User Options and Sensor Configuration: The Basics

 

There are times when the sensor may need to be configured to a specific setting for a certain situation or user. To accomplish this, both the IR Link Adapter (GA-USB1-IR) (or the MicroDock II) and the FleetManager II software will be necessary. So, let's take a look at some of the options that the detector can be set to. More detailed information can be found in the technical reference guide that accompanies this overview.

 

A Look at Device Configuration Settings

 

This section will display such information as the serial number of the device, the firmware version (this can be updated when new firmware is released), the hardware version, and the startup message. The startup message can be whatever you would like but it is not turned on by default. Other data will include:

 


  • Lockout on Self-Test Error (if a failure takes place during a self-test, the device will automatically deactivate).
  • SAFE mode will be constantly displayed until a gaseous alarm occurs.
  • Confidence Beep - If activated, confidence and compliance beeps will occur at regular intervals to signal that the detector is working properly. You have the option of selecting a beep between 1 and 120 seconds.
  • Latching Alarms - If you choose to activate a latching alarm, all gas alarms will remain activated until manually disabled.
  • Other features such as a force bump (if a bump test is overdue) and a force calibration (if a regular calibration needs to be performed) are also available.

 

Besides these basic functions, there are a number of additional settings that can be applied. For example, a flip display will allow the LCD screen to be read at any angle. Stealth mode will disable all alarms except the vibrating alarm and the LCD readings. There are a number of languages that can be displayed (see owner’s manual for a complete list). Intervals can be adjusted for compliance beeps, the IntelliFlash option can be activated or deactivated and how often the sensor will record data can be adjusted (all between the aforementioned 1 and 120 seconds). Finally, the interval between calibration times and bump tests can be modified, though it is recommended to follow the factory recommendations.


 

Finally, the setpoints for different alarms can be changed under the configuration option. These include all of the standard alarms such as:

 

  • Low and high alarm points
  • Time-weighted average (TWA) alarms
  • Short-term exposure limit (STEL) alarms
  • Correction factor (LEL) alarms
  • Auto-zero upon startup (all sensors will zero when the detector is activated)
  • For a methane environment, the per cent of LEL as a volume

 

There are numerous other options that can be modified from the configuration settings. For a list of these as well as a more in-depth explanation of what each reading signifies, please refer directly to the owner’s manual.