TSI Instruments SidePak AM520 User manual

SIDEPAK™PERSONAL
AEROSOL MONITOR
MODEL AM520
USER GUIDE
P/N 6009829 REV. A
JUNE 2016

iii
Copyright ©
TSI Incorporated / 6009829 / Revision B / 2016 / All rights reserved.
Address
TSI Incorporated / 500 Cardigan Road / Shoreview, MN 55126 / USA
Fax No.
[phone]
Limitation of Warranty and Liability (effective February 2015)
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. SidePak AM520 internal pump and battery are warranted for one (1) year from the
date of manufacture.
c. 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;
d. 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;
e. 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;
f. 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;
g. 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.
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

iv
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 TSI's Customer Service department at [phone] (USA) or (001 651) 490-2811
(International).
Trademarks
TSI and TSI logo are registered trademarks of TSI Incorporated.
SidePak and TrakPro are trademarks of TSI Incorporated.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Tygon is a registered trademark of Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation

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CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION ..................................................................VII
IP Rating.......................................................................................vii
CHAPTER 1 UNPACKING AND PARTS IDENTIFICATION............ 1
CHAPTER 2 SETTING-UP................................................................ 5
Supplying Power to the SidePak Aerosol Monitor......................... 5
Installing the Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery Pack...................5
Installing the Lithium Ion Battery Pack.................................... 6
Removing the Lithium Ion Battery Pack.................................. 7
AM520 Smart Battery Management System™ technology........... 7
Storing the Battery Pack between Uses........................................8
Using the AC Adapter (power supply)...........................................9
Battery LED................................................................................. 10
Battery Icon on Display ...............................................................10
AM520 Displayed Battery Life.....................................................10
Installing TrakPro™ Data Analysis Software .............................. 10
CHAPTER 3 OPERATION.............................................................. 11
Overview...................................................................................... 11
Identifying SidePak AM520 Features..........................................11
USB Port...............................................................................11
Power Port ............................................................................12
Exhaust Port .........................................................................12
Inlet .......................................................................................12
Battery Screws......................................................................13
Keypad Functions........................................................................14
Main Menu...................................................................................15
Power Up.....................................................................................16
Power Down................................................................................16
Survey Mode ............................................................................... 16
Data Logging...............................................................................17
Run Mode.................................................................................... 19
Survey Mode.........................................................................19
Manual Mode........................................................................ 19
Program Mode...................................................................... 19
Settings........................................................................................ 20
Setting the Log Interval......................................................... 21
Setting the Time Constant .................................................... 22
Setting the Time and Date and Date Format........................ 24
Battery Units .........................................................................25
Screen Save Delay...............................................................25
Language..............................................................................26

vi
Information ............................................................................26
Calibration....................................................................................26
Zero Cal.................................................................................28
Flow Cal ................................................................................29
User Cal ................................................................................30
Data .............................................................................................31
Statistics................................................................................31
Clear Memory........................................................................31
Alarms..........................................................................................32
Post-Sampling Data Reporting and Graphing.............................34
CHAPTER 4 MAINTENANCE.........................................................35
Returning the Instrument to TSI for Service................................35
General Cleaning.........................................................................36
Using and Maintaining Built-in Impactors....................................36
Using and Maintaining the Respirable Cyclone...........................39
Cleaning the Cyclone............................................................40
Using and Maintaining the Diesel Particulate Matter
DPM Cyclone ...........................................................................41
Cleaning the Diesel Particulate Matter DPM Cyclone ..........43
Calibrating of Measuring DPM.....................................................45
AM520 Field Service Kit – sold separately..................................45
CHAPTER 5 TROUBLESHOOTING...............................................47
Troubleshooting Table.................................................................48
Technical Contacts......................................................................52
International Contacts...........................................................52
Service ..................................................................................52
Technical Support.................................................................53
Returning for Service...................................................................55
APPENDIX A SPECIFICATIONS....................................................57
APPENDIX B CUSTOM CALIBRATIONS......................................61
Developing a Photometric Calibration Factor for a Specific
Aerosol .....................................................................................62
Photometric Calibration Factor Procedure............................62
APPENDIX C CONVERTING STORED DATA TO
CALIBRATED DATA ..................................................................65

