The AlphaLab Air Ion Counter is a handheld meter designed to measure ion density:

The number of ions in air per cubic centimeter (ions/cc) & measures both the positive and negative ions, displaying them separately. The instrument is a true ion density meter, based on a "Gerdien Tube" design, containing a calibrated fan which pulls air through the meter; thus the ions are detected, while also compensating for winds up to +/- 15 km/hour (9 mph), with an Accuracy of +/- 25% of the reading within the range -10 to +50C (14 to 122F) and air speeds up to 15 km/hour. The liquid crystal display reads in units of 1000 ions/cc. (Example: a displayed reading of "- 0.60" represents 600 +/-150 negative ions/cc).

The ion meter has three ranges, and it measures up to 1,999,000 ions/cubic cm (essentially 2 million) with minimum resolution 10 ions/cc. All normal / natural sources are well within the previously mentioned range, though if you are measuring the output immediately in front of an ionizer, the ion number density may be as high as 20 million ions/cubic cm.

Therefore, for ionizer measurements, request the 20 million ions/cc version of the Air Ion Counter, which is available for the same low price as the standard 2 million ions/cc version, and has a minimum resolution is 100 ions/cc. A 200 million ions/cc version of the Air Ion Counter, with a minimum resolution of 1000 ions/cc, is also available at the same low cost.

The Air Ion Counter operates by first pulling air through at a rate of 400 cc/sec - The outer case and the "wind guard" (at the top of the Air Ion Counter case, visible on the top section of the instrument photo) are electrically conductive to shield the sensitive ion detector plate inside from stray static electricity signals. As the air flows around the 5x6 cm detector plate (flow is parallel to the plate), the air is polarized with an electric field of 2500 V/m.

The electric field direction is set by the "POLARITY" switch. If set at "+", then positive ions are attracted to the plate, and they give up their charges when they hit the plate. (If set at "-" , then the plate will attract negative ions). The plate is connected to a sensitive electric current meter, and the amount of current is proportional to the number of electric charges per second that are colliding with the plate. The minimum resolution of 10 ions/cc corresponds to only 8x10-16 of an amp (0.8 femtoamp). Proper mechanical and electrical design (including filtering) keep noise to a minimum.

The Air Ion Counter / ion meter 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; ions produced by moving water such as waterfalls, etc.; 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 radically.

The higher range versions of this quality manufactured ion meter 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.

For technical information ABOUT AIR IONS, CLICK on MORE INFO button below

External air movement (wind) can cause inaccuracy in ion density meter readings.

The Air Ion Counter compensates for wind via the detector plate and polarizing field design. In still air, the ion meter is designed to collect only approximately 60% of the ions. If there is a wind that pushes air through the meter faster than the normal speed, then more ions per second will be traveling through the meter. This effect would make the meter read too high, though due to the instrument's design, the collection fraction drops below 60% if the air flow is faster than normal and the collection fraction increases above 60% if the air flow through the meter is slower than normal, i.e., if wind is blowing into the back of the meter. The net effect is that the Air Ion Counter stays within +/- 25% accuracy in up to 15 km/hr wind in any direction. (For faster air speed, the meter should either be partially shielded or held perpendicular to the wind.)

This meter can measure the distribution and velocity of ions as they move through the air. These measurements are essential when setting up uniform ion coverage throughout an area. Unexpected ion sources (radon, leaking combustion vapors, electric arcing, etc.) can also be identified and measured. Due to the fast response time of the Air Ion Counter, the time required for ions to reach a location (after the ion source is turned on) can be determined, as well as the time-to-saturation and the lifetime (after the source is turned off). Of course the meter can also measure the ambient ion density, both indoors and outside. (Note that + and - ions often co-exist, and the Air Ion Counter will read both independently). Whenever you have questions, you can always consult the ion measurement experts at AlphaLab (a service included in the price of the instrument) for advice on measurements and the physics of ions.

Please note: solids do not produce ions unless there is an energy source (such as radioactivity, high voltage or heat above about 600 C). For example, neither tourmaline nor "diodes" produce any ions at room temperature unless radioactive material has been added. However, evaporating liquids can produce ions.

A NEW rechargeable battery system is available now as a custom option. The meter normally comes with a standard 9V alkaline battery, which lasts about 2 hours of measurement time (at maximum current drain, with the fan on). The new custom option (see the detailed description below) is a 9V Li-Ion battery with a charger that also powers the meter whenever it is plugged in. The Li-Ion battery will last about 6 hours per charge at maximum drain and has a lifetime of 500-1000 charges. Full charge time is 3 hours, though the charger can remain plugged in for an unlimited time. Replacement Li-ion batteries are available from AlphaLab and almost any battery store (for about $10 each).

