Retrotec Model DM-2A mark II Dual Channel Pressure Gauge User Guide
Revision History Jan 29, 2008 0.00 Mark II, Jeff Jan 29, 2008 0.01 Colin copied to Word 2003 and edited it. Jan 31, 2008 0.02 Joe copied it to Word 2004 and edited it 0.03 Revised for documentation re-design and new style guide Feb.
DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Retrotec Model DM-2A mark II Dual Channel Pressure Gauge User Guide Retrotec Energy Innovations, Ltd.
DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Copyright © 2005-2008 Retrotec Energy Innovations, Ltd. All rights reserved. This document contains materials protected under International Copyright Laws. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of Retrotec Energy Innovations, Ltd.
DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual About Retrotec Energy Innovations Retrotec Energy Innovations, Ltd. manufactures blower doors (or door fans) that are used in over 40 countries to measure the leakage rate of buildings, houses, rooms, ductwork and enclosures.
DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Energy loss testing is used for measuring losses in large commercial buildings and residences where mandatory testing is required to fulfill the criteria of certain jurisdictional standards. For example, residential homes in Canada are tested to fulfill R-2000 requirements while existing housing stock is tested for EnerGuide ratings using the CGSB standard.
DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Table of Contents Section 1 Getting Started Installing the Batteries Checking Battery Health AC Power Adapter Exploring the Display and Keypad Buttons Viewing the Display Screen Using the Keypad Buttons 3 3 4 5 6 6 7 Section 2 Working with the Setup Screen Enabling and Disabling Devices Enabling and Disabling Modes @-mode Extrapolation Slope (n) Automatic Power Down Area Units Volume Units European Decimal Conventions Sig Figs Reverse Mode 13 13 15
DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Section 5 Using Advanced Configuration Modes Accessing Configuration Modes Preset Configuration Choosing Custom Configuration Options Using Range Configuration Options 33 33 34 34 35 Appendix A Configuring and Using the DM-2A for Specific Standards CGSB 149.
Introducing the Retrotec DM-2A mark II Congratulations on the purchase of your new Retrotec DM-2A mark II Dual-Channel Digital Micromanometer and Control. This high-quality, precision measuring instrument is the most advanced of its type and represents the state-of-the-art for air-tightness testing, enclosure leakage measurement, and building performance assessment.
1: Getting Started Retrotec Energy Innovations, Ltd.
1: Getting Started DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Section 1 Getting Started Before you can begin using your new DM-2A mark II gauge, there are a few quick tasks you’ll need to perform. You’ll find that setting up your gauge for first use and exploring its basic operations is a relatively simple operation that takes just a few moments. In this section, you’ll learn to install the batteries, determine battery health, and/or attach the power adapter.
1: Getting Started DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual 2. Install the batteries according to the orientation symbols on the circuit panel. 3. Replace the battery compartment panel and securely tighten the screw. The DM-2A mark II contains a built-in NiMH battery charger. Other battery types (such as alkaline batteries) can be used to power the DM-2A but you MUST remove these batteries before attaching an external power source.
1: Getting Started DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Under typical operation, the DM-2A will operate for many hours on a set of fully charged batteries. 4. To turn off the gauge, press and briefly hold the On/Off button. The display will become blank indicating the gauge is no longer operational. AC Power Adapter Your gauge includes an AC adapter that will provide power when the unit is on and recharges the batteries (if required) while it is attached.
1: Getting Started DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Your gauge will charge while turned off and while external power is available either from the AC adapter or from power available on the fan. While the batteries are actively charging, the gauge will dimly display a ‘BATTERIES CHARGING’ message together with a progress meter.
1: Getting Started DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual The following list explains what each of the information labels printed around the perimeter of your display screen represent: • Baseline Indicates either the baseline pressure that will be deducted from the PrA value or the current battery health status. • n Indicates the value of the slope of the line along which @-measurements will be extrapolated. • Time Indicates time averaging on or off.
1: Getting Started DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual The keys labeled 0 through 9 and the decimal point can be used for inputting values when needed. You’ll also notice there are four directional keys labeled with arrows as in 2, 4, 6, and 8 representing up, left, right, and down (respectively).
1: Getting Started DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual • Velocity Displays the air velocity. This mode requires that a pitot tube be installed. • Velocity Flow Displays the flow calculated from the velocity and crosssectional area of the measured duct. Range Config Press the Range Config keypad button to cycle through the available flow ranges for the current test fan. Setup Press the Setup keypad button to access the main Setup menu.
