TSI Instruments Airflow TA500 Series Operation manual

www.tsi.com
Airflow™Instruments
Air Velocity Meter
Model TA500 Series
Operation and Service Manual
P/N 6016532, Revision A
August 2022

ii Airflow™ Instruments Air Velocity Meter Model TA500 Series
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iii
Warranty
Copyright
TSI Incorporated / 2022 / All rights reserved.
Address
TSI Incorporated / 500 Cardigan Road / Shoreview, MN 55126 / USA
Fax No.
651-490-3824
E-mail Address
[email protected]
Limitation of Warranty
and Liability
(effective February 2015)
(For country-specific terms and conditions outside of the USA, please visit
www.tsi.com.)
Seller warrants the goods, excluding software, sold hereunder, under normal use
and service as described in the operator's manual, to be free from defects in
workmanship and material for 24 months, or if less, 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 and exceptions:
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. Carbon monoxide (CO) Electro-chemical sensors are warranted for 12 months
from the date of shipment.
c. Pumps are warranted for hours of operation as set forth in product or
operator’s manuals;
d. 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;
e. 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;
f. This warranty does not cover calibration requirements, and seller warrants
only that the instrument or product is properly calibrated at the time of its
manufacture. Instruments returned for calibration are not covered by
this warranty;
g. This warranty is VOID if the instrument is opened by anyone other than a
factory authorized service center with the one exception where
requirements set forth in the manual allow an operator to replace
consumables or perform recommended cleaning;
h. This warranty is VOID if the product has been misused, neglected, subjected
to accidental or intentional damage, or is not properly installed, maintained, or
cleaned according to the requirements of the manual. 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.
WITH RESPECT TO SELLER’S BREACH OF THE IMPLIED WARRANTY
AGAINST INFRINGEMENT, SAID WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO CLAIMS OF
DIRECT INFRINGEMENT AND EXCLUDES CLAIMS OF CONTRIBUTORY OR
INDUCED INFRINGEMENTS. BUYER’S EXCLUSIVE REMEDY SHALL BE THE
RETURN OF THE PURCHASE PRICE DISCOUNTED FOR REASONABLE
WEAR AND TEAR OR AT SELLER’S OPTION REPLACEMENT OF THE
GOODS WITH NON-INFRINGING GOODS.

iv Airflow™ Instruments Air Velocity Meter Model TA500 Series
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 THE CASE OF
SOFTWARE, SELLER WILL REPAIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE SOFTWARE
OR IF UNABLE TO DO SO, WILL REFUND THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE
SOFTWARE. IN NO EVENT SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE FOR LOST PROFITS,
BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, OR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, 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 (800) 874-
2811 (USA) or (1) 651-490-2811 (International).
Trademarks
TSI and TSI logo are registered trademarks of TSI Incorporated in the United
States and may be protected under other country’s trademark registrations.
Airflow is a trademark of TSI Incorporated. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the
Wi-Fi Alliance.

v
Contents
WARRANTY .......................................................................................III
SAFETY............................................................................................ VII
Description of Caution/Warning Symbols ....................................... vii
Caution.........................................................................................vii
Warning........................................................................................vii
Caution and Warning Symbols ...................................................... viii
Labels............................................................................................. viii
RoHS................................................................................................ix
CE ....................................................................................................ix
Reusing and Recycling ....................................................................ix
Bluetooth®Safety and Compliance(TA550).....................................ix
CHAPTER 1 UNPACKING AND PARTS IDENTIFICATION.............1
Standard Equipment .........................................................................1
Optional Plug In Probes....................................................................2
Optional Accessories and Replacement Parts .................................3
CHAPTER 2 SETTING UP THE AIRFLOW™
INSTRUMENTS METER......................................................................5
Providing Power to the Airflow™ Instruments Meter........................5
Installing the Batteries ...................................................................5
Using the AC/DC Power Supply....................................................5
Case Magnets, Probe Holder and Wrist Strap..................................6
Connecting Ventilation or IAQ Probes..............................................6
Extending the Probe ......................................................................7
Retracting the Probe......................................................................7
Differential Pressure Capable Models (TA530, TA550 and
TA550-NB).....................................................................................8
Connecting the Static Pressure Probe ..........................................8
Connecting an Optional Pitot Probe ..............................................9
Thermocouple Port..........................................................................10
Connecting the Thermocouples...................................................10
Connecting the Optional Bluetooth Portable Printer Device
(Model TA550 only) .....................................................................11
Connecting to a Computer..............................................................11
CHAPTER 3 OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW......................................13
Keypad Button Names....................................................................13
Icons................................................................................................13
Measurement Icons .....................................................................13
Dashboard Icons..........................................................................14
Soft Key Icons..............................................................................15
Programmable Soft Key Icons.....................................................15
Definitions .......................................................................................16
Language Selection ........................................................................17
Dashboard.......................................................................................17
Dashboard ...................................................................................17

