TSI Instruments AccuBalance 8370 Operation manual

Model 8370
ACCUBALANCE
®
Flow Measuring Hood
Operation and Service
Manual
September 1998
P/N 1980145 Rev B

Model 8370
ACCUBALANCE
®
Flow Measuring Hood
Operation and Service
Manual
September 1998
P/N 1980145 Rev B
SHIP TO: MAIL TO:
TSI Incorporated TSI Incorporated
500 Cardigan Road P.O. Box 64394
Shoreview, MN 55126 St. Paul, MN 55164
U.S. INTERNATIONAL
Sales &Customer Service: Sales &Customer Service:
[phone]/[phone] [phone]
Fax: Fax:
[phone] [phone]

Copyright©
TSI Incorporated/Decmber 1996/All rights reserved.
Address
TSI Incorporated/500 Cardigan Road
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:
1. Batteries, hot wire or hot film sensors and certain other components when indicated in
specifications are warranted for a period of 90 days from the date of shipment to the customer.
2. 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.
3. Seller does not provide any warranty on finished goods manufactured by others. Only the
original manufacturer's warranty applies.
4. 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 the 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 CONSEQUENTIAL
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 [phone] or [phone].

i
Contents
About this manual 1
Introduction 3
Chapters
1 Setup 5
Unpacking 5
Parts Identification 7
Keypad 9
Display 10
Preparing the Instrument for Use 11
Display Units 14
Installing the Batteries 14
Start Up 15
Continuous Reading Mode 15
Averaging Mode 15
Selecting Flow Direction 16
Taking a Flow Measurement 16
Turning the ACCUBALANCE Off 17
Automatic Shut-off 17
2 Operations in More Detail 19
Changing Hoods 19
Switching On the Power 26
Selecting Flow Direction 26
Continuous Reading Mode 27
Averaging Mode 27
Selecting Flow Units 28
Selecting the Time Constant 28
Changing DIP Switch Settings 29
Low Battery Warning 32
Automatic Shut-off 32
Connecting the Optional Printer 33

ii
RS-232 Serial Output 33
3 Maintenance 35
Fabric Hood 35
Meter 36
Manifold 36
Calibration 37
4 Troubleshooting 39
Appendices
A Standard Flow vs. Actual Flow 41
B Back Pressure 43
CA
CCUBALANCE Serial Interface Connections 45
DReturn Mode Low Flow Corrections 47
ESpecifications 49
Tables
1 List of Components 5
1a List of Components Model 8370-3 6
1b List of Components Model 8370-5 6
2 DIP Switch Settings 32
3 Printout Examples 33
4 Hood Fabric Part Numbers 35
5 Troubleshooting the ACCUBALANCE 39
Illustrations
1 The ACCUBALANCE and Accessories 7
2 ACCUBALANCE Components 8
3 Electronic Meter Membrane Switch 9
4 Electronic Meter Display 10
5 An Easy Way to Begin Assembly 12
6 Installing a Support Pole 13
7 Assembled 2 ft x 4 ft Frame 20

iii
8 Installing a Support Pole 22
9 Assembled 1 ft x 4 ft Frame 23
10 Assembled 1 ft x 5 ft Frame 24
11 Assembled 3 ft x 3 ft Frame 25
12 ACCUBALANCE Lying Face Down 30
13 Location of DIP Switches 31
14 Flow Sensing Tube Out of Place 37
15 Pressure Drop Through the ACCUBALANCE 44
16 9-Pin, RS-232 Serial Interface Connections 45
17 25-Pin, RS-232 Serial Interface Connections 46
18 25-Pin to 9-Pin, RS-232 Serial Interface Connections 46

