TSI Instruments VelociCalc Plus 8384 Operation manual

Model 8384/8384A/8385/
8385A/8386/8386A
V
ELOCI
C
ALC
®
Plus
Air Velocity Meters
Operation and Service Manual
March 1998
P/N 1980321

Model 8384/8384A/8385/
8385A/8386/8386A
V
ELOCI
C
ALC
®
Plus
Air Velocity Meters
Operation and Service Manual
March 1998
P/N 1980321
SHIP TO: MAIL TO:
TSI Incorporated TSI Incorporated
500 Cardigan Road P.O. Box 64394
Shoreview, MN 55126-3996 St. Paul, MN 55164-0394
USA USA
U.S. INTERNATIONAL
Sales and Customer Service: Sales and Customer Service:
[phone] / [phone] (1) 651 490-2711
Fax: Fax:
[phone] (1) 651 490-2874

Copyright
TSI Incorporated/March 1998/All rights reserved.
Address
TSI Incorporated/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:
a. Batteries and certain other components when indicated in specifications are warranted for a period of 90 days
from the date of shipment to the customer.
b. 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.
c. Seller does not provide any warranty on finished goods manufactured by others. Only the original
manufacturer's warranty applies.
d. Unless specifically authorized in a separate writing by Seller, Seller makes no warranty with respect to, and
shall have no liabilityin 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 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 CONSEQUENTlAL 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]
(USA) and (1) 612 490-2711 :(International).

CONTENTS
Chapters
1. UNPACKING AND PARTS IDENTIFICATION ............................1
Parts Identification.......................................................................2
2. SETTING-UP ..............................................................................3
Supplying Power to the VELOCICALC plus.....................................3
Installing the Batteries............................................................3
Using the Optional AC Adapter...............................................3
Selecting the Display Units..........................................................3
Using The Telescoping Probe......................................................3
Extending The Probe..............................................................4
Retracting The Probe .............................................................4
Articulating Probe (Models 8384A/8385A/8386A Only)...........4
Setting the Real-Time Clock........................................................4
Changing the Baud Rate..............................................................4
Connecting the Optional Model 8925 Portable Printer..................4
Connecting to a Computer...........................................................5
3. OPERATION...............................................................................7
Keypad Functions........................................................................7
Common Terms ..........................................................................7
ON/OFF Key...............................................................................7
Arrow (▲▼) Keys ........................................................................7
ENTER Key.................................................................................8
Backlight Switch..........................................................................8
VELOCITY/FLOWRATE Key.......................................................8
PRESSURE (zero) Key (Models 8385/8385A/8386/8386A Only).9
TEMPERATURE Key................................................................10
HUMIDITY Key (Model 8386/8386A Only).................................10
THERMAL/PITOT Key (Models 8385/8385A/8386/8386A Only) 10
ACTUAL/STANDARD Key.........................................................10
SAMPLE INTERVAL Key ..........................................................10
SAMPLE (options) Key..............................................................11
Discrete Data Logging (Single Point Measurements)............11
Continuous Data Logging (Multiple Readings Over Time).....11
Setting Data Storage Options...............................................11
NEXT TEST (clear) Key ............................................................13
STATISTICS (review data) Key.................................................13
To View Statistics.................................................................13
To Review Data....................................................................13
HEAT FLOW Key (Model 8386/8386A Only).............................14
Printing Data Using the Portable Printer ....................................15

Downloading Data to a Computer..............................................15
Data Acquisition (Polling) ..........................................................16
4. MAINTENANCE........................................................................17
Recalibration.............................................................................17
Cases........................................................................................17
Storage .....................................................................................17
5. TROUBLESHOOTING..............................................................19
Appendices
A. SPECIFICATIONS....................................................................21
B. DIP SWITCH SETTINGS..........................................................25

