TSI Instruments questemp 48n User manual

iii Contents
List of Figures
Contents
Contents..................................................................... iii
List of Figures ........................................................ iv
List of Tables ......................................................... iv
Introduction ................................................................ 1
QUESTempº 48N Model............................................. 1
Getting Started ........................................................... 2
Up and Running Overview...................................... 2
Placing the QUESTempº48N on the Job Site ....... 2
Keypad Operation................................................... 3
Turning on, Logging/Capture an Event, and
Turning Off............................................................ 4
Sensors....................................................................... 6
Globe Thermometer................................................ 6
Waterless Wetbulb & Relative Humidity Sensor..... 6
Dry Bulb Thermometer ........................................... 6
Measurements............................................................ 7
WetBulb Globe Temperature (WBGT).................... 7
Stay Times/Rest Times (Indicies)........................... 7
Remote measurements ............................................. 7
Operating QUESTempº48N...................................... 8
View ........................................................................ 8
Setup ...................................................................... 9
Print ......................................................................10
Reset ....................................................................10
Run .......................................................................11
Displayed Items........................................................12
Stay Time/Index....................................................13
Data Logging ............................................................14
Electronic Sensor Check.........................................15
Performing an Electronic Sensor Check............... 15
Sensor Alignment ....................................................16
RH Sensor Alignment ...........................................16
Printing...................................................................... 19
Data/Communications ..........................................19
Parallel.................................................................. 20
Powering................................................................... 21
9-Volt Alkaline Battery Replacement.................... 21
Approved 9-Volt Batteries .................................... 21
Appendix A: Specifications ................................... 22
Measurements...................................................... 22
Data Logging mode and Event logging mode ...... 22
Languages............................................................ 22
Sensors ................................................................ 22
Operating Temperature Range ............................ 22
Housing ................................................................ 22
Size....................................................................... 23
Weight .................................................................. 23
Remote Sensor Bar.............................................. 23
Power ................................................................... 23
Battery Life ........................................................... 23
QUESTemp°48N Block Model ............................... 24
Appendix B: Heat Exposure Tables....................... 25
ACGIH .................................................................. 25
ACGIH Clothing Corrections ................................ 26
United States Navy .............................................. 26
Flag Conditions for U.S. Navy/Marine
Corp. Ashore ...................................................... 28
Appendix C: Accessories (sold separately).......... 29
Appendix D: Software ............................................ 30
DMS quick overview............................................. 30
Communicating and Downloading in DMS........... 30
Data Finder and Quick Reports............................ 31
Contact/Service information................................... 34
Technical Support Contacts ................................. 34
Service Contact Information ................................. 34
Returning for Service............................................ 35
Calibration ................................................................ 35
Warranty ................................................................... 36
Contents

Contents
List of Figures
iv
List of Figures
1-1: QUESTempº 48N................................................. 1
1-2: Keypad keys identified......................................... 3
1-3: Start-up screens (A –indicates model and
type B- indicates revision and battery power).. 4
1-4: Index start-up screen ........................................... 4
1-5: Log rate start-up screen....................................... 4
1-6: Main menu of the QT48N .................................... 5
1-7: Measurement screen (example).......................... 5
1-8: Sensors identified ................................................ 6
1-9: Main menu example ............................................ 8
1-10: Viewing measured data ..................................... 8
1-11: Selecting temperature setting and setup ........... 9
1-12: Selecting temperature setting............................ 9
1-13: Selecting log rate with event log......................10
1-14: Run mode indicator..........................................11
1-15: Wet and Dry screen .........................................12
1-16: Globe and RH screen ...................................... 12
1-17: WBGT screen .................................................. 12
1-18: Time and Date screen ..................................... 12
1-19: Battery & memory screen ................................13
1-20: Navy PHEL stay times..................................... 13
1-21: Index for ACGIH .............................................. 13
1-22: Navy PHELs screen ........................................ 13
1-23: Flag Conditions Navy/Marine Corp. Ashore.... 14
1-24: Main menu with view selected (A) &
measurement screen (B) ................................ 16
1-25: Alignment screen............................................. 16
1-26: Sunshield & placement of finger cot prior
to RH alignment .............................................. 17
1-27: RH alignment with Low % example................. 17
1-28: RH alignment with High% screen.................... 18
1-29: Sample DMS event data report ....................... 19
1-30: Sample printouts.............................................. 20
1-31: 9-volt battery.................................................... 21
1-32: Communicating with the QT⁰48N and DMS... 30
1-33: Communicating with the QT⁰48N and DMS... 31
1-34: Data Finder Page ............................................ 31
1-35: Quick Report.................................................... 32
1-36: Analyze button opens to the panel
layout page ..................................................... 33
List of Tables
1-1: Keypad explained ................................................ 3
1-2: Settings indentified .............................................. 9
1-3: Example of a Memory table.............................. 14

