TSI Incorporated VELOCICALC Plus 8383 Operation manual

Model 8360/8382/8383/8388
V
ELOCICALCPlus
Air Velocity Meters
Operation and Service
Manual
September 1998
P/N 1980253 Rev C

Model 8360/8382/8383/8388
V
ELOCICALCPlus
Air Velocity Meters
Operation and Service
Manual
September 1998
P/N 1980253 Rev C
SHIP TO: MAIL TO:
TSI Incorporated TSI Incorporated
500 Cardigan Road P.O. Box 64394
Shoreview, MN 55126-3996 St. Paul, MN 55164-0394
USA USA
U.S. INTERNATIONAL
Sales and Customer Service: Sales and Customer Service:
[phone] / [phone] (1) 651 490-2711
Fax: Fax:
[phone] (1) 651 490-2874

Copyright
TSI Incorporated/September 1996/All rights reserved.
Address
TSI Incorporated/P.O. Box 64394/St. Paul, MN 55164/USA
Fax No.
[phone]
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY AND LIABILITY. Seller warrants that this product, under normal use
and service as described in the operator's manual, shall be free from defects in workmanship and material for
a period of twenty-four (24) months, or the length of time specified in operator's manual, from the date of
shipment to the customer. This limited warranty is subject to the following exclusions:
a. Batteries and certain other components when indicated in specifications are warranted for a period of 90
days from the date of shipment to the customer.
b. With respect to any repair services rendered, Seller warrants that the parts repaired or replaced will be
free from defects in workmanship and material, under normal use, for a period of 90 days from the date
of shipment to the customer.
c. Seller does not provide any warranty on finished goods manufactured by others. 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, any goods which are incorporated into other products or
equipment by the Buyer. All goods returned under warranty shall be at the Buyer’s risk of loss, Seller’s
factory prepaid, and will be returned at Seller’s risk of loss, Buyer’s factory prepaid.
The foregoing is IN LIEU OF all other warranties and is subject to the conditions and LIMITATIONS stated
herein. NO OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE
OR MERCHANTABILITY IS MADE.
THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE USER OR PURCHASER, AND THE LIMIT OF THE LIABILITY
OF SELLER FOR ANY AND ALL LOSSES, INJURIES, OR DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THIS
PRODUCT (INCLUDING CLAIMS BASED ON CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY,
OTHER TORT, OR OTHERWISE) SHALL BE THE RETURN OF THE PRODUCT TO THE FACTORY
OR DESIGNATED LOCATION AND THE REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE, OR, AT THE OPTION
OF SELLER, THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT. IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER
BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTlAL DAMAGES. SELLER SHALL
NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR INSTALLATION, DISMANTLING, REASSEMBLY OR
REINSTALLATION COSTS OR CHARGES. NO ACTION, REGARDLESS OF FORM, MAY BE
BROUGHT AGAINST THE SELLER MORE THAN ONE YEAR AFTER THE CAUSE OF ACTION HAS
ACCRUED.
The purchaser and all users are deemed to have accepted the terms of 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 or modified nor may any of its terms be waived
except by a writing signed by an authorized representative 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 TSI's Customer Service department at (800) 777-
8356 (USA) and (1) 651 490-2711 :(International).

i
CONTENTS
Chapters
1 Unpacking and Parts Identification...................................1
List of Components...............................................................1
2Setting-Up............................................................................3
Supplying Power to the VELOCICALC....................................3
Installing the Batteries........................................................3
Selecting the Display Units...................................................3
Using the Telescoping Probe...............................................3
Extending the Probe .........................................................4
Retracting the Probe..........................................................4
3Operation.............................................................................5
Overview...............................................................................5
Keypad Functions.................................................................5
ON/OFF Switch.....................................................................5
Measuring Velocity................................................................5
Measuring Temperature ......................................................5
Measuring Pressure.............................................................6
Zeroing Pressure ...............................................................6
Measuring Humidity (Model 8360 and 8388 Only)...............6
Dew Point Function (Model 8360 and 8388 Only)................6
Flow Rate Function...............................................................7
Flow Rate (Calculated Using Velocity and Duct Area).........7
Entering Shape and Size...................................................7
Flow Rate (Calculated Using Pressure and Flow Factor,
Models 8382, 8383, and 8388 Only) ....................................8
Entering Flow Factor..........................................................8
Time Constant Function........................................................9
Using the Clear, Store and Average Functions....................9
Store Function....................................................................9
Average Function.............................................................10
Clear Function..................................................................10
Printer Port..........................................................................10

