Monroe Electronics Charge Plate - Analyzer - model 268A - Manual (Page 7)

Section 3
OPERATION
BASIC OPERATION - DISCHARGE MODE:
1. Separate sections and position as necessary. Connect to the proper power
source and press “|” on the power switch to apply instrument power. The
displays will indicate that power is on.
2. Select a polarity. For discussion purposes, we will select positive. Press the
POLARITY pushbutton in to lock.
3. Select a range. We will use 5kV as an example. Release the 5kV/2kV
pushbutton under the PLATE VOLTAGE meter.
4. Select NORMAL mode by releasing the NORM/PK pushbutton (under the
meter).
5. Select TIMER LIMIT. Release the TIMER LIMIT pushbutton to set limits to
5kV and 500 volts. In general, the setting of this function should concur with
the meter range selected.
6. Zero the plate by pressing the ZERO button. This removes all voltage from
the plate. (It connects the plate to ground through a 10k-ohm resistor.)
7. Charge the plate. Press the CHARGE button. The HV light indicates that the
high voltage is on. The PLATE VOLTAGE meter will indicate some voltage.
Adjust the voltage to a minimum of approximately 5kV +3% (5150 volts).
8. Allow the plate to decay. Press the DECAY pushbutton. In the absence of
ions, the plate will decay very, very slowly. In a balanced ion field, the plate
will decay at a more rapid rate.
9. As the plate voltage crosses the +5000 volt level, the timer will start. As the
plate crosses the +500 volt level, the timer will stop and indicate the elapsed
time interval between these two levels. Whenever the plate is recharged, the
timer will be reset for the next test.