For long-term automated measurements, such as connection to a data acquisition system, order the custom Configured Output Jack with Output Jack and Long-Term Offset Control, AC Powered (specify 120 or 220 VAC): @ $45.00 USD - Note that the standard version of the Air Ion Counter is optimized for manual use, since the operator simply holds the standard version of the ion meter and reads the display (the standard version does not include the custom data output jack).

During use, the standard offset should be manually re-zeroed at least every 30 minutes, and more frequently if the temperature is changing rapidly (temperature changes of over 5C only affect the offset, but not the sensitivity).

This standard system works well for quick manual measurement of ions, though if one wishes to record automated measurements collected continuously for weeks or months, one will want to consider ordering one or more of the custom options.

Although the Air Ion Counter can run continuously for years (if the inlet is kept clean enough not to block the air flow), this long-term operation requires external power (the custom AC adapter listed on the order form) and it needs a different type of "re-zero". These are both provided when one orders a custom version of the Air Ion meter configured with Output Jack and Long-Term Offset Control, AC Powered (specify 120 or 220 VAC, includes adapter): for $45.00 USD - With the preceding custom option, the meter can also be operated manually, since it includes an alkaline battery (which is not rechargeable, thus the included AC adaptor does not recharge batteries). If one also requires a rechargeable battery, also order the Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery and Universal 100-260 V AC Adaptor/Charger which plugs into the meter for an additional $60.00 USD.

CUSTOM OPTIONS / ADD ONS:

-Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery and Universal 100-260 V AC Adaptor/Charger that plugs into the meter - Available for an additional $60.00 USD.

-Configured with Data Output Jack and Long-Term Offset Control, AC Powered (specify 120 or 220 VAC) - Available for an additional $45.00 USD (AlphaLab does not offer the necessary interface card and computer software for computers, though one should be able to locate a source on the web, etc.).

At $377.25 USD, plus shipping, The AlphaLab Air Ion Counter is the lowest-priced true ion density meter available. The quality ion meter can easily produce extremely quick measurements, with a one-second response time and a low 10 ions / cubic cm noise level (for comparison, typical outdoor ion density is 200 to 1000 ions/cc, both positive and negative ions, with more negative ions detectable in areas near evaporating or moving water). Although it only performs one function--ion measurement-- this meter is extremely proficient at performing ion measurement and also features ultra low-noise circuitry and an intuitive design.

AlphaLab has recently lowered the price, as well as introducing new & improved custom options, including a high-capacity rechargeable battery system and a configuration for long-term data collection. The Air Ion Counter is usually shipped within one to three business days - Manufactured in USA from international components. The circuit board was made in USA and all of the assembly, machining and calibration work was realized at the manufacturing facility at AlphaLab, Inc. in Salt Lake City, Utah USA.

A one year warranty for parts & labor is included in the price of the instrument.

PLEASE NOTE: Any customer alterations or abuse of the instrument voids the warranty, however.

AVAILABLE VERSIONS OF THE AIR ION COUNTER:

2,000,000 ions/cc version - For natural phenomena measurement (Natural ions include those generated from the decay of radioactive minerals and radon gas; ions generated by fires, lightning, waterfalls, moving water, evaporating water, etc.)

20,000,000 ions/cc version - Capable of measuring the new high ion output of air cleaners which utilize negative ion generation to clean the air - The higher range versions of this quality manufactured ion meter 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.

200,000,000 ions/cc version - Capable of measuring the extremely high ion production of the most recently produced air cleaners, which utilize massive & very high density negative ion generation to clean the air. The higher range versions of this quality manufactured ion meter 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 FOR THE ALPHALAB AIR ION COUNTER

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: 400 cc/second - Linear speed is 80 cm/sec through a polarization field of 2500 V/m and the system is designed to collect 60% of the ions in still air at this speed. A lower percentage is collected if air is forced faster than 80 cm/sec through the inlet slot, and a higher percentage than 60% is collected if a reverse air flow slows the air flow, which maintains the accuracy in windy conditions. The measurement is within specified accuracy for air flow from 200 to 800 cc/second.

ION COLLECTION EFFICIENCY: 65%

INPUT RESISTANCE: 1010 Ohms.

DYNAMIC RANGE: 10 ions/cc (corresponds to 10 microVolts at detector plate) to 1,999,000 ions / cc (corresponds to 2 Volts at detector plate) - For the standard "2 million" version of the Air Ion Counter, the dynamic range is 10 - 1,999,000 ions/cc, both selectively "+" and selectively "-" & the "20 million ions/cc" version of the Ion meter has a dynamic range of 100 - 19,990,000 ions/cc - For the "200 million ions/cc" version of the Ion meter has a dynamic range of 1000 - 199,900,000 ions/cc.

