100-240 VAC (not shown)
801032Z 1 Cable, RS-232 (serial), DB9M to DB9F, 6 ft. (not shown)
102713 1 Technical Bulletin 12-09, USB Port Troubleshooting (not shown)
0200014 1 Customer Support site introduction letter (not shown)
Figure 1-1. Parts Furnished with P/N 102700-0
Table 1. Model 1027 Options and Accessories
Part Number Description
102750 Portable thermal printer (see Thermal Printer on page 3)
850029 USB to Serial Adapter
741012 International blade kit for power supply P/N 741011
102377 Report, Radon Gas Measurement, blank
102378 Sign, self-adhesive, “Warning, Closed Building Procedure”
102379 Sign, plastic, hanging, “Caution, Radon Test in Progress”
1028130 Sign, vinyl static cling, “Warning, Closed Building Procedure”

3
Thermal Printer
The optional portable thermal printer, P/N 102750, is used to print reports after
measurements. The following parts are included.
Figure 1-2. Optional Portable Thermal Printer, P/N 102750
WARNING: Use only accessories that are specifically authorized by
Sun Nuclear for use with Model 1027.
Number Description
850040(Z)* Thermal printer, 40 column
022005(Z) Power supply, 6VDC, 2.1 mm plug (not shown)
801008(Z) Mains power cord for power supply, 2.3 m, 125V 5-15 P C13 (IEC
Plug to USA style; not shown)
750052 Rechargeable battery pack, 4.8V Ni-MH
780374 Connector, gender changer-mini 9 M-M (not shown)
801032(Z) Cable, RS-232 (serial), DB9M to DB9F, 6 ft. (not shown)
850043(Z) Thermal printer paper roll (see Figure 2-2 on page 5)
*(Z) indicates a RoHS2 compliant part is available.
Note: The impact printer (P/N 020030) offered with earlier Model
1027 Radon Monitors is no longer available. The replacement is the
thermal printer described in Figure 1-2.

4
2 Setup
Unpack
Unpack the shipping box and identify the parts. See Parts on page 2.
Set Up Hardware
Before collecting data with Model 1027, decide how you want to print reports.
• Using the optional thermal printer, P/N 102750. See Set Up Thermal Printer
below.
• Using a printer connected to a laptop or personal computer. This option
requires the Radon Monitor software application. See Set Up Software on
page 6.
Set Up Thermal Printer
1 Connect gender changer (P/N 780374) to printer serial port.
2 Connect RS-232 (serial) printer cable (P/N 801032(Z)) to Model 1027 DATA
PORT and to printer gender changer.
3 To operate printer on AC power, plug power supply (P/N 022005(Z)) into
printer power connector. Then, plug detachable power cord (P/N 801008(Z))
into printer power supply and into a mains power source that matches
ratings on power supply.
Alternately, operate printer from its rechargeable battery.
Figure 2-1. Printer Controls and Indicators
Note: Save the packing material if you plan to return the Model 1027
for periodic re-calibrations. See Thermal Printer Maintenance on
page 22.
FEED
ON LINE/OFF LINE
Power
switch
Power
indicator

5
4 Slide Power switch (on side of printer) to On (I) position (Figure 2-1). Green
power indicator turns on and flashes once every second. If battery is low,
indicator flashes once every 1/2 second.
5 To feed printer paper, toggle ON LINE button to OFF LINE position (red
indicator), then press FEED button. It is only possible to feed paper when
printer is OFF LINE. See Load Printer Paper below.
6 When printer paper is in position, toggle ON LINE button to ON LINE
position (green indicator).
See Table 2 on page 32 for a description of thermal printer indicators.
Load Printer Paper
1 Unwrap roll of thermal printer paper (P/N 850043(Z)) and, if necessary, cut
leading edge straight across.
Figure 2-2. Loading Printer Paper
WARNING: Do not press and hold ON LINE button and FEED button
simultaneously for 30 seconds or more. This resets internal switches
and prevents use of the printer.
Note: Load thermal printer paper in an area protected from direct
sunlight.

