TSI Incorporated Alnor CF920 Operation manual

Indoor Air Quality
Indoor Air Quality Meter
Alnor®Model CF920
AIRFLOWTM Model IAQ920
Operation and Service Manual

Copyright©
TSI Incorporated / 2007-2008 / All rights reserved.
Address
TSI Incorporated / 500 Cardigan Road / Shoreview, MN 55126 / USA
Fax No.
[phone]
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY (effective July 2000)
Seller warrants the goods sold hereunder, under normal use and service as described in the
operator's manual, shall be free from defects in workmanship and material for twenty-four (24)
months, or the length of time specified in the operator's manual, from the date of shipment to the
customer. This warranty period is inclusive of any statutory warranty. This limited warranty is
subject to the following exclusions:
a. Hot-wire or hot-film sensors used with research anemometers, and certain other
components when indicated in specifications, are warranted for 90 days from the date of
shipment.
b. Parts repaired or replaced as a result of repair services are warranted to be free from
defects in workmanship and material, under normal use, for 90 days from the date of
shipment.
c. Seller does not provide any warranty on finished goods manufactured by others or on any
fuses, batteries or other consumable materials. Only the original manufacturer's warranty
applies.
d. Unless specifically authorized in a separate writing by Seller, Seller makes no warranty
with respect to, and shall have no liability in connection with, goods which are
incorporated into other products or equipment, or which are modified by any person other
than Seller.
The foregoing is IN LIEU OF all other warranties and is subject to the LIMITATIONS stated
herein. NO OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY IS MADE.
TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE USER OR
BUYER, AND THE LIMIT OF SELLER'S LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL LOSSES,
INJURIES, OR DAMAGES CONCERNING THE GOODS (INCLUDING CLAIMS BASED
ON CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE) SHALL
BE THE RETURN OF GOODS TO SELLER AND THE REFUND OF THE PURCHASE
PRICE, OR, AT THE OPTION OF SELLER, THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE
GOODS. IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES. SELLER SHALL NOT BE
RESPONSIBLE FOR INSTALLATION, DISMANTLING OR REINSTALLATION COSTS
OR CHARGES. No Action, regardless of form, may be brought against Seller more than 12
months after a cause of action has accrued. The goods returned under warranty to Seller's
factory shall be at Buyer's risk of loss, and will be returned, if at all, at Seller's risk of loss.
Buyer and all users are deemed to have accepted this LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND
LIABILITY, which contains the complete and exclusive limited warranty of Seller. This
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY may not be amended, modified or its terms
waived, except by writing signed by an Officer of Seller.
Service Policy
Knowing that inoperative or defective instruments are as detrimental to TSI as they are to our
customers, our service policy is designed to give prompt attention to any problems. If any
malfunction is discovered, please contact your nearest sales office or representative, or call
Customer Service department at [phone] (UK), [phone] (USA), or (1) 651-
490-2811 (International).

iii
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 UNPACKING AND PARTS IDENTIFICATION ............ 1
CHAPTER 2 SETTING-UP.................................................................3
Supplying Power to the Alnor CF920/AIRFLOW IAQ920 .................3
Installing the Batteries ...............................................................3
Using the Optional AC Adapter .................................................3
Using The Probe.............................................................................3
Connecting to a Computer..............................................................3
CHAPTER 3 OPERATION .................................................................5
Keypad Functions ...........................................................................5
Common Terms ..............................................................................5
Menus .............................................................................................6
DISPLAY SETUP.................................................................................6
SETTINGS .........................................................................................6
BAROMETRIC PRESSURE ...................................................................6
DATA LOGGING .................................................................................7
Measurements...........................................................................7
Log Mode/Log Settings .............................................................7
Delete Data................................................................................7
% Memory .................................................................................7
APPLICATIONS ..................................................................................7
CHAPTER 4 MAINTENANCE............................................................9
Recalibration...................................................................................9
Cases.............................................................................................. 9
Storage ...........................................................................................9
CHAPTER 5 TROUBLESHOOTING................................................11
APPENDIX A SPECIFICATIONS.....................................................13

