TSI Instruments ALNOR RVA501 Operation manual

AIR VELOCITY METER
ALNOR®MODEL RVA501
AIRFLOW™ INSTRUMENTS
MODEL LCA501
OPERATION AND SERVICE MANUAL
P/N 1980586, REV E
OCTOBER 2014
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iii
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 UNPACKING AND PARTS IDENTIFICATION ............ 1
CHAPTER 2 SETTING-UP ................................................................. 3
Supplying Power to the Alnor RVA501/Airflow Instruments
LCA501 ........................................................................................... 3
Installing the Batteries ............................................................... 3
Attaching the Handle ................................................................. 3
Using the Optional AC Adapter ................................................. 3
Using the Optional Articulating Extension ................................. 3
Using the Optional Air Cone Kit ................................................. 4
Connecting to a Computer .............................................................. 4
CHAPTER 3 OPERATION ................................................................. 5
Keypad Functions ........................................................................... 5
Common Terms .............................................................................. 5
Menus ............................................................................................. 6
DISPLAY SETUP ................................................................................. 6
SETTINGS ......................................................................................... 6
FLOW SET UP .................................................................................... 6
DATA LOGGING ................................................................................. 6
Measurements ........................................................................... 6
Log Mode/Log Settings ............................................................. 6
Delete Data ................................................................................ 7
% Memory ................................................................................. 7
LogDat2™ Downloading Software ................................................. 7
CHAPTER 4 MAINTENANCE ............................................................ 9
Recalibration ................................................................................... 9
Cases .............................................................................................. 9
Storage ........................................................................................... 9
CHAPTER 5 TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................ 11
APPENDIX A SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................... 13
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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
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3
Chapter 2
Setting-up
Supplying Power to the Alnor RVA501/Airflow Instruments
LCA501
The Alnor RVA501/Airflow LCA501 is powered with four size
AA batteries.
Installing the Batteries
Insert four AA batteries as indicated by the diagram located on
the inside of the battery compartment. The Alnor RVA501/Airflow
LCA501 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.
Attaching the Handle
To attach the handle, screw the handle into the bottom of the
rotating vane head until secure. Remove the handle after use to
prevent damage to either the head or the handle.
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
will not recharge the batteries.
Using the Optional Articulating Extension
The articulating extension allows you to secure the vane head at
nearly any angle. Once you have attached the articulating
extension, you can unscrew the swivel adjustment bolt, and
adjust the angle of the elbow. You can then adjust the pivot
position of the head by partially unscrewing the head from the
handle and tightening it with the knurled knob, located
underneath the vane head.
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4 Chapter 2
Using the Optional Air Cone Kit
Air Cone Flow Hoods are a fast and accurate method of
maximizing the usefulness of your 100 mm (4 in.) rotating vane
anemometer by turning it into an air volume balancing tool. Kit
comes with both rectangular 285 mm x 235 mm (11.2 in. x 9.2 in.)
and circular 180 mm (7.1 in.) diameter cones. Simply slide the
vane head into the Air Cone to perform supply or extract/return
measurements. Kit includes instructions for usage.
Connecting to a Computer
Use the Computer Interface USB Cable provided with the Alnor
RVA501/Airflow Instruments LCA501 to connect the instrument to a
computer for downloading stored data.
For 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 RVA501/Airflow Instruments LCA501 is not
intended for connection to a public telecommunications
network. Connect the USB data port only to another USB
port.
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5
Chapter 3
Operation
Keypad Functions
ON/OFF Key
Press to turn the Alnor RVA501/Airflow
Instruments LCA501 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 () Keys
Press to scroll through choices while setting a
parameter.
(Enter) Key
Press to accept a value or condition.
Arrow ( or )
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, Flow Setup, Data
Logging and 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.
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”.
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6 Chapter 3
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  or  soft keys to scroll through the
settings for each option and use the key to accept settings.
FLOW SET UP
In Flow Setup mode, there are four types: Round Duct, Rectangle
Duct, Duct Area, and Air Cone. Use the  or  soft keys to scroll
through the types and then press the key to accept the desired
type. To change the value, highlight the Enter Settings option and
press the key.
DATA LOGGING
Measurements
Measurements to be logged are independent of measurements
on the display, and must therefore be selected under DATA
LOGGING  Measurements.
Log Mode/Log Settings
You can set Log Mode to Manual or Auto-save.
 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.
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Operation 7
 Auto-save and Cont-Key modes use Log Interval under the
Log Settings:
Mode
Log Settings
Auto-save
Log Interval
Cont-key
Log Interval
 Use Cont-key mode with Log Interval set to 1 second to take
a Sweep measurement across an area.
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.
LogDat2™ Downloading Software
The Alnor RVA501/Airflow Instruments LCA501 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 RVA501/Airflow Instruments
LCA501, connect the supplied computer interface USB cable to the
Alnor RVA501/Airflow Instruments LCA501 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.
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9
Chapter 4
Maintenance
The Alnor RVA501/Airflow Instruments LCA501 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 RVA501/Airflow Instruments
LCA501 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 3ST United Kingdom
Fax: [phone]
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
The Alnor RVA501/Airflow Instruments LCA501 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 RVA501/Airflow Instruments LCA501. If the enclosure of the
Alnor RVA501/Airflow Instruments LCA501 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.
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11
Chapter 5
Troubleshooting
Table 5-1 lists the symptoms, possible causes, and recommended
solutions for common problems encountered with the Alnor
RVA501/Airflow Instruments LCA501. If your symptom is not listed, or
if none of the solutions solves your problem, please contact TSI.
Table 5-1: Troubleshooting the Alnor RVA501/Airflow
Instruments LCA501
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.
Velocity reading
fluctuates
unstable
Fluctuating flow
Reposition probe in
less-turbulent flow or
use longer time
constant.
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.
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