1. DL manuals
  2. Rae
  3. Measuring Instruments
  4. MiniRAE Lite
  5. User Manual

Rae MiniRAE Lite User Manual

Manual is about: handheld volatile organic compound (VOC) monitor

Summary of MiniRAE Lite

  • Page 1

    Minirae lite user’s guide rev. C july 2010 p/n 059-4022-001.

  • Page 2

    © copyright 2009 rae systems, inc..

  • Page 3: Contents

    Minirae lite user’s guide contents 1 standard contents...................................................................... 8 2 general information................................................................... 8 3 physical description ..............................................................

  • Page 4

    Minirae lite user’s guide span calibration........................................................................... 34 exiting two-point calibration..................................................... 36 27 programming mode................................................................. 36 enter...

  • Page 5

    Minirae lite user’s guide uploading firmware to the instrument from a pc .................. 51 31 maintenance............................................................................. 52 battery charging & replacement ................................................ 52 replacing the li-ion batter...

  • Page 6: Read Before Operating

    Minirae lite user’s guide read before operating this manual must be carefully read by all individuals who have or will have the responsibility of using, maintaining, or servicing this product. The product will perform as designed only if it is used, maintained, and serviced in accordance with the ma...

  • Page 7: Special Notes

    Minirae lite user’s guide special notes when the instrument is taken out of the transport case and turned on for the first time, there may be some residual organic or inorganic vapor trapped inside the detector chamber. The initial pid sensor reading may indicate a few ppm. Enter an area known to be...

  • Page 8: Warnings

    Minirae lite user’s guide warnings static hazard: clean only with damp cloth. For safety reasons, this equipment must be operated and serviced by qualified personnel only. Read and understand instruction manual completely before operating or servicing. Use only a rae systems battery pack, part numbe...

  • Page 9: Avertissement

    Minirae lite user’s guide avertissement danger risque d'origine electrostatique: nettoyer uniquement avec un chiffon humide. Pour des raisons de sécurité, cet équipment doit être utilisé, entretenu et réparé uniquement par un personnel qualifié. Étudier le manuel d’instructions en entier avant d’uti...

  • Page 10: 1 Standard

    Minirae lite user’s guide 1 standard contents instrument calibration kit travel charger ac/dc adapter alkaline battery adapter user’s guide 2 general information the compact instrument is designed as a broadband voc gas monitor to work in non-hazardous environments. It monitors volatile organic comp...

  • Page 11: 3 Physical

    Minirae lite user’s guide 3 physical description the main components of the portable voc monitoring instrument include: • three keys for user to interact with the instrument: 3 operation/programming keys for normal operation or programming • lcd display with back light for direct readout and calcula...

  • Page 12

    Minirae lite user’s guide measurement range & resolution lamp range resolution 10.6 ev 0.1 ppm to 5,000 ppm 0.1 ppm response time (t 90 ): 2 seconds accuracy 10 to 2000 ppm: ±5% at calibration point. (isobutylene): pid detector: easy access to lamp and sensor for cleaning and replacement calibration...

  • Page 13

    Minirae lite user’s guide temperature: -20º c to 50º c (-4º to 122º f) humidity: 0% to 95% relative humidity (non- condensing) housing (including polycarbonate, splashproof and dustproof rubber boot): battery can be changed without removing rubber boot. 11.

  • Page 14: Replacing Alkaline Batteries

    Minirae lite user’s guide 5 replacing alkaline batteries an alkaline battery adapter is supplied with each instrument. The adapter (part number 059-3052-000) accepts four aa alkaline batteries (use only duracell mn1500 or energizer e91) and provides approximately 12 hours of operation. (an optional ...

  • Page 15: Important!

    Minirae lite user’s guide 2. Insert four fresh aa batteries as indicated by the polarity (+/-) markings. 3. Replace the cover. Replace the three screws. Important! Alkaline batteries cannot be recharged. The instrument’s internal circuit detects alkaline batteries and will not allow recharging. If y...

  • Page 16

    Minirae lite user’s guide 6 charging a lithium ion battery always fully charge the battery before using the instrument. The instrument’s li-ion battery is charged by attaching the instrument to the travel charger (or by placing the instrument in the optional charger stand). Contacts on the bottom of...

