Operators’ Manual

Monroe Electronics, Inc.

Model 288B
Charge Plate Monitor

P/N 0340174
288-1/100
V2.01
060109

100 Housel Ave  PO Box 535 Lyndonville NY 14098 1-800-821-6001 585-765-2254  fax: 585-765-9330 monroe-electronics.com
 CONTENTS
Specifications Section 1
Specifications Page 4
Accessories included Page 5
What this instrument does Page 6
Physical description Page 6

General Information Section 2

CAUTION – SHOCK HAZARD Page 7

Setup – Section 3
First things first Page 8
SETUP SYSTEM Menu Page 9
SETUP for Manual Test Menu Page 9
SETUP for Auto Sequence Menu Page 9
SETUP OPTION Menu Page 10

Operation Section 4
Manual operation Page 11
Programming features for manual test Page 13
Automatic operation Page 14
Programming features for auto sequence Page 15
Additional features Page 17
Group and location Page 17
Test parameter setups Page 17
Data storage and review Page 17
Peak reset Page 18
Plate voltage bar graph Page 18
Power Page 18
Charge plate Page 18
Grounds Page 18
Analog output Page 18
Maintenance Section 5
Precautions Page 19
Cleaning Page 19
Battery Page 19
Charge state indicator Page 19
Calibration Page 19
References Section 6
References Page 20
Warranty Information Page 21
Repair Information Page 22

Copyright© 2008
Monroe Electronics, Inc.
Printed in USA
Specifications and procedures subject to change without notice

2
3
 Section 1

Specifications
All specifications are referred to plate voltage unless otherwise specified.

Display 240 x 64 character/graphic

Voltage - 3½ digit display (Decay and Peak reading)

Accuracy ±0.1% of reading ± 1 lsd
Resolution 1 volt for readings > 99 volts
0.1 volt for reading < 100 volts

Time - 4 digit display

Accuracy 0.1% of reading ± 1 lsd
Resolution 0.1 second for readings < 1000 seconds
1 second for reading > 999 seconds

Electrometer
Dynamic range ±1200 volts
Follower error < 10 mV
Speed of
Response < 10 msec for 1 kV to 0 volts (90% - 10%)
Bandwidth -3db @ 1Khz 20Vp-p
-3db @ 10Hz 2000Vp-p
Noise <12 mVrms

Monitor output Divide by 200

Accuracy 0.1% of reading ± 12 mV
Output
Impedance 1 kΩ

Start Voltages 1000 volts ±0.3% Standard

Range ±10 to ±1000 volts.
Resolution settable to 1 volt
Accuracy 0.3% of setting ± 2.5 volts

Stop Voltages 100 volts ±3% Standard

Range 0 - ±995 volts
Resolution settable to 1 volt
Accuracy 0.3% of setting ± 2.5 volts

Charge voltage
Range 10 to 100 volts above the start voltage
Resolution settable to 1 volt increments
Accuracy 0.3% of setting ± 2.5 volts

4
Charge Plate
Capacitance 20 pF ±10%
Zero Drift < 100 mV /sec (no incident ion flow)
Self Discharge < 200 mV/sec

Peak Detector
Balance Test
Bandwidth <10HZ

Temperature Sensor
Range 0 - 50˚C
Accuracy ±2˚C typ

Humidity Sensor
Range 10% - 80% RH @ 25˚C
Accuracy ±5% typ

Operating
Temperature 5˚C to 35˚C
Humidity to 80%, non condensing
Battery life 6 hours
Charge time < 8 hrs to > 90% capacity
Power
Voltage 90 – 250 VAC 50/60 Hz
Wattage < 12 watts operating

CPM
Size 11” x 9” x 6” (280 x 229 x 152 mm)
Weight 12 ½ lb (5.7 kg)

Accessories Included:
CD containing: 288B Operator’s Manual
288B Data Sheet
288COM Software
288COM Software Operator’s Guide
288B Graph Data Sheet
110V Line Cord
220V Line Cord
DB9 M/F Straight-Thru Cable
Ground Cable w/snap
5ft Plate Ext Cable
Patch cord w/alligator clip & boot