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 in
Table 1-1. If anything is missing or damaged, notify TSI immediately.
Table 1-1: List of Components
Qty Item Description Part /
Model
1 Model 8384 VELOCICALC Plus or 8384
Model 8384A VELOCICALC Plus (articulating probe) or 8384A
Model 8385 VELOCICALC Plus or 8385
Model 8385A VELOCICALC Plus (articulating probe) or 8385A
Model 8386 VELOCICALC Plus or 8386
Model 8386A VELOCICALC Plus (articulating probe) 8386A
1 Carrying Case 1319156
4 AA Alkaline Batteries 1208013
1 AC Adapter (optional)
120 V, NEMA-5 or
230 V, European, CEE 7/16, or
230 V, Great Britain, or
240 V, Australian
2613033
2613078
800169
2613106
1 Operation and Service Manual 1980321
1 Static Pressure Tip 3002017
1 Pitot Tube (optional) 3002018
8 ft. Rubber Tubing 801039
1 Interface Cable (Instrument to Computer) 8940
1 Downloading Software Diskette (3.5 inch) 800832

Chapter 12
Parts Identification
Figure 1-1: VELOCICALC Plus
1. Backlight Switch 5. Pressure Measurement Ports
2. Display 6. Battery Access Cover
3. Keypad 7. AC Adapter port
4. Probe Mounting Clips 8. Printer Output / Communications Port
4
2 6 5
1
3
8
7

3
Chapter 2
Setting-up
Supplying Power to the VELOCICALC Plus
The VELOCICALC Plus can be powered in one of two ways: four size AA
batteries or the optional AC adapter.
Installing the Batteries
Insert four AA batteries as indicated by the diagram located on the
inside of the battery compartment. The VELOCICALC Plus is designed
to operate with either alkaline or NiCd rechargeable batteries. Battery
life will be shorter if NiCd batteries are used. Carbon-zinc batteries are
not recommended because of the danger of battery acid leakage.
Table 2-1 Typical Battery Life at 20°C
Air Velocity Alkaline
(ft/min) (m/s) (hrs)
100 0.5 >8.0
5000 25.0 5.0
Using the Optional AC Adapter
When using the AC adapter, the batteries (if installed) will be bypassed.
The AC adapter is not a battery charger.
Selecting the Display Units
The VELOCICALC Plus is capable of displaying the measured values in
several different measurement units. To change the display units on your
VELOCICALC Plus, refer to Appendix B, DIP Switch Settings.
Using The Telescoping Probe
The telescoping probe contains the velocity, temperature, and humidity
sensors (humidity sensor, Models 8386 and 8386A only). The probe can be
used either mounted to the VELOCICALC Plus or held in your hand. If the
probe is to be used mounted to the VELOCICALC Plus, install it pointing
upward in the probe mounting brackets. When using the probe, make sure
the sensor window is fully exposed and the orientation dimple is facing
upstream.

4Chapter 2
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 moving.
Retracting The Probe
To retract the probe, hold the handle in one hand while pushing on the
probe tip with the other hand. If you feel the probe antenna binding,
pull gently on the probe cable until the smallest antenna section is
retracted. Collapse the rest of the antenna by pressing the probe tip.
Articulating Probe (Models 8384A/8385A/8386A Only)
The articulating probe has the ability to bend at a 90° angle for those
hard to reach places. To bend the probe, loosen the knurled nut on the
joint, bend the probe, and tighten the nut. To straighten the probe,
loosen the nut, straighten the probe, and tighten the nut.
Setting the Real-Time Clock
The VELOCICALC Plus has an internal real-time clock that keeps track of
the time of day (the format is HH.MM where HH is the hour in 24-hour
format and MM is minutes) and the date. It is very important to set the
time and date correctly, otherwise date and time stamping of recorded data
will not be correct.
To set the time and date, press and hold both ▲and ▼keys during the
power-up sequence when the time is displayed. Release the keys when the
VELOCICALC Plus beeps twice. You will have an opportunity to view and/or
change the hours, minutes, year, month, and day of month in sequence. Use
the up and down arrow keys (▲▼) to change any settings. Use the ENTER
key to store each setting and advance to the next one.
Changing the Baud Rate
The VELOCICALC Plus has a variable baud rate that is used when
downloading or printing data from the instrument. By changing the baud
rate to a higher rate, the data will be downloaded faster.
The instrument baud rate is displayed during the initial power up sequence.
To change the baud rate, press and hold both ▲and ▼keys during the
power-up sequence while the baud rate is displayed. Release the keys when
the VELOCICALC Plus beeps twice. Use the ▲and ▼keys to scroll through
the available values of 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, and 19200. Press ENTER to
set the value that is displayed.

