Table of Contents
1. Instrument menu description
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
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:

- Home screen
- General
- Data
- Graph
- Pollution rose
- Table
- Log
- Export / Import
- Storage
- Quality assurance, quality control
- External device and protocols
- Settings
- Advanced
- Date & Time
- RH Settings
- System
- Network
- Diagnostics
- Display
- Datalogger
- Upgrade
- 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 – see video.
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 – see video.
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 the Technical Support Request form.
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 – see video.
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
You have reached the end of the document. Congratulations!