5
What this instrument does —
This instrument is a charged-plate monitor for evaluating the performance of ionization
systems. As such, it performs positive and negative decay tests, and balance (offset voltage)
tests to determine if an ionization system is operating effectively. It can be used to test all
types of ionization systems as described in ESD Association Standard ANSI/ESD STM3.1
Ionization.
Over the years new technologies have placed new demands on both ionization systems and
on the capabilities and features of the charged-plate monitors used to evaluate them. Monroe
Electronics has responded to these needs by incorporating many additional and improved
features in the Model 288 Charged-Plate Monitor. The original Model 288 provided the
following important capabilities for people evaluating ionization systems:

Replacement of the fieldmeter normally used to monitor the plate voltage with a high-
voltage follower amplifier to increase accuracy and reduce zero drift

Wider bandwidth to evaluate AC ionization systems

The ability to automate commonly-repeated sequences of tests and store their test
results for future review

Adjustable start and stop voltages for decay tests

A serial interface and applications software to control ionization tests from a computer

The Model 288B has been improved to provide the following capabilities:

The ability to resolve the plate voltage with 100 mV resolution

Applications software to graphically display decay and balance waveforms in real
time

The ability to measure the performance of the latest high-frequency AC ionization

systems

6
 Section 2

GENERAL INFORMATION

Model 288 performs manual or automatic decay and balance tests for qualification and
periodic verification of ionization equipment. It then stores the results and balance averages
for manual tests and complete automatic test sequences up to a maximum of 1500 tests.
Temperature and relative humidity are displayed real-time and recorded with the test data.
All instrument functions are controlled by five key pushbuttons.
In DECAY mode a built-in high voltage generator charges the plate to a voltage specified by
the user – up to 1100 volts. During the test the plate will discharge toward zero in the
presence of ionization. The elapsed time of decay between a selected start voltage and a
selected stop voltage is displayed.
In the BALANCE mode, the plate is first grounded then released from ground and allowed to
float to any voltage in response to air ion imbalances. It displays the plate voltage, test
duration, and minimum and maximum peak voltages. (Nearby charge sources will also
induce a voltage on the floating plate.)
Self-tests include battery check and tests for functional errors.
Memory is non-volatile. Setup and data are retained during storage.

CAUTION
When charged, the plate voltage can be in excess of 1100 volts with respect to ground.
Although the charges and potentials are below those that are normally detected by
human senses, A SHOCK HAZARD EXISTS.
 If you are handling the plate assembly or conducting a test, which involves
touching the plate, expect a shock.
 Do not charge large capacitors with this device.

7
 Section 3

SETUP
First things first

Upon power up, you are presented momentarily with an identification screen, which includes the
software revision level and serial number of your unit.
Within a few seconds, the MAIN screen (Figure 1) is presented. This screen should show
current date and time, ambient factors, power source information and current test number and
prompt the operator to “Select Operation”. The test-numbering scheme begins with 1500 and
displays the number of remaining tests.
Figure 1. Main Screen

MAIN 288B 2.00 06/18/08 11:23:02A One of the menu options is SETUP.
S/N 012345 AC Power 28C 36%RH Once significant programming has been
done and data taken the SETUP mode
should not be tinkered with! There is
no BACK button. Thus, SETUP is
Select Operation Test Avail. 1500 probably the first thing the user should
become familiar with. Press the
MANUAL AUTO DATA SETUP
“SETUP” key.

Figure 2. Setup Screen

The present menu is identified in the
SETUP 06/18/08 11:23:02A
AC Power 28C 36%RH
upper left corner of the screen as
“SETUP”.
Menu items are: SYSTEM, MANUAL,
AUTO, OPTION and (back to) MAIN.
Select SYSTEM to go to the SETUP
SYSTEM MANUAL AUTO OPTION MAIN SYSTEM menu.
Press the “SYSTEM” key.