6
2 Open printer paper cover and place roll of thermal paper, edge down, in
cover. Printing surface is on inside of roll.
3 Turn on power, then push edge of paper into inlet slot at bottom of paper
holder until auto-loader catches paper and feeds about 10 cm through paper
cutter. If necessary, keep pressing paper FEED button until paper feeds
straight and smoothly.
Low Printer Battery Indication
When POWER (green) indicator starts flashing once every 0.5 seconds and
printer goes OFF LINE (red indicator), connect AC adapter.
If any data is in the memory buffer when POWER indicator starts flashing,
connect the AC adapter as quickly as possible to prevent data loss, then push ON
LINE button.
Set Up Software
Prerequisites
• Ensure the computer meets the system requirements in Recommended
System Requirements on page 35.
• Administrative rights may be required to install and use the software, and to
set up communication between the computer and the Radon Monitor.
Install Software
1Download the 1027 Radon Monitor software from the Radon Support
website, https://support.sunnuclear.com/radon/ and save it to your c o m puter
or laptop.
2 Run the executable file, Radon1027_v<X>.exe and follow the on-screen
instructions to install the software.
Radon 1027 icon appears on the desktop.
Set Up Communication
Model 1027 ships with an RS-232 cable (P/N 801032(Z)) that connects to a
computer’s serial (COM) port. This connection allows data transfer from Model
1027 to a computer, where you can view, edit, and print reports.
Newer computers have USB ports instead of serial ports. In this case, an optional
“USB to Serial Adapter” cable is used to connect Model 1027 to the computer. A
typical adapter has a short cable with a serial connector on one end, a USB
connector on the other end, and a small circuit board molded to the connector.
Note: When paper is loaded correctly, red OFF LINE indicator stops
flashing and stays on to indicate printer is still in OFF LINE mode.

7
• To connect Model 1027 to a computer using a serial port and the RS-232 data
cable, see Using Serial Port below.
• To connect Model 1027 to a computer using a USB port, see Using USB to
Serial Adapter on page 8.
Using Serial Port
1 Connect one end of RS-232 data cable to Model 1027’s DATA PORT and
other end to computer’s serial (9-pin) COM port (Figure 2-3).
Figure 2-3. Connecting Radon Monitor to Computer with RS-232 Serial Cable
2 Double-click the Radon 1027 desktop icon to start the application.
If the icon is not visible:
•ClickStart > Programs > SNC Group > Radon 1027 or
• Navigate to the folder where the program is installed (for example,
C:\Radon) and double-click the Radon.exe file.
Application opens with a blank screen (Figure 2-4 on page 8).
On menu bar, Get Data menu option is dimmed because a Com Port has not
been selected. Model 1027 can use Com port 1, 2, 3, or 4.
DATA PORT
COM port
RS-232
data cable

8
Figure 2-4. Application Opens With Blank Screen
3 On computer where RS-232 cable is connected, check connector to identify
Com port number.
4 Click Com Port on menu to display available Com Ports. Unavailable Com
Ports are dimmed.
5 Select Com Port on computer to which RS-232 cable is connected. A bullet
appears next to selected port (Figure 2-5).
Figure 2-5. Select the Desired Com Port
If you accidentally selected the wrong port, select the correct port.
Using USB to Serial Adapter
Sun Nuclear has tested and approved the IOGEAR Model GUC232A USB to Serial
Adapter (Figure 2-6 on page 9). This adapter can be purchased directly from Sun
Nuclear by ordering P/N 850029, or can be purchased at a computer store, office
supply store, or from an internet supplier.
Menu bar
Editing area
Message area
Dimmed until
Com Port selected

9
Figure 2-6. IOGEAR Model GUC232A USB to Serial Adapter, P/N 850029
Although it is possible to use a different USB to Serial Adapter, doing so is not
recommended because other USB to Serial Adapter installations have not been
tested. USB to Serial Adapters require special installation procedures, and each
manufacturer supplies specific instructions.
System Requirements
• The IOGEAR Model GUC232A USB to Serial adapter can be used with a
computer running any of the supported operating systems for the Radon
Monitor. See Recommended System Requirements on page 35.
• Administrative rights may be required to install the adapter drivers.
Adapter Installation
The following items are required to perform this procedure:
• IOGEAR Model GUC232A USB to Serial Adapter.
• CD and manufacturer’s instructions provided with USB to Serial Adapter.
Updated adapter drivers can also be downloaded from the IOGEAR
website. See Updating USB to Serial Adapter Drivers on page 26.
• RS-232 cable included with Model 1027.
1 Connect RS-232 cable from Model 1027 DATA PORT to serial connector on
USB to Serial Adapter (Figure 2-7).
2 Plug USB connector on other end of USB to Serial Adapter into a USB port
on computer.
CAUTION: Sun Nuclear will only provide technical support for the
IOGEAR Model GUC232A adapter.
CAUTION: Retain CD and manufacturer’s instructions for adapter. CD
and instructions are needed to install of adapter drivers.

