CO2 Meter RAD-0501 - User Manual

1
CO2 Controller Operating Instructions
Models: RAD-0501, RAD-0501A
1. Product Description
RAD-0501 Greenhouse Mode: Controls CO2 generator or regulator to
increase CO2 levels during daylight for plant growth.
RAD-0501A Ventilation Mode: Controls an exhaust fan when CO2 levels
are higher than recommended maximum for your application.
Main Features (Both Models):
1. Accurately measures CO2
concentrations up to 2,000ppm
2. Built-in temperature (°C or °F) measurement
3. Automatic altitude compensation via built-in barometric sensor
4. Relay-controlled outlet regulated by long-lasting CO2 sensor.
2. Contents & Description
1. CO2 Controller
2. Wall panel holder (1)
3. Screws (2)
4. Drywall anchors (2)
5. User Manual
A. LCD Display
B. Photo Sensor (monitor light or darkness)
C. Red LED (power on indicator)
D. Green LED (lights when CO2 concentration is below SetPoint)
E. Red LED (lights when CO2 concentration above SetPoint)
F. Yellow LED (verifies photo sensor is working)
G. Down Button
H. Up Button
I. SEL / ENT Button
J. Unit power and relay-controlled power “piggyback” plug
K. Panel Holder
L. CO2 sensor
M. Tube fitting for bottled gas calibration
N. 4-20mA Linear Analog Output for CO2 level
3. Caring for the Product
To get the most out of this product, please observe the following
1. Repair - Do not attempt to repair the product or modify the circuitry
by yourself. Contact CO2Meter.com if the product needs servicing,
including the replacement or calibration of the sensor.
2. Cleaning - Disconnect the power before cleaning. Use a damp cloth.
Do not use liquid cleaning agents such as benzene, thinner or
aerosols, as these will damage the device.
4. Connection Diagram
Note: In Greenhouse Mode piggyback plug controls CO2 regulator or generator.
In Ventilation Mode piggyback plug controls an exhaust fan.
5. How it Works
1. The Red LED (power) is on when the power is supplied.
2. Greenhouse Mode: The Yellow LED is lit when the photo sensor is
active. The photo sensor is used to detect the presence or absence
of light. When light is present, and CO2 levels are lower than the
Target CO2 level, the Green LED is on and power will be supplied to
the piggyback plug. When CO2 levels reach the Target level, the
Green LED will go off, the Red LED will turn on, and power will be cut
to the piggyback plug. In darkness, the piggyback plug is not
powered regardless of the CO2 level.
3. Ventilation Mode: If CO2 levels are higher than the Target level, the
Green LED will turn on and power will be supplied to the piggyback
plug. When CO2 levels decrease below the target, the Green LED
will go off and power will be cut to the piggyback plug. The photo
sensor is disabled.
6. LCD Display
Symbol Meaning Description
CO2 Level
CO2 Concentration
in ppm
(Parts Per Million)
Temperature
Displays
current temperature.
Switch °C / °F with UP key
Barometric
Pressure
Displays air pressure. Switch
inHg / mmHg with DOWN key
RCFS
Restore Factory
Settings
Restore
factory default settings
and delete all custom settings
CAL
Calibration
Fresh air or known CO2 level
gas calibration in process
TARGET
Set CO2 Value
CO2 level when relay is turned
on or off depending on mode
Relay is Activated
When the relay is powered ON
will be shown on the LCD
Greenhouse Mode
(default)
Relay on below CO2 set-point,
photo sensor enabled
Ventilation Mode
Relay on above CO2 set-point,
photo sensor disabled

Summary

Product Description and Features

RAD-0501 Greenhouse Mode

Controls CO2 generator or regulator to increase CO2 levels during daylight for plant growth.

RAD-0501 A Ventilation Mode

Controls an exhaust fan when CO2 levels are higher than recommended maximum.

Main Features Overview

Accurately measures CO2, measures temperature, auto altitude compensation, relay-controlled outlet.

Operational Modes and Functionality

Red LED (Power Indicator)

Indicates that the power is supplied to the CO2 controller.

Greenhouse Mode Operation

Controller manages CO2 levels using photo sensor and LEDs for daylight operation.

Ventilation Mode Operation

Controller powers exhaust fan when CO2 levels exceed the target, ignoring photo sensor.

Safety and Installation Guidance

General Safety Precautions

Essential safety warnings to ensure correct and safe use of the CO2 controller.

Installation Instructions

Steps for installing the controller, including mounting and connecting power and devices.

Configuration and Calibration

Changing the Target CO2 Level

Adjusts the desired CO2 concentration level for Greenhouse or Ventilation modes.

Changing the Operational Mode

Switching between Greenhouse (leaf icon) and Ventilation (house icon) modes.

Manual Calibration Procedure

Recalibrates the unit using fresh air or a known CO2 gas cylinder for accuracy.

Resetting Factory Defaults

Restores the controller to its original settings and reverts to Greenhouse Mode.

Error Codes and Troubleshooting

LCD Fault Icon Descriptions

Explains common error codes (Er3, Er4, Er5, Er6, Er8, Er9) and suggested actions.

Support, Warranty, and Liability

Technical Support Information

Guidance on obtaining technical support via email and phone.

Manufacturers Warranty

Details the 1-year limited warranty for defects in materials and workmanship.

Return and RMA Process

Instructions for returning the product for repair or replacement under warranty.

Product Liability Limitations

Defines the extent of CO2Meter.com's liability regarding product use and damages.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The CO2 Controller, available in models RAD-0501 and RAD-0501A, is a specialized device designed for monitoring and controlling CO2 levels in various environments.