1Introduction
List of Tables
Introduction
The QUESTempº48N offers traditional heat stress monitoring without the aggravation of
maintaining a wet bulb. Through collaboration with Professor Dr. Thomas Bernard, from the
College of Public Health at the University of South Florida, mathematical models were
implemented to create a Waterless Wet Bulb calculation through a combination of dry bulb
temperature, globe temperature, relative humidity, and air flow.
Figure 1-1: QUESTempº 48N
QUESTempº 48N Model
The QUESTempº 48N model was specifically engineered for the Department of Defense
Ashore and Afloat Operations in which conditions require hand’s free monitoring, in-the-field
user RH/WBGT sensor alignments, and snapshot measurement logging (called “event
logging mode”).
The QT48N measures and calculates the dry bulb, wet bulb, globe, WBGT outdoors, and
relative humidity with two different types of data logging modes –as a time history session or
an event logging mode.
You also have the capability to measure stay times in order to manage work/rest regimens.
Guidance is based on the screening criteria for heat stress as defined in the ACGIH TLV
Handbook, U.S. Navy PHEL charts, and Flag Conditions for U.S. Navy/Marine Corp. Ashore.
Introduction

2Getting Started
Up and Running Overview
Getting Started
Up and Running Overview
1. Place the QUESTempº48N in the work area in a safe location approximately 3.5 feet
off the ground.
2. Turn the unit On. If the battery voltage displayed during the power-on sequence is less
than or equal to 6.4 volts, replace or recharge the batteries.
3. Be aware that the sensors require 10 minutes to stabilize to a new environment.
4. In the main menu, View will be selected (an indicator arrow denotes the selected
menu). Press the I/O Enter key and the measurement screen will appear.
5. Press the Run/Stop key to begin datalogging. Use the Arrow keys to set the display to
the desired items.
Placing the QUESTempº48N on the Job Site
The QUESTempº48N should be placed at a height of 3.5 feet (1.1 m) for standing individuals
or 2 feet (.6 m) for seated individuals. Tripod mounting is recommended to get the unit away
from anything that might block radiant heat or airflow. A 1/4" x 20 threaded bushing on the
bottom of the instrument allows mounting to a standard photographic tripod. DO NOT stand
close to the unit during sampling.
Before data logging, allow ten minutes for the sensors readings to stabilize.
Getting Started

3Getting Started
Keypad Operation
Keypad Operation
The unit operates using a keypad with four keys. The I/O Enter key responds when the key is
released while all other keys respond when the key is pressed.
Keys
Explanation
I/O Enter key
The unit turns on with a single key press. The unit turns off by
holding the key down while a countdown of 3-2-1 occurs in the
lower right corner of the display. This key is also used to select a
mode (such as Setup or View) or enter setup changes.
Pressing and releasing the key while viewing temperatures causes
the display to view the next available sensor bar (indicated in the
upper right corner of the display).
Up Arrow key
Changes items appearing in the display. Scrolls up.
Down Arrow key
Changes items appearing in the display. Scrolls down.
Run/Stop key
From the menu or view modes, pressing this key starts or stops the
run mode. Pressing this key will exit the setup, print or reset
modes.
Escaping or moving
back one screen
If you are in the setup, print, reset, or sensor alignment screens,
you can press Run/Stop key to escape or move back one screen.
Table 1-1: Keypad explained
Figure 1-2: Keypad keys identified
I/O Enter key
Run/Stop key
Up Arrow key
Down Arrow key