SETUP SYSTEM Menu:

Figure 3. Setup – System:
CLOCK – Sets the system’s real time
SETUP 06/18/08 11:23:02A clock. This should be set to the present
AC Power 28C 36%RH local date and time in order for all future
tests to be properly stamped. Once
new data (if any) has been entered,
CLOCK HUMI/TEMP RAM/EE S/N RETURN press EXIT and elect to SET the clock
to the time shown on the SETUP
SYSTEM CLOCK screen or EDIT to change the settings or CANCEL to change nothing
and return to the MAIN menu.
HUMI/TEMP – Simply displays the present temperature and relative humidity. These can
only be changed via connection to a PC.

8
 RAM/EE – The first screen under this option asks, “Clear all test data – Y/N?” A “Y(es)” response
will permanently erase all accumulated test data from memory. The next two windows prompt a
similar decision for whether to restore defaults to Group/Location names and test setups. These
decisions should not be taken lightly as deletions are irreversible.
S/N – Displays software revision number and instrument serial number. These cannot be modified.
RETURN – Returns to SETUP Menu

SETUP for Manual Test Menu:

Figure 4. Setup – Manual Screen: In the Setup screen (Figure 2), press “MANUAL” key.
This screen displays a list
The first three SETUP M.TEST
setups can be
of five user selectable
D> M.Setup 1
modified. manual test options.
M.Setup 2
M.Setup 1 is Three of them; M.Setup
current M.Setup 3
1, M.Setup 2 and M.
selected as Factory
Setup 3 may be modified.
default setup Test
for use. The “Factory” option uses
“standard” settings and
NEXT DISPLAY DEFAULT SETUP MAIN
the “Test” option has
settings used during factory testing of each unit. These two may not be changed.
The parameters of any of the manual tests may be viewed or those of the first three edited to meet user
requirements by highlighting the test and pressing the DISPLAY key. To change these parameters, see
Programming Features for Manual Tests.
A symbol “D>” indicates which one is selected as the default test. To change the default, scroll to
highlight one of the options using the NEXT key and press the DEFAULT key. The selected test will
remain the default test until re-selected. Previously stored test results are not affected by a new default
setting but all subsequent tests will be made with the new default until changed by this method.

SETUP for Auto Sequence Menu:

The Auto Sequence Setup screen works the same. It displays a list of five user selectable manual test
options. Three of them; A.Setup 1, A.Setup 2 and A. Setup 3 may be modified. The “Factory” option
uses “standard” settings and the “Test” option has settings used during factory testing of each unit.
These two may not be changed.
Figure 5. Setup – Auto screen: In the Setup screen (Figure 2), press the “AUTO” key.

SETUP A.TEST The parameters of any of the manual tests

D> A.Setup 1 may be viewed or those of the first three
A.Setup 2 edited to meet user requirements by
A.Setup 3 highlighting the test and pressing the
Factory DISPLAY key. See Programming
Test Features for Auto Sequence Tests later in
this manual.
NEXT DISPLAY DEFAULT SETUP MAIN A symbol “D>” indicates which one is
selected as the default test. To change the
default, scroll to highlight one of the options using the NEXT key and press the DEFAULT key. The
selected test will remain the default test until re-selected. Previously stored test results are not affected
by a new default setting but all subsequent tests will be made with the new default until changed by this
method.

9
SETUP - OPTION Menu:

Options are for display backlighting, power off, and beep settings. The first two options will apply
when the 288 unit is running on battery.
Figure 6. Setup – Option

SETUP OPTION
The first two options apply to when the
Backlight . 288 unit is using battery power.
Auto DC Power Off
Highlight and press EDIT to view further
Beep On Test & Key
options.
NEXT EDIT EXIT

Figure 7. Setup – Option - Backlight

The (A>) symbol indicates the current
Backlight DC
choice. Highlight desired choice and
Continuous press ACTIVE. Then press EXIT change.
A> Auto Shut Off (5 minutes) The backlight of the display can be set to
Off continuous lighting or shut off in 5
NEXT ACTIVE EXIT
minutes when it is using battery.

