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The Air Ion Counter is a substantial improvement over previously available ion meters,
and it can make ion measurement available to anyone. It costs less than any other
ion meter and is smaller and easier to use, requiring only two 9-V batteries. Despite
this, it has the same sensitivity (down to 10 ions per cubic centimeter) of very expensive meters.
Due to full electrostatic shielding and a fan throughput of 200 cubic centimeters/sec.,
it can make accurate readings even in adverse conditions such as gusty winds or strong electrostatic fields.
The Air Ion Counter can be used for the detection of natural and artificial ions. Natural ions include those generated from the decay of radioactive minerals and radon gas; ions generated by fires, lightning, and evaporating water; and ions associated with storm activity. Note that in fair weather at sea level, typical ion counts are about 400 negative and 500 positive ions per cubic centimeter. Before a storm, positive ions increase dramatically. During a storm, negative ions increase. The Ion Counter can gauge the output and coverage of artificial sources such as ion generators, improperly grounded air conditioning vents, combustion vapor and electrically charged or heated surfaces, and plasma-discharge ions in air and other gases. |
Specifications
The Air Ion Counter pulls air (or any other gas with ions present) through a parallel plate assembly. Outer two plates are held at polarization potential (+ or -). Center is the linear detector plate. Air gap is 4mm and polarization field is 1000 V/m.
Air flow: 200 cm3/sec (linear speed: 40 cm/sec)
Ion collection efficiency: 65%
Input resistance: 5 X 1010 Ohms
Dynamic range: 10 ions/cm3 (corresponds to 10 microVolts at detector plate) to 2 million ions/cm3 (corresponds to 2 Volts at detector plate)
Settling time: approximately 10 seconds
Noise level (10 seconds averaged): 10 ions/cm3
Accuracy: +/- 25% for fast ions (mobility greater than 8x10-5 m/s per V/m - these are the most numerous ions. The Ion Counter is less sensitive to "slow" ions such as charged pieces of dust).
Batteries: two 9-Volt standard or alkaline
Battery life: Standard heavy duty will last about 10 hours on STANDBY, or 2 hours on MEASURE. Alkaline; 30 hours on STANDBY, or 6 hours on MEASURE. LO BAT indicator comes on at 7.5 Volts (for each battery, or total 15 Volts). Indicates 10 to 30 minutes of MEASURE time remain.
Battery drain: 7 mA on STANDBY, 30 mA on MEASURE. Fails at 7.5 V/battery.
Ion Selectivity (crosstalk): 20x
Sensitivity with POLARITY switch in center position (neither + nor - ): 1/10 of normal, but adds together + and - ions.
(Example: 600 + and 200 - will read 1/10 of 600 minus 200, or 40 ions/cm3).
Dimensions: 160 x 90 x 58 cm
Weight: 460g