10
Figure 2-7. Connecting Model 1027 with USB to Serial Adapter
3 Insert manufacturer’s CD into computer’s CD drive, or open downloaded
driver file, and follow the manufacturer’s on-screen instructions.
Normally a CD drive is set for Autostart and the installation program opens
automatically. If it does not, use My Computer or Windows Explorer to
navigate to the CD and manually start the program following the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Verify Driver Installation
1 To verify USB to Serial Adapter drivers were installed correctly, follow the
instructions in the table below to open ‘Device Manager’ on your computer
and check the COM port connection.
2 In ‘Device Manager’ window, expand Ports (COM & LPT) to see a list of
connected ports (Figure 2-8 on page 11).
Windows 7 Windows 8.1
1. On the desktop, right-click My Computer
then select Properties to display the
'System Properties' window.
2. Click the Hardware tab, then Device
Manager.
3.Type a password or provide confirmation if
prompted to do so.
Or, click Start > Control Panel > Device
Manager.
1. On the desktop, right-click This PC, then
select Properties to display the 'System'
window.
2. Click Device Manager to display a list of
devices.
Or, right-click Control Panel, and in the
’Control Panel’ window, click Hardware and
Sound, then Device Manager to display a
list of devices.
USB port
DATA
PORT
RS-232 cable
GU232A cable Adapter serial
connector

11
Figure 2-8. Checking USB to Serial Port in Device Manager
3 In Ports list, look for a port labeled ATEN USB to Serial Bridge (COM#) if
using recommended IOGEAR USB to Serial adapter. (Look for something
similar to USB Serial Port (COM#) if using a different adapter.)
4 Verify port is correct by disconnecting and reconnecting USB end of cable
from computer. Port should disappear from list and then reappear.
If no port disappears and reappears when you disconnect and reconnect the
cable, computer does not recognize the USB to Serial Adapter. Reinstall
drivers provided with USB to Serial Adapter, and then try this procedure
again. (See also, Troubleshooting USB to Serial Adapter on page 26.)
5 Make note of serial port number (COM port) of USB to Serial adapter. You
will need this to set the Radon Monitor application to connect to this port.

12
Set COM Port in Radon Monitor Software
1 After USB to Serial Adapter is successfully installed, power up Model 1027
and launch Radon Monitor application.
2 On menu, click Com Port and select Com port number set up in previous
section for USB to Serial Adapter.
Figure 2-9. Selecting Adapter Com Port in Radon Monitor Application
Note: Radon Monitor application only recognizes Com ports 1, 2, 3,
or 4. Ports dimmed on menu are not available.
Dimmed ports
not available
Select Com Port for
adapter (example)

13
3 Operation
Set Up
1 Unpack Model 1027 and place in position within space to be monitored for
radon gas. The device does not need to be level.
2 Avoid using switch-controlled outlets. Plug power adapter into power input
jack on Model 1027 (Figure 3-1), then plug power adapter into a mains power
wall outlet that matches power ratings printed on power supply.
Figure 3-1. Connecting Power to Model 1027
• Green POWER LED turns on.
• Yellow LED flashes twice followed by a single flash to indicate Model
1027 has performed all internal diagnostics and is functioning properly.
3 Insert TOP PANEL key and turn to ENABLE position to activate top panel
controls.
4 Press AVG button. If memory is clear, three decimal points appear in display.
If memory is not clear, long term average radon concentration is displayed.
In this case, you must clear memory before collecting measurements.
CAUTION: Do not use in outdoor environments. Humidity and
extreme temperatures will cause measurement errors.
CAUTION: Clear memory before starting a new measurement. If
memory is not cleared, new measurements will be averaged with the
old measurements still in memory.

14
Clear Memory
1 Press and hold both buttons on top of Model 1027 until yellow LED turns on,
then release both buttons. Yellow LED flashes.
2 While yellow LED is flashing, press and hold CLEAR button. Yellow LED
initially turns off; then turns on solid, not flashing.
3 Release CLEAR button when yellow LED turns on solid.
4 When yellow LED and display LEDs flash, followed by a single flash of yellow
LED, memory is cleared.
Conduct Test
1 If desired, switch on backup battery. A fresh battery provides about 20 hours
of back-up operation.
2 Turn TOP PANEL switch to DISABLE, then remove key.
3 At end of monitoring period, insert TOP PANEL key and turn to ENABLE.
Display Results
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.
3 To print results, review Delayed Results below before proceeding to Reports
on page 17. Or, record results on a piece of paper for a handwritten report.
Note: When Model 1027 is powered on, a tamper sensor is always
active except for a 15-second period immediately following a CLEAR
memory procedure. To avoid a tamper notation on the first reading,
do not move Model 1027 once the tamper sensor is active.
Note: To test tamper sensor, CLEAR memory and conduct a test for
several hours. During the test, try lifting or sliding Model 1027. In the
printed results, a “T” should appear in the interval when the
disturbance was made.
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.