Figure 7b. Setup – Option – Auto DC Power Off

Auto DC Power Off

When the 288 unit is running on battery, it
Continuous can be set to run Continuously or auto shut
A> Auto Shut Off (15 minutes) off in 15 minutes.
Highlight the option by pressing the NEXT
key, then press ACTIVE.
NEXT ACTIVE EXIT

In Figure 6, highlight the option, then press the EDIT key.

The Beep has three options:
Beep On Test & Key ___ Beep when a key is pressed and mode change during the test.
Beep On Test Only. ___ Beep only during the test when the mode changed.
Beep Off.

10
 Section 4

OPERATION

MANUAL OPERATION:
From the manual screen the user can choose to run a positive decay, negative decay or
balance. Also the option exists to enter the group and location screen to select the proper
designation for the ionizer under test. See Figure 8 below:

Figure 8. Manual Test Screen. From the MAIN screen (Figure 1), press MANUAL key:

M.Setup 1 is currently MANUAL 06/18/08 11:23:02A

set as default for use.
You may select other M.Setup 1 StartV 1000v MaxDcy 22s
setup from MAIN – Group A Stop V 100v BalDur 12s
SETUP – MANUAL.
Location 1 ChrgDif 50v StrtDly 2s
To select other group / TstAvai 1500
location, press the
GRP/LOC button. +DECAY -DECAY BALANCE GRP/LOC MAIN

Test available: how

many more tests can
be performed and
store in memory.

+/- Decays – Once a decay test is selected the unit switches screens displaying the plate
voltage, timer, group/location and test parameters.
Figure 9. +Decay test
SKIP: Allows user to skip test
M +DECAY DecayTime Group A delay time.
Location 1
6.8s STOP: abort the test. Or

98.6v
Start 1000v When the decay test ends, the
StopV 100v plate voltage reading will be
MxDcy 300s continuously shown until the
Fltr= 500Hz STOP key is pressed.
SKIP STOP

Once the test is complete a summary screen appears displaying the time of decay, test
parameters, time, date, temperature, humidity and test number. From the summary screen
another decay test can be run, test data history screen can be accessed or a return to the
manual test screen can be selected.

11
Figure 10. +Decay Test Result:
M +DECAY 06/18/08 11:23:02A
REVIEW: review the test results.
StartV 1000v Group A

6.5 S Stop V 100v Location 1 MANUAL: go back to MANUAL

MaxDcy 300s 30C 56%RH screen.

+DECAY: start a +Decay test.

REVIEW MANUAL +DECAY

REVIEW: displays the manual

test results and settings as in
This shows Setup for Figure 11.
the test result this test

Figure 11. Review manual

DATA Group A Location 1 1000-100v This shows the Setup for the highlighted
06/18/08 11:23:02A 30C 56%RH BalDu 60s test: StartV=1000v, StopV=100v. Balance
duration=60sec.
Date and time of the test, Temperature
M+D 6.5s . and humidity reading.
M-D 6.3s
BAL +VP=+00.9v -VP=+00.2v Avg=+00.6v
1 of 3
NxtTst ClrTst Return

NxtTst: scroll down to highlight the next test.

ClrTst: delete the highlighted test data.
Return: to MANUAL screen.

Balance – During the balance test the screen displays the plate voltage, test time,
group/location, test parameter, average voltage and positive/negative peak voltage
readings. Once the test is completed the summary screen appears with the same type of
data and options available in the manual decay summary screen.