vi Airflow™ Instruments Air Velocity Meter Model TA500 Series
Assign Programmable Soft Keys ................................................... 18
Main Menu...................................................................................... 19
Zero Pressure................................................................................. 19
Settings........................................................................................... 20
Flow Setup ..................................................................................... 20
Workflows....................................................................................... 21
Logging Profile ............................................................................... 21
Manage Data.................................................................................. 22
CHAPTER 4 SETTINGS.................................................................. 23
Display Order ................................................................................. 23
Actual/Standard.............................................................................. 24
Calibration...................................................................................... 24
General Settings............................................................................. 26
Unit Settings................................................................................... 27
Date and Time................................................................................ 27
Display/Power ................................................................................ 28
Device Information ......................................................................... 28
CHAPTER 5 LOGGING PROFILE AND CUSTOM
TESTID LABELS .............................................................................. 29
Manual Mode Logging.................................................................... 29
Continuous Mode Logging ............................................................. 30
Customize TESTID Labels in Meter............................................... 30
Customize TESTID Labels using TestID.csv................................. 31
CHAPTER 6 MANAGE DATA......................................................... 33
Viewing a Log File (TESTID).......................................................... 33
Viewing Samples............................................................................ 34
Delete Log Files ............................................................................. 34
Opening Log CSV Files on a PC.................................................... 34
CHAPTER 7 WORKFLOWS............................................................ 35
Percent Outside Air (%OA) Calculation Procedure........................ 35
Heat Flow Procedure...................................................................... 36
Duct Traverse Procedure (TA550, TA550-NB).............................. 37
CHAPTER 8 MAINTENANCE ......................................................... 41
Cleaning/Disinfecting...................................................................... 41
Bi-Annual Maintenance Checks..................................................... 42
CHAPTER 9 TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................... 43
CHAPTER 10 HELP ........................................................................ 45
TSI®Technical Support/Service..................................................... 45
APPENDIX A SPECIFICATIONS.................................................... 47

vii
Safety
This section provides instructions to ensure safe and proper operation
of the Airflow™ Instruments Air Velocity Meter Series TA500.
W A R N I N G S
•The instrument must be used in the manner described in this
manual. Failure to follow all of the procedures described in this
manual can result in serious injury to you or can cause
irrevocable damage to the instrument.
•There are no user-serviceable parts inside the instrument. Refer
all repairs to a qualified factory-authorized technician.
•The Airflow™ Instruments meter is not rated for intrinsic safety.
DO NOT operate the Airflow™ Instruments meter under
conditions where there is a risk of fire or explosion.
Desc r iption of C aution/Warning Symbols
Appropriate caution/warning statements are used throughout the
manual and on the instrument that require you to take cautionary
measures when working with the instrument.
Caution
CAUTION
CAUTION means that failure to follow the procedures prescribed in
this manual might result in irreparable equipment damage.
Important information about the operation and maintenance of this
instrument is included in this manual.
Warning
WARNING
WARNING means that unsafe use of the instrument could result in
serious injury to you or cause damage to the instrument. Follow the
procedures prescribed.

viii Airflow™ Instruments Air Velocity Meter Model TA500 Series
Caut ion and Warning Symbols
The following symbols may accompany cautions and warnings to
indicate the nature and consequences of hazards:
Warns that uninsulated voltage within the instrument
may have sufficient magnitude to cause electric shock.
Therefore, it is dangerous to make contact with any
part inside the instrument.
Warns that the instrument contains a laser and that
important information about its safe operation and
maintenance is included in the manual.
Warns that the instrument is susceptible to electro-
static discharge (ESD) and ESD protection should be
followed to avoid damage.
Indicates the connector is connected to earth ground
and cabinet ground.
La be l s
Advisory and identification labels or markings are attached to
the instrument.
1. Example
2. Example
3. Example
4. Example
5. Example
6. Example

