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DataRAM4 Particulate Monitor Forest Service User's Guide

Configuring the Instrument at the Office

First, remove the Swagelok protective cap from the air inlet on the top of the DataRAM. The Swagelok cap should be stored on the keeper pod on the back of the unit.

Push and hold the 'ON/OFF' button on the front panel to power up the DataRAM.

Setting the Date and Time

The 'MAIN MENU' screen (figure 4) automatically displays at powerup.

Figure 4-The DataRAM's main menu screen.

Press the 'NEXT' button to bring up the 'Edit' menu.

Move the cursor using the down arrow button to 'SETUP PARAMETERS'. Press the 'ENTER' button. Press the 'NEXT' button until you arrive at the date and time screen (three presses on the 'NEXT' button).

The up/down arrow buttons ('^' or 'v') are used to move the cursor in a vertical direction. The '<' or '>' arrow buttons move the cursor left or right. The '+' or '-' keys will increase or decrease number values. To set, press 'ENTER'. Press the 'EXIT' button to return to the 'EDIT' menu. Press 'NEXT' to return to 'MAIN MENU'.

Zeroing the DataRAM

At the MAIN MENU, select 'ZERO/INITIALIZE' by moving the cursor using the up/down arrow buttons and then press 'ENTER'. The following will be displayed:

'COUNTDOWN' indicates the time required to complete the automatic zeroing/initializing sequence.

'MEMORY LEFT' indicates the percentage of available memory.

'BATT. CHARGE' indicates either the charging amperage (if connected to an ac power source using charger/power supply) or the remaining percentage of internal battery life. After a few seconds, the display will automatically change to the following:

After completing the 'ZEROING/INITIALIZING' run, the following screen displays:

If the second line of the screen indicates 'BACKGROUND HIGH' instead of 'READY!', it is probable that the lens in the sensing chamber needs cleaning. Send the unit to ARS for cleaning and maintenance. If 'ERROR' displays, contact MTDC or MIE, Inc. for instructions.

Press 'EXIT' to return to 'MAIN MENU'.

The DataRAM should be returned to MIE, Inc. every 2 years for routine cleaning, testing, and calibrating.

Setting Parameters

Access the 'EDIT MENU' by pressing the 'NEXT' button when at the 'MAIN MENU' screen. The following screen displays:

Select 'SETUP PARAMETERS' by moving the cursor and press 'ENTER'. The following screen displays:

'DISPLAY AVG' determines the smoothing of the displayed data. Set 'DISPLAY AVG' to 60 seconds. The time can be selected between 1 and 60 seconds. Short averaging times provide faster response but noisier data.

'CAL FACTOR' is the multiplier of the calibration slope. Set 'CAL FACTOR' to 0.37. Experimental data analyzed with the Federal Reference Method indicates a CAL FACTOR of 0.37 is approximate for western fuel types.

'UNITS' allow the DataRAM to be changed from mass concen-tration (µg/m³), scattering coefficient (Mm^-1), or visual range (km). Set 'UNITS' to (MASS) µg/m³. The mass concentration (µg/m³) should be used when monitoring smoke from forest fires. See appendix B, page 42 of the owner's manual for more information.

'SIZE CORRECT' refers to the computation of the mass concentration. Set 'SIZE CORRECT' to 'ENABLE'. (Note: When the DataRAM is turned off, upon powerup, the 'SIZE CORRECT' defaults to 'DISABLED'.) Check this any time you start a new run. When 'ENABLED', the measured mass concentration determines in real time the scattering irradiances at the two wavelengths (660 nm and 880 nm). When 'DISABLED', the DataRAM behaves as a single wavelength (880 nm) similar to the DataRAM model DR-2000.

Press the 'NEXT' button to arrive at the second setup screen. The display should read:

'RH CORRECTION' refers to the relative humidity correction. Set 'RH CORRECTION' to 'DISABLED'. When this function is enabled, the particle growth effect due to high humidity is cor-rected by computing the mass concentration based on the original dry environment particle population.

'TEMPERATURE UNITS' can be selected between degrees Celsius (C) or degrees Fahrenheit (F). Set 'TEMPERATURE UNITS' to 'F'.

'FLOW RATE' can be adjusted over the range 1.00 to 3.00 liters per minute (LPM). Set 'FLOW RATE' to '2.00 LPM'.

Press the 'NEXT' button. The following screen displays:

Set 'ANLG OUT' to 1.00 mg/m³. 'ANLG OUT' refers to the full-scale concentration of the analog output signal (0 to 5 V and 4 to 20 mA). This full-scale concentration can be selected between 0.100 and 1,000 mg/m³.

'SERIAL MODE' selects the digital communications. Set the 'SERIAL MODE' to 'RS-232'. The 'SERIAL MODE' can be selected between RS-232 and RS-485.

'DEVICE #' is an identification number that the user can select to label the particular DataRAM. Set 'DEVICE #' to '1'. This number will accompany the logged information data. Pressing the 'NEXT' button will display the time and date screen (refer to the 'Setting the Date and Time' section). Press 'NEXT' again to display the following screen:

An 'ALARM' and 'LEVEL' in units of µg/m³ can be enabled when the user needs to be notified when the particulate level exceeds a certain level. Set 'ALARM' to 'DISABLED'.

Set 'AUTO ZERO' to 'ENABLED' to automatically purge the DataRAM with particle-free air.

The time 'INTERVAL' is selectable in 1-hour intervals up to 199 hours. Set 'INTERVAL' to '12 HRS'. The instrument will purge with particle-free air and subtract its optical background from all subsequent measurements. Setting the interval to 12 hours for data collection over a few days will ensure accurate data. If the data is collected over a few hours, this interval could be set to 1 or 2 hours.

Press the 'EXIT' button to return to the 'EDIT MENU'.

Press the 'NEXT' button to return to the 'MAIN MENU'.

E-mail: wo_mtdc_webmaster@fs.fed.us

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