ii
4 Maintenance ..................................................................... 11
Probe Tip............................................................................ 11
Recalibration ...................................................................... 11
Cases................................................................................. 11
Storage............................................................................... 11
5 Troubleshooting............................................................... 13
Appendices
ASpecifications..................................................................... 15
BDIP Switch Settings............................................................ 17
CStandard Velocity vs. Actual Velocity................................. 19
Available Application Notes
• Constant Temperature Thermal Anemometry Theory .....#TI-105
• Traversing a Duct to Determine Average
Air Velocity or Volume ......................................................#TI-106
• Applications Using the VELOCICALC Plus to
Measure Pressure............................................................#TI-107
• VELOCICALC Serial Interface Connections........................#TI-108
To obtain any of the listed Application Notes contact TSI at
U.S. [phone]/[phone] Fax: [phone]
International (1) 651-490-2711 Fax: [phone]

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 in Table
1. If any are missing or damaged, notify TSI or your local distributor
immediately.
Table 1. List of components
Q
t
y
Item Descri
p
tion Part/model
1 Model 8360 VELOCICALC Plus or 8360
Model 8382 VELOCICALC Plus or 8382
Model 8383 VELOCICALC Plus
(
Articulatin
g
Probe
)
or 8383
Model 8388 VELOCICALC Plus 8388
1 Carr
y
in
g
Case 800277
4 AA Alkaline batteries 1208013
1 AC Adapter (Optional)
115 V, NEMA-5
230 V, European, CEE 7/16
230 V, Great Britain
240 V, Australian
2613033
2613078
800169
2613105
1 O
p
eration and Service Manual 1980253
1 Static
p
ressure ti
p
3002017
8 ft. Rubber tubin
g
801039

Chapter 1
2
Parts Identification
3
2
4
1
6
5
Figure 1-1 VELOCICALC
1. On/Off Switch 4. Probe Mounting Clips
2. Display 5. Pressure Measurement Ports
3. Function Keys 6. Battery Access Cover

3
Chapter 2
Setting-Up
Supplying Power to the VELOCICALC
The VELOCICALC 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. TSI ships the unit with alkaline
batteries. The VELOCICALC is designed to operate with either
alkaline or NiCd rechargeable batteries. Carbon-zinc batteries are
not recommended because of the danger of battery acid leakage.
Table 2-1 Typical Battery Life at 20°C
Air Velocity Alkaline NiCd
(ft/min) (m/s) (hrs) (hrs)
100 0.5 7.0 5.0
1000 5.0 4.4 3.5
9000 45.0 2.4 2.4
Using the AC Adapter
When using the AC adapter, the batteries (if installed) will be
bypassed. The AC adapter is not a battery charger.
Selecting the Display Units
The VELOCICALC is capable of displaying the measured values in several
different measurement units. The choices of measurement units are shown
in Table 2-2.
Table 2-2. Choices of Measurement Units
Velocity Temperature/
Dew Point Flow Rate Pressure
ft/min °F ft3/min in. H2O
m/s °C m3/hr mm Hg
l/s kPa
To change the display units on your VELOCICALC, refer to Appendix B, DIP
Switch Settings.
Using The Telescoping Probe
The telescoping probe, mounted on the side of the VELOCICALC, contains
the velocity, temperature, and humidity sensors (humidity sensor, Model
8360 and 8388 only). The probe is shipped pointing downward in the
stowed position. The probe can be used either mounted on the VELOCICALC

Chapter 2
4
or held in your hand. If the probe is to be used mounted to the VELOCICALC,
remove the probe from its stowed position, turn it 180°, and reinstall
(pointing upward) in the probe mounting brackets.
Extending The Probe
To extend the probe, hold the handle in one hand while pulling on
the probe tip with the other hand. Do not hold the cable while
extending the probe as this prevents the probe from moving.
Retracting The Probe
To retract the probe, hold the handle in one hand while pushing on
the probe tip with the other hand. If you feel the probe antenna
binding, pull gently on the probe cable until the smallest antenna
section is retracted. Collapse the rest of the antenna by pressing the
probe tip.
When using the probe, make sure the sensor window is fully exposed and
the red orientation dot is facing upstream.