4 Getting Started
Turning on, Logging/Capture an Event, and Turning Off
Turning on, Logging/Capture an Event, and Turning Off
To quickly get you started with the QUESTempº48N, the following section explains turning on
the instrument, data logging/event logging, and stopping.
1. Press the I/O Enter key to turn on.
The first two start-up screens detail the name, type of instrument, and then a
revision and battery power screen appears. (Ensure the battery level does not fall
below 6.4V or you will want to replace the battery. See “Power options” for more
details.)
NOTE: If you have data saved on the instrument, an additional screen stating “data
in memory” will appear prompting you to reset the instrument, if desired.
A B
QUEST
QT-48N WWB
REVISION 1.25
BATTERY 8.3V
Figure 1-3: Start-up screens (A –indicates model and type
B- indicates revision and battery power)
2. In the Index Start-Up screen, press I/O Enter key.
NOTE: If an index is selected from the Setup menu, this will appear on this screen.
Index: ----
<ENTER>
Figure 1-4: Index start-up screen
3. A Log Rate Start-Up screen will appear, press I/O Enter key. (This screen details your
log rate time or event logging setup option and the last saved logged session or event.)
(See Setup for more information on event logging.)
Log Rate: 1 min
Nxt 01 <ENTER>
Figure 1-5: Log rate start-up screen

5 Getting Started
Turning on, Logging/Capture an Event, and Turning Off
4. The main menu (navigational screen) will appear after the start-up screens. Press I/O
Enter key. (This will open to the measurement screens.)
VIEW PRINT
SETUP RESET
Indicator arrow
Indicates the selected menu option. Either press
up/down arrows to select a new menu or press I/O
Enter key to select.
Figure 1-6: Main menu of the QT48N
5. Press Run/Stop key to either Data Log or log/record an Event and an asterisk will appear
in far right corner.
NOTE: Data logging or an Event is selected via the Setup menu.
Numeric counter
oEvent logging/recording: As you record events, the numeric counter will
increase by one displaying the number of saved events.
oData logging mode:This will display the number of saved data logged
sessions instead of Events. (The process is identical to event mode.)
Numeric counter
Event records or Data logging sessions
displayed
Run indicator.
Will appear when you are in “Run mode”.
For an event, it will appear for about 1-2
seconds as an event is recorded in the
instrument’s history.
WET 53.9ºF 01
DRY 113.5ºF 
Figure 1-7: Measurement screen (example)
6. To stop data logging, press and hold Run/Stop key.
NOTE: Skip this step for an Event log. An event log will capture the measurements
with the initial run/stop key press.)
7. To view different measurements, press the Up or Down Arrow key to toggle through the
views.
8. To return to the main menu, press and hold the I/O Enter key (3, 2, 1 countdown will
appear) and the main menu will display.
To select an option on the main menu, press the Up or Down Arrow until an arrow
appears directly in front of the appropriate menu selection and then press I/O enter
key.

6Sensors
Globe Thermometer
9. To power off, press and hold the I/O Enter key from the main menu.
Sensors
Globe Thermometer
The globe thermometer (left position) gives an indication of the radiant heat exposure on an
individual due to either direct sunlight or hot objects in the environment. This is accomplished
by placing a temperature sensor inside a blackened copper sphere and measuring the
temperature rise. The WBGT index is based on the response of a 6 inch diameter globe. The
QUESTemp° uses a 2-inch diameter globe for a faster response time. The temperature of the
2 inch globe is correlated to match that of a 6 inch globe.
Waterless Wetbulb & Relative Humidity Sensor
The relative humidity sensor (middle position) is used to calculate the Waterless Wetbulb from
a combination of dry bulb temperature, humidity and wind speed measurements. The
waterless wetbulb is used to calculate an estimated WBGT value.
Dry Bulb Thermometer
The dry bulb thermometer (right
position) measures the ambient air
temperature. This measurement is
used in the outdoor WBGT
calculation when a high solar radiant
heat load may be present. The
series of white plates surrounding
the sensor shield it from radiant heat.
A B C
A. Globe thermometer
B. Relative humidity
sensor
C. Dry bulb thermometer
Figure 1-8: Sensors identified
Sensors

