PCE instruments PCE-FHM 10 User manual

Brand: PCE instruments

Model: PCE-FHM 10

Type: User manual

PCE Americas Inc.

711 Commerce Way

Suite 8

Jupiter

FL-33458

USA

From outside US: +1

Tel: (561) 320-9162

Fax: (561) 320-9176

info@pce-americas.com

PCE Instruments UK Ltd.

Units 12/13

Southpoint Business Park

Ensign way

Hampshire / Southampton

United Kingdom, SO31 4RF

From outside UK: +44

Tel: (0) 2380 98703 0

Fax: (0) 2380 98703 9

info@pce-instruments.com

www.pce-instruments.com/english

www.pce-instruments.com

Manual

Gas Detector PCE-FHM 10

Version 1.0

Date of creation: 15.12.2015

Date of last change: 12.05.2016

Manual

Contents

1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 4

2 Safety notes ............................................................................................................. 4

3 Specifications .......................................................................................................... 5

3.1 Technical specifications .............................................................................................................. 5

3.2 Delivery ....................................................................................................................................... 5

4 System description ................................................................................................. 6

4.1 Button Functions ......................................................................................................................... 6

4.2 Power Supply ............................................................................................................................. 6

4.3 Automatic shutdown ................................................................................................................... 7

4.4 Backlight ..................................................................................................................................... 7

5 Measuring functions ............................................................................................... 7

5.1 Standard measuring mode ......................................................................................................... 7

5.2 Storage of the sensor ................................................................................................................. 7

5.3 MIN / MAX / TWA / STEL modes ............................................................................................... 7

5.4 Alarm and beeper functions........................................................................................................ 8

5.5 Hold function ............................................................................................................................... 8

5.6 Self calibration (HCHO) .............................................................................................................. 8

5.6.1 Calibration settings......................................................................................................................... 9

5.7 Data logger ................................................................................................................................. 9

5.7.1 Setting up the PC software ............................................................................................................ 9

5.7.2 Data logger settings ..................................................................................................................... 13

5.7.3 Software functions........................................................................................................................ 15

5.7.4 Import the data to Excel ............................................................................................................... 16

6 Disposal ................................................................................................................. 17

7 Contact ................................................................................................................... 17

7.1 PCE Instruments UK ................................................................................................................ 17

7.2 PCE Americas .......................................................................................................................... 17

Manual

1 Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a formaldehyde data logger of PCE Instruments.

The formaldehyde data logger is used to measure concentrations of formaldehyde in the air and provides

such a memory option as to store the measured values. In this case, the formaldehyde data logger can

be used as a mobile device. In addition to that, the formaldehyde data logger has threads on the handset

and on the measuring probe. These threads do not only make the mobile application possible, but also

mounting on a tripod. Thus, it is possible to conduct long-term measurements with the formaldehyde data

logger. After turning the device on, a self-calibration is performed by the device. Thereafter, a

measurement can be made. In addition to formaldehyde (HCHO), the formaldehyde data logger also

measures temperatures in ° C and ° F and relative humidity. During the measurement, the measuring

units °C and ° F can be changed. Additionally, the device provides, besides the HOLD function, a peak

measurement function. After a measurement with the formaldehyde data logger has been carried out,

there is a possibility to transfer the data for analysis via USB to a computer.

2 Safety notes

 Do not try to open the measuring instrument or the sensor probe. This leads to the loss of

warranty.

 Before turning on, make sure that the probe and the instrument are connected to each other.

 Before every use make sure that you have inserted the batteries (AAA) and that they are

charged. Non-compliance may lead to false results.

 Remove the batteries when the device is not in use.

 Formaldehyde belongs to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, the sensor of the

formaldehyde data logger can detect only formaldehyde and no other VOCs, but has a much

higher resolution than the majority of VOC sensors. So, if you notice a very distinct smell, but the

device does not display HCHO, there are probably some other volatile organic compounds.

 Poorly ventilated places can lead to measurement errors. The hotter the temperature, the more

HCHO gas is emitted.

 Stay away from alcohol if an HCHO concentration has been determined.

Please, read this manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time. The device

may only be used by thoroughly qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel.

This user’s handbook is published by PCE Instruments without any guarantee.

We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our terms and conditions.

If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.