5
Chapter 3
Operation
Overview
The Model 8360/8382/8383/8388 VELOCICALC PLUS measures air velocity,
temperature, differential pressure, and calculates volumetric flow rates. In
addition the 8360/8388 VELOCICALC PLUS measures relative humidity and
calculates dew point from the temperature and relative humidity readings.
The Model 8383 VELOCICALC PLUS has an articulating probe. The
VELOCICALC PLUS can store individual readings and compute the average of
these readings.
Keypad Functions
When pressing the keys on the front panel, the VELOCICALC will beep to
confirm the function. If you press a key and the VELOCICALC does not beep,
then the VELOCICALC does not allow that function during the selected mode.
The beep function can be disabled by changing the internal DIP switch (refer
to Appendix B).
ON/OFF Switch
Slide the switch upward to the ON position. The power switch is marked in
the international symbols '|'for on and 'O' for off. When the instrument is
first turned on it goes through a preprogrammed power-up sequence that
includes an internal self-check. First, all displayable items will appear for a
few seconds. If a problem is detected, the display will light ‘CAL’ to
indicate that it should be returned for servicing and calibration. When the
VELOCICALC completes the internal self-check, it will display the
approximate percentage of battery life remaining. This feature is accurate
for alkaline batteries only.
Measuring Velocity
Press the VELOCITY key to display velocity measurements (the
VELOCICALC will automatically start in velocity mode). The velocity will
be displayed in ft/min or m/s depending on the DIP switch settings (refer to
Appendix B). Place the end of the probe in the location where you want to
make the measurement. Make sure the sensor window is fully opened and
the red orientation dot is facing upstream.
Measuring Temperature
Press the TEMP key to display air temperature readings. The VELOCICALC
will display temperature readings in either degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees
Fahrenheit (°F), depending on the DIP switch settings (refer to Appendix B).
Allow about 30 seconds for the temperature reading to stabilize after

Chapter 3
6
switching to temperature mode. This is necessary because the velocity
sensor is heated during velocity mode, and some heat is conducted down to
the temperature sensor.
Measuring Pressure
Press the PRESSURE key to measure differential pressure. To measure
pressure, tubing must be connected to the pressure ports on the top back of
the unit. When the pressure source is connected the same way the pressure
ports are marked, the meter will display a positive number.
Zeroing Pressure
If the zero reading of pressure has drifted, the pressure function can be
easily re-zeroed. To reset the zero, make sure that the pressure ports
are exposed to the exact same pressure. The easiest way to do this is to
remove the pressure hoses and leave both ports exposed to ambient
pressure.
Press and hold the PRESSURE key down for at least three seconds.
The VELOCICALC will give a double beep and the display will show “0
in. H2O” (or whatever units have been selected). When the key is
released the display will be re-zeroed.
Measuring Humidity (Model 8360 and 8388 Only)
Press the HUMIDITY key to display humidity readings. The readings will
be in units of percent relative humidity (%RH). The reading may need time
to stabilize if the ambient conditions have recently changed.
In order to see if the humidity reading has stabilized, extend the probe and
gently wave it back and forth (or place it in a location where there is a
sufficient quantity of moving air), while checking the display for an upward
or downward trend in the readings. When no particular trend is apparent,
the reading has stabilized.
Situations that may require time to stabilize the sensor would be when
moving the instrument from a cold vehicle or storage place into a heated
building. Also, if the end of the probe has been warmed by being handled, it
will need to cool to ambient temperature. Another example would be when
moving from a location with low humidity to high humidity, or vice versa.
Dew Point Function (Model 8360 and 8388 Only)
Press the DEW POINT key to display the dew point temperature. The dew
point is calculated using the temperature and relative humidity
measurements. Because dew point is not measured directly, accuracy of this
calculation depends on both ambient temperature and relative humidity. The
dew point reading will be most accurate when the relative humidity is 50%
and above (and dew point temperature is closer to the actual temperature). It

Operation
7
will be less accurate when the relative humidity is less than 50% (and dew
point temperature is farther away from the actual temperature).
Flow Rate Function
The VELOCICALC’s flow rate function can calculate flow rate using a known
area. The Model 8382/8383/8388 VELOCICALC can also calculate flow rate
through diffusers by multiplying the square root of the pressure reading by a
manufacturer-supplied flow factor. The VELOCICALC displays the
volumetric flow rate in ft3/min, m3/hr, or l/s, depending on the DIP switch
setting (refer to Appendix B).
Flow Rate (Calculated Using Velocity and Duct Area)
The flow rate can be calculated for a round, square or rectangular duct. The
shape and size of the duct or other area through which the flow will be
measured must be entered.
Entering Shape and Size
Press the FLOWRATE key to put the VELOCICALC in flow rate mode.
The VELOCICALC will prompt the user to enter the shape and size, if
this has not been done since the instrument was turned on. The
VELOCICALC will request entry of the shape by alternately flashing the
circle and rectangle (and pressure units, if DIP switch #6 is ON) on the
display. If shape and size have been entered, the VELOCICALC will go
directly to displaying flow rate.
Press the SHAPE key to select the shape of the area, rectangular
(square) or circular, to measure. Each time the SHAPE key is pressed
the shape will change back and forth between the circle and rectangle.
When the desired shape appears on the display press the ENTER key.
This will enter the shape and the VELOCICALC will then ask for the
size.
Use the LARGER and SMALLER keys to select the size of the flow
rate area. For a circular flow shape the VELOCICALC will ask for one
size, the diameter of the circular area. Select the size and press
ENTER to accept it. For a rectangular area the VELOCICALC will ask
for two dimensions. First select the horizontal dimension and press the
ENTER key, then select the vertical dimension and press ENTER.
To change the shape, press the SHAPE key to select the desired shape.
Proceed as above to enter the shape and dimensions. To change the
size, hold the LARGER or SMALLER key to enter the new
dimensions, then press the ENTER key to accept them.

