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Aethalometer AE36/AE36s Quick Help

This short guide will help you quickly resolve issues when operating AE36 or AE36s.

Alternatively:

Please consult the User Manual that came with the instrument on USB stick

Contact us using the Technical Support Request form

Check our YouTube channel for Aethalometer standard operating procedures 

 

Latest SW versions: Aerosol Magee Scientific User group 

Latest FW version: refer to Aerosol Magee Scientific User group 

Latest User Manual version: refer to Aerosol Magee Scientific User group 

 

 

Table of Contents

Table of Contents 

1. Instrument menu description 

  • Start up screen 

Upon start-up, the instrument will perform electronic, optical and air-flow initialization test procedures which can take up to 5 minutes. All internal systems are tested, and the results are indicated by green check boxes for each step. The instrument will automatically begin measurements after the initialization tests finish. 

If you do not see green icons at each check, the following list provides the most common solutions for each check (Check -> Solution) 

Communication -> check cables 

Instrument data -> check cables 

Storage -> get new CF card and SW 

Configuration settings -> restore setup file from one of the older setup files 

Valves -> check cables 

Chamber -> unlock chamber or service needed 

Pump & Flow -> reconnect tubes or service needed 

Device monitoring -> get new CF card and SW 

  

  • Home screen 

On each screen, the user can navigate the interface by pressing the icons in the vertical menu bar on the left side of the screen.  

There are 8 menu icons: 

  1. Home screen 
  2. General 
  3. Data
    • Graph 
    • Pollution rose 
    • Table 
    • Log 
    • Export / Import 
    • Storage
  4. Quality assurance, quality control 
  5. External device and protocols 
  6. Settings 
    • Advanced 
    • Date & Time 
    • RH Settings 
  7. System 
    • Network 
    • Diagnostics 
    • Display 
    • Datalogger 
    • Upgrade 
  8. Info 

The Status Line – uppermost line on the top of the screen – displays information about the instrument Status, Serial number, USB connection, remote access connection, number of network connections, number of connected external devices and System time and date. The instrument’s Operational Status deconvolution can be displayed by clicking on the top left icon. The color of the Status bar indicates the severity of the Status (Green = Normal operation, Orange = Warning, Red = Stopped or Error). 

For more details please refer to instrument User’s manual section User interface, settings and operation. 

2. Instrument status overview 

The General Status of the instrument is shown by the color of the top line of the screen display, the status description on the homepage, and the LED indicator next to it: (Green = Instrument is measuring with no warning; Green and blinking = Instrument is running in QA/QC mode with no warnings or instrument is performing tape advance; Orange = Instrument is running with warnings, check status; Red = Instrument is stopped or in error). The detailed Status Code can be observed by pressing the Status icon on the far left of the status line or by pressing the status indication symbol on the Home screen. The Status Code of the instrument is a combination of seven groups of sub-status values (8 bits) in the following order: 

G0_G1_G2_G3_G4_G5_G6 

Each of the seven groups represents: 

G0 – General: General status of the instrument.  

G1 – Operation: Current instruments operation. 

G2 – Flow: Warnings and errors linked to instruments flow. 

G3 – LED: Information, warnings, and errors linked to LED source. 

G4 – Chamber, Tape, RH: Warnings and errors linked to instruments chamber, tape, RH.  

G5 – QA/QC: Information about instruments QA/QC procedure is running. 

G6 – Information: General information, warnings, and errors. 

Value  G0 – General  G1 – Operation  G2 – Flow  
0  Stopped  Idle   
1  / Running  Measurement  Flow w 
2  Warning  Self-testing  Flow ratio w 
4  QA/QC   Tape advance  Pump speed high w 
8  Error  ATN zero  FVRF out of range w 
16    Calibration  Flowmeter e 
32    Verification  Ball valve e 
64       
128       
256       

 

Value  G3 – LED   G4 – Chamber, Tape, RH  G5 –  QA/QC  G6 – Information 
0         
1  Calibrating  Tape w  Stability  Internet access 
2  LED  w  Tape last w  Clean air  External device  w 
4  LED e  Tape end e  ND  Remote access/support 
8    Tape stuck e  Filter leakage  Storage e 
16    Chamber e  Inlet leakage  Database w 
32    RH tape compartment  w  Tape change  Internal communication e 
64    RH inlet w  Flow  Door open w 
128    RH inlet e  Tape sensors  Settings w 
256    Tape wrong e  Cleaning  Autotest w 

w – Warnings: The instrument will keep measuring if the warning status is triggered. It is still advised to troubleshoot and resolve the warnings as soon as possible. 

e – Errors: The instrument will no longer enter measurement if an error status is triggered.  

Deconvolution of the status code: 

The Status flag can be interpreted by pressing the status icon ( X , ✓ , ! ) on the upper left corner of the Status bar or on the Home screen status indicator ( X , ✓ , ! ).  

Pressing on status indicators will automatically switch the display to a screen that deconvolutes the code value and displays the meaning. 