Operation and Service Manual ix
7. Example
8. Example
9. European symbol for non-
disposable item. Item must
be recycled.
RoH S
Airflow™ Instruments TA500 Series instruments are RoHS compliant.
CE
Airflow™ Instruments TA500 Series instruments are CE compliant.
Reus ing and Re c ycling
As part of TSI®Incorporated’s effort to have a minimal negative
impact on the communities in which its products are manufactured
and used:
DO NOT dispose of batteries in the trash. Follow local
environmental requirements for battery recycling.
If instrument becomes obsolete, return to TSI®for disassembly
and recycling.
Blue t ooth ®Safety a nd Compliance (TA550)
This product uses Bluetooth®v4.2 to communicate with
software applications.
Hereby, TSI®Incorporated declares that this Bluetooth®test and
measurement instrument is in compliance with Directive 2014/53/EC.
Transmit Power Rating is +9 dBm, MAX @ 2.4 –2.5 GHz.

x Airflow™ Instruments Air Velocity Meter Model TA500 Series
NOTICE
This device may not cause interference; this device must accept
any interference, including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage; l’appareil doit
accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage
est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.
NOTICE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC
Rules (FCC ID: 2AC7Z-ESP32WROOM32E). These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help.
NOTICE
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS
standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
WARNING
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.

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.
Sta n d a r d Equipment
All standard equipment can be purchased separately if needed.
1. Carrying case
2. Instrument
3. USB cable
4. Static pressure tip (TA530,
TA550, TA550-NB)
5. Tubing (TA530, TA550,
TA550-NB)
6. Calibration certificate
7. Manual (English)
NOTICE
Manuals in alternate languages can be downloaded from
www.tsi.com.
This manual supports the following models:
Model No.
Description
TA500
Multi-Function Ventilation Meter
TA530
Multi-Function Ventilation Meter with Differential
Pressure
TA550-NB
Multi-Function Ventilation Meter with Differential
Pressure, and Workflows
TA550
Multi-Function Ventilation Meter with Differential
Pressure, Workflows, and Bluetooth®printing

2 Airflow™ Instruments Air Velocity Meter Model TA500 Series
Op t i o nal Pl ug In Probes
Telescopic Thermoanemometer Probes
Model No.
Description
960
Air Velocity and Temperature, Straight Probe
962
Air Velocity and Temperature, Articulating Probe
964
Air Velocity, Temperature, and Humidity, Straight Probe
966
Air Velocity, Temperature, and Humidity, Articulating Probe
Telescopic Thermohygrometer Probe
Model No.
Description
800220
Air temperature and relative Humidity
Rotating Vane Anemometer Probes
Model No.
Description
995
4 in. (100 mm) Rotating Vane, Air Velocity, and
Temperature
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Probes
Model No.
Description
980
Indoor Air Quality Probe, Temperature, Humidity, CO2
982
Indoor Air Quality Probe, Temperature, Humidity, CO2and
CO
K-alloy Thermocouple Probes
Model No.
Description
792
Surface Temperature Probe
794
Air Temperature Probe
Pitot Probes
Part No.
Description
634634000
Pitot Probe 12" (30 cm) - 5/16" (8 mm) diameter
634634001
Pitot Probe 18" (46 cm) - 5/16" (8 mm) diameter
634634002
Pitot Probe 24" (61 cm) - 5/16" (8 mm) diameter
634634003
Pitot Probe 36" (91 cm) - 5/16" (8 mm) diameter
634634005
Pitot Probe 60" (152 cm) - 5/16" (8 mm) diameter
634634004
Telescoping Pitot Probe - 8" to 38" (20 cm to 96 cm)

Operation and Service Manual 3
Optional Accessories and Replacement Parts
Part No.
Description
Picture
800122
AC/DC Adapter/Power Supply
802241
USB Thermal Printer
801190
Bluetooth®Printer (TA550 only)
80211
Printer paper (5 rolls)
800681
IAQ probe stand
801748
Telescopic, articulated
extension for 995 RV probe
372000000
8 ft. (2.5 m) tubing
3002017
Static pressure probe
800533
Static Pressure Probes and
Tubing Kit—contains two static
pressure probes and two 4 ft.
(1.2 m) lengths of tubing.
634650002
Duct plugs, 3/8" (9.5 mm)
diameter—1000 pieces
634650003
Duct plugs, 3/8" (9.5 mm)
diameter—5000 pieces

4 Airflow™ Instruments Air Velocity Meter Model TA500 Series
Part No.
Description
Picture
800130
Carrying case, small:
Accommodates (1) meter and
up to (2) probes (IAQ or
thermoanemometer)

5
CHAPTER 2
Setting Up the
Airflow™
Instruments Meter
Pro v i d i n g Power t o t h e A i r flow ™
In s t r u ments Me ter
The Model TA500 Series Airflow™ Instruments Air Velocity Meter can
be powered in one of two ways: four (4) size AA batteries or the
optional AC/DC power supply.
Installing the Batteries
Insert four (4) size AA batteries as indicated by the diagram located
on the inside of the battery compartment.
Using the AC/DC Power Supply
The optional AC/DC power supply (800122) can be used to power the
instrument. Be sure to provide the correct voltage and frequency,
which is marked on the back of the AC/DC power supply.
When the AC/DC power supply is connected, the instrument will
automatically turn ON. To turn the instrument off, disconnect the
AC/DC power supply. If batteries are installed, press the power button
for 3 seconds.
AC/DC Power Supply Input