Figure 12. Balance test:

M BALANCE BalDur=60s Group A

Location 1
Fltr: Low pass filter. Press this
button to select: 500Hz, 80Hz,
32s
12.6v
+Vp +01.2v 40Hz or 30Hz.
-Vp +00.3v
Avg +00.8v STOP: Abort the test.
Fltr= 500Hz
Fltr STOP

12
 Confidence Test – One of the major weaknesses in all CPM’s has been the inability to
properly verify the main function of these devices, DECAY. In all the existing instruments it
is possible to test the plate voltage, timer performance and other parameters but not the
actual decay function. In the 288 charge plate (available in the 6 x 6 plate only) there is a
test hole in the center of the plate. Simply remove the knurled thumbscrew from the back
panel of the unit and insert it into this hole making sure that the head of the screw is making
contact with the plate. Then run a Decay test and a Decay test in a non-ionized
environment. Both decays should be within a 4 to 6 second range, typical. By performing
this test periodically the user can be assured the unit is operating correctly.

Programming features for Manual Test:

Start Voltage – Range of 10V to 1000V, adjustable in 1V increments

Charge differential – This is the difference between the start decay voltage and how much
over charge the unit puts on the plate. It ranges from 10V to 100V and is adjustable in 1V
increments.
Stop voltage – Range of 0V to 995V, adjustable in 1V increments
Test Start Delay – Range of 0sec to 15sec, adjustable in 1sec intervals. This is the time
delay from when you push the start key and when the test actually begins. This allows the
user to exit the area to minimize their impact on the readings.
Max decay time – Range 10sec to 9999sec adjustable in 1sec intervals. If the unit does
not reach the stop voltage within this time the unit will abort the test. This timer can be
turned off.
Balance Duration – Range of 10sec to 9999sec, adjustable in 1sec intervals. This can also
be set for continuous readings with no time out.

From the MAIN Screen (Figure 1), press SETUP – MANUAL. Then highlight the M.Setup 1,
press DISPLAY. The following screen will appear:

Figure 13. SETUP – MANUAL – M.Setup 1:

SETUP M.TEST Press NEXT or PREV to highlight the

item, then press EDIT to make
M.Setup 1 StartV 1000v MaxDcy 22s changes.
Last enter Stop V 100v BalDur 12s When finish, press SAVE to store the new
06/12/08 ChrgDif 50v StrtDly 2s settings. Or press CANCEL to discard the
10:20A changes.
NEXT PREV EDIT CANCEL SAVE

13
AUTOMATIC OPERATION:
Once the desired test parameters are set up, the user simply selects the “start” button to
begin the tests. All the parameters are shown in the automatic screen.

Figure 14. Auto Sequence Test ___ From the MAIN screen, press AUTO:

This shows the

AUTO 06/18/08
current Setup. To 11:23:02A Start: to start the auto
change/edit the StartV 900v MaxDcy 300s sequence tests.
setup, Press MAIN- A.Setup 1 Stop V 90v BalDur 20s
SETUP-AUTO. Group A ChrgDif 50v StrtDly 1s Grp/Loc: to select
Group & Location. If Location 2 #DecayCyc 3 CycDelay 3s another group and
you want to change TstAvai 1500 DcySeq +-+- Bal(Y/N) Y
another location,
location.
press Grp/Loc. Start Grp/Loc Cont MAIN
Cont: Perform auto
TstAvai: How many
more test can be sequence test
performed and Continuously. This will
stored. prompt for time
interval between each
auto sequence tests.

MAIN: back to MAIN screen.

As soon as the start button is pushed the screen switches to the auto test screen and
proceeds to run the prescribed number of decays and balance (only if balance is set to run
via the setup). The unit moves automatically from one test to another until it has completed
the programmed sequence. At the end of the tests the screen changes to display, individual
decay times, average decay time, balance results, including / peaks and average voltage,
as well as date, time, temperature, humidity, group/location. From this point you can select
to run another test sequence or return to the automatic screen.
As in the manual mode, the group/location button will allow you to select the appropriate
label for the ionizer under test.

Figure 15. Auto sequence tests:

AUTO + 1 of 3 DecayTime Group A

Location 1
6.2s Start 1000v

1008
This shows the
current test is StopV 100v
+decay, Cycle 1 MxDcy 300s
of 3.
v SKIP STOP

SKIP: Allows user to skip start delay time.