vii
Safety Information
When operated according to the manufacturer’s instruction, this
device is a Class I laser product as defined by U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services standards under the Radiation Control
for Health and Safety Act of 1968.
A certification and identification label similar to the one shown below
is affixed to each instrument.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside this instrument. Performing
services other than those described in this manual may result in
exposure to harmful (visible) laser radiation. A warning label like the
one shown below is affixed to the internal laser device.
DANGER: VISIBLE LASER
RADIATION WHEN OPEN. AVOID
DIRECT EXPOSURE TO BEAM
WARNING: NO USER SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
IP Rating
The International Protection Rating, sometimes referred to as
an Ingress Protection rating, is a set of codes used to define
specific levels of protection of the equipment from solids and
liquids.
IP54 Protected from limited dust ingress Protected from water spray in any direction
The SidePak AM520 has an IP Rating of IP54.

viii
WARNING/AVERTISSEMENT
•THE EFFECT OF THE INTERNAL LASER ON
GAS MIXTURES HAS NOT BEEN EVALUATED
BY CSA
LES EFFETS DU LASER INTERNE SUR LES
MELANGES DE GAZ N’ONT PAS ÉTÉ ÉVALUÉS
PAR CSA
•EXPLOSION HAZARD – SUBSTITUTION OF
COMPONENTS MAY IMPAIR INTRINSIC SAFETY
RISQUE D’EXPLOSION – LA SUBSTITUTION DE
COMPOSANTS PEUT COMPROMETTRE LA
SÉCURITÉ INTRINSÈQUE
•FOR USE ONLY WITH BATTERY PACK MODEL
NUMBER 803300
N’UTILISEZ QUE LE BLOC-PILES DE MODÈLE
NUMÉRO 803300
•CHANGE AND/OR RECHARGE BATTERIES
ONLY IN A NONHAZARDOUS LOCATION
REMPLACEZ ET/OU RECHARGEZ LES
BATTERIES UNIQUEMENT DANS UNE ZONE
NON DANGEREUSE
•BATTERY TO BE CHARGED ONLY WITH
POWER SUPPLY 6001583
BATTERIE A CHERGER UNIQUEMENT AVEC
L’ALIMENTATION 6001583
•TO PREVENT IGNITION OF FLAMMABLE OR
COMBUSTIBLE ATMOSPHERES, READ,
UNDERSTAND AND ADHERE TO THE
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES CONTAINED IN
THIS MANUAL
POUR EVITER L’INFLAMMATION DES
ATMOSPHERES INFLAMMABLES, LISEZ,
COMPRENEZ ET RESPECTEZ LES
PROCEDURES D’ENTRETIEN CONTENUES
DANS LE MANUEL

ix
WARNING
Any damage to the base unit that results in a cracked or broken case
should be immediately returned to TSI for repair as it may affect
safety rating compliance of the equipment. A damaged case could
allow for the ingress of dust, dirt or other material and moisture into
the unit and diminish the safety of the device.
WARNING/
AVERTISSEMENT
•DO NOT attempt to disassemble or service the
battery pack.
•DO NOT short-circuit the battery pack.
•DO NOT incinerate or destroy the battery pack.
•DO NOT attempt to charge the battery pack using
anything except a TSI approved power supply. Doing
so may cause permanent damage to the pack.
Failure to comply with any of these warnings can cause
burns, blindness, severe injury or death. TSI will not
service any pack which has been damaged due to user
neglect.
Keep away from children. DO NOT dispose of in fire.
Always dispose of your pack in compliance with regional
requirements.