Chapter 3
8
Flow Rate (Calculated Using Pressure and Flow Factor, Model
8382, 8383, and 8388 Only)
This option is available with Model 8382/8383/8388 only when DIP switch
#6 is ON (refer to Appendix B). The flow rate through a diffuser is
calculated by multiplying a pressure reading by a manufacturer-supplied
flow factor. This flow rate measurement method is applicable for diffusers
that contain pressure taps designed for this purpose.
NOTE: When using this option, make sure that the VELOCICALC pressure
measurement units and flow rate measurement units are set using the DIP
switches to correspond to those provided by the diffuser manufacturer (refer
to Appendix B). If using kPa to do this measurement, flow factors should be
entered using Pa, not kPa. If they are set incorrectly, the calculated flow rate
will be incorrect.
The VELOCICALC will display flow rate and pressure units simultaneously to
indicate that the flowrate is being measured from pressure and not from
velocity and area. To zero the pressure transducer while in this
measurement mode, press and hold the PRESSURE key. The pressure will
zero and the VelociCalc will return to flow rate from pressure measurement
mode.
Entering Flow Factor
Press the FLOWRATE key to put the VELOCICALC in flow rate mode.
The VELOCICALC will prompt you to enter the shape, size, or flow
factor if this has not been done since the instrument was turned on.
The VELOCICALC will alternately flash the circle, rectangle, and
pressure units on the display. If shape, size, or flow factor have been
entered, the VELOCICALC will go directly to displaying flow rate.
Press the SHAPE key to select the pressure-flow rate measurement
method. Each time the SHAPE key is pressed the shape will change
between the circle, rectangle, and pressure units. When the pressure
units appear on the display, press the ENTER key. The VELOCICALC
will then ask for the flow factor.
The VELOCICALC will display ‘FAct = ‘ and the current flow factor.
Use the LARGER and SMALLER keys to select the value of the flow
factor and press ENTER to accept it.
To change the flow factor, press the SHAPE key to select the pressure
units. Proceed as above to enter the value.

Operation
9
Time Constant Function
Momentarily press and release the TIME CONSTANT key to view the
current time-constant. To change the time-constant, press and hold the key.
The available time-constant choices ( 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 seconds) will
sequence on the display. When the desired value is displayed immediately
release the key. The VELOCICALC will always reset the time constant to 1
second when turned off.
The time-constant is actually an averaging period. The VELOCICALC display
is always updated every second, however, the reading displayed is the
average reading over the last time-constant period. For example, if the
current time-constant is set to 10 seconds, the display will show readings
averaged over the previous 10 seconds, updated every second. This is also
called a 10 second “moving average.”
Using the Clear, Store and Average Functions
The VELOCICALC has the ability to compute the average of a number of
individual stored readings. Every time the STORE key is pressed, the
currently displayed reading is added to a store buffer. When the AVERAGE
key is pressed, the readings in the store buffer are divided by the number of
stored readings to get the average. The CLEAR key is used to clear out the
store buffer in order to start taking a new average.
Store Function
Press and hold the STORE key to store the currently displayed
measurement. The display will show “STORE” and the number of
stored data points that are in memory for about two seconds, and then
the recorded value will be displayed until the STORE key is released.
The individual stored values can not be recalled. Only the average of
the stored values can be recalled. There are five different store buffers:
one for both velocity and flow rate from area, one for temperature, one
for humidity, one for pressure, and one for dew point. Models 8382,
8383, and 8388 have a sixth storage buffer for flow rate from pressure.
You can switch between measuring modes and store data without
affecting data stored in the buffer for another measuring mode. You
can later return to any mode and add additional values to the already
stored values.
The flow rate from area function (measures and stores velocity
readings, calculates flow rate) and velocity function use the same
storage buffer. Measurements made in one mode are added to those
made in the other mode.