1
Chapter 1
Unpacking and Parts Identification
Carefully unpack the instrument and accessories from the shipping
container. Check the individual parts against the list of components below..
If anything is missing or damaged, notify TSI immediately.
1. Carrying case
2. Instrument
3. USB cable
4. CD-ROM with downloading software
5. Calibration collar
6. AC adapter

3
Chapter 2
Setting-up
Supplying Power to the Alnor CF920/AIRFLOW IAQ920
The Alnor CF920/AIRFLOW IAQ920 can be powered in one of two ways:
four size AA batteries or the optional AC adapter.
Installing the Batteries
Insert four AA batteries as indicated by the diagram located on the
inside of the battery compartment. The Alnor CF920/AIRFLOW IAQ920
is designed to operate with either alkaline or NiMH rechargeable
batteries, although it will not recharge NiMH batteries. Battery life will
be shorter if NiMH batteries are used. Carbon-zinc batteries are not
recommended because of the danger of battery acid leakage.
Using the Optional AC Adapter
When using the AC adapter, the batteries (if installed) will be bypassed.
Be sure to provide the correct voltage and frequency, which is marked
on the back of the AC adapter. The AC adapter is not a battery charger.
Using The Probe
The sensing probe relies on the diffusion of air. For best results, try to
keep the sensing probe surrounded by moving air. Do not breathe on the
probe. Humans exhale CO2levels exceeding 10,000 ppm and it may
take time for the probe to re-stabilize. Use the probe holder to support
the probe when in continuous data logging mode.
Connecting to a Computer
Use the USB Cable provided with the Alnor CF920/AIRFLOW IAQ920 to
connect the instrument to a computer. Connect the end labeled
“COMPUTER” to the computer USB port and the other end to the data port
of the Alnor CF920/AIRFLOW IAQ920.
For more information on how to download stored data see Chapter 3 section
titled LogDat2™Downloading Software.
Caution: This symbol is used to indicate that the data port
of the Alnor CF920/AIRFLOW IAQ920 is not intended for
connection to a public telecommunications network.
Connect the USB data port only to another USB port.

5
Chapter 3
Operation
Keypad Functions
ON/OFF Key Press to turn the Alnor CF920/AIRFLOW IAQ920
on and off. During the power up sequence the
display will show the following: Model Number,
Serial Number, Software Revision and Last Date
Calibrated.
Arrow (ST) Keys Press to scroll through choices while setting a
parameter. Pressing the ST keys simultaneously
will lock the keypad to prevent unauthorized
adjustments to the instruments. To unlock the
keypad, press the ST keys simultaneously.
(Enter) Key Press to accept a value or condition.
Arrow (gor h) and
Menu Soft Keys
Press arrow keys to change choices while setting a
parameter. Press the Menu soft key to select the
Menu selections, which are Display Setup,
Settings, Barometric Pressure, Data Logging,
Applications, Calibration.
Common Terms
In this manual there are several terms that are used in different places. The
following is a brief explanation of the meanings of those terms.
Sample Consists of all of the measurement parameters
stored at the same time.
Test ID A group of samples. The statistics (average,
minimum, maximum, and count) are calculated for
each test ID. The maximum number of test IDs is
100.

6 Chapter 3
Time Constant The time constant is an averaging period. It is used
to dampen the display. If you are experiencing
fluctuating flows, a longer time constant will slow
down those fluctuations. The display will update
every second, but the displayed reading will be the
average over the last time constant period. For
example, if the time constant is 10 seconds, the
display will update every second, but the displayed
reading will be the average from the last 10
seconds. This is also referred to as a “moving
average”.
Logging Interval The logging interval is a frequency period that the
instrument will log readings. For example, if the
logging interval is set to 30 minutes, each sample
will be the average of the last 30 minutes.
Menus
DISPLAY SETUP
Display setup menu is where you will setup the desired parameters to be
displayed on the running screen. With a parameter highlighted you can then
use the ON soft key to have it show up on the running screen or select the
OFF soft key to turn off the parameter. Use PRIMARY soft key to have a
parameter show up on the running screen in a larger display. Only one
parameter can be selected as a primary, and up to 2 secondary parameters
can be selected at one time.
SETTINGS
Settings menu is where you can set the general settings. These include
Language, Beeper, Select Units, Time Constant, Contrast, Set Time, Set
Date, Time Format, Date Format, Number Format, Backlight and Auto Off.
Use the gor hsoft keys to scroll through the settings for each option and
use the key to accept settings.
BAROMETRIC PRESSURE
Barometric Pressure menu is where you set the barometric pressure, which
can affect the CO2measurement.