1: Getting Started DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Auto Zero Press the Auto Zero keypad button to turn the automatic zeroing function on or off. Automatic zeroing sets the gauge to automatically zero itself every 10 seconds. Generally speaking, the DM-2 should be used with auto zero feature on.
1: Getting Started DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual On / Off, Backlight Pressing this button once while the gauge is off turns it on and displays the Retrotec introduction screen. Pressing the button a second time displays the main operational display screen. While the gauge is on, you can press this button to toggle the backlighting illumination for the display screen on or off. Press and hold this button turn the gauge off.
1: Getting Started DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual NOTES 12 Retrotec Energy Innovations, Ltd.
2: Working with the Setup Screen DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Section 2 Working with the Setup Screen If you’re preparing your DM-2A mark II gauge for first-time use, or need to make adjustments to the gauge’s current setup configuration, this section will help guide you through the process and briefly explain the available options. Follow the steps in this section to access the setup and mode options.
2: Working with the Setup Screen DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual 4. Press the Enter, (Left), and/or (Right) keypad buttons to display the Enable/ Disable Device screen (as shown next). A list of device names is displayed in column format. The column on the right indicates the current status of the device profile. A Yes status in this column indicates the device profile is enabled, while No indicates the profile is currently disabled. 5.
2: Working with the Setup Screen DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual 7. Device ranges and/or configurations can also be custom-configured if needed. For example, if you don’t require the low flow ranges for a Retrotec 2000 fan, you can configure the gauge to disable the L4, L2, and L1 ranges. This will prevent those ranges from being displayed when you press the Range Config keypad button.
2: Working with the Setup Screen DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual 4. Press the Enter, (Left), and/or (Right) keypad buttons to view the Enable/Disable Modes screen. In this screen, you can enable or disable measurement modes select the units of measurement for that mode. Available modes are: Pressure, Flow, EfLA, EqLA, Air Changes, Flow per Area, EqLA per Area, Velocity and Velocity Flow.
2: Working with the Setup Screen DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual To cancel an incorrectly entered value, press the Exit keypad button. Any values you entered will not be applied. For more information on selecting the configuration options available to each of the available modes, see Choosing Custom Configuration Options in Section 5, Using Advanced Configurations.
2: Working with the Setup Screen DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual The Power Down feature affects normal operation during testing. Be certain to allow for typical testing operations when choosing a setting. Area Units You can choose your unit measure preference for the area measurements that are displayed on the gauge using the Area setup option (shown next). The area units may be set to square feet (ft2), square meters (m2), square centimeters (cm2), or square inches (in2).
2: Working with the Setup Screen DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual European Decimal Conventions Use the European decimal convention option to specify how whole and fractional values are presented both on the display and in captured data. European conventions use a comma (,) rather than a decimal point (.) to separate the integer portion of a number from the fractional portion. Your DM-2A mark II gauge supports both conventions.
2: Working with the Setup Screen DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Sig Figs The Significant Figures – or ‘Sig Figs’ – feature controls the number of significant digits displayed and allows an extra digit, round to the nears 5 to be displayed. The available options are: 2.5 Two significant figures plus a third figure rounded to either 0 or 5. 3.0 Three significant figures. 3.5 Three significant figures plus a fourth figure rounded to either 0 or 5.
2: Working with the Setup Screen DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual In normal (forward) mode, your gauge will increase the fan speed in order to achieve higher pressures and decrease the fan speed in order to achieve lower pressures. Reverse mode is used for advanced neutralization testing and sets the gauge in Reverse Control mode. While in this mode, the gauge will increase the fan speed in order to reduce the pressure and decrease the fan speed in order to increase the pressure.
2: Working with the Setup Screen DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual NOTES 22 Retrotec Energy Innovations, Ltd.
3: Connecting Your Gauge DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Section 3 Connecting Your Gauge to a Fan Connecting your DM-2A mark II to your Retrotec door fan or other similar device is a straightforward operation. Your Retrotec umbilical cord includes the necessary tube and cable connections. The tubes are color-coded to match other system hardware. For example, the red pressure hose connects to the red pressure port on the top end of the gauge.
3: Connecting Your Gauge DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Let’s explore a typical connection procedure as a practical example. To set up the connections required to use a Retrotec fan device, follow these simple steps: 1. Plug the yellow Ethernet cable into the port labeled Speed Control. 2. Plug the red and yellow tubes into the color-coded pressure ports on the top side of the gauge (as shown next). Ensure the tubes are snugly connected to the ports. 3.