  • Page 17: Only)

    Minirae lite user’s guide note: if you see the “battery charging error” icon (a battery outline with an exclamation mark inside), check that the instrument or rechargeable battery has been properly set into the travel charger (or charger stand). If you still receive the message, check the troublesho...

  • Page 18: Warning!

    Minirae lite user’s guide release the battery from the charger stand by pulling it back toward the rear of the charger stand and tilting it out of its slot. Note: if you need to replace the li-ion battery pack, replacements are available from rae systems. The part number is 059-3051-000. Warning! To...

  • Page 19: 8 User

    Minirae lite user’s guide 8 user interface the instrument’s user interface consists of the display, leds, an alarm transducer, and four keys. The keys are: y/+ mode n/- flashlight on/off the lcd display provides visual feedback that includes the reading, time, battery condition, and other functions....

  • Page 20

    Minirae lite user’s guide menu, each key controls a different parameter or makes a different selection. Three panes along the bottom of the display are “mapped” to the keys. These change as menus change, but at all times the left pane corresponds to the [y/+] key, the center pane corresponds to the ...

  • Page 21: 9 Display

    Minirae lite user’s guide 9 display the display shows the following information: reading concentration of gas as measured by the instrument calibration needed indicates that calibration should be performed battery indicates battery level in 3 bars pump indicates that pump is working y/+ y/+ key’s fu...

  • Page 22

    Minirae lite user’s guide 10 operating the instrument the instrument is designed as a broadband voc gas monitor for work in non-hazardous environments. It gives real-time measurements and activates alarm signals whenever the exposure exceeds preset limits. Prior to factory shipment, the instrument i...

  • Page 23: 14   Pump Status

    Minirae lite user’s guide 12 turning the instrument off 1. Press and hold the mode key for 3 seconds. A 5-second countdown to shutoff begins. 2. Once the countdown stops, the instrument is off. Release the mode key. 3. When you see “unit off...” release your finger from the [mode] key. The instrumen...

  • Page 24: 15   Calibration Status

    Minirae lite user’s guide during duty cycling (pid lamp cleaning), the display shows these icons in alternation: if there is a pump failure or obstruction that disrupts the pump, you will see this icon blinking on and off: if you see this blinking icon, consult the troubleshooting section of this gu...

  • Page 25: Basic Operation

    Minirae lite user’s guide 16 basic operation the instrument is programmed to give you the most commonly needed information quickly. Pressing [n/-] steps you from one screen to the next, and eventually return to the main display. If you do not press a key within 60 seconds after entering a display, t...

  • Page 26: 17 Alarm

    Minirae lite user’s guide 17 alarm signals during each measurement period, the gas concentration is compared with the programmed alarm limits (gas concentration alarm limit settings). If the concentration exceeds any of the preset limits, the loud buzzer and red flashing led are activated immediatel...

  • Page 27: 19  Testing The Alarm

    Minirae lite user’s guide 18 preset alarm limits & calibration the instrument is factory calibrated with standard calibration gas, and is programmed with default alarm limits. Cal gas (isobutylene) cal span unit low high minirae lite 100 ppm 50 100 19 testing the alarm you can test the alarm wheneve...

  • Page 28: 21 Backlight

    Minirae lite user’s guide 21 backlight the lcd display is equipped with an led backlight to assist in reading the display under poor lighting conditions. 22 standard accessories the following accessories are included with the instrument: • 10.6 ev lamp • flex-i-probe • external filter • green rubber...

  • Page 29: Important!

    Minirae lite user’s guide 2. Insert four fresh aa batteries as indicated by the polarity (+/-) markings. 3. Replace the cover. Replace the three screws. To install the adapter in the instrument: 1. Remove the li-ion battery pack from the instrument by sliding the tab and tilting out the battery. 2. ...

  • Page 30: Calibration Regulator

    Minirae lite user’s guide insert the metal adapter into the regular gas inlet probe of the instrument and the tubing to the gas regulator on the gas bottle. Calibration regulator the calibration regulator is used in the calibration process. It regulates the gas flow rate from the span gas cylinder i...

  • Page 31

    Minirae lite user’s guide therefore, if the instrument has been in storage or has not been charged for several days or longer, check the charge before using it. The factory-supplied battery is designed to last for 12 hours of normal operation (no alarm), for a new battery under the optimum circumsta...