Setting-up 5
Connecting the Optional Model 8925 Portable Printer
To connect the Model 8925 printer to the VELOCICALC Plus, locate the
Printer Interface Cable (supplied with the optional printer) and connect the
9-pin end labeled “PRINTER” to the printer and the other end to the data
port of the VELOCICALC Plus. The printer must be set to the same baud rate
as the VELOCICALC Plus. See Changing the Baud Rate section for details
on how to change the baud rate. Always turn theVELOCICALC Plus on
before the printer. If the printer prints question marks (??????), asterisks
(******), or random characters, reset it by turning it off and then on again.
If necessary, refer to the Model 8925 Portable Printer Operation and
Service Manual.
Connecting to a Computer
Use the Computer Interface Cable provided with the VELOCICALC Plus to
connect the instrument to a computer for downloading stored data or for
remote polling. Connect the 9-pin end labeled “COMPUTER” to the
computer COM port and the other end to the data port of the VELOCICALC
Plus. A 9-pin to 25-pin adapter will be required if your computer has a 25-
pin serial port connector.
For more information on how to download stored data see Chapter 3 section
titled Downloading Data to a Computer. For polling instructions, see
Chapter 3 section titled Data Acquisition (Polling).

7
Chapter 3
Operation
Keypad Functions
When pressing the keys on the front panel, the VELOCICALC Plus will beep
to confirm the function. If you press a key and the VELOCICALC Plus does
not beep, then the VELOCICALC Plus does not allow that function during the
selected mode.
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 (a more detailed explanation is found in the Setting Data Storage
Options section of this chapter). The maximum number of samples is 1394.
Test ID: A group of samples. A test ID can contain one sample or up to
1394 samples. The statistics (average, minimum, maximum, and count) are
calculated for each test ID. The maximum number of test IDs is 275.
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”.
Logging Interval: The logging interval is a frequency period that the
instrument will log readings. For example, if the logging interval is set to
30 minutes, readings will be taken and recorded every 30 minutes.
ON/OFF Key
Press to turn the VELOCICALC Plus on and off. During the power up
sequence the display will show the following: all characters, % battery life,
% log (memory available), baud rate, time (HH:MM), entered barometric
pressure, entered temperature, and then velocity readings.

8Chapter 3
Arrow (▲▼) Keys
Press to scroll through choices while setting a parameter. To set the date
and time, press and hold both arrow keys during the initial power up
sequence when time is displayed. See Setting the Real Time Clock section
in Chapter 2 for more details.
ENTER Key
Press to accept a value or condition. To dump the entire memory to the
printer, press and hold the ENTER key. This will initiate a countdown from
5 to 0. When the display shows zero, release the key and everything in
memory will be sent to the printer. The display will read “Send dAtA”
while dumping the memory. If you release the key at any time other than 0
during the countdown, nothing will print. To stop printing at any time,
turn the VELOCICALC Plus off.
Backlight Switch
Slide the switch in the upward position to turn on the backlight. The
backlight switch is marked in the international symbols ‘|’ for on and ‘O’
for off. The backlight will remain on until switched off.
VELOCITY/FLOWRATE Key
Press to toggle back and forth between displaying velocity and flow rate. In
flow rate mode, there are 3 options: flow rate from velocity and area, flow
rate from velocity and a horn, and flow rate from pressure and a K factor.
These are indicated by circle, rectangle, horn symbol and pressure units.
Use ▲▼ keys to scroll through and select the desired symbol, then press
ENTER to accept the choice. To change the flow rate mode, press either the
▲or ▼key while displaying flow rate, use the ▲▼ keys to make your
selection, then press ENTER to accept the choice. The test ID will
automatically increment to the next test ID if flow data has previously been
stored in the current test ID. See Application Note TI-127 for an
explanation on the differences in these flow rate measurement calculations.
• If circle is chosen:
SIZE will flash on display. Use ▲▼ keys to select size (diameter), then
press ENTER to accept the choice and return to measuring.
• If rectangle is chosen:
X SIZE will flash on display. Use ▲▼ keys to select the x-size of the
duct, then press ENTER to accept the choice and advance to the next
dimension. Y SIZE will flash on display. Use ▲▼ keys to select the y-