x
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1
Chapter 1
Unpacking and Parts Identification
Carefully unpack the AM520 SidePak™ Personal Aerosol Monitor
from the shipping container. Use the table below to identify the
components that are included with the unit. A photo and description of
each item follows the table. If any parts are missing, contact TSI
immediately. This list also includes items that are not packaged with
the product, yet available as accessories sold separately.
AM520 with all accessories
(continued on next page)

2 Chapter 1
Item Description Part/Order
Number Reference Picture
AM520 Personal
Aerosol Monitor
(shown with battery pack)
AM520
Battery Pack, 5400mAH 803300
Single Carry Case
11.25” x 9” x 4.25”
(28.6 x 22.9 x 10.8 cm)
1319289
AM520 Impactor Kit
(impactor oil, impactor
disc (3x), Blank inlet,
PM1inlet, PM2.5 inlet,
PM5inlet, PM10 inlet.)
803301
Dorr-Oliver 10-mm
Nylon Cyclone Kit 801701
DPM Cyclone Kit 803303

Unpacking and Parts Identification 3
Item Description Part/Order
Number Reference Picture
Calibration Jar, 1ltr
(Accessory sold
separately.)
803310
(photo courtesy of Zefon)
TrakPro™ Data
Analysis Software CD
(Accessory sold
separately.)
7003173
Zero Filter 800663
AM520 Power Supply
with Universal Plug Set 803302
AM520 USB Cable 803305
Sample Tube, Tygon®
conductive tubing
3 feet ( ~1 m)
801703
Phillips Screwdriver 803307

4 Chapter 1
Item Description Part/Order
Number Reference Picture
AM520 Calibration
Certificate N/A
AM520 User Guide 6009829
Quick Start Guide and
Keypad Functions 6009830
SidePak AM520
Personal Aerosol
Monitor Li-Ion Battery
Maintenance Card
6009831

5
Chapter 2
Setting-Up
Supplying Power to the SidePak Aerosol Monitor
Attach the rechargeable battery pack to the SidePak™ Personal
Aerosol Monitor before use. This will “wake up” the battery from
storage mode. The battery can power the AM520 by itself or in
conjunction with the TSI AC adapter.
The SidePak monitor also contains a miniature coin cell for powering
a Real-Time Clock. Changing the battery pack or disconnecting the
power supply/charger will not cause data to be lost. Flash memory
retains the data. The coin cell will last for many years. TSI will install a
new coin cell, if necessary, when the unit is returned for service. The
coin cell is not user-serviceable.
Installing the Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery Pack
Battery packs slide on and off the AM520 in the direction shown
below:
WARNING/AVERTISSEMENT
FOR USE ONLY WITH BATTERY PACK MODEL
NUMBER 803300
N’UTILISEZ QUE LE BLOC-PILES DE MODÈLE
NUMÉRO 803300
CHANGE AND/OR RECHARGE BATTERIES ONLY IN
A NONHAZARDOUS LOCATION
REMPLACEZ ET/OU RECHARGEZ LES BATTERIES
UNIQUEMENT DANS UNE ZONE NON DANGEREUSE
Note
Plug in power cord and charge fully before turning on instrument the
first time. See AM520 Smart Battery Management™ System
technology below.

Chapter 2
6
Installing the Lithium Ion Battery Pack
1. Place the battery pack under
the AM520.
2. Push firmly to slide into place.
3. Fasten it in place using the two
battery screws provided.

Setting-Up 7
Removing the Lithium Ion Battery Pack
1. To remove battery, remove
battery screws.
2. Firmly grip sides of
instrument and sides of
battery.
3. Pull apart.
AM520 Smart Battery Management System™
technology
The rechargeable Lithium Ion battery pack is designed with Smart
Battery Management System™ (SBMS) technology. It contains a gas
gauge/supervisor chip to monitor pack capacity and control
charging/discharging.