Manual

3 Specifications

3.1 Technical specifications

Measurement parameters

formaldehyde concentration, temperature, humidity

Measuring range

formaldehyde: 0 … 5 ppm

temperature: -10 … +50 °C

rel. humidity: 15 … 90 % RH

Resolution

formaldehyde: 0.01 ppm

temperature: 1 °C

relative humidity: 1 % RH

Measurement accuracy

formaldehyde: ±5 %

temperature: ±1 °C

relative humidity: ±5 % RH

Units

°C / °F

% RH

HCHO

Memory

32,000 readings

Power supply

6 x 1.5 V AAA battery

optional: mains adaptor 500 mA / 9V

Interface

USB

Display

LCD backlit

Response time

T90: <30 s

Sensor

electrochemical sensor

Sensor lifetime

approx. 3 years

PC software

included in delivery

Dimensions

meter: 162 x 57 x 32 mm

probe: 145 x 33 x 33 mm

LCD: 42 x 33.5 mm

Repeatability

<±2 %

Silicone hose

30 mm

3.2 Delivery

- 1 x formaldehyde data logger PCE-FHM 10 with a probe

- 6 x 1.5 V AAA batteries

- 1 x flexible tube (30 cm)

- 1 x USB cable for data transfer

- 1 x CD with PC Software

- 1 x user manual

- 1 x carrying case

Manual

4 System description

4.1 Button Functions

HOLD: - Freezes current measured values (HOLD is displayed at the bottom of the LCD screen)

- Increases the value (when setting the calibration value and HCHO alarm thresholds)

- Pressing and holding the button deletes all the recorded MMAX / MIN / TWA / STEL values.

MODE: - Press and hold this button to start a self-calibration.

- Move one space to the left.

PWR: - Turning on

- Turning off (hold pressed for more than 2 seconds)

- Disable the automatic shutdown together with the HOLD button.

- Press briefly to activate or deactivate the alarm

MAX / MIN: - Switch between the MAX and MIN values of HCHO, TWA and STEL or view them

- Move one space to the right.

SET: - Press and hold this button for more than 2 seconds to enter the alarm threshold. Hold again for

2 seconds to save the entry.

- Short pressing turns the fan off. "fnOF" appears on the display and the red LED lights up.

Shortly push the button one more time to turn the fan on ("FnOn") again and the red LED begins

to flash.

UNIT: - Press shortly to change the unit for temperature measurement from °C to °F (and vice versa).

- Long pressing changes the unit for the HCHO concentration measurement from ppm to mg / m³

(and vice versa).

BKLT: - Adjusting the alarm threshold, when you are in the alarm settings.

- Activating the backlight.

4.2 Power Supply

There are the following options for power supply :

a) 6 x 1.5 V AAA batteries

b) charger (not supplied)

a) When the battery voltage is low, a corresponding battery icon appears on the display. Replace the

batteries as quickly as possible, since an insufficient voltage that can affect the displayed measurement

results.

b) If you want to use the data logger functions of the PCE-FHM 10, in certain circumstances you may

need a power supply to provide the unit with electricity for an extended period of time. For that you may

use a 500 mA / 9 V power supply with 3.5 x 1.3 mm coaxial power connector.

Manual

4.3 Automatic shutdown

The meter turns off automatically after 15 minutes, if you have not touched any button during this time. To

deactivate this setting, press PWR and HOLD when the device is off. A sign "n" appears on the screen.

After that you can then continue normal operation.

The automatic shutdown is enabled by default. Remember to deactivate this function if you want to use

the data logger functions for a longer period of time.

4.4 Backlight

Press BKLT to turn on the backlight for working in dark areas. Turn the device off or press BKLT once

more to turn the backlight off again.

5 Measuring functions

5.1 Standard measuring mode

When you turn the device on, it takes a while until the unit is ready. The display shows 0..0..0..0 .. and

then counts down from 99998888 ...... 0000.

Then you are in the standard measuring mode.

Now the display shows the HCHO concentration in ppm. The temperature and humidity readings will also

alternate on the display.

5.2 Storage of the sensor

After each measurement, the sensor must be stored in the closable bag which is included.