STOP: stop the test.

14
When the auto sequence tests are finished, data will be shown as follows:

Figure 16. Auto Sequence Test Review:

3 +Decay EndV -Decay EndV

NxtCyc: highlight the next
Group A 1 6.5s 6.5s .
Location 2 2 6.5s 6.5s data row.
06/22/08 3 6.4s 6.5s
03:32:56P MAIN: back to MAIN screen.
30C 62%RH Av 6.5s 6.5s
+Vp=+22.6 –Vp=-12.3 Vav=+04.5 AUTO: start another auto
sequence test.
NxtCyc MAIN AUTO

Programming features for Auto Sequence Test:

Start voltage – Same as manual

Charge Differential – Same as manual
Stop voltage – Same as manual
Test Start Delay – Same as manual
Max Decay Time – Same as manual
Balance Duration – Same as manual
Decay Cycle – Range from 1 to 10, adjustable in increments of 1. This is the number of 
and – decays the unit will run in an automatic sequence.
Decay Sequence – Select either the decay sequence of     or     for the number of
cycles selected in Decay Cycle.
Cycle Delay – Range from 2sec to 15sec, adjustable in 1sec increments. This is the
amount of time from the finish of the last decay cycle to the start of the next.
Balance (Y/N) – Select whether or not you want a balance test to automatically run at the
end of the decay cycle.
Continuous – This feature allows you to perform a continuous series of tests on a
selectable time basis. For example, you want to run a series of decay and balance every
hour for the next day. From the automatic screen select CONT, then select the desired test
time interval from 1 minute to 24 hours. Once you have programmed the time, press EXIT
and you will advance to the next screen. From this screen you have the option of pressing
CANCEL or START. The START key begins the default automatic test sequence and will
repeat that test sequence at the time interval selected. This continuous testing will continue
until you stop the tests or the memory becomes full.

15
From the MAIN Screen (Figure 1), press SETUP – AUTO. Then highlight the A.Setup 1, press
DISPLAY. The following screen will appear:

Figure 17. Setup for Auto Sequence Test:

SETUP A.TEST 1 Press NEXT or PREV to highlight the

StartV 1000v MaxDcy 22s item, then press EDIT to make changes.
A.Setup 1 Stop V 100v BalDur 12s
Last enter ChrgDif 50v StrtDly 2s
When finish, press SAVE to store the new
06/12/08 #DecayCyc 3 CycDelay 3s
settings. Or press CANCEL to discard the
10:20A DcySeq +-+- Bal(Y/N) Y
changes.
NEXT PREV EDIT CANCEL SAVE

16
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
Group and Location –
By accessing this screen the tests can be organized to reflect the ionizers’ locations. There
are up to 17 Groups available, with a maximum of almost 700 locations. The total number
of group/locations available will vary depending on how extensive the tests are for the
individual locations (i.e. how many decays are run for each ionizer). Up to 1500 tests may
be run. By using a PC connected to the units RS232 port it is possible to custom label these
group/locations (i.e. Building 10 - Bench 2E). Via the same link it is then possible to
download all the test results stored in the unit into a spreadsheet on the PC.

Figure 18. Select Group/Location for the test

GRP/LOC Default Grp/Loc Name

Group A has 99 locations.
Grp# Name #ofLoc AMTest
AMTest: A(uto sequence) /
Current: 1 Group A 99 00
M(annual) test Setup for
Group A 2 Group B 99 00
this Group:
Location 1 3 Group C 99 00
0=Use Default setup
MaxGrp 17 4 Group D 99 00
1=Use A/M Setup 1;
NEXT NXTLOC CANCEL SELECT 2=Use A/M Setup 2;
3=Use A/M Setup 3;
4=Factory
5=Test
AMTest can be set in the
PC software when entering
the Group/locations..

NEXT: to highlight the next Group.

