WatchGas POLI Multi-Gas Detector - Quick Start Guide
This guide provides essential information for the quick setup and operation of the WatchGas POLI multi-gas detector.
Important Warnings
Read Before Use: The complete user guide for the POLI portable multi-gas monitor must be carefully read by all individuals who will use, calibrate, or maintain this product. The product will function as designed only if used, maintained, and serviced according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Caution: Change the battery only in a safe area (non-ATEX). Use only original spare parts, for example, replace the WatchGas battery with part number: M004-3002-000 (12.01.09.0001 or 12.01.09.0003) when depleted.
WARNING: Never use the monitor with the cover removed. Remove the monitor cover only in a safe area (non-ATEX). Use only the WatchGas lithium battery, part number M004-3002-000 (12.01.09.0001 or 12.01.09.0003). This instrument has not been tested in a gas/air explosive atmosphere with an oxygen concentration above 21%.
The replacement of components compromises intrinsic safety suitability and voids the warranty.
It is recommended to perform a BUMP TEST with a known gas concentration to confirm the instrument is functioning correctly before use.
Before use, ensure the colorless ESD layer on the display is not damaged or peeling. (The blue protective film can be removed.)
User Interface
The device features two function buttons, four sensor inputs, a large LCD display, eight alarm LEDs, a buzzer, and two vibration alarms.
- Gas Inlet: For gas sampling.
- LED Alarm: Visual alarm indicators.
- Buzzer: Audible alarm indicator.
- Left Key (Confirm/Increase): Used for confirmation and increasing values.
- LCD: Displays gas concentrations and status.
- Charge/Comm Port: For charging and data communication.
- Sensors: Detects various gases.
- Right Key (Power/Cursor Moving): Used for powering on/off and navigating menus.
Operation
Powering On
Press and hold the bottom key for 3 seconds until the buzzer sounds and the red LED flashes. After the warm-up and self-test sequence, the unit enters normal reading mode, displaying real-time gas concentrations.
Powering Off
In normal reading mode, press and hold the Down key for 5 seconds until "Power off" is displayed.
Charging
Always fully charge the battery before use. Preferably, use the WatchGas USB charger for charging the POLI. The charger can be plugged into the bottom of the POLI. The battery icon on the display shows the charging status. During active charging, the icon changes from empty to full, and a yellow alarm light remains on, turning green when charging is complete.
Charging/Communication Cable
The USB cable allows charging via a personal computer. The USB cable must be used for correct data transfer when communicating with the WatchGas Suite. It can also be used for partial or slow charging. A locally purchased cable may work for charging, but for correct data transfer with the WatchGas Suite, the WatchGas cable must be used.
Normal Mode
After warm-up, the unit enters normal reading mode and continuously displays instantaneous gas concentrations. Other values such as STEL, TWA, Peak, Min, Data, LEL gas, etc., can be viewed by pressing the Right key to cycle through these screens. The Left key "Test" checks the alarm function. Two text boxes and symbols at the bottom of the LCD are assigned to the Left key [+/OK] and Right key [↓]. The text or symbol in the boxes varies depending on the menu.
Indications of Left and Right key functions:
- AL-Key=Alarm: Indicates an alarm condition.
- Test: Initiates a test sequence.
- OK: Confirms selections or actions.
- ↓: Navigates through menus or values.
Configuration Mode
Press and hold both the Left and Right keys simultaneously for 3 seconds to enter Configuration Mode. The mode is password-protected with a default password "0000". Enter all four digits and press Left (OK) to access the configuration menu.
Configuration Menu Options:
- Calibration: Calibration, Bump test, Set span value.
- Measurement: Enable/Disable sensors, Gas unit.
- Alarm: Set alarm limits, Man Down, etc.
- Datalog: Clear data, Set interval, Select sensors.
- Monitor Configuration: LCD, Pump speed, Language.
- Wireless: Wireless on/off or Registration.
- Exit: Exit Configuration Mode.
Exiting Configuration Mode:
Repeatedly press the Right key until the "Exit" icon is highlighted, then press the Left key to exit.