Examples of warnings and errors: 

Status description  Status bar color / Status indicator  Status code 
Stopped  Red / Red  0_0_0_0_0_0_0 
Running, Measurements  Green / Green  1_1_0_0_0_0_0 
Running, Tape advance  Green / Green and blinking  1_4_0_0_0_0_0 
Running, Measuring initial attenuation (ATNzero)  Green / Green and blinking  1_8_0_0_0_0_0 
Running, Automatic clean air test  Green / Green and blinking  4_2_0_0_0_2_0  
Running, Measurements with flow warning  Orange / Orange  2_1_1_0_0_0_0  
Running, Measurements with external device warning  Orange / Orange  2_1_0_0_0_0_2  
QA/QC, Tape change  Red / Red  4_0_0_0_0_32_0 
Error, RH inlet error  Red / Red  8_0_0_0_128_0_0 

In case of warnings and errors, a Troubleshoot button will appear. More information about what triggered status the status and troubleshooting guides are displayed when pressing this button. 

If the status can be reset without stopping the measurements, user can reset the status by pressing the Reset button. 

The following section contains some most common examples of errors and warnings with corresponding Problem and Solution description.  

3. Flow warning – Status 2_1_1_0_0_0_0 - Running, Measurements with flow warning 

Problem 1: Flow not calibrated 

Solution 1: Calibrate flow – see video below, or see User’s Manual section Flow calibration. 

https://youtu.be/4KixL3XQRco 

Or 

Problem 2: Clogged inlet line 

Solution 2a: Check inlet lines, inlets 

Solution 2b: Clean the sample inlet flow path by using the self-cleaning procedure and, in the next step, the manual cleaning of the optical chamber (video). 

Tools needed: Philips (‘ + ‘) screwdriver 

Cleaning equipment needed: Ethanol, Cotton-tipped swab sticks, Cotton wipe cloths, Can of ‘dust removal’ pressurized spray with a nozzle tube. 

Step 1: Turn OFF the instrument and unplug the power cord 

Step 2: Remove the top cover and lock the optical chamber in the raised position 

Step 3: Disconnect the inlet tube from the optical chamber. Use compressed gas to clean the flow path. Do not use compressed gas flowing from the main inlet port towards the chamber.  Instead, always be sure that the flow of cleaning gas is in a direction AWAY FROM the optical chamber. This will prevent blowing contamination into the optical chamber. 

To remove all particles from the main inlet, tubing, and ball valve, we recommend cleaning the airflow path with ethanol using cotton swabs – as shown in pictures below. 

Step 4: Cleaning of the optical chamber (you may also refer to this video) and the flow divider: 

  • Remove the transparent light guide cylinder and clean it with alcohol. 
  • Remove the filter tape, cover the suction inlet ports (under the tape) with a wipe cloth and then blow the area clean with compressed gas. 
  • Use cotton swabs (small, large) and ethanol for cleaning. Clean the vertical inlet tube fitting. 

And the two flow paths: 

 

Step 5: Preventive leakage test. We recommend performing a leakage test once the instrument is operational. 

4. Flow ratio warning – Status 2_1_2_0_0_0_0 - Running, Measurements with flow ratio warning 

Problem 1: Incorrect flow ratio  

Solution 1: Clean the sample inlet flow path by using Self-cleaning or Manual cleaning procedure (see instructions under previous section Flow warning). 

5. Instrument status code 2_1_0_2_0_0_0 – LED status 

Problem: LED calibration warning (at least one channel not OK – signal below defined limit for RAW values) 

Solution (1): remove the flow calibration pad 

Solution (2): clean the optical chamber – see video. 

Solution (3): update firmware 

Solution (4): faulty LED board -> service needed 

If the RAW signal value on one of the channels is below the low limit, an LED error will be triggered – status  8_0_0_4_0_0_0. 

6. Instrument status code 8_0_0_0_16_0_0 – Chamber status error 

Problem: Chamber motor mechanism failure 

Solution (1): Restart the instrument and check if the chamber error persists. 

Solution (2): Check chamber movement in manual controls. 

Solution (3): Contact Aerosol Magee Scientific support or your authorized distributor. 

7. Instrument status codes – 2_1_0_0_2_0_0 – Filter Tape status warning 

Problem: Not much filter tape remaining  

Solution: Schedule filter tape replacement. See video. 

8. Instrument status code – 8_0_0_0_4_0_0  – Filter Tape status error 

Problem: No filter remaining  

Solution: Replace filter tape. See video 

9. Instrument status code  8_0_0_0_8_0_0 – Filter Tape status error 

Problem: Tape not moving or instrument stopped with filter remaining 

Solution 1: Tighten right spool thumbscrew 

Or 

Solution 2: Clean and/or calibrate tape sensors. If this occurs, one of the tape sensors might be malfunctioned. 