Operation 9
size of the duct, then press ENTER to accept the choice and return to
measuring.
• If horn is chosen:
Use ▲▼ to scroll through horn numbers shown on the display (100,
300, 600, 1200) and Kfsymbol, then press ENTER to accept the choice.
NOTE: The horn numbers are the models of the horns. For example,
100 refers to a horn model number AM 100. Only horns with Model
numbers as follows can be used with this function: AM 100, AM 300,
AM 600 and AM 1200. If a horn model number is chosen, the
instrument will return to measuring mode and use a preprogrammed
curve to calculate flow rate from velocity. If Kfis chosen, the K factor
choices will be shown in the following order: last 5 values used, then a
new value which can be adjusted from 0.01 to 999.9. Use the ▲▼ to
scroll through the Kfchoices, then press ENTER to accept the choice.
NOTE: This measurement can only be made with the thermal
anemometer sensor, not the Pitot tube.
• If pressure units (in H2O, mm Hg, Pa, hPa, or mm H2O) are
chosen:
Use ▲▼ keys to select the K factor, then press ENTER to accept the
choice. The K factor choices will be shown in the following order: last
5 values used, then a new value which can be adjusted from 0.01 to
999.9. You can zero the pressure while in flow rate from pressure
mode by pressing and holding the pressure key for three seconds. The
unit will double beep to confirm that the pressure has been zeroed.
NOTE: This measurement method is intended for use with diffusers
with pressure taps and a manufacturer-supplied K factor.
When measuring velocity or flow rate, and the measurement type is
changed, the next time the VELOCITY/FLOWRATE key is pressed, the last
measurement used will be displayed. For example, if you were measuring
flow rate, switched to measuring humidity, and then back to VELOCITY/
FLOWRATE, the VELOCICALC Plus will go back to displaying flow rate. If
you were measuring velocity, then humidity, and returned to VELOCITY/
FLOWRATE, the instrument will return to velocity.
PRESSURE (zero) Key (Models 8385/8385A/8386/8386A Only)
Press and release to display pressure. Press and hold for three seconds to
zero the pressure reading. The unit will double beep to confirm that the
pressure has been zeroed. NOTE: Make sure that all tubing is
disconnected or open to ambient conditions before zeroing.