Operation 7
DATA LOGGING
Measurements
Measurements to be logged are independent of measurements on the
display, and must therefore be selected under DATA LOGGING Æ
Measurements.
Log Mode/Log Settings
You can set Log Mode to Manual, Auto-save, Cont-key, or Cont-time.
•Manual mode does not automatically save data, but instead prompts
the user to save a sample.
•In Auto-save mode, the user manually takes samples that are
automatically logged.
•In Cont-key mode, the user starts taking readings and logging by
pressing the key. The instrument will continue taking
measurements until the key is pressed again.
•In Cont-time mode, the user starts taking readings by pressing the 
key. The instrument will continue taking samples until a set period
of time has passed.
•Auto-save, Cont-Key and Cont-time modes have the following
additional Log Settings:
Mode Log Settings
Auto-save Log Interval
Cont-key Log Interval
Cont-time Log Interval
Test Length
•Pressing the ST keys simultaneously will lock the keypad to
prevent unauthorized adjustments to the instruments. To unlock the
keypad, press the ST keys simultaneously.
Delete Data
Use this to delete all data, delete test or delete sample.
% Memory
This option displays the memory available. Delete All, under Delete
Data, will clear memory and reset the memory available.
APPLICATIONS
You can choose % Outside Air in the Applications menu. After choosing
this application, take measurements or enter data for each line.

8 Chapter 3
LogDat2™Downloading Software
The Alnor CF920/AIRFLOW IAQ920 comes with special software called
LogDat2 Downloading Software, which is designed to provide you with
maximum flexibility and power. To install this software on your computer,
follow the instructions on the label of the LogDat2 CD-ROM.
To download data from the Alnor CF920/AIRFLOW IAQ920, connect the
supplied computer interface USB cable to the Alnor CF920/AIRFLOW
IAQ920 and to a computer USB port. Then run the LogDat2 downloading
software. Within the LogDat2 software, either select the tests to be
downloaded or double-click on a test to open it.

9
Chapter 4
Maintenance
The Alnor CF920/AIRFLOW IAQ920 requires very little maintenance to keep
it performing well.
Recalibration
To maintain a high degree of accuracy in your measurements, we
recommend that you return your Alnor CF920/AIRFLOW IAQ920 to TSI for
annual recalibration. Please contact one of TSI’s offices or your local
distributor to make service arrangements and to receive a Return Material
Authorization (RMA) number. To fill out an online RMA form, visit TSI’s
website at http://service.tsi.com.
U.S. & International UK
TSI Incorporated TSI Instruments Ltd.
Alnor Products Stirling Road
500 Cardigan Road Cressex Business Park
Shoreview MN 55126-3996 High Wycombe
Tel: [phone] Bucks
[phone] HP12 3RT United Kingdom
Fax: [phone] Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
The Alnor CF920/AIRFLOW IAQ920 can also be recalibrated in the field
using the CALIBRATION menu. These field adjustments are intended to
make minor changes in calibration to match a user's calibration standards.
The field adjustment is NOT intended as a complete calibration capability.
For complete, multiple-point calibration and certification, the instrument
must be returned to the factory.
Cases
If the instrument case or storage case needs cleaning, wipe it off with a soft
cloth and isopropyl alcohol or a mild detergent. Never immerse the Alnor
CF920/AIRFLOW IAQ920. If the enclosure of the Alnor CF920/AIRFLOW
IAQ920 or the AC adapter becomes broken, it must be replaced immediately
to prevent access to hazardous voltage.
Storage
Remove the batteries when storing the unit for more than one month to
prevent damage due to battery leakage.