3: Connecting Your Gauge DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual 9. Pass the red pressure tube through the door panel or cloth to the other side of the door. This tube is intentionally 15 feet longer than the yellow pressure tube to accommodate the extra distance required and is designed to measure the pressure created across the wall. Pull all of the red tubing to the other side of the door and lay it in a location that is beyond the flow stream of the fan and not subject to wind effects.
3: Connecting Your Gauge DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual NOTES 26 Retrotec Energy Innovations, Ltd.
4: Basic Operations DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Section 4 Exploring Basic Test Operations Now that your DM-2A mark II gauge and fan are properly connected you’re ready to begin taking measurements. A good place to start is to conduct a simple pressure-pressure test. Doing this, you’ll learn how to turn on the gauge, choose a Mode, activate Time Average and Auto Zero features, and control fan speed and pressure using Set Speed, Set Pressure, and Jog/Hold.
4: Basic Operations DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Using Time Average 3. The time averaging feature calculates the average pressure over a given time period. Pressing the Time Avg keypad button enables you to cycle through the range of time-averaging intervals: Off, 1s, 2s, 4s, 8s, 10s, 20s, 1m, and 2m (where s represents seconds and m represents minutes). The current time average interval is displayed in the display window below the Time label (as shown next).
4: Basic Operations DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Using the Auto Zero feature consumes additional power that may be a consideration when operating your gauge on batteries alone. Setting the Fan Speed 5. Press the Set Speed keypad button. Notice the Fan Speed %: prompt appears on the gauge display screen followed by a blinking cursor (as shown next). This feature enables you to directly enter the fan speed to a value between 1 and 100 percent.
4: Basic Operations DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual 6. While the Set Speed feature is active, the current speed of the fan will be displayed in the lower-right corner of the display screen (as shown next). The pressure values displayed will remain relatively constant, although minute changes are to be expected. Using Jog/Hold 7. Press the Jog/Hold keypad button once. Notice that Jog now appears at the top centre of your gauge display screen (as shown next). 8.
4: Basic Operations DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual 9. Press the Jog/Hold keypad button again. Notice that Hold now appears at the top centre of your gauge display screen (as shown next). In this state, your gauge will hold the current measurements. This is useful when you wish to freeze a specific pressure reading at a given speed. 10. Press the Jog/Hold keypad button a third time to cycle the feature to off, as indicated on your display screen. 11.
4: Basic Operations DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual The Set Pressure feature will cannot be used in free-air tests. 13. For example, enter a value of 25 and press the Enter keypad button. The fan speed on the test device will gradually increase until the pressure value you entered is matched by the value displayed next to the PrA reading (as shown next). 14. Press and hold the On/Off keypad button to end your test session. The test fan will gradually slow to a stop.
5: Advanced Modes DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Section 5 Using Advanced Configuration Modes The DM-2A mark II gauge has several different pre-programmed test measurement mode configurations that enable you to quickly calculate various measurements in the field. Accessing Configuration Modes By default, your gauge comes configured with a number of commonly used modes preenabled. However, if you need to you can change the enabled modes or their displayed units at any time.
5: Advanced Modes DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Preset Configuration By default, your DM-2A mark II gauge is set to use a preset unit measurement configuration for each of the available modes. These defaults affect how all measurements are displayed.
5: Advanced Modes DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Using Range Configuration Options Each flow device – or fan – supports various flow restrictor range configurations which enable you to test enclosures with larger or smaller leakage areas. Each fan model that your gauge can control can use a unique set of flow ranges. Your DM-2A gauge can be configured to specific range configuration for your selected device.
5: Advanced Modes DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual NOTES 36 Retrotec Energy Innovations, Ltd.
A: Specific Configurations DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Appendix A Configuring and Using the DM2A for Specific Standards Different unit measurement conventions are often used and/or required in different jurisdictions and vary according to the standards set out by local codes and authorities. You can configure your DM-2A mark II gauge to adhere to virtually any code or standard in a few moments using the procedures described previously in this user guide.
A: Specific Configurations DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual To perform your CGSB 149.10 standards test procedure, follow these steps: 1. Assess and measure the Envelope Area as specified in the standard. 2. With your gauge on and running and from the main operation screen, press the Mode keypad button to set your gauge to EqLA/Area mode. For the EqLA/Area mode to be available, it must be enabled. To enable a mode use options in the Setup screen.