7 Measurements
WetBulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)
Measurements
The QUESTemp48N data logging, with an event logging mode, heat stress monitor directly
senses three parameters: dry bulb temperature (DB), globe temperature (G), and relative
humidity (RH).
It computes the Wet Bulb (WB), the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), and the Stay
Times Indices for ACGIH, U.S. Navy PHEL charts, and Flag Conditions for U.S. Navy/Marine
Corp. Ashore.
WetBulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)
The WBGT is a type of temperature index which combines the effects of temperature,
humidity, radiant heat, and air flow and provides a relatively simplistic tool to analyze thermal
comfort. The resulting WBGT values can then be compared to indices of work-rest regimens
(stay times) based upon workloads.
The WBGT calculation is a weighted average of the three temperature sensors using the
following formulas:
**NOTE: Navy and Marine calculations are all based on the outdoor computation.
WBGT (outdoor) = 0.7WB + 0.2G + 0.1DB (denoted as “WBGT” on the display)
Stay Times/Rest Times (Indicies)
Stay Times Indices represent how long a worker should be able to safely work under heat
stress conditions. Select one of four indices for displaying and printing from the unit: ACGIH
Stay Times, NAVY PHEL’s, or Flag Conditions for U.S. Navy/Marine Corp. Ashore. Refer to
Appendix B for more information on the indices.
NOTE: It will appear as “Index” on the measurement screen.
Remote measurements
The top sensor bar may be removed from the instrument and used through a remote cable.
(Refer to Appendix C for remote cable options.) Shelter the instrument and remote the sensor
bar if the measured environment is expecting heavy rain or if temperatures are above 60°C.
Measurements

8Operating QUESTempº 48N
View
Operating QUESTempº48N
From a powered on mode, the main menu will
appear (after the start-up screens are
displayed.) Use the Up Arrow and Down
Arrow keys to move the marker in the display
in front of the desired mode. Pressing the
I/O Enter key will select the mode.
VIEW PRINT
SETUP RESET
Figure 1-9: Main menu example
View
Displays the measured data but does not log it. If more than one set of sensors is plugged into
the unit, they can be displayed by pressing and releasing the I/O Enter key. The displayed
sensor set is shown in the upper right corner.
View mode
Arrow icon Indicates you are in view mode
Event #
Last logged event/session
WET 53.9ºF 01
DRY 113.5ºF
Figure 1-10: Viewing measured data
NOTE: To return to the main menu, hold down the I/O Enter key while a 3, 2, 1
countdown is shown in the lower right corner of the display.
Operation

9Operating QUESTempº 48N
Setup
Setup
The setup options are from the main menu when Setup is selected. At any time, to exit (or
escape) a screen, press the Run/Stop key. Table 1-2 identifies the setup parameters.
Settings
Explanation
Temperature units
Selectable: ºF/ºC
Language setting
Selectable: English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German
Time and Date
Time settings: 24-hour clock
Day-month-year format
Log Rate
1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 minutes log rate options
Event Log: when run/stop is pressed, an event or
snapshot of the current conditions is logged into memory.
The events range from 0-99.
Index/Stay Times
ACGIH, PHEL, FLAG, or none (denoted “----”)
Table 1-2: Settings indentified
Selecting Setup parameters
1. From the main menu, select Setup by pressing the I/O Enter key. Using the Up/Down
Arrow keys, select the settings in steps 2-6.
VIEW PRINT
SETUP RESET
Press I/O Enter key to select Setup.
Figure 1-11: Selecting temperature setting and setup
2. For the Time and Date settings, once selected, press I/O Enter key to move to the
update field. (An underline will appear under the first field.)
Press Up/Down Arrows to change the number/month. Press I/O Enter key to
toggle through each field. Repeat as necessary until all values are selected.
3. For the Temperature setting, either Fahrenheit or Celsius will appear. Press the
Up/Down Arrow to select and I/O Enter key to change.
Fahrenheit
English
Temperature setting –press I/O Enter
key to switch between values.
Figure 1-12: Selecting temperature setting