Chapter 2
8
The SBMS supervisor prevents the battery from overcharging when
the AC adapter has been left plugged into the battery. At end of the
charge cycle the SBMS supervisor disconnects (stops charging) the
cells while continuing to pass power on to the instrument. The SBMS
supervisor also prevents excessive discharge when the battery is
depleted.
TSI recommends fully charging the battery before first use of a new
instrument. The battery can be charged when not installed in the
instrument. Accordingly, a second battery can be charged on its own,
while the equipment is in use with another battery. TSI also
recommends recharging the battery after each use.
The SBMS system requires a few charge/discharge cycles to learn
the capacity of a new pack. (It should be close to capacity when you
first receive the battery.)
The SBMS system will learn the battery pack capacity more quickly if
the pack is fully charged and then fully discharged multiple times.
To maintain the greatest accuracy of the SBMS gas gauge, you
should periodically fully discharge then fully charge the battery (once
every few months).
Storing the Battery Pack between Uses
The rechargeable battery must not be allowed to sit in a fully
discharged state for long periods of time to prevent damage to the
instrument. The battery pack should be charged before storage and
recharged every six (6) months when not being used.
The rechargeable battery will last longer if it is stored in a cool place.
Hot temperatures over long periods of time (several months) will
increase cell internal self-discharge and eventually degrade the
battery capacity.

Setting-Up 9
WARNING/AVERTISSEMENT
Remove LiOn battery during storage and transportation
of instrument.
Using the AC Adapter (power supply)
The AC adapter powers
the AM520 from an AC
wall outlet, and charges
the rechargeable battery
pack. The AC adapter
can run the instrument
and charge the battery at
the same time. The
battery will charge more
slowly when the
instrument is running.
Connect the AC adapter to an AC wall outlet and plug the other end
into the barrel jack on the side of the rechargeable battery.
WARNING/AVERTISSEMENT
CHANGE AND/OR RECHARGE BATTERIES ONLY IN
A NONHAZARDOUS LOCATION
REMPLACEZ ET/OU RECHARGEZ LES BATTERIES
UNIQUEMENT DANS UNE ZONE NON DANGEREUSE
BATTERY TO BE CHARGED ONLY WITH POWER
SUPPLY 6001583
BATTERIE A CHERGER UNIQUEMENT AVEC
L’ALIMENTATION 6001583
Normal charge time is about 4 hours with the instrument off or when
the battery is removed from the instrument.

Chapter 2
10
Battery LED
When charging the battery, the green
LED in the battery pack will
repeatedly flash from dim to bright.
When the battery is fully charged, the
LED will stay on until the AC adapter
is unplugged.
If the temperature is too hot or too
cold to charge the battery, the LED
will flash 3 seconds on, then 1 second
off. If the battery has an internal fault
that prevents charging, the LED
flashes rapidly.
Battery Icon on Display
When the battery is charging, the battery icon on the AM520 display
repeatedly flashes a pattern with increasing numbers of segments.
When charging is complete, the icon indicates a full charge. A full
battery icon means at least 10 hours of battery life is available. When
battery life is less than 10 hours, the battery icon will show
proportionally less full.
When the battery life remaining is less than 15 minutes, the battery
icon will flash red. When the battery is depleted, the AM520 will
display a “LOW BATTERY” message for 5 seconds and then turn
itself off.
AM520 Displayed Battery Life
The AM520 shows battery life remaining in Hours:Minutes or Minutes
(user selectable ) when displaying the Survey mode menu or while
actively data logging and showing the Logging menu. Those screens
may first show battery life as asterisks (*) for a few seconds while the
instrument gathers power consumption data. If the AC adapter is
plugged in, "A/C Power" is displayed.
Installing TrakPro™ Data Analysis Software
TrakPro Data Analysis Software can preprogram the SidePak AM520
monitor, download data, view data, create graphs and statistical
reports, and combine graphs with data from other TSI instruments
that use TrakPro software. Refer to the TrakPro Data Analysis
Software manual for installation and operating instructions.