System Setup and Operation 
 
CIRAS-2 Operator's Manual Version 2.04 
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from wind and sudden pressure changes.  Create a “smoothing volume” such as a large plastic container 
or sealed plastic bag and place the open end of the AIR IN gas line inside the smoothing volume.  Finally, 
remember to leave the CO
2
 holder/regulator assembly in place in CIRAS-2 either with no cartridge or with 
an exhausted CO
2
 cartridge. 
 
Customized Operation of CIRAS-2 at Humidity Levels Above Ambient 
If you desire to work at humidity levels above ambient, you can do so as follows: 
 
Ensure that Absorber Column 3 (as labelled on the bottom of CIRAS-2) is filled with new soda lime that 
will humidify the air.  Next, carefully remove and cover the water vapor equilibrator with clear plastic wrap 
so it is isolated from ambient. Replace the equilibrator in the manifold. 
Or 
Carefully  remove  and  cover  the  water  vapor  equilibrator  with  moist  filter  paper  and  reattach  it  to  the 
manifold.  In very hot dry conditions you can also cover the filter paper in clear plastic wrap to minimize 
evaporation. 
 
CIRAS-2 Time 
 
 
 
CIRAS-2 can be set to match the exact date and time of the PC (integral PC or Lab PC) or to a different 
date  and  time  if  required.    To  match  the  values  to  the  PC,  click  on  Set  Values  to  System  Time.   
Otherwise, a different date and time can be set as required.  Once set,  press OK/Apply to accept the 
settings or Cancel to return to the Settings dialog. 
 
Please note that setting the CIRAS-2 Clock takes a few seconds. If the software detects that the CIRAS-2 
clock differs by more than 1 hour from the UI or Pencentra clock, the CIRAS-2 time will be set to the UI or 
Pencentra time automatically. This option is only available when CIRAS-2 is connected. 
 
Analog Outputs 
The 8 pin LEMO type socket labelled SIG OUT on the CIRAS-2 is used for the analog outputs.  All outputs 
have a maximum voltage of 5.0 V from a source impedance of about 60 ohms.  Therefore, if external 
resistors are used to drop the voltage, it is recommended that they exceed 10 Kohms in total.