  • Page 32: (Zero & Span)

    Minirae lite user’s guide 30 26 standard two-point calibration (zero & span) the following diagram shows the instrument’s calibrations. No te: das he d l ine i ndi cat es a ut omat ic pr og re ssi on ..

  • Page 33: Entering Calibration

    Minirae lite user’s guide entering calibration 1. Press and hold [mode] and [n/-] until you see the password screen. 2. You do not need a password to perform calibrations. Instead of inputting a password, enter calibration by pressing [mode]. Note: if you inadvertently press [y/+] and change any of ...

  • Page 34: Zero (Fresh Air) Calibration

    Minirae lite user’s guide zero (fresh air) calibration this procedure determines the zero point of the sensor calibration curve. To perform a fresh air calibration, use the calibration adapter to connect the instrument to a “fresh” air source such as from a cylinder or tedlar bag (optional accessory...

  • Page 35

    Minirae lite user’s guide 3. Zero calibration starts a 30-second countdown and displays this message: zeroing... During the zeroing process, the instrument performs the zero calibration automatically and does not require any action on your part. Note: to abort the zeroing process at any time and pro...

  • Page 36: Span Calibration

    Minirae lite user’s guide span calibration this procedure determines the second point of the sensor calibration curve for the sensor. A cylinder of standard reference gas (span gas) fitted with a 500 cc/min. Flow-limiting regulator or a flow-matching regulator is the simplest way to perform this pro...

  • Page 37

    Minirae lite user’s guide 1. Turn on your span calibration gas. 2. Press [y/+] to initiate calibration. Note: you may press [mode] if you decide that you do not want to initiate calibration. This will abort the span calibration and take you directly to the calibration menu for zero calibration. 3. S...

  • Page 38: 27 Programming

    Minirae lite user’s guide exiting two-point calibration when you are done performing calibrations, press [mode], which corresponds with “back” on the display. You will see the following message: updating settings… the instrument updates its settings and then returns to the main display. It begins or...

  • Page 39

    Minirae lite user’s guide note: the default password is 0000. When you have successfully entered programming mode, you see this screen: note: the password can only be changed by connecting the instrument to a pc running prorae studio software. Follow the instructions in prorae studio to change it.Th...

  • Page 40

    Minirae lite user’s guide 28 programming mode menus the programming mode allows anyone with the password to change the instrument’s settings, calibrate the instrument, enter user information, etc. Programming mode has three menus. Each menu includes several sub-menus to perform additional programmin...

  • Page 41: Exiting Programming Mode

    Minirae lite user’s guide exiting programming mode to exit programming mode and return to normal operation, press [mode] once at any of the programming menu displays. You will see “updating settings…” as changes are registered and the mode changes. Navigating programming mode menus navigating throug...

  • Page 42: Calibration

    Minirae lite user’s guide calibration two types of calibration are available: zero (fresh air) and span. Select zero or span calibration by pressing [n/+]. Once your choice is highlighted, press [y/+]. Zero calibration the procedure for performing a zero calibration is covered on page 30. Span calib...

  • Page 43: Alarm Setting

    Minirae lite user’s guide alarm setting during each measurement period, the gas concentration is compared with the programmed alarm limits (gas concentration alarm limit settings: low and high). If the concentration exceeds any of the preset limits, the loud buzzer and red flashing led are activated...

  • Page 44: High Alarm

    Minirae lite user’s guide when all alarm types have been changed or bypassed, press [mode] to exit to the programming menu. High alarm you can change the high alarm limit value. The value is typically set by the instrument to match the value for the current calibration gas. It is expressed in parts ...

  • Page 45: Alarm Type

    Minirae lite user’s guide repeat this process until all numbers are entered. When you have completed your selections, press [mode]. You will see two choices: save and undo. You have the opportunity to register the new settings or to change your mind and revert to your previous settings. • press [y/+...

  • Page 46

    Minirae lite user’s guide • press [n/-] to undo the changes and revert to the previous settings. 44.

  • Page 47: Buzzer & Light

    Minirae lite user’s guide buzzer & light the buzzer and light alarms can be programmed to be on or off individually or in combination. Your choices are: • both on • light only • buzzer only • both off 4. Press [n/-] to step from one option to the next. 5. Press [y/+] to make your selection (the dark...

  • Page 48: Time

    Minirae lite user’s guide press [n/-] to undo the change and move to the next sub-menu. Time the time is expressed as hours/minutes/seconds, with two digits for each. The time is in 24-hour (military) format. • press [y/+] and the display shows the current time. Note that the left-most digit flashes...