10 Chapter 3
TEMPERATURE Key
Press and release to display temperature on the large digits instead of
showing it on the small digits. Temperature is usually displayed on the
small digits when other measurement types are on the large digits.
HUMIDITY Key (Model 8386/8386A Only)
Press to toggle between displaying % relative humidity, dew point
temperature, and wet bulb temperature on the large digits. (The first time
that the button is pushed it will display the last measurement type that was
displayed.) NOTE: To display accurate wet bulb temperature, the correct
barometric pressure must be entered. See Actual/Standard Key section for
details on setting the barometric pressure.
THERMAL/PITOT Key (Models 8385/8385A/8386/8386A Only)
Press to toggle back and forth between measuring velocity or flow rate with
the thermal anemometer sensor or with a Pitot tube attached to the pressure
ports. NOTE: If this key is pressed while displaying anything other than
velocity or flowrate, it will have no effect on the readings.
ACTUAL/STANDARD Key
Press to toggle between displaying actual and standard velocity or flow rate.
Press and hold to view, enter, or change ambient conditions. Ambient
conditions are used for wet bulb temperature calculations and for Pitot tube
measurements. When the key is pressed and held, the pressure units will
flash and the last barometric pressure entered will be displayed. Use the
▲▼ keys to change the barometric pressure and press ENTER to accept it.
Then the temperature units will flash and the last temperature entered will
be displayed. Use the ▲▼ keys to change the temperature and press ENTER
to accept it and return to measuring mode. The ranges that can be entered
are as follows: Pressure: 15 to 40 in. Hg (381 to 1016 mm Hg), 29.92 in. Hg
(760 mm Hg) is default; Temperature: -80 to 400°F (-62 to 204°C), 70°F
(21.1°C) is default. For a more detailed explanation of the differences
between actual and standard velocity or flow rate, please contact TSI for a
copy of Application Note TI-109.
SAMPLE INTERVAL Key
The SAMPLE INTERVAL key is used to set the time constant and logging
intervals. Press to display current time constant. Use ▲▼ to scroll through
the time constant choices, which are 1 s, 2 s, 5 s, 10 s, 15 s, 20 s, and LOG
symbol, then press ENTER to accept the choice. If LOG was chosen, the
first logging interval choice will be displayed. Use ▲▼ to scroll through
the logging interval choices, which are 2 s, 5 s, 10 s, 15 s, 20 s, 30 s, 1 min,
2 min, 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 30 min, 60 min, and OFF. Press

Operation 11
ENTER to accept choice and return to measuring mode.If a logging
interval is chosen that is shorter than the time constant, the time constant
will be shortened to be equal to the logging interval.
To operate the instrument in discrete data logging (or single point) mode,
the logging interval must be set to OFF. To operate the instrument in
continuous data logging mode, the logging interval must be set to
something other than OFF.
SAMPLE (options) Key
Discrete Data Logging (Single Point Measurements)
The instrument must first be in discrete data logging mode. See
SAMPLE INTERVAL Key section for more details. Press the SAMPLE key
to take a sample. The sample that gets stored is the measurement types
that were chosen in sample options (see Setting Data Storage Options
for more details) and the measurement type that is on the large digits.
While the sample is being taken, the small digits will read the sample
number, the COUNT indicator will be lit, and the SAMPLE indicator
will flash during the length of the sample. The sample will last until
the length of a time constant has passed. Then the VELOCICALC Plus
will display the sample number and the value that was recorded.
Continuous Data Logging (Multiple Readings Over Time)
The instrument must first be in continuous data logging mode. See
SAMPLE INTERVAL Key section for more details. Press the SAMPLE key
to start a sample. The parameters that are stored are those that were
turned on in the options menu as well as that on the large digits. A
sample will be taken at intervals that were set in the SAMPLE INTERVAL
menu (see the SAMPLE INTERVAL Key section for more details). The
display will light LOG while samples are being taken and SAMPLE
will light as the data is stored. Press the SAMPLE key again to stop the
sample. The display will then scroll through the following: number of
samples stored, test ID number and average of the measurements that
were stored. To review this data and/or individual data points, please
see STATISTICS (review data) Key section.
Setting Data Storage Options
In this section the terms “On” and “AUtO” are referred to. The
following brief explanations may help to understand what function is
being performed. “On” means that measurement type will log
whenever the SAMPLE key is pressed. “AUtO” means that