SETTING TIME: Approx. 1 second (response time), and 10 sec (after switchover between "+" and "-").

NOISE LEVEL: 2 second-weighting w 10 seconds averaged = approximately 10 ions/cc

ACCURACY: +/-25% for fast ions (mobility greater than 8 x 10-5 m/s per V/m - these are the most numerous ions. The Air Ion Counter is less sensitive to "slow" ions such as charged pieces of dust). The accuracy remains within 25% for air speeds up to 15 km/hr in any direction with the temperature range of -10 to +50C (14 to 122F). Humidity: Up to 90% (condensing).

The Ion Counter is less sensitive to "slow" ions (such as charged pieces of dust).

BATTERY: One standard 9V alkaline battery - Current drain is about 5ma on STANDBY, and 40ma on MEASURE - All 3 decimal points display when battery becomes weak (below 7.4V) - Battery life is about 40 hours on STANDBY and 2-3 hours on MEASURE - LO BAT indicator comes on at 7.5 Volts, which indicates that 10 to 30 minutes of MEASURE time remain - If ordered with the Li-ion battery option, running time until low battery indicator is about 60 hours on STANDBY and 6 hours on MEASURE - Li-ion recharge time is 3 hours, but the charger can remain plugged in indefinitely and the charger will power the Air Ion Counter - Li-ion battery life is 5 years or 500 charge cycles, and is replaceable.

ION SELECTIVITY / CROSSTALK: 1:5000 - That is, if POLARITY is set to "+", the meter will display 1/5000 of the "-" ion density (as a negative number) if there are many negative ions and no positive ions - With POLARITY set in its center position, the meter will read a number which is 1/10 the "+" density, minus 1/10 the "-" density (SENSITIVITY with THE POLARITY switch in center position (neither "+" or "-") = 1/10 of normal, but adds together "+" and "-"ions) - Example: 600 "+" and 200 "-" will read 1/10 of 600 minus 200, or 40 ions/cc).

DATA OUTPUT JACK (An optional custom feature): This custom "add on" feature output is analog; +/- 1.999 volt corresponds to full scale on all ranges - For example, if the standard "2 million" range meter is configured with a data output jack, a reading of "-150.0" on the 199.9 range will produce an output of -1.5 volts which corresponds to 150,000 ions/cc - With the output option, there is no "RE-ZERO" switch - Instead, a single rotary control (knob) is set once so that the display reads zero when no ions are present - There is a small change in offset with temperature of about 10 ions/cc per degree C - If the temperature remains the same or if it changes and then returns to the original temperature, the rotary control will not need to be changed to a new setting - An AC adaptor is supplied with the output option; when the adaptor is plugged into the meter, the alkaline battery will be "disconnected", and is not recharged (though if the Li-ion rechargeable battery option is ordered, please disregard the previous alkaline battery instruction) - The Data Output Jack will connect to an A to D card (or "analog to digital card", though you will have to locate your own card and computer programs to monitor readings using this feature).

WARRANTY: One Year, which covers both parts & labor. Any abuse or customer alteration of the instrument voids the warranty, however (see details below).

PLEASE NOTE: Bypassing the battery with another power supply or attempting to install an AC adapter VOIDS THE WARRANTY and repair and freight charges will be the responsibility of the customer, since the attempt usually damages the Air Ion Counter. PLEASE SCROLL up the page to the Special 12VDC Connector section if you would like to have a non-battery power source installed at the factory prior to shipment by AlphaLab technicians on your Air Ion Counter for $60.00 USD.

AIR ION COUNTER instructions - CLICK on MORE INFO button below

When measuring ions near a negative ionizer, both the operator and the ionizer tend to charge negative. To get the most accurate readings, a ground connector cord is included, which can be plugged into the right side of the Air Ion Counter. The clip should be connected to a grounded object (such as a soil ground, plumbing, water that is in contact with plumbing, the center screw in a wall or switch outlet, the large ground prong in a 3-terminal plug, or the metal case of an appliance that is grounded).

One way to find out if you are not properly grounded, is that you will notice that you carry a static charge after exposure to an ionizer, and you will create a spark when you touch ground. Improper grounding will repel negative ions, causing the count to be too low. In fact, improper grounding will actually create excess positive ions if you are standing directly in front of the ionizer output and you are pointing the counter away from the ionizer. (That is, the ionizer is at your back.)

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