The Dylos DC1700 Air Quality Monitor is a device designed to measure and display the concentration of airborne particulates in a given environment. It provides real-time and historical data on both small and large particle concentrations, enabling users to assess air quality and evaluate the effectiveness of air filters or purifiers. The device is equipped with an internal memory for data storage and a PC interface for downloading and analyzing recorded data.
Function Description:
The primary function of the DC1700 is to detect and quantify airborne particles. It measures particles down to 0.5 microns (small particles) and particles above approximately 2.5 microns (large particles). The device displays these concentrations in units scaled to approximately 0.01 cubic foot of sampled air; to get the number of particles per cubic foot, the displayed readings should be multiplied by 100. Examples of small particles include fine dust, bacteria, mold, smoke, and smog, while large particles encompass coarse dust, pollens, larger bacteria, plant spores, and dust mite feces. The DC1700 operates in various modes, including continuous mode for real-time monitoring, and monitor mode for hourly sampling. It also offers minute, hour, and day history modes to review past data. The device features an internal clock for time-stamping data, which is crucial for graphing particle concentration versus time when data is downloaded to a PC.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Particle Detection Limits: Down to 0.5 microns (small particles) and above approximately 2.5 microns (large particles).
- Display: 2 x 16 Character LCD Display.
- Power Source: AC adaptor (120V/60Hz) and internal 7.2V NiMH battery.
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours of continuous operation on a full charge.
- Battery Charging Time: May take 12 or more hours for a fully discharged battery.
- Internal Memory: Stores up to approximately a week of continuous data (about 10,000 individual readings), overwriting the oldest samples when full.
- PC Interface: 9-pin serial connection for communication with a PC. Requires a serial extension cable (user-supplied) or a USB to COM port adapter cable (user-supplied) with appropriate drivers.
- Serial Communication Parameters: 9600 baud, 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, no flow control.
- Serial Output Format: Small counts, comma, large counts, carriage return, line feed (e.g., 675,19).
- Laser Product: CLASS 1 Laser product, complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11.
- FCC Compliance: Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
- Warranty: Ninety (90) Days Limited Warranty.
- Manufacturer: DYLOS CORPORATION, 2900 Adams Street, C37 Riverside, CA.
- US Patent: 8009290.
Usage Features:
- Simple Operation: Plug in and turn on for continuous monitoring.
- Mode Cycling: Users can cycle through operating modes (continuous, monitor, minute history, hour history, day history, date time, clear history) using the "MODE" button.
- Selection within Modes: The "SELECT" button is used for selections within a mode, such as viewing history data or changing date/time settings.
- Continuous Mode: Displays current small and large particle concentrations with a dynamic bar graph indicating particle number and size. Briefly shows battery charge state if running on battery.
- Monitor Mode: Samples for one minute every hour, displaying "monitor mode" and "sampling" during the process, then showing sampled particle concentrations.
- History Modes (Minute, Hour, Day): Allows users to view recorded data over the past hour (minute-by-minute), past day (hour-by-hour), and past month (day-by-day). Data represents average concentrations over the respective periods.
- Date Time Mode: Displays current date and time (24hr format) and allows users to set the internal clock.
- Clear History Mode: Enables users to clear all minute, hour, and day histories from internal memory.
- PC Data Download: Internal memory data can be downloaded to a PC using terminal software (e.g., HyperTerminal, Putty) for detailed analysis and graphing. The data is time-stamped for easy interpretation.
- Battery Operation: Provides portability for up to 6 hours. The battery charges when the unit is plugged into AC power but turned off.
Maintenance Features:
- Maintenance-Free Design: The DC1700 is largely maintenance-free.
- Occasional Cleaning: If used in a dusty environment, occasional cleaning (e.g., once a month) is recommended.
- Cleaning Method: Use compressed air (e.g., "canned air" products) to blow into the openings in the top rear of the unit. It is best to do this while the unit is turned on so the fan helps draw out dust.
- Avoid Insertion: Do not insert the "straw" of the duster or any other objects into the openings.
- No Disassembly: Do not attempt to open the unit, as this voids the warranty and may expose the user to laser radiation. There are no serviceable parts inside.
- Storage: When not in use, store or cover the unit to prevent dust or dirt accumulation.
- Troubleshooting Support: Contact Dylos Corporation via email for support if the display doesn't come on, buttons fail to operate, unit fails to count, or if interference issues are suspected.
- Interference Mitigation: Avoid operating the DC1700 near strong electromagnetic fields (e.g., fluorescent lighting) or direct sunlight, as these can affect count accuracy. If high counts are suspected to be due to interference, move the unit several feet away from potential sources.