12 Chapter 3
measurement type will automatically log if it is needed to calculate the
measurement type on the large digits when the SAMPLE key is pressed.
For example, if dew point is being displayed on the large display digits
and SAMPLE is pressed, then dew point, humidity, and temperature will
all be stored automatically because dew point is calculated using
humidity and temperature. Table 3.1 shows what measurements are
stored automatically when a specific measurement type is on the
display.
Table 3.1: Measurement Types Stored When SAMPLE is Pressed
Displayed Measurement
Type Measurement Types Automatically Stored
Thermal Velocity Velocity
Pitot Velocity Velocity, Pressure
Temperature Temperature
Pressure Pressure
Humidity Humidity
Wetbulb Humidity, Temperature, Wetbulb
Dew point Humidity, Temperature, Dew point
Heat flow Heat flow, Humidity, Temperature
(Flow rate is needed, but must be
stored separately)
Flow rate from duct size
and shape Velocity, Flow rate, Pressure if velocity is from Pitot
Flow rate from a horn Velocity, Flow rate
Flow rate from Pressure Pressure, Flow rate
Press and hold the SAMPLE key to view, enter, or change data storage
options. “SET” lights up on the small display. The velocity units light
up, and the large display says “On” or “AUtO”, depending on how it
was set previously. Use ▲▼ to toggle between on and auto, then press
ENTER to accept setting and advance to next parameter. The flow rate
units light up, and lower display says “On” or “AUtO”, depending on
how it was set previously. Use ▲▼ to toggle between on and off, then
press ENTER to accept setting and advance to next measurement. This
pattern will continue through the following measurements: differential
pressure, temperature, relative humidity, dew point temperature, wet
bulb temperature, and heat flow. Follow the same instructions as set
forth above for each parameter. Once all the measurement parameters
have been displayed, the instrument will return to measurement mode.

Operation 13
NEXT TEST (clear) Key
Press to advance to the next test ID. If the current test ID does not have
anything stored, it will not advance to the next test ID. To clear the last
sample, press and hold the key and the display will begin a countdown from
5 to 0. Release the key at any time during the countdown before zero is
displayed. To clear all memory, keep holding key during the countdown.
Release the key when 0 is displayed. The display will flash ‘CLEAR LOG’.
NOTE: Only the last sample recorded can be cleared without clearing the
entire memory. You cannot go back to a previous test ID and clear a single
reading. Also, you cannot add data to a previous test ID. Sample clear
does not work in continuous data logging mode.
STATISTICS (review data) Key
The STATISTICS key has two purposes. One is to view the statistics for the
currently displayed parameter and the other is review data for a particular
test ID.
To View Statistics
Press STATISTICS to view statistics for the parameter currently shown
on the large digits. The count will be shown on the small digits and the
test ID on the large digits. Count will stay on the small digits and the
large digits will change to displaying average. Press STATISTICS again
(before the average disappears from the display) to proceed to
maximum and again to display minimum.
To Review Data
Press and hold STATISTICS. The VELOCICALC Plus will beep twice,
release the key and the test ID number will be displayed on the small
digits and the TEST ID symbol will light up. Use ▲▼ to select the
desired test ID. Press ENTER to accept the test ID number. Use ▲▼ to
select and view average, maximum, minimum, count, and individual
sample numbers with values for the selected test ID. The samples will
be displayed in the order that they were taken, from the first sample of
that test ID to the last. To view a different test ID, press STATISTICS
again to return to test ID on small digits and nothing on large digits.
Use ▲▼ to choose a new test ID, then press ENTER to accept the choice
and continue as above to review the data. To review data of a different
measurement type, press the desired measurement type button while
AVG, MAX, MIN, COUNT or sample is being displayed. If there is no
data for that measurement type, “----” will be displayed. Press another
measurement type key to view more data or press ENTER to return to
measuring mode.

