RAE SYSTEMS AutoRAE 2 Cradle User Guide
- June 7, 2024
- RAE Systems
Table of Contents
AutoRAE 2 Cradle Quickstart
Setup
Before using the AutoRAE 2 Cradle to bump test or calibrate, make sure the
AutoRAE 2 Cradle and (if one is used) the AutoRAE 2 Controller is running the
latest firmware. Also, follow the instructions in the AutoRAE 2 User’s Guide
for programming the gas configurations.
Important! Each calibration gas cylinder must have a demand-flow
regulator.
Connections
Install left and right end caps
Connect gas cylinders with gas inlets
Press filter onto receptacle at end of Cradle
UltraRAE 3000 or ppbRAE 3000 only:
Use an Active Carbon Filter for VOC filtering
Plug barrel from AC adapter into the jack, then AC Adapter to AC power source
Important! Always check that the gas configuration and the type/concentration of the calibration gases connected to the AutoRAE 2 Cradle match before you begin any bump test or calibration. Make sure there is enough gas in the cylinder(s). Set the RTC (real-time clock) date and time on the Cradle via ProRAE Studio II before first use.
Placing An Instrument In The Cradle
Important! If the Cradle is for a ToxiRAE Pro-family instrument, make sure the correct calibration adapter is in place.
- Make sure the filter on the instrument is not dirty or clogged (MiniRAE 3000, ppbRAE 3000, UltraRAE 3000, and MiniRAE Lite must be equipped with Quick Connectors and have their inlet probes removed).
- Make sure the instrument is turned off or in AutoRAE 2 Mode.
- Place the instrument into the cradle face-down, making check that it is aligned correctly with the contacts on the AutoRAE 2 Cradle’s charging port.
- Press in on the capture mechanism to lock the instrument in place.
The ToxiRAE Pro Cradle requires an adapter to be inserted in the capture
mechanism. ToxiRAE Pro and ToxiRAE Pro LEL (L) and ToxiRAE Pro PID (R).
Automatic Warm-Up Before Bump Testing Or Calibrating
When you place an instrument in the cradle and lock the capture mechanism, the
instrument begins charging and is automatically warmed up. Warm-up time
depends on the sensors installed in the instrument and their individual warm-
up requirements.
Performing A Bump Test
- Insert an instrument in the AutoRAE 2 Cradle.
- Press “Bump.” If the instrument is warmed up (both LEDs are glowing green), the bump test begins.
Consult the Bump & Cal Error & Status chart for an explanation of the LED
indications that tell you which
operations are underway and which LED indications tell you of errors during
calibration.
Note: If the instrument does not successfully pass a bump test, the AutoRAE 2 Cradle automatically begins a full calibration.
Performing A Calibration
Always perform a full calibration after replacing a sensor, using a new monitor, or if the instrument has been unused for a long period of time. In addition, if the instrument has failed a bump test, perform a full calibration.
- Make sure the span value in the monitor(s) and the AutoRAE 2 Controller match.
- Make sure the correct Gas Configuration has been selected (use G8; G1 through G7 are not supported).
- Insert a monitor into the AutoRAE 2 Cradle.
- Press “Cal.”
When the instrument is warmed up (both LEDs are glowing green), calibration begins.
Note: Calibration order is important. Refer to cross-interference information in section 21.2 (Connecting Calibration Gas) in the AutoRAE 2 User’s Guide and RAE Systems Technical Note TN-114: Sensor Specifications And CrossSensitivities (available for free download from www.raesystems.com).
Bump And Cal Errors And Status Messages
| Status | Bump LED | Cal LED | User Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm-up in progress | Orange (blinking in alternation) | Do not remove the |
instrument from the cradle, or the warm-up process will be interrupted.
Pressing keys has no effect.
Warm-up error| Red (blinking in alternation)| Remove the instrument from the
cradle and take the action indicated on the instrument’s display.
Warm-up completed successfully| Green| Green| Press Bump or Cal key to perform
a bump test or calibration.
Bump test in progress| Green (blinking)| Off| Do not remove the instrument, or
the process will be interrupted. Pressing keys has no effect.
Bump test completed successfully| Green| Off| The bump test result (pass) has
been logged. You may remove the instrument from the Cradle for use or leave it
on the Cradle for the next AutoRAE 2 operation or to charge its battery.
Bump test failed| Red (blinking slowly)| Off| The bump test result (fail) has
been logged. The AutoRAE 2 will perform calibration on the failed sensor(s)
automatically.
Calibration in progress| Off| Green (blinking)| Do not remove the instrument,
or the process will be interrupted. Pressing keys has no effect.
Calibration completed successfully| Off| Green| The result has been logged in
the instrument. You may remove the instrument from the Cradle.
Calibration failed| Off| Red (blinking slowly)| The result has been logged in
the instrument; you may remove it from the Cradle and read its display for an
error code.
Sleep mode| Orange| Orange| Charging continues when in sleep mode. Press
either key to wake up the instrument.
Monitor not connected / system idle| Off| Off| Check to make sure the monitor
is properly installed in the cradle and the capture mechanism is fully
engaged.
Check to make sure the monitor is in AutoRAE 2 Communications Mode or turned
off.
Cradle error| Red (blinking slowly)| Take the action indicated in the
Controller’s display. Otherwise, contact RAE Systems service.
Removing An instrument From The Cradle
To remove an instrument from the cradle, press the button to release the capture mechanism. Then lift the instrument from its inlet end.
Charging An Instrument’s Battery
The AutoRAE 2 Cradle automatically charges a docked instrument’s battery. The Charge Status LED glows red to indicate that charging is taking place. When the instrument’s battery is fully charged, the LED glows green.
Active Carbon Filter For Removing VOC
Whether zeroing a ppbRAE 3000 or UltraRAE 3000 or in an environment in which the ambient air has VOC (volatile organic compounds), it is highly recommended to use an Active Carbon Filter (P/N: 490-0006-000), which filters out VOC from the air.
Note: When an AutoRAE Controller is used with one or more Cradles, the air inlet on each attached cradle is disabled and the air is taken in through the Controller’s air inlet. Therefore, you only need to use one Active Carbon Filter for the Controller instead of on each cradle.
To install the Active Carbon Filter on the cradle:
- Remove the standard filter (if one is installed).
- Remove the plastic filter adapter by twisting the plastic filter clockwise while gently pulling outward.
- Press the Active Carbon Filter into the receptacle. The filter is designed for 20 uses. To help you keep track of how many calibrations are performed, there are 20 small boxes painted on the surface of the filter that you can mark with a pen after each use. Note: Make sure the arrow on the side of the filter points toward the cradle.
Remove standard filter
Remove plastic filter adapter
Press Active Carbon
Filter into receptacle
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
RAE Systems by Honeywell
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San Jose, CA 95134 USA
Phone: 408.952.8200
Fax: 408.952.8480
customerserv@raesystems.com
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Rev E May 2016
P/N T02-4014-000
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