iv

1
About this manual
This manual explains how to set up, operate and maintain the Model
8370 ACCUBALANCE Flow Measuring Hood. Read it thoroughly before
using the instrument.
Formatting and Typography
Note that step-by-step instructions are numbered in boldface type: 1,
2,3, etc., set flush-left against the margin.
References to the front panel keys on the ACCUBALANCE,along with
the instrument's displayed readout, are represented in this manual by
the typeface called Helvetica Narrow. In addition to the different typeface,
displayed messages appear in quotes.
When reference is made to other sections of the manual, the section
title is italicized.
Example: The "HOLD" message will appear along with a flow value
after you have activated the HOLD button (from Display in Chapter 1).
HELP!
If you need technical assistance with this instrument, have questions
about the manual, or your flow hood needs repair or recalibration
please call TSI's Insustrial Test Instruments Group at [phone] or
[phone]. ✟

2 About this manual

3
Introduction
The TSI Model 8370 ACCUBALANCE is an instrument designed to
measure the air flow from diffusers and grilles or the air flow entering
exhaust outlets. The ACCUBALANCE is lightweight and easy to use.
The instrument can display the measured air flow in three different
units: standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM), standard liters per
second (Std l/s) and standard cubic meters per hour (Std m3/hr).
The ACCUBALANCE consists of a fabric hood, a molded plastic base
which contains an electronic meter, and a flow sensing manifold
located within the base. Air flowing through the hood is measured by
a hot-film sensor located in the central hub of the flow sensing
manifold. The twenty-four pairs of flow sensing ports in the manifold
are strategically located so that the ACCUBALANCE provides the highest
degree of measurement accuracy, even in non-uniform flow
conditions.
The ACCUBALANCE is temperature-compensated to display a standard
flow rate: SCFM, Std. l/s and Std. m3/hr. Standard flow rate is
defined as the volumetric flow rate at standard conditions of 70°F
(21.1°C) and 14.7 pounds per square inch (760 mmHg) barometric
pressure. Standard flow rate is the measurement used most often in
ventilation applications. ✟

4 Introduction

5
Chapter 1
Set Up
This chapter guides you through unpacking, setting up, and getting
started using your ACCUBALANCE. See Chapter 2 for a detailed
description of all operating features.
Unpacking
Carefully unpack the instrument and accessories from the carrying
case. Check the individual parts against the list of components in
Table 1. If any are missing or damaged, notify TSI immediately.
Table 1. List of components
Qty Item Part No.
1 Model 8370 base 1081388
1 2 ft x 2 ft (610 mm x 610 mm) hood fabric 1307060
6 Frame support poles 1081390
4 2 ft (610 mm) frame tubing*1081262
6 Right angle tubing connectors*1081584
1 Battery holder 1081279
4 C-size batteries 1208018
1 Battery compartment cover 1081458
1 Carrying case 1319067
1 Operation and Service Manual 1980145
*Four 2 ft frame tubings and four of the right angle connectors are
shipped assembled inside the top of the hood fabric.

6 Chapter 1
Table 1a. List of components: Model 8370-3
Qty Item Part No.
1 Model 8370 base 1081388
1 2 ft x 2 ft (610 mm x 610 mm) hood fabric 1307060
1 2 ft x 4 ft (610 mm x 1220 mm)hood fabric 1801065
1 1 ft x 4 ft (305 mm x 1220 mm)hood fabric 1801066
6 Frame support poles 1081390
6 2 ft (610 mm) frame tubing*1081262
4 1 ft (305 mm) frame tubing 1081260
6 Right angle tubing connectors*1081584
6 Straight tubing connectors 1302833
1 Battery holder 1081279
4 C-size batteries 1208018
1 Battery compartment cover 1081458
1 Carrying case 1319067
1 Operation and Service Manual 1980145
Table 1b. List of components: Model 8370-5
Qty Item Part No.
1 Model 8370 base 1081388
1 2 ft x 2 ft (610 mm x 610 mm) hood fabric 1307060
1 2 ft x 4 ft (610 mm x 1220 mm) hood fabric 1801065
1 1 ft x 4 ft (305 mm x 1220 mm) hood fabric 1801066
1 1 ft x 5 ft (305 mm x 1525 mm) hood fabric 1801067
1 3 ft x 3 ft (915 mm x 915 mm) hood fabric 1801068
6 Frame support poles 1081390
6 2 ft (610 mm) frame tubing*1081262
4 1 ft (305 mm) frame tubing 1081260
6 Right angle tubing connectors*1081584
6 Straight tubing connectors 1302833
1 Battery holder 1081279
2 1x tube connectors 1081580
4 C-size batteries 1208018
1 Battery compartment cover 1081458
1 Carrying case 1319067
1 Operation and Service Manual 1980145
*Four of the 2 ft frame tubings and four of the right angle connectors
are shipped assembled inside the top of the hood fabric.