  • Page 49: Power On Zero

    Minirae lite user’s guide power on zero when power on zero is on, the instrument performs a zero calibration when it is turned on. 1. Press [n/-] to step from one option to the next. 2. Press [y/+] to make your selection (the dark circle in the “radio button” indicates your selection). 3. When you h...

  • Page 50: Diagnostic Mode

    Minirae lite user’s guide diagnostic mode important! Diagnostic mode is designed for servicing and manufacturing, and therefore is not intended for everyday use, even by advanced users. It provides raw data from sensors and about settings, but only allows adjustment of pump stall parameters, which s...

  • Page 51: Pump High

    Minirae lite user’s guide adjusting the pump stall threshold if the gas inlet is blocked but the pump does not shut down, or the pump shuts down too easily with a slight blockage, the pump stall threshold value may be set too high or too low. Use the following steps to adjust the pump stall threshol...

  • Page 52: Exiting Diagnostic Mode

    Minirae lite user’s guide use the [y/+] or [n/-] key to increase or decrease the stall value until it is the average of the maximum block count and the maximum idle count. Press the [mode] key to exit this display. Exiting diagnostic mode you can exit diagnostic mode and go directly to programming m...

  • Page 53: Computer

    Minirae lite user’s guide 30 updating firmware from a computer you can connect the travel charger or optional charger stand to a pc and transfer updated firmware to the instrument (should this ever be necessary). Uploading firmware to the instrument from a pc uploading new firmware to your instrumen...

  • Page 54: 31 Maintenance

    Minirae lite user’s guide 31 maintenance the major maintenance items of the instrument are: • battery pack • sensor module • pid lamp • sampling pump • inlet connectors and filters note: maintenance should be performed by qualified personnel only. Note: the printed circuit board of the instrument is...

  • Page 55

    Minirae lite user’s guide replacing the li-ion battery or alkaline adapter 1. Turn off the instrument. 2. Located on the rear of the instrument is a battery tab. Slide it down to unlock the battery. 3. Remove the battery pack from the battery compartment by tilting it out. 4. Replace a fully charged...

  • Page 56

    Minirae lite user’s guide pid sensor & lamp cleaning/replacement the sensor module is made of several components and is attached to the lamp-housing unit as shown below. Inlet probe assembly pn 023-3012-000 sensor cover assembly sensor module assembly pn 023-3005-500-fru thp (temperature, humidity, ...

  • Page 57: Cleaning The Pid Sensor

    Minirae lite user’s guide the metal filter all together. Then hold the pid sensor and pull it straight out. A slight, gentle rocking motion helps release the sensor. Cleaning the pid sensor place the entire pid sensor module into gc grade methanol. It is highly recommended that an ultrasound bath to...

  • Page 58

    Minirae lite user’s guide 2. If the lamp does not turn on, remove the lamp from the lamp housing. Place the lamp o-ring onto the new lamp. Insert the new lamp, avoiding contact with the flat window surface. 3. Reinstall the pid sensor module. 4. Tighten the lamp housing cap. 56.

  • Page 59: Sampling Pump

    Minirae lite user’s guide sampling pump when approaching the end of the specified lifetime of the pump, it will consume higher amount of energy and reduce its sample draw capability significantly. When this occurs, it is necessary to replace or rebuild the pump. When checking the pump flow, make sur...

  • Page 60: Special Servicing Note

    Minirae lite user’s guide special servicing note if the instrument needs to be serviced, contact either: the rae systems distributor from whom the instrument was purchased; they will return the instrument on your behalf. Or the rae systems technical service department. Before returning the instrumen...

  • Page 61: Troubleshooting

    Minirae lite user’s guide 32 troubleshooting problem possible reasons & solutions cannot turn on power after charging the battery reasons: discharged battery. Defective battery. Solutions: charge or replace battery. Lost password solutions: call technical support at +1 408-752-0723 or toll-free at +...

  • Page 62: 33 Technical

    Minirae lite user’s guide inlet flow too low reasons: pump diaphragm damaged or has debris. Flow path leaks. Solutions: check flow path for leaks; sensor module o-ring, tube connectors, teflon tube compression fitting. Call technical support at +1 408-752-0723 or toll-free at +1 888-723-4800. “lamp”...