10 Operating QUESTempº 48N
Print
4. For the Language setting, once selected, press I/O Enter key. To select a language,
press Up/Down Arrow keys. Once selected, press Run/Stop key to return to setup
parameters.
5. For the Log Rate, once selected, press I/O Enter key.
Repeatedly press I/O Enter keys to select either the Log Rate Event or a Log Rate
interval (for data logging; e.g. “5”).
Optional: changing Next Event field. Events are numbered starting at 1 and
incrementing. The number may be increased to simulate skipping events. This may
be useful if the events represent locations and the starting location is somewhere
other than 1.
Event
Example of setting Log Rate to
Event Log
Next event number
*To increase, press up arrow key
(used to simulate skipping an event.)
Log Rate: event
Nxt event: 11
Figure 1-13: Selecting log rate with event log
6. For the Index setting, once selected press I/O Enter key. Press Up/Down Arrow keys to
select: “---” (which is equivalent for no index), ACGIH, PHEL, or Flag.
7. Exit Setup by pressing the Run/Stop key.
Print
Allows printing to a parallel or serial printer or to a computer. The QUESTempº48N Heat
Stress Monitor will recognize the cable plugged in and configure itself for serial or parallel. If
no cable is plugged in, it will default to serial. Press I/O Enter key to begin printing. Press
Run/Stop key to return to the menu.
NOTE: If you want to stop the printing, press I/O Enter key until you return to the main
menu. When the printer has stopped printing, remove the cable from the printer to
the instrument.
Reset
Resetting enables you to clear the logged data from memory. Press the I/O Enter key to enter
the Reset mode. Clear the memory by holding down the I/O Enter key while the display
counts down from three.

11 Operating QUESTempº 48N
Run
Run
For Data Logging setup, the run mode begins a session in memory and logs the data. For
Event Logging, each run/stop is stored as an event and a numeric counter displays the
number of saved events.
1. Begin a session by pressing the Run/Stop key from the view mode (or measurement
view). An asterisk in the lower right corner indicates the run mode.
To toggle through the views, press the Up or Down Arrow.
GLOBE 90.3ºF 05
RH 53.3ºF 
Run Indicator
Figure 1-14: Run mode indicator
2. End the session by pressing the Run/Stop key again. (The session will stop recording
when the asterisk is no longer displayed.)
NOTE: If the logging memory is full or if there are no sensors plugged into the unit,
attempting to enter the Run mode will result in an error message. If the memory
capacity is exceeded, the asterisk in the lower right corner of the display will turn
into an “F” and the memory remaining screen will show “0.0”.

12 Displayed Items
Run
Displayed Items
For the QUESTemp48N Heat Stress Monitor, the number in the upper right corner indicates
the saved session or the saved event log.
“1”indicates the sensor bar placed on (or attached to) the top of the instrument. Sensors
2 and 3 are labeled on the side of the unit as “Sensor 2”, and “Sensor 3”.
An “*” asterisk in the lower right corner indicates that the unit is in the run mode and is
logging data or saves an event.
The following measurements can be accessed on the display:
Screen 1: WET (Wet bulb)
DRY (Dry bulb)
WET 80.5ºF 01
DRY 92.2ºF 
Figure 1-15: Wet and Dry screen
Screen 2: GLOBE and RH
GLOBE 40.4°C 03
RH 52.5% 
Figure 1-16: Globe and RH screen
Screen 3: WBGT
WBGT 30.7°C 3

Figure 1-17: WBGT screen
Screen 4: Time (24 hour format)
Date (day, month, year)
TIME 11:04:13 04
DATE 14-MAY-18 
Figure 1-18: Time and Date screen
Displayed
Items

13 Displayed Items
Stay Time/Index
Screen 5: BAT (Battery voltage)
MEM (Logging memory
available in days)
BAT 09:04:13 05
DATE 10.4 dy 
Figure 1-19: Battery & memory screen
Screen 6: Index
(Navy PHEL stay times)
PHEL_5 3:10 05
PHEL_6 8:03 
Figure 1-20: Navy PHEL stay times
NOTE: A series of dashes appear in the display if one of the following occur:
The temperature is outside of its allowable range
A temperature sensor has failed
Stay times temperatures are outside of the their defined range
Stay Time/Index
The screen(s) displaying stay time data appear different for each of the possible indices.
If ACGIH is selected, the recommended working minutes per hour are shown for each of the
workload categories Light (L), Moderate (M), Heavy (H), and Very Heavy (VH).
L M H VH 04
60 45 30 15 
Figure 1-21: Index for ACGIH
If the Navy PHELs are selected, the recommended working hours are shown based on a
maximum of eight hours. Three screens are used to display the PHELs two at time.
NOTE: “8:01”following one of the PHELs indicates greater than eight hours.
PHEL_5 3:10 05
PHEL_6 8:03 
PHELs stay time is greater than 8 hours.
Figure 1-22: Navy PHELs screen