A: Specific Configurations DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual To configure your DM-2A mark II gauge for the Canadian ecoEnergy requirements, apply these settings: Mode Setup (Other Settings) Canadian ecoENERGY Configuration Pressure Pa Flow off EfLA Off EqLA In2 @ 10.0 Pa Air Changes /h @ 50.0 Pa Flow per Area Off EqLA per Area Off Velocity Off Velocity Flow Off n Power Down Hour Area Volume European Sig Figs Reverse Mode 0.65 2 m2 m3 No 2.
A: Specific Configurations DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual DS/EN 13829 To configure your gauge for the Dansk Standard for thermal performance of buildings, determination of air permeability of buildings, fan pressurization method, apply the following settings: Mode Setup (Other Settings) DS/EN 13829 Configuration Pressure Pa Flow m3/h EfLA Off EqLA Off Air Changes /h Flow per Area cm3/h/m2 EqLA per Area Off Velocity Off Velocity Flow Off n Power Down Hour Area Volume European Sig
A: Specific Configurations DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual 7. Press the Enter keypad button and input either the Envelope Area or the Net Floor Area as follows: • The Envelope Area if you wish to display Air Permeability as specified in the standard. • The Net Floor Area is you wish to display Specific Leakage Rate as specified in the standard. 8. Press the @ Pressure button to display the Flow @ 50.0 Pa, Air Changes @ 50.
A: Specific Configurations DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual NOTES 42 Retrotec Energy Innovations, Ltd.
B: Glossary DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Appendix B Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations As you learn how to use your gauge and/or consult sections within this guide, you may encounter abbreviations that you’re unfamiliar with. • ACH Air changes per hour. • EfLA Effective leakage area being measured. • EqLA Equivalent leakage area being measured. • EqLA/Area EqLA divided by the area that you have input into the Setup menu. • Flow Calculated flow though the fan.
B: Glossary DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual • Flow Pressure The pressure difference between inside the fan (in the flow stream) and ambient air, outside the fan. • Room Pressure The pressure difference between inside the building/room under test and the ambient outside air. • Pascal (Pa) Often abbreviated to Pa, this represents a very small metric unit of pressure. There are 249 Pascals in 1 water column. A water column is the pressure required to push water up 1 inch in a tube.
C: Getting Help DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Appendix C Getting Help With Your Gauge As you become familiar with using your DM-2A mark II gauge, you may have questions with its basic operations and/or functions or you may encounter a situation that seems out of the ordinary. There is often a simple answer or solution to solving common problems.
C: Getting Help DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual 3. Press the Enter keypad button to display the Enable/Disable Device screen showing a list of device profile names. A Yes status in the right-hand column indicates the device profile is enabled; a No indicates the profile is currently disabled. 4. Select your device and toggle its enable/disable state using the (Right) keypad buttons. (Left), and/or 5.
C: Getting Help DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Getting Help If you are unable to resolve a problem you’ve encountered or you suspect there may be a more complex problem with your gauge, contact Retrotec using one of the options discussed in the following section. Main Offices Retrotec Energy Innovations Ltd. 611-1540 West 2nd Avenue Vancouver, BC V6J 1H2 Canada Web Site: www.retrotec.com Contacting Technical Support Tel: 604-732-0142 Fax: 604-737-0162 Email: Support@retrotec.
C: Getting Help DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Warranty information Your limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship in “Products” manufactured by Retrotec to the extent of repair or replacement except in the case of air current testers where replacement is the only option provided all shipping costs are paid by the first end user.
C: Getting Help DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Warranty on Refurbished Equipment The limited warranty is for 180 days on all refurbished equipment. Who is Covered This limited warranty extends to the first end-user purchaser who bought Products directly from Retrotec. If Retrotec Products were purchased through a Retrotec Authorized Reseller, that Reseller may be able to offer better service. Retrotec may always be contacted directly for warranty service.
C: Getting Help DM-2A Mark II Dual-Channel Pressure Gauge User Manual Field Replacement/Repair Most defective parts are easily field-replaceable. This is the fastest way to get problems corrected and repairs completed. If Retrotec agrees that Warranty Replacement Parts are required, Retrotec will ship the necessary parts to you free of charge, and at Retrotec’s expense, using the carrier and method of our choice. Rush or Express shipments will be at your expense.