5.3 MIN / MAX / TWA / STEL modes

Press the button MAX / MIN to see the MIN / MAX values, TWA-value (Time Weighted Average –

concentration in 8 hours), STEL-value (Short Time Exposure Limit –in 15 minutes) or a one-hour average

value.

In this mode, you can press and hold the HOLD button in order to delete all maximum and minimum

values. Only for 2 seconds the device displays "CLr" at the bottom of the screen and returns automatically

to the normal measurement mode. After that the recording of the values starts again.

Manual

5.4 Alarm and beeper functions

The default alarm threshold is 0.08 HCHO for different applications. Press and hold the SET button to

adjust a threshold value / -alarm. With the buttons MODE and MAX / MIN you can navigate between the

individual digits of the alarm value. With the HOLD and BKLT buttons you can increase or decrease each

digit. Press and hold the SET button to save the changes. The screen displays "SAVE" and then

automatically returns to normal state.

While you are setting an alarm, "SET" is displayed on the screen. After you have set the alarm threshold,

a small bell can be seen in the upper left part of the screen. As soon as the measured value exceeds the

threshold, an alarm sound will be heard. Press the PWR button shortly to turn off the signal tone. When

you do this, the bell symbol disappears from the screen. In order to turn on the alarm function, press the

PWR button once more.

5.5 Hold function

Press HOLD to "freeze", i.e. to hold all the current readings during the normal operation. In the HOLD

function all the other functions are void, as well as the MAX / MIN function, the unit selection or the setting

of alarm thresholds. The button is also used to increase a value when an alarm threshold is set.

If you hold down the button while viewing the MIN, MAX, TWA or STEL values, they will be deleted.

5.6 Self calibration (HCHO)

Turn on the device and press and hold the MODE button to enter the calibration mode. Now "CAL"

appears in the lower part of the screen. Temperature and humidity are still displayed. The default

calibration time is 15 seconds.

Note: Make sure that during the calibration no formaldehyde is in the room. Otherwise, please do not

perform any self-calibration.

Manual

5.6.1 Calibration settings

If desired, the default calibration time of 15 seconds, and the standard for calibration value for gas can be

changed. This feature is designed for experienced users and for professional use only.

Please follow the steps as mentioned:

1. When the device is off, press the BKLT + MODE + PWR buttons simultaneously.

3. Within one second, the LCD display shows CAL and then counts the normal countdown to the standard

measuring mode.

4. Press and hold the SET button to get to the CAL P1 screen. Here you can reset or change the

standard HCHO gas value. Press HOLD to increase the value and BKLT to decrease it. With the MODE

and MAX / MIN buttons, you can switch back and forth between the individual digits.

5. Then press SET once again to get to the CAL P2 screen. Here you can adjust the calibration time to a

value between 1 second and 9999 seconds (the default time is 15 seconds).

6. Press SET again to get to the CAL P3 screen. This value is by default "1". Please do not change this.

7. Press and hold the SET button to exit the CAL screen again.

5.7 Data logger

The device has a data logger function which can be configured via the supplied PC software. For this

purpose, the device must be connected to the PC via the USB interface. The display will show a USB

symbol, when there is a connection.

In the software, the measured values can be displayed as a graph or in tabular form, and saved. It is also

possible to print the data or export them as Excel data. A status field at the bottom of the screen indicates

when data is downloaded from the device. Warnings are also displayed.

There are five different selectable data logger modes:

Immediately: immediate start of data recording

Schedule: sets the start time of the recording with date and time

Real-time: real-time display of the measured values in the PC software

Key-start: start of recording by long pressing the BKLT button, another long pressing stops the

recording

Roll-over: the device starts recording and overwrites the recorded data in case the memory is

full.

In addition, the measuring interval can be set between 1 and 6 seconds.

The memory of the device comprises up to 32.400 points. However, it is possible to assign a definite

memory volume between 1,000 and 32,400 points, to separate data records. A recording symbol on the

display of the device shows that the recording is in process and also gives information on whether the

memory is full.

5.7.1 Setting up the PC software

Manual

In order to be able to connect the device to a PC, you must first install the USB driver. To do this, follow

these steps:

1. Insert the included CD into your CD-ROM drive.

2. Run the file PL2303_Prolific_DriverInstaller_v110.exe file in the folder "Step1 - USB Driver".

3. Click on "Next" when the installation window appears.

4. Finally, click "Finish" to complete the installation.

In order to configure the data logger functions and evaluate the data, you need to install the PC software.