  • Page 63: Rae Systems

    Minirae lite user’s guide 34 rae systems contacts rae systems world headquarters 3775 n. First st. San jose, ca 95134-1708 usa phone: +1 408.952.8200 fax: +1 408.952.8480 e-mail: customerserv@raesystems.Com web site: www.Raesystems.Com rae systems technical support monday through friday, 7:00am to 5...

  • Page 64: Mobile: +34 687 491 106

    Minirae lite user’s guide rae systems uk ltd d5 culham innovation centre culham science centre abingdon, oxon ox14 3db united kingdom phone: +44 1865408368 fax: +44 1235531119 mobile: +44 7841362693 email: raeuk@raeeurope.Com rae systems france 336, rue de la fée des eaux 69390 vernaison france phon...

  • Page 65: Rae Systems Middle East

    Minirae lite user’s guide rae systems middle east lot 7, ground floor, office 19 jebel ali free zone dubai united arab emirates phone: +971 4 887 5562 fax: +971 4 887 5563 email: mesales@raesystems.Com rae systems (hong kong) ltd. Room 8, 6/f, hong leong plaza 33 lok yip road fanling, n.T, hong kong...

  • Page 66: Controlled Part of Manual

    Minirae lite user’s guide controlled part of manual intrinsic safety: us and canada: class i, division 1, group a, b, c, d, t4 0575 ii 2g eex ia ii c t4 kema 07 atex 0127 temperature: -20º c to 50º c (-4º to 122º f) humidity: 0% to 95% relative humidity (non- condensing) basic operation turning the ...

  • Page 67

    Minirae lite user’s guide note: you must hold your finger on the key for the entire shutoff process. If you remove your finger from the key during the countdown, the shutoff operation is canceled and the instrument continues normal operation. 65.

  • Page 68: Alarm Signals

    Minirae lite user’s guide alarm signals during each measurement period, the gas concentration is compared with the programmed alarm limits (gas concentration alarm limit settings). If the concentration exceeds any of the preset limits, the loud buzzer and red flashing led are activated immediately t...

  • Page 69: Unit

    Minirae lite user’s guide preset alarm limits & calibration the instrument is factory calibrated with standard calibration gas, and is programmed with default alarm limits. Cal gas (isobutylene) cal span unit low high twa stel ppbrae 3000 10 ppm 10 25 10 25 minirae 3000 100 ppm 50 100 10 25 minirae ...

  • Page 70: Charging The Battery

    Minirae lite user’s guide charging the battery always fully charge the battery before using the instrument. The instrument’s li-ion battery is charged by placing the instrument in its cradle. Contacts on the bottom of the instrument meet the cradle’s contacts, transferring power without other connec...

  • Page 71: Warning!

    Minirae lite user’s guide note: a spare li-ion battery (part number 059-3051-000) can be charged by placing it directly in the charging port on the back of the cradle. It can be charged at the same time as the instrument. Press the battery in place, sliding it slightly toward the front of the cradle...

  • Page 72: Warning

    Minirae lite user’s guide warning to reduce the risk of ignition of hazardous atmospheres, recharge battery only in area known to be non-hazardous. Remove and replace battery only in an area known to be non-hazardous. Replacing the rechargeable li-ion battery caution: turn off the instrument before ...

  • Page 73: Troubleshooting

    Minirae lite user’s guide troubleshooting problem possible reasons & solutions cannot turn on power after charging the battery reasons: discharged battery. Defective battery. Solutions: charge or replace battery. Lost password solutions: call technical support at +1 408-752-0723 or toll- free at +1 ...

  • Page 74

    Minirae lite user’s guide inlet flow too low reasons: pump diaphragm damaged or has debris. Flow path leaks. Solutions: check flow path for leaks; sensor module o-ring, tube connectors, teflon tube compression fitting. Call technical support at +1 408-752-0723 or toll-free at +1 888-723-4800 “lamp” ...

  • Page 76: Rae Systems

    Rae systems world headquarters 3775 n. First st. San jose, ca 95134-1708 usa phone: 408.952.8200 toll-free: 888.723.4800 fax: 408.952.8480 e-mail (sales support): raesales@raesystems.Com e-mail (technical support): tech@raesystems.Com web site: www.Raesystems.Com rae systems europe kristinehøj 23a, ...