Set Up 7
Figure 1. The ACCUBALANCE and accessories
Included with every manual is a registration card. Look for yours at
the front of this manual. Please complete and mail it promptly; it
allows TSI to inform you of product updates.
Parts Identification
Before proceeding with assembly and use of the ACCUBALANCE, please
familiarize yourself with the various parts of the instrument. As you
read the next sections, refer to figures 2 - 4.

8 Chapter 1
Figure 2. ACCUBALANCE components
1. Hood fabric
2. Base
3. PRINT button in left handle
4. START/HOLD button in right handle

Set Up 9
Keypad
Figure 3. Electronic meter membrane switch
ON/OFF Press to turn the ACCUBALANCE on and off.
PRINT Press to transmit the displayed flow rate
measurement to the printer or other serial device.
Note that the button in the left handle performs the
same function.
DATA PORT Printer (or other serial device) connection port.
(Remove Data Port Plug before connecting serial
device.)

10 Chapter 1
START/HOLD In the Averaging Mode, press to start a new reading.
In the Continuous Reading Mode, press and release
to hold the value on display. Press again to resume
continuous readings. Note that the button in the
right handle performs the same function.
AVG/CONT Press to switch between the Averaging and the
Continuous Reading Modes.
RETURN/SUPPLY Press to switch between return air and supply air
measurements.
Display
Figure 4. Electronic meter display
Figure 4 shows the electronic meter display. All segments will be
shown momentarily each time you turn on the ACCUBALANCE.

Set Up 11
1. Flow units: CFM (cubic feet per minute), l/s (liters per second),
and m3/hr (cubic meters per hour). The ACCUBALANCE indicates
flow already corrected to "standard" conditions (see Appendix A).
2. Flow value: See specifications for range and resolution.
3. Flow direction arrow: Indicates if supply or return air flow
calibration is being utilized by the ACCUBALANCE.
Notice: Be sure this arrow points in the direction of flow through the
ACCUBALANCE, otherwise the measurements made will be
inaccurate. To change the direction of the arrow, press the
RETURN/SUPPLY switch.
4. Averaging mode: The "AVERAGE" message will appear on the
display when you have selected the three-second or six-second
averaging mode (See Averaging Mode section later in this chapter).
5. Hold indicator. The "HOLD" message will appear along with a
flow value after you have activated the HOLD button.
6. "LOW BATTERY". Displayed when batteries are getting near the
end of their useful life.
7 . "BATTERY" will appear along with a value on the display during
power-up to indicate the percent of battery life remaining.
Preparing the Instrument for Use
Hood Assembly
The ACCUBALANCE is shipped from the factory partially assembled
with the 2 ft x 2 ft nylon hood attached to the base. If you wish to use
another hood size, see Changing Hoods in Chapter 2.

12 Chapter 1
To complete the assembly of the 2 ft x 2 ft hood, follow these six steps:
1Place the base of the ACCUBALANCE on the floor.
2Lift the top of the fabric. Insert one end of a support pole into its
pole mount in the base of the ACCUBALANCE. There is a cup in
each corner of the frame to accept the other end of each support
pole. Helpful Hint: This step is made simpler by temporarily
resting the opposite corner of the fabric top on a table edge as
shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5. An easy way to begin assembly