To do so, follow these steps:

1. Insert the included CD into your CD-ROM drive.

2. Run the file setup.exe file in the folder "STEP2 DatalogV1_5Q1 (English Version)".

3. Select the destination folder where you want to install the program and then click "Next".

4. Accept the license agreement by ticking "I accept the License Agreement:" and then click "Next".

5. Click one more time on "Next" and then click "Finish" to complete the installation.

6. Restart your PC.

Now you can start the program. Make sure beforehand that the meter is connected to the PC via USB

cable.

You will find a shortcut to the program in the Windows start menu under Programs in the folder "Data

Logger”.

The measuring instrument is recognized automatically and the main screen of the program appears:

Attention! If the device is not recognized automatically, an error message and a note in the status bar of

the programme appears

Manual

In this case, proceed as follows:

1. Check if the device is connected to the PC.

2. Check if the USB driver is installed properly. To do this, open the Control Panel and then the Device

Manager. If you see this, the device is properly installed:

3. Memorize the displayed COM port (in this example "COM 8"). Now click "Setting" in the menu bar of

the PC software to and select "Comm.Port". Here, under "Port No." you can set the corresponding port (in

this example "COM 8").

Now the software should recognize the device. If this does not happen, please contact the Support.

Manual

5.7.2 Data logger settings

Click “Setting" and then "Log Setting" in the menu bar of the software to get to the data logger settings.

There are 3 different tabs in which you can configure settings

Logger's ID

Here you can change the name of the instrument. To

do this, enter the desired name and click Ok. Maximum

20 characters are allowed

Logger date

Change the date settings of the device. To do this,

enter the desired date in the format MM-DD-YYYY and

confirm with Ok.

Logger time

Change the time settings of the device. To do this,

enter the desired time in the format hh: mm: ss and

confirm with Ok.

Alarm setting

Here you can set the thresholds, i. e. an alarm will be

triggered when they are exceeded (Hi.Alarm for

exceeding upper limit) or (Lo.Alarm – when it goes

below the limit). They can be set for the HCHO

concentration and humidity. To do this, select the

desired alarm through the corresponding checkbox and

enter the desired threshold.

Logger's data selection

Here you can choose which values the data logger

should record. You can select temperature (Temp.),

humidity (Humidity) and the HCHO concentration.

Manual

Rate (h: m: s)

Here you can set the time interval at which the data

logger saves the measured values. Values between

1 second and 6 hours are possible.

Start mode

Here you can choose between 5 different logger

modes.

Start Rec. Date/Time & Stop Rec. Date/Time

These options are only available if you have selected

the schedule mode. It allows you to set the start and

stop time of the recording. To do so, enter the date in

the format MM-DD-YYYY and the time in the format

hh : mm :ss.

Sample Points

Here you can set the maximum number of memory

points to be recorded. Values between 1000 and

32400 can be entered.

Unit

Here you can choose between metric and imperial

system.

Logger modes

Immediate: Data recording starts with the confirmation of the Logger settings. The meter must not be

connected to the PC during the recording. To transfer the data to your PC, connect your device to the

PC and click Download in the software. This stops the recording and downloads the data.

Real-time: The data recording also starts with the confirmation of the Logger settings. In contrast to

immediate mode, however, the measurement curves can be tracked in real time, and do not have to

be downloaded first. For that, however, the instrument must always be connected to the PC. Clicking

on the stop button will stop the recording. You can then download the data by clicking on download

once.

Key Start: In this mode, you can start and stop the data recording by pressing and holding the BKLT

button. The meter does not have to be connected to the PC. However, after the recording you need to

download the data with the help of the software before you begin another recording. The data are

otherwise lost.

Roll-over: This mode starts the recording when the logger settings have been confirmed. If the

allocated space on the meter is full, in this mode it starts to overwrite the data which have been stored

at the beginning. By pressing BKLT, you can stop the recording. Then you need to download the data

with the help of the software. You can then start a new recording with the same settings by again

pressing and holding the BKLT button.