Numeric Value Scrolling:
When modifying numeric values like span values or alarm limits, the function of the Left key [+/OK] can be switched between increasing (Inc/+) and decreasing (Dec/-) the number by pressing both keys simultaneously.
Modifying Alarm Limits
CAUTION: Disabling or modifying any alarm device prevents the notification of dangerous gas concentrations and can cause serious injury or death!
All alarm limits can be customized, including High, Low, STEL, and TWA alarms.
To enter alarm limit settings: Configuration Mode → Alarm Menu → Alarm Type.
To modify a value: Press the Right key to highlight the desired digit and press the Left key to change it. Hold the Left key to scroll through numbers continuously.
To save and exit: Press the Right key until "Done" appears in the bottom left corner, then press the Left key to exit. If changes were made, a message will appear to confirm saving the new values. Press "Yes" to save, "No" to cancel.
Bump Test
A bump test is a quick 30-second check to verify the functionality of sensors and alarms, without performing a precise calibration.
To enter the bump test: Configuration Mode → Calibration Menu → Bump Test.
- Select sensors to test: All sensors are selected by default. Press the Right key to start selection, Left key to activate/deactivate selection. Use the Right key to move the highlight, then press the checkbox at the end of the selection.
- Apply test gas to the inlet.
- Press the Left key (Start) to begin the 30-second countdown. Upon completion, the result will be displayed as Pass or Fail.
Bump Test Results:
- CO: Pass
- H2S: Pass
- OXY: Pass
- LEL: Pass
- (Indicates successful test for each sensor)
Clean Air Calibration
Zero calibration sets the baseline for the sensor and is performed in normal clean air or another clean air source.
To enter clean air calibration: Configuration Mode → Calibration Menu → Clean Air Calibration.
- Select sensors to zero as for the Bump Test.
- Start fresh air zeroing: Press the Left key and a countdown will start. Upon completion, "Pass" or "Fail" will appear. To cancel the zero calibration, press Left during the countdown.
- The oxygen sensor is set to 20.9% during fresh air calibration and can be zeroed using the Nitrogen Calib. menu.
Span Calibration
Span calibration uses known gas concentrations to define the response of the sensor(s) to the gas or gases. Multiple sensors can be calibrated simultaneously using a gas mixture. Use a fixed flow regulator of approximately 0.5 LPM. For units with a pump, a variable flow rate regulator can also be used.
To perform span calibration: Configuration Mode → Calibration Menu → Span Value.
- Press the Right key to highlight a sensor, Left key to select it, and Left key [+/OK] again to increase or decrease the sensor's span value. Repeat with other sensors if necessary.
To perform span calibration: Configuration Mode → Calibration Menu → Span Calib.
- Select the sensor as in the Bump Test Span Calib.
- Apply gas to the gas inlet at the top of the unit.
- Press Start and wait for the countdown and calibration result.
- Turn off the gas and exit Calib. mode.
Maintenance and Support
For units with a pump, regularly replace the inlet filter, especially if used in dusty environments. For battery or sensor replacement and other maintenance or support, contact WatchGas or refer to the user manual.
Menu Symbol Indications
- Pump running: Indicates the pump is active.
- Battery low, charge: Battery needs charging.
- Test: Refers to testing functions.
- BAT: Battery status.
- CLEAR: To clear data or notifications.
- CLEARED: Indicates data has been cleared.
- NOT Cleared: Indicates peak value not cleared.
- PEAK: Displays the measured peak value.
- Abort: To interrupt an ongoing process.
- Date: Displays the current date.
- Time: Displays the current time.
- Temp: Displays temperature.
- Run Time: Duration (hours, minutes) of operation since the monitor was turned on.
- LEL - Calib. Gas Methane: Calibration for methane explosivity (Lower Explosive Limit).
- CF: Correction factor for other flammable hydrocarbons/gases.
- Start Comm?: Initiates communication.
- Low Alarm: Indicates a low alarm level.
- High Alarm: Indicates a high alarm level.
- User Name: Displays the user's name.
- Cal Due Date: Date for the next calibration.
- Bump Due Date: Date for the next bump test.
- Shut Down: Initiates shutdown sequence.
- Power off: spento: Indicates the device is powering off.