Data Logging
Stay Time/Index
14
If Flag is selected, the Flag Conditions for Navy/Marines Corp. Ashore warning
system screen will appear. There are five flag systems, no flag, yellow, green, red, and black,
which provide heat exposure guidelines for acclimated individuals. (For more information, refer
to the “Flag Conditions US Navy/Marine Corp. Ashore”.)
HEAT CATEGORY 05
YELLOW FLAG 
Navy/Marine Corp’s heat condition flag
warning example
Figure 1-23: Flag Conditions Navy/Marine Corp. Ashore
Data Logging
Data from each sensor is recorded at the interval set by the logging rate. Every time Run/Stop
is pressed, a session is either started or ended in memory. Each session contains a header
with time, date, and summary information.
Memory Table: Gives the number of logging DAYS.
Log Rate
1 min
2 min
5 min
10 min
15 min
30 min
60 min
1 sensor
11.2
22.5
56.2
112.4
168.6
337.3
674.5
2 sensors
5.6
11.2
28.1
56.2
84.3
168.6
337.3
3 sensors
3.7
7.5
18.7
37.5
56.2
112.4
224.8
Table 1-3: Example of a Memory table
Data Logging

15 Electronic Sensor Check
Performing an Electronic Sensor Check
Electronic Sensor Check
A verification module, TSI model 053-923, may be used to check the operation of the QUESTemp
monitor’s wet bulb, dry bulb, and globe. The purpose is to verify that the electronic components
are within a specific range with known values and a known source. The temperature tolerances
should be within ±0.5oC.
Example of Verification module
NOTE: If the sensors are outside of the tolerances, this indicates the sensor alignment should be
serviced off-site for calibration.
Performing an Electronic Sensor Check
1. Ensure the instrument is reading in Celsius prior to your electronic sensor check.
To change the temperature setting, select Setup from the main menu. Then, either
Fahrenheit or Celsius will appear on the screen. When selected, press I/O enter key to
switch between settings. For more information, refer to step 3.
2. Remove the top sensor bar, place to the side, and plug in the verification module into the
center pins of the sensor housing.
3. Verify the measurement readings on the screen are within ±0.5C tolerance to the readings
printed on the verification module label. Example below:
a. Wet Bulb (WB): 11.1Cb. Dry Bulb (DB): 45.3C
c. Globe (G): 69.2C
NOTE: Relative humidity (RH) is not valid on this instrument.
4. Once completed, remove verification module and place sensor bar back on the instrument.
(Tighten down the two bolts.) Change the Celsius reading back to Fahrenheit. (Refer to
step 1 a-b.)
Electronic
Sensor Check

Sensor Alignment
RH Sensor Alignment
16
Sensor Alignment
For highly accurate measurement readings, you should align your QUESTempº 48N prior to data
logging or event logging/recording. For the RH sensor, it is recommended to align with a High
concentration level using the 75% sensor salt, NaCl (sodium chloride), or a Low concentration
level using the, the 33% sensor salt, MgCl (magnesium chloride). (To order sensor alignment
salts, refer to an online vendor such as, colepalmer.com.)
RH Sensor Alignment
1. To open, navigate to the main menu and select View by pressing I/O Enter key (see A).
A measurement screen will appear (see B).
A B
VIEW PRINT
SETUP RESET
WET 50.7° F
DRY 70.6° F
Figure 1-24: Main menu with view selected (A) & measurement screen (B)
2. Press and hold I/O Enter key and then press Down Arrow key from the View menu. The
Alignment screen will appear.
(RH Sensor) Alignment menu
Alignment RH
WBGT HIGH LOW
“High” is selected when the arrow appears in
front of the text.
NOTE: WBGT is not used in sensor alignment
Figure 1-25: Alignment screen
3. Press Up/Down Arrow key to select either High or Low. Then press I/O Enter key.
4. Remove (or slide) the Sunshield (white globe) from the RH sensor and place it to the side.
(See Figure 1-26).
Sensor
Alignment