Schedule: For this mode, in the Logger settings you can set the start and end time of the data

recording. Make sure that the system time of the instrument coincides with the time of the PC,

because the timings are determined by the PC clock. After the confirmation of the logger settings, the

meter can be disconnected from the PC. To transfer the data, the device must be reconnected to the

PC. Then click Download in the software to download the data.

Manual

5.7.3 Software functions

Overview

Zoom in and out and change the colors

Zoom In: Hold Ctrl and press the left mouse button to zoom in the graph view.

Zoom Out: Hold Ctrl and press the right mouse button to zoom out the graph view.

Moving graph: Hold Ctrl and Shift and click and hold the left mouse button to move the graph.

Change colors: Click on the color box near the temperature, humidity or the HCHO

concentration of the selected measuring point to change the color of the respective measuring

line.

Download Data

Click Download to download the recorded data. Depending on the amount, this may take a few seconds.

Afterwards, the measuring curves are automatically displayed.

Warning: Clicking Download interrupts the current recordings! Therefore, wait until the recording is

finished. The number of measuring points can be read via the logger status function.

Logger status

If you click Logger Status on the main screen, you can read the device name (here: "ID1 = Test"), the

recorded points (here: "93 Points"), the recorded parameter (here: "(Temp. Humidity HCHO).") and the

storage rate (here: "Sample rate = 1 sec.).

Logger

status

Temperature/

humidity

HCHO

concentration

Selected

measuring

point

Temperature,

humidity and HCHO

value of the selected

measuring point

Time of the

measurement

Download

button

Date and

time

Manual

Open File

To open a file, proceed as follows:

1. Click "File" and then "Open File" in the menu bar.

2. Select the desired file and open it by clicking OK.

Save File

To save a recording as a file, proceed as follows:

1. Click "File" and then "Save File" in the menu bar.

2. Enter the desired file name and select the desired storage location.

3. Click OK to complete the saving process.

It is also possible to save the graph as an image (in .png format). To do this, click "Print" and then "Print

graph as PNG". Then proceed as described in point 2 and 3.

DataTable

You can switch to the table view by clicking "View" and then "Data table" in the menu bar. The table view

will appear in a new window.

Print Graph / Table

If you want to print the data as a graph or table, proceed as follows:

1. Click "Print" and then "Print graph" if you want to print the graph, or click "Print Data Table" if you want

to print the table.

2. When you have clicked "Print DataTable" the table view opens and you must enter which rows you

want to print. If you leave the field empty, you print all the lines. Then click Ok.

3. In the next window, select the appropriate printer, and make adjustments, if necessary.

Note: With the help of the appropriate programs the table or graph can be converted at this point into a

.pdf file.

4. When finished, click OK to print.

5.7.4 Import the data to Excel

The measurement data are saved in .csv format, which can be opened by Excel. However, the individual

parameters are separated only by commas and are not located in separate columns. This can be

changed by making the following steps:

1. Select the column in which the values are, and click "Text to Columns " in the tab "Data".

2. A new window opens. Select "Separate" and click Next.

3. Activate the desired delimiter. Activate also "treat consecutive delimiters as one character" and select

the same delimiter. Now click Next.

4. Now mark the columns "Temp", "Humidity" and "HCL" and click More. In a new window set a

point/comma as the decimal sign and comma/point as 1000th delimiter. Click OK to confirm and then click

"Finish".

Manual

6 Disposal

For the disposal of batteries, the 2006/66/EC directive of the European Parliament applies. Due to the

contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as household waste. They must be given to

collection points designed for that purpose.

In order to comply with the EU directive 2012/19/EU we take our devices back. We either re-use them or

give them to a recycling company which disposes of the devices in line with law.

If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.

7 Contact

If you have any questions about our range of products or measuring instruments please contact PCE

Instruments.

7.1 PCE Instruments UK

By post:

PCE Instruments UK Ltd.

Units 12/13 Southpoint Business Park

Ensign Way, Southampton

Hampshire

United Kingdom, SO31 4RF

By phone:

02380 987 035

7.2 PCE Americas

By post:

PCE Americas Inc.

711 Commerce Way

Suite 8

Jupiter

33458 FL

USA

By phone:

561 320 9162

PCE instruments PCE-FHM 10 User manual

PCE instruments PCE-FHM 10 User manual

PCE instruments PCE-FHM 10 User manual

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