11
Chapter 5
Troubleshooting
Table 5-1 lists the symptoms, possible causes, and recommended solutions
for common problems encountered with the Alnor CF920/AIRFLOW
IAQ920. If your symptom is not listed, or if none of the solutions solves
your problem, please contact TSI.
Table 5-1: Troubleshooting the Alnor CF920/AIRFLOW IAQ920
Symptom Possible Causes Corrective Action
No Display Unit not turned on Switch unit on.
Low or dead batteries Replace batteries or plug
in AC adapter.
Dirty battery contacts Clean the battery
contacts.
Humidity reading
near zero or not
believable
Probe exposed to intense
light
Shade the probe while
taking samples.
High CO2levels Breathing on probe Shield probe from breath
and allow instrument to
re-stabilize.
No response to
keypad
Keypad locked out Unlock keypad by
pressing ST keys
simultaneously.
Instrument Error
message appears
Memory is full Download data if desired,
then DELETE ALL
memory.
Fault in instrument Factory service required
on instrument.
WARNING!
Remove the probe from excessive temperature immediately:
excessive heat can damage the sensor. Operating temperature limits
can be found in Appendix A, Specifications.

13
Appendix A
Specifications
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
CO2:
Range 0 to 5000 ppm
Accuracy ±3% of reading or ±50 ppm, whichever is greater
Resolution 1 ppm
Sensor type Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR)
Temperature:
Range: 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C)
Accuracy1: 1.0°F (±0.6°C)
Resolution: 0.1°F (0.1°C)
Response time: 30 seconds (90% of final value, air velocity at 2 m/s)
Display units: °F or °C (user selectable)
Type: Thermistor
Humidity:
Range: 5 to 95% RH
Accuracy2: ±3% RH (includes ±1% hysteresis)
Resolution: 0.1% RH
Response time: 20 seconds (for 63% of final value)
Sensor type: Thin-film capacitive
Instrument Temperature Range:
Operating (Electronics): 40 to 113°F (5 to 45°C)
Operating (Probe): 14 to 140°F (-10 to 60°C)
Storage: -4 to 140°F (-20 to 60°C)
Instrument Operating Conditions:
Altitude up to 4000 meters
Relative humidity up to 80% RH, non-condensing
Pollution degree 1 in accordance with IEC 664
Transient over voltage category II
Data Storage Capabilities:
Range: More than 12,700 samples and 100 test IDs (one sample
can contain fourteen measurement types)
Logging Interval:
Intervals: 1 second to 1 hour
Time Constant:
Intervals: User selectable

14 Appendix A
External Meter Dimensions:
3.3 in. ×7.0 in. ×1.8 in. (8.4 cm ×17.8 cm ×4.4 cm)
Meter Probe Dimensions:
Probe length (including handle): 11.15 in. (28.3 cm)
Probe diameter of tip: 0.75 in. (19.0 mm)
Meter Weight:
Weight with batteries: 0.6 lbs (0.27 kg)
Power Requirements:
Four AA-size batteries (included) or AC adapter (optional) 9 VDC, 300 mA,
4-18 watts (input voltage and frequency vary depending on which adapter is
used)
1Accuracy with instrument case at 77°F (25°C), add uncertainty of 0.05°F/°F (0.03°C/°C) for
change in instrument temperature.
2Accuracy with probe at 77°F (25°C). Add uncertainty of 0.1% RH/°F (0.2% RH/°C) for
change in probe temperature. Includes 1% hysteresis.

TSI Incorporated
500 Cardigan Road
Shoreview, MN 55126 USA
Toll Free [phone]
Telephone [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.alnor.com
TSI Instruments Ltd.
Stirling Road
Cressex Business Park
High Wycombe
Bucks
HP12 3RT United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.airflowinstruments.co.uk
France Tel: [phone] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.tsiinc.fr
Germany Tel: [phone] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.tsiinc.de
Quality Assured to ISO 9001:2000
Part No. 1980592 Rev. C
Copyright © 2008 by TSI Incorporated