NXTLOC: Select the same group, next location from the current one.
CANCEL: Cancel the selection.
SELECT: Select the highlighted group. This will lead to select location screen.

Test Parameter Setups –

In both the Manual and Automatic Modes there are five distinct setups. Three of these are
available to the user to customize as needed. The other two are the factory and test
settings, which are not adjustable. Any of these can be selected as the default test setup.

Data Storage and Review –

All test results are stored in the internal memory of the unit. They can be viewed through
the screen or downloaded to a PC. Each test records the time, date, temperature, humidity
and test results.

17
 Figure 19. Review Data: From MAIN screen (Figure 1), press DATA
RvwMan: Review Manual test data. See
DATA Figure 11.
Group A RvwAuto: Review Auto sequence data.
Location 1 See Figure 16.
TstAvai 1450
GRP/LOC: Select group/location.
RvwMan RvwAuto GRP/LOC CLR MAIN CLR: Erase data.
MAIN: Back to MAIN screen.

Peak Reset –
During a manual balance test where Balance Duration has been disabled the M BALANCE will show
BalDur=XXXXs which means that the test will run continuously until STOPped. Pressing the PkRst
key at any time will reset the displayed peak values to zero and the timer will continue to run until it
reaches 999.9s then the decimal point will shift and the display will run to 9999s (or about 2 hours
and 47 minutes). Beyond that, an overrun error is displayed.

Plate Voltage Bar graph –

Three ranges are provided with a maximum resolution of less than 10 volts for making very
fast assessments of plate voltage and polarity around zero.

Power –
The unit will run on either AC or battery power. The internal rechargeable battery will supply
up to six hours of operation.

Charge Plate –
A 6 X 6 plate comes standard with the 288. When it is detached from the base unit it comes with
the ground plane plate or can be taken off as a separate item. Mounting hardware allows the plate to
be attached to the side of the unit, connected to a tripod via ¼ -20 threaded insert or put into any
variety of situations to measure ionization. A 5-foot extension cable comes standard with the unit.
To release the detachable charge plate only, slide it forward. To remove the complete charge plate
and ground plane assembly, press the release button with a suitable tool and swing the assembly
slightly to the right.
For those space restricted applications, there are several optional plate sizes available down to 1” x
1”. Consult factory for other sizes and availability.

Grounds –
A ground snap is provided on one corner of the ground plane and a ground jack is provided on the
back panel. The instrument chassis is normally connected to ground via the power cord during AC
operation and the ground plane is connected to the chassis when the unit is assembled. Grounding
is essential to proper operation.

Analog Output –
An analog output jack is provided on the back panel.

18
 Section 5

MAINTENANCE
Precautions —
User maintenance should normally be limited to keeping the instrument clean and free from
physical damage. Store the instrument in its protective carrying pouch when not in use.

Cleaning —
Fingerprints and other contaminants may be removed from the case with a clean lint-free cloth
dampened in a 70%/30% mix of clean technical grade isopropyl alcohol and de-ionized water.
DO NOT use soap or detergent.

Battery —
Battery voltage is monitored and displayed on the MAIN screen. Normal range of operation is
between 10 and 15 volts. When the battery has discharged to below 10 volts, a warning
message is displayed and the instrument shuts down 15 seconds later terminating any activity
in progress. Battery charge life depends on type of tests being run and the settings selected in
the OPTION menu. Testing may be resumed using AC power.
A complete re-charge cycle takes 4-6 hours with power off.

Charge State Indicator —

While the unit is connected to an AC power line and in an inactive state, the upper half (red) of
the PLATE VOLTAGE bar graph serves as a battery state-of-charge indicator with maximum
being a float condition and minimum implying that the battery requires further charging. The
“x1” and “x2” range lights will be lit. If the power cord becomes disconnected, the LED’s will
continue to report the battery status for several minutes.