Function Description:

The RAD-0501 model operates in Greenhouse Mode, controlling a CO2 generator or regulator to increase CO2 levels during daylight hours, promoting plant growth. The RAD-0501A model functions in Ventilation Mode, controlling an exhaust fan when CO2 levels exceed a recommended maximum for the application. Both models accurately measure CO2 concentrations up to 2,000ppm, with a display resolution of 1ppm at 0-1,000ppm and 10ppm above 1,000ppm. They feature a built-in temperature sensor (displaying in °C or °F) and an automatic altitude compensation via an integrated barometric sensor. The device utilizes a relay-controlled outlet regulated by a long-lasting CO2 sensor.

In Greenhouse Mode, a Yellow LED indicates the photo sensor is active. When light is present and CO2 levels are below the Target CO2 level, a Green LED illuminates, and power is supplied to the piggyback plug. Once CO2 levels reach the Target, the Green LED turns off, a Red LED turns on, and power to the piggyback plug is cut. In darkness, the piggyback plug remains unpowered regardless of CO2 levels. In Ventilation Mode, if CO2 levels exceed the Target level, the Green LED turns on, and power is supplied to the piggyback plug. When CO2 levels fall below the target, the Green LED turns off, and power to the piggyback plug is cut. The photo sensor is disabled in this mode.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Measurement Range: 0 - 2,000ppm for rated specifications; 0 - 10,000ppm output for 4-20mA output.
• Accuracy: 0 - 2,000ppm: ±70ppm or ±5% of reading (whichever is greater); >2,000ppm: ±7% of reading.
• Repeatability: ±20ppm @400ppm.
• Pressure Dependence: 0.13% of reading per mmHg.
• Response Time: < 2 minutes for 63% response to step change.
• SetPoint: RAD-0501 Greenhouse Mode = 1,000ppm; RAD-0501A Ventilation Mode = 1,200ppm.
• SetPoint Hysteresis: ± 200ppm around Target.
• Sensor Warm-Up Time: < 60 seconds at 72°F (22°C).
• Splash Rating: IP54 non-sealed enclosure.
• Operating Conditions: Temperature 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C); Humidity 0 – 95% RH non-condensing.
• Storage Conditions: Temperature -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60 °C).
• Power Supply: AC adapter 110/220 VAC (U.S. Only); Voltage 100~240 VAC; Frequency 50/60 Hz.
• Input Power Requirement: 1 W maximum @ 115 VAC 60 Hz; 2 W maximum @ 230 VAC 50 Hz.
• Relay (Piggyback plug): Peak Current < 5A@ 250 VAC, SPST. Normally Open. Electrical devices plugged into the piggyback plug must draw less than 5A at 110-250 VAC or less than 5A @ 30 VDC.
• Analog Output: Linear current 4-20mA = 0-10,000ppm. RL < 1500. Red (+) signal, White ground.

Usage Features:

The device is installed by fixing a panel holder to the wall and plugging the piggyback plug into a grounded wall socket (110-220 VAC, US only) for power. The CO2 generator/regulator (Greenhouse Mode) or exhaust fan (Ventilation Mode) is then plugged into the controller's piggyback plug.

The LCD display shows CO2 Level (ppm), Temperature (°C/°F), Barometric Pressure (inHg/mmHg), and various icons indicating status like "Restore Factory Settings," "Calibration," "Set CO2 Value," "Relay is Activated," "Greenhouse Mode," and "Ventilation Mode."

Users can change several settings:

• Target CO2 Level: The default target CO2 levels are 1,000ppm in Greenhouse Mode and 1,200ppm in Ventilation Mode. This can be adjusted using the UP/DOWN buttons after pressing the SEL/ENT button once and holding it for 2-3 seconds to enter Target mode.
• Mode (Greenhouse/Ventilation): The mode can be switched by pressing the SEL/ENT button three times, then holding it for 2-3 seconds to enter Mode setting, and using UP/DOWN buttons to select GROU (Greenhouse) or VENT (Ventilation).
• Calibration: Recalibration is recommended between growing cycles or at least once a year. This can be done outdoors using fresh air (400ppm) or with a cylinder of known CO2 gas (0-2000ppm) connected to the "M" fitting. Calibration is initiated by pressing the SEL/ENT button twice, holding it for 2-3 seconds, selecting the calibration value with UP/DOWN buttons, and pressing SEL/ENT again. Calibration takes 3-5 minutes, displaying "PASS" upon completion or "FAIL" if unsuccessful.
• Reset Factory Defaults: This function restores the controller to factory default settings, including Greenhouse Mode. It is accessed by pressing the SEL/ENT button four times, holding it for 2-3 seconds, selecting "Yes" with UP/DOWN buttons, and pressing SEL/ENT again.

Maintenance Features:

• Repair: Users are advised not to attempt repairs or modifications themselves. For servicing, including sensor replacement or calibration, CO2Meter.com should be contacted.
• Cleaning: Disconnect power before cleaning. Use a damp cloth and avoid liquid cleaning agents like benzene, thinner, or aerosols, as these can damage the device.
• Error Codes: The device displays error codes (Er3, Er4, Er5, Er6, Er8, Er9) to indicate issues such as ambient temperature exceeding range, inaccurate measurement, EEPROM system problems, CO2 sensor accuracy deviation, or calibration failure. Suggested actions for these errors include checking ambient temperature, unplugging and reconnecting the AC adapter, recalibrating, or contacting CO2Meter.com.
• Warranty: The unit comes with a 1-year limited manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Returns for warranty claims require an RMA number obtained from CO2Meter.com. The warranty does not cover misuse, neglect, accident, modifications, or repairs by unauthorized parties.

CO2 Meter RAD-0501 Specifications