10. Instrument status code – 2_1_0_0_0_0_2 – External device 

Problem: Connection with the external device not working  

Solution (1): Check physical connection 

Solution (2): Check if correct COM port is used 

11. Instrument status code – 2_1_0_0_0_0_256  – Warning after AutoCleanAir test 

Problem: Result of autoclean air test is not acceptable. Criteria not met: PPBC on one of the channels on both spots more than the value stated in the table below: 

Wavelength
(nm) 
PPBC Spot 1
(ng/m3) 
PPBC Spot 2
(ng/m3) 
340*  150  520 
370  220  750 
400*  180  600 
470  180  590 
520  200  660 
590  220  740 
630  230  790 
880  330  1100 
950  360  1200 

*Applies to AE36s only. 

Solution (1):  Clean the optical chamber – seevideo. 

Solution (2):  Check for air-conditioning effects. If the problem persists, contact Aerosol Magee Scientific support or your authorized distributor. 

Solution (3): Service of the instrument is recommended. 

12. Instrument status code – 8_0_0_0_0_0_8 – CF card failure 

Solution: CF card needs to be reconfigured or replaced. Thus contact support using the Technical Support Request form. 

13. Instrument status code – 2_1_0_0_0_0_16 – Database reaching limit warning 

Problem: Database size reaching limit. 

Solution: Delete old data 

14. RH inlet warning –  2_1_0_0_64_0_0 – Measurement running with RH inlet warning 

Problem: During measurement (G1=1), the RH fluctuation of the sampled air (inlet) is higher than the set limit value or the RH is over the set upper limit.  

Solution (1): Check the instrument RH settings (See User’s manual Section RH Settings). 

Solution (2): Check the InletHumidity sensor data and determine the cause of high RH or high RH fluctuations. 

Solution (3): Insulate the inlet tubing 

Solution (4): A Sample Stram dryer is recommended to decrease the RH of sampled air and minimize sample RH fluctuations. 

15. RH inlet error –  8_0_0_0_128_0_0 – Instrument stopped due to RH inlet error 

Problem: When the RH of the sampled air (Inlet RH sensor) exceeds 90%, the instrument is stopped, and the ball valve is closed to prevent flooding or condensed water entering the instrument. 

Solution (1): Unplug the instrument from the power supply. 

Solution (2): The sensor must be dried before restarting the measurements. Removing, inspecting and drying the Inlet RH sensor before restarting the measurements is advised. For detailed instructions please contact Aerosol Magee Scientific support or your authorized distributor. 

Solution (3): Restart the measurements. 

16. RH tape compartment warning –  2_1_0_0_32_0_0 – Measurement running with RH tape compartment warning 

Problem: During measurement, the RH fluctuation in the tape compartment is higher than the set limit value. 

Solution (1): Check the instrument RH settings (User’s manual Section RH Settings) 

Solution (2): Ensure the instrument’s door is completely closed during the measurements. 

Solution (3): Check that the rubber sealing around the edge of the door is installed correctly and that it is not deformed.  

Solution (4): If the warning persists after restarting the measurements, contact Aerosol Magee Scientific support or your authorized distributor. 

17. Flow verification – Unacceptable quality control test results 

https://youtu.be/4KixL3XQRco 

Criteria not met: Measured flows differ by more than 10 % 

Solution (1):  Calibrate flow – see chapter Flow calibration 

Solution (2):  Use good flow calibrator. 

Solution (3):  Verify use of correct flow reporting standard. 

18. Filter leakage test – Unacceptable quality control test results 

Criteria not met: ζ > 5 % (zeta more than 5%) 

Solution:  Lubricate optical chamber sliders – seevideo. 

19. Inlet leakage test – Unacceptable quality control test results 

Criteria not met: leakage > 10 % (inlet leakage more than 10%) 

Solution:  Check the complete inlet for possible leakage. If the reported leakage is still larger than 10%, contact Aerosol Magee Scientific support or your authorized distributor. 

20. Stability test – Unacceptable quality control test results  

Criteria not met: PPATN > 2.5 x 10-4 (for either channel 340*, 370, 470, 520, 590, 630, 880 or 950) or PPATN > 3.0 x 10-4 (for channel 400*). 

Solution (1):  Clean the optical chamber – see video. 

Solution (2):  Possible electronics problem. Contact support using theTechnical Support Requestform.  

Solution (c): If the problem persists, contact Aerosol Magee Scientific support or your authorized distributor. 

21. Clean air test – Unacceptable quality control test results 

Criteria: PPBC on one of the channels more than the value stated in the table below: 

Wavelength
(nm) 
PPBC Spot 1
(ng/m3) 
PPBC Spot 2
(ng/m3) 
340*  150  520 
370  220  750 
400*  180  600 
470  180  590 
520  200  660 
590  220  740 
630  230  790 
880  330  1100 
950  360  1200 

*Applies to AE36s only. 

Solution (1):  Clean the optical chamber – seevideo. 

Solution (2):  Check for air-conditioning effects. If the problem persists, contact Aerosol Magee Scientific support or your authorized distributor. 

For more statuses and details, please see AE36 or AE36s User’s manual chapter TROUBLESHOOTING. 

Technical Support Request form 

  Aerosol Magee Scientific YouTube channel for Aethalometer standard operating procedures 

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