Calibration —
Calibration is not a user function and is beyond the scope of this manual. Calibration
information is available from the factory. Monroe Electronics recommends annual calibration
and/or when the instrument is damaged or repaired or where called for more often by contract.
We offer repair and calibration services for a fee.

19
 Section 6

REFERENCES

Documents associated with ionization:

ESD Association Standard —
ANSI/ESD STM3.1 –Ionization
ESD Association Advisory – ESD ADV3.2 –
Selection and Acceptance of Air Ionizers
ESD Association (Draft) Standard – ANSI/ESD SP3.3 – Periodic Verification of Air
Ionizers
ESD Association Advisory – ESD ADV1.0 – Glossary

Are available from:

ESD Association, Inc.
7900 Turin Rd.
Building 3, Suite 2
Rome, NY 13440-2069
Phone (315) 339-6937
Fax (315) 339-6793
eosesd@aol.com
http://www.eosesd.org

Monroe Electronics, Inc. does not supply copies of standards or advisories.

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 WARRANTY

Monroe Electronics, Inc., warrants to the Owners, this instrument to be free from defects in
material and workmanship for a period of two years after shipment from the factory. This
warranty is applicable to the original purchaser only.

Liability under this warranty is limited to service, adjustment or replacement of defective parts
(other than tubes, fuses or batteries) on any instrument or sub-assembly returned to the
factory for this purpose, transportation prepaid.

This warranty does not apply to instruments or sub-assemblies subjected to abuse, abnormal
operating conditions, or unauthorized repair or modification.

Since Monroe Electronics, Inc. has no control over conditions of use, no warranty is made or
implied as to the suitability of our product for the customer’s intended use.

THIS WARRANTY SET FORTH IN THIS ARTICLE IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
AND FITNESS. Except for obligations expressly undertaken by Monroe Electronics, in this
Warranty, Owner hereby waives and releases all rights, claims and remedies with respect to
any and all guarantees, express, implied, or statutory (including without limitation, the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness), and including but without being limited to any
obligation of Monroe Electronics with respect to incidental or consequential damages, or
damages for loss of use. No agreement or understanding varying or extending the warranty
will be binding upon Monroe Electronics unless in writing signed by a duly authorized
representative of Monroe Electronics.

In the event of a breach of the foregoing warranty, the liability of Monroe Electronics shall be
limited to repairing or replacing the non-conforming goods and/or defective work, and in
accordance with the foregoing, Monroe Electronics shall not be liable for any other damages,
either direct or consequential.

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 RETURN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FACTORY REPAIR
Return authorization is required for factory repair work. Material being returned to the factory
for repair must have a Return Material Authorization number. To obtain an RMA number,
call 585-765-2254 and ask for Customer Service.

Material returned to the factory for warranty repair should be accompanied by a copy of a
dated invoice or bill of sale, which serves as a proof of purchase for the material. Serial
numbers and date codes on our products also serve to determine warranty status. Removal
of these labels or tags may result in voiding a product’s warranty.

Repairs will be returned promptly. Repairs are normally returned to the customer by UPS
within 10 to 15 working days after receipt by Monroe Electronics, Inc. Return (to the
customer) UPS charges will be paid by Monroe Electronics on warranty work. Return (to the
customer) UPS charges will be prepaid and added to invoice for out-of-warranty repair work.

RETURN OF REPAIRED ITEMS:

Factory repairs will be returned to the customer by the customer’s choice of FedEx, DHL or
UPS. Warranty repairs will be returned via UPS ground. The customer may request
accelerated shipping via the previous mentioned carriers for both warranty and non-warranty
repairs. NOTE: Accelerated transportation expenses for all factory repairs will always be at
the expense of the customer despite the warranty status of the equipment.

FACTORY REPAIRS TO MODIFIED EQUIPMENT:

Material returned to the factory for repair that has been modified will not be tested unless the
nature and purpose of the modification is understood by us and does not render the
equipment untestable at our repair facility. We will reserve the right to deny service to any
modified equipment returned to the factory for repair regardless of the warranty status of the
equipment.

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