O P E R A T I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S
°
Version 07/10
USB Air Quality Sensor CO-20
Item-No. 10 13 16
Intended Use
The CO-20 is an easy to install sensor for monitoring air quality. Air quality is affected negatively
by several factors (e.g. cigarette smoke, body odours, volatile materials such as carpets or
paints, etc.).
The sensor is designed like a USB stick and in order to use it only a USB power source from a
computer or another optional USB power adapter is required.
Threshold values for air quality are pre-programmed and are based on standard values for
living and office spaces. The air quality is displayed by three indicator lamps with the colours
green (= good), yellow (= average) and red (= bad).
When connecting the sensor to a computer, the quality curve can be displayed in real-time and
recorded as a graph with free, optional software.
The sensor is intended for monitoring the air quality in indoor rooms in order to be able to take
early appropriate ventilation measures. Bad air quality leads to tiredness, poor concentration
and poor performance, and may even lead to health problems in the long run.
For its operation, a computer with a free USB port or a USB power adapter (5 V/DC 500 mA) is
needed. These are not enclosed. We also recommend a USB extension cable so the sensor can
be positioned in the optimal location.
Measurements must not be carried out under unfavourable ambient conditions.
Unfavourable ambient conditions are:
- Wet conditions or high air humidity,
- Dust and flammable gases, vapours or solvent.
Any use other than described above is not permitted and can damage the product. No part of
the product may be modified or converted! The safety instructions are to be observed without
fail!
Safety Instructions and Hazard Warnings
An exclamation mark in a triangle indicates important instructions in the
operating instructions. Please read all the instructions before using this
device, they include important information on its correct operation.
The warranty will be void in the event of damage caused by failure to observe these safety
instructions! We do not assume any liability for any consequential damage!
We do not assume any liability for material and personal damage caused by improper use or
non-compliance with the safety instructions! The warranty will be null and void in such cases.
The unauthorized conversion and/or modification of the product is inadmissible for reasons of
safety and approval (CE).
Extra care should be taken when using the device for the first time. Therefore, please follow the
operating instructions carefully.
Carbon dioxide is a transparent and odourless gas. Pay attention to your own safety during all
measurements. This air quality sensor must not be used to protect human or animal lives.
Measurement instruments used at schools, training facilities, do-it-yourself and hobby work-
shops should not be handled unless supervised by trained, responsible personnel.
Do not plug in the measuring instrument immediately after it has been taken from a cold to a
warm environment. The condensation that forms might destroy your device. Allow the device to
reach room temperature before switching it on.
Do not leave packing materials unattended. It could be a dangerous plaything for children.
Do not use the meter in explosive areas or areas with were high concentrations of carbon
dioxide are used.
Do not expose the device to extreme temperatures, strong vibrations or high humidity. The
correct operation of the display is only guaranteed in the temperature range 0°C to +50°C.
The housing must not be opened or disassembled.
Electronic devices are not toys and must be kept out of the reach of children.
Getting Started and Operation
Connecting the sensor
The air quality sensor CO-20 only works when connected to a USB port or an optional USB
power adapter.
Plug the CO-20 into a free USB port on your computer. Switch it on, or plug the CO-20 into an
appropriate USB power adapter. Connect the power adapter to a socket connected to the
national grid.
If everything is connected correctly, the display blinks for about 1 minute (warming-up phase).
Rotate the USB protection bar to the side, so the sensor’s lateral measure-
ment opening is not covered. If the measurement opening is covered it can
lead to indication errors.
Warming-up phase
After first start-up the sensor is always in the warm-up phase. At an ambient temperature of
22°C, the warm-up phase takes <60 s. No measurements are taken during this time and the
display blinks. Please wait until the display is lit up continuously.
Displaying the air quality
The air quality is displayed on the sensor using a traffic light system. The following displays are
possible:
Green:
Air quality is good. Ventilation is not necessary.
Yellow:
Air quality is ok. It is recommended to ventilate soon.
Red:
Air quality is bad. Ventilation is necessary immediately.
The air quality is only displayed for as long as power is supplied via a USB power source.
Unplug the CO-20 if it is not in use.
Optional display software
The free software for graphical representation and recording the air quality can be downloaded
from the Internet. A computer with internet access is necessary. You can find the programme
at www.conrad.de. Enter the item number „101316“ into the search field. The software is
available under „Download documents“.
A computer compatible with Windows® is necessary for the installation of the software.
Switch the computer on, plug the CO-20 into a free USB port. Start the program. The sensor is
recognises automatically. The air quality is displayed graphically with respect to the current
time.
The software’s individual functions are explained in the Help menu (upper task bar).
Maintenance and Cleaning
In purchasing the CO-20, you have acquired a product which has been designed with state-of-
the-art technology and is operationally reliable. Apart from occasional cleaning this device is
maintenance-free. Use a clean, lint-free, antistatic and dry cloth to clean the device. Do not use
any abrasive or chemical agents or detergents containing solvents.
Periodically check the technical safety of the device.
It can be assumed that correct operation is no longer possible if:
- the device is visibly damaged,
- if the device was stored under unfavourable conditions for a long period of time
- it has been subjected to considerable stress in transit.
Disposal
Electronic products are raw material and do not belong in the household waste.
When the device has reached the end of its service life, please dispose of it,
according to the current statutory requirements, at your local collecting site.
Disposal in the domestic waste is not permitted!
Technical Data
General
Display..................................................3-colour traffic light display
Measured values ..................................Air quality (bad odours etc.)
Warming-up phase ..............................<60 s at 22°C
Power supply ........................................5 V/DC via USB
Weight ..................................................approx. 15 g
Dimensions (LxWxH) in mm: ................57 x 19 x 10
Ambient conditions
Operating temperature ........................0 to +50°C
Relative humidity: ................................< 95%rF (non-condensing)
Storage temperature ............................-20°C to +60 °C
Impressum /legal notice in our operating instructions
These operating instructions are a publication by Voltcraft
®
, Lindenweg 15, D-92242 Hirschau/Germany, Phone +49 180/586 582 7 (www.voltcraft.de).
All rights including translation reserved. Reproduction by any method, e.g. photocopy, microfilming, or the capture in electronic data processing
systems require the prior written approval by the editor. Reprinting, also in part, is prohibited.
These operating instructions represent the technical status at the time of printing. Changes in technology and equipment reserved.
© Copyright 2010 by Voltcraft
®
®