Chapter 3
10
When using the flow rate from pressure measurement mode, changing
the flow factor value will automatically clear the flow rate storage
buffer.
Average Function
Press the AVERAGE key to display the average of the stored values of
the current operating mode. The message “AVG” will appear along
with a number (between 1 and 255) indicating how many stored values
are in the memory buffer. The average value is then displayed for one
second. To keep displaying the average value, press and hold the
AVERAGE key. Additional values can be stored after the AVERAGE
key has been pressed. The next time the AVERAGE key is pressed,
the additional values are averaged with those already accumulated.
Clear Function
Press the CLEAR key to erase the stored value in the buffer of the
currently active function. Pushing the CLEAR key in one function will
not affect the values stored in other buffers. However, velocity and
flow rate from area use the same buffer, so clearing velocity will also
clear the flow rate. Flow rate from pressure is not affected by clearing
velocity. For example, pushing CLEAR while measuring velocity will
not affect the values stored for temperature.
Printer Port
While pushing the STORE, AVERAGE or CLEAR key the data is
automatically transmitted to the printer port. If the optional Model 8925
Portable Printer is connected the readings will be printed.

11
Chapter 4
Maintenance
Probe Tip
Periodically inspect the probe tip to ensure that it is clean. Dust and oil
deposits on the velocity sensor decrease the accuracy of the VELOCICALC.
Caution: The VELOCICALC must be switched off for cleaning. Do not
use high-pressure air, strong solvents, or brushes to clean the
sensor tip; damage to the sensors could result.
To remove dust, blow it off with a gentle stream of air or rinse it off with a
gentle stream of water. To remove a combination of dust and oil, rinse the
probe tip in isopropyl alcohol and then blow it off with a gentle stream of
air. Be careful not to get the humidity sensor wet! (The humidity sensor on
Models 8360 and 8388 is located at the base of the probe window, just
inside the antenna tube.) Also, for the 8383, be careful not to allow water to
enter the articulating probe joint.
Caution: Never use heat to dry the probe. Permanent damage to the
sensor could result.
Recalibration
To maintain a high degree of accuracy in your measurements, TSI
recommends that you return your instrument for annual recalibration. For a
nominal fee, we will recalibrate the unit and return it to you with a certificate
of calibration and US National Institute of Standards Technology (NIST)
traceability. This 'annual checkup' assures you of consistently accurate
readings; it is especially important in applications where strict calibration
records must be maintained.
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 submerge the
VELOCICALC.
Storage
When storing the VELOCICALC for more than a month, it is recommended to
remove the batteries. This prevents damage due to battery leakage.

13
Chapter 5
Troubleshooting
Table 5 lists the symptoms, possible causes, and recommended solutions for
common problems encountered with the VELOCICALC. If your symptom is
not listed, or if none of the solutions solves your problem, please contact
TSI.
Table 5. Troubleshooting the VELOCICALC
Symptom Possible Causes Corrective Action
No display Unit not switched on Switch on the unit.
Low or dead batteries Replace the batteries or
plug in the AC adapter.
Dirty battery contacts Clean the battery
contacts.
BAT is blinking Batteries are low Replace or recharge
batteries.
Display reads
"LO BAT" Low battery charge Replace or recharge batteries.
Wrong AC adapter Replace with the correct
AC adapter.
Low AC line voltage Correct the AC line
voltage or use batteries.
Dirty battery contacts Clean the battery
contacts.
Temperature
initially reads
high
Temperature sensor is
still warm from velocity
mode
Allow about 30 seconds
before reading
temperature.
Display reads
"ERR" You are trying to enter more than 255 readings Read or record the average; clear the
storage register and
proceed.
Display reads
"CAL" The VELOCICALC has detected an internal fault Return to factory for service.
Velocity reading
fluctuates badly The flow is fluctuating Reposition the probe in a less turbulent section of
the flow or use a longer
time constant.
Display says
"OVER" The velocity, temperature or pressure
is too high
Use an alternate
measurement method.

14 Chapter 5
Warning! Remove the probe from excess temperature immediately:
excessive heat can damage the sensor. The pressure sensor is
protected from damage up to 10 psi. (75 kPa or 560 mm Hg)
At higher pressures it can burst!
Notice: There is sometimes confusion between dew point temperature
and wet-bulb temperature when comparing VELOCICALC
humidity readings to sling psychrometer readings. (Dew point
temperature and wet bulb temperature are not the same thing.)
On the psychometric chart used with a sling psychrometer, dew
point temperature is a flat horizontal line, wet bulb temperature is
a straight line angling downwards from the left, dry bulb
temperature is a straight vertical line and relative humidity is a
curved line angling upwards from the left.