14 Chapter 3
HEAT FLOW Key (Model 8386/8386A Only)
In order for the VELOCICALC Plus to calculate heat flow, the flow rate,
temperature, and humidity need to be recorded at one location before the
heating (or cooling) source and one location after the source. The data at
these locations must be stored in two sequential test IDs. The first test ID is
used as reference for calculating heat flow in the second test ID. To store
the required data for heat flow calculations, proceed as outlined below.
1. Make sure that the correct barometric pressure and temperature are
entered in the instrument and the readings being displayed are
STANDARD velocity or flow rate, not ACTUAL, or the obtained readings
will be incorrect. (See ACTUAL/STANDARD Key section for details on
setting these parameters.)
2. Make sure the instrument is in discrete (or single point) sampling
mode. (See SAMPLE INTERVAL
Key and SAMPLE
(options)
Key
sections for details on how to be in discrete sampling mode.)
3. Press
NEXT TEST to start a new test ID.
4. Press
VELOCITY/FLOWRATE key to display flowrate.
5. Press
SAMPLE key and store multiple readings at the first (reference)
location. Taking several samples in the traverse of the duct provides
accurate average readings.
6. Press
TEMPERATURE key.
7. Press
SAMPLE to record the temperature readings.
8. Press
HUMIDITY key to display relative humidity (% RH).
9. Press
SAMPLE to record the relative humidity.
10. In the
SAMPLE (options)menu, turn the temperature and relative
humidity (%RH) functions to “on”. (See SAMPLE
(options)
Key
section for details on how to turn measurement parameters on.)
11. Press
NEXT TEST key to advance to the next test ID. Move probe to the
second location. (Make sure that at least 3 inches (7.5 cm) of the probe
are in the flow to allow the temperature and humidity sensors to be in
the air stream.)
12. Press
HEAT FLOW key to get instantaneous readings of sensible heat
flow. Press key three more times to display latent heat flow, total heat
flow, and sensible heat factor.
13. Press
SAMPLE key to store readings at second location.

Operation 15
To record readings of heat flow over time, proceed as above with steps 1-12
and then follow the steps below.
1. Change from discrete to continuous data logging (See SAMPLE
INTERVAL
Key and SAMPLE
(options)
Key sections for details on how
to change to continuous sampling mode).
2. Press
SAMPLE to start a sample. This will automatically log data that is
required.
3. Press
SAMPLE to stop the sample.
This will allow you to record data over time which, when downloaded to a
computer, can be graphed.
Printing Data Using the Portable Printer
The following will be printed as long as a printer is connected. When
viewing statistics, the statistics shown on the display for the current test ID
will be printed automatically when the STATISTICS key is pressed. When
reviewing data, nothing will print. When taking a sample, the reading will
be printed automatically each time the SAMPLE key is pressed.
To print everything in memory, press and hold the ENTER key. This will
initiate a countdown from 5 to 0. When the display shows zero, release the
key and everything in memory will print to the printer. If you release the
key at any time other than 0 during the countdown, nothing will print.
NOTE: In order to print, the baud rate on the VELOCICALC Plus must be
set to the same as the printer (default is 1200).
Downloading Data to a Computer
VCALCDAT is a DOS-based program designed to download the data stored
in the memory of the VELOCICALC Plus to a computer. This data includes
the test ID, measurement, unit of measure, thermal/Pitot selection,
correction factors, actual/standard parameter, flow area, and time constant.
This data is date and time stamped. In addition, the statistics for each test
ID are provided. The file containing the downloaded data is sorted and tab
delimited to allow it to be imported into a spreadsheet for further data
analysis.
To download data from the VELOCICALC Plus, connect the supplied
computer interface cable to the VELOCICALC Plus and to a computer serial
port. Any serial port from COM1 to COM4 can be used. Change the
current disk drive and directory to the one containing the VCALCDAT
program. For example, if the VCALCDAT program is located in the
‘TESTDATA’ directory on the ‘C’ drive, change to ‘C:\TESTDATA’.
Type ‘vcalcdat’ at the prompt to start the program. The program is self-
directing; it provides all the necessary instructions for downloading data.

16 Chapter 3
Data Acquisition (Polling)
The VELOCICALC Plus is designed to allow the user to perform polling
through the use of a computer. To do this the user’s computer must be
hooked up and in terminal mode and the baud rate for the computer and the
VELOCICALC Plus must be set to the same value. For details on viewing or
changing the baud rate see Changing the Baud Rate section in Chapter 2.
The user then must send an upper case V to the instrument. The values that
are sent back to the computer are for those measurement types that are
turned “on” in “Sample Options” menu. See Setting Data Storage Options
and SAMPLE INTERVAL Key sections earlier in this chapter for more details.