6 Airflow™ Instruments Air Velocity Meter Model TA500 Series
C A U T I O N
Use only the approved AC/DC power supply (TSI®part number
800122) and DO NOT substitute another adapter or use a computer
to supply power. Use of an incorrect power supply can cause the
measurements to be inaccurate.
Case Magnets , Probe H o l de r and Wris t Str a p
The back of the case features built-in magnets that allow for hands-
free operation. Two small magnets are near the bottom of the case
and one large magnet in the top next to the serial number label. The
instrument can be affixed to metal components such as sheet metal
ductwork or frames of fume hoods. In addition, the case design
incorporates a probe holder and wrist strap connection.
Con n e c ti n g Ventilation or IA Q Probes
The ventilation and IAQ probes have a “D” shape overmolding on
the mini-DIN connector which must align with the connector at the
base of the TA500 series meter. This will ensure the probe is
properly connected and remains so during use. Once connected
and turned on, refer to the Display Order for displaying the
desired measurements.
“D” Shaped
mini-DIN connector
Magnets
Probe Holder
Wrist Strap
Location

Operation and Service Manual 7
The telescoping probe contains the velocity, temperature, and
humidity sensors. When using the probe, make sure the
sensor window is fully exposed and the orientation dimple is
facing upstream.
N O T ICE
For temperature and humidity measurements, make sure that at
least 3 in. (7.5 cm) of the probe is in the flow to allow the
temperature and humidity sensors to be in the air stream.
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 extending.
Retracting the Probe
To retract the probe, hold the handle in one hand while gently pulling
the probe cable until the smallest antenna section is retracted.
W A R N I N G
DO NOT use the instrument or probes near hazardous voltage
sources since serious injury could result.

8 Airflow™ Instruments Air Velocity Meter Model TA500 Series
Dif fer ent ia l Pressure Capa ble Mode ls
(TA 5 30 , TA5 5 0 a nd TA 5 50- N B)
The TA530, TA550, and TA550-NB include pressure ports that can
be used to measure static and differential pressures in ductwork. For
more information, see Application Note TSI-107.
Connecting the Static Pressure Probe
The static pressure probe included with differential pressure
capable meters is connected to the “+” port using the included
tubing. The static pressure probe is used to measure the duct
static pressure and features a magnet which holds the probe to
the ductwork.
Negative (-) Pressure Port
Positive (+) Pressure Port

Operation and Service Manual 9
Connecting an Optional Pitot Probe
When connected to a pitot probe, air velocity or air volume can be
measured. A pitot probe can be connected to the “+” and “-” pressure
ports on the pressure capable Airflow™ Instruments meters using two
pieces of tubing of equal length. The total pressure port of the pitot
probe connects to the “+” port on the meter, and the static pressure
port of the pitot probe connects to the “-” port on the meter.
N O T ICE
The pitot velocity needs a valid temperature to perform the standard
or actual velocity correction. This is accomplished in the
“Actual/Standard Setup” menu. If a thermocouple is plugged in, the
meter will use the temperature reading from the thermocouple. If no
thermocouple is plugged in, the meter will use the setting saved in
the “Actual/Standard Setup” menu.
For more information on entering the temperature manually, refer to
Chapter 4, Actual/Standard Setup section of this manual.
W A R N I N G
DO NOT use the instrument or probes near hazardous voltage
sources since serious injury could result.

10 Airflow™ Instruments Air Velocity Meter Model TA500 Series
Th er m ocouple Port
The TA500 Series Airflow™ Instruments Air Velocity Meter includes a
thermocouple port at the base of the meter. Any K-alloy thermocouple
with mini-connector can be attached. See Chapter 4, Display Order
for displaying the thermocouple measurement.
Connecting the Thermocouples
The K-alloy thermocouple with mini-connector has one terminal wider
than the other. The wider terminal will be inserted into the bottom of
the TC connector port.
W A R N I N G S
•Thermocouples from an alternate TSI®supplier must have the
metal sheath electrically isolated from the wires inside. Failure
to meet this requirement may result in false readings, electrical
shock, or fire hazard.
•DO NOT use the instrument or probes near hazardous voltage
sources since serious injury could result.
K-alloy Thermocouple
TC