072-0300
Alphasense User Manual
OPC-N2 Optical Particle Counter
Issue 5
Alphasense Ltd Page 11 of 34
December 2015
Sensor Technology House, 300 Avenue West, Skyline 120, Great Notley. Essex.CM77 7AA. UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1376 556700 - Fax: +44 (0) 1376 335899
Email: [email protected] - Web: www.alphasense.com
History Plot of Mass Concentration display mode
Click the ‘Histogram plot mass conc.’ Button on the left-hand side of the screen to show a temporal
record of PM
1
, PM
2.5
and PM
10
values (in µg/m
3
) since the start of the sampling session. The plot
scale will automatically change to show longer recording time periods and/or increasing PM values.
Data relating to each acquired histogram, including PM values, is given in the right-hand window
of the display.
Other Software Functions
Shutting down the software
It is recommended that the software application be closed before removing the USB to SPI interface
to avoid USB communication errors.
Log file
The application will also create a log file from all of the output bins into a single .CSV file. You will
be asked if you require a log file after selecting the “start” button. If you select “yes” you will be
prompted for a file name and location to store the file. An example of the log file is included in the
deployment package and the CSV out put explained in more detail later in the document.
Firmware information
The information window on the right of the main form shows the firmware version installed as the
software first loads up. The OPC-N2 also has the ability to install firmware upgrades via the USB
port. This is achieved using a Bootloader tool see Appendix C for more details. To check to see if
your device can upgrade firmware via the USB port, check the information string printed as the
device is first connected. To upgrade firmware via USB you need to have firmware version 0015d
or above.
Example: “OPC-N2 FirmwareVer=OPC-015d…………………………..BD”
As the firmware first loads it follows the procedure below:
Check for SD memory card. All versions of the OPC-N2 will come with a 16GB micro SD card fitted.
This card is internal and is not accessible from outside the case, please note it may not be fitted on
early release OPC-N2 units.
